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REAL MADRID

Five reasons why Madrid can retain the Champions League

Ahead of the start of their 2016-17 campaign against Sporting on Wednesday, we look at five reasons why the defending champions can win the title for a 12th time.

Update:
Five reasons why Madrid can retain the Champions League

Espanyol vs Real Madrid live English

Real Madrid are by a distance the most successful team in the history of the European Cup/Champions League competition and no other club associates themselves more with the history of the tournament.

A second title in three years took Madrid four clear of AC Milan as the undoubted kings of Europe and when it comes to big European nights come the springtime, the Santiago Bernabeu is transformed into a cauldron.

A huge part of their success comes from the fact when it comes to balancing priorities at the business end of the season, unlike some others, Madrid always side with the Champions League over domestic duties. Expect this season to be no different.

1: Zidane's squad

FLORENTINO PEREZ & ZINEDINE ZIDANE
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FLORENTINO PEREZ & ZINEDINE ZIDANEDIARIO AS

Coach Zinedine Zidane and president Florentino Perez insisted Real's squad was "impossible" to improve upon as they shunned splashing on a Galactico signing in the transfer market.

2: Morata return and stability

The return of Alvaro Morata from Juventus was Real's only significant move, which has left an unusual air of stability at the Bernabeu.

Football Soccer - Spanish Liga Santander - Real Madrid v Osasuna- Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain 10/09/16. Real Madrid's Pepe celebrates his first goal with his teammate Alvaro Morata (top) during the match.
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Football Soccer - Spanish Liga Santander - Real Madrid v Osasuna- Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain 10/09/16. Real Madrid's Pepe celebrates his first goal with his teammate Alvaro Morata (top) during the match.JUAN MEDINAREUTERS

Morata's arrival also adds depth in one of the few positions that needed strengthening as the Spanish international will battle Karim Benzema to be Zidane's first-choice central striker between Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale

3: Cristiano's goals 

Top scorer in the competition for the past four seasons and of all-time, Cristiano Ronaldo is Mr. Champions League and has another significant milestone in reach.

eal Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session.
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eal Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session.SUSANA VERAREUTERS

The Portuguese is just seven goals short of a century in the Champions League and having hit double figures in Europe for the past five seasons and recently returned to fitness following knee ligament damage, another barrel load of Champions League goals to take him into three figures seems certain.

4: Bale dreams of Cardiff final

As if Madrid needed any more motivation to defend their title, one of their superstars has an extra special reason to make it back to the final.

Gareth Bale said he came to Madrid to win the Champions League and has done just that in two of his first three seasons. However, the chance to win it in front of a home crowd in Cardiff on June 3 next year is especially enticing.

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale
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Real Madrid's Gareth Bale

"It would be very nice. I've experienced the Super Cup in Cardiff before and it would be amazing to experience an actual Champions League final in Cardiff as well," said Bale last week.

5: Retain trophy, added motivation

One of the very few feats left for Madrid to conquer in the Champions League is breaking the remarkable 26-year run since the trophy was last retained.

Madrid have tried and failed four times since Milan did it in 1990, but the experience gained from six successive semi-finals means they are better-placed than ever to defend the trophy.

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid kisses the Champions League trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final
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Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid kisses the Champions League trophy after the UEFA Champions League FinalMatthias HangstGetty Images