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The Champions League is the most coveted trophy in Europe. It is the ultimate stage, where the biggest clubs on the continent fight for prestige and superiority. La Liga outfit, Real Madrid are the most successful club in the history of the tournament, winning it a record 12 times.
The Los Blancos have dominated the Champions League since its establishment, winning the first 5 editions of the competition. They have also won 3 of the last 4 editions and became the first team to defend the trophy since the changed format.
The Spanish giants have stabilised their reputation as the most dominant club in the tournament, with their amazing performances this season. Zidane's men have been really impressive, making it to the final of the competition for a third consecutive season. They have been really unstoppable, overpowering several European powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Juventus, and PSG on their way to the final.
While we highlight the achievements of the club in the competition this season, we also need to acknowledge those amazing superstars who have contributed heavily towards the progress of the team. Therefore, let's look at the top 5 Real Madrid players in the tournament this season.
#5 Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema was heavily criticised for his slow start to the season. However, his persistence and determination have influenced his campaign positively, becoming one of the most important players in the Real Madrid squad.
The attacker rose at the most important moment, firing Los Blancos to the final of the tournament with his impressive performances. He made the difference for the Spanish giants, scoring an amazing brace to help the club edge past Bayern Munich in the second leg of their semi-final encounter.
The striker has played important roles in the European progress of the Los Blancos, with 4 goals and 1 assist to his name. He has also been impressive in front of goal, converting 29% of his total 14 shots in the tournament this season. Apart from these records, the Frenchman has also been great with his incredible efforts and amazing teamwork.
All stats via whoscored.com
#4 Sergio Ramos
Los Blancos met some of the best attacking teams in the Champions League this season, defeating the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on their way to the final of the competition. They also faced some of the finest attackers on the continent and successfully limited the likes of Neymar, Edinson Cavani, Paulo Dybala, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.
With these achievements, the Real Madrid defenders deserve to be recognised for their amazing efforts during the tournament. Special credit goes to Sergio Ramos, who has been at the heart of the defence this season.
The Spaniard has been at an incredible level in the tournament, consistently producing rock-solid performances at the back. A hard worker and an incredible leader, Ramos played vital roles as Real Madrid made it to the final of the Champions League. He has recorded 12 blocks, 17 tackles, and 17 interceptions in the competition this season.
Such is his relevance that the team finds it difficult to cope with his absence. Evidently, Real Madrid missed him in their recent 3-1 defeat against Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu.
All stats via whoscored.com
#3 Marcelo
Real Madrid have been collectively brilliant in the Champions League this year, but Marcelo is another player who deserves to be singled out for praise. A defender with the soul of an attacker and the spirit of a midfielder, Marcelo has been one of the regular players in the competition, with 10 appearances to his name.
The Brazillian has been very impressive in the tournament, bagging an incredible 3 goals and 2 assists. He scored against Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, offering a goal threat on the left, something Liverpool will have to be wary of.
He has also impressed with his defensive duties, recording 2 blocks, 16 tackles and 12 interceptions in the European tournament this campaign.
All stats via whoscored.com
#2 Luka Modric
Luka Modric has been an outstanding player in the Champions League this season, with a lot of excellent performances. The Croatian has been at an incredible level, controlling the game and dictating play from the middle of the pitch.
He has contributed massively to Real Madrid's development this term, using his incredible talent and amazing skills to influence the overall performance of the team. Keeping possession, making intelligent moves and sending killer passes into the offensive areas, Modric has been a vital cog in the Los Blancos attack.
He also served as a source of relief for the defenders, tracking back in moments of pressure to pick the ball, holding on to it before distributing good passes and restarting attacks. This was evident in their 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu recently.
The Croatian is one of the best midfielders in the Champions League this season, completing 620 passes, 8 shots, and 12 dribbles. He also has a goal and an assist to his name in the tournament.
All stats via whoscored.com
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has made the Champions League his own with a lot of incredible displays in the tournament this year. The Portuguese has consistently reaffirmed his position as the greatest player in the history of the competition, breaking records upon records and charging Los Blancos towards European glory.
Tearing opposition defences apart and scoring amazing goals, Ronaldo has dominated the tournament since it began this season. He became the first player in history score in 10 straight games in the competition as well as the first player to score in all group stage matches.
One of the deadliest attackers in the Champions League this term, Ronaldo has converted 18% of his total 79 shots. The Portuguese has been a real nightmare in the box, with 93% of his goals coming from there.
All stats via whoscored.com
Honorable Mentions: Marco Asensio, Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez, Raphael Varane, Toni Kroos
