Real Madrid will be looking to seal a historic triumph in the UEFA Champions League this season. If they do, they will be recognized as the first team in the Champions League era to win back-to-back trophies. However, they will face stiff competition from their German rivals Borussia Dortmund in the group, which also comprises of Sporting Lisbon and Legia Warsaw.

This group is a much more straight-forward one compared to others. It is difficult to say that Lisbon or Warsaw could pull out any major surprise against Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund. But, we all know that anything can happen in football, so we just have to wait and see what happens.

Predicted finish: Real Madrid (1), Borussia Dortmund (2), Sporting Clube de Portugal (3) and Legia Warsaw (4).

Clubs

Borussia Dortmund

Another transfer window and another major departure from Dortmund. Key defender Mats Hummels moved to the Bavarian Giants leaving a major hole to fill for the Dortmund manager. However, the reunion of Mario Gotze with his youth club promises to improve their chances in the attack.

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Schurrle, Ousmane Dembele and Marco Reus can together threaten any team in the world. In addition, Gotze will provide the creativity in the attack to make it even more formidable.

Although their chances of winning the domestic league may seem low, given the immovable Bayern Munich. But, they stand to have a fair chance in the Champions League.

Last season: UEFA Europa League quarter-finals

Best European Cup performance: Winners (1996/97)

Legia Warsaw

Polish champions were pushed all the way in their final stage of the qualifier by the Irish outfit Dundalk. But the determination to return among Europe’s finest took them through despite playing a man down.

After spending nearly two decades without Champions League action, Warsaw supporters could not have imagined for a more difficult group to lay eyes on.

Last season: UEFA Europa League group stage

Best European Cup performance: Semi-finals (1969/70)

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are in phenomenal form in La Liga. They are the defending champions in UEFA Champions League. Morata’s return to the Spanish giants has sprung a new era for the club.

Also, they have been unusually quiet during the transfer window, likely because they already have a full packed squad with hardly any scope of improvement remaining.

Zinedine Zidane would hope for Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to continue gunning from where they left last year. The two have also been in exceptional form during the Euro 2016.

Last season: UEFA Champions League winners

Best European Cup performance: Winners (1955/56, 1956/57, 1957/58, 1959/60, 1960/61, 1965/66, 1997/98, 1999/2000, 2001/02, 2013/14, 2015/16)

Sporting Clube de Portugal

For a team lacking in confidence, both in the domestic league and Europe. This is not the group they would have hoped for. Failing to win a major trophy in the domestic league for 14 years would seriously amount a lot of pressure in spite of completing some major signings in recent past.

Lisbon would be hoping to manage the third place in the group to try its luck once again in Europa and try to go beyond their finish last year.

Last season: UEFA Europa League round of 32

Best European Cup performance: Quarter-finals (1982/83)

Key fixtures

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund is a growing to become a major contest in the Champions League having faced each other on numerous occasions in recent years. That is undoubtedly the match to keep your eyes on.