~Snipped
Real Madrid have been quite poor at the back and their Forwards also don't seem to be creating enough scoring chances, but I have watched champion's league for almost 2 decades to know that this edition is completely different. The goals being scored are astronomical, and the big teams are getting smashed every other game week.
Underdogs are playing their hearts out, unlike in the past. I won't be surprised if a number of underdog teams qualify for the coming rounds.
Madrid has been terrible even though they won today. This new league format definitely has longer group phase/stage that stretches out all teams — not just bigger teams. And yes, I second the idea that we might see underdogs and underrated team securing spots for the next round while the more experienced top dogs like City, Madrid and Arsenal grind out pre round of 16 knockout games. This is looking likely to be the case.
But never say never. Until the last 2 games of this league phase, nothing is set in stone.