Saviola wants determined Malaga

18 September 2012 12:15

Malaga striker Javier Saviola has reminded his new team an opening Champions League win will be crucial if they are to advance from Group C.

Having joined Malaga last month, Saviola is preparing for his new club's first-ever Champions League match, with Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg set to visit the southern Spanish city on Tuesday.

Saviola, who has previously played Champions League football with Barcelona, Monaco, Real Madrid and Benfica, believes Malaga's opening game will be very important if they are to get into the knockout stages of this season's competition.

"To start well is very important, to begin with a victory it is very important for the following games because we play at home," Saviola said.

"I think to start well against a great rival and to win will be important for the team and make us ready for the rest of the games that are coming in the next few games."

Apart from Zenit, Malaga are set to also face AC Milan and Anderlecht in Group C and head coach Manuel Pellegrini believes all of his side's fixtures will be tough.

"I think we have to be careful against Anderlecht too, they are not playing in Champions League by chance," Pellegrini said.

"There are very three difficult teams like in the other groups, either big names or clubs with potential."

Saviola has been pleased with his first few weeks at Malaga, having played two league games, which have both ended in victories.

The 30-year-old Argentine also scored in Malaga's 3-1 victory over Levante on Saturday.

"I think that victories for the team will make us stronger," Saviola said.

"It gives us a lot of confidence to keep winning, to keep progressing and they (the fans) have received me very well.

"I am improving all the time, I've adapted very quickly thanks to them, thanks to the coach, my mates and to all the people who work in the club.

"This is important for a player and to play in the Champions League is always one of the most beautiful competitions."