7 defining moments from Real Madrid's 15th Champions League win

There isn't a more iconic combination in football - perhaps even in worldwide sport - than Real Madrid and the Champions League.

Los Blancos have more often than not reigned supreme over the rest of Europe and picked up an outrageous 15th win in the Champions League and European Cup combined when they saw off a spirited Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in the 2023/24 final.

While the dominant Madrid side of the 2010s boasted Ballon d'Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric - the latter of whom is still knocking around at the Bernabeu - Carlo Ancelotti's current crop of generational talents carved out their own piece of history as the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde led the charge in the club's latest tournament win.

But what were the most important moments from their breathtaking run to glory? Here are seven of Madrid's defining moments during the 2023/24 Champions League.

1. 'For my first trick'

Jude Bellingham's first season in Madrid is already an all-timer. If he failed to hit the same ridiculous amount of goals in a single campaign from this point on, it would hardly be a stick to beat him with.

The former Dortmund star wasted little time getting acclimatised to his new surroundings, instantly fitting into Ancelotti's starting XI in a roaming role behind Vinicius and Rodrygo.

Bellingham was the main goal threat during the early stages of 2023/24 and proved the match-winner on his debut Champions League bow for the club, scoring the injury-time goal that secured a 1-0 victory over Union Berlin.

Cue the iconic celebration.

2. Last 16 reached in four games

Madrid went six wins from six matches in the group stage, having been paired up with Serie A champions Napoli, Bundesliga debutants Union Berlin and Portuguese outfit Braga.

After that first victory over Berlin, Los Blancos showed a few defensive weaknesses but their spirit and threat in the opposition box proved enough time and time again, constantly ending their games ahead of their opponents.

Such consistency and ruthlessness allowed Ancelotti to rest some of his biggest stars later in the group stage, but the results remained the same as Madrid registered 18 points in Group C.

3. Brahim Diaz's outrageous strike

Bellingham wasn't always available in 2023/24. An ankle injury meant Ancelotti had to make do without the England superstar in the first leg of their last-16 meeting with RB Leipzig.

However, the Italian had Brahim Diaz, a proven threat from attacking midfield following a productive spell at AC Milan, to call upon instead. The Spaniard showed he is much more than just a rotation option, scoring a brilliant goal from distance to separate the two sides in Saxony.

With the return leg ending up all square at 1-1, Diaz's moment of magic proved to be the point of difference Madrid needed to reach the last eight.

4. Eliminating the reigning champions on penalties

Real Madrid vs Manchester City is quickly becoming the most prestigious fixture in European football.

Los Blancos' prestige in the competition clearly trumps the Cityzens', but Pep Guardiola's side remain the team to beat in England and showed in 2022/23 they have what it takes to go all the way in Europe.

The first leg of their enormous quarter-final tie was all-out action and finished 3-3, but Madrid had to show more grit and determination when visiting the Etihad Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne's equaliser after Vinicius struck meant the game went to extra time and penalties, where reserve goalkeeper Andriy Lunin proved his worth with two stops from efforts from Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva.

The Ukrainian was an unlikely hero and his saves kept Madrid's hopes alive from the brink of elimination.

5. Toni Kroos' mesmerising assist

Toni Kroos has played his last professional game after retiring following Euro 2024, but he gave supporters plenty of goodbye presents to remember him by during his final campaign.

The Germany international is renowned for his exceptional control of midfield and strikes from distance, but it was his eye-of-the-needle assist for Vinicius that got Madrid up and running in the semi-final against Bayern Munich.

Kim Min-jae may have rushed out like a silly sausage, but the weight of the quarterback-esque pass from Kroos made it almost impossible for Vinicius to screw the chance up.

6. Joselu's heroic at the Bernabeu

Madrid's history is filled with superstar performers coming up clutch when it's mattered most, but there have been plenty of occasions when somewhat maligned squad members have made the difference.

He's not at the club anymore, but few people now look down on former Stoke City striker and Euro 2024 winner Joselu.

With Madrid staring down the barrel of a semi-final exit to Bayern, the veteran forward came up with two late goals to send Ancelotti's side to Wembley.

7. Ian Maatsen's helping hand

Madrid were heavy favourites ahead of their Wembley showdown with Dortmund.

The German outfit passed up a myriad of opportunities before Dani Carvajal headed in the opener and then shot themselves in the foot when loanee Ian Maatsen made a significant blunder late on.

The Dutchman gave the ball straight to Bellingham who rolled it into the path of Vinicius. The Brazilian made no mistake, finishing with confidence to seal Madrid's 15th Champions League triumph.

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