Real Madrid icon reflects on team’s Champions League success under Zidane – ‘He was the missing link’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s history is a testament that form is temporary, but class is permanent.

Every time Los Blancos have looked down and out, they have historically found a means to come back and prove their haters wrong, especially in Europe, where they have built a legacy.

Real Madrid legend Lucas Vazquez spoke to AS in a recent interview where he opened up on a plethora of topics on Real Madrid, including the team’s rich UEFA Champions League run in recent times.

On the various managers he has worked with

Vazquez started off talking about the various managers he has worked with during his time at Real Madrid, kicking off with the manager who brought him into the first-team setup – Rafa Benítez.

“Well, I remember that very well. I was on summer vacation when he called me to tell me he wanted me to come back. He started explaining to me how he saw my place in the team and what he wanted from the group.”

“Yes, when it’s said that the coach you started your career with at Real Madrid is leaving, that’s a tough time full of doubts. But as professional players, we accept everything and move forward,” he added on the short time he had with him.

The next manager in line for Vazquez to speak about was Zinedine Zidane, and the player was all praise for the coach.

“He was a role model for everyone in the locker room. We all had great admiration for him. It’s true that at first, no one imagined the success we would achieve, but he was a very straightforward person, always clear and direct.”

“He spoke to the players in a way that always expressed what he was thinking, and gave them the importance they deserved, and that’s something that’s appreciated,” he added.

On what made Zidane different from other managers, Vazquez said,

“What most distinguishes him is his great confidence in the players. Zidane still felt like a player and knew how players think. He was very engaged with us, and was very keen on making sure the players were the priority.”

UCL success under Zidane

The defender commented on the hat-trick of Champions League triumphs under Zidane and how they won it in his first season.

“We had great players, but that doesn’t guarantee success. Zidane was the missing link, the person who brought everything together, and who made us all work in the same direction.”

Vazquez was a part of several UCL-winning teams. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

“And in the end, the results speak for themselves. But yes, of course, we were in a phase where all the players were extremely ambitious, and so was the coach. It was a perfect combination,” he added.

Speaking on the 2016 UCL final against Atletico Madrid at San Siro and what he remembered of the game especially taking the first penalty, the club legend said,

“I entered the field before extra time, and during the time I played, I felt good and had high confidence. I think I was putting in a good performance. And in the end, I told Bettoni and Zidane that I wanted to take a penalty kick.”

“And as soon as they made the list, they put me at the front. They asked me if I wanted to… I said yes, yes, no problem. But honestly, I think I wasn’t fully aware of everything that was happening (laughs).”

“I felt confident, and I had a feeling that I would score and that it would help the team win the Champions League, which is what we all wanted. The most important thing in penalty shootouts is for the players taking the kicks to be confident in their ability to score. And that’s how it was,” he added.

Recalling how it felt to win the UCL for the first time, Vazquez said,

“It is the greatest achievement, the dream of every footballer. Winning the Champions League is the most valuable cup of all time. The Champions League cup (known as ‘the big ears’) is the most beautiful of all.”

“Yes… I remember that celebration well, how I sprinted from the centre circle to the goal line. I think it was the fastest sprint of my football career! It was a moment of true ecstasy to win my first Champions League title in my very first season,” he added.

He then spoke on winning three UCL titles in a row and what that meant to the dressing room, saying,

“Well, we knew this wasn’t the usual thing. Three Champions League titles in a row is an unprecedented achievement in history, and even to this day, it’s almost impossible.”

“Maybe we didn’t realise its true importance back then, but now, looking back… we see how great it was. Winning three Champions League titles in a row, and in the way we did it, was an overwhelming joy, and something hard to repeat.”

“And as I said, I think many factors came together to make us win these three consecutive titles,” he concluded.

On the recent CL triumphs under Ancelotti

Vazquez celebrating the 2023/24 UCL title. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Vazquez also spoke about was the unbelievable run they had beating PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City to the title in 2021/22 and how it felt magical.

“Yes, that’s exactly how it was. It felt like we had lost to Paris Saint-Germain, then we came back strong thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Karim in 15 minutes.”

“After that, against Chelsea, we delivered a fantastic first leg at Stamford Bridge, and when we returned, we made things difficult for ourselves and won in extra time.”

Elaborating on the Manchester City game, the player said,

“Then, the craziest part (laughs), the craziest part was the Manchester City match. When Rodrygo scored two goals almost in stoppage time, we had to play extra time. What can I say about that?”

“No one has an explanation for this Champions League, except for the constant faith in coming back; the constant faith in ourselves… and that anything is possible at the Bernabeu. That was the spirit that led us to lift the Champions League trophy,” he added.

Reliving the night against Bayern Munich and the thrilling comeback pioneered by Joselu during the 2023/24 season, Vazquez remarked:

“What a night! An amazing night! I think Joselu hasn’t slept for three or four days, thinking about the goals. Bayern was a truly great team, and it was another very tough match.”

“They played really well in the return leg, but in two consecutive attacks, we turned the tables and reached the final with our hero: Joselu. He made an incredible contribution to the team. He’s only been with us for one season, but he left his mark,” he added.

The player was then asked about the team’s poor record in La Liga compared to the UEFA Champions League, to which even he admitted surprise.

“It’s a strange thing, really strange. It’s hard to explain. It just happened that way… And I wouldn’t trade my record for anything (smiles).”

“I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved. But yes, it’s true that we perhaps lacked some consistency in the Spanish league while we certainly enjoyed it in the Champions League,” he added.