Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has stirred up controversy by claiming that winning the La Liga title at the expense of bitter rivals FC Barcelona was “twice as good.” Madrid clinched the top-flight crown last weekend with a 3-0 victory over Cadiz, just before Barca suffered a 4-2 defeat to Girona in a Catalan derby. The Madrid players had originally planned to celebrate at the Cibeles fountain, but coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to focus on the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich.
Several players, including Kroos, stayed behind at the Bernabeu to watch the Barca-Girona match with friends and family. The midfielder shared his experience on his podcast, revealing that he almost left when Barcelona went 2-1 up but was urged to stay. Barcelona eventually lost 4-2, prompting Kroos to joke that not leaving was a “great decision.” He also mentioned that Girona could have scored more goals, suggesting that Barca manager Xavi Hernandez was not pleased with his team’s performance.
Despite their La Liga triumph, Kroos admitted that the celebrations were subdued. This title is his fourth in Spain since joining Madrid in 2014, but he expressed pride in the club’s achievement. He mentioned that the team’s substantial lead in the league took away some of the emotion of winning the title, but combining it with a defeat for Barcelona made it even sweeter for him and the Madrid fans. These comments are likely to fuel the rivalry between the two clubs and their supporters.
Kroos now has his sights set on winning the treble, which comes with a personal bonus of approximately $1.5 million. To achieve this feat, Madrid will need to secure their sixth European Cup at Wembley on June 1, provided they can defeat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League semi-final. The midfielder is determined to add another prestigious title to his collection and further solidify his place in Madrid’s storied history.
The German international’s remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some praising his confidence and competitive spirit, while others criticize his provocative comments. Kroos’s bold statement reflects the intense rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, two of the most successful clubs in Spanish football history. As the season draws to a close, both teams will be looking to secure their respective goals and maintain their competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.
Kroos’s candid reflections on Madrid’s title victory and the significance of defeating Barcelona highlight the intense emotions and pressures that come with playing for a top club. Whether his comments are seen as playful banter or as disrespectful to their rivals, one thing is certain – the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona will continue to captivate fans and pundits alike. As Kroos and his teammates set their sights on further success in the Champions League, the German midfielder’s words will serve as motivation and fuel for Madrid’s pursuit of glory.
