There was an inevitability about Madrid's record-extending 15th European crown at Wembley on Saturday, as they won 2-0 after being outplayed for 70 minutes.
Madrid have won the Champions League six times in the past 11 years and last lost a European final in 1983.
Getting the job done when it matters most is what they do, and their stronghold over the continent is set to tighten further this week when they announce the signing of Kylian Mbappe from Paris SaintGermain on a free transfer.
Mbappe has been the natural heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the superstar of world football, and the prospect of him linking up with Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior will scare the rest of Europe.
The France captain is the most devastating forward in the world.
This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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