5 Targets for Real Madrid to Hit in 2015

With 2014 now behind us, Real Madrid can look back upon a year that ranks among the finest in the club's storied history. 

Having been curious underachievers for a decade given Real's resources and financial dominance, Carlo Ancelotti's men broke that trend to storm to four titles in less than 12 months and break all sorts of records along the way. 

After winning the Copa del Rey over arch rivals Barcelona, Los Blancos then captured the club's 10th European title, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. 

Now, as 2015 begins, Real Madrid have the opportunity to complete one of the best domestic seasons in European history. 

Across the following slides, we identify five targets for the club to hit in the new year. 

Do the League Double over Barcelona

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The last time Real Madrid did the league double over Barcelona was during the 2007-08 season, when Los Blancos edged the Catalans 1-0 at the Camp Nou before handing out a 4-1 thrashing at the Bernabeu on their way to a second straight title in La Liga. 

But since, Barcelona have dominated El Clasico and dealt Real Madrid some annihilations (6-2, 5-0) during their historic period of European dominance. 

The balance of the rivalry, however, has now tipped back toward the capital; Real Madrid have won their last two meetings with the Blaugrana, one of which was the Copa del Rey final in April. 

And after comprehensively defeating Luis Enrique's side in their first league meeting of the season in October, Carlo Ancelotti's men have a golden opportunity to do the league double over their fierce rivals for the first time in seven seasons. 

Should they do so, they'll be well on their way to the league title, given how few points the clubs tend to drop elsewhere in Spain. 

Add the Titles That Were Missed in 2014

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Although the last calendar year was an emphatic one for Real Madrid, it still wasn't flawless. 

Indeed, while the club captured the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup, the men from the capital still missed out in La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup to crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid. 

In 2015, Carlo Ancelotti's side would dearly love to complete the set by claiming the two crowns that alluded them last year. 

Importantly, Los Blancos are well-placed to do so, currently leading the league title race and Spain, which, should it be maintained, will give Real Madrid the league title and another crack at the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the 2015-16 season. 

Break the Single-Season Scoring Record in Spain

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Breaking records is always extremely satisfying, even if it's your own record that you're breaking. 

That could be the case for Real Madrid this season, who set the benchmark for scoring in a single league season in Spain when they romped to 121 goals in their triumphant 2011-12 campaign. 

But what's staggering is that Los Blancos could break that record easily. Smash it, in fact. 

With 55 goals in 15 league games thus far, Carlo Ancelotti's side are averaging 3.67 goals per game—a pace that, if maintained, would see Real Madrid storm to 139 goals in the 2014-15 season. 

As I wrote back in November, a feat of that magnitude would be like breaking the record for the 100 metres by a full second. 

Keep the Squad Together

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One of the most critical components in prolonging a period of dominance is a club's ability to keep the nucleus of the squad together. 

Cohesion brings success. Ditto for chemistry, trust and familiarity when they're mixed with quality. 

For that to happen, however, Real Madrid will need to deviate somewhat from the club's characteristic practices. Because Real Madrid, after all, has a reputation for selling just as much as it does for buying—the recent sales of Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil are notable examples of that. 

Now, having put together a group that's unparalleled in Europe, the capital club must avoid some of the temptations of the transfer windows and prioritise stability and the maintenance of the current group. 

Of course, we won't see Los Blancos' biggest stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale move on, but Real Madrid must ensure the next tier remains at the Bernabeu—the likes of Isco, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo and Luka Modric who've been at the club for some time now.

Retain Champions League Title

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At Real Madrid, no title is more valued than the Champions League. The club has a glittering history in European football, recently becoming the first team to lift the trophy for a 10th time when they did so in Lisbon against Atletico Madrid in May. 

And while Los Blancos will have their eye on an array of targets in 2015, lifting the Champions League trophy in June for a second straight year will be at the very top of the list. 

Can they become the first team to defend the title in its current form?

Based on their current dominance, you wouldn't bet against them.