We top Group D by a solitary point going into the penultimate matchday of the group phase, where we take on a Real Madrid side who have endured a disappointing European campaign having failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Our group stage journey began in Madrid on matchday one where we were forced to settle for a single point after an eventful 2-2 draw, where our performance merited more but we were left frustrated by decisions that went against us on the night.

On home soil, the Blues have the chance to seal our spot in the quarter-finals of the competition with victory over Real Madrid however, Cuthbert is expecting nothing less than a tough test against a side who will be coming to the capital with a point to prove.

There have been several epic encounters in the history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, from iconic goals and surprise packages to major upsets. It is something Cuthbert attributes to improvements being made by teams across the continent.

‘Women’s football across Europe is improving. We often talk about four or five leagues, but all the teams are starting to improve and there is no easy game. Long gone are the days when you can rotate the team and change things up significantly.

‘It’s making it really hard and you need to be on it every game. Maybe teams haven’t been used to that, but it’s a swift reality check. We learned that when we went out a couple of years ago. It’s a difficult task to get out of the group, and this one is really difficult.

‘We’ve still got two really tough games to play. Two teams with a point to prove, Real Madrid especially. They’ll want to show their players are deserving of being on this stage, a few of them are World Cup winners too.

‘I know if we went out, all I’d want is to cause an upset and spoil the party for another team.'

Cuthbert has returned with a vengeance from the mid-season break, earning much adulation having played inspired roles in our recent victories over West Ham and Manchester United, but it hasn’t changed her approach.

‘It’s nice to receive. For me, my attitudes and behaviours haven’t changed compared to any other game I’ve played this season. I’m still the same person, with the same behaviours and the same attitude, but it’s nice to be recognised.

‘That’s now my standard that I’ve set, I’ve got to keep challenging myself and Emma (Hayes) will challenge me every day to keep doing that.’

Our Scotland international midfielder is a presence on the pitch with a relentless work rate and appetite to compete for every ball. Communication is one element of the 25-year-old’s game which has evolved and she enjoys feeling a responsibility to set the standards.

‘I think it’s always been there. The more comfortable you are at a club, the more it comes out, but I’m probably now regarded as a senior player, despite my age, because of the length of time I’ve been here.

‘I now have to step up and take the initiative, it’s no longer watching other players step up and learning from them. I need to set the standards now, and I understand that responsibility. I enjoy that, as I like to lead with my actions and my behaviours, as well as vocally.’