Resilience was on display again as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the final after knocking out Paris Saint-Germain, stunning the titleholder Chelsea in the quarterfinals, and then shocking Manchester City in the semifinals again. Although Karim Benzema has been in the best form of his career, it was Vinicus Junior who scored the winning goal in the final.
After losing to Sheriff at home, how did you go on and win the great competition? It is easier to understand if you have a map. Madrid had no success in the previous season and admittedly wanted to win something this time around, both domestically and in Europe.
The 5-0 away win over Shakhtar re-established Real Madrid’s group-stage bearings. Demoralizing defeat in Paris triggered a new high-pressing strategy that paid dividends in the second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Against City, they had just been crowned Spanish champions, and they outplayed all of their previous efforts. Vinicus Junior’s goal (along with Thibaut Courtois’s saves) gave the title to Real Madrid even though they were overwhelmingly outplayed.
Real Madrid’s Play Formation
Madrid has a strong backline in a 4-3-3 formation, starting with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and extending through center-back Éder Militao to the experienced midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos. Benzema, who is in fine form right now and a master of the center-forward position, is the final piece of the puzzle.
Younger players like Vincius Junior and Federico Valverde bring youthful exuberance and intangible expertise that can get them out of tight spots.
Real Madrid’s Key Player
France forward Karim Benzema has proven to be a worthy successor to Cristiano Ronaldo as Real Madrid’s talisman following Ronaldo’s departure in 2018.
With his hat trick against Paris Saint-Germain and the decisive strike in extra time against Chelsea, he has now scored Madrid’s 1,000th European Cup goal, which came against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this season.
His Panenka against City almost defied belief, and he was nerveless from the spot in the return to send his side to the showpiece, as well.
Real Madrid Manager
Carlo Ancelotti who guided Real Madrid to ‘La Décima in 2014’ returned for a second stint in charge of the team. With four European Cup/Champions League titles under his belt, he holds the record for most finals managed by a coach.
Fact About Real Madrid
This season, Real Madrid advanced to the European Cup final for the 17th time, six more times than any other team. In the UEFA Champions League finals, they have now won all eight of them and their total of 14 titles is unmatched.
