Setting the Tone At the first team meeting in Chicago, Yang Hao addressed the players:
"We're no longer underdogs. This isn't the Atlético of the past."
"Last season, whether in La Liga or the Champions League, more teams adopted ultra-defensive strategies against us. AC Milan and Inter were prime examples—they frustrated and ultimately defeated us."
The players nodded in agreement.
"When teams like Milan start sitting back against us, we need to adapt. We must play with the patience and composure of a true powerhouse. It's not just about skill—it's a mental battle. We need to control the tempo, force them to dance to our rhythm."
"This is harder than before. It demands more from all of us."
Grinding Through Camp
The team's training camp in Chicago began with two grueling weeks of physical conditioning.
Led by fitness coaches Ortega and Roca, the sessions were relentless, leaving the players exhausted.
The younger players, like Ramos, Silva, Messi, and Modrić, received lighter workloads to match their development stages. Still, the intensity was a shock to their systems.
To break the monotony, the coaching staff organized recreational activities, including indoor football matches.
The Brazilian Spirit
There's a saying: "Wherever Brazilians gather, football follows."
Even without a full-sized pitch, they'll find a smaller space to play.
This held true at Atlético's camp. The Brazilian contingent, led by players like Kaká, Lucio, and Maicon, brought a lively atmosphere to the squad.
And amidst all the hard work, the players couldn't resist having a bit of fun, keeping morale high as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
Yang Hao Introduces Indoor Football Tournaments
Yang Hao approved a budget for Baraja to organize an indoor football tournament within Atlético Madrid. Players could form their own teams, and rewards varied, making the competition lively.
The locker room took full charge of organizing the event, with neither Yang Hao nor the coaching staff getting involved.
Preseason Matches Begin
Two weeks later, Atlético Madrid played their first preseason friendly in Chicago against the Eastern All-Stars of Major League Soccer (MLS).
The choice of an all-star team was straightforward—MLS needed to field its best to challenge Atlético.
The match took place at Soldier Field, marking Atlético's first-ever U.S. tour and inaugural game in the region. Expectations were modest at first.
However, the pre-match buzz created by sponsors like Nike, coupled with affordable ticket prices, led to an unexpected turnout.
Out of Soldier Field's 63,000 capacity, an impressive 50,000 fans attended—far exceeding the club's expectations and revealing Atlético's surprising level of influence in the U.S.
The club was thrilled with the turnout.
Match Highlights
Despite enduring two weeks of grueling fitness training and being far from peak form, Atlético's superior quality prevailed.
Yang Hao was pleased to see players like Torres and Kaká remain fan favorites. Unexpectedly, even Lucio and Drogba had their fair share of supporters in the U.S., leaving Yang Hao puzzled.
"All I can say is that Americans have unique tastes," he mused.
Atlético secured a comfortable 3–1 victory in their preseason opener, clearly outmatching their opponents.
Continuing the Tour
After their Chicago stint, Atlético moved to New York to face Mexican powerhouse Club América at the Metropolitan Stadium.
This match drew over 60,000 fans—not enough to fill the 80,000-seat venue but still considered a success by the club and event organizers.
Atlético earned a solid 2–0 win.
Next, the team played a friendly against Mexico's Guadalajara at Maryland's FedEx Field. The match saw an attendance of 70,000 fans, slightly short of capacity but still a remarkable figure. Atlético emerged victorious with a 3–0 win.
The club was beginning to sense the immense potential of the American market.
European Media Reacts
Since Atlético brought along over a dozen Spanish and European journalists on tour, the club's activities in the U.S. were promptly broadcast back to Europe.
This prompted a strong reaction in European football circles.
The consensus had long been that the U.S. was a football desert. But Atlético's successful tour began to challenge that perception.
Carlos Léao, orchestrator of Atlético's North American expedition, called on European clubs to join forces in developing the U.S. market during an interview with Marca and other outlets.
"This market is enormous. Atlético can't handle it alone," he stated.
Léao emphasized that weak opponents diminished the entertainment value of the matches, calling for Spanish Super Cup games or specially tailored tournaments to be held in the U.S.
The West Coast Phase
After completing the East Coast portion of their tour, Atlético returned to their Chicago training base for a brief rest before heading to the West Coast.
The team visited Nike's headquarters in Portland, participating in sponsorship activities before playing three additional friendlies against:
Vancouver Whitecaps.Western All-Stars.Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Atlético won all three matches convincingly.
The match against Vancouver Whitecaps was particularly one-sided, with Atlético winning 5–0. Yang Hao's squad could have scored even more if they hadn't shown mercy.
Closing the Tour
After wrapping up their friendlies, Atlético flew back to Madrid directly from Los Angeles.
The North American tour garnered significant attention, not only netting Atlético a substantial appearance fee but also securing two new sponsorship deals, with several others in negotiation.
For Atlético, this marked a significant step forward.
This success wasn't achieved in a mere month—it was the culmination of efforts spanning two to three years, spearheaded by Carlos Léao's commitment to penetrating the North American market.
The tour was a breakthrough.
Fan reactions, media coverage, and reports from Europe highlighted the potential of the U.S. market. Atlético's tour rivaled Real Madrid's Asian expedition in visibility.
Comparing Successes
Real Madrid's Asian tour drew massive crowds, fueled by anticipation following Atlético's successful tour of Asia the previous year.
However, while Real Madrid earned immense public and media attention, they struggled to achieve significant commercial returns.
In contrast, Atlético's North American tour may not have packed stadiums to full capacity—none of the six friendlies sold out—but the financial returns outshone those of Real Madrid.
Few outside the industry knew this, but club executives and experienced journalists recognized the contrast.
Yang Hao believed Atlético's tour would provide valuable lessons for other clubs looking to break into overseas markets.
Life in Boulogne-sur-Mer
In the northwest French port city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, just north of a coastal highway, lies a neighborhood called Le Chemin Vert—"The Green Path" in French.
The name was ironic. The area lacked greenery, sustainability, or even proper football pitches. Most local football grounds were bare concrete.
The residents of Le Chemin Vert represented Boulogne's poorest, low-income groups.
Lining the narrow streets were rows of aging, detached or semi-detached houses. The cars parked outside were almost all second-hand relics. For Boulogne, these homeowners were considered upper-tier among the working class.
Those unable to afford even these modest homes lived in long, low-rise apartments, nicknamed "birdcages." The cramped living spaces resembled stacked cages, with each unit housing a family.
Inside these "birdcages" resided the neighborhood's most destitute—jobless individuals on welfare or families scraping by on a single worker's income.
François' family, for instance, embodied the struggles of life in Le Chemin Vert. A household of seven—three sons, one daughter, and a daughter-in-law—crammed into a single apartment.
François' eldest son was infamous throughout the neighborhood, earning the nickname "Quasimodo," after the hunchback of Notre-Dame, or "Fran-kenstein," inspired by the iconic literary monster.
The story behind it started with a car accident when he was two years old. His father's beat-up car collided with a truck, and the unbuckled child in the backseat was thrown forward, smashing hard into the front windshield. Over 100 stitches were needed on the left side of his face, leaving a ghastly scar that twisted his entire face.
Short in stature and skinny, he developed a reputation for being vicious in fights, often leaving opponents battered and bleeding—especially if they mocked him by calling him nicknames related to his scar.
François, concerned about his constant troublemaking, decided to keep him at home and encouraged him to play football with his younger siblings.
Unexpectedly, this pastime led him to Lille—a renowned football academy in France.
Many believed he had a real shot at a football career.
But three years later, he returned home. Rumor had it he was expelled from Lille for getting into fights and causing trouble.
He joined a third-division club in the city and performed well. Residents from his neighborhood even went to watch his matches; he was undeniably skilled. However, disputes over salary demands led to another fallout.
Later, he spent a year playing for Alès. But recently, for reasons unclear, he returned to his hometown.
François explained that the club had gone bankrupt and failed to pay his wages.
The owner of US Boulogne, the local club, issued an ultimatum: if he personally apologized and admitted his mistakes, they would consider taking him back.
Stubborn as ever, Franck had instead attended trials for various clubs, all without success. Now, he was back, working alongside his father, François, on construction sites while waiting for an opportunity.
Maybe, just maybe, a club would take him in someday. After all, he was undeniably good at football.
For over two months, every morning at 7 a.m., neighbors in the district would see François driving his old pickup truck loaded with tools. Franck would always be in the truck bed, looking dejected.
Short and sun-darkened from months of labor, his scarred face stood out even more starkly.
No one greeted him, and he never initiated conversation either.
A Day on the Job
Today's task was demolishing a wall for a house undergoing renovation—a good job.
Swinging a sledgehammer might seem strenuous, but with the right technique, it wasn't too hard. Progress could even be quick.
Once on-site, father and son immediately began unloading equipment.
Franck followed François, who marked out which sections to demolish and how far to go. All Franck had to do was follow instructions and hammer away.
He couldn't read the blueprints.
François himself hadn't understood them initially but picked up the skill over time.
As François often said, "You don't need to know much—just more than the homeowner."
That was his survival philosophy.
With a resounding bang bang bang, Franck began swinging the sledgehammer against the wall. Following his father's guidance, he started by creating a hole at the base, gradually expanding upward and sideways. This way, debris would fall naturally, requiring less effort.
Every now and then, François came over to check on his progress, ensuring he didn't strike the wrong areas and reminding him of key points to keep in mind.
Aside from a brief lunch break, their day was filled with the sound of hammers hitting walls.
With two people working, the job progressed quickly. What was expected to take all day was finished by mid-afternoon.
After settling payment, François set aside Franck's share, hesitated, then added a bit more before handing it over.
Franck pocketed the money without counting. He knew there was extra, but he said nothing.
Everyone in the family understood that he was saving up.
His mother never asked him for household contributions, and his siblings never borrowed money from him. They all knew he was accumulating funds for something.
Whenever he saved enough, Franck would request time off and leave for a few days—always for trials.
Since May, he had done this three times. But each time, he returned empty-handed.
Franck had grown increasingly withdrawn, sometimes going an entire day without speaking. His family felt powerless.
A New Opportunity
That evening, everything changed.
A guest arrived at their home—a man named Philippe.
"I'm a scout for Atlético Madrid," the visitor introduced himself with a smile.
Atlético Madrid?
François and his wife were utterly baffled. They weren't football fans and knew nothing about the sport.
For the first time, Franck's scarred, expressionless face shifted under the dim yellow light—revealing shock.
"Have you heard of Mr. Yang Hao?" Philippe asked, clearly proud as he mentioned the name.
Even merely referencing Yang Hao felt like an honor.
Franck didn't speak but nodded.
"Mr. Yang Hao has seen you play. I'm not sure when or where, but he's very impressed with you. Would you be willing to join Atlético Madrid?"
Join the reigning champions of La Liga?
Franck was utterly stunned.
Atlético Madrid was, without a doubt, one of the strongest and most exciting teams in European football in recent years.
And they were interested in him?
It felt surreal.
Was this a cruel prank? Franck's mind raced with doubts.
"Would you like to go?" Philippe asked again.
Franck didn't care anymore.
For over two months, he had toiled on construction sites from dawn to dusk, his only companions being hammers and drills. He was sick of it.
For the first time, he realized how much he missed the joy of playing football. He was on the brink of madness.
At this moment, regardless of whether it was a joke, regardless of whether it was real, Franck knew his answer.
"I'm willing!"
When Atlético Madrid was training in the United States, Ronaldinho finally completed his transfer to Barcelona.
Manchester United had spared no effort in pursuing the transfer, with Ferguson personally traveling to Paris to negotiate with PSG and the player's agent. At one point, reports suggested that the Brazilian star was on the brink of joining Manchester United.
But to everyone's surprise, Ronaldinho chose Barcelona in the end.
This Brazilian prodigy became the most closely followed player of the summer, with his transfer saga taking twists and turns: nearly joining Real Madrid, then being courted by Manchester United and Chelsea, before landing in Barcelona. It was an astonishing series of events.
Currently, the media is mocking Manchester United for being overly confident and letting Barcelona snatch their target.
But Yang Hao knew from reports in his previous life that Barcelona had given Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Assis, a substantial commission. It was Barcelona vice-president Sandro Rosell who handled this personally, ensuring that Assis never let Ronaldinho meet Ferguson.
This was precisely why Yang Hao never seriously considered pursuing Ronaldinho for Atlético. Though they could barely afford him, it simply wasn't worth the effort.
For Manchester United, this summer had been nothing short of a disaster.
David Beckham transferred to Real Madrid for €37.5 million, while Verón moved to Chelsea for €21.8 million. With nearly €60 million in revenue from these sales, the results were still underwhelming.
Their primary target, Ronaldinho, was snatched by Barcelona. Their second-choice, Damien Duff, was taken by Chelsea.
In the end, Ferguson's transfer dealings became a laughingstock.
When Atlético returned from the U.S., Manchester United completed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon for €19 million. Many British media outlets viewed this as a desperate signing following the failure to secure Ronaldinho, dubbing Cristiano Ronaldo "Little Ronaldo."
The reasoning was simple: with Ronaldo (the Brazilian star) already well-established and after missing out on Ronaldinho (dubbed "Little Ronaldo"), United hastily signed Cristiano Ronaldo as a consolation prize.
Meanwhile, La Liga also witnessed an interesting transfer.
After deciding not to renew Fernando Hierro's contract, Real Madrid signed Argentine defender Gabriel Milito from Independiente. However, during the medical examination, concerns over Milito's knee led Real Madrid to back out of the deal at the last moment. This incident caused quite a stir.
Atlético's Preseason Preparations
As the transfer window neared its close, Yang Hao shifted focus to preparing Atlético for the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, managed by Luis Aragonés.
Atlético finalized their 25-man squad for the season:
Goalkeepers: Čech, Palop;
Defenders: Lúcio, Carvalho, Evra, Maicon, Antonio López, Marchena, Dani Alves, Pepe;
Midfielders: Baraja, Xabi Alonso, Deco, Kaká, Gabi, Marcos Senna, Iniesta, Mascherano;
Forwards: Drogba, Torres, Joaquín, Reyes, Villa, Robben, Ribéry.
Though players like Ribéry, Mascherano, and Pepe were training with the first team, they were expected to play primarily in Segunda División games with Atlético's B team.
Yang Hao believed this squad could achieve great results in the upcoming season. He also intended to integrate promising talents like Sergio Ramos into the first team during cup games such as the Copa del Rey, which offered an ideal platform for young players to gain experience.
First Leg: Super Cup at Mallorca
On the evening of August 24, Atlético faced Mallorca in the first leg of the Super Cup at Son Moix Stadium.
Mallorca, under Aragonés, deployed a 4-4-2 formation, while Atlético stuck to their trusted 4-3-3 setup:
Goalkeeper: Čech;Defense: Evra, Carvalho, Lúcio, Maicon;Midfield: Xabi Alonso as a holding midfielder, Deco and Kaká further forward;Attack: Reyes, Torres, and Joaquín.
Baraja was sidelined due to an injury sustained during the U.S. tour, requiring time to recover.
The match began with Atlético attempting to control the midfield rather than their usual aggressive pressing approach, signaling a tactical shift for the season. However, Mallorca disrupted their rhythm with relentless challenges, leading to a somewhat chaotic game.
Atlético's midfield focused on short passing combinations in the central areas. For example, in the 4th minute, Kaká executed a one-two with Deco before threading a pass to Torres, whose shot was saved by Mallorca's goalkeeper, Miquel Ángel Moyà.
Mallorca also threatened, with Samuel Eto'o forcing Čech into a save.
In the 22nd minute, Atlético's refined tactics bore fruit. Reyes cut in from the left, combining with Deco and Kaká in a brilliant sequence of passes. Deco's through ball found Torres, who finished clinically to open the scoring. The intricate move even drew applause from the Mallorca fans.
However, Atlético's lack of familiarity with this more patient, control-based approach was evident.
Mallorca equalized in the first half through Ariel Ibagaza's assist to Arnold Bruggink. Early in the second half, Eto'o put Mallorca ahead.
Despite trailing, Atlético remained composed. The slower tempo of their build-up play, however, was noted as an area needing improvement.
As the match approached its conclusion, Mallorca pushed forward for another goal. Instead, Atlético launched a devastating counterattack.
Kaká collected the ball near his penalty area and embarked on an extraordinary solo run, covering 80 meters while outpacing several Mallorca players. His dazzling skill culminated in a precise shot to level the game at 2-2.
The match ended in a draw.
While the result didn't disappoint Yang Hao, it also highlighted areas for improvement. The U.S. preseason games hadn't provided sufficient challenges, leaving Atlético's tactics untested. The Super Cup thus became a valuable learning experience.
With 68% possession, Atlético's dominance was clear, but Yang Hao acknowledged the need for sharper execution.
"You just wait. On the 27th at the Calderón, I'll show you what we're capable of!" Yang Hao confidently told Aragonés after the game.
The veteran coach could only shrug in response, lamenting his team's missed chance to secure a home victory.
Before the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup, Atlético Madrid held a press conference at the Calderón Stadium.
The conference had two main purposes.
The first was to officially announce Mahou Beer as the club's official sponsor.
This marked Mahou's sponsorship of a second team after Real Madrid, establishing the iconic Spanish beer brand's presence with another top-tier club.
The CEO of the MSM Group was present to sign the sponsorship agreement with Atlético, expressing optimism about the partnership and praising Atlético's outstanding achievements in recent years.
"We share a common goal of becoming global brands in the future. It's an inspiring vision, and we're excited to work hand-in-hand with Atlético," said the MSM Group CEO.
In Spain, Mahou Beer has a stellar reputation, particularly in the Greater Madrid area, where it's a staple in football bars. Beer and football have always gone hand-in-hand, making this partnership feel natural.
But the announcement of the sponsorship wasn't the only headline-grabbing news.
Both parties jointly unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration: the launch of the Atlético-Mahou Brewery Redevelopment Project.
Until now, the details of the redevelopment had been kept low-key, with many assuming it was a government-led initiative. The revelation that Atlético and MSM Group were spearheading the project took everyone by surprise.
Enrique Cerezo enthusiastically declared to the assembled media that this would be a flagship €2 billion development project in Madrid, with Atlético's new stadium at its heart.
While no concrete details were disclosed about the site's planning—aside from the new stadium—this announcement alone was enough to generate widespread excitement.
The journalists present were astounded. Few could have imagined Atlético taking on such an ambitious project.
During interviews, both Cerezo and the MSM Group CEO expressed their confidence in the plan, calling it a benchmark for urban redevelopment in Madrid.
The MSM Group CEO, clearly reveling in the limelight football brought him, stated, "As one of Spain's oldest football clubs, Atlético is an integral part of Madrid's cultural fabric. Though times have changed and the Calderón Stadium no longer suits modern needs, we are committed to preserving Atlético's footballing heritage and spirit."
"We aim to integrate these traditions into the redevelopment, fusing the old with the energy of the new—just like Mahou Beer…"
From his seat in the audience, Yang Hao couldn't help but chuckle at the lofty rhetoric.
Now he truly understood why real estate developers were considered so audaciously profitable.
With the media attention generated by the Super Cup and Atlético's influence, the press conference was packed with journalists. Yet despite the grand words, Yang Hao was all too aware of the project's realities.
Yes, Atlético and MSM Group had communicated with Madrid's municipal government, which gave preliminary approval. But critical details—such as the number of buildings, the size of the new stadium, and its overall design—were still undecided. Only once those plans were finalized could the project be presented to the city council for discussion.
So far, Atlético and MSM Group had each invested €50 million, totaling €100 million. It was significant, but far from the €2 billion being touted. And all that talk about "preserving culture" and "injecting new vitality"? It was mostly PR fluff.
"You're building skyscrapers. Just say that!" Yang Hao thought with amusement.
He never imagined he'd one day find himself resembling the "slick-talking" developers he used to scoff at.
But once you're involved in the nitty-gritty of a project, such tactics start to make sense. The press conference was part of a broader strategy to attract potential investors.
Given the size of the project, neither Atlético nor MSM Group could tackle it alone. Collaboration with other investors and possibly construction powerhouses like Florentino Pérez's ACS Group was inevitable.
For now, though, the project was still in its infancy. The press conference was primarily about presenting the project and attracting high-quality partners. With Spain's booming real estate market, there was no shortage of eager investors.
That evening, Atlético hosted Mallorca in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup.
The first leg had ended 2-2, and neither team made significant changes to their starting lineups for the return match. Baraja was still sidelined due to injury, with Deco and Kaká starting in midfield.
More than 50,000 fans filled the Calderón.
From the opening whistle, Atlético dominated possession. Mallorca relied on a compact formation and relentless running to hold their own.
The Deco-Kaká partnership differed from the Deco-Baraja pairing.
Baraja's balanced skill set allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively, including a powerful long shot. His passing was also exceptional. When paired with Baraja, Deco often played higher up the pitch, leaving Baraja to handle ball distribution and tactical shifts.
But with Kaká as his partner, Deco took on more of the distribution and tactical duties, allowing Kaká to operate further forward.
In the 16th minute, Atlético's strategy bore fruit.
After a series of intricate passes outside Mallorca's 30-meter line, Joaquín drifted wide to the right, creating space. Maicon made a sudden diagonal run into the box and latched onto Deco's precise through ball. From the right side of the penalty area, Maicon unleashed a thunderous strike to open the scoring.
"GOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Maicon scores Atlético's first goal at the Calderón this season!"
"What an impressive sequence from Atlético. Patient build-up play after their initial counterattack failed to yield a threat, methodically probing until Mallorca's defense finally cracked."
"1-0!"
The Calderón erupted in celebration.
However, Atlético didn't solely rely on possession-based play akin to Barcelona's tiki-taka.
In the 20th minute, transitioning quickly from defense to attack, Xabi Alonso delivered a long diagonal pass to the left. Reyes sprinted down the flank, chasing down the ball before driving into the box and delivering a low cross intended for Torres.
But Reyes' final ball was slightly off, rolling too close to the goalkeeper. Mallorca's keeper, Miquel Ángel Moyà, rushed out to collect it before Torres could connect.
Despite the missed chance, Yang Hao clapped in encouragement from the sidelines.
The team's attacking philosophy was clear: strike fast when the opportunity arises. If that doesn't work, slow the tempo, rely on control, and exploit weaknesses through patient build-up and precise passing.
It wasn't a revolutionary strategy but a question of execution—and Atlético were getting better at it.
Take, for instance, Real Madrid's iconic midfield trio—what was their most classic move?
It was Toni Kroos' long-range switches and Luka Modrić's command in controlling the flow of play.
At Atlético Madrid, Kaká hasn't yet been fully unleashed.
Many remember Kaká as the dashing young player—a lightning bolt racing down the pitch, ball at his feet, outpacing defenders with ease.
But for those who've watched more of his games, it's clear his passing ability is equally remarkable.
This is often overlooked because his speed, dribbling, and finishing overshadowed his vision and distribution.
One prime example is the infamous 2005 UEFA Champions League final, a match replayed and dissected countless times by fans. Kaká showcased his ability to set up goals brilliantly, whether it was his lobbed pass to Shevchenko while under pressure from three defenders or the inch-perfect long ball to Crespo near the end of the first half.
Later in his career, Kaká had to adjust his role at AC Milan, shouldering more goal-scoring responsibilities, particularly after Shevchenko's move to Chelsea.
But at Atlético, Kaká doesn't need to bear the brunt of scoring or have the team's entire attack revolve around him.
Yang Hao envisions him as the offensive core of the midfield—a Zidane with turbocharged speed.
Of course, Kaká's ball control isn't as refined as Zidane's, nor does he have the nimbleness of smaller players like Messi or Iniesta.
Yet Yang Hao has been tirelessly experimenting with tactics to integrate players like Torres, Kaká, Messi, and Iniesta into a cohesive unit.
This is no small challenge.
Players like Torres, Kaká, Robben, and Drogba thrive on open space, excelling in counterattacks. Meanwhile, Messi, Iniesta, and David Silva—masters of intricate ball control—require possession and tight interplay.
On paper, the former group shines in defensive counterattacks, where space allows them to utilize their speed and power.
The latter group, however, fits the mold of Barcelona's high-pressing, possession-heavy style, thriving in tight spaces with quick footwork.
Yang Hao often observed these dynamics during Atlético's second-team matches but found the opposition too weak to yield meaningful insights.
Now, with the first team, he continues to test whether these two styles can be seamlessly combined into a unique Atlético philosophy.
It could become a hallmark style, setting Atlético apart.
This season, Yang Hao's tactical adjustments reflect these aspirations.
After all, Iniesta must begin stepping up. In two years, Messi, Silva, and Modrić will also be ready for bigger roles.
Time is ticking for Yang Hao to perfect this integration.
Different tactics lead to different match dynamics.
As Atlético began emphasizing possession, fans found the change refreshing. Even Atlético supporters at the Calderón noticed how different this team felt from the counterattacking side they were used to.
But there's no denying this new Atlético was more entertaining to watch and significantly better at breaking down defenses.
The 43rd minute provided a textbook example.
Atlético's attack advanced to Mallorca's final third, where the visitors had already set up two defensive lines in and around the penalty area. Forced into a set-play offense, Atlético transitioned into a patient build-up.
Aragonés' Mallorca defense was formidable—last season, even Real Madrid struggled to break through.
Atlético slowed their tempo as Deco drove the ball forward through the left half-space. Under heavy pressure from Mallorca's defensive midfielder Martín, Deco passed to Kaká in a congested area.
With his back to goal and Martín closing in, Kaká trapped the ball with the inside of his right foot, shielding it with his body. Then, with a deft left-footed flick, he chipped the ball toward the top of the penalty arc.
There, Torres was waiting. Meeting the ball midair, Torres used his left foot to nudge it toward Deco, stationed at the edge of the penalty area. Deco immediately returned the favor, threading a chip to the left corner of the penalty area, where Reyes was positioned.
Reyes expertly controlled the ball with his chest. Sensing danger, Mallorca's right-back Cortés charged toward him.
But before Cortés could stabilize, Reyes accelerated sharply toward the byline and whipped in a low cross toward the edge of the six-yard box.
Just in time, Torres surged forward and struck the ball into the net with a clinical touch.
"GOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
The Calderón erupted into thunderous applause.
"Unbelievable! Truly unbelievable! Atlético Madrid's players are showcasing their technical skills right in Mallorca's defensive third, stringing together a series of intricate passes."
"Mallorca's defenders clearly didn't see this coming."
"Historically, Atlético have been known for their aggressive, straightforward play. But tonight, they've displayed finesse and patience."
"This newfound precision in their front-line play is remarkable."
"For years, we've known Atlético's players are technically gifted, but their tactics never emphasized ball control. Tonight, it's clear the team is evolving, blending their usual directness with added refinement for greater offensive penetration."
"Mallorca's defense was stretched and pulled apart, eventually exposing gaps that Atlético ruthlessly exploited."
Slow-motion replays showed that even if Torres hadn't reached the ball, Joaquín was perfectly positioned at the back post to finish the move.
Yang Hao stood on the sideline, clapping vigorously, proud of his team's execution.
This was the fruit of their summer training sessions.
Yang Hao recalled a quote from Guardiola in his past life: "My teams are never afraid of defensive bunkers because such static defenses are inevitably pulled apart by continuous movement and passing."
Once the defensive line starts shifting and reorganizing, cracks begin to appear. A couple of adjustments are manageable, but over time, even the best defenses crumble.
Yang Hao's current mission is to enhance Atlético's ability to dismantle tightly packed defenses.
In the second half, Mallorca, trailing by two goals, attempted to press higher up the pitch.
But in the 51st minute, Atlético intercepted the ball and launched a blistering counterattack.
Receiving a pass from Deco, Kaká sprinted forward from his half into Mallorca's final third. Initially feinting toward the left flank to link up with Torres, Kaká suddenly shifted gears, delivering a diagonal pass to Joaquín on the right edge of the penalty area.
The Spanish winger took one touch to push the ball into the box before unleashing a powerful strike that beat the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.
This was classic Atlético—lightning-fast counterattacking football.
From this point on, Atlético had complete control of the match.
Mallorca made several attempts to counter, with Eto'o looking particularly lively in the final third. But none of their efforts truly threatened Atlético's defense.
In the 76th minute, Atlético pressed Mallorca's left flank. Reyes and Evra combined effectively, drawing defenders away before passing to Deco.
Deco controlled the ball with his right foot, pivoted slightly, and sent a precise diagonal pass to the right edge of the six-yard box.
Replacing Torres, Didier Drogba charged forward like a beast, overpowering Mallorca's former Barcelona defender Nadal, and unleashed a ferocious header from close range.
The ball smashed into the back of the net. 4–0!
The Calderón erupted in wild cheers as fans celebrated a dominant display.
Atlético Madrid didn't just control the match; their attacking play was fluid and relentless. No matter if Mallorca tried to sit back in a deep defensive block or press forward, Atlético adapted with ease.
To begin the season with a decisive 4–0 victory was a tremendous morale boost for all Atlético fans.
Ultimately, Atlético triumphed at home, winning 4–0 and securing the Spanish Super Cup with an aggregate score of 6–2 over Real Mallorca.
"You didn't play like Atlético tonight!"
After the match, Yang Hao shook hands with Luis Aragonés. The legendary Atlético figure showed no frustration about losing the Super Cup—it was essentially a glorified warm-up.
"Atlético isn't only about counterattacking," Yang Hao replied with a grin.
"Of course. Everyone knows your players are incredibly skilled," Aragonés admitted.
"What do you think?" Yang Hao asked.
Aragonés looked momentarily annoyed. "That's a bit rude," he muttered, before breaking into laughter.
Beating someone 4–0 and then asking how they feel about it? A bit cheeky indeed.
"Didn't I congratulate you after last season's Copa del Rey?" Yang Hao teased in return.
Aragonés didn't argue, understanding Yang Hao's intentions. The warm-up matches in North America lacked quality opposition, and Yang Hao desperately needed a couple of high-level games to test his tactics and evaluate his squad's readiness.
"Honestly, the Deco-Kaká pairing in midfield doesn't fully dominate yet. We had a few decent counterattacks tonight, but we just couldn't capitalize," Aragonés observed.
Yang Hao nodded. He had a point.
"Overall, you're heading in the right direction, but you need to refine the details. Baraja would add more stability, though he doesn't offer Kaká's attacking sharpness."
Yang Hao understood what Aragonés meant. He wondered if deploying Marcos Senna as a lone defensive midfielder might have been a better choice for this match. While the team would lose Xabi Alonso's precise long passes, the center-backs could still play those balls when needed.
It's always about trade-offs.
"Kaká is truly exceptional. He's maturing fast," Aragonés remarked enviously.
Kaká's raw talent was evident to anyone who watched him play—undeniably world-class. However, he still had room to grow, to reach his full potential.
Aragonés sighed suddenly. "What's the point of these Super Cup games anyway? They mess up the opening week of La Liga, and on top of that, we lost…"
He trailed off, shaking his head as if dismissing the thought. But just before leaving, he turned back to Yang Hao with a curious expression.
"That new stadium project of yours—how real is it?"
He didn't quite believe it yet.
"It's real," Yang Hao assured him.
"Do you even have the money?"
"We'll earn it," Yang Hao replied with a smile.
Aragonés gave him a long, thoughtful look before nodding. "Alright then. Good luck. Every Atlético fan will be thrilled if this works out. I hope it all goes well!"
As a die-hard Atlético fan himself, Aragonés genuinely wished the club success.
Atlético Madrid's Super Cup victory wasn't a surprise. What shocked everyone was the 4–0 demolition of Real Mallorca.
The team's technical quality and exquisite passing combinations weren't just thrilling for the fans at the Calderón; they also left the media astounded.
As Marca noted, Atlético Madrid has been steadily improving, and their football exudes growing dominance.
"This Atlético team at the Calderón is starting to look like a true powerhouse."
However, what shook Spanish and European football wasn't the victory itself but the bombshell announcement during the pre-match press conference: Atlético's plans to build a new stadium.
In 2023, building a new stadium might seem routine, with several clubs undertaking similar projects. But in 2003, proposing a new stadium was groundbreaking—something few clubs dared to imagine.
Among Europe's elite teams, Arsenal was the only one building a new stadium at the time. The Gunners had started construction in July of that year, relocating to the northwestern suburbs of London due to space constraints at Highbury. Arsenal also planned to develop a real estate project at the old site to generate revenue.
Ambitiously, Arsenal's management claimed the project would significantly bolster their financial strength, enabling them to challenge rivals like Manchester United more effectively.
Now, Atlético Madrid was joining the ranks of clubs building new stadiums, drawing significant attention.
Atlético fans were overwhelmingly positive about the news. While the Calderón was steeped in tradition, it had long become a limiting factor for the club.
The day after the Super Cup, UEFA hosted the Champions League group stage draw and its annual awards ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
Yang Hao was invited but chose not to attend. Although he was nominated for the Best Coach award, everyone knew Héctor Cúper was the deserving winner.
With a Champions League trophy and a Serie A title under his belt, Cúper's success made him the obvious choice.
As for the Best Player award, widely regarded as a precursor to the Ballon d'Or, it was expected to go to Adriano.
There was little suspense surrounding these accolades.
What surprised Yang Hao, however, was Atlético's elevation to the first-seed pot for the Champions League draw, thanks to their strong performances in the Europa League and Champions League over the past three seasons.
Despite being the lowest-ranked of the eight top seeds, trailing Real Madrid—the team with the highest UEFA coefficient—by nearly 60 points, it was still a significant achievement for Atlético.
"Real Madrid's legacy really runs deep," Yang Hao thought.
In his previous life, Real Madrid performed well in this season's Champions League, with their infamous Round of 16 streak beginning only the following year. Even with future setbacks, their accumulated points would keep them as a top seed for years to come.
Atlético, by contrast, still had a long road ahead.
Interestingly, Atlético's draw turned out favorable. The group featured PSV Eindhoven from Pot 2, AEK Athens from Pot 3, and AS Monaco from Pot 4.
Yes, this season's Champions League runner-up, Monaco, ended up in Pot 4.
Mourinho's Porto landed in Pot 2, alongside heavyweights like AC Milan, Inter Milan, Lyon, and Chelsea.
This made Yang Hao feel as though luck was finally on his side this season. At least the group stage draw seemed remarkably favorable.
Despite Real Madrid's high UEFA coefficient, they were dealt an early blow before the league even kicked off. Several players in the dressing room voiced discontent over their salaries.
How bad was it?
Steve McManaman, Iván Campo, and Savio were all released.
Including Munitis and Hierro, Real Madrid terminated contracts with five players in one summer.
These weren't washed-up veterans either—McManaman was only 31, Savio and Campo were 29, and Munitis was just 28.
In addition to the contract terminations, youth center-back Rubén was loaned to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Morientes went to Monaco on loan, Flavio was loaned to Dortmund, and Celades to Bordeaux.
Few people realized that behind the dreamlike aura of Real Madrid's galácticos, a quieter group of core players was being offloaded due to dissatisfaction with their wages.
According to Reuters, authoritative data revealed that Real Madrid's total squad salary bill amounted to €73.93 million. Of that, an eye-watering €48.5 million was allocated to the team's eight superstars: Raúl, Zidane, Beckham, Ronaldo, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Vieira, and Cannavaro.
Real Madrid's first-team squad had 25 players, meaning that the remaining 17 players shared just 35% of the total payroll.
And that figure didn't even account for regular starters like Guti, Salgado, Solari, and Casillas.
Reuters suggested that after factoring in the wages of these regulars, the remaining 10+ players likely made up less than 15% of the payroll.
Unsurprisingly, players like Guti, Salgado, and Portillo were deeply unhappy with their pay.
Marca voiced concerns about this growing divide within the squad.
They emphasized that football is a team sport requiring balanced tactics, squad harmony, and unity. But Real Madrid's all-in bet on galácticos had created staggering wage disparities, leaving non-superstars feeling marginalized.
Additionally, the constant influx of big-name signings created fierce internal competition.
The clash between Beckham and Figo over the right-wing position dominated discussions throughout preseason training.
In an interview with Marca, Real Madrid academy product and striker Portillo shared his frustration:
"Right now, the team has so many world-renowned attackers. The competition is fiercer than ever, but I can't go a whole season without playing."
"To be honest, I can't stay calm about this. Playing for Real Madrid is the best thing in the world and has always been my dream. But I also have my own ambitions, and no one can take away my desire to play football."
"If I'm only given a handful of games per season, then maybe it's better for me to leave and find opportunities elsewhere."
However, Real Madrid flatly rejected Portillo's transfer request.
Last season, the 22-year-old homegrown striker played only 10 league games, amassing just 202 minutes. Yet he managed to score five goals and provide one assist in that time—an exceptional return given his limited opportunities.
Still, Portillo was unhappy with his role, often being substituted on during garbage time—10 minutes here, 4 minutes there, and sometimes just 1 minute.
Marca reported that such limited minutes were due to the club prioritizing its superstars' playing time to ensure they performed consistently.
This created a clear disparity.
In the past, Real Madrid's substitutes included experienced players like McManaman, Savio, Celades, and Flavio.
Now, the bench featured names like Borja, Miñambres, Jurado, and Mejía—players with far less experience or pedigree.
Marca concluded:
"The galáctico-laden battleship is set to sail, but Real Madrid's management must seriously consider how to avoid repeating the tragedy of the Titanic."
Ironically, as Reuters and Marca reported on the growing internal cracks in the Real Madrid dressing room, the club's upper management exuded confidence about the upcoming season.
After the Champions League draw, Florentino Pérez spoke to the media with unbridled ambition:
"This season, Real Madrid has one goal: the treble!"
"I know we missed out on all three major trophies last season, but this year, we'll take them all back!"
"After all, we have the strongest squad in the world!"
Broadcast Rights Drama Before the League Kickoff
Before the league could begin, a major dispute over La Liga's broadcasting rights unfolded.
At the time, La Liga clubs negotiated their own TV deals, resulting in massive disparities between teams.
Ahead of the new season, many mid-to-lower-table La Liga clubs and all 22 Segunda División teams collectively protested against the dominant pay-TV provider, Sogecable (SA).
SA, a subsidiary of Spain's largest media conglomerate, the PRISA Group, owned exclusive broadcasting rights for all La Liga matches. PRISA also controlled major media outlets like Cadena SER, El País, AS, and TV channel Cuatro.
However, SA's payout structure was hugely lopsided:
Real Madrid and Barcelona received €72 million per year each.In contrast, the combined total for 9 mid-to-lower-table La Liga teams and all 22 Segunda División teams was just €84 million.
Atlético Madrid fared slightly better, earning €30 million annually.
The disparity was largely due to Real Madrid's galáctico strategy, which had skyrocketed their appeal, and Barcelona's dominance in Catalonia, which guaranteed strong local viewership.
Meanwhile, SA complained about financial losses, even as it aggressively pursued its competitor, Vía Digital (VDSA).
A merger between SA and VDSA would grant PRISA over 80% market share in Spain's pay-TV sector.
In response, the La Liga organization stepped in, mediating talks between the discontented clubs and SA to ensure the season could start as scheduled. At the same time, La Liga began preparing for a major overhaul of broadcast rights set for 2005.
Despite SA's dominance, competition wasn't entirely absent.
For example, Catalonia's ambitious pay-TV network MDP was seeking investors to challenge SA in the fight for La Liga broadcasting rights.
Additionally, La Liga was in talks with the Spanish government to explore the possibility of attracting established international broadcasters, such as Sky Sports, to increase competition.
With only 2 million subscribers currently signed up for pay-TV in Spain, compared to a potential market of 10 million, the untapped potential was enormous—making the Spanish market highly attractive to global media giants.
La Liga's New Era and Atlético's Rollercoaster Start
After the intervention of La Liga's governing body, SA company quickly made concessions, agreeing to the demands of smaller clubs and Segunda División teams by moderately increasing broadcasting fees.
This success brought instant acclaim to the new management team of La Liga, proving their value.
However, the real challenge lay in the broadcasting rights negotiations for 2005.
With the reform already approved by the Spanish Parliament, the focus now shifted to how La Liga would handle this critical battle.
For Spanish fans and mid-to-lower-tier clubs outside Real Madrid and Barcelona, this reform was eagerly anticipated as the beginning of a new era.
Even for Real Madrid and Barcelona, there was excitement, as both clubs prioritized overseas markets.
Once La Liga's internal structure was fully consolidated, all 20 teams could collectively target global markets.
At that point, La Liga would aim to compete with the Premier League on equal footing!
...…
On August 30, La Liga kicked off its new season as scheduled.
Atlético Madrid's La Liga opener was closely timed with the Spanish Super Cup, forcing Yang Hao to rotate his squad.
This wasn't unique to Atlético; Mallorca, too, made significant rotations.
As a result, Luis Aragonés' side lost 1-2 away to Racing Santander.
Atlético, meanwhile, suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Sevilla.
Atlético's loss was due to their failure to contain Baptista's runs from deep midfield, something Yang Hao had specifically emphasized before the match.
Back when Yang Hao was at São Paulo, he had considered signing Baptista but decided against it, feeling his style didn't quite fit Atlético's tactics.
Unexpectedly, the Brazilian midfielder gave Yang Hao a "pleasant" surprise in the season opener.
The goal came in the 15th minute.
Despite several attempts by Atlético to launch attacks, they couldn't break through Sevilla's defense.
Yang Hao wasn't too concerned about the defeat.
Playing the Spanish Super Cup on the 27th and the La Liga opener on the 30th with just two days in between left rotation as the only viable option.
A heavily rotated squad, coupled with the uncertainties of a season opener, made surprises inevitable.
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao smiled and said he didn't see it as a problem.
"We still need time to adapt to the rhythm of the new season."
However, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deportivo all winning their matches, Atlético's loss felt awkward. The team dropped to 17th in the league standings, barely above the relegation zone.
Catalan media even mocked Atlético, joking, "Maybe the team entering the relegation zone this season is Atlético!"
Yang Hao was somewhat surprised to see Celta Vigo, a team usually good at starting strong, only managing a draw in their opening match.
...…
September 2: Round 2 of La Liga
Atlético Madrid hosted newly promoted Albacete at the Calderón Stadium.
Yang Hao stuck with an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, with Deco, Kaká, and Xabi Alonso forming the midfield trio.
While Baraja had returned to training, Yang Hao decided not to play him.
From the start of the match, Atlético completely dominated. In the 13th minute, Deco scored from the edge of the box, giving Atlético a 1-0 lead.
Atlético's front-line attacks became increasingly vibrant, particularly down the flanks.
With continuous stretching of the defense, the wingers often found more opportunities.
In the 34th minute, Joaquín made a brilliant run down the right flank, delivering a low cross into the box.
Torres controlled the ball, turned past a defender, and fired with his left foot—2-0!
The Calderón Stadium erupted in celebration.
As the second half began, Atlético only improved further.
In the 49th minute, Joaquín combined with Maicon on the right flank. The Brazilian fullback sent in a cross, and Torres rose high to head the ball into the net—3-0!
Five minutes later, after intercepting the ball near the halfway line, Kaká surged forward and unleashed a thunderous strike from about 20 meters out, making it 4-0!
The crowd was ecstatic.
Just a minute later, Kaká dribbled forward again, this time sending a diagonal pass to the left side of the penalty area. Reyes followed up with a precise finish to stretch the lead to 5-0!
The relentless offensive barrage left Albacete completely shattered.
This unfortunate newly promoted side, having lost 0-2 at home to Osasuna in the first round, found themselves utterly demolished at the Calderón in the second round.
Midfielder Iván Díaz, visibly frustrated, made a reckless challenge in the 76th minute, earning a second yellow card and leaving Albacete down to ten men.
Atlético capitalized on their advantage.
Xabi Alonso scored his first goal of the season with a long-range strike from the edge of the box, making it 6-0!
Substitute David Villa sealed the deal in the 87th minute, scoring the final goal to bring the tally to 7-0!
Atlético's emphatic victory delivered a brutal lesson to the newly promoted Albacete, showing them just how ruthless and unforgiving La Liga could be.
This 7-0 thrashing stood out in a league opening dominated by one- or two-goal margins, turning heads across Spain.
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao confidently remarked, "This is Atlético's gift to La Liga for the new season!"
Apologies for the delay! I had some personal matters to attend to today!
(End of Chapter)
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