The UEFA Champions League knockout bracket has shown little mercy to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants were handed a notoriously awkward tie against Benfica in the play-off round — a matchup made even more uncomfortable by recent history.

Just days earlier, Real were punished by the Portuguese side, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin playing a decisive role in their downfall — a reminder of how dangerous Benfica can be over two legs.

Should Real come through that tie, the challenge would only intensify. Awaiting them in the next round would be the winner of Manchester City vs Sporting, another clash loaded with tactical and physical demands.

And if Álvaro Arbeloa’s side were to reach the quarter-finals, the likely opposition would be either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, both among the most experienced and battle-hardened teams in Europe.

In terms of difficulty, Real’s projected path to the Champions League semi-finals may be rivalled only by Monaco’s potential run — which could include meetings with PSG, then Barcelona, and a possible quarter-final showdown with Liverpool.