When assembling a list of favorites to win the Champions League every season, you risk a prison sentence if you ignore Real Madrid! Yes, that is how consolidated the Spanish side has consolidated its European reputation, with a deluge of continental conquests in recent seasons.
The most recent was the 2021/2022 season which Real Madrid memorably clinched despite being dismissed as outsiders from the beginning of the season. Fans and punters partaking in crypto football betting were excited when Real Madrid clashed with Liverpool in the final, with the former coming out victorious.
But who were the major contributors to Real Madrid’s historic Champions League conquest in the 2021/2022 season?
This article discusses five critical players on whom Real Madrid’s European success hinged last season.
Thibaut Courtois
The stunning Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is the first player on our list, with his exceptional displays key to Madrid emerging victorious.
Thanks to his exceptional goal-keeping skills, he appeared in all the matches as the goalkeeper in the 2021/22 season, securing his team’s victories at every turn.
His stellar work between the sticks has been vital in helping the team regain their top European spot. During the 2021/22 season, Courtois won the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper 2022 Award.
Although he didn’t make the goal that won Real Madrid the champions league in 2021/22, Courtois was praised for his outstanding saves and role as a goalkeeper that led the team to its victory in the season’s league.
Vinicius Júnior
A dancer or a professional footballer? Vinicius Junior encapsulates the flair and bravado that have become characteristic of Brazilian players.
From a youngling, the 2021/2022 Champions League season gave Vinicius the befitting platform to establish himself among Europe’s elite.
The Brazilian attacker Vinicius Júnior was a real threat all through the season, giving opposing defenders more than a mouthful.
Repeatedly he displayed outstanding technique in football that carved out previously non-existent opportunities.
But that’s not all, as Vinicius adds to his technical ability a lightning turn of pace.
Over the years, Vinicius has significantly polished his finishing, ensuring he produces more substance than just trickery on the ball.
So it’s not surprising that he scored the final goal that won Real Madrid the Champions League.
The Brazilian-born player appeared in all 13 matches for Real Madrid in the 2021/2022 league. According to his statistics, Vinicius won a total of 4 goals and 6 assists in the 2021/22 Champions League season in Real Madrid.
Of course, it includes the goal against Liverpool in the finals. Vinicius mostly played forwards (FW) in the season.
Undoubtedly, His direct style of play has enabled him to make a lasting impact on Real Madrid’s European journey. Vinicius is certainly one to watch for generations to come!
Luka Modrić
Luka Modric is a perfect demonstration of old wine tasting better. Abundantly experienced, he neatly stitched the Real Madrid defense with the attack, consistently delivering some mouthwatering passes.
Luka Modrić is another player that appeared in all 13 matches in Real Madrid. Although he didn’t score any goals, he had 4 assists in total for the team in the 2021/22 champions league season. The best part; every assist he made in the season led to a goal for the team.
The Croatian playmaker has been around in Madrid for many years now, and he continues to put his creative game to the test in both La Liga and the Champions League.
An accurate passer of the ball blessed with rather unorthodox technical skill, Modrić is 34 years old and is yet to lose his form or his ability to dictate midfield moments.
And yes, you guessed it right- he played as one of the team’s midfielders in the 2021/22 season. Modric held the midfielder position alongside Kroos and Casemiro. Although he played all 13 matches, he started only 12 matches. He also made 30 progressive carries during the games.
Karim Benzema
Benzema was an assured destination of goals for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. He featured in 12 matches, giving Real Madrid much-needed attacking firepower.
The Frenchman notched notable goals across the league, with some memorable ones against Chelsea and Man City.
Although he had 12 appearances in the 2021/22 champions league season, Benzema gathered 15 goals with 1 assist in the 2021/22 season.
He might not have scored the final goal that won the team the league, but his contribution to the season’s league is remarkable.
He also made 3 penalty kicks that season while scoring all three. His goals that season made him the highest goal scorer for the team in the 2022/22 league.
He was named by UEFA’s Technical Observer panel as Real Marid’s Player of the 2021/22 Season. The French-born player also won his first Ballon d’Or after the 2021/22 season.
Éder Militão
Éder Militão made 12 appearances in the 2021/22 Champions League campaign, playing as a defender for the team. Although he scored no goals or assists in the season, Éder’s role cannot be undermined.
The Brazilian-born player defended the team on the pitch against every opponent in the season and that’s part of what led to the team’s victory. Unsurprisingly, he is amongst Ancelotti’s first-team regulars, providing reliable cover at the back.
It’s no longer news that Real Madrid won the champions league in 2021/22 and are favorites to win it this year.
But they didn’t win it miraculously. Thanks to Ancelotti’s tactical selection and arrangement of players, the team achieved success. But that’s not all. These 5 top players with the most appearances contributed immensely to the team’s success.
