Celtic and Shakhtar eager to pounce

With AC Milan competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan between 7 and 16 December, Group D of the UEFA Champions League concludes early with the European champions having the least to play for.

Celtic jinx
As they take on Celtic FC at home on Tuesday, Milan are already certain of a place in the last 16, but their guests should keep them on their toes as they continue their quest for a first UEFA Champions League away win. The Scottish title-holders have played 15 away ties in the competition's group stage and beyond, losing 14 and drawing one, but require a point at the San Siro to be sure of qualifying.

Shakhtar hope
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, FC Shakhtar Donetsk are still dreaming of a first appearance in the first knockout round as they encounter SL Benfica. With Shakhtar third in the section, three points behind Celtic, a victory for Mircea Lucescu's side, coupled with a defeat for Gordon Strachan's team, would be Shakhtar's passport to the last 16 – they have a better head-to-head record in their games against the Glasgow club.

Benfica chance
To lose, however, would be a disaster for Shakhtar. Already out of UEFA Champions League contention, José Antonio Camacho's Benfica would leapfrog their Ukrainian opponents, whom they trail by two points, and take a place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. The remaining 14 Matchday 6 ties – in UEFA Champions League Groups A, B, C, E, F, G and H – will be played on 11/12 December.