Real Madrid closed out their La Liga season on Friday night with a 0-0 draw against Real Betis, but the match was far more remarkable for its goodbyes.
Marcelo, Isco and Gareth Bale are all moving on at the end of the season with the expiry of their contracts. It also closes out a rare season where Real Madrid have been able to challenge in the Champions League and secure the La Liga title too.
Asked to give a grade to his side for their campaign, manager Carlo Ancelotti had this to say to Marca.
“It’s a very high mark, because we started well and we finished better. The team has always shown commitment through their collective work.”
Yet for the Italian, one thing stood out. Perhaps not the first thing that would come to mind for many analysts of the game, but Ancelotti has emphasized it on several occasions now.
“Then we’ve also had good individual performances like Courtois, Vini and Benzema. But what sticks with me is the atmosphere in the dressing room, it’s been spectacular and that has made the difference this season. I thank them for that.”
Los Blancos will be hoping that spirit is enough to propel them to the Champions League next Saturday in Paris. Not many would have placed Real Madrid in the final of this year’s competition, yet that indomitable spirit has come through time and again for them in Europe and it’s hard to disagree with Ancelotti’s words looking at the manner in which they’ve made it there.
