Real look for Champions League boost

Real Madrid's constant enquiry into their poor showing in the Spanish league will be put on hold as they look to continue their excellent Champions' League form against Anderlecht on Tuesday.

The Spanish champions only need a point to assure themselves of a place in the second group phase of the competition and will be confident of taking at least that after mauling Anderlecht 4-1 two weeks ago in the Bernabeu.

After victories over Roma, Lokomotiv Moscow and Anderlecht, Real's European form has belied their poor showing in La Liga, which has sparked a raging debate over what has caused their poor domestic start and what the possible cure will be.

But coach Vicente Del Bosque has lost another central defender after Aitor Karanka limped out of Real's 0-0 draw at Alaves to join the nerve-wracked Ivan Campo on the sidelines, so young Francisco Pavon is set to start at the back.

Roberto Carlos returns after recovering from the ankle injury he incurred during Brazil's World Cup qualifier with Chile.

For Anderlecht, defender Olivier Doll is unlikely to make his return against Real. Doll has been out for ten weeks with a thigh muscle injury and is still suffering pain during training, but coach Aime Anthuenis is still hoping that Doll, who would be the perfect man to replace the suspended Glenn de Boeck, can recover in time to play.

Play-maker Alin Stoica will be examined in hospital on Monday for a groin complaint but the Romanian is eager to play.

Striker Gilles de Bilde is still out with a foot injury but Ivica Mornar, Aleksandar Ilic and Aruna Dindane are all expected to be available.

Anderlecht (probable): De Wilde, Hasi, Crasson, Ilic, Hendrikx, Vanderhaege, Stoica, Baseggio, Mornar, Aruna, Seol

Real Madrid (probable): Casillas, Salgado, Hierro, Pavon, Roberto Carlos, Makelele, Celades, Figo, Solari, Munitis, Raul