"Real Madrid are strolling through Europe as the Vikings once strolled, obliterating everything in their path."
With these words, The Times began its account of the fifth final in the history of the European Champion Clubs' Cup on 19th May 1960. The Spaniards had lifted their fifth title in the competition the day before at Hampden Park (Glasgow) after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3.
The band of Di Stéfano, Puskás, Gento, Del Sol and Santamaría, among others, received eternal respect from the footballing world and the team in white, in turn, collected a nickname that would remain forever engraved in the memories of Merengues fans and their opponents. Football was invented by the English and it was they who conceived the nickname of the five-time European champions: 'Los Vikingos'.
This Tuesday night, on the banks of the Mersey, the white Vikings once again hit Europe and continued a tradition that has lasted since the 50s and 60s. Just like their predecessors in the Middle Ages, the side with 14 Champions League titles have made a habit of dropping anchor on Britain and devastating everything.
Last year, Stamford Bridge and the Etihad Stadium were the scenes of two unique matches in which Real Madrid, on both occasions, put in rare and unparalleled performances with some quite mind-boggling moments.
Karim Benzema's Panenka in their 4-3 first leg loss to Manchester City was a goal that was pivotal to their qualification. There was still a return match at the Santiago Bernabeu, and we all know how that ended.
Yesterday, the moments of madness came in turn with brilliance and class. Yesterday's game reminds us how exceptional this team is and that what they achieved last season is anything but luck. This is happening on a regular basis now.
"I told my players that we have to know how to suffer. But most of all, I told them they had to be able to keep their heads. And that's what they did. Players like Benzema and (Luka) Modrić are useful in these moments. They know that a match lasts 90 minutes."
Simple instructions. Carlo Ancelotti knows Liverpool well and knew what to expect from them. But he also knows the strength of his group and knows, that when the knockout stages of the Champions League arrive, this team puts on their famous suit. Yesterday, Real Madrid gave a lesson in self-sacrifice, bravery, boldness and talent. You can lead against Madrid in Europe, no problem. But you must kill them, otherwise, they will bury you.
"At halftime, Benzema told me that we could score two or three more goals... and that's what happened (laughs)," Thibaut Courtois told the few journalists present in the mixed zone at Anfield last night, including Flashscore France. A statement that proves all the relaxation and know-how that Real Madrid has acquired over the years. Everything becomes different when you wear this shirt.
The white ship led by Ancelotti the Wise brings back from the English lands a magnificent treasure before the return match: a 5-2 victory that allows them to have a foot and a half in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. This is not Anfield. This is Real Madrid.
