Real Madrid v B Munich,

Kick-off: 7.45

On TV: Network 2, UTV

Nicolas Anelka has yet to score a goal in Europe and has just one to his credit in the Primera Liga, but Real Madrid manager Vicente del Bosque has thrust the £23 million striker into his line-up against Bayern Munich tonight. Anelka, criticised over his move from Arsenal and later lambasted in Spain, then fined and suspended by Real after refusing to train with the team, will partner Raul up front as Madrid attempt to put two defeats against the Germans already this year behind them.

A recurring foot injury for Fernando Morientes sealed Anelka's starting place.

While Real are hoping the French striker scores on his ninth appearance in this season's competition, their biggest concern is a defence which has conceded eight goals against Bayern this season.

"We've got to avoid elimination at the Bernabeu and above all stop the Germans from scoring a goal," said defender Michel Salgado. "They scored four goals against us last time. The key when you play the first match at home is to prevent your opponents from scoring."

"I hope the Bernabeu will be a cauldron just like it was against Barcelona (when Real won 3-0).

Morientes aggravated a foot injury he first suffered in February against Deportivo La Coruna and is not available, while Elvir Baljic - who scored against Espanol - replaces Savio (ankle).

Salgado has recovered from the ankle injury which ruled him out of the Espanol clash and is available, along with defender Fernando Hierro, midfielder Jose Guti and Manuel Sanchis.

Bayern lag three points behind Christoph Daum's Bayer Leverkusen with two matches remaining in the Bundesliga, and face Werder Bremen in the Cup final in Berlin on Saturday.

"We are not interested in the Bundesliga right now because we have a great chance to make it through to the Champions League final," said manager Ottmar Hitzfeld.

"Matches like these are the highlights of any football career."

The heartache of last season's defeat in Barcelona to Manchester United still lingers, and a £35,000 bonus per player just for reaching the final indicates how desperate the Bayern hierarchy are to see German club football leading the way in Europe.

Hitzfeld refuses to take the Spaniards lightly. "Real are stronger now than they were six weeks ago. They have really come together and evolved into a team unit on the pitch."

Bayern are on the back of three successive wins.

They managed to crush Hansa Rostock 4-1 thanks to a stirring second-half comeback on Saturday, despite the loss of captain Stefan Effenberg - still out with a calf injury.

Alexander Zickler, who scored twice against Real in Munich, must also sit the match out with a torn tendon in his thigh.

Probable Teams

REAL MADRID: Casillas; Carlos, Karanka, Campo, Salgado; Redondo; Savio, Helguera, Mcmanaman; Gonzalez, Anelka.

BAYERN MUNICH: Kahn; Babbel, Andersson, Linke, Lizarazu; Salihamidzic, Jeremies, Fink; Sergio, Elber, Scholl.