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La Liga

Malaga's Duda and Edinho will hope to cap a memorable week by beating Real Zaragoza that could lift them off the bottom.

Duda and Edinho were both part of the Portugal squad that recorded a 2-0 aggregate victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina this week to book their spot in next year's World Cup finals, but the two players know they must now forget about that and focus on club matters.

Malaga started the season with an impressive 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid but since then they have picked up just two points from nine games, leaving them propping up the table.

Midfielder Duda, who played both matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina, said: "Now it's time to put the World Cup to one side and think about what's in front - Sunday's game and that's it.

"It's a very important match, we know that, it's at home and if we win it would be big boost for morale for the games that are to come.

"The team is in good spirits. It's always the same despite the results, we feel strong and with the desire to show that we don't deserve to be down there at the bottom.

"Now every match is a 'final', but with hard work I'm sure that we can win our games."

Striker Edinho, who played the last 17 minutes of Portugal's play-off second leg on Wednesday, added: "I'm tired and happy, we suffered but it was worth it. The objective of reaching the World Cup is completed, and now I want to help Malaga get out of this situation quickly.

"We need to stay confident in ourselves, be united, and we have the Portuguese national team as an example; we showed a lot of unity and spirit, and at Malaga we are going to do the same."

Youngster Edu Ramos is sidelined, but otherwise Malaga coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz should have a full-strength squad available for the match against promoted Zaragoza, who are currently 13th in the standings with 11 points.

Malaga have already tasted success against their northern rivals this season, having knocked Marcelino's side out of the Copa del Rey recently on the away goals rule.

Zaragoza will be hoping to avenge that exit this weekend, but they have picked up just one point from their five away games this season and have conceded 16 goals in the process - the worst record in the division.

With both sides not in the best of form - Zaragoza have lost five of their 10 fixtures so far - Marcelino admits he is not expecting a classic encounter at La Rosaleda this weekend.

"The game will be difficult, ugly, rough, physical and without many chances. Whoever is more clinical in the area will win," said Marcelino, who is set to be without Diogo, Braulio and Peter Luccin through injury, while Pablo Amo is doubtful. Javier Arizmendi is available again, though.