Italy is once again in the news for a fiasco that leaves its soccer very touched. The defeat against Bosnia in the lottery of penalties leaves a Calcio that is declining. That a historic team misses a World Cup is never good news. However, for the more superstitious Real Madrid fans, this may be a reason for hope for this season.
For those who think that coincidences do not exist, Italy’s elimination is synonymous with joy. And even more so for Real Madrid fans. The ‘Azzurra’ is going to miss three consecutive World Cups, but the news for Spanish football is not that, but rather what happens in the Champions League when the four-time world champion is not at the World Cup.
The prophecy that would bring the 16th Champions League to Real Madrid
The year was 1958, when the Champions League was still called the European Cup, but with a destiny already written. After not being in Uruguay 1930, Italy was left out of its second World Cup after finishing behind Northern Ireland in European Group 8. That same season, Real Madrid won their third consecutive European Cup. The 3-2 win over AC Milan crowned Los Blancos in a championship in which Di Stefano shone.
In 2017, Italy played for a place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia in a match against Sweden. Gian Piero Ventura’s side were favourites, but football did not smile on them and they were knocked out of the World Cup 60 years after the last time. That same season, Real Madrid faced the huge challenge of doing something that no one had ever achieved in the Champions League era: a consecutive treble. Under Zinedine Zidane, Los Blancos reached the final and won the title in a historic match against Liverpool
In 2022, the same situation occurred. The Italian team was playing for its place in Qatar. A single match against North Macedonia in the play-offs. Mancini’s side were again clear favourites. However, there was another surprise, and a very painful one at that. In the 91st minute, Trajkovski broke the heart of an entire country. His goal left the ‘Azzurri’ without any aspirations, as they suffered their second consecutive absence from the World Cup. At the same time, Ancelotti took the team to the Champions League final, in a season marked by incredible comebacks at the Bernabeu. Vinicius’ solitary goal allowed Madrid to lift their 14th European Cup.
The year is 2026 and history is repeating itself. Gennaro Gattuso’s side are looking to book their place in the United States, Mexico and Canada in the play-offs. This time against Bosnia, a rival they, according to what was seen, preferred over Wales. However, fate would have the same outcome as the previous qualifiers. The penalty shootout lottery left the Italians without a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, on their way to their 16th?
The road of death, the great threat
Although it may all be a mere coincidence, or not, depending on how superstitious you are, Real Madrid have a tough task ahead of them. On their side of the draw are the most powerful clubs in Europe in recent years. After leaving City in the way, Arbeloa’s side will have to face Bayern Munich, who are always a tough opponent. Kompany’s side are in great form, although they may be without Harry Kane, their star player.
Beyond the Germans, PSG or Liverpool would await in a hypothetical semi-final for the Spanish giants. The current European champion or the reigning English champion, no less. However, this is the Champions League, and Madrid are unpredictable in what is their favourite competition.
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