While Real Madrid fans often joke about the Champions League being their competition, I think we can all assume that not even Real Madrid‘s number one member thought that winning the Champions League this season would be a serious possibility.
While there was a lot of excitement around the signing of Jude Bellingham, the team would begin the season without a starting striker after Karim Benzema’s departure to Saudi Arabia took even the club’s hierarchy by surprise.
It was so unexpected that Real Madrid could only sign Joselu on loan from RCD Espanyol, who had been recently relegated.
As the league season was about to begin, things would go from bad to worse after both Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão ruptured their ACLs in the same week.
Later in the season, David Alaba also suffered an ACL injury and missed the remainder of the season. While Kepa Arrizabalaga was brought in on loan to provide cover in goal, Real Madrid didn’t make any additional signings and played with the players they had at their disposal.
Despite these concerns, Real Madrid would comfortably win the league, only losing one game during the entire campaign. Additionally, the team also beat Barcelona and Girona (revelation of the season) in both encounters.
Regardless, questions remained about the Champions League and whether this team could compete for it, let alone win it. Especially after drawing Manchester City in the quarterfinals, who were arguably the most in-form team at that moment.
However, if Real Madrid’s connection with the Champions League was already significant, it would soar to new heights after eliminating Manchester City in their own backyard and dramatically beating Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
In the final against Borussia Dortmund, even though the team played one of their worst games of the season, they still managed to come out on top to win the club’s historic 15th Champions League title.
Carlo Ancelotti and the collective unit
Without question, Carlo Ancelotti is the main architect behind Real Madrid‘s success this season.
Ancelotti has always been praised for his exceptional man-management skills, but many of us oftentimes forget that he also has one of the best football minds in the game.
With all the issues he’s had to deal with this season, being able to lead this squad to winning two important titles could possibly be his best work in his managerial career.
Contrary to other managers who in a similar position would complain about the injury concerns or the lack of signings, Ancelotti simply got on with it and used all of the team’s “remaining” strengths to its advantage.
Something which would reap its rewards because what made this season even more significant isn’t only that it was a complete team performance, but the fact that many of those players who began the season on the bench would play an important role in the team’s success.
- Antonio Rüdiger: Scored the game-winning penalty in the shootout against Manchester City and was arguably the team’s best defender throughout the season.
- Andriy Lunin: Stopped two penalties in the shootout against Manchester City and made crucial saves against Bayern Munich in the semifinals.
- Joselu: While he received initial criticism, he managed to turn things around and become an integral part of the team. He netted vital goals, but none were as significant as the two goals he scored against Bayern Munich in the semifinals that propelled Real Madrid to the Champions League final.
Real Madrid’s DNA is now clear
With all this, many continue to wonder about Real Madrid’s DNA and what is it that makes the club so successful. Some clubs might be known for their style of play or fighting spirit, but no one has ever been able to pinpoint what Real Madrid’s DNA is.
However, after this remarkable season, it’s now become clear what the club’s DNA is and doesn’t have to necessarily do with winning or never giving up. Real Madrid’s DNA is an old-school way of thinking that’s rarely seen in today’s society.
Real Madrid’s DNA: Stay positive and keep moving forward
Contrary to other teams who make excuses whenever they have issues, Real Madrid deal with their problems and stay determined. Something which the 2023/2024 season exemplified.
Despite all the injury problems, the team stayed persistent and managed to win yet another Champions League title. No matter the circumstances, Real Madrid always keeps their eyes on the prize and take gradual steps toward their objective.
