Since the introduction of video assistant refereeing (VAR) in football, Real Madrid has claimed 12 titles. Only two clubs in Europe have done better, as noted by Marca.
“When VAR arrives, Madrid will never win another title.” This was a phrase heard often in the early months of 2018, as the implementation of VAR was set to be officialized in Spanish football. Many in football echoed the theory that Real Madrid historically benefited from favorable decisions by referees, an accusation that has dogged the club since its inception in the top tier in the mid-1950s, when it began to dominate Spain and Europe.
VAR was introduced in Spain for the 2018-19 season, following the glorious era of Zidane’s three consecutive Champions League wins. Turmoil on the sidelines after Zizou’s departure and Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus led to a nearly trophy-less season for Madrid, with only the Club World Cup in their hands.
This scant trophy during a forgettable season seemed to vindicate those who believed VAR would level the playing field. However, fortunes quickly changed. Madrid, despite a disastrous debut season of VAR in Spain, embarked on a streak of 12 titles to date, including their latest Champions League triumph against Dortmund at Wembley, the second of this cycle for Madrid after 2022.
Real’s trophy haul since the advent of VAR includes three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, three Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, two Club World Cups, and one Copa del Rey. Thus, Madrid has swept all possible titles since the introduction of video refereeing, a feat their perennial rivals like Barcelona (5 titles) or Atletico (2 titles) cannot claim. Across all European clubs, Manchester City leads in titles since VAR’s arrival, thanks to their dominance in all four domestic competitions plus a 2023 European Cup, totaling 15 trophies. Bayern Munich also surpasses Real Madrid with 14 titles during the VAR era.
Leave a Reply