6. The Fear Factor
It is common knowledge that Real Madrid, among others, are one of the clubs to avoid when it comes to European football. Each year the draw for the Champions League rolls around and every club will be looking to avoid Real Madrid. They strike fear into their opponents due to their attacking style and the high calibre of their players. With names such as Ronaldo and Bale within their ranks they have the capability to tear through teams in a matter of minutes, just as they proved in last years final. The fact that they are the reigning Champions League winners, added to their history and financial powers, they are an immense threat to every other European club. Furthermore they appear to be on an upsurge as their main rivals fall by the wayside. Italian giants, AC Milan, who have won seven Champions League titles, failed to qualify for the competition this year and have a severely depleted squad. Manchester United, normally stalwarts of Europe, are in the same boat. Even Barcelona, Real's closest rivals in club and European football, appear to be going through a period of transition. Sergio Ramos went as far as to
say that the Catalan club has lost its fear-factor. European clubs, especially Real Madrid are no longer fearful of the likes of Messi and feel that they are once again beatable. Barcelona's own
Gerard Pique admitted this may be true in an interview after his side were knocked out of last year's Champions League by Atletico Madrid. Speaking just days after the defeat Pique said
I think that maybe they dont fear us as before because in the last two years we did not win the Champions League but I think they still respect us."
It seems that in recent years and even as little time as months, Real Madrid have replaced Barcelona and Bayern Munich as the team to be feared at Europe's top level.