THREE TIMES CONSECUTIVE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS, WILL THERE BE A FOURTH ONE?
Last year’s champion’s league winners Real Madrid and semi-finalist Roma are in group G. And for this reason mentioned these two have been tipped to reach the latter stages of this year’s competition. This is quite understandable, that the other two teams in the group are Viktoria Plzen and Cska Moscow from Czech Republic and Russia respectively. These two are clearly the underdogs in this group.
On paper the groups seems pretty predictable, but like people would always say this is
“ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN”…
This article however would strictly be concentrated on the most recent champions… REAL MADRID
As we look at their mode of qualification, best season or seasons in the champion’s league, general team overview (strength/weakness), key players, team statistics and prediction tip.
QUALIFICATION
They did finish a disappointing third in the Spanish la liga. That was enough to see them come back to the champions’ league after successfully defending the title. The Spanish team has won the trophy three times in a row. They are the only team to achieve this feat.
BEST SEASONS IN THE COMPETITION
Arguably the most successful club in the history of the champion’s league haven won the trophy a record 13 times. Alongside being the only three to have been successful in three consecutive final. The years which this record was achieved include (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017 and most recently in 2018).
TEAM OVERVIEW
After such a successful defense of the champions league title in 2018 and becoming the first team to do so thrice in a row. 2018 also witnessed exist of club legend and manager Zinedine Zidane alongside an icon of a player Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter now ply’s his trade in the Italy with Serie A giants Juventus. These departures however regrettable, might have a positive impact as this could lead to the discovery of other talented players.
A new manager in the person of JUlen Lopetegui has been appointed former Spanish national team coach to fill the void. Unlike Zizou, the new manager depends solely on a system based type of play. Unlike his predecessor who depended solely on individual brilliance of his players.
A huge percentage of the proceeds from Ronaldo’s sale was spent on engaging the services of former Chelsea goalie, Brazilian attacker Vinicius Junior and right back Alvaro Odriozola.
It is worthy of mention that without Ronaldo, Reals squad is still studded with serial winners. And they are amongst the top favorites to take home the trophy once more.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Real Madrid have world class players in evry position playing at the very highest levels in football. As an attacking team they have only failed to score once in 34 competitive matches. The attacking force of this team is almost unparalleled.
However, having lost Ronaldo, it will be interesting watching how they shape up in the champions league. Gareth Bale has the ability to step up as the team’s new danger man when they are in deer need of a match winner.
KEY PLAYERS
Captain of both club and country, SERGIO RAMOS is clearly the pillar of the Madrid defense. He does have some dirty tricks up his sleeves. Take those away and you have yourself the most efficient center back the game has to offer.
In midfield you can’t look past the ever impressive LUKA MODRIC. The Croatian just showed his class even in the world cup as he acquired the best player award. The romantic passer of the baller is the engine room of this team and the initiator of most attacks.
STATISTICS
- Real are unbeaten in 27 of their last 30 champions league matches.
- They are also unbeaten in 37 of 39 home matches in the champion’s league.
- Los Blancos have won 8 of their last 10 matches on the road.
FIXTURE
REAL MADRID VS ROMA
PICK
HOME WIN OR DRAW AND OVER 2.5 GOALS.
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