Baptista: Attitude will be key

Julio Baptista has declared that Malaga’s ‘attitude, game play and intensity’ will make the difference in their Champions League clash with Porto.

The Anchovies must turn around a 1-0 defeat from the first leg of this Last 16 clash at La Rosaleda on Wednesday, if they want to progress to the quarter-finals.

“I think we’re more than capable of gaining the advantage on the score board here at our home ground,” considered Baptista to reporters today.

“We need to score a goal, but the important thing is being confident that it is possible.  It’ll be tough, but we’re going to make things as hard as we can for Porto.

“They’re going to focus on imposing their style of football.  We are the ones who can turn it around to our advantage. 

“We’ll make the difference with our attitude, game play and intensity.  These factors will turn the result around from the first leg.

“We’re not thinking about the previous match, it’s in the past and there’s nothing we can do about it now. 

“One of the best things about football is that circumstances can change in every game, and tomorrow’s clash will be very different from the last.

“This is an historic match for Malaga. We’re absolutely determined and full of positivity and motivation, as are the fans, ahead of tomorrow night’s game. 

“The fans will really enjoy the match and we’ll be doing everything in our power to ensure we get the result we’re all hoping for.”

Baptista is back in training and available for selection after a thigh strain recently picked up.

“I’m feeling fine, I trained all week, I just think it was a muscle overload injury I sustained through fatigue. If the Coach thinks I should play tomorrow, then I’m definitely match-fit.”

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