Wenger looks for European lift

Arsene Wenger believes a strong performance in tonight’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu would provide just the spark needed to re-ignite their domestic campaign.

The Gunners will again be without several first-team regulars, particularly in defence – and will need to produce their finest performance of an under-achieving campaign to give them any chance in the second leg at Highbury in a fortnight’s time.