Real Madrid’s Champions League winning DNA explained | BBC Sport

When it comes to lifting Europe’s most coveted football trophy, what are the secrets of success?

How To Win The Champions League: Real Madrid was originally broadcast in January 2025.

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This documentary tells the story of how Real Madrid became ‘kings of Europe’, uncovering what lies behind their magical ability to deliver in the Champions League when it matters most. Alongside reliving last season’s unexpected 15th European Cup win, former star players Clarence Seedorf and Sami Khedira reflect on the club’s evolution, the never-say-die Los Blancos’ mindset and the decisive factors that led to a sixth victory in a decade.

Recalling the weight of wearing a Real Madrid jersey, Seedorf and Khedira illuminate the significance of turning-point titles in 1998 and La Decima in 2014, moments that reignited Real Madrid’s winning mentality and its connection with the biggest tournament in Europe.

Reflecting on last season’s winning formula, respected journalists analyse how the approach of president Florentino Perez – spearheaded by the masterful management of Carlo Ancelotti – combined the youthful talents of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior with the experience of Madrid legends like Dani Carvajal and Luka Modric, and resulted in a team of history-makers.

Ancelotti’s character is brought to life by his former assistant Paul Clement, who reflects on the exceptional man-management abilities that have helped him become the most decorated Champions League manager of all time.

This captivating journey will chart how one of the most iconic teams in world football rediscovered its winning DNA, and why this culminated in a special season that has only furthered Real Madrid’s ever-growing legacy of European domination.

00:00 What It Takes to Win the Champions League
01:23 Madrid’s 23/24 Transition & Bellingham’s Arrival
02:10 Florentino Pérez: Architect of Madrid’s Success
03:50 The 32-Year Wait & the 1998 Turning Point
05:47 Building a Modern Dynasty (1998–2002)
06:03 Youth + Experience: Madrid’s Winning Formula
08:12 Rise & Fall of the Galácticos Era
09:48 New Strategy: Signing Future Superstars
13:13 La Décima: The 2014 Miracle in Lisbon
22:06 The Bernabéu Effect & Modern Comebacks

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