Real Madrid has been spectacular in the Champions League in the past few years boasting an incredible three-peat. Here’s a look back at this historic feat.
As of February 22, 2019, Real Madrid will have asserted their dominance on the European continent for 1, 000 days. For 24, 000 hours 1, 440, 000 minutes, the Whites have been a force through every stage of the glamours competition.
The first day of Real Madrid’s one-thousand-day reign started on May 28 of 2016. Real Madrid returned to the Final two years after winning La Decima, against Atletico Madrid this time in Milan. Sergio Ramos was once again a difference maker scoring in regulation to give Real the lead. Madrid would eventually be triumphant after a nailbiting penalty shootout.
This was also the same season that saw the sacking of Florentino Perez and appointment of Zinedine Zidane. The 2016 UCL Final would also mark the start of an unprecedented three-peat – in the modern area of the competition.
While Zidane was the mastermind of Madrid’s success over three years, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who worked relentlessly to execute the genius of Zidane. Ronaldo also broke plenty of his own records including the cups’ records.
🙌💫🏆 @RealMadrid, 1,000 days as EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!#RMUCL | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/XCQRVcpDya
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 22, 2019
Repeating success is no easy feat, just ask Real Madrid. Staying at the top and to be able to perform on a consistent rate in a competition that gathers like-minded and quality teams is no small task.
Since Undécima, Real Madrid has played 33 Champions League fixtures, and as we know, lifting two more cups in succession. Over the course of these 33 matches, Los Blancos have won 23 matches, drawn five and lost five.
In this same period, they have outscored their opponents with 83 goals for and 40 against. With 23 wins from 33 matches, they have earned themselves a 70% winning record, averaging 2.5 goals for and 2.1 against.
Continuing this unprecedented form is the biggest challenge Real have faced in the past few years. With the departure of Ziziou and Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid must look elsewhere if they wish to continue such success.
What goes up, must come down. That is the cycle and balance of life put in place by the world. Real Madrid doesn’t boast the same ability that they did the last season but their perseverance to push forward is what has set them apart from the rest of the pack.
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. This is the motto of the U.S. Navy Seals and exactly what Real Madrid has done over the last three years. Say what you will, Solari has shown some of the same characteristics. Don’t be surprised to see number four.