Champions League: Why Real Madrid Will Be Kings of Europe Next Season

The Champions League is over, and Chelsea have claimed European club football's top prize.

Now, here's why Real Madrid will win it all next year.

You probably know some of the reasons already. It's not like Real Madrid's strengths are a big secret. Cristiano Ronaldo is a world-class player, and so are several of his teammates. They also have a world-class manager working with them.

With that in mind, here are five reasons why Real will win the Champions League next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has thrilled fans, fellow players, managers and pundits for years. Now 27, the Portuguese international is in his prime.

Real Madrid will benefit next season.

We've all seen what Ronaldo can do (if not, watch the video on this slide), and if it weren't for Barcelona's Lionel Messi, there's a good chance we would all be debating whether Ronaldo is one of the all-time greats.

This season alone, Ronaldo scored 46 league goals and 60 in all competitions.

By the end of his career, he could be one of those all-time greats. But to get there, he needs to lead Real to a European crown.

Supporting Cast

At most clubs, the members of Cristiano Ronaldo's supporting cast would be superstars. That's especially true for playmaker Mesut Özil, the German international who plays perhaps the best through balls in the game today.

Elsewhere, Karim Benzema supplies loads of goals, Iker Casillas ranks among the world's top keepers and Xabi Alonso reads the game better than almost any other player.

Together, they make a fearsome group.

Focus

In Jose Mourinho's first season as manager, Real Madrid won Spain's Copa del Rey. In his second season, Real knocked Barca off the summit of La Liga.

It stands to reason that Real and Jose will turn their focus to the Champions League next season.

While the domestic league and cup will remain important, Real's priority will probably be winning the Champions League for the first time since 2002.

New-Look Barca

With apologies to this season's finalists, Barcelona will most likely be Real Madrid's primary rivals as European favorites next season.

Barcelona play expansive, flowing football, and only rarely can teams keep them from scoring. But the Blaugrana will play under a new manager next season following the departure of Pep Guardiola.

It remains unknown how Barca will fare without Guardiola, but it's only reasonable to assume they'll endure a period of adjustment.

That should benefit Real.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho is still the Special One.

Mourinho, 49, has won league titles in four countries. He has won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.

In short, he's succeeded wherever he has gone.

Few can match Mourinho's tactical know-how, and even fewer can match his collection of silverware.

Next season, Mourinho will add another Champions League crown to his already impressive resume.

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