Carlo Ancelotti's Secret Weapon Behind Real Madrid's Champions League Triumph
Carlo Ancelotti, widely regarded as one of the finest coaches in football history, led Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League title with a strategic blend of experience and innovation. Among his tactics, the decision to incorporate Jeremy De León, a relatively unknown 20-year-old from Real Madrid Castilla, stood out. Despite not being registered to play in the European competition, De León became Ancelotti’s talisman, traveling with the team throughout the knockout stages.
Jeremy De León, born in Puerto Rico in 2004, joined Real Madrid in January from Castellón. Known for his speed and dribbling as a right winger, De León only played in eight games out of a possible 18 for Raúl González's team. His presence in the Champions League squad, however, was symbolic. De León was present during critical matches against Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and finally against Borussia Dortmund, where Real Madrid clinched the title with a 2-0 victory at Wembley.
The Making of a Talisman
The journey to the final was not easy for Real Madrid. In the quarterfinals against Manchester City and the semifinals against Bayern Munich, Ancelotti's squad faced formidable opposition. It was during these tough matches that Ancelotti relied on his 'amulet' De León. Despite not playing a single minute, De León's presence was a morale booster for the team. Dani Ceballos’s social media post, joking about the 'amulet' with a photo of him and De León, highlighted the young player's importance.
Ancelotti downplayed the notion of superstition, stating, 'It's not cabal. When we train, we want to be 20, and that's why we have called him up. He trains well, he is serious, he has a lot of quality.' At the Wembley celebrations, De León was seen mingling with senior teammates, basking in the euphoria of the victory. His story draws parallels to Franco Colo Robledo, a ball catcher for San Lorenzo, who became an unexpected talisman for his team back in 2012.
Real Madrid's final against Borussia Dortmund was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Borussia Dortmund was aggressive, with Thibaut Courtois making several key saves to maintain a 0-0 scoreline. The second half saw Real Madrid regain control with Vinicius and Rodrygo orchestrating the attacks. Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius in the latter stages secured the win and added another chapter to Ancelotti’s illustrious career.
- Carlo Ancelotti's fifth Champions League win as a manager underscores his exceptional ability to adapt and innovate. His choice of Jeremy De León is a testament to his knack for seeing potential and harnessing it in ways that transcend conventional methods.
- Jeremy De León's journey from Puerto Rico to Real Madrid exemplifies the global nature of football and how talent can be discovered from unexpected places. His rise, despite limited playtime, serves as an inspiration to young footballers worldwide.
- The comparisons to Franco Colo Robledo highlight a recurring theme in football where individuals in unexpected roles can become vital to a team's success. These stories add richness and a sense of folklore to the sport.
