Real Madrid start this season’s Champions League as they always do, as one of the favourites. Los Blancos are always amongst the best teams in Europe, and this year is no different. All eyes in the football world were keenly watching as Real were one of the teams in the draw that took place earlier today.
Real ended up in Group C with Napoli, SC Braga and Union Berlin. The Spanish side did have one unusual factor this year, as they were placed as a Pot 2 team. Having finished second in La Liga last season, and missing out on the Champions League as well, their ranking was dropped. Fans won’t be too disappointed with the draw, but this is a group that cannot be taken lightly. Napoli were of course winners of the Scudetto last campaign, whilst also playing a scintillating brand of football.
The team to watch out for, however, are Union Berlin. Placed in Pot 4, many fans may brush them aside and expect nothing from the German club. The reality is though, that they led the Bundesliga for a decent chunk of last season, before eventually finishing fourth. This season they are top of the table once again, albeit only two games have been played. They have scored eight goals in those two games, and look to be a potentially underrated property in Europe.
Real will be keen to bounce back in the Champions League this year. The proud club were disgraced last campaign, losing 4-0 in the second leg of their tie against eventual winners Manchester City. Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be determined to make things right, although they will have to do so without Karim Benzema. Los Blancos do have some firepower to call upon, with new signing Jude Bellingham making a flying start to his time in the Spanish capital.
Japtej Ghura | GSFN
