Real cruise to successful title defense

(CNN) -- Real Madrid's 4-1 humiliation of bitter rivals Barcelona in 'El Clasico' was really just the icing on the cake for Bernd Schuster's side this season -- a season where domestic dominance has increased yet a return to the top of the European tree appears to be as far away as ever.

Los Merengues can never be accused of resting on their laurels. Fabio Capello's prize for steering the club to their 30th Primera Liga title in 2006-2007 was the sack.

At Madrid, it is not enough to win, you have to win with style, and Capello's supremely effective but ultimately dour tactical approach did not sit comfortably with the powers that be at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Capello was brought in to do a job, almost a stop-gap measure, knowing that a return to domestic title success after a three-year drought would help steady the ship for the new man.

That it was achieved by the slimmest possible margin over Barcelona was neither here nor there. Capello had done his job and the man earmarked to take over -- Schuster -- could take over a team brimming with confidence.

In essence, the plan worked to perfection. Schuster's team proved completely dominant this season, with all the statistics backing up their position at the top of the table.

Most wins, fewest defeats, most goals scored, fewest goals conceded, best goal difference, most points, Real Madrid have won their 31st league title at a canter.

The fact that Barcelona have suffered a dismal season in comparison, and must qualify for next season's Champions League, has only added to supporters' delight.

Not only has Schuster achieved his initial objective of retaining the Spanish title, his team has done it in the style associated with the great Real Madrid teams of the past.

The German, who became a hero at Barca and both Madrid clubs during his playing career, has also managed to get the best out of some players that appeared to be on the downgrade.

Captain Raul has flourished afer a couple of mediocre seasons by his standards. The 30-year-old's 18 league goals is his best return since the 2000- 01 season and the Spanish legend has formed a formidable partnership with Ruud Van Nistelrooy this season.

Brazilian winger Robinho has enjoyed his best season since joining from Santos, Sergio Ramos has developed into one of the world's best defenders and Dutchman Wes Sneijder has been a major success in midfield.

The only problem has been Europe, and here is where Schuster's main problem lies. The English sides are starting to dominate the Champions League and Real Madrid's lack of recent success in the competition they covet more than any other, is starting to look serious.

On this season's form, Real should have proved too strong for Roma in the last 16, yet not only did they bow out, the Serie A side added salt to the wounds by winning both legs 2-1.

Ultimately, Schuster's tenure will be determined by his success in Europe. The popular German is safe from all criticism for now, but league titles alone are not enough for a club with Real's European pedigree.

As I said before, Los Merengues are not a club that rests on their laurels and Schuster is fully aware that the hard work has only just begun.