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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Champions League: What do Real Madrid need to qualify?

Real missed the chance to seal a place in the last 16 earlier in November, but can do it at the second attempt against Sporting Lisbon.

Update:
Champions League: What do Real Madrid need to qualify?
CHEMA DIAZDIARIO AS

Real Madrid travel to play Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening (20:45 CET) requiring a point to qualify from Champions League Group F.

Chance to claim last-16 berth spurned at Legia

Real faced Legia Warsaw on the previous matchday knowing a win, coupled with a Borussia Dortmund victory over Sporting, would send them into the last 16.

But despite Dortmund triumphing at Signal Iduna Park, Zinedine Zidane's men were made to wait for their knockout-stage spot after being held to a 3-3 stalemate.

Point in Portugal will end Sporting hopes

Now, a draw at third-placed Sporting - five points behind Real, who sit second with two games left - will ensure the hosts cannot catch Los Blancos.

After visiting the Estadio Jose Alvalade, Madrid finish off the group stage at home to already-through Borussia on 7 December.

Their fate also remains in their own hands in their bid to come top: a pair of victories against Sporting and Dortmund will guarantee first.

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Second place could yield better draw

Curiously, the Champions League holders could receive an easier round-of-16 draw even if they come second. The full story on that is here.

Ronaldo (right) in action for Real against Sporting on matchday one, when Los Blancos needed a late fightback to beat the Lisbon club.
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Ronaldo (right) in action for Real against Sporting on matchday one, when Los Blancos needed a late fightback to beat the Lisbon club.DIARIO ASFelipe Sevillano