This season Real Madrid faced quite tough opponents in 8 matches and different while for previous seasons in the group stage Madrid faced weaker opponents than them that made Real Madrid undefeated in the group stage and always came out as champions in the group. However, this season is where Real Madrid's performance is tested whether they can defend the UCL title if they face tough clubs at the beginning to continue to advance to the next round.
The new format implemented in the Champions League makes it a little difficult for Real Madrid to achieve maximum results because most of the teams they face are very difficult to beat. Previously they had lost two matches, this number may increase because in the remaining four matches they will face Liverpool and Atalanta. I am very skeptical that they can retain the title because their performance this season is very different from last season. After losing to Milan, they now have to fight hard to improve their position in the standings, but I am also very pessimistic that Real Madrid can win at Liverpool's headquarters.
The change in the UCL format this season has actually made it difficult for many big teams to show their best performance, in addition to the increase in the number of matches they have to play, of course, the busy schedule makes the players tired and prone to injury as experienced by madrid at this time, Madrid faces a big challenge and I think with so many injured players it will make it even more difficult for them to compete for the trophy this season,facing Liverpool and Atalanta in the next match will certainly be a very big challenge for madrid, especially againts Liverpool who so far has a consistent and strong record when playing at anfield, honestly if madrid loses points from these two matches then most likely their chances of automatic qualification for the round of 16 are closed in my opinion.