Group C – Kick-off 19:45 (BST)
Marseille need a big win against Real Madrid to stay in the Champions League, but coach Didier Deschamps says he remains hopeful even if they have “one chance in a million”.
Third in Group C, the french outfit must overturn their 3-0 defeat in Madrid on 30 September unless Milan do not win at FC Zurich, in which case any victory will suffice for Marseille.
Leaders Madrid can only be knocked out if they lose 3-0 or by four goals or more and Milan also pick up three points, but coach Manuel Pellegrini is looking for a win and top place in the group.
“We beat Madrid 3-1 when I was Monaco coach in 2003/04, but that wasn’t the same context,” said Deschamps. “It will be a different game this time and the first thing we need is a win, so that we don’t have any regrets if things take an unexpected turn in Zurich and they beat Milan. That’s our priority.
“Beating Madrid would be an upset and, as for hoping for more than that, I don’t know what can happen in one match. Even if we have one chance in a million, or a billion, it doesn’t matter: we still have a chance.
“It would be presumptuous to say we’ll win 3-0, but why not think we can and think it could happen? The Champions League requires a little something extra, but I don’t have a lot of inspired unpredictability in stock. I’m not convinced I’d get any even with five strikers out there.
“I just hope our fans will be inspired in the stands. Even without Kaká, Madrid have a lot of quality and they will not be weaker. Someone else will take his place. I’d be a lot happier if Ronaldo and Higuaín were out as well.”
Pellegrini has set his sights on topping the group and knows that his players will need to be at their best tonight.
“We would like to win, we would like to finish top,” he said. “All the players are focused, whether starting or on the bench. We knew following the draw that Marseille are a good team, we need to be a great Real Madrid to win.
“Christiano Ronaldo won’t be affected by the fact that he was sent off [at the weekend], it’s two different competitions. Raul is a leader, he can start or come off the bench, he always gives his best, and he is doing well.
“Whether Karim Benzema starts will be decided tomorrow. He will play well as he is a great player. He is young, and we appreciate his talent.”
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