The giants of Spanish and European football, Real Madrid have been a force in the footballing arena since their inception in 1908. They have had some impeccable achievements through this time and have had a galaxy of stars representing their badge. In this edition, we move to Spain and analyse the Top 10 wins of the most successful club on the planet.
10. Real Madrid 2 – 1 Partizan Belgrade, 1966 European Cup Final
Madrid had already won the European Cup five times and were gunning for their sixth continental title against Partizan Belgrade in Brussels.
This team was a reshuffle by the famous Miguel Munoz and was known as the Ye-Ye Team. A heavy duty clash turned out in favor of Madrid as they became the club with the highest number of European titles to their name.
9. Real Madrid 5 – 1 FC Köln, 1984 UEFA Cup Final
Real Madrid was voted as the best club in the 20th century and a lot of that credit goes to their victories in consecutive European titles in 1983 and 1984.
In the second time running, the Spanish team faced German outfit FC Köln who they thrashed 5-1 at the Bernabeu to make a statement as a team when Italian and German teams were by far playing the best football.
8. FC Barcelona 1 – 2 Real Madrid, 2012 La Liga
One of the best El Classicos ever, Real Madrid travelled to Camp Nou with a 4 point gap at the top of the table, a game that could potentially decide the League. Pep Guardiola’s men were the holders and Jose Mourinho was seeing Madrid through to the title for the first time in 4 years.
A scrappy goal from Khedira was cancelled out by Alexis Sanchez. But Cristiano Ronaldo‘s fantastic run and finish in the 72nd minute meant Real were taking the Liga back to Madrid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXRvD-4kjzI
7. FC Barcelona 1 – 2 Real Madrid, 2014 Copa Del Rey Final
Real and Barcelona squared off in the Final of the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Cup competition. With key players missing from both sides, including the likes of Ronaldo, Marcelo and Puyol, the game lived up to its potential thanks to one man, Gareth Bale.
The Welsh wizard, bought at the start of the season, was prolific throughout the game and his goal towards the end,a solo effort, made all the headlines as Real clinched the Cup at the Mestella.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FuzeWZitjE
6. Real Madrid 2 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen, 2002 UEFA Champions League Final
The first generation of Galacticos truly made their mark at the turn of the century, with their victory in the 2002 Champions League the highlight point.
The Final of the tournament against Bayer Leverkeusen was a cracker as Real’s early Raul goal was cancelled out by Lucio’s header. It was then that Zidane scored the goal of his life with a volley that would be remembered for generations to come.
In India: Politics & Entertainment
5. Atlético Madrid 1 – 4 Real Madrid, 2014 UEFA Champions League Final
The Champions League had eluded Los Blancos for 12 years. They were chasing La Decima, the 10th European Cup for the club. After defeating Bayern in the semis, Carlo Ancelloti’s men faced local rivals Atlético in the Final.
An early goal from Atlético kept Real at bay before Ramos’ 93rd minute header gave Real a chance. As the game went into extra time, Real added three more through Bale, Ronaldo and Marcelo to make the scoreline 4-1.
4. FC Barcelona 1 – 4 Real Madrid, 2008 La Liga
El Classico of 2008 was a treat for all Madridistas and humiliation for Barca fans as Real walked out onto the pitch through a guard of honor formed by Barca players and then thrashed their arch-rivals 4-1.
The league was already won and Real scored through Raul, Higuain, Robben and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Thiery Henry’s late goal came as a consolation to a jaded Barca team.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijunxgdv2uI
3. Real Madrid 4 – 1 Juventus, 2017 UEFA Champions League Final
Real Madrid beat Juventus in the Final of the Champions League in Cardiff, the second of their consecutive three Champions League titles.
The match was pitched as the best defense in Europe against the best attack in Europe. Zidane’s Real came out on top with a brace from star man Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way as Real swept aside Juventus 4-1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtsp6KrRE8I
2. Real Madrid 3 – 1 Liverpool, 2018 UEFA Champions League Final
In a game with an English opposition for the first time in the Final of the Champions League, Real met Liverpool. This was a game marred with controversy as Ramos injured Salah minutes into the game, who had to be retired hurt.
Thus, Liverpool lost their talisman straightaway. Moreover, unforgivable mistakes from Loris Karius meant that Gareth Bale led Real Madrid to continental glory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzcSPBMe0mI
1. Real Madrid 1 – 1(5 -3) Atlético Madrid, 2016 UEFA Champions League Final
Having won the La Decima two years earlier, it was time for Real to do the job again as the Madrid giants met again in Milan in the Final of the continental competition.
Real and Atlético went on to draw the game 1-1 before a horrendous penalty performance from Atlético meant Real won 5-3 on spot-kicks and repeated their feat of two years back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amZWRmfltUA