The start to Real Madrid’s La Liga title defence has been a little shaky so far, with two draws and one defeat from their first eight games. However, in the Champions League, they have been playing very well, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been on fire in Europe. With four goals from his first two games, he certainly looks ready for the Champions League challenge, and if he can keep his form up then Madrid are going to be very difficult to beat.
Real Madrid continue their Champions League campaign against Tottenham, who have won both their opening games just like Madrid have. The Spanish club are at home, so they have the advantage in the game, and if Ronaldo turns up in the right mood, it could turn out to be another impressive victory for his team. That would give them pole position in the group at the halfway stage, making them favourites to finish top of the group, and potentially giving them an easier draw in the next stage.
In La Liga, Ronaldo has just one goal from his opening four games but has four goals from two games in the Champions League, showing the difference in his form. While Madrid will be hoping he improves domestically, pushing for the Champions League is a huge priority for them this season. Winning three Champions League titles in a row would be unprecedented in this footballing era, and something that would rubber stamp Ronaldo’s place as one of the all-time greats of the game.
The current football betting has Madrid as 4/1 favourites to lift the Champions League title once again and after the way they have started, they certainly look to have a favourites' chance. A win against Tottenham in their next game would give them a strong grip on the group, which would then give them the chance of an easier draw in the next stages. Once the Champions League reaches the knockout stages, we have seen time and time again that the Spanish club know what it takes to win.
They have many stars in their line-up, although none as important as Cristiano Ronaldo is to them. He has started the Champions League group stages in brilliant form and looks to be up for the challenge of making it three in a row with his club. That win would also mean they have lifted the trophy in four out of the last five seasons, another remarkable record.
Many clubs around Europe are looking up to Madrid right now and seeing what they are doing, and how they can replicate it. They will all look to challenge the Spanish giants over the coming seasons, but while ever Cristiano Ronaldo is in the form he is in, they look pretty unstoppable. We have only seen each club play twice so far in the Champions League but the start made by Real Madrid looks ominous already. It is up to the chasing pack to make strides and catch them, otherwise, we could be seeing the Spaniards lift the Champions League trophy yet again.