THE SECRET BEHIND THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS REAL MADRID

REAL MADRID ARE THE CHAMPIONS FOR 11th TIME

Real Madrid are champions of Europe for the
11th time thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s decisive
fifth penalty following Juanfran's miss.
It will be that ubiquitous tanned torso on your
back pages in the morning, not the bald head of
Zizou. The two shared a few quiet words before
the second half of extra time; they both parted
with a smile and a laugh. They looked like two
old timers chatting at a bus stop. There is the
key to what Zidane has brought.
He has now played his part in the last three
Real Madrid European Cup victories. There was
that volley against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002,
he was assistant to Carlo Ancelotti in 2014
when Real claimed la Decima against Atletico
Madrid and now he has emerged from the
shadows of the Castilla team to claim the
European Cup as a coach in his own right.
There is a touch of Ancelotti about Zidane's
success and, in truth, a certain continuation of
the policies of Benitez. He has expertly blended
both for a new Real Madrid. The club may not
have a coherent strategy off the field but Zidane
is the carpet under which it all can be brushed.
Where the players loved Ancelotti, there was
only antipathy towards his successor. However,
by marrying the strands of Ancelotti's
management of people to Benitez's ideas of
giving balance to Madrid, Zidane has forged a
winning identity.
Benitez was whistled, booed and ridiculed for
putting Casemiro in the team at the expense of
James Rodriguez and Isco as starters. Zidane's
midfield plays in a similar manner to that which
his predecessor intended. Casemiro could have
given his team the lead here but the balance he
brought on the night was key throughout. The
experiment of playing Gareth Bale through the
middle has been dropped.
There is enough trust and affection in the
Frenchman from the players that he can
execute the job without the hostility the group
openly displayed towards Benitez. There is not
a tactical revolution around Santiago Bernabeu,
only things being done effectively, tasks being
carried out as they should.
Sure, Zidane has had his share of luck. To face
Roma, Wolfsburg and Manchester City in a run
of knockout matches is about as gentle a run to
the Champions League final as could be hoped
for, but Zidane and his charges got Real Madrid
over the line.
Their season was in turmoil when Rafa went
out. As recently as Gerard Pique's opening goal
in the Clasico, they were on the verge of being
13 points back in la Liga. Where Barcelona
flagged, Real built a head of steam and had the
finishing line been a little further away, they
probably would have caught their great rivals.
And nobody believed they would.
To look at a Madrid line-up pre-Christmas and
now, you would struggle to identify what exactly
is different. A cloud has lifted, everyone is
happier. Ronaldo and Bale defend with a sense
of pride and not simply obligation. The reward is
the richest prize in the game. Again.
Atletico Madrid’s history is littered with hard-
luck stories - from the 1974 final when they lost
in a replay to Bayern Munich to Lisbon two
seasons ago. And now it's happened again.
Their supporters, while hoping for the logical
success their wins over Barcelona and Bayern
should have granted, always feared Real in the
final. They are the team with the rabbit’s foot.
There is a Champions League destiny wedded
to the White Club, even more so with Zidane
involved.
Diego Simeone planned this one well and his
side were better on the night. But that doesn’t
count when the fates are against you and very
much with your opposite number.