Analysis: What are the odds for the Champions to defend their title without Cristiano Ronaldo?

2016-17: Showman Cristiano's emphatic rise

Ronaldo scoring his brace against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League Final in Cardiff

Real Madrid's 2016-17 campaign was a testament to Cristiano Ronaldo's authority in the competition. Real Madrid had in total 36 goals out of which Ronaldo scored 12.

In the round of 16, it was a collective effort from Madrid to overcome Napoli. After heading to Italy with an advantage of 3 - 1, Real Madrid were favourites to advance. However, Napoli started brilliantly to spoil Los Blancos' party. Dries Mertens fires past Navas to ignite hope for Napoli in the first half. When Madrid was living dangerously in the game, Sergio Ramos stepped up to head two corners in the second half putting a full stop to the dreams of Napoli.

However, quarterfinal onwards it was a super Cristiano show. Cristiano was decisive in the knockout stages of the tournament where he wrapped up two hattricks in the quarter-final and the semifinal successively to go top of the goalscoring chart.

Against Bayern Munich, Cristiano scored a hat-trick in the second leg to set the date with city rivals Atletico Madrid. Poor officiating by the referees made highlights as Ronaldo appeared to have scored 2 goals from offside positions.

Cristiano was sublime against Atletico and a hat-trick in the first leg ensured that they were one step closer towards defending their crown. Two quickfire goals in the return leg from Atletico had given a scare to Madrid but an Isco strike late in the first half settled the nerves and the tie.

Juventus were awaiting in the final in a hope to rattle the dreams of Los Blancos to defend the crown. However, Cristiano and Madrid had other ideas. A classic display of goal-scoring prowess and supreme midfield control dismantled one of the best defences of recent era and saw Los Blancos successfully defend their title in Cardiff.