The kings of Europe are back

Real Madrid are already among the top eight teams in Europe. It is almost the bare minimum for a team that has made the Champions League its way of life, but after two seasons falling at the last-16 stage, the Champions League anthem will once again play for Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.

The mere presence of Zinedine Zidane's side is always a threat simply due to the way they compete. The two defeats against Shakhtar Donetsk pushed them to the limit on the final matchday against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Karim Benzema led the line on Tuesday night against Atalanta, having missed the first leg due to injury. In fact, Real Madrid were without nine players in Italy, where they only won thanks to unexpected goal from Ferland Mendy.

At the end of January Real Madrid were in a situation that bordered on total loss. But they have since regained form in LaLiga Santander to the point of being in the fight with Atletico Madrid. Everything is now being played with messages of optimism.

Thibaut Courtois appears in every game to do what was sought with his arrival: a goalkeeper who wins games. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are as magnificent as ever. Fede Valverde chipped in to help against Atalanta, meaning Casemiro's absence was less dramatic than expected. The return of Sergio Ramos is crucial, too.

Speaking after Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Atalanta, Ramos was pleased with his team.

"The objective was to advance and get a good result," he said.

"We have come out with the ambition of wanting to win the game, play with control of the ball and have control of the game. There is a long season left and this is the way forward."

The topic of contract renewal was not absent either.

"I cannot report anything. When there is something new, I will be the first to say so," Ramos added.