Real Madrid may have won the Champions League a record 15 times – but their former striker Emilio Butragueno says this season’s draw ‘will be very difficult.’
Real have to face both Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as Juventus and Benfica.
Real lost to Arsenal in last season’s quarter-finals and now face two more Premier League sides.
Butragueno, now a director at the club, said: “We know that this competition is very difficult and we’re up against opponents of the very highest level. They will be evenly matched games, and we will have to prepare very well for them.
“We’re really hyped up for it and believe in a squad with a lot of resources and alternatives for Xabi Alonso. We’re confident that the team will live up to the expectations of our fans.
“We have played Liverpool and Manchester City several times in recent years. We know each other well, and they are top-level teams.
“They are fantastic matches for the fans because they are some of the best they can see in the world. It will be very difficult, and we will have to play at a very high level to beat them.
“It’s normal for our fans to be very excited about this competition because they know that they’re part of the team’s success.”