Why Real Madrid could be the first team to retain the Champions League

Retaining the Champions Leaguehas proved to be one of the most difficult things to achieve in modern football. The main reason for this, I believe, is the lack of hunger that the team suffers after tasting the emotionally draining success.Even the mighty Barcelona could not do it in their prime. Take FC Bayern Munchen for example, in 2012-13, their performance reflected how much they were motivated by their losses in previous years. Apart from having a very balanced team and great tactics, they also had the right attitude to carry on.The same cannot be said about them in 2013-14. Although they still did enjoy a fantastic first season under Guardiola, they could not inspire any confidence with their performance against Real Madrid in that crucial tie.It is harsh to criticize them on the basis of one tie alone; they surely would've fared better under the same situation a year ago. This year Real Madrid put in a sublime display. They got back what they believe is rightfully theirs and will hope to repeat the same in the upcoming season. But what makes them capable of doing what no team has done in the past two decades?

#1 Bale\'s full preseason

Such has been the impact of Bale towards the later end of the season that it is easy to forget how much he struggled to mix with the team till the turn of the year. Nevertheless, he has found his feet well since then and contributed substantially to a successful season.

However, it should not be forgotten that we are yet to see the best of Bale in a Real Madrid shirt. A full preseason with the team is a luxury that can work wonders for a player; just compare Modric of 12-13 to 13-14.

Bale wasn't afforded that luxury last season and now, with no pressure of World Cup upon him, he can recover well and gel with the team. With Bale in full flow and looking to get to his best, Los Blancos have a man motivated to carry the team.

#2 New crop of players looking to prove themselves

Real Madrid have a bunch of upcoming players in Varane, Carvajal, Illaramendi, Isco, Jese and Morata. Out of these only Carvajal can count himself as a sure starter, rest of them are yet to find their place. These are players with the potential to be world class and rest assured, they will do their best to attain that label soon.

One position that specifically needs rejuvenating is that of the ageing Alonso. The midfield struggled greatly when he was out of the team till November. He certainly made a difference when he came back, controlling the midfield. But as is evident from the World Cup, the maestro is well past his prime and someone else will have to carry the baton now.

Nothing is more exciting for teams than young players rising to the occasion and be it from the start or off the bench, all of them will get a chance to do so. You can bet that most of them will grab their chances they have been waiting for.

#3 Ronaldo\'s struggle at the World Cup

More than anything else, it is this guy who decides how Madrid's season shapes up. If he is on song, Madrid don't require much else to win matches. It was his record breaking campaign in Champions League that brought home the long awaited La Decima.

If Madrid want to create history this year, they will require this guy more than ever. What's good for Real Madrid is that Portugal is struggling at the World Cup and Ronaldo will be hungry to get back to winning ways. To add to his misery, he is struggling with fitness issues. His left knee has been troubling him for months now. Ronaldo is a highly professional player who hates losing more than anything else.

This is one player who has never lost motivation to keep getting better every day and competition (read Messi) always gets the best out of him. He's achieved every accolade there is to achieve and still keeps going. This season shouldn't be any different.