~Snip~
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.
I understand why UEFA provides a new format with tougher opponents for top clubs so that the Champions League is not only dominated by clubs that are usually strong candidates in the Champions League as well as to test the ability of strong candidates whether they can face increasingly fierce competition. But with this new regulation it becomes very interesting because we will see teams like Man City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich looking difficult in the UCL only Liverpool who has performed consistently in the last 4 matches will he come out as the first champion to enter the last 16?