Real going close doesnt mean anything really. No more than Barca being close last season even though need improved.
They were close to having no CL titles in last four years as well.
And have gradually improved since then.
When you're at the top, you make the right adjustments to stay there. Barca failed at that, however Florentino Perez is doing whatever it takes to not make the same mistake by hoarding up talent in the team.
They'll keep the same core next season. Lose a couple of players, but replace them accordingly. Real Madrid are developing a winning culture they didn't have years ago and winning the La Liga title will help them get over the mental aspect the next time. Less likely they'll collapse.
If Barca's answer to that when they need improvement is Paulinho then.....well, you just gotta hope Valverde can maximize every bit of talent this team have.
The fact that we even made a bid for Paulinho is pathetic enough itself.