Real Madrid cements their title as kings of Europe, after they extend their own previous record 14 UCL titles, which has remain untouched for around half a century. They most recently added to their tally after bagging their fifteenth in a match against Borrusia Dortmund on Sat 1st June. The closest team with most UCL teams is Atletico with 7 UCL title, and with Real widening the gap it is safe to say that the record will stay for a very long time.
Despite, Real Madrid being declared favorites to win the title, Borussia proved to be worthy contenders regardless of being the underdogs. from the moment the competition started Borussia has proven doubters wrong time and time again, after they eliminated Atletico 5-4 on aggregate and proceed to the semi’s where they thrashed fan favorites PSG to proceed to the finals to face Reyes de Europe (Kings of Europe), Real Madrid. In the fast half the men in yellow and black played remarkably well and seemed more than determined to win their second UCL title for their loyal captain Marco Reus who had decided to hang his boots after 12years of pure dedication and loyalty for the club. They especially looked dangerous, in the first half of the game registering seven shots. Two opportunities, in particular, will haunt them. Karim Adeyemi tried to go around Thibaut Courtois but that only made the chance more difficult. Niclas Fullkrug did beat the goalkeeper but not his far post. They were three minutes in which history passed them by.
The Los Blancos started the campaign rather slow paced with most of their key players seeming somehow missing in action most notably winger Rodrygo and English midfielder Jude Bellingham. This showed as Ancelotti’s men created little in the first half, and ended the first half without registering even a shot on target. In the end, though Los Blanco’s legend Toni Kroos decided that he will retire in style and in true last minute Madrid fashion he orchestrated a well struck corner to Dani Carvajal who beautifully headed it behind Gregor Kobel’s net to give Los Blancos a 1-0 lead with only 20 minutes to play. This crucial gave Carvajal a memorable 2 goal UCL tally in nine years and deservedly securing him the man of the match goal.
Brazilian winger Vinicius added to the score line after his teamate Jude Bellingum gave him an assist, despite him seeming rather fatigued, giving Real a two-goal lead and burying any hopes for Borussia Dortmund’s come back. With six goals and five assists in Real’s victorious campaign, including the second goal in their 2-0 win against Dortmund the 23year old was named UEFA champions League player of the season and his teamate Jude winning the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 season’s ‘Young Player of the Season’ award. Both Jude and Vinicius Jr. have a high chance of winning this years ballon d’or as they are ranked second and first respectively, in this years’ ballon d’or power ranking presenting a strong argument after having such an impressive campaign this season.
Toni Kroos will surely finish his career on a high, by winning a double and giving the most crucial assist that won them the campaign.
“I’m really grateful to Kroos,” Ancelotti said. “He finished at the very top, there is no way to finish higher than this. He had the boldness to finish it [his career] and he is a legend at this club. “All the fans are grateful to him for attitude, his professionalism ~Don Carlo Ancelotti
Don Carlo Ancelotti, also cemented his legendary status being the coach with the most UCL titles winning twice with AC Milan and thrice with Real Madrid. He is also regarded one of the most decorated coaches in history, bagging a total of 28titles and counting, since the start of his professional career.
Real Madrid, continue to stan the world with their endless achievements and continue to enrich the club’s history as not only the most dominant club in Spain, but the indomitable King’s of Europe.