Real Madrid were left surprised by the decision to award Manchester City the Club of the Year title at this year's Ballon d'Or awards, with the European champions ranking third.
Carlo Ancelotti's side cantered to last season's La Liga title with four rounds of matches remaining before defeating Liverpool in the Champions League final to secure their 14th European title – at least double as many as any other club.
Madrid's title was arguably among their very greatest ever, having to beat Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Man City along the way in the knockout stages before edging out the Reds in the showpiece – viewed as the most difficult possible run to lifting the trophy.
City had appeared to be on course for just their second-ever Champions League final, as they aimed to lift the competition for the first time in their history but were denied by a stunning last-minute Madrid comeback in the semi-final in which they conceded twice, before losing in extra-time.
While Pep Guardiola's side went on to win the Premier League title – their fourth in the past five seasons – their frustrations on the European stage continued, but they were nevertheless named the Club of the Year at Monday night's Ballon d'Or awards.
City's Premier League adversaries Liverpool – whose European dreams were also ended by Los Blancos last campaign – ranked second after their FA Cup and EFL Cup successes, with the Spanish capital club coming in at third place despite winning both of their major prizes available.
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Real Madrid's official twitter account reacted to the decision by posting an emoji of two eyes watching above a picture of their players celebrating their Champions League comeback win over City in the last four stage, in which the result was displayed.
Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wrote ironically on social media: "Third best team in 2021/22, happy Real Madrid?" Former goalkeeper Iker Casillas added that it was a "prank prize..." before sarcastically adding: "Congratulations to Real Madrid for that 3rd position."
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."
