Real Madrid

Real Madrid have won nearly very opening Champions league meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium since the 62/63 season. During that campaign, they obtained one of two draws recorded in their history during the opening home game in Europe’s premier competition. The figures show 40 wins, two draws and not a single defeat. With history on their side and the support of their fans who will be out in force for the return of the Champions league, Mourinho’s men will look to extend their good run in opening home matches against Manchester City.

History certainly favours Real Madrid in their opening home Champions league games. In the 42 times they have contested this competition, they have never lost their opening game at the Santiago Bernabéu. In fact, they have won all but two games which resulted in draws in the 1960/61 (2-2 against Barcelona) and 1962/63 campaigns (3-3 against Anderlecht). Since that time, they have racked up 34 wins in a row. These include opening day thrashings (6-0) dished out to Glasgow Rangers, Apollon, Spora, Odense and Genk.

In the previous seasons under Mourinho, Real Madrid played their opening European game against Ajax. In 2010, the Dutch team visited the Santiago Bernabéu on match day 1 of the group stages. Real Madrid won 2-0 with a brace from Higuaín. Last season, after playing their first group game away from home, the Whites beat Ajax again (3-0) at home on the second match day. Ronaldo, Kaká and Benzema scored the goals.