Champions League debutants Malaga host tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund at La Rosaleda in the first leg of their quarter final tie, looking to defy the odds once again and extend their fairytale run in Europe's elite competition.

Malaga
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7.45pm BST, with Sky Sports 4, Sky Sports 4 HD, Sky Go, Sky Sports Red Button and Sky Sports Events Centre providing live coverage in the UK.

Overview

Little was expected from Malaga when they entered the competition, in the middle of a massive financial turmoil that forced them to sell star players such as Santi Cazorla and Jose Salomon Rondon. However, Manuel Pellegrini's side topped their group, finishing above the likes AC Milan. They went on to overcome 2004 champions Porto in the Round of 16, progressing 2-1 on aggregate, despite losing another key man Nacho Monreal in January.

Much of the credit goes to Pellegrini, who also took Villarreal to the semi-finals of the Champions League in their debut season in the competition back in 2005-06. And thanks to the Chilean tactician, Malaga - who are unbeaten at home in European games so far - will be confident of their chances when they welcome dark horses Dortmund to their turf.

The Borussians, on the other hand, have arguably been the best team in Europe this season and are the only unbeaten team left in competition. Jurgen Klopp's men had topped the group of champions, ahead of Real Madrid and Manchester City, and also made light work of the much-fancied Shakhtar Donetsk in the previous round, advancing 5-2 on aggregate.

Dortmund have effectively surrendered their Bundesliga crown to rivals Bayern Munich, having already fallen 20 points behind in the title race. However, the Germans always saved their best performances for Europe, indicating the competition has been the priority for them this season.

Tonight, these two sides will be facing each other for the first time in history. However, in striker Roque Santa Cruz - on loan from City - and defender Martin Demichelis, Malaga have two players who are very familiar with Dortmund from their time with Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund
Reuters

Form Guide

Malaga

  • Last Five Games (all competitions, most recent first): W L W D D
  • Last Match: Rayo Vallecano 1 - 3 Malaga

Borussia Dortmund

  • Last Five Games (all competitions, most recent first): W W L W W
  • Last Match: Stuttgart 1 - 2 Borussia Dortmund

Team News

Malaga: Pellegrini has no fresh injury worries as his side enter this game. Eliseu remains sidelined, with January loan signing Vitorino Antunes set to replace him at left-back. Former Barcelona forward Javier Saviola should see off competition Santa Cruz, to start as the lone striker.

Probable Line-up: Caballero; Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Antunes; Toulalan, Iturra; Joaquin, Baptista, Isco; Saviola

Borussia Dortmund: Mats Hummels has returned from the sidelines and is back in training. However, the German international is unlikely to be risked, with deputy Felipe Santana set to partner Neven Subotic at the heart of defence once again. Marcel Schmelzer had broken his nose against Stuttgart at the weekend but is expected to play, with a protective mask. Ilkay Gundogan and Sven Bender should start as the two-man centre midfield, keeping former Liverpool star Nuri Sahin on the bench.

Probable Line-up: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Santana, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Bender; Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus; Lewandowski

Real Madrid