Carlo Ancelotti stood on the Real Madrid bench with a calm smile, the kind that hides a lifetime of championships and late-night trainings. In his view, optimism has always danced beside realism. Yet even he did not envision a season that would crown him as the most successful Champions League coach in history, tying and then extending his own record with a fourteenth title as Madrid returned to the summit of Europe.
It has been a season nobody predicted, not even the man guiding the team. He recalled at a recent press conference that the path to three titles was never part of the forecast. Still, the squad’s grit and the leadership from the dugout carried them through moments of doubt. The coach expressed a deep gratitude for every player’s contribution, emphasizing that the achievement belongs to the entire group rather than a single breakthrough moment. The sentiment was plain: the group believed, and their belief translated into remarkable results across three competitions.
Among the constellation of trophies counted in Madrid’s cabinet, the four European crowns stand out as milestones, two earned with Ancelotti during his time at AC Milan and two won with the current club. The most recent conquest—pocketed in Paris after a tense journey through qualifiers and a dramatic finale at the Stade de France—highlighted the coach’s ability to steer a squad through pressure.
Florentino Pérez: “Mbappé is long forgotten. Madrid had an excellent season”
In Madrid’s seasonal narrative, the most challenging chapters often shape the final chapter most vividly. This Champions League campaign tested the team to its core, demanding not only technical excellence but also unwavering cohesion. Pérez acknowledged the uphill climb and credited the entire squad for forging an atmosphere that proved vital to competing at the highest level. The resilience shown during the knockout rounds was especially notable, with the team weathering setbacks and rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Two players were singled out for their impact—Thibaut Courtois and Vinícius. The president celebrated Courtois for capturing his first Champions League crown and affirmed the goalkeeper’s growth throughout the season. The trust placed in Vinícius, who began the campaign with some hesitations but finished with an undeniable influence, was also highlighted. The manager’s approach to Vinícius, offering confidence at a critical stage, helped unlock the forward’s best form, culminating in a prolific run that proved decisive in the final stretch.
Perez spoke about the importance of continuity and the selective influence of leadership on individual performers. Benzema’s experience and presence were cited as a key component of Madrid’s equation, providing stability and an additional edge when the campaign demanded it. The thematic thread was clear: a blend of seasoned leadership and explosive talent creates a winning environment. The president further noted that the club’s culture and structure contribute to performances that feel, in his words, almost inevitable when seen in the right light.
The coach who steered Madrid through the season’s most challenging moments attributed success to a strong dressing room climate. After years in the game, he found that maintaining a constructive atmosphere inside the squad can sometimes be the toughest part of the job. He recalled moments when the mood in the locker room was tense, but the players managed to refocus and deliver once the match began. On that fateful night in Paris, the calm that spread through the players was palpable, turning nerves into a collective, measured effort. Winning eight finals in a row, he noted with a mix of pride and relief, remains a testament to the team’s consistency and mental strength.
The celebration was more than a win; it was an affirmation of Madrid’s identity. The club’s fans, the environment around the team, and the unwavering belief of the players all converged to create a season that will be remembered for its poise under pressure. The narrative of a return to European glory was not just about the trophy itself but about the return of a certain spirit—one that Madrid has cultivated for decades and which this group has now embodied once again.
Looking ahead, the club’s leadership and coaching staff showed a shared sense of responsibility to build on this success. The messages of gratitude extended to every corner of the squad and staff, echoing a commitment to maintain the high standards that have become synonymous with Real Madrid. In the end, the season’s outcome is seen not only as a collection of victories but as a reaffirmation of Madrid’s enduring ethos: meticulous preparation, fearless ambition, and an unyielding belief in the power of togetherness.