The main goal against Borussia Dortmund is to win the game and finish first of the Group F of the Champions League. However, what if Real Madrid finish second? There are pros and cons about it.
Zinedine Zidane said in the press conference before the game that Los Blancos are not doing any calculations and that they will play to win and beat Borussia Dortmund. Nevertheless, we should have a look at the several possibilities opened if Real Madrid cannot win Borussia Dortmund.
The first important thing is that the first of the group will play the second leg of the Last 16 Round at home. Therefore, Real Madrid will have the possibility to play with their supporters at Santiago Bernabéu the second game. Last season, for instance, Real Madrid played all the draws with the second game at home. Something always beneficial. However, in the past, Real Madrid won the ticket for the Champions League finals in 1998, 2000 and 2014 outside Santiago Bernabéu.
If you are top of the Champions League group, you should play against easier rivals in the Last 16 Round because you can only face the second teams. But this year the situation is different. With four groups already finished, the seconds were PSG, Bayern Múnich, Manchester City and Benfica. We also know for sure that Bayer Leverkusen will finish second and Porto is very likely to finish behind Leicester City. So these could be Real Madrid rivals if they are first of the group.
If Real Madrid finish second, they will avoid to play against Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, because teams from the same country cannot play together. Therefore, they could face Napoli and Arsenal -who earned on Tuesday their ticket to the Last 16 round in the first position-. Monaco or Leicester City have also secured the first position, whereas Juventus have to win at home Dinamo Zagreb to top the group.
So which teams do you prefer?
The option if Real Madrid lead the group: PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen or Porto.
If Los Blancos finish second: Napoli, Arsenal, Monaco, Leicester City or Juventus.
