Real Madrid is back! The rest of Europe has been warned.
The rock legends are back, not the discordant, enthusiastic high school band that they were for much of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men will face Brest in the final of the Champions League League-phase on Wednesday. They have already secured a spot in the playoffs and a chance to sneak into the top 8.
Real has won four of their last five matches and scored 17 goals. They are currently leading La Liga by 4 points after being beaten 5-2 by Barcelona at the Spanish Super Cup.
Ancelotti received a lot of criticism for his team's inconsistent performance and the way they reacted to their new signing, Kylian Mbappe.
Real Madrid was in turmoil. "Ancelotti will leave the club this summer", "Mbappe is unable to settle", "Vinicius Junior is unsatisfied" were some of the questions asked.
The demise of European giants is exaggerated.
Ancelotti is not overly concerned by opinions from outside the club. However, he felt this time that there were some elements coming from within.
"Ancelotti decides when he will leave"
Ancelotti quickly denied the report that a Spanish radio station had reported Ancelotti told the club that this would be his final season.
Ancelotti, however, will decide on his departure from the club despite having a year and a quarter left in the contract. He has earned it after four years, 11 trophies and two Champions League victories.
This explains also his slight arrogance when he told the media, that after saying they were not good at all, the current league performance suggests the critics were incorrect.
It is clear that no one is better placed to determine when it is time to leave - that is, when he feels he cannot find the solutions necessary to continue to bring trophies to the club.
Florentino Perez will then be able to bring in a new player, most likely Xabi Alono. He always believed that Real or Liverpool were his next step if Bayer Leverkusen went well.
But not yet.
Ancelotti always thought Real would win titles in this season, particularly if they could overcome the laziness which can often follow a Champions League or La Liga-winning campaign.
They haven't been able to beat any of the best teams this season. This includes defeats in the Champions League by AC Milan and Liverpool, and being beaten by nine in both their encounters with Barcelona.
Ancelotti is unwavering, however, in his conviction.
Real would not hesitate to sell Vinicius
The injuries, especially in the defence of Eder Miitao and Dani Carvajal did not help the situation at all.
Ancelotti’s biggest problems were the lack of a central midfield that could control the game and the unwillingness to track back of any of his stellar front three. Jude Bellingham didn't know how to cover as much ground.
Real Madrid's success has been boosted by the renewed energy of Dani Ceballos, but their attacking displays have made a real difference.
What can I say about Vinicius Jr? He seems to be the center of attention for everyone, whether he is playing or not.
Saudi Arabia has made a massive offer to the Brazil attacker, who has been injured or suspended for a while.
Real Madrid's decision makers, who set the agenda, have allowed the story to "gain legs" thanks to Madrid's compliant media. They will continue to focus on the story as long as the club wants them to.
The money generated by the sale would be used to pay off the stadium's debt and provide a variety of financial benefits.
Real wouldn't be afraid to sell the player but the timing must be right.
Many have criticized Vinicius for his confrontational response to taunts by opposition supporters.
In the latest incident he made a hand motion suggesting that the La Liga struggling team was going to be relegated by responding to chants "tonto".
No player that I've seen has ever received such abuse, including a number of racist examples from fans.
Vinicius will not bow his head or close his mouth.
He feels that the abuse he gets is both unjust and fundamentally racist, which he will not tolerate.
Real's improved performance is also due to the growing understanding between Vinicius and Mbappe.
Mbappe's role as Real Madrid's main goal-scorer and leader is clearer every day.
Mbappe has always been too smart, talented, and precocious for him to falter or crumble under pressure at Real Madrid.
He initially saw his role as a nine as more static than it is now. He was also conscious not to be seen as invading Vinicius's space, both on and off the field. In fact, he even accepted that penalties would rotate.
He is now a familiar face on any pitch. The team adjusts to his presence accordingly. He also accepts that he is lethal as a nine, and not just with his back turned to the goal. Instead, he runs in behind him and finishes clinically.
Since missing a spot-kick against Athletic Club, on 4 December, he's scored 12 goals in just as many games, including his debut hattrick.
He has now been appointed as the official club penalty taker. Even Vinicius acknowledged that the team would do everything possible to ensure Mbappe is the top scorer both in La Liga and Champions League.
Bellingham becomes a 'leader' of Real Madrid
Rodrygo from Brazil is also in good form, scoring eight goals in the last nine matches after going two and half months without scoring.
A new confidence has replaced the self-doubts, and feelings of not being valued or appreciated by his club.
Ancelotti confirmed that he considers him a key match player, and a guaranteed starter.
Bellingham is another example, where the stock price continues to increase.
The England player is the oil that currently lubricates the Real machine, despite playing with minor injuries.
He is clearly having fun, whether he's driving forward or creating on the edge of his box with his back towards the goal.
Bellingham, who is everyone's favorite teammate, has already established himself, along with Mbappe as one of two leaders at Real Madrid.
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