The 1997/1998 season for Real Madrid was a mixed bag of successes and challenges, both domestically and in European competitions. Here's an overview:
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La Liga Campaign: Real Madrid had a decent performance in La Liga during the 1997/1998 season. Managed by Jupp Heynckes, they finished the league season in fourth place, behind Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Mallorca. Real Madrid's league campaign was marked by inconsistency, as they struggled to maintain momentum and secure crucial victories.
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UEFA Champions League: In the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid had a commendable run during the 1997/1998 season. They advanced through the group stage and knockout rounds, reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, they were eliminated by eventual finalists Juventus, failing to progress further in the competition.
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Copa del Rey: Real Madrid's performance in the Copa del Rey during the 1997/1998 season was relatively disappointing. They were eliminated in the round of 16 by Real Sociedad. The early exit from the Copa del Rey added to the frustrations of the season for Real Madrid.
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Squad and Key Players: Real Madrid's squad during the 1997/1998 season featured key players such as Raúl González, Fernando Hierro, Clarence Seedorf, and Predrag Mijatović. These players played pivotal roles in the team's performances, contributing with their skill, experience, and leadership on the pitch.
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Managerial Influence: Jupp Heynckes' managerial influence was significant during the 1997/1998 season. While he had successes with the team, particularly in the Champions League, he faced challenges in maintaining consistency in domestic competitions. Despite his efforts, Real Madrid fell short of expectations in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Overall, the 1997/1998 season was a mixture of highs and lows for Real Madrid. While they had successes in the Champions League, their performances in La Liga and the Copa del Rey left much to be desired. The season highlighted the need for improvement and adjustments for Real Madrid to compete effectively on all fronts in the future.