CL Preview: Marseille-Real Madrid

Marseille know that only a win will do against Real Madrid. And even that may not be enough.

After a promising start which included a respectable showing at the Bernabeu and a 3-0 thrashing of Partizan Belgrade, Alain Perrin's team are four points adrift of second-place Porto following back-to-back defeats against the Portuguese champions. Those two games were always likely to be key, and they went against Marseille.

Zinedine Zidane, returning to the club he supported as a boy, received a hero's welcome when he touched down at Marseille airport on Tuesday. It will be an emotional night for Zizou, but Marseille will know that once the game kicks offs, they'll be no room for sentiment.

The Merengues were far from convincing on Sunday against Albacete. Coach Carlos Queiroz was criticised in the press for resting the likes of Ivan Helguera and Ronado, but with such a thin squad –compared to the likes of Juventus and Milan- he surely has little other option. They won the match -courtesy of goals from David Beckham and Zidane- and that is ultimately all that matters. Real will inevitably play better and lose this season.

FORM GUIDE

Marseille (Last Six matches): WWLLLW

Defeats to Bordeaux and Lyon have left Marseille trailing leaders Monaco by six points in Le Championnat. The defeat to Porto in Champions League matchday four looks to have all but ended their hopes of progression. Porto only need to beat Partizan to qualify.

Real Madrid (Last Six Matches): WDWDLW

Despite the recent 0-0 draw with Zaragoza and the 4-1 thrashing at Sevilla, Queiroz's charges are top of the league on goal difference from Deportivo.

LATEST TEAM NEWS

Real Madrid: Luis Figo hurt an ankle in training and is doubtful, while Pavon is out. Roberto Carlos returns. Helguera and Ronaldo should both start after being rested on Sunday.

Marseille: Pérez, Marlet, Carrasso, Dos Santos, Borios, Delfim and Dahou are all out injured. Runje and Christanval have knocks but could play.