The 34th match day of LaLiga marks the end to the title race. With the help of Girona, who defeated Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid have lifted their 36th league title. A competition in which they have been superior to all of their rivals since the start of the year and in which they have only lost one match against Atlético de Madrid. An excellent season in which we will take a deep dive in this edition of LaLiga Overtime.
The champion’s commandments:
To go over what this title has meant for Real Madrid, we will briefly analyze the 10 most important names and moments of their season. A practically perfect year in which nobody has managed to keep up with the ‘merengues’.
1. The arrival of ‘Sir’ Jude:
This summer, Real Madrid lost their top scorer and leader since Cristiano Ronaldo left: Karim Benzema. The departure of the Frenchman left an important void in their line of attack, and surprisingly, his goals have been provided by Jude Bellingham (whose performances have consistently earnt him a spot in LaLiga Overtime), who has proven to wield the winning spirit of Real Madrid. So far, he has recorded 18 goals in an unforgettable season.
2. Vini’s samba:
Over the course of the present season, Vinícius Junior has taken the definitive leap. The Brazilian has been the star of the ‘merengue’ side this year. The weight of number ‘7’, a legendary number at Santiago Bernabéu, has not taken a toll on him, as he has proven to be one of the best players in the world.
3. The German wall:
Another protagonist of their season has been Antonio Rüdiger. The former Chelsea player has become the leader of the team’s defense as a result of the recurring absences of Militão and Alaba. His personality has enamored the fanbase and his level has dazzled every fan of the sport. Such performance makes him the top dog in his position this year.
4. The return Carvajal’s best version:
Dani Carvajal raised doubts among the fans of Real Madrid. His importance during the club’s golden era in which they won three consecutive Champions Leagues was unquestionable, but the constant injuries forced him to stay away from the pitch. A change in his diet, as he explained himself, has brought back his best version. A brilliant defender, passer and even goalscorer.
5. Kroos, the train operator:
There were constant rumors that Toni Kroos no longer met the standards to be a starter for Real Madrid. Nonsense. The German has silenced all of his critics in a spectacular season. Joined by Tchouaméni or Camavinga in a double pivot, the internal clock of Real Madrid has been the chief of operations for Ancelotti.
6. The second unit works once again:
During Zidane‘s stint in the bench of ‘The Whites’, the second unit that featured players like Asensio, Lucas or Morata was always praised. After a few years in which the bench was not able to contribute enough, this season, the backup unit has responded. Brahim, Joselu or, once again, Lucas Vázquez, have been critical in many games over the course of the campaign.
7. Without Courtois, there is Lunin:
Real Madrid started the season off by receiving terrible news. Thibaut Courtois had suffered a knee injury and would not come back for, at least, six months. The team’s front office acted quickly to sign Kepa on loan, but against all odds, the protagonist would be Lunin. The Ukranian, who seemed to be a lost cause, has revived by exhibiting great performance, as he has been the sole reason for some of the team’s wins this season. Real Madrid have a solid keeper for years to come.
8. The ‘Clásicos’:
Playing against FC Barcelona is always special. The ‘Clásicos’ belong to this unique kind of matches that are decided by the smallest of details. And the two that were played this season in LaLiga were critical for the title run of ‘The Whites’. Two comeback wins at the buzzer that had the same protagonist: Jude Bellingham, who, as a result, appeared in the 11th match day edition of LaLiga Overtime.
9. The statement win against Girona:
The team managed by Míchel has been the revelation of the season and the only team who challenged the Madrid based team for the title. They could have become the solo leaders of the championship at Santiago Bernabéu, but that day, Real Madrid brought out their pride and historic pedigree and secured half of the league title. A 4-0 win with an exhibition from Vinícius that ended Girona’s dream. This match was also part of the 24th match day edition of LaLiga Overtime.
10. Don Carlo Ancelotti:
Lastly, we must talk about the architect and psychologist of the team: Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian manager is the father of this roster, the man that listens to them, defends them and takes care of them. The man that is always there for his players. Similar to The Godfather, but with a considerate demeanor towards his pupils. The title is obviously won by the players who take the pitch, but in this case, Ancelotti has played a big role in the acquisition of the title.
Translated by Nuño Alonso.
Main image: Edit by Pablo Benítez.
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