During Real Madrid's remarkable 3-1 win over Manchester City last week, which punched their ticket to the Champions League final, there appeared to be a "changing-of-the-guard" moment. Los Blancos started the semifinal second leg with seven players in their XI who were 29 years old or over (ranging up to Luka Modric at 36) and the average age of manager Carlo Ancelotti's starting lineup was also 29.
By the time City were on their knees after two last-minute goals from Rodrygo levelled the tie on aggregate, and before Karim Benzema's penalty in extra time finished things, the Madrid players left on the pitch had an average age of 26, three years younger than at kickoff, and included seven who were 26 or younger.