"When I saw that Mbappé, Rodrygo, Vinícius and Bellingham were running towards me... I started praying to God. It was nice, after all, everyone wants to play against these players. The next day I couldn't even move," Maaffeo said, as quoted by Madrid Universal.
Let's remember that in the composition of the Madridistas, the striker Rodrygo scored (13th minute). For the hosts, the striker Vedat Muriqi scored (53rd minute).
It is worth noting that at the end of last season, Real Madrid won the Spanish league, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
Real Madrid's impressive 2022-23 season saw them win several major titles, including their 35th La Liga crown and a record-breaking 14th UEFA Champions League trophy. Led by the iconic trio of Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Los Blancos were virtually unstoppable, demonstrating their depth and versatility throughout the campaign.
The Spanish giants' success wasn't limited to the domestic front, as they also won the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. Their La Liga triumph was particularly impressive, as they finished 17 points clear of their nearest rivals Barcelona.
In the Champions League, Real Madrid had a tough road to the final, eliminating teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City. Their final victory over Liverpool in Paris capped off an unforgettable season and cemented their status as one of the greatest European clubs of the modern era.
The performance of young stars like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo was a particular highlight, as they demonstrated their immense talent and potential, forming a formidable duo with the timeless Karim Benzema. The arrival of Jude Bellingham, who joined the club from Borussia Dortmund, strengthened Real Madrid's squad and added depth to their midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti's masterful tactics and man management played a crucial role in the team's success, as he guided the team with aplomb through a gruelling season. The experienced Italian tactician has now cemented his legacy as one of the greatest managers in football history, having won numerous titles with various top clubs across Europe.
Heading into the new season, Real Madrid will be looking to defend their domestic and European crowns, aiming to maintain their dominance and cement their place as the undisputed kings of Spanish and European football. With a talented squad and a proven winning mentality, Los Blancos will undoubtedly be the team to beat once again.
