Real Madrid - the next European Champions?

The humiliation of 6-2 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Barcelona in early May and the pain of watching the L'equip blaugrana triumph at the Stadio Olimpico was a clear signal as to what was going to happen at the Bernabeu - a complete overhaul.

Led by the mercurial Florentino Perez, Real Madrid seem to be taking not just the right steps, but giant leaps towards fulfilling their ambition of European glory which has eluded them since 2001-02. Real Madrid now posses arguably the most "offensive" attacking line-up in club football with magical Kaka and charismatic Christiano paired up with evergreen Raul and the young powerhouses Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema. They have a very solid defense in the form of Spanish internationals Ramos and new signing Albiol, the impressive Pepe and the promising Torres (of the Miguel fame). And then they have, in my opinion the best goalie in the world -Iker. But the actual area of concern is MIDFIELD - the area where matches are won.

The Los Galacticos of the triumphant 2001-02 season were packed with midfield geniuses in the form of Zidane, Figo and Makélélé. The guile of Zidane and Figo and the defense of Makélélé were one of key reasons for the success of the Los Blancos. But that is not the case right now. The current midfield comprises of the 'expendable' quartet of Dutchmen (Sneijder, van der Vaart, Robben & Drenthe) along with the hugely impressive Gago and disappointing Diarra (Lass). Is this the midfield which is going to stop the terror wreaked by Xavi & Iniesta, Carrick & Anderson, Lampard & Ballack and Alonso & Mascherano? Definitely not. At least that is what it seemed from the performance of the midfield in the high profile matches against Barca, Juventus and Liverpool in last season. Perhaps...Perez has learnt from his past mistakes (remember ... Makélélé's flight to Chelsea and the fall of The Galacticos) and that is why his efforts to sign one of all amongst Fabregas, Alonso and Mascherano.

Real Madrid may be in the driver's seat to boast about the riches which are bound to pour into the clubs due to the second wave of Galacticos, but European glory is still far away.