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Riding high domestically and in the Champions League, can Real Madrid rule Europe for a record-extending 16th time?
Real Madrid are midway through a run of six successive away games, with their latest trip taking them to Olympiakos in the Champions League tonight.
Xabi Alonso’s men head to the Greek capital on the back of a three-game winless run which began with a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
As the 15-time European champions look to return to winning ways, DAZN News’ Ross Heppenstall assesses their season so far.
Los Blancos riding high domestically and in Europe
Last season, the Spanish giants finished without a trophy for the first time since 2020/21.
That marked the end of Carlos Ancelotti’s second spell in charge and into his place came Alonso, who made 236 appearances for Madrid as a player.
He left his role as Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of last season and signed a deal running until 30 June 2028.
Alonso, who won the Champions League as a player at Real in 2014, was hailed by Ancelotti as “one of the best in the world” when his appointment was confirmed.
His reign began during the FIFA Club World Cup during the summer before Madrid began the season like a house on fire.
They won seven games straight in all competitions before suffering a 5-2 derby defeat at Atletico Madrid on September 27.
They responded by embarking on a six-match winning sequence, which included a 2-1 home victory over Barcelona in El Clasico.
Right now, after 13 games, Madrid sit top of La Liga, a point above second-placed Barcelona.
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How is Jude Bellingham faring this season?
Bellingham enjoyed a stellar debut campaign at the Bernabeu in the 2023-24 season, scoring 23 times in all competitions, winning the league title, Champions League and being voted La Liga’s player of the season.
It has not been plain sailing since and conjecture surrounds his place in England’s World Cup side next year given the depth of talent at Thomas Tuchel’s disposal.
Yet Bellingham’s ability is not in doubt and he showed his class in a fiery Clasico win over Barcelona at the Bernabeu on October 26 by scoring and assisting for the first time in La Liga this season.
Bellingham produced a defence-splitting through ball to create Kylian Mbappe’s opener and then scored the winner after Fermin Lopez had levelled.
It was Bellingham’s fourth goal in five Clasico appearances and gave Madrid the bragging rights after they lost all four games against Barcelona last season, conceding 16 goals in total.
Bellingham then scored in Madrid’s next game against Valencia and again at the weekend in a 2-2 draw at Elche.
The former Birmingham City prospect also produced an assist for a goal by former Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, suggesting he is ready to hit form in the Greek capital tonight.
@realmadrid
Mbappe once again proving one of the world’s best
The France striker has failed to score in his last three appearances for Real Madrid – but he is enjoying an outstanding campaign.
He has registered a staggering 23 goals in just 21 appearances for club and country this season.
Mbappe, 26, will fancy his chances of getting back on the goal trail for Alonson’s men in Athens this evening.
Along with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Mbappe is firmly established as one of the greatest goalscorers of his generation.
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What might Madrid be capable of this season?
After their barren 2024-25 campaign, Los Blancos need to win silverware this term.
Anything else would be tantamount to serious failure for arguably the biggest club in world football.
But the way Madrid are leading the way in La Liga, and riding high in the Champions League, suggests they will be there when the biggest prizes are handed out.
Real Madrid are a club who exist to win trophies and do not be surprised to see them go all the way by regaining the Spanish title and lifting a record-extending 16th European Cup.
They have the manager and the players to do it.
Full Champions League fixture list for Matchday 5
Tuesday 25 November
- Ajax vs Benfica
- Galatasaray vs Union Saint-Gilloise
- Bodø / Glimt vs Juventus
- Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
- Chelsea vs Barcelona
- Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Marseille vs Newcastle United
- Napoli vs Qarabağ
- Slavia Prague vs Athletic Club
Wednesday 26 November
- Copenhagen vs Kairat
- Pafos vs Monaco
- Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
- Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan
- Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta
- Liverpool vs PSV
- Olympiakos vs Real Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Sporting CP vs Club Brugge
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How to watch the Champions League in the USA on DAZN
Soccer fans in the US can watch the Champions League in the Spanish language as part of their DAZN subscription package.
An annual upfront payment is $224.99 , while paying monthly for 12 months is $19.99 and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
CBS has coverage of every Champions League match in the English language this season. You can get more details and subscribe to CBS's Champions League coverage here.
Fans can watch extra Champions League games in Spanish on ViX. A selection of those matches are also available on UNIMÁS and TUDN.
How to watch the Champions League in New Zealand on DAZN
Every Champions League game during the 2025-26 season is streamed in high definition and comes as part of a DAZN subscription.
An annual subscription costs $14.99 per month for 12 months and also provides access to 185 fight nights a year across boxing, MMA, PFL, BKFC, Glory and much more.
How to watch the Champions League in Canada on DAZN
Watch every game of the Champions League this season in Canada with a DAZN subscription.
There are three subscription options, each offering a different selection of sports. Access to every Champions League match is included in all three package offerings, ranging from $29.99 to $44.99 per month (for 12 months)
