How do people become stronger?
American writer Goffman once said in his dramaturgy theory that society and life are a big stage.
On this stage, everyone is a performer, with a distinction between the front stage and the backstage.
The front stage is the side shown to the world, while the backstage is the hidden side of yourself that is unknown to others.
In dramaturgy, people are born wearing a mask, playing a role.
It is like playing an RPG game called "Life."
In this game, the developers have designed all kinds of tasks and storylines for the players. Everyone, every profession, has a different starting point. Some are born with good cards in their hand, some start with misfortune, and some start with nothing but a bowl…
Some people embrace these tasks and storylines, some are forced to complete them, while some don't want to do the quests at all and just lie around in the novice village basking in the sun…
In the end, what level you can reach, what equipment you can get, how many dungeons you can conquer… all depend on your own choices.
This is true for individuals, and it is true for teams as well.
Many people say that Gao Shen is very good at coaching, that he can always lead a strong team.
There are even many who want to learn from him.
Every time he goes to give lectures, someone always asks him this question: How do you lead a strong team?
Gao Shen always answers with a smile: When you ask this question, you are already missing the point.
Yes, strong teams are never built by copying others.
Instead, they are forged by overcoming difficulties and obstacles time and time again, through their own choices.
Just like tonight at the Santiago Bernabéu.
When Real Madrid was trailing 1-2, what should a weakened team do against Manchester City, a side stronger than themselves?
The smart choice is to fight!
This is not something that can be accomplished with a few words, nor by a single decision.
Because just after Real Madrid made their adjustments, Manchester City quickly scored again.
In the 76th minute, Suarez laid the ball back, and Yaya Toure fired from the edge of the box, breaking through Real Madrid's goal once again.
3-1!
Still attacking?
Do you still want to fight?
Gao Shen's choice did not change, without a moment of hesitation!
Keep attacking!
He stood on the touchline, constantly shouting encouragement to the team, calling on the players to press forward and not give up…
The match time ticked away.
In the 87th minute, Di Maria dropped deep to receive the ball near the halfway line. He dribbled forward, cut diagonally into the middle, passed two Manchester City players, and then sent a through pass to Benzema at the top of the box.
The French striker controlled the ball to the right side of the arc, turned to shake off David Luiz, and shot directly.
The shot bounced low off the ground, tricking Neuer, and just brushed the right post into the net.
3-2!
Gao Shen cheered loudly and excitedly from the sidelines, calling on the players to hurry back and keep pushing. He was more fired up and passionate than any player on the pitch.
After scoring, Benzema immediately rushed into the goal, grabbed the ball, and ran back with it.
Real Madrid's fighting spirit was reignited.
But Manchester City are not an easy opponent.
Real Madrid's all-out counterattack also gave Manchester City many chances to counter themselves, and several counterattacks were very dangerous.
But Real Madrid were fearless.
Gao Shen made no changes.
In his view, this game had only two outcomes: win or lose. There was no third option!
It wasn't until the second minute of stoppage time that Modric, receiving a pass from Di Maria, drove forward on the right, drew the attention of Javi Martinez, and sent the ball into the box.
Benzema used his body to shield off the Manchester City center-back, laid the ball off without stopping.
Toni Kroos charged to the left side of the arc, met Benzema's layoff, and struck first-time, launching a powerful long-range shot from the edge of the area.
Earlier, he had taken a similar long shot, which Neuer pushed away. This time, Neuer got a hand to it, with a miraculous save, but he only managed to deflect it back into play.
The ball was still in the penalty area.
Ronaldo reacted quickest, rushed in, and smashed the ball into Manchester City's goal.
3-3!
The Portuguese forward roared wildly, sprinted straight out of the pitch, and ran all the way to celebrate.
On the sidelines, Gao Shen dropped to his knees in the technical area, clenching both fists and raising them high above his head.
The entire Bernabéu was silent for a moment, before erupting into wild cheers.
Real Madrid fans went crazy!
Many were moved to tears, because Real Madrid fought so hard tonight!
But it was so, so difficult!
…
3-3!
This was the final result of the match.
Real Madrid took the lead, but Manchester City equalized with three goals in a row. Then, at crucial moments, Real Madrid struck back with two goals.
In the end, the two sides shook hands, sharing the points with a 3-3 draw.
But this was at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After the game, Gao Shen sent the Real Madrid players down the tunnel one by one and made a point of shaking hands and hugging every Manchester City player waiting for him. These players never forgot Gao Shen's contribution to Manchester City.
When he walked into the Real Madrid dressing room, Gao Shen's first words were…
"We could have won!"
All the Real Madrid players raised their heads, looked at the head coach, and nodded.
Yes, Real Madrid could have won.
They started brilliantly but wasted several scoring chances.
This is very costly.
Against such a strong opponent as Manchester City, there are not many opportunities, but Real Madrid missed them.
"I am proud of everyone's performance tonight, but…" Gao Shen paused, then looked sharply at the players, "I must also say that we could have won. We are not inferior to Manchester City."
"In fact, at many moments, we performed better than Manchester City, such as at the start."
"I want every one of us, including you, me, and the coaching staff, to think carefully about why the match ended like this. It was because we were not good enough."
"We won't assign blame, but how do we avoid making the same mistakes next time?"
"In half a month, we will go to Manchester, and that will be a real tough battle!"
…
At the post-match press conference, Gao Shen was disappointed with the draw. He felt his team created more danger and deserved the win, but he also congratulated Manchester City.
"They once again proved themselves to be the strongest team in European football, and we had a chance to beat them. That is a great encouragement for a team like us, which has just undergone a restructuring and is still in a growth phase."
Gao Shen also looked forward to the trip to Manchester in half a month. He believed that his team has a chance to win away from home.
But from the media's reaction after the game, Real Madrid's situation is not very optimistic.
Dortmund defeated Porto 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Lewandowski.
As a result, the group of death standings are Dortmund first with 6 points, Real Madrid and Manchester City both with 4 points in second and third, and Porto at the bottom.
But the points difference between the four teams is only one game.
If Porto can beat Dortmund at home in the next round, the Portuguese side can turn the group around.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Manchester City are now locked in a close race.
Judging from the match, even though Real Madrid showed courage in the end and, as many media outlets said, moved the Bernabéu, this does not hide the disadvantages shown during the game.
Especially on the flanks. In order to defend Robben and Gareth Bale, Marcos Alonso and Ramos hardly dared to step forward, which caused serious problems in Real Madrid's attacking play.
More importantly, Ronaldo and Higuaín still have issues with finishing.
Especially Higuaín, who missed a one-on-one chance that should never have been wasted.
He was supposed to be a very efficient scorer.
If Real Madrid go to Manchester in this form, they will be in great danger.
But there were still some bright spots.
Casemiro played very well in this game. Not only did he contribute a lot defensively, but he also passed excellently, with a pass success rate of 91%, which is rare.
Gao Shen also praised Casemiro by name at the press conference, hoping he would maintain his form and continue improving. He will definitely have the chance to become an excellent, even top-level midfielder in the future.
But Sky Sports also pointed out Real Madrid's weaknesses.
Ramos, focusing on marking Gareth Bale on the right, could not perform as usual.
Marcos Alonso and Varane are both young players with huge potential, but when thrown onto a Champions League stage like this, facing a Manchester City side capable of reaching the final, the gap between them and world-class attackers was evident.
Varane was involved in both of Manchester City's first two goals, and Marcos Alonso also had problems.
It can be said that Manchester City's attacking players are world-class, and the demands on these two young players were simply too high. In the game, they just could not stop them.
Sky Sports also revealed that Gao Shen currently has no better solution.
Instead, they quoted what Gao Shen said at the post-match press conference.
"I don't think it's a bad thing. On the contrary, it's a danger, but also an opportunity."
"It is very rare for young players to have the chance to face world-class players like Robben, Suarez, and Gareth Bale directly, but now they have the opportunity to learn."
"I believe tonight's game will be a valuable asset for our young players and will help them grow faster."
"I also believe that as long as we survive this tough schedule and get through the current difficulties, we will become stronger, and everyone will see a stronger and better Real Madrid!"
Finally, Gao Shen reiterated his belief that the team can qualify from the group.
"Don't forget, we still have a home game against Dortmund and an away game against Porto."
"It is far too early to say we have lost the chance to advance!"
"I am still confident that we can get out of the group!"
(To be continued.)