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.
