The Real Champs
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Real Madrid’s potential opponents in the Champions League round of 16

By Aakanksha Sharma

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 06: Real Madrid players stand for a minute silence before the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu Stadium on December 6, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 06: Real Madrid players stand for a minute silence before the UEFA Champions League Group H match between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund at the Bernabeu Stadium on December 6, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Besiktas

(Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images)
(Photo by Cees van Hoogdalem/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Form so far: This is the first time the Turkish side has advanced to the knockout rounds of the Champions League and they will be out there to make the most of it. They haven’t lost a match in the group stage, becoming the first Turkish club to advance to the group stage undefeated. However, they currently sit in the 5th place in the Turkish League.

What to what out for: Their discipline and their home fans. Besiktas have played with remarkable efficiency this season, making the most of what they have. And their fans are always there as the 12th man. Pepe’s homecoming to Madrid will also be interesting and can evoke mixed emotions.

Verdict: If we thought that Vicente Calderon or Sevilla Ultras give Los Blancos a hellish time away from home, Turkish fans are in a league of their own. The atmosphere will be beyond intense, but nothing that a club of Madrid’s stature and experience can’t handle.

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