Real Madrid begins its defense of its Champions League title on Wednesday against Sporting at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Los Blancos defeated Atletico Madrid on penalties in the final last season after battling to a 1–1 result after extra time.
Ronaldo grew up playing in Sporting’s youth system and made his senior debut with the club in 2002. He played one season before being sold to Manchester United.
Sporting finished second last season in the Primeira Liga, behind Benfica.
Real Madrid and Sporting are in Group F, along with Borussia Dortmund and Legia Warsaw.