MADRID — If Real Madrid has made one thing abundantly clear this season, it’s that it is far from the strongest team in Europe. The club no longer blows opponents away. And Cristiano Ronaldo’s powers are plainly on the wane. But for all those flaws, Los Blancos remain the unquestioned favorites to win the Champions League for a third consecutive season. Because when it comes to European competition, nothing seems to shake Real’s greatest strength: the sheer, unwavering arrogance of being a 12-time champion.

Source: Wall Street Journal April 30, 2018 18:56 UTC