Real Madrid need reinvention as special circumstances are needed to rule Europe

All eyes are on Real Madrid again but in a different way than the 15-time Champions League winners are accustomed. Every fan expects Real to be among the best eight in Europe, yet they are in the playoffs for a second season after a 4-2 defeat at Benfica in the final league fixture.

Looking back, Carlo Ancelotti’s impact at Real is even clearer, as is Zinedine Zidane’s: both were players who stood alongside outstanding footballers and earned an aura that commands respect. Ancelotti also played under Arrigo Sacchi at Milan, while Zidane scored key goals in Champions League and World Cup finals.

Xabi Alonso has the same profile. As a player he was an institution in defensive midfield, winning everything with club and country, practically Ancelotti minus two decades. He planned his career carefully and knew the risk when he moved to Real; the experiment failed but provided valuable experience.

real madrid, champions league, carlo ancelotti, zinedine zidane, xabi alonso, benfica, playoffs, defensive midfield, arrigo sacchi, world cup