Liverpool on the brink, Milan remember Liedholm

MILAN, Nov 6 (Reuters) Last season's runners-up Liverpool must beat Besiktas later today to realistically keep alive their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage.

The 2005 winners, who hope to have striker Fernando Torres back from injury, lost 2-1 in Turkey two weeks ago and lie bottom of Group A on one point, six behind leaders Marseille who visit second-placed Porto.

Holders AC Milan travel to joint Group D leaders Shakhtar Donetsk keen to forget their stuttering domestic form and build on their 4-1 home win over the Ukrainians last time out.

A win for either side would be a big step towards qualification, especially if Celtic and Benfica draw in Glasgow. Milan will wear black armbands to remember former player and coach Nils Liedholm, who died aged 85 yesterday.

Ronald Koeman takes full charge of Valencia for the first time when the Spaniards host Rosenborg in Group B where leaders Chelsea visit bottom side Schalke on the back of a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in October.

Real Madrid can start thinking about the knockout stages if they beat second-placed Olympiakos in Greece, a result which would buoy Group C's other sides Lazio and Werder Bremen, who meet in Rome.

REUTERS RAR BD0930