Real Madrid took to social media to express their surprise that Manchester City were named Club of the Year at this year's Ballon d'Or awards instead of them.
Los Blancos were widely tipped to scoop the prize after securing a La Liga and Champions League double last season. Carlo Ancelotti's side wrapped up the domestic title with four rounds of matches still to play, although the inconsistency of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla made the job easier for them.
Madrid then went on to win the Champions League for a record 14th time, overcoming the odds to beat Liverpool 1-0 in Paris. The win capped off an extraordinary run through the knockout rounds; they eliminated Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and City having trailed in all three ties.
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However, Madrid only made third place in the Club of the Year award, with Liverpool coming second and City taking the prize.
The Blues enjoyed a remarkable season that culminated in a dramatic final-day win that saw them pip Liverpool to the title by a single point. Pep Guardiola's side played some of the best football ever seen in the Premier League - largely operating without a recognised striker - while in Europe they looked set to make the final step.
When City defeated Real Madrid 4-3 in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, it felt like a formality that they would blow their opponents away in the return fixture and reach a second consecutive final. That looked set to be the case when Riyad Mahrez scored at the Bernabeu to put City 5-3 up, but two late goals from Rodygo forced extra-time before Karim Benzema landed the killer blow in extra-time.
That's partly why Madrid are surprised that City beat them to the award, and they took to Twitter to show it. As City were announced as winners, the official Real Madrid Twitter account tweeted the 'looking upwards' eye emoji. Originally a photo of Madrid celebrating their defeat of City was posted as well but that has since been deleted.
Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wrote ironically on social media: "Third best team in 2021/22, happy Real Madrid?", while former goalkeeper Iker Casillas labelled the award a "prank prize."
Speaking on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Monday night, Karim Benzema – who was crowned as the best male player at the awards ceremony – added: "For me, Real Madrid is always the best club in the world, then you can give the trophy to whoever you want."
Kevin de Bruyne was named the third-best men's player in the world, while Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez came in at number 10 and 12 respectively.
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