Joaquin optimistic of Malaga improvement

Malaga forward Joaquin said there is still plenty of room for improvement from his side after they were humbled 3-0 by Real Betis.

The Costa del Sol-based club went down to three first-half goals from Jorge Molina, Mario and Dorlan Pabon, which inflicted on the Andalusians one of their heaviest defeats of the campaign.

And the 31-year-old insisted they must do better if they want to finish their season on a high.

“The first goal gave us an uphill task. They were very good we had no spark. We were already beaten in the first half and the dismissal of Camacho made it very difficult,” he told reporters.

“We have made no signings, but you should know that this team has great room for improvement and there are many points still to be won.”

Joaquin began his career at the Villamarin but the former youth product has reiterated his commitment to Malaga amid reports Betis are keen to lure him back to the club.

He added: “That rumour is always in the air. I’m always grateful for the love Betis have shown me, but my team is Malaga and I have to focus to ensure we qualify for next season’s Champions League.”

Malaga resume their efforts to consolidate their Champions League place by welcoming second-placed Atletico Madrid to La Rosaleda next Sunday.

The club hope to compete in next year’s competition despite receiving a one-year ban by UEFA and are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn the verdict.