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Real Madrid 'Yet To Show Their Best', Warns Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti said Real Madrid "are improving but are yet to show their best" as his side bid to earn automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16 against Ligue 1 club Brest on Wednesday. The reigning champions of Europe are ensured of their place in at least the knockout play-off round as the league phase of the revamped Champions League wraps up with its final matchday this week. However, after suffering three defeats in their opening seven matches, 16th-placed Real are only in with an outside chance of securing a top eight finish and automatic progression to the last 16.

Grimsby Town 1 Gillingham 1: League 2 match report from Blundell Park

Gillingham were denied a first win under John Coleman after conceding a last-minute goal at Grimsby Town.

Aston Villa Eye Champions League Last 16 In 'Battle Of Britain' With Celtic

Aston Villa have one last chance to seal automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 when they face Celtic in a crucial 'Battle of Britain' clash on Wednesday. Heading into the final round of league phase fixtures, Unai Emery's side sit ninth in the standings, with the top eight guaranteed to advance directly to the last 16. Teams who finish ninth to 24th will face a nerve-wracking play-off round that determines the final eight clubs to progress. Villa, who are one point behind eighth placed Bayer Leverkusen, will almost certainly have to beat Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic at Villa Park to avoid the play-offs.

Manchester United, Hotspur Seek Europa League Last 16 And Much-Needed Rest

Manchester United and Tottenham are among the sides aiming to ensure direct passage to the Europa League last 16 in Thursday's league phase finale with nine places in the knockout stages up for grabs. The struggling English giants are labouring in the bottom half of the Premier League table but do sit in the top eight of the Europa League. Only the top eight progress automatically into the last 16, while ninth to 24th have to endure the rigorous of a two-legged play-off round next month.