Real Madrid 17/18: A Season to Remember

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Hey there, football fanatics! Welcome to our season retrospective on Real Madrid\’s unforgettable 2017/18 campaign. Get ready to relive the highs and lows as we delve into the triumphs, the setbacks, and the unforgettable moments that defined a truly historic season for Los Blancos. So, sit back, relax, and let\’s journey back in time to a year that will forever be etched in the annals of Madridismo.

Real Madrid\’s 17/18 Season: A Historic Campaign

Cristiano Ronaldo\’s Record-Breaking Season

Cristiano Ronaldo\’s 2017/18 season was one for the ages. The Portuguese superstar etched his name into the history books with a series of astounding achievements.

Ronaldo\’s goal-scoring prowess reached unprecedented heights as he fired 44 goals in La Liga, shattering the previous record of 36 held by Telmo Zarra. His relentless pursuit of goalscoring milestones culminated in a historic moment against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. With a stunning header, Ronaldo surpassed Lionel Messi as the all-time leading scorer in the Clasico, a rivalry that has defined El Clasico for over a decade.

The season extended Ronaldo\’s dominance on the global stage. In December 2017, he won his fifth Ballon d\’Or, becoming the first player to achieve such a feat. The award acknowledged his exceptional performances throughout the year, as he spearheaded Real Madrid\’s relentless charge towards silverware.

Ronaldo\’s impact extended beyond individual accolades as he inspired Real Madrid to a remarkable triumph in the Champions League. The Blancos overcame formidable opponents in PSG, Juventus, and Bayern Munich before facing Liverpool in the final. Despite their spirited efforts, Liverpool succumbed to Ronaldo\’s brilliance as Real Madrid emerged victorious 3-1. Ronaldo scored the opening goal and was named Man of the Match, capping off a season to remember for the Portuguese talisman.

Key Players in Real Madrid\’s Success

Real Madrid\’s extraordinary triumph in the 2017/18 season was fueled by a constellation of exceptional players who showcased unwavering determination and unparalleled skill. Among them, three individuals emerged as pivotal figures, playing decisive roles in the team\’s relentless pursuit of glory.

Luka Modric: The Maestro of Midfield

At the heart of Real Madrid\’s success lay Luka Modric, a midfield orchestrator whose vision and passing ability were unmatched. With his uncanny ability to control the tempo of the game, Modric dictated the flow of play, effortlessly unlocking defenses and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His exceptional performances culminated in a historic achievement: the FIFA Best Men\’s Player of the Year Award, a testament to his indispensable role in Real Madrid\’s remarkable campaign.

Crucial Goals and Assists

Modric\’s influence extended beyond his creative contributions. He also demonstrated a knack for scoring crucial goals, netting the equalizer in Real Madrid\’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final. Additionally, his assist for Gareth Bale\’s sensational bicycle kick in the final secured his status as an indispensable element of the team\’s attacking prowess.

Unwavering Leadership

Beyond his on-field brilliance, Modric also provided unwavering leadership on and off the pitch. His calm demeanor and unwavering belief in his teammates inspired them to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. As the captain of Real Madrid, Modric commanded respect and admiration from both his teammates and opponents, solidifying his place as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

Real Madrid\’s Tactical Approach

4-3-3 Formation

Real Madrid played a 4-3-3 formation under Zinedine Zidane, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale forming a formidable attacking trio. This formation allowed Real Madrid to play with width and create chances from both flanks. The wing-backs, Marcelo and Dani Carvajal, provided overlapping runs to stretch the opposition defense and deliver crosses into the box. The midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos provided a solid foundation for the attack, with Modric and Kroos controlling the tempo of the game and Casemiro providing defensive cover. This formation was particularly effective in counterattacking situations, allowing Real Madrid to quickly transition from defense to attack.

The 4-3-3 formation also allowed Real Madrid to press high up the pitch and win the ball back in dangerous areas. With the front three of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale pressing the opposition defenders, Real Madrid was able to force turnovers and create scoring opportunities. The midfielders and defenders worked in tandem to support the press, providing cover and ensuring that Real Madrid remained compact and organized in transition.

Real Madrid\’s high press was a key element in their success in the 2017/18 season. The team was able to win the ball back in dangerous areas and quickly launch attacks, creating a constant threat to the opposition. The high press also helped Real Madrid to control the tempo of the game and dictate the terms of play.

Real Madrid\’s 4-3-3 formation and high press were two of the key factors in their success in the 2017/18 season. These tactical approaches allowed the team to play with width, create chances from both flanks, and press high up the pitch to win the ball back quickly and create scoring opportunities.

Real Madrid\’s Domestic Dominance

La Liga Title

Real Madrid extended their La Liga reign by claiming a second consecutive title in the 2017/18 season. The Blancos dominated the domestic league, securing the crown with a comfortable 17-point lead over rivals Barcelona. The title triumph marked Real Madrid\’s 33rd La Liga championship, solidifying their status as one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football history.

The road to the title was relatively smooth for Madrid, who lost just six matches throughout the 38-game campaign. Their offensive prowess was on full display, as they boasted the highest-scoring attack in the league, netting 94 goals. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale formed a formidable trio upfront, combining for 83 goals in all competitions.

Madrid\’s defense was equally impressive, conceding only 24 goals, the joint-fewest in La Liga. Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Nacho Fernandez provided a solid foundation at the back, ensuring that Madrid\’s opponents faced a daunting task in finding the net. The team\’s ability to grind out narrow victories, coupled with their occasional explosive performances, proved to be a potent combination, leading them to the domestic summit.

Copa del Rey

Real Madrid\’s hopes of a domestic double were dashed in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, where they suffered a shock defeat to Segunda Division side Leganes. After winning the first leg 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid inexplicably conceded two late goals in the return fixture to bow out of the competition on away goals. The unexpected loss was a blow to Madrid\’s season, as they had been among the favorites to lift the trophy.

The Copa del Rey exit highlighted the gap between Real Madrid and the rest of the Spanish elite when it came to domestic competitions. While they continued to dominate La Liga, their inability to consistently perform at a high level in the cup competitions raised questions about their squad depth and tactical flexibility. Nonetheless, the La Liga title triumph served as a testament to Madrid\’s enduring quality and their unwavering commitment to domestic supremacy.

Real Madrid\’s Triumphant European Campaign

Champions League Dominance

Real Madrid continued its reign as the undisputed kings of European club football, securing an unprecedented third consecutive UEFA Champions League title. The legendary Spanish club once again showcased its unparalleled dominance, navigating a challenging tournament with conviction and resilience.

Their path to European glory culminated in a thrilling final against a formidable Liverpool side. Madrid\’s attacking prowess proved unstoppable, as goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory. The triumph not only extended Real Madrid\’s record to 13 Champions League titles but also cemented its status as one of the greatest teams in football history.

Key Moments of the Champions League Triumph

Quarterfinals: Madrid faced a rejuvenated Juventus side in the quarterfinals. After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Los Blancos produced a mesmerizing performance in the second leg, cruising to a 3-0 victory. Ronaldo scored twice, including a sensational bicycle kick that will forever be etched in the annals of football.

Semifinals: In the semifinals, Madrid encountered an equally formidable Bayern Munich side. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter in the Bernabeu. Sergio Ramos scored a crucial away goal, and Madrid secured a 2-1 victory on home soil, booking its place in the final.

Final: The Champions League final in Kyiv, Ukraine, was a clash of titans between Madrid and Liverpool. Madrid\’s experience and tactical acumen proved decisive as they controlled the game from the outset. Benzema opened the scoring in the first half, while Bale scored a stunning overhead kick to give Madrid a 2-0 lead. Liverpool\’s Mohamed Salah pulled one back from the penalty spot, but substitute Bale sealed the victory with another goal, confirming Madrid\’s unyielding dominance in Europe.

This historic Champions League triumph was a testament to Real Madrid\’s unparalleled quality and relentless pursuit of success. It further solidified the club\’s legacy as one of the most successful and respected in the world of football.