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Madrid journey in the Champions League this season has not been as smooth as previous seasons, we know that this is due to player injuries. But now, with most of the players back available, Madrid chances of reaching the last 16 have increased again, even though they have to go through the play-off route. Personally, I also assume that Madrid can secure full points in the next two matches, these matches are very crucial and have a lot at stake. RB Salzburg and Brest cannot be underestimated, because they also have the ambition to advance to the next round. If Madrid manage to reach the round of 16, then their journey will most likely be as usual, I mean Madrid will be the favorite team in every match.
Previously many suggested Madrid should recruit new players in the January transfer window, especially in the defensive sector, I think that is indeed a move that must be done to ease Ancelotti work. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are still hampered by injuries, both of whom may not return to the squad until August, which means they will miss the season.
The next two matches are likely to be easier for Real Madrid to win compared to the previous few matches. The availability of players in the squad gives the coach more freedom to choose who should play from the start and who should be replaced during the match. Ancelotti is certainly very stressed by his situation in the Champions League standings this season, meaning they have to work extra hard to get tickets to the last 16.
Not only Real Madrid, but several other favorite teams also suffered the same fate. Manchester City, PSG, Juventus, Atalanta, Milan and Atletico Madrid are also the same. They have to fight to win tickets to the round of 16 and it is possible that they will have to go through with a playoff match. Some of them might get away easily, but not all.