A year ago, Real Madrid headed to Schalke 04 with a lot of question marks. Of the 25 games the team had played on German soil heading into this matchup, it had won one, drawn six and lost an appalling 18.

This Madrid side knew that to make a deep run it would have to break the curse and did it ever. After plundering Schalke 6-1 on the road and running away with a 9-2 aggregate win, Los Blancos would overcome Borussia Dortmund 3-2 (though losing 2-0 in Dortmund) before making the statement of all statements in a 5-0 annihilation of then reigning Champions Bayern Munich (including a 4-0 win in Bavaria).

So a year later, Los Blancos head into the tournament against a Schalke side that is arguably weaker this time around, while the reigning champions themselves look a cut above the squad that dominated last year. But is that sufficient to escape the Round of 16?

Tournament History

To date, Real Madrid has done exactly as expected. It won every single match of the tournament, something that even last year was not accomplished. But we know this script. A team that wins everything is primed for a let down at some point in the tournament and it could very well happen to the Spanish side, which was recently conquered away from home against a feisty Valencia.

And to be exact, not all of the victories in Champions League group stage have been walks in the park. Madrid struggled at Razgrad against a surprising underdog before having to dig deep to separate from a terrific FC Basel squad. Madrid has been the defensive side in the tournament with 16 goals scored and only two conceded so there should be no doubt about this team's abilities in this round.

For Schalke, things have been a bit more complicated. The team managed to finish second in a group featured Chelsea and no one else of note. The German side came away with two wins, two draws and two defeats in the tournament, but there are some glaring issues to be dealt with. Defense has been inconsistent and at times atrocious. The team surrendered 14 goals in the group round including nine across its two defeats, making it the worst team statistically in the knockout rounds. Aside from Basel, which scored seven while conceding eight (five of them in the first game against Real Madrid), Schalke is the only team left to concede more goals than it has scored in the tournament. This is significant as the team will be under tremendous duress throughout the matchup and any mistakes will wind up in its goal.

At least Schalke can take solace in knowing that, of the eight runner-up sides, it does not have the least points.

Players to Watch

For Real Madrid, you would really need to look at the entire squad, but the key player here is Luka Modric. The Croatian has been injured and the team did look noticeably predictable with its passing in the 2-1 defeat against Valencia. Modric is the man to tie the midfield and forwards together and has been particularly good in the UCL when called upon. He should be back by the time these teams meet and his passing will be essential in what should be a highly physical game for Real Madrid.

For Schalke, the partnership between Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Real Madrid will obviously remember the wonder goal the Dutchman put in last season in the Round of 16, but the Cameroon star Chuopo-Moting provides a different threat. He has been solid for Schalke this year, provides an aerial threat and has good speed. He will undoubtedly ask interesting questions of Madrid's defense.

Real Madrid wins if...

It plays its game ot the best of its ability while locking down Schalke's counter attacks.

Schalke wins if...

If it intimidates Real Madrid physically, wins the first match and dominates on the counter.

X-Factors

Julian Draxler is on his way to being one of the best in the world. If he dominates this tie, Real Madrid could be in for a world of hurt.

On the other side, coach Carlo Ancelotti holds the cards. How does he deploy his team and who gets the start. A midfield with Asier Illarramendi could give the team the necessary cover to avoid weakness on the counter. However, one with James Rodriguez, Isco and Toni Kroos could give Los Blancos more creativity moving forward. And will Modric, who is the key player, even get a chance to start in this tie?

Predictions

 Real Madrid should win the first leg, but it will not be 6-1. Expect something a bit more tempered such as a 2-1 win on the road and a 3-0 win at home. Still a dominating display, but hardly the 9-2 beating of 2014.