5 reasons why Real Madrid can become the first team to defend Champions League title

After celebrating La Decima last season, most of the neophyte Madridistas must’ve been in a fix as to whether they are to root for “the eleventh” (or the Spanish equivalent of the same) this season as Real Madrid come out to defend their European title. With so much being said about the much coveted tenth European title for Real Madrid, it seems a logical question in the mind of Madrid fans. And the answer to that is a promising yes, considering how Real Madrid began their defense.Having finally overcome their Everest, La Decima, Madrid seem to show no signs of slowing down. Though mauling Basel 5-1may not be an absolute measure of Madrid’s Champion’s League winning ability but the odds do comply putting them in pole position alongside Bayern Munich to clinch the trophy this year. But as we all know odds do not really tell the whole story, particularly when it comes to Champions League title holders defending their crown. The last team to accomplish this impossible looking feat was Arrigo Sacchi’s glorious AC Milan side in 1990; perhaps the 25th year would be the charm to see a modern day team win the rechristened Champions League in consecutive years.Here’s looking at reasons why Los Blancos look more than capable of matching the Milan side of the early ‘90s.

#1 Kroos Control and headline grabbing James

You always anticipate as much from Real Madrid in the off season as you expect them to do on pitch itself. For their way is the galactic way. They build their team by assembling stars and this season has not been any different. With Barcelona doing some critical restructuring, buying the likes of Luis Suarez and Ivan Rakitic alongside incorporating graduates of La Masia, Real Madrid could never be far away from showing their one-upmanship on their bitter rivals. Signing two of the most highly rated stars of the World Cup is surely a way to announce that they are still looking to better their side.

Toni Kroos was the pulse of World Cup winning German side and despite entering the Bernabeu in a less resplendent manner than the fellow new arrival James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos is no doubt going to be of immense help, for the sheer versatility that he displays in the centre of midfield. Having already been a critical part of a Champions League winning side in 2012-13 with Bayern Munich and winning the World Cup with Germany, Kroos comes with a winning mentality. The pedigree of the German can be seen by the fact that despite being 24, he was much sought after throughout Europe.

What he offers on the pitch is the creativity, discipline and his box to box abilities. Moreover, the sight of him and Luka Modric side by side fizzing through balls for Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez is surely going to be opponents worst nightmare this season.

James Rodriguez was described by Carlo Ancelotti as one for the future when he was signed. But you can be sure that he is pretty central to the attacking prowess of the team. Having earned plaudits for his performance on the biggest stage of them all, Rodriguez would be eager to showcase the talent that has seen him become a subject of 105m worth of transfer fees in the last two seasons.Signing the Colombian is not just about flexing the financial muscle that Madrid have, but rather about reiterating that their ambitions are the same. With his pace and flair, Madrid, who last year demolished teams (case in point,Bayern Munich spanked at their home) on counters, can expect more of the same.

While Keylor Navas and deadline day loan signing Chicharito may seem underwhelming in front of the marquee signing, they too provide better options, Chicharito with his speed and ability to run into free pockets and spaces is an able addition up front and Keylor Navas after a great world cup with Costa Rica would be keen to challenge Casillas as was done by Diego Lopez last season.

#2 Dealing with departures

Despite the fact that they have supposedly had a disastrous start to their season, losing twice to their cross city title rivals Atletico no doubt finger were pointed at the players who were critical last year but have departed this season. The issues that have stifled Madrid this season have been present every year, i.e. their defensive frailties and not because of absence of any sold player.

No doubt that team has lost an experienced head in Xabi Alonso and an integral cog in Angel Di Maria but they have still able to recoup for these vital players. At 33, Alonso surely wont have continued his midfield marshalling for a long time while Di Marias unseemly departure might remain an issue for some Madristas but I suppose same was the case last year when Ozil was sold and people thought Madrid wont work no matter how many 100 million welsh attackers you may buy. The fans have always and will always have this jaundiced view of things. But in James Rodriguez they have an able player who can fill that position with aplomb.

#3 Much more stable squad

The lineup that played at Estdio da Luz in the Champions League final for Real has more or less appreciated, barring Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso who have moved on from Santiago Bernabeu. The team as a whole has remained the same which as we all know is detrimental to the teams game play and dynamics.

Alongside a complete looking squad, they also have pretty much established players as cover in every position. Casillas would again have to compete with Keylor Navas next season, Marcelo has an reinvigorated Coentrao to deal with.While youngsters like Raphael Varane, Daniel Carvajal, Jese Rodriguez, Isco and Asier Illarramendi have all developed and the new signings also looking to challenge for the first team spots, there seems to be healthier competition throughout the squad.

What also has been a perennial problem with Los Galaticos is the top heavy sides that have players with attacking attributes somehow or the other slotted in. With this side and particularly with Kroos, they can play both a counter attacking style of play that has helped them in recent times as well as create play from the back through the midfield with both Kroos and Rodriguez linking attack and defense.

Meanwhile Bale and Cristiano have an able alternative in Rodriguez and Isco; Chicharito would push Karim Benzema for the place up top while as mentioned Kroos dexterity provides them with abundant permutation and combination for teams structure.

#4 Dealing with Competition

The bookies have piped Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea as their closest competition. Looking at what they have been doing, it looks that Real still does hold an edge over them due to abundance of talent and not just that, getting to La Decima has helped them lift pressures and making them believe that they can be European champions in Berlin next season once again.

Barca, having pretty much dismantled last seasons management have Luis Enrique as their new coach who has his work cut out to build his own team. Though they have been doing pretty good on that front, getting Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Marc Ter Stegen and promoting few youngsters, but a newly formed team under a new coach surely does take some time to bed in, making Champions League a pretty uphill task for them. Add to that the fact that the pressure would surely be on them having added no trophies last year.

Manchester City, the nouveau riche of the football world, though boast stellar squad but have failed to dismantle the so called European bigwigs, failing to make later stages of the tournament despite easing out of group stage. While City, thanks to the UEFA seeding, are again slotted in the group of death this season with Bayern Munich and AS Roma to negate.

The most likely contenders for the crown are Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Bayern under the leadership of Pep Guardiola have been pretty attractive but were swept aside by Madrid last season. The squad though has household names alongside new signing Robert Lewandowski, Benatia and Madrids own Xabi Alonso, but have always been missing out on players who make them tick, Schweinsteiger and Badstuber missing majority of last season and injured this season as well, Javi Martinez again facing a long layoff, Kroos now moving to Madrid and Ribery and Robben who were at the centre of it all the last time they won the title are 30 and beyond.

While Chelsea have a sharp looking lineup bringing in La Liga quartet of Costa, Fabregas, Courtois and Luis despite having to part company with regular fixtures such Cole and Lampard. The issues of making a new core and making them tick on European nights is always there as they found out last night against Schalke. No doubt Chelsea would have to play out of skin to compete with the likes of Real and Bayern.

#5 Carlo Curb your enthusiasm Ancelotti

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Most of the times at a club like Real Madrid managers end up being peripheral figures, but Carlo Ancelotti has maintained his hold on the squad without being too impervious. Carlo who has won titles with AC Milan, Chelsea and PSG, not to forget two Champions Leagues with the Rosseneri and now one with Los Blancos, has an aura and certain natural command over his teams. Having managed stellar teams, he knows how to deal with stars and big egos in the squad while extracting the best from them.

While his predecessor, Mourinho, was much more vocal and demonstrative. He was especially not a particular media or squad favorite, Ancelotti is a calmer personality and better man manager. Also, having recently delivered La Decima, he has been able to gain certain stronghold in a club where furniture and managers are used in a similar manner. Despite losing twice in the opening three domestic games he has maintained patience.

The nonchalant Italian with his raised eyebrows has helped team for which even the player are vouching for and his uncomplicated ways have surely helped in promoting better team spirit. And with his know how he knows how to succeed at the Champions League time and again. The biggest advantage that Ancelotti provides is that his European experience is not just limited to managerial role but having been a part of a stellar AC Milan squad, he has won the trophy twice and was part of the last team to have retained it. Surely with his experience he would be able to quash all the complacency involved during the course of this season’s defence .