“Questions on fairness always comes up when Real Madrid wins the Champions League,” says Dani Carvajal

Real Madrid have been absolutely fantastic in the Champions League over the years. They have won Europe’s best tournament more than anyone else and defender Dani Carvajal feels that Los Blancos deserve that kind of record and others cannot simply put them down to luck. This was a dig at FC Barcelona manager Xavi who made some comments on their latest Champions League triumph. 

The reigning champions have won the trophy a total of 14 times. To paint the clear picture, they have won the title five times in the last nine years. So it is clear that Real Madrid is totally at a different level when it comes to Europe’s best tournament. 

Carvajal who cemented his place at Real Madrid back in 2013-14 season helped the club win the La Decima. It was the time when Real Madrid ended 11-season wait for the Champions League title by winning their 10th European crown. SInce then he has been one of the most consistent players for the club. 

Ahead of their match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Carvajal spoke how luck cannot be such a major factor when a team has been so dominant in one tournament. “I think that when you’ve won five of the last nine Champions Leagues, you can’t put that down to luck,” he said that in the press conference. “Football is results, the team that scores more goals and concedes less wins. In the last few years, we’ve been the best. It’s strange to talk about whether it’s fair or not.”

He shared how whenever Real Madrid wins the Champions League there are questions raised on whether they won fairly or not. “Last season we had a great La Liga campaign, some ups and downs in the Champions League, but we managed to win the cup. It seems to me that this debate about fairness and unfairness always comes up when Madrid win the Champions League. When others win it, it’s meritocracy,” Carvajal opened up. 

Los Blancos defeated the likes of Paris Saint Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City to set up a finale against Liverpool which they won and achieved their 14th crown in Europe. 

Carlo Ancelotti also shared how the Champions League is the most important tournament for them. The Italian tactician shares how winning a tournament is enough and it does not happen on luck. 

“La Liga is very important but the Champions League is the most important competition in the football world,” he said. “Winning it means a lot. They are two different competitions, one with 38 games is different to one with far fewer. Sometimes it comes down to small details, but it’s not luck, or bad luck. Talking about that hides the problems you have and the quality of your opponent.