Is UEFA targeting Real Madrid? Look at their Champions League draws since Florentino Pérez's complaints

Since Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, publicly criticized UEFA, the club has faced a series of challenging draws in the Champions League. A closer look at Real Madrid's opponents in recent years has fueled speculation that the governing body of European football may be deliberately targeting the Spanish giants.

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In the last few seasons, Real Madrid has been drawn against some of the toughest opponents in European football. Their rivals have included the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain on multiple occasions. These teams are consistently among the favorites to win the Champions League, making Real Madrid's path to the trophy increasingly difficult.

A breakdown of Real Madrid's recent Champions League draws:

• 2017: Napoli, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Juventus
• 2018: PSG, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Liverpool
• 2019: Ajax
• 2020: Manchester City
• 2021: Atalanta, Liverpool, Chelsea
• 2022: PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool
• 2023: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City
• 2024: Leipzig, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund
• 2025: Manchester City

While it's impossible to definitively prove that UEFA is deliberately targeting Real Madrid, the frequency with which they have been drawn against such formidable opponents has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. Some have suggested that this could be a form of retaliation for Pérez's criticism of the organization.

Of course, it's also possible that these tough draws are simply a coincidence. The Champions League is a highly competitive tournament, and the draw is often seen as a lottery. However, the consistent nature of Real Madrid's difficult matchups has led many to question whether there is more to it.

Whether or not there is any truth to the conspiracy theory, one thing is certain: Real Madrid have faced a disproportionate share of tough opponents in recent years. As they continue to navigate the challenges of the Champions League, the question of whether UEFA is targeting them will continue to be a topic of debate.