Lionel Messi has delivered his verdict on Real Madrid’s Champions League winning campaign following the conclusion of the prestigious tournament some days ago....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Speaking to TyC Sports, Messi said the Los Blancos “were not the best team” in UCL this term, and further stated that the best team doesn’t always win.
And that’s the brutal truth if we remove sentiments and embrace reality.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side never had it easy on their way to winning the “La Decimocuarta” in Paris.
Navigating their way through a group that contained the likes of Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk, Madrid initially got Benfica as round of 16 opponents, only to be drawn against PSG after the initial draw was voided.
Madrid traveled to Parc Des Princes for the first leg which ended 1-nil in favor of PSG.
Kylian Mbappe scored the only goal and was also on target in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Save for Karim Benzema’s moments of magic, PSG dominated the Spanish giants for majority of both legs, but still got eliminated.
Same thing occurred in the semifinals. Right from the first whistle, Manchester City got off to a flying start at the Etihad and deservedly cruised to an early 2-nil lead, but somehow Madrid got back in the game through Benzema and Vinicius even when it was obvious they were grossly outplayed.
The 2nd leg saw Man City hold a 5-3 aggregate lead into second half stoppage time, but how Madrid clawed their way back is still unbelievable.
Two goals from Rodrygo and one from Benzema was enough to send Man City packing from the Champions League while Madrid secured passage to the final.
Messi’s opinion about this Real Madrid side is not flawed, neither is it biased. They were certainly not the best team, but then they were the most mentally prepared and never gave up when the chips were down.
Simply put, they are “mentality monsters”.
The four teams Real Madrid faced during the knockout stages all dominated, but the UCL title still returned to the Bernabeu.
Yes, Messi may have won just one Champions League trophy in the last 11 years, but we all know the forward is not the jealous or salty type. He literally praised Madrid’s mentality, not criticise them as we seem to make it out to be.
