Apoel Nicosia vs. Real Madrid: Why Cyprus Club's Historic Run Is About to End

Apoel Nicosia's historic Champions League run will end in the quarterfinal this season when Spanish power Real Madrid dominates the Cyprus club throughout this fixture.

Apoel is the first Cyprus club to ever reach this stage of European football's most prestigious tournament, but will have a difficult time defeating the Spanish juggernauts.

Not to take anything away from Apoel's impressive Champions League campaign, but their road to this stage in the competition has not been difficult.

In the group stage, they took on FC Porto, Zenit St. Petersburgh and Shakhtar Donetsk, none of which are clubs with elite players or top-tier goal scorers.

In the round of 16, Apoel faced a talented Lyon side, but the French club is having a poor season thus far and may not qualify for next year's competition.

Apoel is about to face their toughest test this season. Madrid have a squad of elite players at nearly every position.

Attacking talents Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil are world-class players who will make it challenging for Apoel to have success.

On defense, Madrid have arguably the finest goalkeeper in the world in Iker Casillas, who is also captain for the defending World Cup champion Spain.

Los Blancos are a complete squad and have very few weaknesses. They are quite determined to get to the final in Munich and win their first European crown since 2002.

Real Madrid are on a mission to reach the final and set up a possible matchup with Spanish rivals Barcelona with Champions League glory on the line.

Apoel will be just another opponent that Madrid will eliminate on their road to Munich.