Chapter 39 - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

April 22, Evening – Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid

The second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals saw Atlético Madrid face AC Milan at home.

It was a game that was intense but lacked brilliance.

Even compared to the first leg at the San Siro, tonight's match was noticeably duller. A major reason for this was AC Milan's defensive approach throughout the game.

The Rossoneri spent most of the match on the back foot, yet their defense was exceptionally organized and tight.

With four defenders, three defensive midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and Inzaghi up front, AC Milan's formation posed a significant challenge for Atlético.

Although Atlético pushed forward in attack, they had to leave players behind to guard against Inzaghi's counterattacks. Just two weeks earlier, at the San Siro, Inzaghi's perfectly timed run and finish had secured AC Milan's victory.

Ancelotti's strategy for this match was clear: defend for the draw.

In fact, he didn't even start Pirlo, opting instead for Seedorf, Ambrosini, and Gattuso as a midfield trio—an unmistakable sign of his intent to grind out a result against Atlético.

The Italian coach's plan was straightforward: force Atlético to attack and then hit them on the counter.

This put enormous pressure on Atlético, and Yang Hao's instructions were clear: score without conceding.

From the start, Atlético looked sharper than AC Milan, dominating the match and constantly creating threats.

In the first half, the most dangerous chance came in the 21st minute when Reyes broke through on the left and delivered a cross. Torres, positioned 10 meters from goal, rose to head the ball but, under pressure from Maldini, failed to generate enough power, and Dida saved easily.

AC Milan's defense was nearly impenetrable.

In the second half, Yang Hao stuck to his plan of attacking from the flanks.

In the 60th minute, Atlético intercepted the ball in the final third. Deco sent a pass to the left flank, where Evra surged forward and delivered a ball to Reyes. Reyes shot from the left side of the penalty area, only to see the ball hit the left post and bounce out.

Costacurta was quick to react, beating Torres to the rebound with a header to clear the ball.

The ball fell to the edge of the penalty area, where Baraja unleashed a powerful volley.

It smashed against the crossbar.

It was clear to everyone that Atlético were lacking a bit of luck tonight.

The match continued with AC Milan remaining defensive, barely attempting to attack.

By the 70th minute, both sides were physically exhausted and began making substitutions.

Ancelotti only made one change, replacing Rivaldo with Shevchenko.

He didn't touch his four defenders or three defensive midfielders, signaling respect for Atlético's threat but also complicating their task.

Against AC Milan's airtight defense, Atlético resorted to more long-range shots.

In the stadium, Atlético's fans were starting to grow anxious.

Having lost 3-2 in the first leg at the San Siro, failing to score at the Calderón tonight would mean elimination from the Champions League.

Yet the fans also saw how conservatively AC Milan were playing, practically parking the bus.

This left Atlético with few options in attack.

...

In the president's box at the Calderón, Enrique Cerezo sighed. "At critical moments, we still aren't strong enough."

It was nearing the 80th minute, and judging by the current state of play, Atlético were struggling to break through AC Milan's defense.

Yang Hao still had one substitution left, but he hadn't made a move yet.

"They've done their best," said Miguel Gil, coming to Yang Hao's defense.

Cerezo nodded. "I'm not blaming them. I'm just saying that when it comes to key moments, we're still a step behind these more seasoned teams. But we're young."

Atlético's average age was comparable to Ajax's. The Dutch side had come close to reaching the quarterfinals and had been outstanding throughout the tournament.

In comparison, Atlético's performance was already commendable.

"With the experience gained this season, we'll be even stronger next year," Miguel Gil said confidently.

"I've noticed that Yang Hao is under a lot of pressure lately," Cerezo added with a tone of concern.

The results were there, but the media's relentless attacks were something the club couldn't entirely mitigate. It wasn't as if they could ask all the outlets to stop reporting.

Following consecutive losses to AC Milan and Valladolid, Yang Hao had clashed with the media post-match, refusing to back down. Since then, outlets like AS had been attacking him non-stop.

Even traditionally neutral publications like El País and Marca opined that if Atlético ended the season without silverware, Yang Hao would have to take responsibility for failing to prioritize competitions.

They argued that choosing to compete on all fronts—La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey—had spread the team too thin.

By insisting on pursuing everything, Yang Hao risked coming away with nothing.

Regardless of his choices, consequences were inevitable.

Even last weekend, when Atlético rested for a week and secured a 3-0 win against Alavés, it wasn't enough to stem the tide of criticism. Fans remained anxious about the team's future.

The situation was precarious.

The club's public relations team had worked tirelessly to manage the fallout, but without their efforts, the criticism would have been far worse.

Yang Hao, however, kept silent, enduring it all without complaint.

"I invited him for a drink two nights ago, but he said he was still analyzing tactics. It's clear he's fighting everyone—even himself," Miguel Gil said with a wry smile.

At times, Yang Hao could be pragmatic.

His tactics were flexible—if the situation demanded defense, he wouldn't hesitate to forgo attacking, even at the cost of being called conservative.

In social settings, he could be quite personable.

But when it came to certain things, he was incredibly stubborn.

"Well, stubbornness is part of Atlético's spirit, isn't it?" Cerezo said with a faint smile.

Miguel Gil paused and then nodded. It made sense.

"Sometimes you have to push yourself to the limit to be reborn and improve, don't you think?" Cerezo continued.

Staying in your comfort zone for too long could lead to stagnation.

"To be honest, he still believes we have a chance—as long as we beat Real Madrid in Round 37."

Cerezo was visibly surprised by Miguel Gil's comment.

He knew that if Yang Hao's belief became public, it would only invite more criticism.

After all, the balance of power in Spanish football still lay firmly with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Doubt it?

Consider Barcelona. Twice this season, they had flirted with relegation. Their president resigned, the coach was replaced, and the management team overhauled. Slowly, they climbed back up to eighth place.

And yet, the majority of media outlets were showering them with praise, lauding their resilience and improvement.

What a joke.

A goalless draw at Sevilla wasn't exactly a stellar performance.

If it weren't for the quality of their stars, Barcelona would have collapsed long ago.

In contrast, Atlético Madrid's achievements—Champions League quarterfinals, second place in La Liga, and Copa del Rey semifinals—weren't good enough?

Two losses, and suddenly the narrative changed?

A few provocative comments aimed at Real Madrid, and that was enough?

How many close calls had Real Madrid survived recently?

On several occasions, they came close to collapsing, yet some still considered them invincible.

La Liga hadn't even reached its conclusion, and Yang Hao was already being nailed to the pillar of shame.

Was that fair?

"Yang Hao is right: fairness doesn't exist in this world. If an adult is overly preoccupied with fairness, that in itself is immature," he had once told his players during a team meeting in Majadahonda.

"Some are born rich, some are born smart, some are born beautiful, some are born privileged... where's the fairness in that?"

"But just because we're not rich, not smart, not beautiful, or not privileged, does that mean we give up on life? Stop striving?"

"Always aim higher! Victory belongs to those who dare to fight!"

These words, spoken by Yang Hao, had quickly spread among the players and staff.

Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil had no doubt: Yang Hao was shaping Atlético's identity, forging its core with his character and unyielding determination.

Atlético were preparing to make a substitution.

Ancelotti turned his head just in time to see Drogba ready to come on. His heart skipped a beat.

This season, Yang Hao had made a habit of introducing Drogba when the team struggled to break through.

More often than not, the Ivorian had delivered. His physical presence and ability to win duels were unmatched.

Many compared Drogba to Adriano, but in truth, the two were different.

Adriano had superior technical skills and used his physicality to complement his flair and offensive capabilities. Drogba, however, was a tactician's dream, serving the team's strategy with unrelenting commitment.

Ancelotti walked quickly to the touchline and called Maldini over, instructing him to keep a close eye on Drogba.

At this moment, Ancelotti couldn't be sure whether Drogba would replace Torres or Reyes.

Earlier, Yang Hao had already brought on Kaká during the first substitution.

Now, with Drogba coming on, it was clear that Atlético were about to ramp up their offensive efforts.

"This Atlético team has such a diverse range of attacking options," Ancelotti sighed. "Every player brings something different—it's a nightmare to deal with!"

He glanced at his own bench and made up his mind: no further substitutions.

What would be the point? Would anyone on the bench do a better job than those already on the field?

Ancelotti couldn't help but think of Nesta.

If only Nesta had joined AC Milan last summer, the defensive situation would feel far more secure. Nesta had the kind of defensive brilliance that inspired confidence in an entire backline.

But instead, Nesta had joined Inter.

On the touchline, Yang Hao pulled Drogba aside and spoke with urgency.

"Didier, I have a very, very important task for you."

"I'm ready, boss. What's the plan?"

"When you get on the pitch, don't think about scoring. Your primary job is to stay positioned between their three defensive midfielders and their back four, and focus on receiving long passes from deep."

Yang Hao's instructions were clear, and Drogba understood. It wasn't a difficult role for him.

But he was puzzled.

"Boss, aren't we pushing forward to attack?"

Yang Hao shook his head.

"We can't keep piling forward like this. Look at the current situation: the more pressure we apply, the tighter they're packing their defense. The less space we'll have to work with. If this keeps up, we'll be finished in a few minutes."

"So you want us to pull back?"

"Yes. Let's give them more possession and tempt them to move forward."

It was inevitable. With the ball at their feet, AC Milan would have to advance, even if cautiously.

"At the same time, Torres will stay high to pin their backline. This will open up space between their defensive midfielders and center backs, and that's where you come in. Your job is to win the first ball in that zone."

Yang Hao grabbed a piece of paper and sketched out the plan for Drogba.

"Look, if you win the first ball, Deco, Kaká, and Torres will be in position to pick up the second ball. If we can control the second ball in that space, one pass can set up a shot.

"And if your flick-on or pass is accurate enough, they might not even need a second touch to shoot."

Drogba's eyes lit up as he grasped the strategy.

This was one of Yang Hao's trademarks: explaining his tactics in detail so players not only understood the plan but could also adapt as situations arose during the game.

"Got it. I'll make it work," Drogba said, nodding firmly.

"One more thing—try to spread out. We don't have wingers now, so our width will come from the fullbacks. You four need to maintain width and depth to stretch their defense. Once we create even the smallest gap, we'll have a chance to score."

Yang Hao's confidence was palpable, and it inspired Drogba.

"Understood, boss."

"Good. Stay focused, stick to the plan, and trust me—we can win this!"

"Boss, none of us has ever doubted you," Drogba said earnestly.

Yang Hao smiled, patting Drogba on the shoulder. "Go on, then. Let's make it happen."

During a stoppage in play, Drogba came on to replace Reyes.

The Spanish winger had performed well this season, but tonight, his battle with Simic had drained his energy.

AC Milan's players were equally fatigued.

Drogba jogged into position and immediately relayed Yang Hao's tactical adjustments to Kaká, Deco, and Torres. The four huddled briefly, finalizing the execution plan before dispersing.

Meanwhile, Yang Hao called Xabi Alonso over during another dead ball and gave him additional instructions regarding the team's tactical shift. Alonso quickly grasped his manager's intent.

When play resumed in the 83rd minute, the atmosphere inside the Calderón grew increasingly tense.

Everyone—players, coaches, and fans—felt the rising intensity.

This was no longer just a football match.

It was the most decisive match of the Champions League quarterfinals!

This game carried implications of millions—perhaps tens of millions—of euros in revenue.

Millions of fans worldwide sat glued to their TVs, watching this clash.

The last seven minutes of the match were also the most decisive seven minutes.

When play resumed, Atlético attempted an attack, but AC Milan quickly regained possession. Drogba pressed hard to disrupt their buildup, while Torres, Deco, and Kaká were jogging at a slower pace.

It created a particular impression:

"It looks like Atlético's players are starting to run out of steam."

"That's understandable; it's already the 83rd minute."

"They've been relentlessly attacking AC Milan tonight, constantly sprinting back and forth. The physical toll must be immense, as we've been saying all along."

"AC Milan's defensive counterattacking strategy might seem overly conservative, but it's incredibly steady. Ancelotti might just be waiting for Atlético to tire out before instructing his team to push forward."

"This is a classic Italian strategy—avoiding their opponent's strongest moments."

Initially, AC Milan's possession was cautious, but as the minutes ticked by, they began to push further up the field.

In the 85th minute, Rivaldo tried to dribble down the left flank but was stopped by Maicon's sliding tackle, which earned AC Milan a throw-in about 30 meters from goal.

Kaladze stepped up to take it, and Milan's players moved up to support, pressing higher as a unit. Atlético responded by retreating deeper into their own half.

Kaladze tried to throw the ball to Shevchenko, but the Ukrainian striker couldn't make proper contact. The ball was cleared by Lúcio and landed at Carvalho's feet.

AC Milan quickly retreated to defend.

"Wait, there's no opening—switch to the ground! Pass to me," Xabi Alonso called out as he ran to support.

Carvalho passed to Xabi Alonso, who had time and space to control the ball. He assessed the situation and saw Milan's players quickly regaining their defensive shape. Deciding not to rush the attack, he opted for a patient buildup instead.

On the sidelines, Yang Hao stepped forward, shouting, "Don't rush—stay patient!"

In attacking situations, rushing often led to mistakes, and Yang Hao was keen to avoid that.

However, when the ball reached the final third, Milan intercepted it again.

Seedorf carried the ball forward, and AC Milan's formation pushed up slightly to support the attack.

When Seedorf attempted to pass to Rivaldo, Baraja, who had initially seemed out of position, made a sudden burst forward.

Baraja wasn't particularly tall at 1.77 meters, but his explosive bursts were a key defensive weapon, often catching opponents off guard.

Like now.

Rivaldo had barely controlled the ball when Baraja appeared in front of him.

Trying to pass the ball quickly, Rivaldo hesitated for a split second—enough time for Baraja to stick out his foot and block it.

The deflected ball rolled away, just out of reach for both players.

Xabi Alonso sprinted forward, glancing up as he ran. He shouted, "Didier!"

Drogba had been waiting for this.

As soon as Alonso controlled the ball, he saw Drogba raising his hand and sent a long pass toward him.

Drogba had drifted back into AC Milan's 30-meter zone, positioning himself between Milan's midfielders and defenders.

Ambrosini's marking and aerial ability were formidable, but Drogba cleverly moved toward Milan's right flank, targeting Gattuso's area instead.

Drogba positioned himself between Milan's two defensive midfielders, anticipating the ball's arrival.

As Alonso's pass arced toward him, Drogba adjusted his position. Both Ambrosini and Gattuso reacted quickly, rushing toward him, while Simic, Milan's right-back, also sprinted forward to join the effort.

In this crowded zone on Milan's left side, Drogba's height and strength made him dominant. With his back to the goal, he leapt high into the air, his presence towering over the defenders like a force of nature.

Milan's defense wasn't overly concerned.

The distance to the goal was significant, and Drogba was facing away from it.

A header from there? Unlikely to pose a threat.

Milan's priority was Torres.

Torres, fully aware of Drogba's intention, had already started moving toward the left side of the pitch. As Drogba won the header and flicked it toward him, Torres arrived at the perfect moment.

The ball bounced on the grass after Drogba's flick, and Torres shielded it from Costacurta while also drawing Maldini toward him.

As the ball bounced again, Torres used his body to fend off Costacurta and knocked the ball backward toward Deco, who was charging into the space.

Deco took the ball in stride and advanced a step further.

Maldini, with no time to react, had just shifted toward Torres when he saw Deco dribbling forward. Forced to act, Maldini stepped up to challenge.

But Deco had anticipated this. With a deft touch using the outside of his right foot, he slid the ball diagonally through the gap, bypassing Maldini.

The ball rolled toward the edge of the penalty area on the right.

A streak of red and white darted forward at blistering speed.

It was Kaká, sprinting with all his might, his teeth clenched in determination.

Kaladze saw the danger and charged toward the ball, engaging in a desperate race with Kaká.

The entire sequence had unfolded so quickly—every player had touched the ball only once. The fans in the stadium were only now reacting, their gasps and shouts filling the air.

Some supporters were already on their feet, yelling:

"Kaká!!!"

Kaká's speed won the duel. Near the edge of the penalty area, he reached the ball just ahead of Kaladze, tapping it forward to evade the defender.

He surged into the box.

"Danger!!!"

"Atlético have broken into the penalty area!!"

"Kaká!!!"

Time seemed to freeze.

Everyone watched as Kaká, moving at full speed, caught up with the ball near the penalty spot. He stretched out his leg and stabbed the ball past the onrushing Dida.

The ball skimmed the grass and slipped past the goalkeeper's outstretched arms.

Dida dove, but he was a fraction too late.

The ball nestled into AC Milan's net.

Without slowing down, Kaká wheeled around and sprinted toward the sideline to celebrate.

Behind him, the referee's whistle confirmed the goal.

It was valid.

At that moment, a line from the poet Li Bai suddenly came to Yang Hao's mind:

"Silver saddles on white steeds, racing like shooting stars.

Ten strides to kill a man, a thousand miles without pause.

When the deed is done, brush off your clothes, and conceal your fame and glory."

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"Minute 87, Atlético Madrid has finally broken through AC Milan's defense!"

"Kaká steps up in the critical moment to shatter the deadlock for Atlético!"

"Oh my God, this is absolutely a goal worth its weight in gold!"

"Magnificent Atlético! Magnificent Kaká! Magnificent goal!"

Kaká sprinted like a prayer answered, rushing to the home dugout. His momentum carried him straight into Yang Hao, crashing into him and knocking him down onto the sideline.

"Ahhhhhhh!"

The rest of Atlético's players rushed in like a wave, piling onto the scene. Even the substitutes stormed the pitch in a frenzy of celebration.

In front of his goal, Čech fell to his knees, roaring at the sky in triumph.

"Congratulations to Atlético Madrid!"

"That was a phenomenal attacking sequence!"

"They've been relentlessly pushing for 87 minutes and have finally broken AC Milan's defense just before the match's conclusion!"

"Ancelotti has every reason to feel dissatisfied with this result, but his tactics were far too conservative."

"Throughout this season, many have criticized Ancelotti for emulating Cúper at Inter, but the difference is that Cúper's team plays with greater balance, not this level of defensiveness."

"And tonight, Ancelotti pays the price for his caution!"

"For Atlético, this 87th-minute goal is undoubtedly a strike of gold."

"Thanks to their two away goals from the first leg, despite the 2–3 loss in Milan, this 1–0 victory at home allows Atlético to eliminate AC Milan on away goals and advance to the Champions League semifinals."

The entire Calderón erupted into chaos.

Over 50,000 fans poured out of their seats, screaming and cheering with everything they had.

Nobody could believe it. Just as the match seemed destined to end in a stalemate, Atlético had struck the decisive blow.

It was the sheer unpredictability of the moment that sent the crowd into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Players, urged back onto the pitch by the referee, reluctantly returned to their positions.

What happened next was a source of laughter for everyone.

Yang Hao lay flat on the grass, looking utterly spent, as if he'd just survived some unmentionable ordeal.

Even the referee seemed concerned and ran over to check on him, worried he might be injured.

But Yang Hao, still hypersensitive to the sight of a referee, blurted out his first thought: "Don't show a card! I was halfway inside the technical area!"

The Norwegian referee, Hauge, chuckled, "I wasn't going to book you. I just wanted to ask if you're alright."

"Alright? I'm amazing! I'm so happy I don't want to move!" Yang Hao replied, bursting into laughter.

He finally got up from the ground, his clothes disheveled, and watched his players, who had just "piled on" him, jog back to the pitch with mischievous grins.

Then he turned toward the visitors' technical area, catching sight of Ancelotti.

Yang Hao laughed even harder.

Ancelotti was making two substitutions at once: Tomasson and Serginho.

It was a clear signal to ramp up Milan's offense.

Yang Hao grinned.

"Now you want to come out of your shell?" he muttered to himself. "Too late!"

"For 87 minutes, you turtled up, and now you're looking to attack? Please, go ahead—I'll kneel in respect if you can make it work now!"

Yang Hao returned to his bench, grabbed a bottle of water, and instructed his players to waste as much time as possible, pull back their lines, and prioritize solid defending.

AC Milan, exhausted after defending for so long, mounted a desperate but ineffective push in the final minutes.

Atlético held on to their 1–0 lead, and with the aggregate score tied at 3–3, they advanced on the strength of their two away goals.

As the final whistle blew, Yang Hao pumped his fists high into the air, roaring toward the stands.

The crowd responded with deafening cheers, their voices singing praises for the team and for Yang Hao. Individual names rang out sporadically, blending into a sea of euphoria.

Yang Hao quickly calmed himself, then walked toward the visitors' dugout.

"What a fantastic game! Your defense was absolutely impenetrable!" he called out to Ancelotti with a smile.

Ancelotti looked exasperated but shook Yang Hao's hand nonetheless, his sigh betraying his frustration.

"In the first leg, I thought it was going to end in a draw, but we won. Tonight, I thought we'd win, but…" He shook his head awkwardly.

AC Milan had given their all. Compared to Yang Hao's memories from the past, this Milan team lacked a key player: Nesta.

"Honestly, without Nesta, it doesn't feel much different," Yang Hao mused privately. "Their defense is as solid as ever."

Still, he knew players like Nesta left a gap that only became obvious when they weren't there. A player like him could turn a single goal into an impossible one.

"Why didn't Pirlo play tonight?" Yang Hao asked, genuinely curious.

Pirlo had remained on the bench for the entire match.

Ancelotti smiled wryly. "Don't think I didn't notice how you had Deco shadow him in the first leg."

"So, you decided not to play him at all?"

Ancelotti said nothing, but his expression revealed his thoughts.

Without Pirlo, Milan's midfield had struggled to control the game, allowing Atlético to dominate.

But Milan's defensive midfield trio of Seedorf, Ambrosini, and Gattuso had held firm—until the 87th minute.

If Pirlo had played and been neutralized by Yang Hao's tactics, might the team have conceded earlier or more often?

Ancelotti wasn't sure.

Pirlo was a unique player, originally a trequartista. Ancelotti had converted him into a deep-lying playmaker, but while he sometimes excelled in this role, he was still adapting, as were his teammates and coach.

"How about now? Feeling vindicated?" Ancelotti asked Yang Hao.

For the past weeks, Yang Hao had endured relentless attacks and even humiliation from the Spanish media. Yet much of what he said wasn't wrong. For instance, saying the league wasn't over and that Real Madrid would make mistakes.

What was so controversial about that?

Is it not reasonable for two title-contending teams to engage in some psychological warfare?

But in the eyes of the Spanish media and fans, Yang Hao simply wasn't allowed to say such things.

Why?

Because he was talking about Real Madrid.

"I'm not at the point of feeling vindicated just yet, but you..." Yang Hao grinned at Ancelotti. "You're definitely in for some tough times ahead."

There was something surreal about the situation.

In his previous life, AC Milan was supposed to be contending with Juventus in this season's Champions League final.

But now, he had stopped AC Milan in the quarterfinals.

To Yang Hao, this seemed fitting. AC Milan was simply at this level. Even if they had somehow made it past the quarterfinals, could they have beaten Inter Milan in the semifinals?

Nobody would have bought into that narrative.

And Ancelotti, having lost in the Champions League, would have to bear the consequences.

Yang Hao could already imagine what was coming for the Italian manager.

"Don't worry about me," Ancelotti replied, brushing off the comment.

He was long used to media criticism. Even during his time at Juventus, he was relentlessly mocked, often being labeled as a perennial runner-up.

Now? He hadn't even managed to finish as runner-up.

"Be careful against Inter Milan in the semifinals. You've brought this upon yourself," Ancelotti warned.

Not long ago, his team had lost 0–2 to Inter Milan in a league match, with Adriano scoring both goals.

That cursed Brazilian striker was in sensational form.

This season, Inter Milan was a powerhouse.

Although they had parted ways with Ronaldo, they had acquired Adriano upfront, added Cambiasso to the midfield, and bolstered their defense with Nesta and Aurélio.

The results were predictable. Héctor Cúper's side was steamrolling through Serie A.

Moreover, the three players they had acquired from Atlético Madrid were proving invaluable.

In a way, Cúper owed Yang Hao a debt of gratitude.

Though perhaps the greatest thanks should go to Moratti's wallet.

Moratti's willingness to spend was unmatched.

"Best of luck," Ancelotti said, offering Yang Hao a nod of encouragement.

Yang Hao thanked him and turned back toward the home dugout.

Inter Milan was indeed formidable—terrifying, even.

Their defense alone, featuring Aurélio, Materazzi, Nesta, Zanetti, and goalkeeper Toldo, was vastly superior to AC Milan's aging and injury-ridden backline.

And their attack? Adriano, Vieri, and Recoba were each fearsome in their own right. Add Batistuta, and the bench depth included players like Ventola, Kallon, and Martins.

The midfield, while not as star-studded, still boasted names like Kily González, Farinós, Cambiasso, Dalmat, Di Biagio, and Cristiano Zanetti.

Their only relative weakness was the right wing, currently occupied by the Portuguese player Conceição.

Under Cúper's guidance, this Inter Milan side had become a juggernaut.

No wonder they were listed by European bookmakers as the second favorite to win the Champions League this season, just behind Real Madrid.

Speaking of Real Madrid...

The Galácticos had lost the first leg 3–4 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Ronaldo had netted a hat-trick, while Beckham came off the bench to score twice, stealing the show.

Yang Hao wasn't surprised by the result. What puzzled him was whether that Russian billionaire, who would soon reshape European football, had attended the game at Old Trafford, just as he had in Yang Hao's previous life.

He vaguely remembered that this particular match had forever altered the landscape of European football.

Despite the loss, the defeat posed no real threat to Real Madrid.

In the second leg at the Bernabéu, they turned the tie around with a 3–1 victory, thanks to a Raul brace and a goal from Figo, sending Manchester United packing with a 6–5 aggregate score.

At Old Trafford, Ferguson's side had struggled to impose themselves, being thoroughly outplayed by Real Madrid.

Van Nistelrooy's second-half goal salvaged some pride, but overall, Manchester United's elimination was expected and reasonable.

Meanwhile, Valencia had lost their first leg 0–1 to Inter Milan at the San Siro, and in the second leg at the Mestalla, they suffered a 1–2 defeat.

Vieri opened the scoring with an assist from Adriano, and while Aimar equalized for Valencia, Cambiasso set up Adriano for another goal in the 51st minute.

Inter advanced with a 3–1 aggregate victory, as Adriano's goal and assist proved decisive.

For Cúper, eliminating his former club Valencia at their home ground was particularly satisfying, especially given the acrimony surrounding his departure.

Inter Milan's superiority, especially in midfield, was evident over the two legs.

The last quarterfinal matchup saw Juventus face Deportivo La Coruña.

The first leg in Turin ended 1–1, giving Deportivo a crucial away goal.

In the second leg at the Riazor, the teams battled fiercely. Nedvěd put Juventus ahead in the 53rd minute, but Valerón quickly equalized.

The match went into extra time, where Pandiani's decisive goal eliminated Juventus, giving Deportivo a 3–2 aggregate victory.

Thus, the Champions League semifinals were set.

For the second consecutive year, three Spanish teams made it to the semifinals.

According to the draw, Real Madrid would face Deportivo La Coruña, while Atlético Madrid would take on Inter Milan.

As Ancelotti had pointed out, Yang Hao had plenty to worry about with Cúper's star-studded squad.

Atlético Madrid eliminated AC Milan with Kaká's decisive goal, securing their spot in the Champions League semifinals. This achievement surprised the Spanish media, with many outlets—some of which had previously criticized Yang Hao and Atlético—showering the team with praise.

Kaká's performance also earned him widespread acclaim across European football. The young Brazilian, who had already shown promise last season and earned a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad, continued to develop and impress with his growing composure and maturity.

At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao lavished praise on Kaká, and even Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Brazilian had left a strong impression.

"Watching him play was truly astonishing," Ancelotti said.

During an interview with El País, Kaká explained why he celebrated his goal by rushing to the sideline to embrace and topple Yang Hao.

"It was something we had planned in the locker room. No matter who scored, we would celebrate with our coach because we knew he had been under immense pressure recently," Kaká revealed.

He continued, "We understand that he's been trying to shield us, but we also want to show him that we're strong enough to protect him too!"

Kaká expressed deep gratitude for Yang Hao's dedication to the team over the years, a sentiment shared by everyone in the locker room.

"Overtaking Real Madrid isn't just our coach's dream; it's a goal shared by the entire team. We're all working hard toward it," Kaká declared.

"Like our coach says, any doubts or criticisms only make us stronger."

Kaká also highlighted how unique Atlético Madrid is as a team.

"When I first arrived in Madrid, we weren't a strong team. We had just come off a turbulent season.

"I didn't experience that season, but many at the club, including fans and journalists, told me stories about it. Our coach led the team to remarkable comebacks and achieved impossible victories.

"The past two seasons have been the same. We've won matches that everyone thought were unwinnable, and we continue to make the impossible happen."

According to Kaká, Atlético had grown accustomed to skepticism.

"The most important thing is to keep getting stronger through tough matches.

"Whether it's our players, coaches, or staff, we see them as the best and most professional. That gives us the confidence and determination to succeed."

With unwavering conviction, Kaká declared, "We will win the championship!"

La Liga Round 34

Three days later, Atlético Madrid traveled to face Racing Santander. Thanks to a brace from Diego Forlán, they secured a 2–0 victory.

The following day, Real Madrid hosted Málaga at the Bernabéu in a hard-fought match.

With a congested schedule, Vicente del Bosque rotated four players, but his team struggled, particularly in the first half, when Málaga's Manu Sánchez scored the opening goal. Málaga even came close to doubling their lead several times.

It wasn't until the second half, after Del Bosque made several substitutions, that Figo assisted Morientes for the equalizer in the 72nd minute. In the 83rd minute, Guti set up Raúl for the winner.

The 2–1 win was a narrow escape for Madrid.

Zidane's performance was underwhelming, while Figo—who had been underperforming in prior matches—seemed more lively.

Marca highlighted this as a key factor in Madrid's resilience.

"The team's superstars have been inconsistent, but whenever they face challenges, someone always steps up," the newspaper noted.

However, Marca also warned that Madrid's form had noticeably dipped during the demanding March-April schedule and urged Del Bosque to take this seriously.

La Liga Round 35

A week later, Atlético hosted Villarreal.

With the Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan looming, Yang Hao made significant rotations to the squad, including starting Mauricio Pochettino and Carlos Marchena as the center-back pairing.

Despite taking the lead, Atlético's defense faltered repeatedly, allowing Villarreal to equalize twice. It wasn't until the 73rd minute that Diego Forlán scored the winner, securing a narrow 3–2 victory.

"Recently, Pochettino's form has been in decline. He's 31 now," Juanma Lillo remarked.

Pochettino had peaked around the World Cup but had been declining ever since. As an aging defender with limited physical attributes, he had struggled to keep up with the pace of Atlético's evolving tactics.

Carlos Marchena, on the other hand, had shown promise, but football is a team sport—one weak link can affect the entire system.

Yang Hao reluctantly accepted the reality: Pochettino could no longer keep up with Atlético's intensity.

Reflecting on the past, Yang Hao realized the painful truth of leadership. From Toni Muñoz to Santi Denia, Aguilera, Kiko, and now Pochettino, the cycle of decline was inevitable.

While Pochettino had only been under Yang Hao's management for three years, the coach felt a pang of guilt about phasing him out.

What about future stars like Fernando Torres, Kaká, or Rubén Baraja? Would they too eventually face the same fate?

Leadership demanded tough decisions.

Yang Hao resolved to discuss Pochettino's future with him soon to understand his perspective.

May 6th: Champions League Semifinal, First Leg

Atlético Madrid hosted Inter Milan at the Calderón in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals.

In preparation, Yang Hao had meticulously planned tactics to avoid the same frustrations experienced against AC Milan. He also made key adjustments to the starting lineup:

Goalkeeper: Petr Čech

Defense: Patrice Evra, Ricardo Carvalho, Lúcio, Maicon

Midfield: Deco, Xabi Alonso, Rubén Baraja

Forwards: José Antonio Reyes, Didier Drogba, Joaquín

Yang Hao's boldest move was starting Drogba as the central striker instead of Torres.

This marked only the second time this season that Drogba started a Champions League match—especially significant given the high stakes of a semifinal.

It was a gamble.

Every player knows there's a world of difference between coming off the bench and starting. Some thrive as substitutes but falter when given a starting role.

Would Drogba rise to the occasion? The Calderón held its breath.

Starting as a center forward against Inter Milan, Didier Drogba faced a greater challenge than when coming on as a substitute: an opponent in peak physical condition. Yang Hao had thoroughly explained the plan to Drogba, who confidently embraced his role.

Inter Milan, under Héctor Cúper, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Francesco Toldo

Defense: Fabio Aurelio, Marco Materazzi, Alessandro Nesta, Javier Zanetti

Midfield: Esteban Cambiasso, Luigi Di Biagio, flanked by Kily González, Recoba, and Sérgio Conceição

Striker: Adriano

First Half: Tactical Clashes

The match began with fierce battles in midfield. Inter's familiarity with Atlético Madrid's tactics—thanks to three former Atlético players in their squad—added a layer of complexity. Yet Yang Hao had made adjustments, employing an unorthodox approach.

Inter attempted to dominate early with aggressive pressing, but Atlético's compact defensive structure denied them clear opportunities. Upon regaining possession, Atlético swiftly transitioned to attack. Rubén Baraja and Deco positioned themselves on either flank to exploit weak points, often switching play to the opposite side to stretch Inter's defense.

Xabi Alonso occasionally unleashed long passes, targeting the flanks rather than the congested center.

11th Minute: After intercepting a pass, Baraja delivered a 50-meter diagonal ball behind Inter's defensive line. José Antonio Reyes sprinted between Zanetti and Nesta, meeting Alonso's pass with a powerful volley. The shot was on target but lacked an angle, allowing Toldo to make a save—the game's first real threat.

This ignited the Calderón crowd.

Cúper, anticipating Atlético's reliance on wing play, instructed Zanetti and Aurelio to focus on defensive duties. Inter's defensive shape—4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1—was tightly organized, making it difficult for Atlético to penetrate centrally.

Yang Hao adapted by sending both fullbacks forward to create numerical superiority on the flanks, generating crossing opportunities. However, Inter's disciplined midfield, led by Cambiasso and Di Biagio, thwarted attempts to transition from wide areas to central breakthroughs.

Drogba's Role in Breaking Inter's Defense

Yang Hao's strategy leaned heavily on Drogba. He tasked the Ivorian with pulling Materazzi or Nesta out of position, creating gaps for Reyes or Joaquín to exploit.

When Drogba dropped deeper, Deco or Baraja advanced to overload Inter's double-pivot midfield. Cambiasso and Di Biagio struggled against Drogba's physicality, forcing Inter's center-backs to step forward.

This back-and-forth between quick transitions and sustained attacks created chaos in Inter's defensive lines.

Despite Atlético's relentless pressure, Materazzi's fouling disrupted their rhythm. His aggressive challenges on Drogba and Joaquín went unpunished by the lenient referee, frustrating Yang Hao. To mitigate this, Yang Hao instructed his players to rely on quick one-touch passes rather than extended possession play.

Breakthrough: Reyes Strikes

44th Minute: After a quick counterattack failed, Joaquín retained possession and recycled the ball to midfield. Atlético's midfield pushed past the halfway line, and Drogba dropped deep to receive Deco's pass.

Shielding the ball from Materazzi, Drogba turned and delivered a perfectly weighted diagonal pass into the space behind Inter's defense. Reyes timed his run perfectly, accelerating past Toldo to round the goalkeeper and slot the ball into the empty net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"Reyes breaks the deadlock for Atlético Madrid!"

"In the 44th minute, the relentless attacking waves finally paid off as the hosts pierced through Inter's ironclad defense!"

The Calderón erupted in celebration. Atlético took a well-earned 1–0 lead into halftime.

Second Half: Adjustments and Challenges

In the locker room, Yang Hao warned his players:

"The real challenge hasn't begun yet. Stay focused."

When the second half resumed, Cúper made an immediate substitution, introducing Obafemi Martins for Recoba. Inter switched to a 4-4-2 with Adriano and Martins leading the attack.

Aware of Martins' blistering speed—perhaps the fastest professional player in history—Yang Hao adjusted Atlético's defensive line, retreating slightly to minimize space for Inter's counterattacks.

The game's tempo remained high, with Atlético maintaining control while Inter waited to counter. Adriano, who had terrorized defenses all season, struggled against Lucio, who knew his compatriot's tendencies well. Inter's lack of attacking support for Adriano left him isolated.

70th Minute: Cúper made his second substitution, bringing on Christian Vieri for Kily González. Conceição moved centrally, leaving Inter in a 4-3-3 formation.

Spotting the change, Yang Hao turned to his coaching staff and quipped, "Here it is—the Twin Towers."

The "Twin Towers" Challenge

With Vieri and Adriano up front, Inter aimed to exploit their aerial dominance and physicality. Yang Hao remained unfazed, making his own adjustments:

He instructed Lucio to stick tightly to Vieri while Carvalho focused on Adriano.

Xabi Alonso dropped deeper to shield the backline, supported by Baraja and Deco in closing passing lanes.

Atlético continued to probe Inter's defense, with Maicon and Evra pushing high up the flanks. Despite Vieri's presence, Inter failed to create clear opportunities as Atlético's midfield suffocated their supply lines.

The final 20 minutes were a tense affair. Inter's "Twin Towers" strategy forced Atlético to remain vigilant, but Yang Hao's tactical discipline held firm.

Final Whistle: Atlético Madrid 1–0 Inter Milan

Reyes' first-half goal gave Atlético a crucial lead to take into the second leg.

Yang Hao's calculated adjustments and Drogba's pivotal performance highlighted his tactical acumen, setting the stage for an intense battle at the San Siro.

Juanma Lillo could only smile wryly, "Their synergy this season hasn't been great."

Both Adriano and Vieri are left-footed strikers with overlapping traits—powerful aerial threats and the ability to terrify any defender. This "Tank and King" duo, complemented by the lightning-fast Martins, forms Inter's most formidable attacking setup this season.

"Héctor Cúper is bringing them on now to go all-in for a goal," Yang Hao analyzed, seeing through Cúper's intentions.

Even if their chemistry isn't perfect, this is the Champions League semi-final. If Cúper can convince Adriano and Vieri to set aside their differences and collaborate during the match, it could work.

As the match progressed, the division of roles between the two strikers became apparent. When one stayed central, the other would pull wide or drop deep.

Yang Hao had prepared for this scenario and had rehearsed tactics to counter Inter's "Twin Towers" setup. While Atlético held firm for the first ten minutes after the substitutions, trouble came in the 84th minute.

Inter's Equalizer

Fabio Aurelio launched a precise pass down the left flank, where Martins' blistering pace allowed him to outstrip Baraja. The Nigerian delivered a cross into the box.

At the edge of the penalty area, Lucio and Vieri jumped for the ball. Vieri, using his strength and positioning, got to it first, heading it toward the back post.

Adriano surged into the six-yard box, controlled the ball on his chest, used his strength to fend off Carvalho, turned, and fired a powerful shot into the net.

1–1!

Yang Hao could only shake his head in frustration.

Despite Atlético's valiant efforts in the final minutes, Inter compacted their defensive shape, making it nearly impossible to break through.

The match ended in a 1–1 draw at the Calderón.

Second Leg at the San Siro

One week later, the second leg took place at the iconic San Siro.

At the final whistle, the scoreboard read 0–0.

The match had been a tense 90 minutes, with neither side able to score. Yet Atlético had their moment of heartbreak in the 64th minute when Drogba found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.

Reyes was marginally offside during the buildup. While the Spanish winger didn't touch the ball or interfere with play, he was deemed to be in an offside position under the current rules.

Had the updated offside rule—set to take effect in 2005—been in place, the goal would have stood.

Instead, the score remained 0–0, and neither side broke the deadlock for the rest of the match.

With a 1–1 aggregate score, Inter advanced to the final on away goals, eliminating Atlético.

Aftermath

Standing by the touchline at the San Siro, Yang Hao watched his players, many of whom were crouched on the grass in disappointment. Some were visibly fighting back tears.

Yang Hao himself was gutted, but there was no time to dwell on the loss.

In just three days, Atlético would host Real Madrid in the pivotal Madrid Derby for La Liga's 37th round.

The Road Ahead

In La Liga's 36th round, Atlético had edged Deportivo La Coruña 3–2 in a grueling encounter, while Real Madrid eked out a 1–0 victory over Celta Vigo. Both teams showed signs of fatigue.

Now, Atlético's Champions League journey had ended on the away goals rule, while Real Madrid progressed to the final with a 3–1 home victory over Deportivo after losing the first leg 1–2.

The Champions League final at Old Trafford would be contested between Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Consolation from Cúper

Héctor Cúper approached Yang Hao after the match to shake hands, clearly understanding his counterpart's disappointment.

"You played well," Cúper said, recognizing the emotional weight of the moment.

"During the match, there were moments when I thought we were finished—especially after Drogba's goal. But…" Cúper shrugged with a hint of relief, "luck was on our side tonight."

Yang Hao managed a smile. "To be honest, you're terrible at offering comfort."

Cúper was momentarily caught off guard, unsure how to respond.

"Anyway, worry about yourself," Yang Hao added with a grin. "If you lose this Champions League final, your reputation as 'eternal runner-up' will stick forever."

Cúper's eyes burned with determination. For him, winning the Champions League was worth any cost.

"You can rest assured—this time, I won't fail," Cúper declared resolutely, as much to convince himself as to respond to Yang Hao.

"Good luck," Yang Hao said, extending his hand again.

Cúper shook it firmly and walked away.

Moving On

After seeing off Adriano, Fabio Aurelio, and Esteban Cambiasso, who came over to greet him, Yang Hao turned his attention to his dejected players.

"Get up. Let's go. We don't have time to feel sorry for ourselves."

"Come on, Rubén," Yang Hao called out to Baraja, "take your teammates over to thank the fans who came all the way here to support us."

"Let's go, move it! Heads up!"

Under Yang Hao's urging, the players reluctantly pulled themselves together. Led by captain Baraja, they approached the section of the San Siro stands where over 3,000 traveling Atlético fans had gathered to show their appreciation.

Though hearts were heavy, there was no time to wallow in defeat—La Liga's title race still hung in the balance.

The die-hard Atlético fans stood up from their seats, shouting out the players' names and urging them to stay strong, not to be defeated by setbacks.

"We still have the derby! We still have La Liga!"

"You've got to keep fighting!"

Their voices filled the stands with determination and passion.

When the team returned to Madrid from Milan, they were astonished to find over a thousand fans had spontaneously gathered at the airport to greet them.

The players, who had been downcast from the loss, perked up upon seeing so many supporters welcoming them with cheers and encouragement. These fans expressed unwavering belief in the team and urged them to focus on the upcoming Madrid derby just three days away.

The scene repeated itself when the team bus reached Majadahonda. Even more fans had gathered at the training facility.

As the bus approached, fans surrounded it, cheering and chanting. Since the facility's gates had been temporarily removed due to ongoing construction, the crowd surged in, following the bus all the way inside.

Yang Hao decided to take the opportunity to organize an impromptu meet-and-greet.

He had all the players step off the bus to engage with the fans.

"Don't worry, losing is nothing to fear! If we lost today, we'll win tomorrow exactly how we lost today!" Yang Hao assured the crowd.

"That's the Atlético spirit!" he added with conviction.

The fans roared back in unison, "That's right!"

"Keep going, you're already amazing!"

"Don't give up—you're the best!"

The players, buoyed by the overwhelming support, found their spirits significantly lifted.

Yang Hao himself was surprised. After dismissing the fans and the team, he raised a question in the staff meeting.

"Who organized this?"

The coaches were just as puzzled.

"It was the Fan Services Department," Parreirés explained. "Toni Muñoz, Kiko, Aguilera, and others thought the players needed encouragement at this moment, so they rallied the fan clubs to show their support."

Yang Hao hadn't expected such resourcefulness from the department. It spoke volumes about the relationship the club had fostered with its fans, as well as the success of the season, enabling such a unified response.

This was the power of the "12th man." Their influence extended beyond the field, making a tangible impact off it as well. Yang Hao observed that the players' morale had visibly improved after the interactions.

The Build-Up to the Madrid Derby

Atlético's elimination in the Champions League semi-finals coincided with Real Madrid's advancement to the final.

Pro-Real Madrid media seized the opportunity to highlight the perceived gulf in class between the two teams.

These outlets heaped praise on Real Madrid, hailing them as the Galácticos destined for a treble. They framed the upcoming 37th round derby at the Calderón as the moment for Madrid to seal the title, capitalizing on Atlético's supposed fatigue and disappointment.

For Real Madrid, this match was more than just a derby. A win would allow them to clinch the La Liga title early and set the tone for their pursuit of the remaining two trophies: the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

The schedule was intense, with matches of enormous significance stacked close together. The derby was pivotal—not just for the title race but also for momentum. A victory over Atlético could propel Madrid toward a historic treble.

The narrative built by the media painted Atlético as a team on the ropes, vulnerable after their Champions League exit, ripe for the taking.

Yang Hao's Analysis

Yang Hao wasn't buying into the media's narrative.

"Given the current situation, a draw would still be an acceptable result for Real Madrid," he pointed out in the team's strategy meeting.

Real Madrid led Atlético by one point in the standings. Avoiding defeat would maintain their lead heading into the final round. In that scenario, Real Madrid would control their fate with a win in the last match.

"Del Bosque is a cautious and pragmatic coach. He knows exactly where Real Madrid stands, so he won't take unnecessary risks. He'll have learned from last season's Copa del Rey final."

That final saw Real Madrid lose to Atlético, largely because they were forced to chase a win. Now, the roles were reversed—it was Atlético who had to win.

"I suspect that Del Bosque will do to us what we did to them a year ago," Yang Hao predicted.

His observation caused a thoughtful silence in the meeting room. The tables had turned, and Atlético now faced a tactically challenging situation.

"Are you saying Del Bosque will adopt a defensive counterattacking strategy?" Juanma Lillo asked.

Yang Hao shook his head. "Not necessarily. Personally, I don't think he'll go fully defensive, but he'll definitely be cautious."

Real Madrid, stacked with superstars, couldn't afford to be overly defensive without risking backlash. Florentino Pérez had been openly critical of Del Bosque and would likely use any excuse to replace him. A return to the conservative five-man defense of the year 2000 was unlikely.

Moreover, Real Madrid's current roster wasn't built for defensive football. Asking players like Zidane, Figo, and Ronaldo to press relentlessly and defend for 90 minutes wasn't realistic.

"Del Bosque knows we'll go on the offensive," Yang Hao asserted.

Atlético's situation mirrored Real Madrid's from the Copa del Rey final a year ago—forced to attack and win. If they failed to score, frustration and desperation could set in, making them vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's attacking stars, such as Ronaldo and Raúl, were more effective in counterattacking scenarios than in breaking down compact defenses. Morientes, often used as a substitute, wasn't ideal for starting against a deep block.

A cautious approach, with compact defensive lines and quick counterattacks spearheaded by Ronaldo, would be a logical choice for Del Bosque.

Yang Hao's assessment was met with nods of agreement. The coaching staff acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, knowing that the derby could decide the title—and the season.

Yang Hao's analysis was spot on. Del Bosque was likely thinking along similar lines.

"The key to this match lies in who scores first."

Whoever takes the lead gains control of the game.

For Atlético, the challenge was clear: they had to attack and score. Real Madrid, however, didn't need to win—a draw would suffice.

The pressing question was, how could Atlético score?

"In our match against Inter, we tried several central passing and cutting plays, and they were effective. Both of Drogba's goals came from such tactics."

In the first leg, Drogba's goal was a textbook example of a central penetration play. Similarly, in the quarterfinals against AC Milan, Kaká's goal also originated from a central attack.

Now, Yang Hao planned to combine central and wide attacks more effectively. The team had already practiced allowing the two wingers more freedom, especially with Drogba as a focal point. His role of dropping back to draw defenders, enabling the wingers to cut inside, had proven fruitful against Inter.

"I believe we need to pressure both the center and the flanks. Real Madrid's central midfield, with Makélélé and Vieira, is incredibly solid. They can also quickly support the flanks, so we'll need to tie them down in the middle," Yang Hao explained.

"When we attack, we need to maximize width and create localized numerical superiority on the flanks," Juanma Lillo added.

The coaching team unanimously agreed.

Real Madrid's wide defense had a notable vulnerability: Zidane and Figo rarely tracked back. This created opportunities for opponents to exploit two-on-one situations on the flanks.

Against weaker La Liga teams, this flaw rarely surfaced, as their offenses couldn't trouble Madrid significantly. Makélélé or Vieira could simply shift to cover any gaps, allowing Roberto Carlos to venture forward with little worry.

But what if the central pressure was overwhelming?

If Makélélé and Vieira were forced to stay central, Madrid's fullbacks would be left exposed. Roberto Carlos, who loved to push forward, would be particularly vulnerable.

Carlos' defensive weaknesses weren't new, but few teams could exploit them due to limited attacking prowess. However, Atlético's offensive strength presented a real threat.

"We'll start by attacking their left flank," Yang Hao decided firmly.

The coaching staff exchanged glances and unanimously nodded in agreement.

Time Crunch for Preparation

Atlético had only three days to prepare. Factoring in recovery and light training sessions, they could squeeze in one, perhaps two focused tactical practices.

The coaching team worked tirelessly to design drills that would allow Atlético to exploit Madrid's left side efficiently.

Everyone understood that the high-press, attacking strategy Yang Hao proposed was a gamble.

One mistake could leave Atlético vulnerable to counterattacks, particularly from Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, while no longer in his physical prime, remained a lethal forward. His exceptional positioning, precise ball control, and still-considerable speed made him a constant threat.

Moreover, Ronaldo's hunger for trophies was insatiable.

Having never won a league title or Champions League trophy since arriving in Europe, he craved victory in La Liga and beyond.

In Yang Hao's previous life, Ronaldo's motivation dwindled after winning his first league title. But now, he was as dangerous as ever.

While the entire Atlético squad knew Ronaldo posed a massive threat, Yang Hao emphasized the importance of scoring first.

Preparing for the Derby

Once the tactical plans were set, Juanma Lillo and the other coaches got to work. Yang Hao, meanwhile, tackled the mental aspect, focusing on his players' morale.

Outside the training ground, the media buzzed with relentless praise for Real Madrid.

Florentino Pérez's Galácticos strategy had reached its zenith. All that remained was to seal it with three trophies.

The Real Madrid president made no secret of his ambitions, offering massive bonuses for a treble and promising another marquee signing in the summer.

"Next season, we'll defend the treble," Pérez declared boldly.

Speculation was rampant that Pérez's target was Manchester United's David Beckham. There were whispers of Ronaldinho as an alternative, but Pérez reportedly dismissed the Brazilian as "too ugly" to fit Madrid's image. Beckham, with his global appeal, was the obvious choice.

Recently, Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon and Real Madrid's José Ángel Sánchez were spotted meeting in London, fueling the rumors.

Amid this storm, the media painted Atlético as little more than a backdrop for Real Madrid's impending title celebration.

Yang Hao ignored the noise, focusing on team preparations. He spent the next three days personally speaking with each player, ensuring their spirits were high and their minds focused.

Matchday: The Decisive Derby

Under the watchful eyes of La Liga officials and global media, the pivotal 37th round clash finally kicked off at a packed Estadio Vicente Calderón.

The atmosphere was electric. Thousands of Atlético fans roared in support of their team, defying the media narrative of Real Madrid's invincibility.

The battle for the La Liga title had begun.

Amid the cheers of 58,000 Atlético fans, referee Alfonso Brewer led the players of Madrid's two rival clubs onto the field at the Calderón Stadium.

In the VIP stands, Atlético's president Enrique Cerezo, general manager Miguel Gil, and other executives sat alongside Real Madrid's president Florentino Pérez and Spanish football officials, as well as top representatives of La Liga. The match had drawn prominent figures from both Spain's political and business circles, as well as football enthusiasts from across Europe.

This game was about more than the La Liga title; many in the media and Real Madrid's fanbase heralded it as the beginning of their club's historic treble pursuit. Real Madrid had remained unbeaten against Atlético this season, while the latter had just been eliminated from the Champions League semifinals.

Pundits and bookmakers heavily favored Real Madrid for this match. Still, there were whispers of a chance for Atlético to stage a dramatic comeback.

Florentino Pérez was visibly in high spirits. Tradition dictated that the home club host a reception for visiting executives, and Atlético had adhered to this custom. Florentino, however, carried the air of someone attending his own coronation, his mood bolstered by the presence of Spanish royalty—Crown Prince Felipe.

As both teams lined up at the edge of the pitch, Florentino took his seat beside Prince Felipe, invited by Cerezo and Miguel Gil.

Rumors had swirled for years about a division in football allegiance within the Spanish royal family. King Juan Carlos was a known Real Madrid supporter, but Prince Felipe was said to favor Atlético. This speculation gained traction last season when Felipe personally congratulated Atlético for their Champions League victory.

The origin of Felipe's Atlético fandom reportedly dated back to when he attended the European Cup final as a six-year-old, watching Atlético lose to Bayern Munich. Over the years, he occasionally visited the Calderón Stadium, though he was also a frequent guest at the Bernabéu.

As he sat between Cerezo and Florentino, Felipe appeared to be on more familiar terms with the Real Madrid president.

"I hear you've accepted Atlético's invitation to become their honorary president," Florentino said with a smile, unsurprised by the development.

Felipe glanced at Cerezo and nodded. "Yes, I've always been an Atlético fan."

"Congratulations, Enrique," Florentino said, extending a hand to Cerezo, who shook it politely.

Everyone understood that Felipe's appointment was more symbolic than substantive—mutually beneficial, but not a game-changer.

"Word has it you've been battling Barça over Beckham," Felipe said, showing a playful interest in recent transfer rumors.

This was indeed the second-biggest story in football after the Madrid derby.

"It's complicated, but we're confident," Florentino replied, brimming with self-assurance.

Reports from The Sun indicated that negotiations between Real Madrid and Manchester United had hit a snag over payment terms. Madrid wanted to include players like Solari or Geremi as part of the deal, but United preferred an all-cash transfer. Meanwhile, Barcelona had positioned themselves as Beckham's alternative destination, promising a cash-only offer.

Joan Laporta, the frontrunner in Barcelona's presidential race, had vowed to sign Beckham if elected, aiming to steal the superstar from Madrid's grasp.

Manchester United had already resigned themselves to Beckham's departure. Sir Alex Ferguson was reportedly targeting PSG's Ronaldinho as his replacement, with the Brazilian star expressing his enthusiasm for a move to Old Trafford.

"For us, Beckham represents more than just championships; he's a commercial powerhouse," Florentino explained.

This season, Real Madrid were excelling in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, widely considered one of their greatest campaigns ever. But Florentino wasn't satisfied.

He wanted Madrid to dominate not only on the pitch but also commercially, striving to establish the club as an unparalleled global brand.

"Real Madrid's commercial success is something we can all learn from," Cerezo complimented, carefully choosing his words.

Florentino accepted the praise graciously, as it aligned with his priorities. For him, financial success enabled the signing of more superstars, which in turn ensured on-field triumphs.

"It's just a shame the trophy won't be here tonight," Florentino lamented softly.

Before the game, Real Madrid had proposed that if they won, the La Liga trophy be presented immediately at the Calderón. Atlético vehemently opposed the idea, arguing that the ceremony could wait until the final matchday at the Bernabéu. After much debate, the federation decided that the trophy would be delivered directly to the Bernabéu if Madrid clinched the title.

Consequently, many Real Madrid fans had gathered at the Bernabéu, eagerly awaiting news of their triumph.

As referee Alfonso blew the opening whistle, the match officially began.

Ronaldo kicked off to Raúl, who passed back to Vieira in midfield. Expecting an aggressive press from Atlético, Vieira hesitated momentarily but then launched a long pass to the right wing, aiming for Figo.

However, before the Portuguese winger could reach it, Evra intercepted and cleared the ball.

Real Madrid pressed forward, pinning Atlético on the left side of their defensive half. Evra, under pressure, ultimately conceded a throw-in to Madrid.

"Just 15 seconds in, and Madrid have earned a throw-in deep in Atlético's half."

"Real Madrid look confident and proactive right from the start tonight."

"Madrid are fielding their classic 4-4-2 lineup:

Goalkeeper: Casillas.

Defense: Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Hierro, Salgado.

Midfield: Zidane, Makélélé, Vieira, Figo.

Forwards: Raúl and Ronaldo."

"Atlético are countering with a 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: Čech.

Defense: Evra, Carvalho, Lucio, Maicon.

Midfield: Kaká, Xabi Alonso, Baraja.

Forwards: Reyes, Torres, Joaquín."

"Both teams are at full strength, with no missing players. Notably, Atlético have benched Drogba in favor of Torres, while Kaká replaces Deco in midfield. Real Madrid, meanwhile, stick to their superstar-laden starting XI."

"Let's see what this throw-in brings. Madrid take it short and pass backward."

"They seem intent on controlling possession early on."

"Cannavaro sends it to Hierro, who finds Vieira dropping deep."

"Another long ball from Vieira, this time to the left wing."

"Zidane moves to receive, but the pass is slightly overhit…"

"Atlético quickly threw in the ball, with Real Madrid's two forwards pressing aggressively in the front."

"Ronaldo is pressing his national team colleague, Lúcio."

"Lúcio is forced to pass backward to goalkeeper Čech."

"Ronaldo's determination tonight is evident. Before the match, he expressed that he was determined to score and win, as this could be his first top-flight league title."

"Atlético's backline is handling the ball well, passing to Carvalho."

"Xabi Alonso drops back to find space."

"Vieira steps up to intercept."

"Xabi Alonso passes to Baraja, who sends it wide to Joaquín. Joaquín plays it back."

"Baraja advances into the attacking third, sending a diagonal pass toward the center, looking for Torres."

"Cannavaro confidently controls the ball."

"Atlético's passing game looks smooth, but Baraja's diagonal pass was a bit too obvious."

Real Madrid regained possession after winning the second ball and quickly organized an attack. However, Atlético responded with high pressing in the front, forcing Roberto Carlos to send a long ball forward, which was more of a clearance.

Ronaldo and Raúl were still far from the ball and didn't even bother chasing it.

Čech easily claimed it.

As the game progressed, Atlético gradually gained control in midfield.

Everyone could see that Xabi Alonso's movement was crucial, constantly dropping deep and pushing forward.

Vieira and Makélélé often stayed in deeper positions. When Xabi Alonso dropped back to receive the ball, Vieira usually stepped up to close him down. But Xabi Alonso often found either Kaká or Baraja to advance the play.

Whenever the backline faced pressure, Xabi Alonso became the key outlet.

Real Madrid quickly adjusted, with Raúl dropping deeper to press Xabi Alonso.

In the second minute, Raúl fouled Xabi Alonso in Atlético's half near the center circle.

Atlético quickly took the free kick, playing it out to Joaquín on the right.

The Spanish winger carried the ball forward, cutting inside once he reached Real Madrid's final third, leaving the flank open for the overlapping Maicon.

When Maicon surged forward, Joaquín passed the ball to him and darted past Roberto Carlos at full speed.

Maicon sent a ball behind the defense for Joaquín to chase.

The Spanish winger burst into the penalty area from the right, but Cannavaro recovered in time to close him down, forcing Joaquín to shoot hurriedly from a tight angle.

It was the first shot of the game, hitting the side netting.

Real Madrid quickly launched a counterattack.

On the sideline, Yang Hao observed the game carefully, nervously chewing gum—not just for the flavor but to ease his tension.

Real Madrid's 4-4-2 setup with two holding midfielders initially failed to neutralize Xabi Alonso's influence, but Del Bosque quickly adjusted, instructing Raúl to drop deeper, almost creating a 4-2-3-1 shape.

This adjustment disrupted Atlético's early fluidity in midfield.

Real Madrid began to push forward, creating opportunities of their own.

In the sixth minute, Zidane received the ball on the left flank and attempted to cut inside, but Xabi Alonso tripped him, earning Real Madrid a free kick in the attacking third.

The position was far out and at an awkward angle, so Real Madrid opted for an indirect free kick, which failed to produce a threatening chance.

Xabi Alonso's role was being targeted, as Yang Hao had expected.

Del Bosque wouldn't be Del Bosque if he hadn't planned for this.

But in the ninth minute, with Xabi Alonso under pressure from Raúl, he passed back to Lúcio.

The Brazilian center-back controlled the ball, and before Ronaldo could close him down, he boldly pushed forward.

Zidane made no attempt to apply pressure, merely extending a foot as Lúcio dribbled past him effortlessly. He pressed forward, confident that Xabi Alonso would cover his position if needed.

The synergy between Atlético's players was apparent.

Near the halfway line, Lúcio saw Kaká calling for the ball. At the same time, Reyes was positioned wide on the left, and Joaquín was high on the right.

Kaká's movement drew Vieira's attention.

Lúcio decisively played a horizontal pass to the open right side, where Maicon sprinted to collect the ball.

With long strides, Maicon surged forward, his teammates pressing up in support.

Joaquín moved wider to the right, so Maicon cut inside, driving into the half-space.

Before Makélélé could close him down, Maicon sent a diagonal pass toward the edge of the penalty box, where Torres received it with his back to goal.

The Spanish striker controlled the ball and turned fluidly, immediately firing a shot.

But under pressure from Cannavaro, the shot went wide.

A collective sigh of disappointment echoed around the stadium.

"That was Atlético's second shot of the match."

"Tonight, Atlético are clearly focusing their attacks down Real Madrid's left side."

"Maicon has been very active, combining well with Joaquín."

"Real Madrid's defense, however, has been solid so far."

"Both teams have traded chances, with Real Madrid also registering two shots."

"Lúcio's driving run from the back was a standout moment. The center-back's ball control is exceptional, and Real Madrid need to pay more attention to him."

"Four shots in the opening 10 minutes. The game has been highly intense, with both teams displaying excellent tactical awareness and technical skill."

"Now, it's just a matter of who will break through first."

Yang Hao stood by the touchline, slightly tense but not overly worried.

The match was unfolding as he had predicted.

Zidane wasn't tracking back actively, which was no surprise.

Not just Zidane—Ronaldo and Figo were similarly passive in defense.

It wasn't just a matter of habit. Both Figo and Zidane were over 30, and after a long, grueling season, they simply didn't have the stamina to commit to defensive duties.

As Yang Hao had anticipated, once Vieira and Makélélé were occupied in central areas, Real Madrid's fullbacks were often left isolated.

But Atlético's strategy relied on their fullbacks pushing forward aggressively, a risk Yang Hao was careful not to overplay. He only instructed one fullback to join the attack at a time.

The pre-game plan focused on exploiting Roberto Carlos's flank, and Maicon had been highly active since the opening whistle.

So far, the strategy was working.

But without a goal, none of it counts.

There are countless cases in football where tactical superiority doesn't translate to victory.

So, Yang Hao remained anxious, standing on the sidelines, waiting for that critical breakthrough.

Real Madrid kept mounting attacks, primarily relying on Zidane's control on the left side of the final third, Roberto Carlos's surging runs from the back, or Figo's dribbling breakthroughs on the right flank.

Atlético's defense was relatively solid tonight. They only pressed forward on one flank at a time, with quick defensive recoveries, making it hard for Real Madrid to create meaningful opportunities.

Even when shots were attempted, they posed little threat to Čech.

On the contrary, the game often devolved into battles near midfield, with possession changing hands frequently.

The tempo remained fast throughout—a strategy on Atlético's part to deny Real Madrid the comfort of dominating possession. By accelerating the pace, they could wear down Madrid while minimizing the effectiveness of their star-studded attack.

In the 17th minute, both teams were once again locked in a midfield struggle.

It began with Atlético on the attack, as Reyes was dispossessed by Salgado. But Madrid's quick push forward stalled at the halfway line when Kaká intercepted the ball. The Brazilian drove forward on the counter but was pressured by Vieira and forced into a diagonal pass to Baraja, who found space.

The Atlético captain controlled the ball and quickly passed it to Joaquín on the right flank.

The Spanish winger attempted to cut inside toward the top of the penalty area but was cleanly dispossessed by Makélélé.

The ball was sent back toward midfield, where Xabi Alonso reclaimed possession and quickly passed it forward to Baraja once more.

Baraja again sent it wide to Joaquín.

Facing away from goal, Joaquín noticed Maicon surging forward. He stopped the ball and made a lateral cut toward the center.

At that exact moment, if the game had frozen, one could see Zidane, who had tracked back across midfield, now standing at a distance, hands on his hips, catching his breath.

Barely 17 minutes into the match, the relentless pace and constant sprints had begun taking a toll. Zidane was already pacing himself to conserve energy for the remainder of the match.

Even as he watched Joaquín cut inside, dragging Makélélé with him and exposing Roberto Carlos on the flank, with Maicon sprinting past, Zidane made no move.

He trusted Carlos to handle it.

Joaquín, after cutting inside, quickly laid the ball off to Baraja and surged forward, signaling for the return pass.

This movement drew the attention of both Makélélé and Vieira.

Baraja, staying composed, sent the ball wide to Maicon.

The Brazilian full-back advanced along the right flank, while Joaquín sprinted into position near the edge of the penalty area.

Maicon feinted a forward push, forcing Carlos to follow, only to stop abruptly and deliver a low cross.

The ball zipped past Carlos and into the penalty area. Cannavaro extended a leg but failed to intercept.

The ball bounced near the penalty spot.

At almost the same moment, Torres, who had been sandwiched between Hierro and Salgado, suddenly darted in front of Hierro. With a quick burst of pace, he stepped forward and struck the ball with his right foot in a thunderous shot.

Everything happened in an instant.

From Madrid's perspective, Torres was not a threat—Hierro had him well-marked.

But the moment Hierro let his guard down, Torres moved into position and delivered a decisive strike.

The ball rocketed toward the bottom left corner of the goal.

Casillas dived desperately but couldn't reach it.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!"

The Calderón exploded into chaos.

All 58,000 Atlético fans erupted from their seats in wild celebration.

"18th minute, and Atlético have struck first against Real Madrid!"

"Torres!!"

"The Saint of Madrid, Fernando Torres, has broken through Real Madrid's defense!"

"1–0!"

"This is already his third shot of the match. Earlier, he had a similar attempt after turning to shoot, but it went off target. This time, he made no mistake!"

Torres, ecstatic, sprinted toward the Atlético fan section after scoring, celebrating with unbridled joy as the stadium reverberated with deafening cheers.

1–0.

Atlético had taken the lead.

On the sideline, Yang Hao clenched his fists and roared triumphantly. His normally composed face twisted with raw emotion—an unmistakable display of exhilaration.

His tactics had worked. His team was ahead.

"What just happened?"

Florentino Pérez could hardly believe his eyes or ears.

On the pitch, Atlético's players were in a frenzy of celebration. In the stands, the deafening cheers of Atlético fans reverberated like waves crashing ashore.

Moments ago, everything seemed under control. Now, Madrid was trailing.

"Hierro didn't track Torres tightly enough, allowing him to get in front and shoot," explained Jorge Valdano.

Beside him, Emilio Butragueño and other Real Madrid executives wore expressions of thinly veiled concern.

Conceding the first goal was a significant blow.

With Atlético now temporarily atop the live league table, this result could jeopardize Madrid's championship aspirations.

"Hierro!" Florentino muttered grimly.

As the season progressed, the 34-year-old captain and veteran defender had increasingly become a liability. Many of Madrid's defensive lapses, including goals conceded, could be traced back to Hierro.

Tonight, failing to mark Torres adequately had proven costly.

Florentino's frustration was evident.

"No need to panic. There's still plenty of time," Valdano offered a measured response. "We need to stabilize and wait for our chances. We can equalize."

The other executives nodded in agreement, but their eyes betrayed their concern.

Valdano, Butragueño, and the others were seasoned players and managers. They had seen it all, and they understood football's nuances.

From the outset, Atlético had relentlessly attacked Madrid's left flank.

This was no coincidence.

Maicon's overlapping runs with Joaquín—how many times had it happened already?

To believe this wasn't a deliberate strategy from Yang Hao would be naive.

By assigning Kaká to occupy Vieira and Baraja to tie up Makélélé, Atlético created opportunities for Joaquín and Maicon to exploit the left side of Madrid's defense.

The real issue lay with Zidane, who failed to track back effectively.

It wasn't that Zidane didn't defend at all—he simply wasn't timely or committed enough in his defensive efforts.

This tactical issue for Real Madrid was, in fact, by design.

Everyone knew that neither Ronaldo nor Raúl excelled at heading, so whenever Real Madrid played long balls, they either aimed for Figo on the right or Zidane in the middle.

As a tall and strong player, Zidane became a pivotal target in the final third, which naturally positioned him in advanced areas.

Yang Hao clearly anticipated this, which is why Atlético relentlessly targeted Carlos's side.

Curiously, this problem had not been exploited by any opponent this season. Or perhaps, opponents had noticed it but lacked the tools to capitalize.

For instance, in the group stage, Milan struggled due to the absence of strong wing players.

In the quarterfinals, Manchester United faced Real Madrid at Old Trafford in the first leg. Due to the infamous "flying boot" incident, Beckham was benched until the second half. At that point, the score was 2–3, with Ronaldo securing a hat trick to give Real Madrid the lead.

When Beckham came on, he scored two goals, overturning the deficit.

But everyone became mesmerized by Beckham and Ronaldo's brilliance, as well as Real Madrid's 3–1 victory in the second leg.

Tonight, however, Yang Hao fully exposed this weakness.

It was no coincidence—he would surely exploit it again.

Valdano was certain of it and silently prayed that Bosque would recognize the flaw and patch this leak.

With Atlético's first goal, the balance of the match tipped.

Real Madrid's experienced stars didn't rush to equalize but instead worked to stabilize the game.

By the 25th minute, Real Madrid began to push forward.

During this period, Atlético attempted another attack down the right flank, but this time it was thwarted.

Makélélé remained unyielding, cutting off Atlético's approach.

Up front, Real Madrid's stars worked to create opportunities.

Both Ronaldo and Raúl managed to get shots off, but neither attempt posed a serious threat to Atlético's goal.

Figo's efforts on the right flank were stifled by Evra's tenacious marking.

The most dangerous moment for Real Madrid came in the 33rd minute when Zidane carried the ball inward from the left, threading a precise through ball.

Ronaldo used his explosive pace to break free from Lucio and Carvalho, receiving the pass in the left side of the penalty box.

Attempting to dribble past Čech, the Brazilian found himself thwarted by the Czech goalkeeper's impressive reach, who cleanly dispossessed him.

Ronaldo fell in the penalty area, prompting loud jeers from the crowd accusing him of diving.

However, replays showed Čech had indeed made a clean save, and Ronaldo hadn't dived.

Then, in the 39th minute, Real Madrid launched another attack with a long ball aimed for Zidane. Lucio, reading the play, got there first, controlling the ball and passing it forward to Baraja to spark a counterattack.

Once again, Joaquín and the surging Maicon spearheaded the charge down the right flank.

Real Madrid defenders Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, and Makélélé closed them down before they could reach the final third, forcing them to the sideline.

Maicon calmly passed the ball across to Baraja, who lofted an exquisite through ball over the defense.

Torres made a lightning-quick run, latching onto Baraja's pass. Even with Hierro recovering in position, Torres suddenly surged forward with explosive speed, bursting past the Real Madrid captain.

Torres's acceleration was breathtaking, leaving Hierro helpless to react.

Before Hierro could even consider fouling, Torres had already burst into the penalty area and struck a low shot past Casillas.

The ball nestled in the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"39th minute! Torres strikes again!"

"A brace!"

"This time, Atlético used the attack down the right as a decoy, with Baraja delivering a pinpoint lofted pass to the middle. Torres's pace was simply too much for Hierro to handle."

"2–0!"

"This is an incredibly unfavorable situation for Real Madrid."

"Bosque needs to come up with a solution quickly."

Trailing by two goals, Real Madrid began to panic.

In the closing minutes of the first half, they committed more players to attack.

Both defensive midfielders pushed higher to press Atlético's midfield, with their fullbacks venturing forward aggressively.

This created sustained pressure on Atlético in their own half, but Real Madrid couldn't find the breakthrough.

The first half ended with Atlético leading 2–0.

Yang Hao was pleased with the performance and singled out Joaquín, Maicon, and Torres for praise, noting that their link-up play was vital.

"In the second half, Real Madrid will undoubtedly come out with more determination and apply immediate pressure, so we need to prepare for a tough battle."

"We'll pull back a bit when necessary."

"Káká!" Yang Hao called.

"Remember, if you see an opening, don't hesitate to push forward with the ball."

Káká flashed a confident smile and nodded.

As the second half began, Real Madrid predictably ramped up the intensity.

Ronaldo, Raúl, Zidane, and Figo pushed deep into Atlético's half, with Vieira and Makélélé advancing to support them.

The first time Káká received the ball and attempted to carry it forward, Vieira promptly fouled him with a hard tackle, drawing loud boos from the Atlético supporters.

A telling sign of Atlético's second-half strategy came when Lucio took a free kick and launched it deep toward Torres.

Though Torres outjumped Cannavaro to win the first ball, there was no teammate nearby to capitalize on the second ball.

Real Madrid regained possession, passing it back to Hierro, clearly expecting Atlético to press high.

Instead, Atlético's players retreated en masse to their own half, quickly re-forming their defensive shape.

Even Torres refrained from delaying Real Madrid in their half, retreating without hesitation.

This conservative approach infuriated Bosque on the sidelines.

"Do they have to be this defensive?" he fumed.

Real Madrid pushed forward confidently, dominating possession and encircling Atlético's penalty area.

However, the compact defensive formation left Ronaldo and Raúl with little room to operate.

Breaking down a set defense had never been their strong suit.

By the 50th minute, Bosque realized he couldn't delay adjustments any longer.

He substituted Makélélé with Morientes, hoping to utilize the striker's ability to win aerial duels and create opportunities for Ronaldo and Raúl.

Atlético, meanwhile, focused even more on counterattacking.

In the 58th minute, Yang Hao made the first substitution of the match, bringing on Marcos Senna for Joaquín.

This was a clear signal to bolster the team's defense.

After the substitution, Atlético switched to a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Baraja dropped deeper to form a midfield trio with Xabi Alonso and Marcos Senna. Kaká took up the No. 10 role, while Torres and Reyes played as the two forwards.

During counterattacks, Reyes and Torres actively moved to the wings to create opportunities.

The substitution had an immediate effect.

Marcos Senna's presence solidified Atlético's defensive line just outside their penalty area. With four defenders and three defensive midfielders, Real Madrid struggled to devise any effective attacking solutions, especially on the flanks where both Figo and Zidane were heavily marked.

In the 68th minute, Figo attempted to cut inside from the flank but was dispossessed by Evra and Marcos Senna. The ball was quickly passed to Kaká.

Without hesitation, Kaká controlled the ball, turned, and started sprinting forward.

"Here comes Atlético's quick counterattack!"

"Kaká is so fast!"

"Vieira comes in to mark him…"

"A clean body feint!"

"What a beautiful move!"

"Kaká accelerates again!"

"Vieira tries to foul him, but Kaká shakes him off. The ball is still under his control."

"Kaká keeps going!"

"Cannavaro steps up to challenge."

"Kaká slots a through ball behind the defense, looking for Torres."

"Hierro rushes over to cover. Let's see how Torres handles this."

"He cuts the ball across the goal! Reyes…"

"IT'S IN!!!!"

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"68th minute! Atlético scores again!"

"This was a textbook counterattack by Atlético!"

"Kaká sprinted 50 meters with the ball and delivered a perfect through pass."

"Torres, in a position to shoot himself, unselfishly squared the ball for his teammate Reyes, who calmly finished it."

"3–0!"

"My God, what is happening to Real Madrid tonight?"

"This is simply unbelievable."

"From conceding two goals in the first half to now conceding a third in the second, Real Madrid has failed to find any effective response, particularly in their attack."

"Under Atlético's resolute defense and targeted tactics, Real Madrid's star-studded lineup seems to have completely lost its spark."

"The dazzling starlight of Real Madrid has dimmed in the night sky of the Calderón."

Yang Hao celebrated wildly on the sidelines after the goal, leaping into the air in elation.

But he quickly calmed down, moving to the touchline to address his players as they returned from their celebrations. He signaled them to maintain their composure and keep their strategy disciplined, waiting for more counterattacking opportunities.

"Be ruthless with the counterattacks. Make them hurt!" Yang Hao encouraged.

The players cheered in unison, their morale soaring.

At this point, they were more determined than ever.

Leading 3–0, Atlético had all but secured the win. This victory would put Atlético ahead of Real Madrid on the league table, leading by one point.

The players were ready to give their all to preserve this scoreline.

As they returned to the pitch, Yang Hao walked back to the dugout. Taking a water bottle from Parra, he drained it in one go.

"Real Madrid's stars are running out of steam," reported Roca.

"Who?"

"From the activity levels over the past five minutes, Zidane, Figo, Carlos, and Ronaldo are all struggling. Hierro is also visibly fatigued."

The intensity and tempo of this match were overwhelming, particularly for Real Madrid's squad, which relied heavily on players aged 30 and above.

This wasn't a new problem; it had appeared in several matches earlier in the season. However, against most La Liga teams, these stars, even when tired, could often produce moments of brilliance to secure victories.

But Atlético was different!

The Colchoneros had trailed Real Madrid throughout the season and had now overtaken them.

In both attack and defense, they were proving to be on par with or better than Real Madrid.

On the sidelines, Vicente del Bosque clearly recognized the issue.

He quickly made substitutions, bringing on McManaman for Figo and Solari for Zidane.

With all three substitutions used early, Del Bosque was pinning his hopes on this group to turn the game around.

Although he likely knew it would take a miracle.

In the stands, seeing Del Bosque substitute Figo and Zidane, Florentino Pérez sighed deeply and closed his eyes, barely concealing his disappointment in the coach, the team, and the match.

3–0!

Real Madrid was being utterly outclassed.

More frustratingly, their star players had failed to perform at their expected level.

Even the substitutes, McManaman and Solari, lacked the energy and urgency needed to make an impact.

From the state of play on the pitch and the lack of improvement after the substitutions, Florentino could already tell that the match was as good as over.

Even if he was reluctant to admit it, even if he found it hard to accept, nothing could change the result now.

Del Bosque…

Hierro…

Florentino clenched his teeth, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself.

"It's fine."

Forcing a bitter smile, he muttered, "It's fine. We still have the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. A double is still a good achievement."

END CHAPTER

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