Real Madrid: No Place for Another UEFA Champions League Struggle

Back-to-back La Liga titles are not enough.

Four consecutive struggles in the UEFA Champions League weigh too much on Real Madrid's previous years profile. Europe's most successful team needs to step forward and be in the Champions League title hunt.

Is Real Madrid ready for the challenge?

Absolutely yes, but many things have to change.

Last time Real Madrid advanced through the quarters was in 2004. Since then, Arsenal, Juventus, Bayer Munich, and Roma have handed Real early exits in the very first qualifying.

Last year was especially tough, because the second leg took place at Santiago Bernabeu.

So what's the problem?

In my opinion, there is a lack of preparation and planning. The team started fast last year, picking up many victories, clinching the group top seed and building some momentum. But all of these disappeared against Roma. They reached the most important part of the season in the worst shape.

For this reason, the team has to focus at this point. The fans are demanding the tenth Champions League title and the team has to be perfectly prepared.

Best roster in many years

Real has an outstanding roster. Comparing with last year's one, the improvement is solid. Players learned to play all together. The team also have a combination of stars like Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Robben, and Sneijder with many emerging players such as Robinho, Gago, Higuain, Marcelo and De La Red.

The team’s depth is pretty nice. Real Madrid can face any competition with plenty of guarantees. Real will be back at its place this year, and will no doubt advance to the first knock-out round and be in the UEFA Champions League title hunt.

Anything but the semis will be a bust. There’s no place for another Champions League failure.