Real Madrid have a chance to secure a berth in the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday when they play host to FC Zürich in Group C.
Madrid need a win in this game, plus a loss by Marseille against AC Milan, to book a berth in the Round of 16. They come into the game after going top in La Liga at the weekend thanks to a narrow victory over Racing Santander.
Zürich, still have hopes to continue their European dreams this season, but they will need a massive result in Spain to achieve that. They were beaten 4-2 at the weekend by Basel in the Round of 16 of the Swiss Cup.
Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini will continue to be without Cristiano Ronaldo as he continues to train after recovering from an ankle injury. He is expected to play this weekend against Barcelona. Guti is also ruled out with a case of the flu.
Zürich are without Swiss international striker Johan Vonlantehn with a leg injury, and he will be joined out of action by the suspended Onyekachi Oknokwo. Eric Hassli and Philippe Koch will also miss out for the Swiss champions.
Madrid will need to remain focused and not look ahead to the weekend's massive showdown with the Blaugrana. Madrid should take this game comfortably.
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