Champions League and Real Madrid are synonymous with each other. Real's maximum European title is 15. In contrast, second-placed AC Milan have seven titles, less than half of Real's. This statistic tells how powerful Real is in the Champions League. Even in the last 11 seasons, 6 titles have been captured by Real. They are also the current champions of the competition.
Real will enter the Champions League starting tomorrow with the hope of retaining the title. Los Blancos' match is tomorrow night. They will host the German club Stuttgart at their home ground Santiago Bernabeu. But this year's Champions League is completely different.
The format in which Real dominated the Champions League has changed this time. There is no such thing as group stage anymore. Each team will play eight matches in the league stage; Four in own field, four in opponent's field. And this is how the teams will move towards the final step by step.
Real's relationship with the Champions League is sweet, but Kylian Mbappe's experience is different. Since 2017, he had to leave with disappointment in one season after another for PSG. After winning the World Cup in 2018, many thought it was just a matter of time for him to win the Champions League.
But that dream has not yet been fulfilled for the French star. He had to be disappointed after coming close several times. As a result, one of the reasons why Mbappe came to Real is to use the opportunity to win the Champions League. But Mbappe himself is aware that the format has changed.
All in all, this year's Champions League is as new for Real as it is brand new for Mbappe. It remains to be seen whether Real-Mbappe can win this new format Champions League together.
Mbappe, however, is confident before the group stage begins. "We are focused on what we have to do," Mbappe said of his aim to reach European excellence. The Champions League has changed a lot. It is now a new competition. We have to win to make a good start.
Real will play home matches in this year's Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Salzburg and Stuttgart. And away matches will be played against Liverpool, Atalanta, Lille and Brest.
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