Zidane’s Renaissance: Real Madrid’s Resurgence in the 2019-20 La Liga Season

Rewind to the turbulent summer of 2018: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer, departs for Turin. Zinedine Zidane, the architect of three consecutive Champions League triumphs, steps down as manager. The mighty Real Madrid finds itself in disarray. 

Julen Lopetegui, hastily appointed after being sacked as Spain’s national team coach on the eve of the World Cup, endures a nightmarish tenure. He is replaced mid-season by Santiago Solari, whose brief stint ends in humiliation after a disastrous home defeat to Ajax in the Champions League. The Santiago Bernabéu, once the stage of triumphs, becomes a theatre of despair. 

No Ronaldo. No, Zidane. A revolving door of managers. A demoralized squad. 

Florentino Pérez, the imperious president of Real Madrid, knows he must act decisively. And so, in March 2019, Zidane returned to the club he once steered to glory. The house he left behind is now in ruins, but Zidane—a man of calm demeanour and steely resolve—accepts the challenge of rebuilding. 

Rebuilding the Soul of Real Madrid 

Zidane’s second tenure begins under a cloud of scepticism. Critics question whether he is the right man for the job. AS declares that Real Madrid has “no soul,” while former player Predrag Mijatović openly doubts Zidane’s ability to restore the team’s fortunes. 

Yet Zidane begins his work quietly and methodically, not just as a tactician but as a psychologist. He rotates players, experiments with formations, and, most importantly, instils belief in his squad. The once-fractured team starts to find cohesion, and a new generation of players emerges under his guidance. 

Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy, and Éder Militão begin to shine, while the old guard—Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modrić, and Toni Kroos—rediscover their rhythm. Zidane also revitalizes Thibaut Courtois, who transforms from a shaky newcomer into one of the world’s best goalkeepers. 

The Return of Benzema and Ramos 

Karim Benzema, long overshadowed by Ronaldo, steps into the spotlight. He becomes the team’s talisman, not just as a striker but as a playmaker, leader, and even a defensive contributor. His 21 league goals, many of them decisive, underscore his importance. 

Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos embodies the spirit of Real Madrid. The captain’s defensive solidity, crucial goals, and unyielding determination ensure the team navigates through a potentially ugly transition period. 

A Season of Challenges 

The 2019-20 season is far from smooth. Real Madrid experiences highs and lows, with moments of brilliance interspersed with bouts of mediocrity. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic halts football worldwide, casting uncertainty over the season’s conclusion. 

When football resumes, Real Madrid returns with a vengeance. Zidane’s side embarks on a flawless run, winning 10 consecutive games to close the campaign. Each match becomes a testament to their resilience, tactical discipline, and hunger for success. 

The Decisive Night 

On July 16, 2020, Real Madrid faces Villarreal, needing a victory to clinch their 34th La Liga title. Luka Modrić delivers a masterclass, seamlessly transitioning between midfield and attack. His energy and vision galvanize the team. 

Casemiro, the midfield enforcer, neutralizes Villarreal’s threats, particularly the dangerous Samu Chukwueze. His crucial interception leads to the opening goal, scored by none other than Benzema. 

Benzema doubles the lead from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos wins a foul in the box. Although Villarreal pulls one back late in the game, Courtois makes a series of vital saves to preserve Real’s lead. The final whistle confirms Real Madrid as La Liga champions. 

Zidane’s Masterstroke 

Zidane’s achievement goes beyond tactical acumen. He proves he is not merely a “lucky” coach blessed with great players but a masterful strategist and motivator. His ability to rebuild a broken team and guide them through adversity cements his legacy as one of football’s great managers. 

Reflecting on the title, Zidane says, “The Champions League is the Champions League, but the Spanish league requires such an amount of effort. Thirty-eight weeks of work, and at the end, you have more points than everyone else. It’s fantastic.” 

Sergio Ramos, effusive in his praise, declares, “Everything Zidane touches turns into gold. We believe in him and his work. He is unique.” 

A Triumph of Resilience 

The 2019-20 La Liga title is more than just a trophy for Real Madrid. It is a triumph of resilience, a testament to Zidane’s leadership, and a reminder of the club’s enduring spirit. In a season marked by uncertainty and adversity, Real Madrid rises once again, proving that even in the darkest times, the heart of a champion never stops beating. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Art of Breaking Down the Impenetrable: Cristiano Ronaldo’s triumph over Juventus

“How can anyone breach the Juventus defence? How can strikers unsettle a wall as disciplined and resolute as theirs? And, perhaps most dauntingly, how does one beat the legendary Gianluigi Buffon?” These were the questions echoing through the minds of football followers ahead of the UEFA Champions League final. Juventus, boasting one of the most formidable backlines in modern football, seemed impenetrable. Yet, when the whistle blew and the final unfolded, a familiar figure with gelled hair, dazzling teeth, and unparalleled skill provided the answer. Once again, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who seized the moment and left his mark on the grandest stage.  

Dissecting the Juve Defence: Ronaldo’s Masterclass in Timing and Movement

For most opponents, breaking down Juventus is a task akin to chiselling stone—arduous and mentally exhausting. Their defensive organization under Massimiliano Allegri had been virtually flawless, a tightly-knit unit led by Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Buffon. What sets Juventus apart is not just their individual brilliance, but their collective intelligence—each defender anticipating threats with near-telepathic precision.  

Yet, Ronaldo found ways to unravel this intricate web. His brilliance lies in his ability to operate between the lines, shifting between spaces that defenders rarely anticipate. The key to breaching Juventus was not brute force but precise movement: timing runs to perfection, drifting into the half-spaces, and exploiting even the smallest lapses in concentration. Ronaldo’s movement off the ball, especially during transitions, forced Juventus into uncomfortable decisions—either to track him at the risk of leaving gaps behind or maintain their shape and leave him unmarked.  

Buffon: An Icon Beaten by the Game’s Relentless Star

Few players can claim to have bested Gianluigi Buffon on the biggest stage. For over two decades, Buffon has been a towering figure between the posts, a man whose reflexes and leadership have defined an era. But on this night, Ronaldo’s clinical finishing and composure in the box proved too much, even for the legendary Italian.  

The hallmark of Buffon’s greatness has always been his anticipation—his ability to read attackers and act a split second before the shot is taken. But Ronaldo, with his deceptive positioning and speed, rendered this skill ineffective. His goals were not just strikes—they were statements. Each finish was a testament to his ability to outthink one of the finest goalkeepers the game has ever seen.  

Zidane’s Renaissance: Real Madrid’s Return to Fluid Football

Under Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid experienced a revival that went beyond mere victories—it was a return to a brand of football imbued with creativity, flair, and purpose. The midfield, anchored by Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, rediscovered the fluidity of Madrid’s golden years. With the ball at their feet, they orchestrated attacks with surgical precision, threading passes that sliced through Juventus’ defensive lines. Zidane's tactical blueprint gave Ronaldo the platform to thrive, and the results spoke for themselves.  

Madrid’s resurgence under Zidane wasn’t just a matter of tactics but also of belief. He instilled a sense of unity and confidence in his squad, allowing each player to express himself within a cohesive system. This was evident in the way the team controlled the tempo of the game, patiently waiting for the right moments to strike. And when those moments arrived, Ronaldo was always there—calm, ruthless, and unstoppable.  

Cristiano Ronaldo: The World’s Best Player in His Prime

In this chapter of his career, Ronaldo has transcended comparisons. For years, the debate between him and Lionel Messi has divided fans and pundits alike. But at this moment, Ronaldo stands alone at the summit. His consistency, hunger, and ability to perform in the most critical games have set him apart. While Messi continues to mesmerize with his genius, Ronaldo has mastered the art of domination—imposing his will on the biggest occasions and delivering when it matters most.  

Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond goals. His presence demands attention, unsettling even the most seasoned defenders. Every run, every touch, and every finish carries an aura of inevitability. And in this final, he eclipsed the memory of his Argentine rival, forcing even the most devoted Messi admirers to acknowledge his supremacy, if only for a fleeting moment.  

A Night to Remember, A Legacy Cemented

Breaking down Juventus was never supposed to be easy, yet Ronaldo made it seem almost routine. His performance in the Champions League final was not just a triumph for Real Madrid but a personal statement—a reminder of his place among football’s immortals. Zidane’s Madrid played with elegance, vision, and confidence, but it was Ronaldo who turned those qualities into victory.  

As Buffon stood helpless between the posts, beaten by a player operating at the height of his powers, it became clear that this was more than just a game. It was a testament to Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence, his ability to thrive under pressure, and his unmatched drive to be the best.  

In the end, Real Madrid’s victory was not merely the result of tactical acumen or individual brilliance—it was a culmination of belief, unity, and the presence of a player who, on the biggest stage, refused to be anything less than extraordinary.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar