Real Madrid are one point away from qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds, but that point could be hard to come by on Tuesday when they visit Marseille in Group C.
The French side could qualify for the knockout rounds themselves with a win and an AC Milan loss or draw against FC Zürich. They could also qualify with a win by at least 3-0 or four goals. They come off a solid performance in Ligue 1 with a 3-1 win over Nice at the weekend.
Madrid, meanwhile, could completely miss out if the results fall the wrong way, but they are still in strong position to win the group. After losing to Barcelona in the Clasico a week ago, they were a bit shaky but beat Almería 4-2 this past Saturday.
Marseille's Julien Rodriguez will miss out with a leg injury, and Stéphane M'Bia could also miss out with a similar woe.
The Galácticos continue to be without the services of Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy due to a leg injury, and Kaká will not play in the match with a groin problem. Christoph Metzelder and Guti are also out.
While Marseille could well win this game, it is unlikely they will do so by the margin necessary to ensure their berth in the next round.
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