Over the course of the last decade, Real Madrid have cemented themselves as the dominant force in European football. Los Blancos’ search for that elusive La Decima took all of 12 years, but once it came with a 4-1 victory against cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid after extra time in Lisbon back in 2014, the floodgates opened. Over the decade that followed, the club lifted the famed ‘Big-Eared’ trophy five times, extending their record of most European Cups to a mighty 14, twice as many as second-placed AC Milan. 

As such, only a handful of teams have managed to defeat them in a two-legged tie over the last decade. Admittedly, they have been stunned by the likes of Sheriff Tiraspol, Shakhtar Donetsk, and CSKA Moscow in the group stages throughout that time frame, but do they really matter if you end the season as European Champions? So, with that being said, who are the lucky four to have managed to eliminate the side from the Spanish capital from their tournament, the UEFA Champions League? Let’s take a look. 

Juventus 2014/15

Real headed into the 2014/15 season as European Champions. Their victory against Atleti in the Portuguese capital brought La Decima to the Bernabeu at long last. And their big to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy looked to be on track when they defeated both Schalke and Atletico once again to reach the semifinals. They were heavily favored to make it past Juventus in the final four as well, with live betting odds pricing the Italians as long as 20/1 to win the tournament when Cristiano Ronaldo equalized in the first half of the first leg in Turin, 

But Carlos Tevez managed to find the winner just before the hour mark, giving the Bianconeri something to defend in the return leg in Madrid. And defend they did. CR7 was once again on target in the first half from the penalty spot to give his side the lead on away goals and Juve knew they needed to find an equalizer if they were to progress. And that goal eventually came from former Los Blancos youngster Alvaro Morata.

For the 30 minutes that remained, the Italian champions defended like lions, with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci acting like a brick wall in front of Gianluigi Buffon’s goal. The Spaniards were unable to find the all-important goal to take the contest to extra time, leaving Max Allegri and Co. to celebrate an unlikely victory long into the night. 

Ajax 2018/19

That defeat to Juventus was Real Madrid’s last defeat in the Champions League knockout round for four years. They went on to lift the trophy again in 2016 with yet another victory against Atletico, this time on penalties in the San Siro. They then gained revenge for their shock defeat to Juventus four years prior by handing them a 4-1 drubbing in Cardiff and becoming the first team in Champions League history to successfully defend the trophy.  But they weren’t satisfied their and went on to complete the three-peat by beating Liverpool 3-1 in Kyiv courtesy of Gareth Bale’s blockbuster bicycle kick. 

As the 2018/19 campaign got underway, Los Blancos were heavily favored once again. However, if they were to progress to the tournament’s latter stages, they would have to do so with Ronaldo, who departed for Turin. Things were going well as they reached the round of 16 however, they came up against an Ajax side that was in the midst of a fairytale. 

With a squad brimming with young talent, the Dutch side mesmerized Europe with their attacking football and fearless approach. They succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to the reigning champions in the first leg in Amsterdam, however, they went on to overturn that by securing a shocking 4-1 win in the Santiago Bernabéu. This victory sent shockwaves through the continent and showcased Ajax’s philosophy, blending youth with a bold style of play, a style of play that took them to the brink of the final before Lucas Moura’s last-gasp winner eliminated them and sent Tottenham to the Wanda Metropolitano in their place. 

Chelsea 2020/21

Chelsea’s triumph in the 2020/21 Champions League is a story of transformation. The arrival of Thomas Tuchel mid-season revitalized the London club, leading them to European glory. Their semi-final encounter with Real Madrid was a display of tactical discipline and efficiency. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Madrid, Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. 

The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, guided by Tuchel’s strategic acumen, proved too much for Real Madrid. Chelsea went on to win the final against Manchester City, marking their second Champions League title.

Manchester City 2019/20 and 2022/23

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, has been a force in English and European football. Their desire to conquer Europe saw them eliminate Real Madrid in the Round of 16 in the 2019/20 season. City won both legs 2-1, showcasing their depth and their manager’s tactical flexibility. However, the Blues were then stunned by Lyon in the quarterfinals meaning their quest for their maiden Champions League crown would have to wait. 
And wait they did. They lost the final to compatriots Chelsea in 2021, before conceding two goals in the final 60 seconds to succumb to defeat against Real Madrid in the semifinals in 2022, with the Spaniards going on to lift the trophy once again. Last season, however, they had their redemption, eliminating Los Blancos in the semifinals with a dominant 5-1 victory. They then went on to beat Inter Milan in Istanbul to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.