The near-absolute domination of Spanish teams in the Champions League may be over, with recent results proving that, says John Duerden.
SINGAPORE: In 2010, Spain won the World Cup for the first time, a triumph that also signalled the start of a period of club domination. The following year Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League and there were five more Spanish victories in the following seven years.
Unfortunately they were mauled at the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich, which went on to win the competition defeating Paris St-Germain in the final of Aug 23 in Lisbon. Yet if it takes time to get back to full strength then Spain may have to accept a dry period. Barcelona and Real Madrid have long represented Spain in Europe, winning all 18 of the country’s European titles, five more than English clubs have. If they don't win then it is unlikely then Spain will as well.It may take Barcelona longer. The club’s problems were illustrated with humiliating clarity in the quarter-final of the Champions League with an 8-2 defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.
"The first one to volunteer will be me, if new blood has to come in and change this dynamic I will be the first to go, to step aside.” Messi, who has been at the top of the game for 15 years or so, may be 33 but is still wanted. The Argentine knows this as Spanish media reported that he has requested to leave the club.
It is perhaps no coincidence that Madrid has not won the continental title since 2018 when Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus. Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles during his first spell as Real Madrid boss between 2016 and 2018 AFP/GABRIEL BOUYS , Filippo MONTEFORTE, Franck FIFE
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