Real Madrid: 5 Key Reasons why Los Blancos Won 2023/24 Champions League

Real Madrid: 5 Key Reasons why Los Blancos Won 2023/24 Champions League

Isaac Darko
June 2, 2024 at 7:55 PM
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Real Madrid
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UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA Champions League
  • Real Madrid celebrated their Champions League triumph in style
  • Los Blancos defeated Dortmund in this season's final at Wembley
  • They have now won the Champions League on 15 occasions

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Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe continued as they sealed their 15th Champions League title with a win over Borussia Dortmund.

Real Madrid have been one of the most dangerous teams in Europe in recent years. They have won the UEFA Champions League six times in the last 11 years; such has been their dominance.

They squared up against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley, and it was not really an easy game for the team in white. But they ended up finishing on the right side of the result.

Real Madrid players parade the Champions League trophy on an open top bus after they won it for the 15th time at Wembley on Saturday
Real Madrid players parade the Champions League trophy on an open top bus after they won it for the 15th time at Wembley on Saturday.Photo: Pierre-Philippe MARCOU.
Source: AFP

Dani Carvajal scored off a Toni Kroos header in the 74th minute, and Vinicius Junior sealed the win nine minutes later, giving Real Madrid the victory despite Borussia Dortmund's efforts. Real Madrid’s 15th UEFA Champions League title was hard-earned.

Key factors behind Real Madrid’s Champions League victory

Dortmund’s Missed Chances

Dortmund started strong but failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities, with Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fullkrug missing key chances.

BVB created a load of chances in the first half, but they were not clinical enough. Karim Adeyemi had two chances to give Dortmund the lead at the start. But he failed and Niclas Fullkrug hit the woodwork.

In the second half, Fullkrug got another opportunity to give his team the lead. Unfortunately, he could not find the back of the net.

Real Madrid, known for punishing missed opportunities, took advantage and turned the game around.

The Karim Adeyemi Substitution

Dani Carvajal struggled against Adeyemi’s pace, but the game shifted when Edin Terzic substituted Adeyemi for Marco Reus in the 72nd minute.

As long as the German international was on the pitch, Carvajal had a tough time. But he managed to keep things tight at the back as they did not concede.

Reus’s arrival was expected to add a lot of composure. But things did not go according to plan as two minutes later, Carvajal rose high above everyone to head home a Toni Kroos corner to give his team the lead in the final

Two minutes later, Carvajal scored from a Kroos corner, and soon after, Vinicius Junior secured the win.

Experienced Real Madrid dressing room

Real Madrid's success is rooted in their experienced squad, with players like Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal, who have won multiple Champions League titles.

Their experience helped them remain composed and secure the victory.

While exceptional young players can surely help you win games, the experience is what helps you get your hands on important silverware.

The game against Borussia Dortmund was not easy,. But it did feel like Real Madrid knew that if they went into the break without conceding a goal, they would come out on top when the final whistle blew.

Exceptional bench strength

Real Madrid's depth played a crucial role, with Joselu scoring five goals in the competition, including a crucial brace against Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid were down and out against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and this is when the 34-year-old scored a brace in injury time to script an incredible comeback.

Substitutes like Luka Modric and Brahim Diaz also made significant contributions.

Andriy Lunin, who was their third-choice keeper when the season started, ended up helping them get to the final after they went through an injury crisis. Thibaut Courtois took charge in goal during the final and he managed to keep a clean sheet in what was his first Champions League appearance of the season.

Drive to win

Real Madrid is driven by a relentless desire to win the Champions League.

The Spanish giants openly acknowledge the fact that winning the UEFA Champions League is what matters most to them and in recent years they have had a team that has dominated the competition.

They are hungry for more and there are players in that dressing room who have only won the UEFA Champions League once or twice and are looking to make it 5, 6 or even more if possible during their time at the club.

The club’s history and culture emphasize the importance of this trophy, fueling their continuous success in the competition.

Authors
Isaac Darko photo
Isaac Darko
Isaac Darko is a La Liga, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga editor at Sports Brief with a Degree in Journalism and Communications from Ghana Institute of Journalism (2010)