Malaga vs Villarreal preview - Mario calls for final push

Posted Sunday, April 20, 2014 by PA

Villarreal defender Mario Gaspar has stressed he and his team-mates will not be resting on their laurels between now and the end of the season.

The Yellow Submarine already look set for a route into the 2014/15 Europa League via their Primera Division position, with them currently seventh in the table and seven points clear of eighth-placed Valencia, whom they have a game in hand over.

But with five more matches to play, Villarreal are mindful that a fifth-placed finish will see them avoid the qualifying rounds of the continental competition next term and go straight into the group stage.

They beat Levante 1-0 at home last time out to record their first victory in three fixtures and, ahead of Monday's trip to Malaga, Mario has emphasised the need for the side to keep working.

The 23-year-old, commenting on the Levante result on his club's website, said: "They were three very important points and they came at a time when we most needed them.

"But this team have not achieved anything yet and we must continue to work to achieve our goal.

"I think we're in a good moment, but, now all the teams have played a lot, to keep adding points is even harder."

Malaga are around mid-table and, with 38 points, appear well on course for survival.

But Mario has no doubt the Andalusians will be eager to keep boosting their tally.

And looking ahead to Monday's clash at Estadio La Rosaleda, he said: "We will arrive with confidence and looking to win, but Malaga will be very tough opponents.

"They need to take another step towards safety to be more relaxed and it will be an awkward match.

"We have to be very focused, calm, and not make mistakes which they can capitalise on."