Figo's return to reinforce Real's comeback hopes

Real Madrid's attempt to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in tonight's European Cup quarter-final at the Bernabeu has been bolstered by the return of Luis Figo. After a month out with damaged ankle ligaments, the Portuguese player successfully came through the last 15 minutes of Real's 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. His return means Steve McManaman will probably be relegated to the bench.

Vincente del Bosque, the coach, has not included Aitor Karanka in his squad and the young centre-back Francisco Pavon is out with a back injury. Ivan Helguera is likely to drop back from midfield to partner Fernando Hierro in the centre of defence. Up front Real will look to Raul and Fernando Morientes to fire them to only their second victory in the Champions' League over Bayern in eight encounters.

Bayern, the champions, have Mehmet Scholl, Cartsen Jancker and Alexander Zickler out injured, while Niko Kovac is suspended. Stefan Effenberg and Owen Hargreaves should start.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's side are out of the German Cup and with Bayer Leverkusen extending their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to nine points, the European Cup looks to be the Munich club's only hope of silverware this season.