Are Real Madrid the Best Side in History?
By Nick Burgess
@NickBurgess92
Getty Images
When discussing the best football sides in history, there is a short and storied list in the modern era. Manchester United‘s treble winning side in 1999, Pep Guardiola‘s tiki-taka masters of 2008-2010 at Barcelona and Bayern Munich‘s young side that won every trophy possible in 2013. These teams, alongside those with domestic success like Jose Mourinho‘s Inter Milan in 2008 and the 2004 Arsenal “Invincibles,” are in the annals of football history for being legendary squads consisting of existing superstars, and building the careers of others.
Apart from Arsenal, most of these sides were appreciated years after they accomplished their feat. Well, we may be witnessing the rise of another one of these teams in Carlo Ancelotti‘s Real Madrid.
It was a bit of a rocky start to their domestic La Liga season, as they lost 4-2 to Real Sociadad in their second game of the season. Since then, though, they have been on a 22-game winning streak, including capturing the FIFA Club World Cup and a 3-1 thrashing of rivals Barcelona.
It’s no wonder they are where they are. After winning the Champions League last season, they reloaded on talent and made an already formidable squad one for the ages. After selling Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich, Toni Kroos went the other way and has adjusted to life in Spain wonderfully. World Cup superstar James Rodriguez is in blistering form after his massive transfer from AS Monaco, and Gareth Bale had a full preseason with the squad to further improve after an incredible first season with Los Blancos.
Not only do they have a world class player at every position, but they also have strength in depth. With former Malaga prodigy Isco behind Rodriguez, Costa Rican World Cup great Keylor Navas behind the legend Iker Casillas and a wealth of attacking talent backing up the forward line, look for Real Madrid to continue their incredible run. The smart money would be on them to be the first back-to-back winners of the Champions League, and they look set to go all the way.
Nick Burgess is a soccer columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickBurgess92, “Like” him on Facebook and connect with him on Google.
Simone Departure Could Spell Disaster For Atletico
Diego Simone's departure from Atletico Madrid will start the downfall of the Colchoneros. Read More
Arsenal Proving Worth Early On
After a win over West Ham and Southampton drawing against Chelsea, Arsenal are on track to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Read More
Jose Mourinho Has An Issue In Chelsea Midfield
Although Chelsea are flying high and playing well so far this season, the team still has an issue here and there. One of those is in the midfield and it showed against Southampton. Read More
Predicting the EPL Top 10 At Midway Point
A prediction of who will end up being the top 10 teams in the English Premier League at the midway point in the season. Read More
Wayne Rooney Will Lead United Against Tottenham
Find out why captain Wayne Rooney is the best player Manchester United has, and how he'll help the team earn a victory over Tottenham. Read More
5 Important Matchups For Southampton vs. Chelsea
Chelsea will be aiming to maintain their lead over Manchester City when they take on Southampton in Week 19 of the EPL, and here are five key matchups ahead of the top four clash. Read More
5 Key Matchups For Tottenham vs. Man United
Manchester United travel to take on Tottenham in Week 19 of the EPL, and here are five key matchups ahead of the game. Read More
Real Madrid Should Make Gareth Bale Untouchable
Rumors of Gareth Bale's transfer have been persisting all season long, but Real Madrid would be foolish to sell. Read More
Permanent Signing of Torres a Bad Idea For Milan
AC Milan are planning to make Fernando Torres' loan deal permanent, but a struggling Milan cannot waste their money with the washed up Spaniard. Read More
Liverpool vs. Swansea City: Final Score Prediction
Anfield plays host to the meeting of Liverpool and Swansea on Monday as both sides look to round the year off with a win. Read More
Tottenham vs. Man United: Final Score Prediction
Sunday pits Tottenham against Manchester United in the Premier League. Here's a final score prediction for the match. Read More
Southampton vs. Chelsea: Final Score Prediction
Another fantastic fixture to keep you entertained this holiday season sees Southampton take on Chelsea. Here's a final score prediction. Read More