Let’s delve into Real Madrid’s remarkable journey to secure their 15th UEFA Champions League title in the 2023/24 season.

Group Stage Triumphs

In the group stage, Los Blancos demonstrated their prowess by bagging six wins out of six matches in Group C. Here are the key moments:

• In the match Real Madrid 1-0 Union Berlin (20/09/2023). Jude Bellingham’s winning goal in the 93rd minute determined the course of their campaign.
• In the match Napoli 2-3 Real Madrid (03/10/2023). Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham ensured a thrilling comeback win.
• In the match Braga 1-2 Real Madrid (24/10/2023). Rodrygo opened the scoring, and Bellingham added another goal.
• In the match Real Madrid 3-0 Braga (08/11/2023). Brahim Díaz, Vinícius and Rodrygo scored goals.
• In the match Real Madrid 4-2 Napoli (29/11/2023). Late goals from Nico Paz and Joselu ensured victory.
• In the match Union Berlin 2-3 Real Madrid (12/12/2023). Joselu’s two goals and Dani Ceballos’ winning goal secured their group dominance secured their group dominance.

Los Blancos finished atop Group C with an impressive 18 points and a goal difference of +9.

Knockout Stage Battles

In the knockout stage, Real Madrid faced tough opponents:

• Last 16 vs. RB Leipzig. The German side gave their all, but Madrid prevailed with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Brahim Díaz scored a memorable cracker during this tie.
• Quater-final vs Manchester City. Real Madrid emerged victorious, winning 4-3 on penalties. Antonio Rudiger’s decisive spot-kick secured their place in the semifinals, where they faced Bayern Munich. Both legs showcased remarkable football, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Real Madrid’s penalty shootout triumph was a testament to their resilience, while Manchester City fought valiantly but narrowly missed out on progressing.
• Semi-final vs Bayern Munich. The German team gave their all, but Madrid came out on top with a 4-3 aggregate win. Former Stoke striker Joselu struck twice in three minutes, turning the tie in Real Madrid’s favor. His winner came after a VAR review of a tight offside call on the forward. Joselu, Real Madrid’s hero, will forever be remembered for his dramatic late double. The astonishing comeback means Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1, 2024. This result also leaves England captain Harry Kane trophyless from his first season at Bayern Munich.
• Final vs Borussia Dormunt. Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund. Carvajal’s Header (74’) The Spanish right-back rose above the Dortmund defense to meet Toni Kroos’s corner, nodding into the net. Vinícius Júnior’s Clincher (83’) The Brazilian forward showcased his skill, evading defenders and firing a precise shot past the goalkeeper.

Key Figures

• Jude Bellingham The England international, inheriting Zinédine Zidane’s iconic No. 5 shirt, dazzled with goals, assists, and unwavering determination.
• Vinícius Júnior His flair and attacking prowess were crucial, with 6 goals in the campaign.
• Joselu His clinical finishing contributed significantly, especially in tight matches.

Congratulations to Real Madrid! They have indeed secured their 15th UEFA Champions League title. In the thrilling final held at Wembley Stadium, Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior played pivotal roles, scoring the goals that led Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund. The match was intense, with Dortmund creating numerous chances in the first half, but Real Madrid’s clinical performance ultimately secured their historic win.

Real Madrid’s impressive record includes winning the first five editions of the tournament (from 1956 to 1960) and lifting the trophy in six of the past 11 seasons. Their consistency and dominance in European football have solidified their place as one of the most successful clubs in history.

Real Madrid’s journey was filled with drama, skill, and historic moments, culminating in their triumph at Wembley Stadium. 

Coach Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, who led Madrid to La Décima in 2014, returned for a second spell in charge. He now holds the record for the most European Cup/Champions League wins as a coach, with five titles. Ancelotti also guided Madrid to the Liga title in 2021/22, making him the first coach to win championships in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain.