Real not expecting any favours from group winners Milan

Defending European champions Real Madrid are not expecting any favours from group winners AC Milan when they face the Italian side in at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.

"I am convinced that they will be going all out for the win and will want to knock us out," defender Michel Salgado told the club's official website on Tuesday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have already booked their place in the last eight after taking a maximum 12 points from four matches, while Real know that anything less than a victory will seriously jeopardise their chances of progressing in this season's competition.

"A place in the quarter-finals is at stake," said Salgado. "We are playing at home and have to ensure that we win at all costs no matter who our rivals are."

"I certainly don't think the Italians will be relaxed because they know that they have the chance to knock out Real Madrid."

Second-placed Real have a one-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund in Group C, but a slip-up against Milan and a win for the Germans in their match against Lokomotiv Moscow will mean the Spaniards no longer have their fate in their own hands.

"We have to be careful," said Salgado. "We have to keep calm throughout the 90 minutes of the game because the chance for a win could come at any time."

Real are likely to be without World Player of the Year Ronaldo when they face the Serie A side, after the Brazilian strained his thigh in the weekend's 4-1 league victory over Racing Santander.

If Ronaldo does not recover in time the versatile Guti or young striker Javier Portillo will slot in alongside the ever-dependable Raul up front.

Better news for coach Vicente del Bosque is that Ivan Helguera has made a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury and will be able to partner Francisco Pavon in the centre of defence.

Milan be without Georgian defender Kakha Kaladze, who picked up a thigh strain in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Chievo, as well as striker Filippo Inzaghi, who is being rested.

But Real Madrid old boys Clarence Seedorf and Fernando Redondo and former Barcelona player Rivaldo are all set to reappear at the Bernabeu.