Real Madrid are Champions of Europe again. The first half of their 2024 UEFA Champions League final may have given hope to those who supported the underdogs, but the match ended as another masterclass in winning big games.
Borussia Dortmund were in just their third Champions League final and first since 2013, but they put in a valiant effort against Los Blancos.
As they saw several gilt-edged chances go begging in the opening period, the feeling that Madrid was going to hit the sucker punch was inevitable.
Hence, Dani Carvajal’s header in the 74th minute sent them on their way before Vinicius Junior made sure of the 2-0 win to extend their record tally in the competition to an incredible 15 titles.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, which did not participate in the 2023/24 Champions League, will also be cheerful about Madrid’s victory as they net a cool cash bonus.
The Blues have reportedly earned £ 5 million from Real Madrid due to a clause in Eden Hazard’s contract. The Belgian signed for the Spanish giants from Chelsea for an initial £88million fee on a five-year deal, which would have expired this summer.
Indeed, the lucrative performance-related add-ons included in the deal meant the total package could have reached up to £ 150 million, with £ 130 million already being paid.
This is quite an extraordinary scenario because although Hazard terminated his playing contract a year early and already hung up his boots eight months ago at the age of 32, the club-to-club element of the contract with Madrid remains active until the end of his original deal and they must pay the fee to Chelsea.
Selling the skillful winger to Madrid aged 28 and with one year left on his contract has been regarded as one of the most shrewd deals in modern footballing history.
This is because Hazard suffered a nightmare spell at his dream club, which was full of injury and fitness issues. The forward scored just seven goals and assisted another 12 in 76 appearances across all competitions during four seasons in Spain, winning six trophies.
Therefore, he has been labeled as “the greatest flop in Real Madrid history” and “one of the worst transfers ever,” given his talent and the fact they signed him at his peak.
The fall-off was nevertheless a sharp contrast when his stunning record in his final season at Chelsea read 21 goals and 17 assists.
Real have undoubtedly moved past the episode and won’t be concerned by the amount they have to pay the Londoners, having now not lost a major European final since 1983.
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They will also pay around £ 8 million as a performance-related add-on to the loan transfer of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
While the sum may seem small in the current overpriced market, Hazard has once again aided his former club after they had already received bonus payments when the Belgian won titles such as La Liga and the Champions League during his playing time in the Spanish capital.
This will only increase the club legend’s goodwill from the Chelsea fan base, as he scored 110 goals and assisted a further 85 across 352 appearances during his seven-year stint in royal blue.
Hazard also won two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, the FA Cup and the League Cup, and the club’s Player of the Year award on four occasions.
He finished in the top 10 for the Ballon d’Or three times, placing seventh in 2018.
After lapping up a wonderful tribute from Lille in April 2024, Hazard will visit another old stomping ground when he returns to Stamford Bridge on June 9 for the Soccer Aid Charity Match.
Announcing his retirement in October 2023, he said: ‘You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time.
‘After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.
‘I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.
‘During my career, I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and teammates – thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all.
‘I also want to thank the clubs I have played for: LOSC, Chelsea and Real Madrid; and thank the RBFA for my Belgian Selection.
‘A special thank you to my family, my friends, my advisors and the people who have been close to me in good times and bad.
‘Finally, a huge thank you to you, my fans, who have followed me for all these years and for your encouragement everywhere I have played.
‘Now is the time to enjoy my loved ones and have new experiences. See you off the field soon my friends.
The unplanned windfall of at least £13million will boost Chelsea’s transfer plans for the summer. However, Tosin Adarabioyo is set to sign for the Blues for free as the first acquisition since Enzo Maresca replaced Mauricio Pochettino at the helm. Chelsea tickets would undoubtedly be among the most demanded in the Premier League next term.
It promises to be an uncertain season for Chelsea, who will return to the drawing board under new management. Many are still surprised about Pochettino’s sacking, especially after the late-season resurgence.
It would now be interesting to see if the decision to bring in Maresca for the 2024/2025 season would be justified.
Chelsea is already preparing to sell some academy graduates, including Lewis Hall, Armando Broja, Ian Maatsen, Trevoh Chalobah, and Conor Gallagher, for pure profit to balance the books. They must also trim the squad and improve the quality of the current starting 11 if they are to compete next term.
Elsewhere, the Pensioners are looking to get the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, and Kepa off the books, and they will welcome the bonus payment over two people who didn’t even get to play for them last season.
