Halfway through the penultimate round of the Champions League group phase, for the first time in a league format containing 36 teams, the qualification equations are finally beginning to take shape.

At Real Madrid, there is a clear understanding of the positions that need immediate reinforcement, which is why Carlo Ancelotti has specifically asked for two signings to be final

Real Madrid is scouring the transfer market to find a solution to their problem position at left-back with Alphonso Davies seeming close to turning down a move to Spain.

Girona have been unable to recapture last season's momentum where they led the LaLiga table for much of the campaign as they sit eighth this season, but coach Michel said he expected a turnaround in the second half of the campaign.

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from AC Milan vs Girona in the UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid thrash Salzburg, Arsenal and Milan dominate, while Celtic and Feyenoord get vital wins in UEFA Champions League.

AC Milan are in Champions League action in front of their own fans tonight as they hope to extend their winning streak to five games against Girona.Milan have surged up the table after they lost

Meanwhile, a first-half goal by winger Rafael Leao helped AC Milan to a 1-0 home win against Girona in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving the Italians well-placed to book a spot in the last 16

Overcoming a slow start, Real Madrid takes down La Laguna Tenerife to secure a seventh win in a row across all competitions

Milan's decision to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City could prove to be a timely call after Emerson Royal was forced off during the opening exchanges of

So although it is never over until it’s over (etc etc), it is pretty much clear that Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League knockout stages without having to play in the extra special added-on knockout round which will (as like as not) include the mighty Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris St Germain.

Paris Saint-Germain pushed Manchester City to the brink of Champions League elimination after coming from two goals down to win 4-2 on Wednesday, while Arsenal all but secured their place in the last 16.