(Football news) Real Madrid on Saturday continued their love affair with the Champions League for a record 14th time. They had already secured the La Liga with 4 games in hand to make the season an incredible success with a double. Despite so much success, it is tough not to think about what could've been if Los Blancos hadn't conceded that late goal against Athletic Club that knocked them out of the Copa del Rey. Nevertheless, Madrid have silenced all their doubters time and time again this season by showing incredible grit and determination.
By no means has this season been a smooth ride. Losses against Sheriff at home, PSG away and especially the 4-0 loss against Barcelona at home were extremely hard breaking for Madridistas. The experience of the squad and the manager have helped the team come back stronger. La Liga was always in Real Madrid's control as they won it with 4 games in hand. Los Blancos said goodbye to Isco, Gareth Bale and Marcelo who have played their last season for the club. The trio are legends and have been part of the incredible generation that has won 5 UCL trophies. New signings Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba have settled in perfectly at the club and their performances will only improve from this stage.
Karim Benzema has had a stellar season with 42 goals and 14 assists this season. He won the Pichichi Trophy for most goals in the La Liga and also the UCL top goalscorer award. There is absolutely no one who can stop him from winning the Ballon d'or this year. The revelation of this season has been Vinicius Jr. After a few difficult seasons in Madrid the Brazilian has come to life and how. He has 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season. For a player who until last year was heavily criticised for his lack of final product, this has been a breakthrough season. The club is about to offer him an improved contract which he deserves. Rodrygo has been a super sub throughout the season and has won so many games for the Merengues.
Perhaps the most important player in the squad has been Thibaut Courtois. This season, the Belgian showed the whole world why he is the best goalkeeper in the world. His man of the match performance in the UCL final may have been a surprise for others but Madrid fans are used to the shot stopper pulling off such massive saves. After being 2nd choice for a couple of seasons, Eder Militao has been given the first choice role and has fit in perfectly. Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy have been troubled with injuries but when fully fit have had great impacts. In their absence, Nacho and Lucas Vazquez have stepped up at crucial times to put in solid performances.
The legendary midfield of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luka Modric have been solid all season. Youngsters Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde have added their energy whenever called upon. Towards the back end of the season Dani Ceballos has had good games as a substitute. It has been a complete team performance by Los Blancos this season. The squad will be bolstered by potential arrivals of Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni among a couple of others next season. President Florentino Perez one day after winning the UCL said "Now we go for the 15th UCL trophy next year" which goes on to show the mentality of the club.
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