Real Madrid not being the champions of Europe is a strange feeling. As the most successful club in the Champions League's history, it feels bizarre to watch another club revelling in the glory. Especially a club led by Luis Enriq- but the less said about that, the better.
Last season, Real Madrid was eliminated by Arsenal. Los Blancos never looked at it from the moment they travelled to North London and obviously, those two pieces of magic from Declan Rice couldn't be prevented.
All in all, last time out was a season to forget for Real Madrid, so they're already looking ahead to this campaign as a chance to make amends.
Looking ahead, though, La Liga is back, and although Real Madrid has to wait until Tuesday to kickstart their own campaign, fans are already excited about the return of the Champions League.
Wild stat shows Real Madrid is best-placed for more UCL glory
One fan on Reddit was quick to point out a wild start that some might view as clutching at straws, but other more superstitious fans will view as a sign.
The stat is that for the last three times the World Cup commenced, Real Madrid has been the holder of the Champions League during the tournament. And it's true, Real Madrid has a pretty good history of performing before the World Cup, for whatever reason.
So, naturally, fans are looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup played in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and hoping that Real Madrid continues the trend by winning the Champions League this season.
It would be quite something for Xabi Alonso to win the Champions League in his first season in charge. While it's not a 'no isn't an option' objective, it'll be something Xabi Alonso is keen to achieve himself. After all, he has an unbeaten Bundesliga medal in his cabinet, but he's never won a European trophy as manager.
Alonso won the Champions League with both Liverpool and Real Madrid as a player. Since Liverpool might be Real Madrid's closest competition in the Champions League, Alonso has already picked his side. It would be a fairytale come true if he won the Big Ears upon his return.
Look, these Real Madrid players have World Cup places to fight for. They need to be the best in their position to secure a place in their respective nations' aeroplanes. This can only work in Real Madrid's favor, and might leave them bathed in Champions League glory for the 16th time.