The Real Champs
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Analyzing Real Madrid’s Champions League opponents in group G

By Sachin Bhat

MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 30: Kaka draws out the name of Real Madrid during the Champions League Group Stage draw part of the UEFA ECF Season Kick Off 2018/19 on August 30, 2018 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
MONACO, MONACO - AUGUST 30: Kaka draws out the name of Real Madrid during the Champions League Group Stage draw part of the UEFA ECF Season Kick Off 2018/19 on August 30, 2018 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) /
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Los Blancos have been drawn in Group G with AS Roma, CSKA Moscow, and Viktoria Plzen in what looks like a very negotiable group. Anything other than a first-place finish would be a real surprise.

Having been drawn in the group of death last year, fate has been kind to Real Madrid in this year’s edition of the Champions League group stages. Last season’s semifinalists, AS Roma, Russian runners-up, CSKA Moscow, and the Czech Republic minnows, Victoria Plzen, constitute a Group G laugher for the holders, who should be sailing through this without any hiccups, barring a catastrophe.

Real Madrid hasn’t finished atop a Champions League group since 2015, but here’s the chance to break the duck and possibly secure an easy fixture in the last 16.

Let’s now delve through each of three opponents.

ROME, ITALY – 2016/02/17: Stephan El Shaarawy versus the Real Madrid defence during Roma vs Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League in Italy. A deflected Cristiano Ronaldo strike and a fine Jese goal gave Real Madrid a 2-0 win over a resolute Roma side at Stadio Olimpico in their Champions League. (Photo by Paolo Pizzi/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – 2016/02/17: Stephan El Shaarawy versus the Real Madrid defence during Roma vs Real Madrid in UEFA Champions League in Italy. A deflected Cristiano Ronaldo strike and a fine Jese goal gave Real Madrid a 2-0 win over a resolute Roma side at Stadio Olimpico in their Champions League. (Photo by Paolo Pizzi/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

AS Roma

These sides haven’t clashed much recently, with the last-16 duel in 2016 being the only instance in the last decade. The Whites triumphed 2-0 both home and away that saw Cristiano Ronaldo bag one in both legs.

However, the Giallorossi did prove to be menacing, cutting a swathe through a very shambolic defense lead by a certain Mr. Mohammed Salah. Only a frustrating profligacy in the attacking third laid them down as Real Madrid were really fortuitous not to concede any goals.

A lot has changed since, and despite losing Salah to Liverpool, Roma made it to the last four in the previous campaign – by wiping out a 4-1 deficit against Barcelona with a 3-0 shocker. Who can forget that!

And with Javier Pastore, Steven Nzonzi, and Justin Kluivert, they’ve made some really good additions this summer. The defense may still be one area of concern for Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, as the recent 3-3 draw with Atalanta may suggest.

Edin Dzeko and Turkish sensation Cengiz Under are great guns upfront, though it still may not be enough to topple the Merengues.

Expect a tough duel at the Stadio Olimpico where Roma is most threatening as the opening fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu should produce a comprehensive victory for the hosts.

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