Real Madrid capturing their third straight Champions League title in dramatic fashion last season brought out feelings of envy and resentment among Barca fans. Real’s success did not devalue Barca’s domestic double achievement with an almost perfect La Liga season but rather overshadowed the feats. While Real has benefitted from questionable calls in their favor and major injuries to their opponents, there is no denying that winning three straight Champions League titles is a historic achievement on its own.
The one underlying factor in their success has undoubtedly been the dominant play of their midfield, primarily Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.