Three games from a treble

On the wings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid are looking to match Ajax and Bayern Munich, the last two teams to win three consecutive European Cups, over 40 years ago. The Portuguese forward is looking to emulate Johan Cruyff and Franz Beckenbauer, legends that led their teams to European history.

Still recovering from the nerves that Ronaldo aleviated in the 93rd minute, Real Madrid are awaiting their next opponents, who will be revealed at 13:00 (CET) during Friday's draw. Liverpool, Roma and Bayern Munich will all be desperate to avoid the Spanish giants, but only two will succeed. 

With their chances of winning the Spanish La Liga dying out in January, and having been eliminated from the Copa del Rey in the quarter-finals, Zinedine Zidane has thrown his whole force at the Champions League in the hope of salvaging an otherwise disappointing season.

- The Champions League hymn -

As if buoyed by the legacy of Bernabeu and Di Stefano, nobody dances to the Champions League hymn quite like Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo cements his European legacy more and more every time he plays in the competition; the forward has scored 30 goals in the final three stages of the Champions League, three times as many as the next best scorer. 

Although it went right to the wire when Real defeated Atletico Madrid in Milan, their victory over Juventus in Cardiff was performed with ease, highlighting the affinity that the club have had historically with the competition. Furthermore, despite their undwerwhelming performance in La Liga this season, Zidane's side have shown their true quality in Europe, with no greater example than their victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

- The obstacles in the way -

With three games separating them from this historic treble, Real Madrid face Roma, Bayern Munich and Liverpool as the remaining obstacles between them and the trophy. The revelation that is Mo Salah, the tactical nouse of Eusebio Di Francesco, and the undeniable quality of Bayern Munich are all a threat over two legs, and it is by no means a walk in the park between here and Kiev, where Real could compete in another Champions League final, having not lost in one for 37 years.