Real Madrid’s Emotional Journey to the 2023-2024 Champions League Final.

A special Champions League season for Real Madrid as they faced all four German representatives.

Real Madrid has reached the European Cup/Champions League final for the 18th time, more than any other team in Europe. They have won 14 of their previous 17 finals, a record no club can match.

All three losses occurred before 1981, meaning in the Champions League era, they have never lost a final (8 times).

In the 2023-2024 season, Los Blancos once again showcased their “Champions League DNA” to reach the final. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad notably faced all four German representatives on their journey.

In the group stage, Real Madrid was drawn into Group C alongside Napoli, Braga, and Union Berlin, the German team making their Champions League debut. Despite being the favorites, the Spanish giants had a tough start.

They narrowly won their first three matches, each by just one goal, with decisive goals coming in the fourth minute of stoppage time or from opponents’ own goals.

However, showcasing their class, “Los Blancos” managed to win all six matches. Despite being one of two teams to secure 18 points, their unconvincing performances mean they aren’t top favorites for the title, unlike Manchester City.

Real Madrid’s unconvincing form continued in the Round of 16 against RB Leipzig, the second German team they faced this season. Brahim Diaz’s goal secured a win in the first leg in Germany, but the return match in Madrid saw the visitors perform better.

The 1-1 draw ensured Real Madrid advanced, but Ancelotti admitted the team “needed to improve.”

And they did improve, though many attributed it to their “Champions League DNA.” In the quarter-finals against Man City, the reigning champions and favorites, Real Madrid were the underdogs.

Both matches in Madrid and Manchester ended in draws, with significant pressure on their defense, yet Real Madrid held firm.

In the end, they won on penalties. Although penalty shootouts are often associated with luck, ultimately, composure and nerves of steel are the keys to winning these “Russian roulette” scenarios.

Defeating the champions, Real Madrid once again became the top contender, even as they face Bayern Munich – the third German team they’ve encountered – in the semifinals.

Once again overcoming difficulties in Munich (a 2-2 draw), and once more escaping “death’s door” in Madrid with Joselu’s two goals in the final 2 minutes to stage a comeback. There were controversial decisions by the referee at the end, but they did not change the outcome.

Real Madrid secured their spot in the final, and as fate would have it, standing between them and their 15th European title is Borussia Dortmund—the fourth German team they will face this season.

Despite being the favorites, Ancelotti and his players should consider the Europa League finals between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen, as well as the recent FA Cup final between Man City and Manchester United at Wembley, where this Champions League final will also take place, to avoid complacency.