AGENCIES

Real Madrid became champions of Europe for a record-extending 14th time after Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris on Saturday, but rarely have the Spanish champions taken a more chaotic road to glory.

Madrid only made it to the French capital, thanks to stirring fightbacks at the Santiago Bernabeu to see off Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and then Manchester City in the knockout rounds.

However, barring the game being delayed due to spectators’ unrest, there was no such drama at the Stade de France on Saturday where, after surviving some early Liverpool dominance and suffering the setback of a disallowed Benzema goal, Real took a grip on the game after halftime and got their goal and then, with help from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, defended their lead.

Ancelotti’s success has been founded on strong and trusting relationships with his players, especially the seniors.

The understated confidence was evident from the moment Real entered the ground in sharp suits and ties, as if they knew they were attending an awards ceremony.

The Italian adopts the same approach on the touchline -- rarely showing emotion, trusting his players to follow his gameplan without the need for arm-waving and shouting.

But that restrained demeanour, disguises a too-often underrated tactical astuteness from the Real coach.

Ancelotti’s side defended deep, an approach which forced Liverpool to choose between pushing on and risking leaving space for Real’s deadly counter-attacks or sitting in space themselves and playing a slower passing game.

Klopp’s players adopted the latter approach and that meant they were forced to abandon their signature style of play.

With the ball Real were patient but they, and particularly Modric, frequently looked to play the ball over the back of Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, an approach which created some of their better moments.

After the break, Real stepped up their tempo with the ball, imposing themselves in midfield and Liverpool struggled to move into a higher gear they desperately searched for the late equaliser.

Although Courtois was forced into action on several occasions, there was never a hint of panic in the way Real defended.

It was the performance of a Real team which knows how to win in the biggest games, something which Klopp’s side for all their qualities - and despite one Premier League title and one Champions League triumph -- have yet to truly learn.

A ‘winning culture’ may be one of the most over-used terms in modern football but for Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti, there truly is meaning and value in the concept.