The fact that Real didn’t sign the striker then was not a conscious move, but a forced decision because everyone was sure that Mbappe would move to Real even then and because of this Real gave up the fight for Haaland. But in the end Real ended up with neither. Without a striker, no team will be as effective as possible as the opposing midfield and defense will be able to rise very high and have an advantage in the center of the field. Simply having Mbappe at the forefront of attack will help Real's midfield and they will be even more effective.
Let's put Mbappe aside first and see that Madrid struggled for a season without Benzema but was able to perform extraordinary in La Liga and UCL. So basically this is not a coercion, Madrid was deliberately made to keep fighting without dependence on strikers, Ancelotti managed to implement this system for a full season. Regardless of Barcelona's condition, the fact is that the quality of Madrid's players cannot be underestimated. We are talking about evidence, not just wishful thinking, Real Madrid has proven that they can do it without a striker like Benzema. Against Man City, Bayern Munich and Dortmund in the final. What makes most people not accept Real Madrid success is because the club they support is in decline, venting their frustration here and there as if the conditions they are experiencing are unfair even though it is the fault of the club itself.
I don’t understand what we are arguing about (or we are not arguing haha) - the fact that Real Madrid, even without a top striker, was able to win the double is an indisputable fact, but I think that few people will argue with the fact that this is not an ideal concept, but a forced one. You can remember that in the first third of the season Real had problems such as Vinny’s injury and Real managed without him, but it is undeniable that Real is much stronger with him.
No need arguing, imagine just Madrid without a top striker and the level at which they perform now compare to addition of Mbappe who is a world class finisher, not a lazy one like Haaland but a player who can aswell manage the ball, dribble and still strike perfectly. Madrid is coming at the start of the season unstoppable