Compared to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid boast greater depth, and against Bayern Munich they have more intensity and sharper attacking points. This combination puts them in a very favorable position among Europe’s top clubs. Spanish daily Marca notes that while Los Blancos are desperate to secure their first La Liga title since 2012, they are also aiming to become the first team to defend the Champions League since its modern format began—a curse no side has yet broken. Zidane’s team clearly has the potential, but the challenge ahead is formidable.

In previous seasons, injuries to key players at decisive moments derailed their league and Champions League campaigns. Yet, like other elite clubs, Real Madrid have learned to adapt and find solutions rather than dwell on setbacks. In Europe’s top five leagues this season, they hold the largest points lead—a surprise to many given their recent domestic struggles and heavy injury list. Despite these issues, Zidane has guided them through each storm, and the team is unbeaten in 31 matches across all competitions. While Barcelona, Bayern, and Atlético have each faced problems, Real Madrid currently look the strongest side in Europe.

Bale’s injury revived talk of the so-called “San Siro curse,” with only Dani Carvajal from last season’s Champions League final starting XI avoiding serious injury this term—though even he missed Euro 2016 after a knock in that final. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale, Luka Modrić, and Toni Kroos have all spent time sidelined, complicating Zidane’s squad selections. Yet the unbeaten run stands at 15 wins and 5 draws, testament to their extraordinary squad depth. Nineteen different players have scored this season, nearly double Barcelona and Atlético’s tally. In the Madrid derby at the Calderón, many doubted them, yet they triumphed 3-0 in style.

Tactically, Zidane switched to a 4-4-1-1, with Isco excelling and the defense nullifying Antoine Griezmann. The so-called BBC trio isn’t an all-purpose solution—Real have thrived even without all three. Behind them, players like Álvaro Morata, Lucas Vázquez, and Marco Asensio bring energy and variety, proving that success also comes from the “middle class” of the squad. Depth is not just about replacing injured stars—it’s about offering tactical flexibility.

Following the derby win, FourFourTwo argued that Real can drop the “luxury” BBC setup against strong rivals for a more balanced shape. With Casemiro, Modrić, Kroos, Isco, Mateo Kovačić, and James Rodríguez in midfield, Zidane has countless tactical combinations. Coupled with a rotating forward line, Madrid’s attack can shift styles at will. While many media outlets still compare MSN and BBC statistics, they overlook Real’s diverse attacking and midfield power. Every player knows his role, and the team’s cohesion is reflected in results—Barcelona now trail by six points.

Barcelona’s MSN remains lethal, but their midfield lacks the drive to support them consistently. Against Real Sociedad, they struggled to control possession under pressure. Depth is another weakness—summer signings brought limited reinforcement beyond Samuel Umtiti. Dani Alves’ departure weakened the right flank, Paco Alcácer has not been an effective rotation option, and performance dips sharply without the front three. Atlético share some of these issues; new arrivals like Nicolás Gaitán and Šime Vrsaljko have yet to integrate fully, and the lineup remains too rigid.

There’s also tactical tension—captain Gabi has said moving Koke to defensive midfield hurts their solidity, preferring to pair with Tiago or Augusto Fernández. Integrating an in-form Yannick Carrasco is another puzzle. Should Diego Simeone reform to unlock more attacking potential, or stick to a hard-pressing counter-attack style? For now, the Argentine coach faces a plateau, though Atlético have secured top spot in their Champions League group, giving him time to experiment.

For global fans, including those following Live Cricket BPL action alongside football, Real Madrid’s pursuit of ending this Champions League curse is a storyline rich with drama and tactical intrigue. As the season unfolds, the blend of depth, adaptability, and resilience could make them the team to finally break the cycle—while their rivals scramble to fix their own cracks. Whether in La Liga, Europe, or even during Live Cricket BPL updates, all eyes will remain fixed on whether Los Blancos can turn potential into historic achievement.