Real Madrid's historic list of accomplishments speaks for itself. The club won its first-ever trophy in 1905, and winning trophies? That's just Real Madrid in a nutshell. Los Blancos have earned the accolade of being recognized as Europe's best football club. Real Madrid has won the UEFA Champions League for the 15th time, more than double that of the club with the second-most titles. The club proudly prides itself on its history of success, but its drive and desire to build on its success continually motivates the organization to continue.
By winning the Spanish La Liga, the Supercopa de España, and the Champions League, Real Madrid achieved a treble this season. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has won his fifth Champions League title and is the first manager to do so. Longtime Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos played his last game for the club, and he'll retire from the sport after Euro 2024. Los Blancos have won six UEFA Champions League titles since 2014. As far as where the club goes from here, sooner or later, one way or the other, Los Blancos will triumph for the 16th time.
It was a hard-fought first half of the Champions League final, with Borussia Dortmund being the dominant competitor. Borussia Dortmund unleashed their attack as soon as the match kicked off, but they failed to capitalize on at least three scoring opportunities. In the first 45 minutes, Real Madrid was almost wholly outplayed, but defensive resiliency and a few saves by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois kept Los Blancos alive. The first half ended with a scoreless draw, and Borussia Dortmund could have had at least a 2-0 lead.
After a competitive second-half start, Real Madrid finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when Dani Carvajal scored via a header off a corner kick. Borussia Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who finished the game with four saves, had no chance on this play as he and his teammates were caught way off guard. In the 83rd minute, Vinicius Junior doubled Real Madrid's lead on a scoring chance created by a massive blunder by Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos held on, and Die Schwarzgelben's dreams of winning their first UCL title in 27 years ended.
This loss is unfortunate for Borussia Dortmund. Die Schwarzgelben gave it their absolute best. However, their best wasn't enough. Their inability to put the ball into the back of the net hurt them and ultimately cost them. Their way of conceding the first goal is a common mistake in the game, but their blunder that led to Real Madrid scoring again and sealing the game throws salt into their deep and already painful wound. Regardless of the outcome, the club deserves respect.
Patience played a key role in Real Madrid's victory. Los Blancos were under tremendous pressure for about 90 percent of the game, but the relentless attack from the opposition couldn't finish the job. Some say it's luck for Real Madrid, but is that the case when their goalkeeper makes a save, and the defense clears the ball from danger? Los Blancos know what it takes to win the ultimate prize in the game, so it was not luck. It was rather experience and skill. Now granted, one of Borussia Dortmund's scoring attempts hit the goal post, and the ball went out for a goal kick. Perhaps that is a little luck for Real Madrid, but they also squandered a few scoring chances. The patience paid off when Real Madrid went ahead late in the game, and it further paid off when they doubled the lead and ultimately won.
Overall, both teams deserve respect for putting on an entertaining match and an entertaining run in the entire tournament. There's nothing that can be taken from Borussia Dortmund. They're a talented squad, and the club will compete in next season's Champions League tournament.
"My Next Chapter - Kevin Durant" - Kylian Mbappe
Winning their 15th Champions League title didn't end there for Real Madrid. The following day, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Kylian Mbappé had signed with Real Madrid, and the official announcement was made on Monday.
Now that Mbappé is on his way to the Spanish capital, it's safe to say that several more UCL titles will follow. This particular move was originally supposed to happen two years ago, but Mbappé swerved the entire world as he re-signed with Paris Saint-Germain instead. It was believed that Mbappé to Real Madrid was an opportunity gone and never to return, but the dream is finally a reality. The Kylian Mbappé era in Madrid is FINALLY HERE!
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