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Real Madrid lifted their 34th La Liga title in 2019-20. It is probably safe to say that Zidane's men took the adage 'defence wins you titles' to heart as they recorded their first triumph in league football in three years.
The Los Blancos have one of the best defensive records in the top five European football leagues this season. Let us have a look at where they rank among the meanest defences in European club football in 2019-20.
Note: Ligue 1 teams have not been considered because the top flight football season in France ended with ten games left, which meant that these teams played a lot less games than the others on this list.
Five meanest defences in European club football in 2019-20:
#1: Real Madrid - 25 goals conceded (38 games)
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure meant that Real Madrid were always going to lose out on 30-40 goals a season.
After struggling last season, Zinedine Zidane finally seems to have figured out the formula. Instead of trying to replace Ronaldo's goals, he has strengthened his team's defence, making Real Madrid the most miserly defense in European club football this season.
Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have been excellent. Dani Carvajal seems to have found a new lease of life, and the usually defensively suspect Marcelo also improved by leaps and bounds.
Thibaut Courtois was a much maligned figure after his dismal season in 2018-19, but he's now back to his best while new signing Ferland Mendy was also a revelation.
The likes of Eder Militao, Nacho and Alvaro Areola also stepped up when needed while Casemiro was impressive while operating mostly under the radar.
#2: Atletico Madrid - 27 goals conceded (38 games)
Atletico Madrid lost three of their regular back-four at the end of last season. So people could be forgiven for thinking that the Rojiblancos could struggle defensively this season. But nothing of that sort happened.
Simeone's brand of warriors might have had new faces in their ranks, but their solid defending continued unabated. Jan Oblak was his usual brilliant self while Jose Gimenez was also consistent.
New signings Felipe, Mario Hermoso, Kieran Trippier and Renan Lodi impressed for the Spanish capital club as well.
#3: Bayern Munich - 32 goals conceded (34 games)
At the start of the season, Bayern Munich would have probably wanted to play Niklas Sule and new record signing Lucas Hernandez as a preferred centre-back pairing.
But long term injuries to both players meant that the German football giants had to improvise. Jerome Boateng was recalled from the fringes and marauding left-back David Alaba was asked to partner him. All this happened while Benjamin Pavard, who regularly played as a centre-back for Stuttgart, was played at right-back.
Young Canadian left winger Alphonso Davies deputised at left-back. Yet, all of the makeshift changes worked to perfection as Bayern Munich lifted their eighth consecutive German top-flight title.
#4: Liverpool - 33 goals conceded (38 games)
Their recent lapses apart, Liverpool were wonderful this season as they landed their first Premier League title, which was also their first league title in over three decades. And a lot of credit for that must go to their backline.
Virgil Van Dijk has been an absolute beast at the back; he is, without doubt, the best defender in the world at the moment. His guidance and leadership were very helpful for young Joe Gomez.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were up to their usual antics as well, combining defence with a large dose of assists. Goalkeeper Allisson too was very consistent.
Others like Joel Matip, Neco Williams, Adrian and Dejan Lovren also chipped in as and when required.
#5: Sevilla - 34 goals conceded (38 games)
Sevilla underwent a revamp last summer and that led to a strong La Liga season as they managed to secure Champions League football in 2020-21.
A bunch of new players were brought in alongside coach Julen Lopetegui. A big reason for their success this season was their stingy defence - one that let in only 34 goals.
The young centre-back pairing of Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde performed exceptionally well while the combination of the evergreen Jesus Navas and the fresh-faced Sergio Reguilon worked like a dream on the football field.
Tomas Vaclik in goal and Fernando in defensive midfield also played their parts to perfection as well.
Note: The Serie A football season is yet to get over. But it is already mathematically impossible for any football side from the Italian top flight to feature in this list.
