The Champions League and nothing else for Real Madrid

Nothing else matters for Real Madrid this season and, once again, everything comes down to the Champions League. All that is left of their season will be on the line on Tuesday evening when they take on Ajax at a packed Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

History repeats itself

As has been true so often before, Madrid's success this season will be defined by Europe. It was also true when they won their seventh, eighth and ninth European Cup, while the tenth was paired with a Copa del Rey win, only for the eleventh and thirteenth to return as the only pieces of silverware won in those respective seasons.

Unprecedented Clasico form

Never in their history have Real Madrid lost two back-to-back home Clasicos against Barcelona and the situation is new for them, which is only worsened by the fact that the defeats ended their Copa del Rey and title hopes. Just one year ago, though, Madrid were in the same situation and had just the Champions League to focus on ahead of their tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

An open path

After the double blow against Barcelona in just 72 hours, Madrid need Europe for their season to be remembered positively. But nobody at the club expects it to be easy against Ajax, and the Dutch side will be relishing the opportunity to inflict further misery on the Bernabeu. They will be offensive, daring and have nothing to lose. Madrid, be warned.

All on Europe

Recent results have been poor for Madrid and they have not been able to maintain the bright spark they briefly showed. There is nothing left to play for domestically and Europe is the only offer of salvation.