Real Madrid's 36th La Liga title in their history in 2023/24 is not just a simple story. The team led by Carlo Ancelotti have suffered just one defeat this season, and they have consistently shown their competitive quality.
Although Benzema left, Bellingham's arrival breathed new life into Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have not only beaten their old rivals Barcelona three times, but also won the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga. The following week, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich and have a chance to reach the final of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League. That means they have the potential to achieve a treble this season, while the Santiago Bernabeu will welcome superstar Kylian Mbappe and young talent Endrick.
All of these achievements are due to Carlo Ancelotti, who is respectfully known as the "old father". Just a year ago, the situation was very different. When Barcelona won La Liga, Manchester City knocked Real Madrid out of the Champions League, and Karim Benzema left the Bernabeu, Real Madrid faced an unprecedented challenge.
So, how did Carlo Ancelotti turn things around, and how did he turn the downside into motivation and then into Real Madrid's best moments in La Liga?
Real Madrid showed their best defensive (conceded just 22 goals) and attacking (scored 74 goals) in La Liga in 2023/24. At the start of the season, Real Madrid started the season in an extremely unfavorable way, as many of the team's core players were unable to play due to injury. Two days before the La Liga opener against Bilbao, first goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to undergo surgery due to a groin injury and was unable to play. Subsequently, centre-back Eder Militão was also forced off the pitch due to injury.
Faced with difficulties, Real Madrid moved quickly to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea as Courtois' replacement. However, after Kepa's disappointing performances, Carlo Ancelotti boldly dropped the goalkeeper to the bench and switched on Andre Lunin. We all know the rest of the story, Lunin's outstanding performance became a new bright spot in Real Madrid's defence.
But the 25-year-old Ukrainian goalkeeper isn't the only one who shines in the face of adversity. Antonio Rudiger has increased in value significantly this season as he has established himself as a leader in the defensive line. Especially after David Alaba was added to the injury list due to a knee injury, Rudiger became a mainstay in the team's backline.
Although Real Madrid have not made a big splash in the transfer market, Carlo Ancelotti has relied on the likes of captain Nacho Fernandes and, if necessary, midfielder Tchouameni to stabilize the squad. Real Madrid were at the top of the table at one point in their match against Girona on 11 January, showing a very high level in both defence and attack.
At the time, Rudiger was unable to play due to injury, and Carlo Ancelotti put in a defensive combination that included Lucas Vazquez at right-back and Dani Carvajal and Tchouameni at centre-back. Only Edouard Mendy remained in his usual left-back position. However, such a defensive combination won the game convincingly with a score of 4-0, as if there had never been any lack of quality.
The flexibility, depth and dedication of the squad played a key role in this season's La Liga title. Ancelotti's creativity and adaptability have contributed even more. They seem to have elevated tactical tweaks to an art.
This was especially evident in the Madrid derby in September 2023. In that game, Real Madrid lost 3-1 to Atletico Madrid, a defeat that interrupted their five-game winning streak in La Liga. However, Carlo Ancelotti quickly adapted his tactics and adopted a 'box-to-box' style of play in midfield, allowing Federico Valverde and Bellingham to be more involved in defence.
This tactical adjustment proved to be extremely effective. With just 22 goals conceded in 34 games so far (0.65 per game), Real Madrid are on their way to their best defensive record since the 2019/20 La Liga title (when they conceded 25 goals). They haven't lost a game since that loss, and that was 28 games ago.
For a coach who was once questioned whether he was past his prime when he returned to Real Madrid, Ancelotti's achievements were extraordinary. Even after Bellingham's debut season, Carlo Ancelotti was a key figure in Real Madrid's 36th La Liga title. During both terms of service, he demonstrated unique and unparalleled influence and leadership.
A year ago, when Real Madrid were overtaken by Barcelona in La Liga and eliminated by Manchester City in the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti's side only won a slightly lackluster Copa del Rey victory. Such results often lead to the dismissal of many coaches, but Ancelotti has left a way for himself to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
At the time, many were mentioned as potential replacements for Carlo Ancelotti, including Xavi Alonso. But in the end, Real Madrid decided that Carlo Ancelotti was still the best option. In December 2023, Florentinos offered to extend his contract until June 2026, which Ancelotti gladly accepted.
Carlo Ancelotti has proven that he is not obsolete and that he is still one of the top coaches.
While Carlo Ancelotti has been lauded for his skill in managing relationships and his mastery of the dressing room throughout his coaching career, his tactical qualities are often underrated. However, in the race for the La Liga title in the 2023/24 season, the 64-year-old coach's tactical acumen played a crucial role.
At his side, there are his right-hand men - eldest son and assistant coach David Ancelotti, tactical analyst Francesco Mauri, physical trainer Antonio Pintus and goalkeeper coach Luis Lopis. Together, they have built a perfect system, and Real Madrid have run extremely smoothly this season and have never deviated from the track.
Obviously, the main credit for the final victory in La Liga should be attributed to Real Madrid's "old father" Carlo Ancelotti. He has created a new look, a whole new style, with the dynamism of the likes of young Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Tchouameni and Camavinga at its core to create a dynamic but still consistent Real Madrid team. This team plays exactly according to Ancelotti's tactical style.
After winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup, Real Madrid will be on their way to winning the 2023/24 Champions League.