~Snip
Madrid must show their improvement by winning the remaining 2 matches in UCL. That will be convincing for them to be able to go to the knockout stage. Although there is also a possibility that they cannot get a direct ticket by being in the top 8 standings, they can still finish everything to be able to qualify for the playoffs.
I still believe they will qualify for the knockout stage, only if there is a worse possibility that they go through the playoffs then hopefully Madrid is not too unlucky to meet a team that is also strong.
Real Madrid are regulars in the knockout stages every season, so don't have any doubts about them despite the stark difference in performance this season. They have very good squad depth and they are a team with experience and a good mentality, so I think they will be there regardless of their position in the standings.
Apart from Real Madrid, I think PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and a number of other top teams will also be in the knockout stages. Some of them had to struggle in the playoffs because they didn't qualify directly, but I'm sure Real Madrid and all the teams I mentioned will be there this season. Moreover, Real Madrid's performance in La Liga is increasing, this will be good capital for them to win 2 more wins in the Champions League.