The 'enemy' within has been banished and it is again time for the warriors in white to rule over Spain again.
Even after lording it over Barcelona twice within a week, they ended up losing the league and in Europe. Now, the 'enemy' within has been banished and it is again time for the warriors in white, Los Blancos, to set out to reclaim the title and rule over Spain again.
The experienced and successful Carlo Ancelotti was lured from Paris to take charge and he will have one of the greatest players to put on the famous white shirt, Zinedine Zidane, by his side in the dugout.
Yet to lose a game in pre-season, they have made a statement of intent by thumping Mourinho and Chelsea. As is generally the case, they have been active in the transfer market.
The trio of Gonzalo Higuain, Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon were shipped off to Napoli for a sizeable amount as they looked to clear the dead wood and strengthen their ranks. Unusually, they have spent big on youth.
Two of the brightest young prospects in the country and stars at the European under-21 championships- Isco and Asier Illarramendi have been signed from Malaga and Real Sociedad, respectively.
Despite being far from finished products, close to 30 million euros was shelled out for each. Both youngsters have drawn huge comparisons to established Spanish stars.
Attacking midfielder Isco has been compared to Barcelona's Iniesta while holding midfielder Illarra (as he is known) has been dubbed the new Xabi Alonso. Club president Florentino Perez, the man behind the famous Galacticos era, is still in search for a marquee signing.
After missing out on Brazilian wonderkid Neymar, he is fighting tooth and nail to break the all-time transfer record and sign Tottenham Hotspur attacker Gareth Bale. On the field Ancelotti will be hoping to emulate the last Italian to manage the club, Fabio Capello and win the league title.
Capello, however was sacked just days after that triumph and that is something Ancelotti will not want to emulate. Unlike Capello, whose football was criticized for being pragmatic, defensive and not 'the Real Madrid way', Ancelotti's teams are known to play attacking football using his tried and tested midfield diamond formation.
The new signings will ensure that the likes of Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, Luka Modric and Alonso don't take things for granted with just one seasoned forward in Karim Benzema, youngster Alvaro Morata (who won the golden boot at the under-21 Euros) or talisman Cristiano Ronaldo may also be used up front.
Question marks still remain over Ronaldo's future and tying him down to a new contract will undoubtedly be a priority. When they finally line-up for their opener against Real Betis, they will know there is no time to lose.
La Liga is not known to be forgiving to a team that is off the pace early on. Real learnt that lesson the hard way last season. They lost the title even before the winter break. Barcelona are also undergoing a period of change under a relatively less successful manager.
With the first league Clasico at the Nou Camp only scheduled for late October, it is a great chance for Real to get out like a greyhound and not look back.
THE NEW BOSS
In Carlo Ancelotti, Real can boast of one of the most successful managers in the modern era. Unlike the abrasive and emotional Jose Mourinho, Ancelotti brings a sense of calm to arguably the toughest job in football.
After making his name as a midfield enforcer for Roma and later Arrigo Sacchi's legendary Milan side of the late '80s, the Italian went on to successfully manage some of the biggest clubs such as Juventus, Milan, Chelsea and most recently Paris St Germain- winning the league in all three respective countries.
He has also led Milan to two Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, joining an elite group of only six men who have lifted the trophy as player and manager in the process.
With his experience with some of the biggest names, he should be more than capable of handling the egos in the Real dressing room. While tactically his preference for the midfield diamond with fullbacks providing the width is well known, he has shown with PSG that he can adapt his style to the nature of his team.
Ancelotti is a name that is generally associated with stability and success; two things Real are desperately in need of.
FACTFILE
Name: Carlo Ancelotti
Age: 54
Nationality: Italian
Playing career: Parma, Roma, AC Milan
Clubs managed: Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris St Germain
Managerial honours: Champions League, Serie A, Premier League, Ligue 1, FA Cup, Club World Cup
Four stars who could make a difference
Cristiano Ronaldo
An obvious choice. He is Real's biggest match-winner and when he is in the mood, he can destroy any team. Blistering pace, dazzling skills, bullet headers, goals with both feet from inside and outside the box and unstoppable free-kicks- Ronaldo has it all. Bale or no Bale, he is their main man
Iker Casillas
'Saint' Iker (as he is fondly called), the Real and Spain skipper has won almost everything there is to win but his game hasn't dropped. He is Real through and through, coming through the ranks at the club. A fans' favourite who just happens to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world,
Sergio Ramos
Casillas' deputy, the hot-headed Ramos is equally effective at centre-back as he is at right-back. While he's technically sound and confident on the dribble, he also has a knack of finding the net from set pieces. He is vital when they look to build from the back.
Raphael Varane
The 20-yearold Frenchman was a revelation last season, keeping established centre-back, Pepe out of the starting line-up. Strong in the air and secure on the floor, he will look to build on his breakthrough season and is expected to partner Ramos in defence
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