UEFA Champions League Groups F and H: European champions AC Milan are confident of defending their title as they prepare for tonight's Champions League match at Club Bruges, despite losing to the Belgian side in the previous round.

Bruges shocked Milan by beating them 1-0 at the San Siro stadium two weeks ago - a result that pushed the Italian club off the top of Group H.

After three matches, Dutch side Ajax lead Group H with six points, two ahead of Milan and Bruges. Celta Vigo prop up the table with two points.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti denied victory over Bruges was crucial for his side to progress to the knockout phase of the competition. "This isn't the moment of truth. We're not on the verge of going out," he said. "We're still second in the group with three matches to play."

In Group F, Partizan Belgrade, who lost 1-0 to Real Madrid in an evenly balanced game last month, are without international full back Milivoje Cirkovic and keeper Ivica Kralj, due to long-term injuries, for the visit of the Spanish league leaders. Better news is the return of midfielder Vladimir Ivic and Nigerian defender Taribo West, after missing two games with a stomach virus.

Real coach Carlos Queiroz is set to make at least one change to the team who beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last weekend, with defender Francisco Pavon available again after suspension. He should partner Raul Bravo at centre-back, with the versatile Ivan Helguera pushing up to replace Guti in midfield.