After a heated draw for the Champions League group stage, where Real Madrid discovered their opponents for the start of their journey toward back-to-back titles, Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes sparked controversy on social media with a provocative message.

On his X account, the Brazilian posted the message: “Here we go… 16º,” as a warning to all of Europe that Real Madrid will be chasing their 16th Champions League title. However, some fans believe this action is a provocation.

Here’s the path Real Madrid will face in the Champions League group stage:

The reigning champions will face Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Milan, Atalanta, Salzburg, Lille, Stuttgart, and Brest in the group stage of the new Champions League format, according to the draw held this afternoon at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Real Madrid will host Dortmund in a rematch of last season’s final, along with Milan, Salzburg, and Stuttgart, and will visit Liverpool, Atalanta, Lille, and Brest.

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This initial stage, called the "league phase" by UEFA, will consist of eight matchdays from September 17 to January 29. All will be played on two days: Tuesday and Wednesday, except for the first matchday (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and the last one, which will be unified on Wednesday and could be crucial in determining the round of 16 brackets. The schedule will be announced on Saturday, the 31st.

The top eight will advance directly to the round of 16. Those finishing between ninth and 24th place will play a two-legged playoff in February to complete the round of 16, while those in 25th to 36th place will be eliminated, with no chance to qualify for any other competition, as has been the case until now.

Afterward, the competition will continue with the current knockout format until the final on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.