Source rorymacrae.co.uk
Greetings, football enthusiasts! The 2017/18 season was a truly extraordinary one for Real Madrid, a season etched in the annals of history. Over the next several paragraphs, we\’ll take a captivating journey, revisiting the highlights, challenges, and triumphs that made this campaign so unforgettable, leaving an indelible mark on the legendary club and its devoted supporters.
Real Madrid 2017/18: A Historic Season
La Liga Title Triumph: Dominance and Unprecedented Success
The 2017/18 season marked a remarkable milestone for Real Madrid as they successfully defended their La Liga title for the second consecutive time, a feat that had eluded them for over a decade. The team\’s unwavering determination and collective brilliance propelled them to an astonishing 93 points, the highest tally in the league\’s history. Their dominance was undeniable, as they showcased their prowess with 27 victories, 11 draws, and an unblemished record with no defeats.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the team\’s talisman, once again proved his exceptional talent by claiming his fourth La Liga Golden Boot award, known as the Pichichi Trophy. His predatory instincts and prolific goal-scoring abilities played a pivotal role in Real Madrid\’s triumphant campaign. With their unwavering spirit and unrivaled teamwork, Los Blancos cemented their status as the undisputed kings of Spanish football.
The league title triumph not only extended Real Madrid\’s dominance in La Liga but also marked a significant achievement for manager Zinedine Zidane. Zidane\’s astute leadership and tactical acumen played a vital role in guiding the team to victory. His ability to inspire and motivate his players, coupled with his tactical flexibility, allowed Real Madrid to overcome formidable challenges and secure another historic accolade.
Champions League Victory
Third Consecutive Title
Real Madrid wrote another glorious chapter in their illustrious history, achieving an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League triumph in the 2017/18 season. The Spanish giants faced off against Liverpool in the grand finale, a contest that would go down as one of the most memorable European finals in recent memory.
Real Madrid\’s talismanic forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, played a pivotal role in their ultimate triumph. The Portuguese maestro put in a match-winning performance, scoring two crucial goals that paved the way for Real\’s victory. His first goal came in the 51st minute, giving Madrid a much-needed lead. Ronaldo\’s second goal, just six minutes later, extended Madrid\’s advantage and put the game beyond Liverpool\’s reach.
Gareth Bale also etched his name into the annals of Champions League lore with a stunning overhead kick in the 83rd minute. The Welsh winger\’s goal was a moment of pure brilliance, leaving the Liverpool defense flabbergasted. It not only sealed Real\’s victory but also served as a fitting exclamation mark to an incredible season for the Spanish giants.
Spanish Super Cup Triumph
Real Madrid began the 2017/18 season by securing their first trophy in emphatic fashion. They faced arch-rivals Barcelona in a two-leg Spanish Super Cup tie.
Victory against Barcelona
In the first leg at Camp Nou, Real Madrid displayed their dominance with a 3-1 victory. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick, followed by goals from Karim Benzema and Asensio. Lionel Messi scored a late consolation for Barcelona.
At the Bernabéu in the second leg, Real Madrid sealed the triumph with a resounding 2-0 win. Asensio, the rising star, produced a moment of brilliance with an unstoppable volley that gave Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen no chance. Isco added a second goal late in the game, solidifying Real Madrid\’s Super Cup victory with a commanding 5-1 aggregate scoreline.
Asensio\’s exceptional performance throughout the tie earned him widespread praise. His goal in the second leg is widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments of the season. The victory marked Real Madrid\’s first Spanish Super Cup triumph since 2012, adding to their rich collection of silverware.
Supercopa de Europa Glory
Real Madrid kicked off the 2017/18 season in style by capturing the UEFA Super Cup, a curtain-raiser to the upcoming European campaign and a clash between the previous season\’s Champions League and Europa League winners.
Defeat of Manchester United
The stage was set at the Philip II Arena in Skopje, Macedonia, as Real Madrid faced English giants Manchester United. The Red Devils were led by none other than former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, who was making a much-anticipated return to the Bernabéu dugout. However, it was Zidane\’s men who would emerge victorious on this occasion.
Casemiro got the ball rolling for Real Madrid in the 24th minute, pouncing on a rebound from a Cristiano Ronaldo shot and firing home a powerful strike. Manchester United equalized just before half-time through Romelu Lukaku, but Isco restored Real Madrid\’s lead in the second half with a stunning curler from outside the box. The Spanish midfielder\’s goal proved to be the match-winner as Real Madrid held on to their slender advantage, securing their fourth Super Cup title.
Key Moments
- Casemiro\’s early strike gave Real Madrid a vital cushion
- Isco\’s exquisite goal from distance proved decisive
- Luka Modrić and Sergio Ramos marshalled the midfield and defense respectively
- Cristiano Ronaldo was a constant threat but failed to score
- Real Madrid\’s defensive resilience ultimately prevailed
The victory was a fitting reward for Zidane\’s impressive tenure at Real Madrid and a significant early statement in the club\’s quest for more silverware in 2017/18.
FIFA Club World Cup Victory
Trophy Retained
Real Madrid continued their dominance in the FIFA Club World Cup by successfully defending their title in the 2017/18 season. After cruising through the semi-finals with a resounding 5-3 victory over local Emirati side Al Jazira Club, the Spanish giants faced Brazilian club Gremio in the final on December 16, 2017, at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The match proved to be a tense and hard-fought affair. Both teams had their chances, but it was Real Madrid who ultimately emerged victorious thanks to a stunning solo goal from Gareth Bale in the 53rd minute. The Welsh forward latched onto a long pass from Toni Kroos and unleashed an unstoppable shot from just outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner of the net, leaving Gremio goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe with no chance.
Bale\’s goal proved to be the decisive moment in the match, as Real Madrid held on to their slender lead for the remainder of the contest. The victory marked the third consecutive Club World Cup triumph for the Spanish giants, further cementing their status as one of the most dominant clubs in world football.
Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid captain, attributed their success in the competition to their collective spirit and determination. \”We are a team that never gives up,\” he said. \”We always fight until the end, and we never stop believing.\”
Zinedine Zidane, the Real Madrid manager, was also full of praise for his players. \”I am very proud of them,\” he said. \”They played a great game and deserved to win.\” Zidane\’s side would go on to win the UEFA Champions League for the third consecutive time later that season, completing a historic treble for the second time in the club\’s history.