Real Madrid, the La Liga heavyweights, were in the shadows of Barcelona in domestic competitions for quite some time. Although they enjoyed a successful spell in the prestigious UEFA Champions League competition, Los Blancos were yet to win the La Liga since 2011-12. But they upturned their fortune this year under Zinedine Zidane in what was his first full season in charge. Real Madrid not only retained their Champions League trophy but also clinched their first La Liga title in five years.
Players who Impressed the most for Real Madrid:
A team consisting superstars of the world football is expected to perform at its peak against any outfit regardless of competitions. Real, too, didn’t disappoint as their key players stepped up when required and performed to their highest calibre. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese sensation, played a massive part in Real’s historic campaign and the likes of Luka Modric, Casemiro and Toni Kroos controlled the game from the middle of the park quite masterly.
Marcelo, the Brazilian left-back, had another impressive campaign as he bullied opponent’s backline with his speed, power, cut insides and crosses. Isco and Marco Asensio enjoyed an exceptional campaign and both the Spaniards hold bright future for Los Blancos.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
A few players could not live up to their expectations though. Welshman Gareth Bale struggled to find consistency due to his injury concerns. Pepe, the Portuguese centre-back, had an injury-riddled season and lost first team stature to Raphael Varane. Danilo, the Brazilian right-back failed to match the hype generated by his move from Porto. The likes of James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata, Mateo Kovacic and Fabio Coentrao failed to grab enough first team opportunities and are expected to move elsewhere in order to achieve regular football.
Season Status
Real had an extremely successful campaign as they won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, La Liga and UEFA Champions League title for the record 13th time. It was Real’s 3rd Champions League triumph in four years and they have become an irresistible force in Europe.
Areas Of Improvement
Real have a perfectly balanced squad, However, they will look into the transfer market for a centre-back as 34-year old veteran Pepe is set to depart following 10 years of attachment. Also, they will look to add an attacker as Alvaro Morata is close to leaving for first team football.
They usually make one top-notch signing every year and as per reports, they are after Monaco teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe but their initial bid of £103 mil has been rejected by the French Champions. Real are believed to be making an improved bid in coming weeks as they are desperately pursuing the signature of world’s hottest football prospect.
Expectation From 2016-17 Season
Real Madrid enjoyed an unparalleled campaign where they won all the major trophies ( except domestic cup competition) and ended Barcelona’s La Liga dominance. However, it will be a fierce fight next season as Barca will be rejuvenated to make up the lost ground and it will be a tough ask for the maestro Zinedine Zidane to replicate this season’s supremacy.
