Real Madrid was basking in the glow of its Champions League victory over AC Milan on Wednesday, an emphatic win that announced Jose Mourinho's squad as a real threat to win the competition.
El Mundo newspaper announced "The Kings of Europe are back" as Madrid's 2-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium Tuesday put it on the verge of reaching the knockout stages, where the real challenge awaits.
Nine-time champion Madrid has failed to get past the first round of elimination games for sixth straight seasons, with Mourinho's main task to break that disappointing streak.
Mourinho called his team's performance "fantastic" after it started the Champions League with three straight wins for the first time since 2003-'04 - when it reached the semifinals. It last won the title in 2002.
"There's a positive feeling here. We're building something important, but it's just the start," the Portuguese coach said. "I'm going to be here for four years and I hope we can achieve many triumphs together."
Goalscorers Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Oezil were standouts alongside Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho as the Spanish leader's mix of youth and experience paid off, with speedy forwards exploiting Milan's aging legs and the defense allowing few dangerous scoring chances.
Despite Mourinho's penchant for defensive schemes, Madrid has outscored opponents 21-3 through 10 games in all competitions, without a defeat so far.
"Madrid puts the fear into Europe," Marca said.
"The old aristocracy of football returned in a game that reflects all the hope that (Madridistas) have," Marca columnist Santiago Segurola wrote. "There's no doubt about Madrid's progression or the confidence it is transmitting."
Ronaldo said Mourinho's confidence and ideas were being further ingrained into the squad with every day. Mourinho is one of only three coaches to win the European Cup with two different teams after leading Inter Milan to the title in May.
"Mourinho's strategy is working more and more," Ronaldo said. "Although it's not by chance, so we have to keep working."
Madrid can clinch its place in the knockout stages in its next match against Milan at the San Siro on Nov. 3.
