Real Madrid are already causing fear again. How did Ancelotti make the White Ballet a candidate for the Champions League trophy?

Real Madrid is the absolute king of the Champions League, with no one even coming close to its record 13 trophies. But with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, the Spanish giant has lost some of its lustre, and is no longer the feared dominator in the millionaire’s competition. But that aura is back again.

In 2014-2018, Real Madrid were almost impossible to beat or knock out in the Champions League. In 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, the White Ballet won the entire competition, and in 2015 they crashed out in the semi-finals to Juventus after one unlucky goal.

Real rewrote all records in those years, as did Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s just that when this duo parted ways in 2018, it was bad for both parties. Real Madrid in the following two seasons already finished in the eighth round, the Portuguese at Juventus didn’t cross the quarter-final gates for the first time and finished in the eighth round for the second time.

Los Blancos hinted at a return to Europe’s top last year when they reached the semi-finals, where they fell out with Chelsea. However, nobody really thought they were the favourites back then, with Manchester City or PSG more likely to be trusted. This year, however, it’s a different story.

Real Madrid have been running like clockwork since the start of the season. They are currently on a streak of 9 wins in a row, and they haven’t known defeat for 12 matches. It leads La Liga by eight points over Sevilla, has won 12 of its 16 games, drawn three times and lost only once. And he has scored 37 goals, keeping his average at over two goals per game.

In the Champions League, he won his group with 15 points, winning five out of six games, falling only once, sensationally to Sheriff Tiraspol. Overall, however, he netted 14 goals in the group and conceded only three times. Where are the main reasons for Ancelotti’s war?

Defence

Nobody knew how Real Madrid would look after the departure of the long-time stopper duo Ramos – Varane. But so far, it looks like Los Blancos have strengthened even more. The Alaba – Militao duo have come on incredibly quickly, the young Brazilian is becoming the leader of the defence, Alaba has been performing above standard every game.

We must also mention Thibaut Courtois, who is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in his current form. Almost every game he pulls off an incredible save to save Real Madrid from conceding. While in previous years the White Ballet have been more focused on attacking, this year he is showing that defending can be his forte too.

The birth of Vinícius

After the departure of Ronaldo, Real were extremely short of goal-scoring wingers. Eden Hazard spends more time in the sick bay than on the pitch, Asensio, Rodrygo and Vinícius have failed to get over 5 goals a season. So all the burden was on Benzema, only this year he was relieved a lot by Vinícius Junior.

The Brazilian youngster finally unlocked his full potential and started to shine. The defender is destroying with his rocket speed and refined technique, and he has added calmness in finishing. He currently has a 12+5 record and has formed a lethal duo with Benzema, who is on 17+8 figures. He is especially dangerous for opponents in that he can create big chances even from seemingly helpless situations.

Teamwork

One of the key factors of all successful teams. At the beginning of the century, Real Madrid embarked on the Galacticos project, but it didn’t bring much success. Big names don’t always equal guaranteed success, Real Madrid ran into big egos of star players and it didn’t lead to a Champions League trophy. Florentino Pérez subsequently changed course and it brought the 2014-18 titles.

This season, the teaminess from Real Madrid is splintering in all directions. Although it is a slight unfairness to Benzema and Vinícius, Los Blancos do not rely on one or two attacking stars, but play as a team. They all attack together, they all defend together, when the team pulls off a block, all the players shift without bullshit.

You could find further proof over the weekend. Luka Jovic, who has barely played this season, came on against Real Sociedad. It was his first goal of the year and when he scored it, his teammates immediately showered him with huge congratulations as they all wanted him to score. Alaba was the one who enjoyed Jovic’s goal the most, infecting everyone else with his team spirit.

Real Madrid are thus once again awe-inspiring and are undoubtedly among the main candidates to win the Champions League. The experienced axis of Alaba – Casemiro – Kroos – Modric – Benzema, plus the hungry youngsters of Vinícius – Rodrygo – Valverde – Camavinga, is a very good mix. And it is not so impossible that Santiago Bernabéu will celebrate his 14th Champions League title this summer.

Source: Livesport, Twitter