Real Madrid's season defies all logic

It's often said that stability breeds success; that a philosophy needs to be put in place in order to create a winning side; that the star players should never overshadow the club; that only excellent defensive performances allow teams to reach finals and that it's then attacking prowess provides the final boost towards lifting silverware; that managerial experience is crucial when its crunch time; that planning is the best way of getting the most out of a squad. And while there's no doubt these principles all make sense, they go no way to explaining Real Madrid's season. Los Blancos still find themselves in the running for two titles. How on earth have they managed to get this far?

Madrid have done countless things that should never be done, yet there they are. Among the many resentments their rivals harbour, I've heard both Barça and Atlético envy the Chamartín club's natural winning mentality. Madrid is that guy at the party who, despite being shabbily dressed, despite telling distasteful jokes, despite arriving late, is always cocksure of himself and the one to leave with the prettiest girl.