Group B

Real Madrid v Roma
The Santiago Bernabeu plays host to two clubs in crisis this evening when Real Madrid entertain Roma. Stand-in coaches Mariano Garcia Remon and Ezio Sella are competing for a foothold in the group after defeats in the opening round of matches.

Solari and Beckham are doubtful for Madrid but Roberto Carlos should return to the side following his midweek ‘rest’, as should Owen.

Zinedine Zidane is likely to feature wearing a special brace to protect his dislocated arm. Remon is under no illusions as to what is expected.

“The players are fully aware what is going on,” he said.

“If we fail to win this game then it is going to be much harder for us to continue in this competition. There is no tougher match for Madrid right now, this is like a final for us and we have to win whatever happens.”

Roma face a crisis of their own having lost new manager Rudi Voller at the weekend.

They will have to pick up points on their travels in Europe with their home matches to be played behind closed doors following referee Anders Frisk’s injury at the hands of the Roma faithful. The game was eventually awarded as a 3-0 win to Dynamo, meaning Roma have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the knock out stages.

Panucci and Chivu are doubtful whilst Philippe Mexes is suspended following his red card against Kyiv.

Roma coach Ezio Sella said, “We will be meeting rivals who, like us, have been wounded.”