Madrid, Jan. 19 -- Four of the five Spanish teams in Champions League action this week still have something at stake, with Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all chasing top-eight finishes to avoid an extra qualifying round, while Athletic Club is battling to finish inside the league phase's top 24 teams and secure a place in February's playoffs.
With only one point from five matches, Villarreal is almost out of contention to progress, and travels to face Ajax on Tuesday in a meeting between the teams ranked 35th and 34th in the 36-team standings.
Real Madrid sits seventh and needs a home win over an AS Monaco side still hoping to reach the playoffs.
Alvaro Arbeloa will make his European debut as Madrid coach at the Santiago B...