They are the reigning champions of Spain and Europe, and Real Madrid seem to have no intentions of giving up their titles. Having opened the 2022-23 campaign in spectacular form, once again, the side managed by Carlo Ancelotti has marked itself as the team to beat.
Mbappe transfer saga forgotten
Throughout much of the summer and indeed, the last couple of years, the Spanish media was hyped about the possible Kylian Mbappe, the supremely talented French forward at Paris Saint-Germain. Indeed, for many it seemed a foregone conclusion the player would sign with Real Madrid, who also thought the deal would happen.
However, despite having previously professed his admiration of Real Madrid, and hinted that he would cherish such a move, Mbappe ultimately decided to stay with the Parisian club. As it turns out, they made the 23-year-old an offer he simply couldn’t refuse, including a massive pay increase and more influence in team affairs.
L’aventure continue…🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/w0STNy0oLQ
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 21, 2022
There was even reported pressure from the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, who apparently urged the player to remain in his home country. “When the president says that to you, that counts,” Mbappe would later acknowledged in comments highlighted by ESPN, when discussing the reasons for his decision to reject Real Madrid.
Quite understandably, Real Madrid were left feeling hugely frustrated, albeit keen to move on from the Mbappe saga. And move on they did, reinforcing areas of the team where there was genuine need to strengthen. German centre-back Antonio Rüdiger signed on a free transfer from Chelsea, while the Spanish giants moved for another young French star, landing Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni for €80 million plus add-ons.
Unstoppable season opening
Beyond the inevitable spotlight which always accompanies Real Madrid in the transfer window, the key priority for the team was to make a positive start to the 2022-23 campaign. The iconic team in white has certainly done that in spectacular fashion, and at the time of writing, they have won every competitive match played so far.
The first trophy of the 2022-23 season was earned by lifting the UEFA Super Cup, as reigning UEFA Champions League conquerors Real Madrid faced UEFA Europa League victors Eintracht Frankfurt. The German side was comfortably beaten 2-0 in Helsinki, as the Spanish giants marked their course for the season to come.
While there have been some defensive frailties on display at times, Real Madrid has also managed to pass every test in LaLiga so far. They have won all six of their opening matches of the 2022-23 campaign in Spain, including a crucial most recent derby victory against neighbouring Atletico Madrid.
But as the enduring top priority for this massive club, Real Madrid always target winning the UEFA Champions League, above and beyond any other competition. Thus far, it seems they will have little difficulty qualifying for the knockout phase of the competition. Celtic were beaten 3-0 away in Scotland, then German side RB Leipzig were defeated 2-0 at the Bernabeu stadium.
Dominant destiny ahead of Real Madrid?
Having made such an exceptionally strong start to the 2022-23 campaign, and with one trophy already in the bag, we must of course ponder how much silverware Real Madrid can win this season. Unsurprisingly, they are clear favourites to win LaLiga, and tipped for a potential domestic double if they can also win the Copa del Rey.
Nevertheless, regardless of being the reigning continental champions, Real Madrid are priced as outsiders to win the UEFA Champions League again this season. To find the best football betting sites, we followed expert reviews provided by Arabian Betting, whose experts only recommend reputable and trustworthy online bookmakers.
🤔 Who will go through from this group?#UCL pic.twitter.com/QKZfepA5Vl
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 22, 2022
Current outright odds at most bookies are valuing Manchester City as the outright favourites, and by some considerable margin, ahead of PSG and Bayern Munich as the closest challengers. Liverpool are also amongst the teams tipped for a strong run in the competition, while Real Madrid find themselves further down the pecking order.
Interestingly, they haven’t started any of the last several seasons as Champions League favourites, although there is an important caveat here. It’s not how well a team begins the season that matters, but how successful they are at the end. And when it comes to winning trophies, Real Madrid has proven time after time, they certainly know how to get the job done.
