When Zidane's team started the season and won comfortably against Manchester United and Barcelona, it seemed that a dynasty was being created. In fact, Real Madrid had triumphed in two consecutive Champions League, apart from earning the title of La Liga.
But then, the strikers started to miss easy chances to score, resulting in the team looking much worse than during the last season.
As a consequence, they lost at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur, which was clearly the best team in their group, and Real Madrid went through the second phase but as the second of the draw.
Thus, PSG will be their rival in the second round, and certainly, the supporters of Los Blancos are pessimistic about the options to win, despite having more experience in these kinds of matches.
The year of Neymar?
Although the Brazilian was mean to be the heir of Messi at Barcelona, he decided to move in another team and become the leader right now. The time will tell if it was a good decision or his lack of patience is going doom his career.
Many of the critics argue that the most expensive player in football history would be better playing in a more competitive league. Indeed, watching him in the Ligue 1 he is quite often better than any player who is not in PSG.
Precisely, he is surrounded by Mbappé, the other jewel of the crown, Cavani, the top-scorer in the club history, and many experienced players such as Alves, Thiago Silva, Motta or Di María.
Here resides the question. Will PSG be finally the team that everyone is hoping for when they play against the European forces? Since 2014, when they started to be considered among the favourites to reach the final, they have never passed the quarter-finals.
On the other hand, Neymar is with them, the only player who seems capable to win the Ballon d'Or this year, but in doing so, he must lead his club and his national team to take the glory.
England back in the action
After a glorious first part of the Champions League, the English teams are in a good position to keep going in the competition. It's appearing Manchester City and Liverpool will have easier matches against Basel and Porto, respectively, than Tottenham Hotspur.
But even though the North Londoners will play against the finalist of the last season, this Juventus seems weaker than it was than last season and it wouldn't be a surprise if Pochettino's team went through to the next round.
Obviously, the departure of Bonucci and Alves has damaged considerably the defence and dynamism of Kane, Dele Alli, Eriksen or Son and this may be the difference in a tough draw for both teams.
