Bayern and Real looking for European pick-me-up

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich return to Champions League duty tonight in crisis mode after the latest setbacks in their domestic leagues.

Madrid, the three-time European defending champions, were humiliated 3-0 by Eibar in Spain on Saturday. The first defeat for new coach Santiago Solari renews debate over his team’s ability to challenge for honours in their first season without Cristiano Ronaldo in nearly a decade.

Solari, pictured, who started with four wins after replacing Julen Lopetegui, faces a stern test at Roma tonight in Group G.

Madrid and Roma are level on nine points and both seem assured of progress from the section. The Italian club will be through with a draw this evening, or if CSKA Moscow fail to beat Plzen in the earlier Group G game.

Bayern, seemingly without a serious rival as they clocked up six consecutive Bundesliga titles, are suddenly vulnerable in Niko Kovac’s first season in charge.

They were held to a 3-3 draw at home by promoted Fortuna Duesseldorf – who are widely considered relegation candidates – on Saturday, and are already well behind resurgent Borussia Dortmund. A seventh straight title is appearing increasingly unlikely.

Kovac has a point to prove when his team host Benfica in Group E tonight, though a draw will be enough to ensure progress to the next round.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness, who previously said he would defend Kovac “to the hilt,” appears to have changed his tune after saying on Saturday that club officials would sit down after Benfica’s visit to see “how things should continue”.

“We have to analyse the situation to see where we are,” said Hoeness.

“For us it’s important to remain calm. It’s difficult, I admit that.”