Bayern Munich are assured of top spot in Group C but the battle to qualify behind them is fierce and Bayern's trip to Kiev could be at the crux of the eventual group outcome. It will have no relevance if unpredictable Real Madrid can go to Rosenborg and claim all three points, but that is by no means a certainty.

The omens are not good for Real as in November 1997 they went down 2-0 against Rosenborg in Trondheim. And Bayern are taking a squad short of nine first-team regulars to Kiev, who held Real to a 2-2 draw in the Bernabeu last Tuesday.

Real and Kiev both stand on seven points - six behind the German giants - but coach Vicente del Bosque is determined that the Spanish side will progress.