Real Madrid star responds to Xavi’s Champions League claim

The Champions League is a competition that has been dominated by Real Madrid throughout its history. Of course, many have questioned their early wins, immediately after it was formed. But nobody can question the fact that Los Blancos have once again dominated European football, winning Europe’s elite competition five out of the last nine times.

Of course, the debate whether it is easier to win the league or the Champions League has always been there. But it has been magnified in recent months.

A major part of that might be down to the manner in which Real Madrid won the previous Champions League, mounting comebacks against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout rounds and going through despite not being the ‘better’ team in the tie on all those occasions.

As reported by ESPN, when asked in a news conference whether it was harder to win the La Liga or the Champions League, Barcelona manager Xavi said:

"“I think Leo (Messi) said the best team doesn’t always win it and I totally agree. A penalty, a sending off and you’re out. The league, over 38 games, is fairer.”"

When those comments were put forward to him, Real Madrid legend Dani Carvajal responded:

"“When you’ve won five out of the last nine Champions Leagues, it isn’t about luck.“In the end, football is about results. Who scores more goals, and concedes fewer, wins.“Last year we had a great season in the league and we had a Champions League with ups and downs, but we took our chances in the key moments and we won the cup. It’s funny because this debate about ‘fair or unfair’ only comes up when Real Madrid win the Champions League. When other teams do, it’s a meritocracy.”"

Real Madrid star responds to Xavi’s Champions League claim

There is certainly some truth to the notion that a league is harder to win than the Champions League. In fact, it is very true for all knockout cup tournaments.

One bad day at the office and you can be out, no matter how good you have been in the rest of the competition.

In that respect, the league is ‘fairer’ as the winner is determined based on performances over 38 games, or a similar number based on the number of teams.

At the same time though, a team can win a Champions League or two on the basis of luck. But there is nothing lucky about Real Madrid winning five out of the last nine editions. They are simply the best in the world when it comes to rising up to the occasion and finding ways to win. That is an art in itself.