UEFA Champions League: Highlighting Real Madrid's Strengths and Weaknesses

Real Madrid is the most glamorous football club in the world. Inordinate wealth and a winning mentality has seen the Bernabeu based side reach unrivaled levels both off and on the pitch, becoming the richest and most successful club in Europe.

Star names like Figo, Zidane and Beckham and others have come and gone, but silverware has been the constant over Madrid's prestigious history.  

However, the club most associated with European success are in a title drought in their terms, without a European title in nine years.

This year's Champions League is entering crunch time and Real are poised for a second-leg showdown with Lyon, who dumped Madrid out at the same stage last year.

The latest generation of 'galacticos' are tasked with the responsibility to maintain previous levels' success.

The question is, can they become the first club to reach double figures in European titles?

Strength: Star-Power

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MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 09: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid Kaka after scoring Real's third goal during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Villarreal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 9, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty I

Real are best known for their big spending on big names. Over the years, Real have broken the world transfer record numerous times, splashing out on Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo.

Last summer, Real flexed their financial muscles by breaking the record twice in a matter of weeks, signing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a total fee of £135, more than the majority of teams cost in whole.

These stars, along with the likes of Iker Casillas and Mesut Ozil, posses the ability to change games with their individual brilliance, and could well take Real through the knockout stages.

Weakness: Chemistry

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MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Emanuel Abadayour of Real Madrid looks on during the la Liga match between Real Madrid and Malaga at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 3, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The constant influx of new signings is bound to disrupt a team's chemistry, and the latest signings are still getting fully integrated into Jose Mourinho's plans.

Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil only signed this summer and even Kaka is still working his way in, having spent the majority of time out injured.

The latest signing, Emmanuel Adebayor, was only acquired in January and obviously is still finding his feet.

The excessive amounts of talent on Real's squad also means a rotation of keeping everyone happy, hindering Real's continuity.

Strength: Experience

Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and Jose Mourinho all have Champions League winners medals, and many of the other players are well versed in Champions League football.

These players and their manager know how to succeed in Europe.

Weakness: Temperament

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MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid celebrates scoring from the penalty spot during the la Liga match between Real Madrid and Malaga at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 3, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Ima

Real Madrid have some of the most talented players on the planet, but the drawback of this is that they also have some of the most egotistical footballers on the planet.

Cristiano Ronaldo is as well known for his strops as he is for his ability, and Kaka has made it very clear he isn't happy in Madrid at the moment.

The latest addition, Adebayor, certainly won't be adding a calming influence on the Bernabeu dressing room judging by his career in England.

Strength: Pressure

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona celebrates with team-mates David Villa and Andres Iniesta during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal at the Nou Camp Stadium on March 8, 2011 in Bar

It may sound odd, but the majority of the pressure to win the Champions League this year isn't on the biggest club in the world.

Barcelona's majestic football and winning formula has captivated everyone this season and, surprisingly, it's Madrid who are flying more under the radar.

If the Catalans can't deal with the pressure, Real will be waiting to pounce.

Weakness: Envy

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid (L) and head coach Josep Guardiola of Barcelona shake hands prior to the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Barcelona, Sp

Jose Mourinho doesn't like not being the centre of attention. As Real wait in the shadows of their great rivals, the Madrid boss is growing increasingly frustrated. The charismatic smile that was once a fixture across his face is slowly being replaced by a scowl of resentment. 

Pep Guardiola's men have surpassed Real in both domestic and European competition, and the burning resentment and impatience may well be Mourinho's downfall.

Strength: History

It doesn't make sense—never has, never will. However, in many sports, it's those teams who have a history of winning who seem to find ways back into the winner's enclosure and back into the history books.

Real Madrid isn't the favourite for this year's Champions League, but neither were Mourinho's Porto or Inter Milan, and now he's at the helm at the most successful club in European history.

Weakness: Arrogance

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MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 19: Head coach Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid shouts an order at his team during the La Liga match between Real Madrid and Levante at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 19, 2011 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Imag

With the egos of their players and manager, as well as their history, Real and their fans may feel they have a divine right to European silverware. If that arrogance is translated to the pitch, Real won't last long in European competition given the talent of the sides they're competing against.