"How does it feel?"
After the match, Gao Shen and Klopp stood on the sidelines. All the Dortmund players walked off the pitch with their heads down, heading back to the locker room, while the Real Madrid players were still celebrating on the field.
The entire Bernabéu was filled with the deafening cheers of Real Madrid fans.
How could the bearded German not hear the teasing hidden behind those seemingly profound words?
"What I want to do most right now is punch you," Klopp gritted his teeth.
Gao Shen just laughed, not taking it to heart.
The two had a great relationship and wouldn't hold a grudge over a single match.
Besides, there was no real controversy in this game.
All three of Real Madrid's goals were clear-cut and earned through quality play. Even Klopp couldn't deny that.
"The constant departures of players have really hit us hard," Klopp said helplessly.
The exits of Sahin and Shinji Kagawa had weakened Dortmund's midfield significantly.
Many might think that since Dortmund is known for its high-pressing style, why would a technical midfielder be so critical?
That's a misunderstanding.
In fact, for teams like Dortmund or Atletico Madrid, a technically proficient midfielder who can organize play is even more vital and irreplaceable.
In contrast, technical sides like Real Madrid and Barcelona have a surplus of organizing midfielders. They can rotate with ease and never worry too much about losing structure in midfield.
"Your performance has fluctuated over the past two seasons, but this year isn't as good as last," Gao Shen said.
Sometimes, that's just how football works.
In 1999, Manchester United wasn't actually the strongest team, but they still won the treble.
Bayern's peak wasn't in 2001, but they won the Champions League that year.
Now, the same applies to Dortmund.
In Gao Shen's previous life, the Yellow and Blacks made it all the way to the Champions League final this season. But in truth, this squad wasn't stronger than the previous season's. Due to various factors—like falling behind Bayern early in the Bundesliga—Dortmund ended up focusing more on the Champions League and produced strong results.
But as Gao Shen pointed out, in terms of squad strength, this year's Dortmund wasn't as solid.
The biggest problem was that no one had stepped up to replace Kagawa's role in midfield.
"Given the current situation, you don't have many options. You'll have to go all in for the final round," Gao Shen said with a smile.
Klopp shot him a resentful look. "Feels like I've been used as one of your pawns."
Gao Shen chuckled and said nothing.
Manchester City had beaten Porto at home—this was the latest update from the other group match.
That made the situation in Group D very clear. Manchester City now had three wins, one draw, and one loss in five matches, sitting top with 10 points.
Dortmund, with three wins and two losses, had 9 points and sat second.
Real Madrid had two wins, one draw, and two losses, giving them 7 points and third place.
Porto were the unluckiest, with only one win and four losses. They sat bottom with 3 points and had already been eliminated from European competition entirely, including the Europa League.
Even if Porto beat Real Madrid in the final round, they couldn't surpass Los Blancos in the standings.
The real drama was in the top three.
Though Real Madrid were in third, their situation had drastically improved.
In the final round, they would face Porto, who had nothing left to play for. Meanwhile, Dortmund would host Manchester City.
Given the current situation, Dortmund had to beat Manchester City to guarantee qualification. A draw would leave both them and Real Madrid on 10 points, assuming Real Madrid beat Porto. In that case, Real Madrid would advance due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Let alone if Dortmund lost.
The one major risk for Real Madrid would be if Manchester City lost to Dortmund. Then, both City and Real would be tied on points, and City would qualify due to a better head-to-head record.
But that scenario was unlikely.
If City finished second, they'd risk drawing a powerhouse like Bayern or Barcelona in the round of 16.
So, to win the group, Manchester City would definitely go all out against Dortmund.
And if Dortmund wanted to advance, they'd also need to go all in.
Right now, Dortmund looked like the team in more danger.
Of course, there was still a possibility that Dortmund would pull off a home win against City.
If that happened, Real Madrid would have to settle for the Europa League.
"I've already come to terms with it. Playing in the Europa League isn't bad. I haven't won that trophy yet," Gao Shen joked, turning the situation into a lighthearted moment.
Of course, Klopp wasn't fooled.
Manchester City were strong, and even at home, Dortmund had no guarantee of winning.
"Honestly, I'm just unlucky to get drawn into the group of death," Dortmund's coach said bitterly.
Gao Shen smiled and tried to comfort him. "Well, if you end up in the Europa League, work hard and try to win it. That'll boost your UEFA coefficient and help you escape the third- and fourth-tier seeding traps."
As long as you're seeded in pot three or four, it's nearly impossible to avoid being drawn into a group of death.
"Thanks a lot!" Klopp said with an annoyed tone.
After a short pause, he looked at Gao Shen again and said, "I'm off. You... good luck!"
With that, Klopp turned and walked into the tunnel without looking back.
Gao Shen stood there for a moment, watching him disappear.
This is the cruelty of football—there can only be one winner.
But that's also what makes European football so compelling. The fierce competition is what gives it charm.
In his previous life, many top clubs had pushed for a European Super League, but Gao Shen always had a question.
While the Super League would gather the most attractive clubs in the world and draw massive attention, where would the competitiveness come from?
Would there be promotion or relegation?
How would that be balanced?
If there's no relegation, and some clubs are permanent members, what kind of real competition is there?
Without real stakes, how can you maintain the intensity and appeal of the games?
Yes, the Champions League is brutal and filled with upsets—but that's exactly what makes it so appealing to fans around the world.
No one wants to watch a drama series where the ending is obvious from the start.
…
Back in the Bernabéu locker room, Gao Shen showered his players with praise.
He highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo for scoring a brace, saying the Portuguese had demonstrated the quality of a true superstar in a crucial moment. He believed that if Ronaldo could maintain this form, he would be in serious contention for the FIFA Ballon d'Or again.
"I believe you'll be one of the strongest contenders for the award!"
But Gao Shen quickly changed the tone. He said that for Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid would need to claim a major trophy—either La Liga or the Champions League.
Without a meaningful title, it would be hard for Ronaldo to win the vote.
Ronaldo understood and responded firmly, promising to give his best in every match.
"I also sincerely hope we can work together as a team," he added.
Gao Shen nodded. Ronaldo remained the most important figure in Real Madrid's frontline.
Aside from Ronaldo, Gao Shen specifically praised Benzema.
The French forward's performance tonight was outstanding. From his own goal to his assists and overall play, he displayed everything expected from a modern, complete striker.
Gao Shen even told him that this was the ideal direction for his development.
He encouraged Benzema to not only continue his tactical play but also to sharpen his hunger for goals. When opportunities come, he must be ruthless in finishing, while still keeping his awareness to create for teammates.
Di Maria was another standout.
Everyone acknowledged him as Real Madrid's best performer this season—some even thought he had outshone Ronaldo.
Of course, Ronaldo had scored more and received more media and fan attention.
But within football circles, Di Maria's performances were seen as the most consistent and impactful this season.
This was also thanks to Gao Shen's tactical adjustments and how he repositioned Di Maria within the team's system.
Gao Shen also gave praise to Carvajal, Nacho, and Modric.
After a 3-0 win, he had praise for nearly the entire squad.
That was normal. Young players needed confidence and encouragement.
Nacho had started at left-back tonight. He made some mistakes but also showed flashes of promise, which was normal for a young player.
No one reaches their peak from their debut.
Varane was considered the most promising young center-back. Zidane even called him a genius, but so far, he hadn't shown enough to bench Ramos or Pepe.
As for Ramos and Pepe, their reckless tendencies were still a concern. Gao Shen had warned them repeatedly, yet they still slipped at times.
Just like the early second-half lapses—especially from Pepe.
Still, despite the criticism, Gao Shen acknowledged that both players contributed a lot on both ends of the pitch. Their athleticism and passing range were also valuable.
He had often thought that in his past life, Real Madrid let Pepe go a bit too early.
And Ramos? Among center-backs in world football, Pepe had some of the best physical attributes.
Once he evolved from a wild warrior to a composed master, Real Madrid's defense would be near unstoppable.
That would be the peak of their defensive strength.
Of course, Gao Shen couldn't predict the future. But for now, his top priority was to help Ramos and Pepe mature as quickly as possible, so they could bring more consistency and stability to the backline.
Otherwise, he'd constantly be worried about defensive lapses.
Especially on the right, where he was planning to give Carvajal more chances.
At least in this match, everyone saw Carvajal's energy and attacking ability—something Arbeloa lacked.
Gao Shen could now trust Carvajal to start more often.
As long as the right-back didn't let him down.
(To be continued.)