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Different motivations for last round of Champions League group games

Xinhua, December 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Champions League returns to action on Tuesday with three Spanish sides playing for very different ambitions.

   Real Madrid will once again hope for a comfortable home win over Malmo in order to help calm the troubled waters caused by their expulsion from the King's Cup for fielding an ineligible player.

   Real are assured of finishing top of their qualification group and Rafael Benitez will no doubt give time to some fringe players, including perhaps, Denis Cheryshev, whose lineup in Cadiz was so expensive last week.

   With several injuries in defense, it will be interesting to see if Marcelo returns to the squad after making it clear he was in condition to play last weekend, despite not being included by Benitez.

   Atletico Madrid have also qualified for the last 16 of the competition, but they travel to play Portuguese side Benfica knowing they need to win in order to assure finishing first in their group and therefore receive a more favorable tie in the last 16.

   Diego Simeone's side have moved to within one point of FC Barcelona at the top of the table without making barely a sound over the past few weeks, basing their efforts on the goals of Antoine Griezmann and a rock solid defense and the Argentinean coach will have to balance out the advantages of finishing top of his group with the need to rest players for next Sunday's home game against Athletic Club Bilbao.

   Benfica have Mexican striker Raul Jimenez in their ranks and the Mexican is anxious to show what he can do after spending a difficult season with Atletico last year.

   Sevilla have no chance of making the last 16 but still have motivation to defeat group leaders Juventus. There is more than pride at stake against the historic Italian side as a win for Sevilla coupled with a defeat for Borussia Munchengladbach against Manchester City would see the reigning Europa League Champions finish third in their group and thus earn the chance to defend that title.

   Striker Fernando Llorente will no doubt be looking forward to facing one of his former clubs after a slightly disappointing two-years in Italy. Endi