The Real Madrid team of 2017 emerges as the best of Real Madrid we have seen in recent years, Guided by the leadership of Zinedine Zidane, Los Blancos not only asserted their dominance in European football but also showcased a distinctive amalgamation of skill, strategy, and unyielding resilience. But it was again the mentality that was enlisted since the time of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid that took the cake.
The BBC At Play
A pivotal element in Real Madrid's exceptional 2017 performance lay in their offensive might. The trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale, collectively known as the "BBC," constituted a formidable attacking force. Ronaldo's prolific goal-scoring,
Benzema's intricate link-up play and Bale's explosive speed coalesced to form an unstoppable trident that consistently dismantled opposition defences. BBC did cause an issue for the opponents but it was short-lived as a new hero emerged for Real Madrid in 2017
It was this very season that Gareth Bale started having injury issues, first on his calf and then on his knees, 2017 was the time Gareth started getting the injuries that would ultimately smear his career at Madrid in future. This shows that all glitters are not gold as Real Madrid had a wonderful season but had to levy some expenses too.
But Bale's injuries issue got covered because Zidane cleverly used Isco in that Attacking side of Gareth Bale, Sometimes even starting before Gareth. This became fruitful because Isco helped Madrid in the Semi-final against Atletico Madrid in the semifinals of the UCL in 2017. He did not even misplace his single pass in that game.
This made Isco a starter and a Bernabeu favourite. It was a season that rejuvenated Isco's career at the expense of Bale's position in the team.
Additionally, Bale didn't even start in the final against Juventus in 2017. But however that team was more than strong for the Italian Champions.
Zidane's Tactical Masterclass.
Zidane's tactical acuity played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success. The French maestro displayed a profound understanding of his squad, making adept tactical decisions and astutely rotating players to maintain freshness during a demanding season.
Zidane's adaptability, especially in crucial UEFA Champions League encounters, underscored his strategic brilliance.
2017 Real Madrid played defensive football, there is no doubt about it, against a weaker or lower opposition team in the league game he did change the tactics to a fast-paced football, most of the tactics deployed included fast-pace counter-attacks. This was evident with the incredible counter-attacking goal by Isco. Remember the goal scored by Ronaldo with a low cross provided by Dani Carvajal in the Final, that was also the result of the same counter-attacking play.
Real Madrid's triumph in 2017 was not solely reliant on their star-studded attack; the midfield and defence played crucial roles as well. The triumvirate of Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro in the midfield offered a perfect blend of creativity, ball control, and defensive stability.
This trio dictated the tempo of matches, allowing Real Madrid to assert dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Defensive Masterclass
Defensively, the partnership of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane formed an impenetrable wall for opposing strikers. Supported by the exceptional goalkeeping of Keylor Navas, Real Madrid showcased attacking flair and defensive tenacity. Their ability to grind out results in challenging situations, exemplified by the memorable comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, demonstrated the team's resilience.
Real Madrid's crowning glory in 2017 was their historic feat of becoming the first team in the Champions League era to successfully defend their title. The victory against Juventus in Cardiff encapsulated the full spectrum of their abilities, from attacking brilliance to defensive solidity.
In summation, Real Madrid's excellence in 2017 was the result of a harmonious convergence of talent, tactics, and teamwork. The synergy between world-class players, Zinedine Zidane's tactical acumen, and a collective spirit of resilience propelled Los Blancos to unprecedented heights. The legacy of the 2017 squad extends beyond the trophies they lifted, etching a memory of the beautiful and effective game they played.
Comments