Welcome back to Alofoke Deportes! With the curtain of the European seasons coming down, we analyze the winners and losers of the 2024-2025 campaign. From Barcelona’s amazing season, which fell short of a historic treble, to the disappointing performances of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, we explore the teams that exceeded expectations and those that disappointed their fans.
The Winners
ONSIDE: Barcelona
Barcelona did it again! Hansi Flick’s team, last Sunday, crushed Real Madrid, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to achieve a magnificent 4-3 victory. This triumph brings them closer to the LaLiga title and completes an absolute dominance over Madrid in all competitions of the season, with a global score of 15-7.
For many, this is an incredible season, especially considering that Flick had to build a winning team with young talents. Pau Cubarsí, at 18 years old, demonstrates amazing maturity as a central defender. Pedri, at 22 years old, is considered one of the best midfielders. Gavi (20), Fermín López (21), and Marc Casadó (21) are valuable players with the potential to become pillars of the club. Lamine Yamal, at 17 years old, is a phenomenon that goes beyond any analysis.
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All these players have improved thanks to Flick’s philosophy, who combined the talent of La Masía with the experience of leaders like Robert Lewandowski and the return of Wojciech Szczęsny. Raphinha, with an outstanding career, is also a contender for the Ballon d’Or. The only blemish on his season was the defeat in the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan. Despite this defeat, it cannot be considered a failure. Flick, in his first season, led the youngest team in Spain to the semi-finals of the competition, demonstrating his worth.
This is a remarkable team with enormous potential. Flick transformed the training mentality and the way the team approaches competition. Barcelona is fitter, runs and works harder, and fights for every ball. Flick’s demands regarding eating habits and the need for team unity were accepted and embraced by the club. Barcelona has improved dramatically to reach a champion level, and the most terrifying thing is that there is still more to come.
In Hansi Flick’s first season, he turned Barcelona into one of the most entertaining teams in the world. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
ONSIDE: Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest, despite the deduction of four points for breaching Premier League financial rules, managed to avoid relegation. Currently, they are in seventh position, with chances of qualifying for the Champions League, a remarkable achievement. The 2-2 draw against Leicester City, although disappointing, secured a place in the European competition.
The club owner, Evangelos Marinakis, publicly criticized his coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, after the match. However, the team has had an outstanding campaign, with physical and counter-attacking football, deserving to be celebrated by all involved. The possibility of playing in Europe for the first time since the 1995-96 season is a reason for celebration.
ONSIDE: Paris Saint-Germain
Following Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid, PSG, under the direction of Luis Enrique, sought to transform their game. Enrique, learning from his time with the Spanish national team, aimed for a more collective style of play, with the goal of turning PSG into a team with multiple offensive threats. Mbappé’s exit became an opportunity to distribute the danger in the attack.
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Players like Ousmane Dembélé, with 33 goals in all competitions, and Désiré Doué, became constant threats. The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January was a success. PSG, champion of the French league and on the verge of winning the French Cup, is one match away from winning the Champions League for the first time in its history, seeking a historic treble.
ONSIDE: Liverpool
Liverpool, against all odds, was proclaimed champion of the Premier League. The arrival of Arne Slot, in his first season, brought about a radical change. Slot transformed the team from heavy metal to classical music. Players like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister formed one of the best midfield duos. Mohamed Salah played with more freedom, while Virgil van Dijk established himself as one of the best central defenders.
Slot implemented stability on and off the field, achieving a more balanced approach to pace and control. The result was the conquest of the Premier League before May, with only three defeats. According to Opta, they led the table for 234 days, demonstrating their consistency. The Premier League title is an amazing achievement and a remarkable surprise.
The Losers
OFFSIDE: AC Milan
After finishing second in Serie A and having a disappointing campaign in the Champions League, AC Milan had high ambitions for the 2024-2025 season under the management of Paulo Fonseca. The objective was clear: to win the Scudetto. However, things did not go as planned.
Fonseca left the club in December, with the team in eighth position, 14 points behind the league leaders. Currently, with Sérgio Conceição as coach, the team remains in eighth position, 18 points behind the leader, Napoli. Milan is fighting to qualify for the Champions League, with Juventus in fourth place with a four-point lead.
AC Milan will play the Coppa Italia final against Bologna, and if they win, they will play in the Europa League next season. Christian Pulisic has had a good season, with 17 goals and 12 assists, his best season in European football, despite the instability in the coaching staff.
OFFSIDE: Real Madrid
Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid generated high expectations. However, the season has been marked by problems, including a lack of discipline, defensive vulnerability, and a lack of collective commitment. Madrid has suffered heavy defeats against Barcelona, losing 15-7 overall in four Clásicos.
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Mbappé has had a brilliant season, with 27 goals in 31 league matches and 39 goals in all competitions, a record for Real Madrid. However, his presence has been part of the tactical problem. Significant changes are expected in the summer, including the departure of Ancelotti and the arrival of Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid will seek to recover in the 2025-2026 season.
OFFSIDE: Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur
Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are suffering from similar problems in the Premier League. Both teams, led by coaches with distinct philosophies, have shown a lack of consistency and disappointing results. Both teams are suffering from the same problems.
These clubs fight for a team culture that supports their identity, but they have failed. They need to find players who bring calm in the chaos and, above all, consistency. Both teams will face each other in the Europa League final.
Despite their poor domestic season, one of the two, Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, will win the Europa League at the end of the season.
Winning the Europa League will not solve all their problems. They need to build a solid future and, above all, be more consistent. Qualification for the Champions League for one of these teams generates some concern.
