Real Madrid vs. Apoel Nicosia: Second Leg Will Prove Blancos Are Title Favorites

Even though Real Madrid continues to lead La Liga by six points ahead fierce rival Barcelona, the oddsmakers still believe Barca are the most likely squad to take home the Champions League title. The Blancos will prove they deserve that distinction by ending Apoel's run.

Let's take a look at three reasons why Madrid should be considered the favorites to walk away with the Champions League crown in May.

Hot Streak

The Blancos haven't lost a game in nearly three months, and just one since the calendar flipped to 2012. It takes an astounding run of play to keep picking up points at such a rapid pace without slipping up a few times along the way.

Madrid has so much depth throughout the roster, which gives the team more flexibility. The unheralded contributors are able to pick up the slack even if one or two stars are having an off-night, so they have plenty of margin for error.

Picking up draws might not seem like much now, but going on the road to get on in the semifinals would be a key result on their road to the title.

Unmatched Firepower

Real Madrid has scored 100 goals in 30 league games. By comparison, even Barca has only netted 86 over the same amount of La Liga contests. No team in the world can match the Blancos' offense when it's clicking on all cylinders.

They have three players who have tallied at least 16 goals and plenty of secondary scoring options who chip in as well. When a team can attack you with that many weapons, there are times when they are simply impossible to stop.

The Blancos haven't shown any signs of slowing down, either. With 13 goals in their last three games, they are ready for a strong stretch run.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo hasn't always performed his best on big stages, but he's been playing like a man on a mission this season. It's like the superstar is out to prove somebody other than Lionel Messi deserves a Player of the Year nod.

A Champions League title should go a long way in helping him earn that award. He knows all his hard work to improve will go unnoticed if he doesn't show up when it matters most, however. That should be plenty of motivation for the Portuguese sensation.

Real Madrid don't have many weaknesses, and those they do have are often covered up by Ronaldo's greatness. That's why the Blancos should be favored to come out on top.