MADRID — In a move described by analysts as 'peak Real Madrid,' the 15-time Champions League winners are reportedly investigating whether it's possible to retroactively claim previous European titles won by other clubs. The unprecedented inquiry comes as the club faces Manchester City as clear underdogs, a position club officials find deeply unsettling.

“We’ve always believed in the inherent superiority of the Real Madrid brand,” stated club spokesperson, Paloma Sanchez, from an undisclosed location. “And frankly, this ‘underdog’ narrative is simply not conducive to our brand identity. If we can’t win it this year, perhaps we can just… have a few more from the past? We’re looking into the legal precedent for ‘moral ownership’ of titles.”

Sources close to the club indicate that lawyers are poring over UEFA statutes, searching for loopholes that might allow Real Madrid to annex, for example, Nottingham Forest’s two European Cups from the late 70s, or perhaps a few of Bayern Munich’s. “It’s about maintaining the illusion of invincibility,” explained Dr. Emilio Vargas, a sports historian at the University of Barcelona. “When you’ve built your entire identity on being the best, admitting you might not be is a philosophical crisis.”

UEFA has yet to comment on the bizarre legal exploration, but insiders suggest a strongly worded rejection is being drafted. Meanwhile, Real Madrid players are reportedly being shown highlight reels of their own past victories on repeat, just in case they forget who they are.