There is no denying that Jude Bellingham’s arms-extended celebration after scoring will be the image that defines 2023 for many Real Madrid supporters; however, it is undeniable that Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has endured a varied campaign.
Last season, Madrid won the Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey. However, they were soundly defeated in the Champions League semifinals and Supercopa de Espana by Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively.
They are in a good position to reclaim La Liga this season, in part due to Bellingham’s outstanding form since joining from Borussia Dortmund; however, they have lost three important players—Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and now David Alaba—to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
The high point
The highlight was victory in May’s Copa del Rey final against Osasuna — Madrid’s first success in the competition in nine years. It was the only major title of the year and the 2-1 win in Seville was the culmination of an impressive run in the competition. Ancelotti’s side knocked out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals and produced a Karim Benzema-inspired comeback at Camp Nou to beаt Barcelona 4-0 in the semi-final second leg (winning 4-1 on aggregate). They Һit all the right notes in the final to beаt Osasuna and they were still in with a chance of doing the Copa del Rey-Champions League double.
It did not turn out that way, however…
The low point
Madrid had a poor campaign in La Liga, but the lowest point of the season was the 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final second leg.
The 14-time European champions did not expect such a setback after securing a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu. They simply had no answer to City’s аttаck and barely threatened Ederson’s goal.
The contrast between the sides was so great that the club had to sit down and plan for the future after that result. It was a turning point and led to some key decisions being taken behind the scenes in terms of Ancelotti staying at the club and signings that would be made that summer.
Most surprising moment
Some player departures were announced in the aftermath of the City defeat, but the most surprising was Benzema’s decision to leave for Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad.
It took everyone by surprise: Benzema informed Madrid about his offer from Al Ittihad on Tuesday, May 30 but on Thursday, June 1, he said at an awards ceremony that “reality isn’t the internet”, a cryptic message which appeared to hint at him staying. The exit of Madrid’s second all-time top scorer was finally confirmed three days later.
That led to a stream of rumors about the Frenchman’s possible replacement and left the No 9 shirt vacant. Joselu was the only striker who arrived on loan from Espanyol and took the No. 14 — meaning Madrid started a season without anybody wearing the No. 9 for the first time in their history.
Best player
Who else? Just four months into his Real Madrid career, it is hard to see beyond Bellingham and his 17 goals in 21 games since joining from Dortmund.
There were plenty of rumors about Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe yet again this summer, but the Englishman has been Madrid’s star signing. Signed for €103million (£89.4m; $114m), plus 30 percent more in variables, that fee already looks like a bargain.
His impact in big games such as El Clasico and Champions League nights have shown exactly why Madrid recruited him. The 20-year-old is the leader of a new generation; Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde all look set to be mainstays in Los Blancos’ line-up for many years to come.
Best goal
Madrid’s best goal this calendar year was not scored by one of their players.
It was an own goal by Napoli’s Alex Meret, but nothing should be taken away from Valverde’s stunning shot from distance, which smashed off the crossbar and onto the head of the opposition goalkeeper before crossing the line, sparking wild scenes among Madrid’s players.
Valverde’s goal sealed a 3-2 in Italy and set Madrid on the road to qualification for the Champions League last 16, which they comfortably secured with a perfect six wins from six in Group C.
The stat that sums up 2023
Bellingham’s goalscoring and creative numbers have given Madrid the best possible end to the year.
His goal against Cadiz last month meant he had scored 14 times in his first 15 games for the club — beating both Alfredo Di Stefano and Cristiano Ronaldo’s start of 13 goals in their first 15 matches for Madrid.
Most memorable quote
One of the best answers in a Madrid press conference came before the 3-2 win away at Union Berlin earlier in December.
A journalist reminded Ancelotti of a phrase he had said last season: “Legends have to retire here at Madrid”. The Italian was asked if that could be applied to him, given his uncertain future — his contract expires in the summer of 2024 and he has been heavily linked to the Brazil job.
Ancelotti deflected attention away from himself but also summed up Madrid’s ethos. “I’m not a legend, I’m just a coach,” he said. “The legends are the players with a fantastic career here.”
It was a typically gentlemanly comment from the 64-year-old, but it also matched reality: at Madrid, the stars are the players — and not the coaches. Although they will certainly miss Ancelotti when he eventually goes.