The Champions League is always the title most coveted by Madrid, but this year their hopes of winning it are lower due to the difficult season they are having.

What’s more, the demanding knockout-phase draw has pitted them against Bayern Munich and with a potential semi against champions PSG if they get through.

However, for the board, and especially for president Florentino Perez, the next stages are the most important. For Perez, the result and the image of what happens now are absolutely critical.

Failing to win La Liga or the Champions League would make Alvaro Arbeloa continuing in the job unfeasible, despite the fact he has always been highly regarded by the Madrid board since his playing days for the club.

From the time he was appointed on January 12, there have been constant rumours linking Madrid with other coaches for next season — a significant signal of the uncertainty at the Bernabeu.