Javi Gracia believes Malaga’s trip to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday will act as a benchmark for how far they have progressed this season.
The Andalucians secured their third win in four League matches last weekend against Cordoba to put them within just five points of a Europa League qualifying spot, and the Coach is hoping his side can rise to the challenge at Vallecas.
“[The match against Rayo] will be a nice challenge for us see if we can impose ourselves on a team with [Rayo’s] style of play,” he said at a Press conference.
“My [young] team have encountered so many [different] situations [in recent times] that they’re already experienced and know how to act at all times.
“It won’t be easy and mistakes can cost us dearly because it’ll be a challenging game against a Rayo team who have won at Villarreal, for example.
“They’re a team who can tell you a lot about your team. They’ve been able to earn 30 points by drawing very few games like Barcelona, yet have lost the same number [of games] as [La Liga’s] bottom club.
“They take their defeats and victories to the death. We’ll have to play much of the game with plenty of space and be aggressive, both in defence and attack.
“[Regardless of whether Manucho or Leo Baptistao play], it doesn’t change their style of play or game plan in attack. It’s an unpredictable match.”
