Going for the Grand Slam

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There was much more than one title at stake in Lisbon. Winning the Champions League opens the door to two more pieces of silverware. Only the kings of Europe can play in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. In the case of Sergio Ramos, Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso, these are the two final frontiers in their bid to win every single big trophy for club and country. The 'Décima' gives Ramos, Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso the chance to go for the Grand Slam and enter a select group of players who have won the World Cup, European Championship, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, 'La Liga', 'Copa del Rey' and the Spanish Super Cup - eight great titles and a feat within the reach of very few footballers over the course of history. The members of the Spain team who won the World Cup and the Euros were given the opportunity to conquer the Grand Slam. With the most difficult part completed - winning such a prestigious double - the challenge then lies in ticking off the boxes at club level. A number of Spanish players have already done it: Casillas, Busquets, Iniesta, Puyol, Xavi, Piqué, Valdés, Pedro and Villa. Now the goal is within range for Alonso, Ramos and Arbeloa. The Real Madrid midfielder is just missing the Club World Cup. He won the Champions League and the European Super Cup with Liverpool back in 2005, but lost 1-0 to São Paulo in Tokyo.

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