Real Madrid made history in 2024 by achieving an exceptional feat, highlighting the growing gap between them and their historic rival, Barça. Under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance, Real Madrid ridiculed Barça in a single calendar year.
With a Ballon d'Or-level Vinicius Jr. and a monstrous Jude Bellingham, the Casa Blanca dominated the year. They started by winning the Spanish Super Cup in January, setting the tone for an exceptional season. The Merengues then impressively mastered their Liga opponents, securing the title well ahead of a Barcelona side that never truly threatened.
The Champions League, once dubbed "Real Madrid's competition," was the stage for another epic campaign. Ancelotti's Madrid eliminated Manchester City and Bayern Munich before triumphing over Borussia Dortmund in an epic final in London. The European Super Cup, won in Warsaw against Atalanta, and the Intercontinental Cup, secured in December against Pachuca, crowned this historic year for the world's best club.
A Contrasting Year for Barça
While Real Madrid collected honors, Barça experienced a barren year. Since 2018, the Blaugranas have won only five major trophies: two Liga titles (2019, 2023), two Spanish Super Cups (2019, 2023), and one Copa del Rey (2021). These modest numbers are alarming for a club of this stature.
In comparison, Real Madrid won these same five trophies in just 12 months. The difference is eloquent, highlighting the contrasting approaches of these two clubs. While Real Madrid successfully combined ambition and efficiency, Barça, plagued by problems since Neymar's departure, seems mired in questionable strategic choices.
Between the fiasco of recent transfer markets, with hundreds of millions of euros squandered, and the failure of coaches like Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setién, Ronald Koeman, and Xavi Hernández, the Blaugrana club has been completely humiliated by Real Madrid in a single calendar year.
Real Madrid's Sustained Dominance
The year 2024 fits into a broader trend. Since 2017, Real Madrid has consistently piled up titles, consolidating its status as a global reference. In 10 years, the club led by Florentino Pérez has maintained a solid structure, attracted top international players, and efficiently renewed its team.
"This has been a historic year for our club. 2024 has been a year full of titles, five in football and three in basketball. We are experiencing one of the most victorious and important stages in our history, with 57 titles in the last 14 years. I want to highlight the evolution of our women's team over the past four years in the Liga, being finalists last season and four consecutive years in the Champions League. We continue to contribute to the growth of women's football in this country," said Florentino Pérez in his traditional Christmas speech.
The arrival of stars like Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé has strengthened an already impressive collective, complemented by pillars like Luka Modrić, Vinícius Jr., and Fédérico Valverde. This strategy contrasts with Barcelona's, which has sometimes bet on expensive but unproductive recruits and struggled to find sporting stability.
This barren year must serve as a wake-up call for FC Barcelona. Despite having a renowned academy that produces talents like Gavi or Lamine Yamal, the club seems to lack coherence in its management and recruitment.
One thing is certain: Real Madrid is not tired of winning and will continue to frustrate the Blaugranas.