Mentality Champions

It is widely acknowledged that Real Madrid has a special relationship with the Champions League. Indeed, the 1-0 win against Liverpool in Paris was the 14th title in the club's history. Also, Real Madrid won all eight Champions League finals they have been involved in (1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022). While in some of these finals Madrid was able to dominate the match from the first minute to the last, in others they have needed very dramatic late goals to keep their chances of winning alive. Nevertheless, the team from the Spanish capital always managed to find a way of winning. It can be suggested that such a run in the competition might give players a lot of confidence in winning and install a considerable level of respect, and maybe even fear, from other teams. Indeed, as 2002 Champions League winner Santi Solari concluded:

“If Madrid has anything, it is faith that they are favourites in finals, and the players take to the pitch knowing they have the weight of history behind them.”

While Real Madrid's outstanding record in the finals may enhance players' belief in a successful outcome, there also might be other contributing factors. Therefore, the objective of the present article is to have a closer look at a wide range of aspects that can play a vital role in winning the finals. In particular, I will provide an analysis of the latest final from a perspective of different psychological constructs.

It is all about the key moments

While in the knockout games leading to a final, Real Madrid had not looked convincing, they managed to produce some key moments against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City. These key moments have also proven to be vital in the 2021/2022 final against Liverpool. Indeed, the interventions from Thibaut Courtois and Vinicius Junior's goal were key in Madrid’s win. However, to fully understand the significance of these moments we need to have a look at the game as a whole.

It is fair to say that on the night Liverpool was a better team. The team from Merseyside produce 21 shots with 9 on target compared to Madrid’s 2 shots and only 1 on target. Also, Liverpool’s expected goals (xG) in the final were 2.6 compared to Madrid’s 0.7. Finally, Liverpool recorded more entrances to the opposition half, the final third, and the penalty box compared to Madrid.

As such, Madrid’s performance was far away from a beautiful display demonstrated by Barcelona in 2011 or Ajax in 1994. Instead, Madrid showed great organisation out of possession, getting the best out of key moments in both boxes.