Kroos Spills the Tea: Here's What Set This Barcelona Apart in Winning La Liga Over Real Madrid

Real Madrid midfield Toni Kroos has raised some eyebrows with his recent comments, surprisingly giving props to FC Barcelona, acknowledging their guts and their style of play, even when things got tough. Kroos, known for his straight talk and sharp analysis, broke down the recent El Clásico and Barca's season on his brother's podcast.

• 

  Recommended

  What's Next for CR7? Al-Nassr Exit Looms - Libertadores? Messi in Miami?

The German admitted that even when Real Madrid went up 2-0, he didn't feel like they had the game under control. "Even at 2-0, I didn't feel like we had control," Kroos confessed, highlighting how easily Barca moved the ball around. For Kroos, Barca's dominance wasn't a fluke, pointing to Hansi Flick's work as the key to the Catalan team's transformation: "That's what's really impressive about Barca. They just keep playing like nothin' happened. You don't see any fear of losing. You could tell Real Madrid was still second-guessin' themselves after that 2-0."

Kroos, always a respectful competitor, recognized Barcelona's ability to stick to their game plan, even after swallowin' those two early goals. "They're so smooth on the ball. Madrid didn't come into it with the best confidence, and what's surprising is that they didn't capitalize on that lead. It's surprising," he added.

The former Madrid star contrasted Barcelona's situation with his old team, pointing out that the season had been a constant grind for Carlo Ancelotti's squad. The never-ending injuries, especially in defense, and the accumulated physical toll really took their toll on Real Madrid.

Even though Real Madrid won't be liftin' the Champions League trophy this year, Kroos did want to give a shout-out to Kylian Mbappé, saying the guy's taken a huge step forward in his career. "Mbappé has taken an enormous step forward, and that deserves to be recognized," he stated.

Toni Kroos's words, comin' from a player always known for his smarts and his understanding of the game, really highlight the resilience and quality of FC Barcelona. And it was precisely that fearlessness, that insistence on playin' their game no matter the score, that ultimately tipped the La Liga title race in their favor over Real Madrid.

While Real Madrid, according to Kroos himself, showed doubts even with a lead, Barcelona stuck to their guns, playin' without the jitters and constantly lookin' to attack. That mentality, instilled by Hansi Flick, allowed Barca to weather some storms and, in the end, celebrate the league championship, leavin' Real Madrid without answers in the final weeks. The admiration from a rival like Toni Kroos just confirms the solidity and conviction of a Barcelona team that, despite the challenges, never stopped believin' in their style of soccer.