The last time Real Madrid started a season as the strong favourite to win the Champions League was probably during the good ol' days of the Bale-Benzema-CR7 combo. Even at that, they weren't the out and out favourite because they had another team right across Spain providing a very stiff competition in terms of credentials - the team led by the magical Argentine, Lionel Messi.
Since that incredible attacking triumvirate was dissolved in 2018, Madrid have added two more Champions League trophies to their cabinet. However, they have never been the pre-tournament favourite at any point within that time. Their 2021 win was probably the most miraculous of any. I'll rank it as high as the 2005 Miracle of Istanbul and higher when Chelsea stunned the whole world to wack Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
If there is one thing that continues to amaze me about this Madrid team down the years, especially under Ancelotti, it is how they get their things done. They look simple, they look easy on the eyes; heck, they look very beatable and every above average team always seems to give them a run for their money. But, in the end, they always seem to prevail.
Last night's Champions League triumph against Dortmund didn't disappoint. For much of the game, Madrid was second best. Dortmund breached Madrid's defence with razor sharp movements time and again. And as chances were squandered by the Germans in the opening half, it became apparent that Madrid would soon have their chances and be ruthless with it. It came in a space of nine second half minutes. Two chances, two goals. Game Over.
As I sat pondering about how to qualify the triumphant Madrid team, I struggled for a perfect word for them. Yes, they've been brilliant but they barely dominate a match from start to finish. No thanks to the loudmouthed British media, Bellingham's impact was blown out of proportion this season. He had a wonderful season but so does Vinicius Junior once again.
If I am to set a World 11 right now, maybe about two or three of Madrid's players will make the cut. Carvajal is reliable but I won't put him ahead of Walker. Even the highly respected Kroos won't make the cut. I'd gladly start Mbappe ahead of Vinicius on the left and will consider Foden over Bellingham if I'm to play one in the hole. Madrid are a team of superstars. The stars aren't necessarily glittering, but they are ruthlessly efficient.
Despite that, Madrid continues to confound us all. It's not a surprise they beat Dortmund, they were better on paper. The surprise was that they made it to the final with only Joselu as the out and out striker. They bested all without three of their back five for most of the season. They stroll to the La Liga title with a box to box midfielder being their highest goal scorer.
The hallmark of this team is not in how prodigiously talented they are, it is in how effective they've become at finding solutions to whatever problem that arises. It is in how they always rise up when it matters most. They've taken winning to a whole new level. It comes naturally to them.
