To football - Real Madrid begin their Champions League title defense against underdogs Apoel Nicosia from Cyprus. Real Madrid became the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles last season. And the squad is confident of continuing that success. CGTN's Dan Williams reports from Madrid.

 

Real Madrid aiming to make it three titles in a row. Last season, Real became the first team to defend the Champions League trophy. This time round, the players are looking to take it a step further. Coach Zinedine Zidane's side can cement their standing in the game by making it three straight in European football’s premier competition. And they appear ready for the challenge. ZINEDINE ZIDANE REAL MADRID COACH ‘Whether it’s the Champions League or just a friendly match, there is pressure here. But we are used to it. For the Champions League, yes, we are favorites, but there are also many other teams who can also win the competition.’  

 

While other teams have spent millions on new players to close the gap on the champions, Real made a record profittrading several players.  Observers say the squad doesn't have as much depth this time. FREDERIC HERMEL SPORTS JOURNALIST ‘It's evident that the standard of competition is higher than ever. That Real Madrid is the one that everyone wants to beat. Because if you are able to win, all the world will talk about you so the extra motivation of the opponents can be a problem for Real Madrid.’

 

Real begins its campaign against the undermanned Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia.DAN WILLIAMS MADRID "Real goes into the match boosted by the return of star player Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward appeared in court over the summer to answer questions over alleged tax fraud. He was then sent off to the Spanish Super Cup. But his teammates are confident Ronaldo will return with a point to prove. " KEYLOR NAVAS REAL MADRID GOALKEEPER ‘It's always good to have the best player in the world playing. Every time he plays, he contributes a lot. So it’s good for him having not played for a number of matches, and its good for us as a team as well.’

 

If there is any truth in the saying that ‘all good things come in threes’, Real Madrid could once again be in line for a spoecial season. Dan Williams, CGTN, Madrid.