The European club season drew to a gripping conclusion at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, as Real Madrid once again tightened their grip on the Champions League trophy. It was the 15th success in the competition for Los Blancos, as they managed to survive Borussia Dortmund’s attacking offense to claim a 2-0 success in London.
The success will undoubtedly attract more fans to follow the Spanish giants, just as it did in attracting new fans to bet on the action. The Champions League final was a hugely popular event for wagering, and you can find here more about some of the leading welcome bonuses for betting and playing in online casinos that are available.
But how did Real become champions of Europe for a record-extending 15th time?
Route To The Final
Real Madrid were listed among the pre-tournament favorites to win the Champions League this season, but their chances of success hinged on a quick adaption to life in Spain by Jude Bellingham following the departure of the hugely influential Karim Benzema. Los Blancos were incredibly professional during the group stage of the competition, finishing top of the Group C standings after winning all six of their matches against Napoli, Union Berlin, and Braga. This great start of Madrid in this tournament is like the beginning of the online casino journey with plenty of welcome bonuses.
Bigger challenges would lie in wait in the knockout stage, beginning with a nervy clash against RB Leipzig in the round of 16. After landing a 1-0 win in Germany, Los Blancos needed their fair share of luck to hold out in their home fixture to tie 1-1 and progress through to the next round.
Next up, Real came up against the defending European champions, and two thrilling clashes against Manchester City would follow. After playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw in Spain, Real would ultimately need a penalty shootout in England to progress through to the next round.
Another German rival would await in the final four, with Carlo Ancelotti facing his former side, Bayern Munich. The teams played out a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena before a Joselu-inspired Real turned the game on its head in the second leg, with the Spanish forward netting twice in the final minutes.
Final Success
Real were the heavy favorites ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley, as they looked to complete a memorable league and European double. However, they didn’t have things all their own way in London, as Borussia Dortmund missed no shortage of clear scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes.
It always appeared as though they would regret those missed chances, and a re-composed Real looked back on the front foot as soon as the second period got underway. Club stalwart Dani Carvajal opened the scoring with an excellent header before a defensive mistake by Dortmund allowed Bellingham to slide through a pass to Vinicius Jr to wrap up the final.
The effort by the Brazilian would be his sixth in the competition this term, meaning that he ended the Champions League as the second-highest scorer. His performance in the final also makes him the standout selection to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or this year.
Historic Achievement
Real Madrid always considers the Champions League to be their trophy, and their 15th success in the competition has seen them extend their record-breaking number of victories. The success also saw Ancelotti win a 12th major title with the club, becoming the second-most successful manager in Real’s history.
In winning the Champions League, history was made by Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Nacho, and Luka Modric. The Real quintet have now won the European Cup on a record six occasions, with Ancelotti also becoming the winning most manager in the competition’s history with five.
It was a memorable evening for Kroos, as he capped his club career with a success in the Champions League title on his final appearance for Los Blancos. Madrid’s expertise in the final stages was clear for all to see, and it will once again make them a dominant challenger in the new European format in 2024-25.
Conclusion
Real Madrid never stands still when they are at the top of the European game, and they will be aiming to achieve even more success in 2024-25. Early signs are already apparent that they will strengthen over the summer months, as the club is nearing a deal to sign French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Like any new bonuses give online casino players new strengths and willingness to continue their successes, the French star striker surely will add to the team’s firepower in the final third, and it could be the difference that enables the club to win a record-extending 16th European Cup in 2025.
