As the nation gravitates towards its armchairs and props its feet up in anticipation of another Premier League season, many eyes are already drawn to a mouthwatering Champions League campaign, which sees the re-emergence of Liverpool into the fray.
Manchester United are conspicuous in their absence, and Arsenal's presence is almost customary. Chelsea have adapted quickly to the competition with little luck at times, while City have struggled to make an impact. However, they will both make strong claims for the trophy.
And, of course, Real Madrid are looking to become the first team to retain the trophy in the CL era. They are a big name, heavily revered, and steeped in history, now with the elevated tremble-factor of reaching double figures in terms of titles. But is this achievement a true reflection of the teams' superiority?
They already had five European Cups safely under lock and key before most of the rest of Europe was awake. Even Manchester United's entry in 1957 and 1958 was seen as frivolous, such was the low standing of the competition in its infancy.
And for all Real Madrid's titles, they have only met ONE team in the final (Juventus, 1998) that has actually previously won the trophy, and only ONE of the remaining nine finalists have ever gone on to win it in the future (AC Milan).
This suggests that, although they have been successful in reaching the final, and one cannot overlook some of the fantastic players that Madrid have boasted, they have not actually been tested by a team of stature. The most recent occasion on which they lost the final (1981) they came up against a team (Liverpool) that knew the European stage all too well, and of course, the English team triumphed.
In fact, of all Real Madrid's victorious clashes in the final, most of their opposing clubs have never since reached a European Cup final. Nobody is disputing their dominance, but if they are to retain the trophy this season, one would hope that they are severely tested.
Are Real Madrid's ten Euro Cups flattering?
posted on 16/8/14
You can only beat what's infront of you but I'd agree to a point that they where the only team interested early on. It was certainly a more competitive thing 70's on!
On this seasons champions league I can see the English teams doing well and hold out hope for Liverpool due to the high pressing, counter attacking football we play. Away ties are made for us and we are very hard to beat at home!
posted on 16/8/14
Really well written article
I think you have to take into account who they beat along the way as well and I'm quite sure that they met some CL winner in the previous rounds during their wins. It could also be argued that the semi-final is the harder round as it's over two legs but maybe that makes it easier.
I's true that their record is flattering considering the early wins. Bit like no-one cares that Uruguay won the world cup but I'd rather have them than not!
posted on 16/8/14
That's a load of nonsense. Busby's United took the competition VERY seriously in the late 50's. The fact English teams were initially crap in it doesn't mean it was a poorer competition. Real Madrid were just a class above everyone and in Di Stefano and Puskas' prime, they were untouchable.
posted on 16/8/14
Yes op....its sooo overated. Like u said, won 5 when most of europe didnt play. Defo skewed.
posted on 16/8/14
Oh man, wanting to put an astrix alongside The Dėcima.
You question the Madrid team of Stėfano and Puskas that won 5 Euro Cups?
You're a Brave guy, is all I can say...
posted on 16/8/14
"You question the Madrid team of Stėfano and Puskas that won 5 Euro Cups? "
"one cannot overlook some of the fantastic players that Madrid have boasted"
No, not particularly
posted on 16/8/14
Do you question Uruguay's World Cup Win?
posted on 16/8/14
I don't question the fact that they won them, but I do question whether they were the best team in world football on both occasions.
posted on 16/8/14
A bit of a non article really.
You can only beat what is in front of you.
They probably would have won a few of the first ones anyway even if every team in Europe were in it, because they had a superb team.
Even if you take all the first 5 away, they have still won another 5 since, which is many as anyone apart else from Milan.
posted on 16/8/14
Fair enough.