Malaga coach unhappy

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini (pictured) was unhappy Joao Moutinho's controversial goal for Porto was allowed to stand and criticized his attack as the Spanish team lost 1-0 in its Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

Brazilian leftback Alex Sandro played a perfect ball into the penalty area after 56 minutes for Moutinho to calmly side-foot into the net for the Portuguese league leader.

Television replays showed Moutinho was offside, but the goal was given despite strong appeals from the Malaga players.

"It looked offside to me although I have not yet seen a replay," Pellegrini said.

The coach would not, however, use the dubious-looking goal as an excuse for Malaga's display.

"I'm not happy because I can't say we played a good match particularly in attack," said Pellegrini after the Champions League debutant suffered its first defeat in the competition. "But although Porto dominated, I don't remember any important saves from (keeper) Willy Caballero. We hope that in a more normal game, where we see more of the ball, we will turn this around."

Reuters

(China Daily 02/21/2013 page22)