Chapter 54
At noon on September 12th, Atlético Madrid faced Albacete away in the second round of La Liga.
Andrés Iniesta stood at the base of his own half-circle, eyes closed, waiting for the kickoff. Tonight, Albacete's home stadium was packed to the brim, an unusual occurrence. The main reason? Home fans were eager to witness one of Europe's best football teams in action.
On the stands, the home supporters didn't create much trouble for the visiting side. Instead, they sat quietly, awaiting a football spectacle.
Tonight, Atlético deployed a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: PalopDefense: Antonio López, Pepe, Marchena, and Dani AlvesMidfield: Marcos Senna as the holding midfielder, Iniesta, and captain Baraja centrallyAttack: Ribéry, Torres, and Villa
Considering the international players' recent exertions, the coach decided not to field all of them as starters. This rotation policy was part of Atlético's system.
Having been with the team for a while, Iniesta understood that this was his chance.
Kaká had risen through such opportunities, and now he was a core part of the team's midfield. By last season, he was already on par with Deco.
Iniesta wanted to follow in Kaká's footsteps: seize every chance, refine his game, and improve himself!
As referee Medina blew the starting whistle, Albacete began with possession.
Seeing the three forwards immediately press high, Iniesta followed suit, glancing back at captain Baraja.
Baraja, who had been with the club for nearly 10 years, was now 29 and would turn 30 after this season.
Iniesta never voiced it to anyone, but he felt this might also be his opportunity. Once a player turns 30, their performance often starts to decline.
But Iniesta quickly shifted his focus back to the field and sprinted toward Albacete's defensive line.
Atlético's high-pressing strategy immediately yielded results as they regained possession. However, their first attack failed to threaten.
When Iniesta reached the edge of the penalty area, he saw Villa attempting to pass to Torres, but the ball was caught by Albacete goalkeeper Gaspercic.
Atlético began retreating rapidly, clearly prepared for a long clearance. Iniesta also turned to run back but glanced over his shoulder to see what the opposition would do next.
To his surprise, the goalkeeper opted for a throw to center-back Rubén.
Rubén was on loan at Albacete from Real Madrid this season. Atlético's pre-match reports mentioned him, noting that he had joined just before the season started and had struggled to build chemistry with his teammates.
Remembering this, Iniesta suddenly changed his mind. He shouted to Torres and sprinted forward.
Rubén, facing his goal, had seen Atlético's players retreating and felt at ease.
But as he prepared to control and turn, Gaspercic shouted to warn him, "Watch out! Someone's coming!"
Startled, Rubén reacted instinctively, trying to pass the ball quickly. This reflex was ingrained from his time at Real Madrid, where any hesitation or error on the backline was mercilessly punished by fans and media alike.
Returning a ball to the goalkeeper wasn't an option. The distance was too short, and Torres, with his explosive pace, might intercept it. Passing back in this situation was like throwing Gaspercic into the fire.
In a split second, Rubén decided to pass to left-back Peña, positioned just inside the left corner of the penalty area.
Caught off guard, Rubén's pass lacked power as he feared a mishit might cause Peña to lose control.
However, Iniesta, seeing Rubén's pass, quickly adjusted his direction and raced toward Peña.
"Careful, Paco!" Rubén shouted a warning.
Peña, a nimble 1.70m player with excellent technique, noticed Iniesta's approach and planned a clever move: a quick dribble past him to launch a counterattack.
But Iniesta anticipated this perfectly, intercepting the ball with a swift tackle before Peña could act. The ball deflected toward the penalty spot.
Gasps filled the stadium.
Iniesta turned and chased the ball immediately, with Rubén and Gaspercic also rushing toward it.
But Iniesta reached it first. He poked the ball with the outside of his right foot just as Gaspercic slid in to block, sending it past the goalkeeper into the empty net.
Iniesta sprinted off, arms raised, celebrating ecstatically!
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"At 1 minute and 20 seconds!"
"My God, Atlético's young star Iniesta has delivered a brilliant display! Pressuring Albacete's defense, he intercepted the ball and scored to make it 1–0!"
"This goal is entirely Iniesta's individual effort."
"The Albacete-born player is clearly showing extra motivation against his hometown team."
"An incredible surprise!"
"Look at the stands. Many fans haven't even found their seats yet, and Atlético has already scored."
"This is football!"
"Every goal is born from sheer unpredictability!"
Atlético's players rushed to celebrate with Iniesta, embracing him and shouting in joy.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao cheered loudly. He hadn't expected a goal so quickly—what a surprise!
Whether it was because of the early goal or the fatigue from international duties, Atlético Madrid began to make mistakes as the game against Albacete progressed.
The pairing of Pepe and Marchena in central defense was especially problematic.
In the 20th minute, without any pressing from the opponent, Marchena inexplicably decided to pass the ball back to Palop without signaling. Palop, caught off guard, had a heavy first touch, almost giving forward Pacheco a chance to capitalize. Palop had to hurriedly clear the ball out of play.
In the 33rd minute, Albacete delivered a cross from the flank into Atlético's penalty area. It was an unthreatening ball that could have easily been cleared.
But Pepe, somehow, missed it entirely.
If that wasn't bad enough, Marchena collected the ball behind Pepe but didn't clear it immediately. Instead, he tried to dribble out of the box, only to be dispossessed by an Albacete player.
Luckily, Palop came to the rescue, diving to save the resulting shot and deflecting it for a corner.
Was this defensive play? No, it was a game of nerves!
Yang Hao exploded on the sidelines.
"What the hell is this?!"
He was fuming as he shouted instructions. How had his defenders forgotten how to defend?
Realizing the backline's vulnerability, Yang Hao instructed the team to drop slightly deeper and told Marcos Senna to provide additional coverage for the defense.
"What's wrong with those two?" Yang Hao asked assistant coach Juanma Lillo, frustration evident in his tone.
Lillo could only shake his head. "No idea. Maybe a mental lapse?"
When paired with either Carvalho or Lucio, Marchena usually performed well. It was this reliability that had earned him a place in the Spanish national team and a starting role.
But now, with Carvalho gone and Lucio rotated, Marchena seemed completely out of sorts.
As for Pepe, at just 21, his inexperience could partly explain his mistakes. But Marchena was 25—hardly a rookie—and still playing recklessly.
"If this keeps up, we're doomed in the knockout stages," Yang Hao muttered, clearly irritated.
Marchena had talent but lacked consistency. His previous red card incident had already put Yang Hao in a difficult position. While Yang Hao could excuse mistakes from younger players like Ramos or Pepe as part of their development, he expected more from a 25-year-old veteran.
The match was a frustrating affair. To Yang Hao, it was outright terrible.
In the 63rd minute, Dani Alves threw a ball in from the right. Albacete's defenders cleared it, but the ball fell to Baraja. Without letting it touch the ground, the captain unleashed a spectacular right-footed volley. The ball curved beautifully in the air and soared into the net.
2–0!
But in the 83rd minute, Albacete won a free kick on the right flank. Marchena lost his marker, allowing substitute forward Mikel to head in at the far post.
2–1.
Albacete launched a late assault, coming close to an equalizer multiple times. Yang Hao stood on the sidelines, shaking his head in frustration.
In the end, Atlético scraped by with a narrow 2–1 victory.
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao uncharacteristically criticized his defense, though not by name.
"That was a dreadful performance," he said bluntly. "Even though we won, it was a disappointing game. That wasn't the performance of a championship-caliber defense."
Yang Hao expressed his confusion. Training had been fine, so why were the players falling apart during matches?
"Without Baraja's wonder strike, the result could've been very different," he admitted. Yang Hao also declared that he would reevaluate his defensive lineup in the coming weeks.
"I suspect that Carvalho's transfer made Marchena feel his starting spot was secure," Yang Hao said. "That might explain the complacency. But this kind of mentality is unacceptable."
Spanish media quickly echoed Yang Hao's sentiments. They noted that both center-backs had underperformed, especially Marchena.
While some reports blamed Marchena's poor showing on fatigue from international duty, most agreed with Yang Hao: Marchena needed to be more focused and reduce unnecessary errors.
"No team will entrust its defense to an unreliable player," one outlet declared.
Others highlighted that Yang Hao had been experimenting with different center-back pairings since Carvalho's departure. While Lucio had adapted his game and shown improvement, Marchena had failed to rise to the occasion.
"He let Yang Hao down," concluded a prominent headline.
September 15th, Parc des Princes, Paris.
Atlético Madrid faced Paris Saint-Germain in their first Champions League group-stage match.
In the visiting locker room, Yang Hao addressed his team one last time before the game.
PSG wasn't a pushover. They had finished second in Ligue 1 the previous season, just three points behind champions Lyon, and their squad had strengthened over the summer with the €10 million signing of Jérôme Rothen from Monaco.
On paper, they were third-seeded, but their potential to upset stronger teams was undeniable—especially at home. Last season's surprise performances by Monaco were a stark reminder of what was possible.
However, PSG had been struggling. Despite their strong roster, they had a poor start to the season, sitting 14th in Ligue 1 after five games with three draws and two losses.
Still, their home record—two draws—meant they hadn't been beaten at Parc des Princes.
Yang Hao emphasized, "Stay focused at all times!"
"I want to see a victory tonight. Understood?"
"Understood!" the players responded in unison.
As the players filed out of the locker room, Yang Hao gave each of them a supportive pat on the back.
When it was Sergio Ramos's turn, Yang Hao leaned in and whispered, "Remember what I told you. Keep a clean sheet, and I'll start you against Barça next match."
Ramos nodded firmly, his expression dead serious.
The match began with Atlético Madrid taking the initiative, attacking from the first whistle.
For this away game against Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético fielded an aggressive lineup:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Evra, Ramos, Lúcio, and MaiconMidfielders: Xabi Alonso as the holding midfielder, with Kaká and Baraja in central rolesForwards: Robben, Drogba, and Villa
This lineup made Yang Hao's intent clear: he wanted to dominate PSG, secure three points, and start the Champions League campaign on the right foot.
PSG seemed prepared for Atlético's high-pressing approach, setting up a cautious, defensive structure from the start, retreating deep into their half.
Yang Hao stood on the sideline, observing carefully. His primary focus was on Sergio Ramos.
Tonight, Ramos was paired with Lúcio as a center-back and positioned on the left. Yang Hao believed Ramos's proficiency with his left foot—both in defense and long passing—made him an ideal fit for this role. He had instructed Lúcio to keep an eye on Ramos and offer guidance.
Yang Hao deliberately gave Ramos this opportunity, both to stimulate competition within the squad and to send a message, especially to Marchena, who was excluded from the matchday squad entirely. This decision wasn't permanent—Yang Hao wasn't discarding Marchena—but rather an effort to push him to reflect and step up his performances.
Meanwhile, Yang Hao also hoped Ramos would deliver a surprise performance. After all, in his previous life, Ramos had already begun breaking into Sevilla's first team during this season.
The game unfolded as Yang Hao had expected. PSG's defensive setup stifled Atlético's attacking fluidity, but that was within Yang Hao's calculations—he remained patient.
However, early in the game, Ramos made a glaring unforced error. In an attempt to pass to Evra, he misplaced the ball, sending it out of bounds instead.
The home crowd at the Parc des Princes jeered loudly, mocking the young defender.
Yang Hao noticed Ramos's embarrassed expression as he raised a hand to apologize to Evra. It made Yang Hao chuckle.
"He's still green," Juanma Lillo remarked with a wry smile.
Yang Hao nodded. "Green, yes—but his attitude is good."
Lillo agreed.
One of Ramos's standout traits was his resilience, or as Yang Hao put it, his "shamelessness." Moments after being jeered, Ramos brushed it off, returning to the game with full focus and energy.
In the 17th minute, Atlético's persistent attack was intercepted, and PSG launched a counter.
Pauleta broke through Atlético's defensive line, sprinting toward the goal. With the home crowd of 44,000 rising in anticipation of a goal, Ramos raced back at full speed. He caught up with Pauleta, delivered a well-timed shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, and slid in for a clean tackle, winning the ball back.
As the crowd gasped, Ramos sprang to his feet and sent a powerful clearance upfield, neutralizing the threat entirely.
Yang Hao clapped vigorously on the sidelines. "Well done, Sergio!" he shouted, giving Ramos a thumbs-up.
Ten minutes later, PSG attempted another counter. This time, M'Bami surged down the right, combining with Obeche to outmaneuver Evra before delivering a cross into the box. Ramos intercepted at the near post, heading the ball clear and breaking up the attack.
Atlético capitalized on this defensive stop. Xabi Alonso launched a long pass to Robben on the left wing. Exploiting M'Bami's delayed recovery, Robben burst into the box and delivered a low cross to Drogba, who converted with ease.
1–0!
Yang Hao applauded the play as Ramos celebrated like he'd scored himself, sprinting over to Drogba and joining the team's jubilant huddle.
In the 36th minute, PSG came close to equalizing. Rothen broke through on the left, dribbling into Atlético's box and sidestepping Lúcio. His low shot to the far post evaded Čech's diving attempt.
The ball appeared to be rolling just wide, but Ramos didn't take any chances. Sprinting back, he slid to block the shot before it crossed the line. He quickly rose and charged at Pauleta, who had collected the loose ball. Pauleta's shot ricocheted off Ramos, losing momentum before Čech comfortably collected it.
This sequence drew scattered applause from the PSG fans.
"Atlético's young defender is having a standout game tonight."
"Despite his early error, Ramos has shown maturity and resilience."
"So far, his performance has been impressive."
Ramos wasn't just a defensive force; he also took on a leadership role. Despite not wearing the captain's armband, he frequently gestured and called out instructions to his teammates, urging them to press higher up the pitch.
With the defense holding firm, Atlético's attack grew sharper.
A controversial moment unfolded during first-half stoppage time.
Kaká received a pass from Baraja, dribbled forward, and bypassed the PSG defense. With Drogba in an offside position, Kaká opted to pass to Villa, who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap. Villa's shot was saved by Letizi, but Drogba pounced on the rebound and slotted it into the net.
2–0!
Atlético celebrated wildly, while PSG players surrounded the referee, protesting vehemently. They argued that Drogba's initial position was offside.
"This season has already seen several such contentious moments," a commentator noted.
"During the Spanish Super Cup, Atlético's first goal also sparked debate. However, UEFA and FIFA clarified that the goal adhered to the new offside rule."
"Tonight, Atlético's second goal similarly complies with the rule."
"Clearly, PSG's understanding of the updated offside rule is lacking."
"In contrast, Atlético has twice leveraged the rule this season to score crucial goals."
But Atlético's repertoire wasn't limited to exploiting the offside rule.
Early in the second half, Robben broke through M'Bami on the left flank and delivered a low cross.
Drogba failed to connect at the near post, but Villa was perfectly positioned at the far post to slot the ball home with ease.
3–0!
Atlético Madrid ruthlessly capitalized on PSG's poor form, further compounding the French team's struggles this season.
Yang Hao began making substitutions, bringing on Messi for Villa and Modrić for Kaká.
Pepe sat on the bench, watching Messi and Modrić enter the pitch. A sense of emptiness gnawed at him.
As he observed Ramos becoming increasingly active on the field, a wave of anxiety crept over him. Ramos, only 18 years old, had been outstanding tonight.
More significantly, Ramos was a product of Atlético Madrid's academy—a local Spanish talent. Pepe couldn't help but worry about his own place in the squad.
Would his position slip further down the pecking order?
Would he even be sold?
Marchena? Pepe dismissed the thought. Marchena was also Spanish and a national team player, giving him a natural advantage in the European leagues.
Pepe couldn't ignore the fear of being displaced by Ramos. The young Spaniard's rise could mean fewer opportunities for Pepe, or worse, being sidelined completely.
At 21, Pepe felt an unsettling pressure as he watched Ramos, three years his junior, perform better than he had.
This fear stemmed from his experiences. Pepe didn't want to return to Brazil or relive the days at Marítimo when he was struggling for opportunities. Back then, he hadn't known any better. Now, after playing in La Liga, the Champions League, and under Yang Hao's guidance, he fully understood what it meant to compete at the highest level.
Returning to obscurity would be unbearable.
Since joining Atlético, Pepe had worked relentlessly to improve, striving to meet Yang Hao's expectations.
When Yang Hao criticized his excessive fouling, Pepe made adjustments.
When Yang Hao emphasized defensive techniques, Pepe focused on learning.
When Yang Hao demanded better ball control and passing from defenders, Pepe practiced tirelessly.
Despite his commitment, Pepe knew his performance against Albacete had been subpar. His form felt off, and he couldn't pinpoint why. Yang Hao's post-match criticism—though not naming names—clearly included him and Marchena.
And now, Ramos had seized the opportunity to start—and excel.
The unease deepened as the game reached the 74th minute. Messi, who had come on as a substitute, made a driving run down the right flank. He was taken down by Armand, earning Atlético a free kick near the edge of the box.
Xabi Alonso took the set piece, opting not to target Drogba or Lúcio at the center but instead sending the ball to the far post.
PSG's defenders, fixated on marking Drogba and Lúcio, failed to notice Ramos charging forward unmarked.
The young Spaniard leapt and met the ball with a powerful header, smashing it past the PSG goalkeeper.
4–0!
The stadium fell silent as Ramos sprinted away in jubilation, his exuberance radiating across the pitch.
Pepe, still on the bench, watched Ramos's ecstatic celebration with mixed emotions.
He felt proud of Atlético's dominance but couldn't ignore the growing uncertainty about his own future.
After Carvalho's transfer to Chelsea, Pepe had missed several chances to secure a starting spot. Now, Ramos was making the most of his opportunity, leaving Pepe to wonder: What happens to me now?
Head in hands, Pepe slumped forward, overcome by frustration.
A warm hand on his shoulder interrupted his thoughts.
"Don't overthink it, Pepe."
Pepe looked up to see Kaká, his Brazilian teammate, smiling with a warmth that felt almost reassuring.
"The boss isn't giving up on you. I know him," Kaká said, his tone calm and confident.
Pepe blinked in confusion, unsure whether to believe him.
"He's just upset," Kaká added.
"Upset?"
"Yeah. You and Marchena made mistakes in the Albacete game. Some of those errors were avoidable, but you repeated them. That's what really annoyed him."
Pepe lowered his head, acknowledging the truth of Kaká's words.
"I know. I won't make excuses. I played poorly and let him down."
"The boss has a knack for spotting potential," Kaká continued, glancing toward Yang Hao on the sideline.
"When I first arrived, he said the same thing to me, Adriano, and Lúcio. He encouraged us, believed in us, and helped us improve."
Pepe nodded. Yang Hao had shown him similar patience and support during his first season.
"You're in a tougher position than we were back then," Kaká said, a playful smile on his lips.
"How so?" Pepe asked, puzzled.
"Back then, Atlético wasn't a powerhouse. Nobody paid us much attention. If we made mistakes, nobody cared. But now? Look at where we are. You had one bad game against Albacete, and immediately the media and fans are criticizing you.
"But think about it this way: the boss pulling you out isn't just punishment. It's also a way to protect you, to give you time to reflect and regain your form. That's what matters, right?"
Kaká's words gave Pepe a sense of clarity.
"The boss believes in you. If he says you can succeed, then you will succeed. But you have to trust him, follow his guidance, and stay focused."
"Adriano, Deco, Lúcio, Maicon, even Ramos—all of us have walked the same path. You're no different," Kaká said, his tone light yet firm.
Pepe nodded, determination lighting up his eyes.
"I understand now."
Kaká chuckled, patting Pepe on the shoulder again. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Train hard, play your best, and leave the rest to the boss."
Pepe nodded firmly, a renewed sense of purpose settling within him.
Pepe suddenly recalled a saying that circulated within Atlético Madrid: "Every player personally signed by Yang Hao ends up becoming a success."
Reflecting on it, Pepe realized he was one of Yang Hao's personal signings.
Last year, Yang Hao had gone out of his way to visit Madeira and waited patiently to meet with him.
Kaká is right.
If the coach had invested so much effort in bringing him to Atlético, how could he give up on him so easily?
"Thank you, Kaká!" Pepe said, his mood visibly brightening after their conversation.
Kaká turned and flashed a warm smile. "No problem."
Atlético Madrid secured a dominant 4–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on the road.
Drogba scored a brace, while Villa and Ramos each added a goal.
The 18-year-old Ramos delivered an outstanding performance, contributing not only with a goal but also with key defensive actions. His display drew significant attention from the media and fans post-match.
However, Yang Hao chose a low-key approach in addressing Ramos's performance. He noted that the young defender still had room for improvement and needed to grow further.
As for leaving Marchena and Pepe out of the starting lineup, Yang Hao dismissed any over-interpretation, explaining that it was part of the team's regular rotation.
But Yang Hao's worries about excessive scrutiny were unnecessary.
The spotlight quickly shifted away from Atlético's match to the other game in the group, held in Rome, which dominated the headlines.
Roma faced Werder Bremen at home in a chaotic and controversial encounter.
In the 29th minute, Werder Bremen took the lead through a free kick.
However, just before halftime, Roma's young French center-back Philippe Mexès fouled Bremen striker Ivan Klasnić, drawing a whistle from referee Anders Frisk for the foul.
Frisk approached Mexès and immediately issued a red card.
Roma captain Francesco Totti confronted Frisk, arguing that the foul was not intentional and didn't warrant a sending-off.
Mexès, enraged, stormed toward Frisk, shouting louder and louder. His emotions spiraled out of control, and he appeared ready to physically confront the referee before Roma staff intervened and dragged him away.
Things escalated further when furious Roma fans began hurling objects onto the field as Frisk walked toward the tunnel at halftime. One projectile struck Frisk in the face, leaving him bleeding profusely.
The exact object that hit Frisk was unclear—some claimed it was a coin, others a lighter—but the weapon was never recovered.
The Stadio Olimpico descended into chaos.
Frisk was rushed to the dressing room for treatment, requiring four stitches.
After a 40-minute delay, UEFA officials announced the match had been canceled.
The incident quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage.
Assaulting a referee was utterly unacceptable.
The ruling that Bremen would be awarded the victory was already lenient.
Yang Hao couldn't recall whether this incident had happened in his previous life—it felt too long ago.
But from what he could see, Roma would inevitably face severe sanctions.
Yang Hao had long criticized the toxic environment of Italian football. Racism was rampant, often blatant.
Visiting teams in Italy, especially in Rome, routinely experienced racist abuse.
Yang Hao himself had been subjected to vile insults during matches in Italy, including slurs he wouldn't dare repeat.
What was the response from Italian football authorities and the government? Indifference.
They framed it as part of "Italian football culture."
Culture?
What nonsense.
Italian football had long been in decline. The days of Serie A's dominance during the "mini-World Cup" era were gone.
Between the rise of La Liga and the Premier League, the archaic tactics of Italian teams, and the toxic environment, Serie A's decline seemed inevitable to Yang Hao.
The Frisk incident only reinforced Yang Hao's belief that Italian football's problems weren't isolated or accidental.
UEFA swiftly responded to the attack on Frisk, issuing punishments that many, including Yang Hao, found too lenient.
The match was awarded to Werder Bremen as a 3–0 victory—a natural ruling since Bremen had been leading 1–0 before the match was abandoned, and Mexès had been sent off.
Additionally, Roma was ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors. While matches could still be held at the Stadio Olimpico, no fans would be allowed to attend.
Yang Hao described the punishment as "a slap on the wrist."
Still, it indirectly benefited Atlético Madrid.
With Mexès suspended, Roma's defense would be weakened in their next match—an away game against Atlético.
Yang Hao couldn't help but find it ironic. Frisk suffered, and somehow Atlético gained.
Back in Madrid, the day after returning from Paris, Pepe approached Yang Hao to apologize.
Pepe admitted that his recent performances had been disappointing and vowed to work harder.
Yang Hao appreciated the sincerity of his apology and encouraged him to continue striving, reiterating his faith in Pepe's potential.
However, Yang Hao was disappointed that Marchena hadn't taken a similar step.
As a result, in Atlético's La Liga Round 3 match against Barcelona, Yang Hao once again started Ramos, included Pepe in the squad, and left Marchena out entirely.
Barcelona Sports City.
The door to Frank Rijkaard's office was open.
Henk Ten Cate knocked twice before Rijkaard waved him in.
"Take a look at this. It's the latest intel from Madrid," Rijkaard said.
Barcelona had a dedicated scouting team tasked with studying upcoming opponents, especially formidable ones like Atlético Madrid. Any news, no matter how minor, would promptly reach them.
Ten Cate picked up the sheet of paper on Rijkaard's desk. It detailed Atlético's 18-man squad for the match, along with a few internal updates—though not much.
Yang Hao had turned Atlético's training facility in Majadahonda into a veritable fortress, making it extremely difficult to gather intel.
In contrast, Real Madrid's Ciudad Deportiva was an open book. Many joked that the keys to their training ground were practically hanging on the gate.
"Pepe apologized, but Marchena didn't," Ten Cate read aloud.
That was the most notable piece of information, aside from the squad list.
"What do you think? Will he go with Pepe or Ramos?" Rijkaard asked.
Based on the intel, the picture was clear. Yang Hao was benching Marchena due to his subpar performance in the second round.
This was normal. Sometimes, constant encouragement and leniency could lead players to take things for granted.
Fans often saw footballers as mere symbols—technical, powerful, or all-around players. But few realized that they were young, immensely wealthy, and often inexperienced in life, making them prone to problems.
Add to that the intense competition in professional sports, and you had a recipe for volatility.
Rijkaard once heard a description of managing players that stuck with him:
"Managing a player's form is like operating a zipper—control the pace, not too fast or slow; adjust the pressure, not too hard or soft; and keep it on the brink of clicking but not fully engaged."
If things went out of sync, you'd have to start all over.
Rijkaard understood why Yang Hao sidelined Marchena, and both the media and Barcelona's staff found it reasonable.
"I think starting Ramos would be risky," Ten Cate noted.
Rijkaard nodded. "After all, Ramos is only 18."
With Real Madrid's chaotic start under Camacho, this season seemed doomed for them.
For Barcelona, the real competition was Atlético Madrid.
This sentiment was reflected by broadcasters, who chased viewership. So far, every round of La Liga had featured an Atlético match among the top picks for global broadcast.
In Round 3, Atlético faced Barcelona at the Calderón, while Real Madrid played Espanyol.
The Calderón was also the first stadium to complete broadcast upgrades and multimedia system enhancements this season, all to accommodate this marquee clash.
"This season, Yang Hao hasn't repeated the same lineup in consecutive matches. Whether he starts Pepe or Ramos, their defense will have vulnerabilities," Rijkaard said, summarizing Barcelona's analysis.
"In recent years, we've often struggled against Atlético, but now it's time to turn the tide. In these high-stakes battles, we need to make a statement and seize control!"
"You mean at the Calderón?" Ten Cate asked.
"Yes. We've been in excellent form lately."
While Atlético topped the league thanks to their opening-round thrashing of Málaga, Barcelona had also won their first two matches without conceding.
Additionally, Barça had just demolished Celtic 4–0 in their Champions League opener, extending their winning streak to three matches.
Confidence was soaring throughout the team—from Rijkaard and the staff to the players and board.
Last season, Barça's late resurgence earned them third place in La Liga, reigniting their self-belief.
Both Rijkaard and Ten Cate knew they had found the formula for success with their current system.
Over the summer, Barcelona strengthened the squad with players who fit this system: Samuel Eto'o and Henrik Larsson for pace and technical prowess, Ludovic Giuly for the right flank, and Julio Baptista, one of the league's best midfielders, for the center.
Baptista had even scored in the 4–0 rout of Celtic.
With momentum building, Rijkaard believed this was the moment to show they were genuine contenders.
"Henk, if we want the title, Atlético is the hurdle we must overcome. Only then can we talk about being champions!" Rijkaard declared with determination.
Ten Cate, ever detail-oriented and victory-driven, agreed.
September 19, Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid.
As Yang Hao walked out of the tunnel, he was greeted by deafening cheers from over 50,000 Atlético fans.
He glanced toward the visiting bench, noting that Rijkaard and Ten Cate had already taken their seats. With a smile, he walked over.
"Hello, Frank. Welcome to the Calderón," Yang Hao greeted warmly.
"Hello, Yang," Rijkaard replied, standing to shake his hand.
"Hello, Henk," Yang Hao continued, extending his hand to Ten Cate.
"Hello," Ten Cate replied.
Yang Hao was no longer the unknown figure he once was. Now, he was a commanding presence in European and Spanish football—a figure whose actions reverberated throughout the sport.
Especially after winning the treble last season, Yang Hao's personal reputation had soared to new heights.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Rijkaard and Ten Cate as the host, Yang Hao returned to Atlético's bench as the game was about to start.
"They've come prepared," observed Juanma Lillo, who had been watching the trio closely.
Taking a sip of water handed to him by Parales, Yang Hao nodded. "They're ambitious, just like we were back then. They want to knock us off the top."
Top-flight football is brutal.
Even a team as star-studded as Real Madrid could be overtaken if they slipped up, as they were last season when teams like Valencia and Deportivo La Coruña finished above them.
The competition is relentless.
Now that Atlético is the strongest team in La Liga, challengers like Barcelona are naturally gunning for them. To maintain their crown, Atlético needs to beat these opponents.
High-stakes clashes between giants are not only the most competitive but also the most pivotal moments in a season.
No one understands the importance of these high-pressure matches better than Yang Hao.
In the past few years, Atlético's rise over Real Madrid relied on winning these marquee battles.
Even in Yang Hao's previous timeline, during Real Madrid's Champions League three-peat, they struggled in La Liga because they often failed to win crucial games against Barcelona.
Leadership from star players played a decisive role in these encounters.
That's why, before this match, Yang Hao specifically spoke with Kaka, Torres, and others, urging them to step up with leadership and deliver standout performances.
Clashes like this one are the ultimate test for superstars. If you're the real deal, this is where you prove it.
Tonight, Barcelona fielded their strongest starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Víctor ValdésDefense: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Carles Puyol, Oleguer, BellettiMidfield: Edmílson (holding), Júlio Baptista, XaviForwards: Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Ludovic Giuly
This was essentially the core lineup Barcelona had been using since the start of the season.
Atlético also made some rotations:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefense: Patrice Evra, Sergio Ramos, Lúcio, MaiconMidfield: Marcos Senna (holding), Andrés Iniesta, KakaForwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Arjen Robben
Yang Hao's starting lineup featured notable adjustments, including Villa starting on the left wing and Robben on the right. Iniesta partnered with Kaka in midfield.
This setup showed Yang Hao's intent—he was ready for a showdown.
Only battles like this could reveal who truly deserves to dominate La Liga this season.
When Eto'o kicked the ball back to Baptista, the Brazilian immediately passed it back.
Atlético's players surged forward as soon as the whistle blew, pressing into Barcelona's defensive third.
Leading the charge were Kaka and Torres, with Villa and Robben advancing from the flanks.
Atlético made their intentions clear from the start—they were ready for an all-out battle.
Barcelona circulated the ball among their defenders to evade Atlético's initial press.
Yang Hao stood on the sidelines, closely observing his players, especially Sergio Ramos.
With Ricardo Carvalho sold to Chelsea, opponents had been targeting Atlético's defense in every match.
It wasn't hard to see why.
Lúcio was known for his aggressive style, which made him less stable as a center-back. Without Carvalho, Marchena could also be reckless, while Pepe and Ramos were still young and learning.
This made Atlético's central defense the weakest link in their otherwise strong lineup.
Barely a minute and a half into the game, Barcelona transitioned the ball to Ronaldinho, who carried it forward before delivering a diagonal pass into the right channel.
Giuly received the ball on the right, chesting it down near the sideline.
Yang Hao's heart skipped a beat.
The first defensive play was crucial.
As Atlético's fans collectively held their breath, Ramos suddenly burst out from the penalty area, charging toward Giuly.
Ramos moved with startling speed. By the time Giuly reacted, the young defender was already in his face.
Giuly tried to push the ball past Ramos, but the Atlético defender leaned into him with his chest while poking the ball forward with his foot.
The French winger lost his balance and fell, the ball slipping away.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Referee Arturo signaled for play to continue, ruling no foul.
The ball, cleared by Ramos, quickly landed at Kaka's feet.
Kaka carried it into Barcelona's final third. Facing Edmílson, he shifted laterally to create space and passed the ball between Puyol and Oleguer to Torres.
Despite Puyol's physical challenge, Torres managed to stay upright and take a shot from distance, though it went wide.
The crowd still applauded enthusiastically.
In matches like these, early attempts often serve to boost morale rather than score.
Barcelona soon responded. Van Bronckhorst joined the attack, firing a long shot that sailed wide without troubling Čech.
Both teams were playing with determination and energy.
"Andrés," Yang Hao called from the sidelines.
When Iniesta looked over, Yang Hao gestured a "6" with his fingers, signaling him to mark Xavi more closely and limit his space.
Iniesta nodded firmly, turning to focus on Xavi.
Coincidentally, Xavi glanced at Iniesta at that moment. The younger midfielder offered a polite smile.
Both were products of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and knew each other well.
Before Iniesta's move to Atlético, Xavi had even supported his push for a spot in Barcelona's first team.
But now, they were rivals on the pitch.
Iniesta had flourished at Atlético, impressing with standout performances last season.
Meanwhile, Xavi had been moved from the holding midfield role to a more advanced position, aligning him directly against Iniesta.
Yang Hao stood on the sidelines and watched as Iniesta went head-to-head with Xavi, a trace of mischief flickering in his mind.
If only he had included Messi in the squad tonight. If the game was securely in their hands, he might have let Messi play against Barcelona, just for the irony.
But his instruction for Iniesta to lock down Xavi was anything but random.
Barcelona's defining characteristic had always been their possession-based football. In Yang Hao's previous life, the Catalans' control system revolved heavily around Deco.
In many ways, the trio of Ronaldinho, Deco, and Xavi mirrored the later combination of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta—similar in style and execution.
However, the current reality was different. Iniesta now played for Atlético, Deco was at Chelsea, leaving Barcelona with only Júlio Baptista to fill the void.
Baptista's addition had diluted Barcelona's intricate passing game, introducing a more direct attacking approach. Consequently, their midfield organization relied heavily on Xavi.
That's why Yang Hao tasked Iniesta with shutting Xavi down.
Before the game, Yang Hao had studied countless tapes of Barcelona's matches, analyzing their tactics. He observed that their fullbacks often pushed forward aggressively during attacks.
Ronaldinho and Giuly would drift centrally, targeting the half-spaces, while the flanks were left to Van Bronckhorst and Belletti. This approach made Barcelona's offense multidimensional.
However, the aggressive forward runs of their fullbacks left significant gaps in their defensive lines, which opponents could exploit during counterattacks.
Atlético's strategy was clear: increase pressing and pressure in the middle and attacking third. Players like Torres, Drogba, and others were instructed to actively engage in counter-pressing.
Barcelona employed a similar tactic but lacked the same synergy between their holding midfielder and center-backs.
Edmílson had the physicality, technical ability, and passing range of an ideal pivot, but his poor positional awareness often left him scrambling during transitions.
This vulnerability was something Yang Hao aimed to exploit.
In the first ten minutes, both sides tested the waters, probing for weaknesses. Neither team revealed any obvious vulnerabilities.
By the 12th minute, Yang Hao had identified Atlético's challenge.
The absence of a player like Ronaldinho—a steady attacking focal point—made contesting possession less meaningful.
Yang Hao signaled for his team to adjust their approach: reduce possession and allow Barcelona to take control, drawing them out of their defensive shell.
The adjustment worked immediately.
At the 12th minute, Maicon passed to Kaka near the halfway line. The Brazilian quickly drove the ball forward.
Yang Hao was determined to mold Kaka into a true midfield leader.
Every time Kaka touched the ball, the decision to dribble or pass was entirely his.
To Yang Hao, players of Kaka's caliber—or future stars like Messi and Iniesta—should operate with creative freedom within a tactical framework.
This time, Kaka's surging run threw Barcelona's defense into disarray.
Van Bronckhorst chased him from the left, Edmílson moved to intercept, and Baptista hurried back.
Three Barcelona players converged, but Kaka carried the ball into their defensive third.
Ahead of him, Torres stayed level with Puyol and Oleguer, while Villa occupied the left flank.
Kaka threaded a precise through ball behind Puyol.
Torres accelerated, chasing the pass into the right side of the penalty area, before abruptly halting.
Oleguer overran the play, while Puyol braked sharply, blocking Torres' path to the goal.
Torres shifted the ball to his left foot, searching for an angle to shoot. Puyol's tenacious defense left him with no clear opportunity.
As Torres attempted a cross, Puyol deflected the ball, preventing it from reaching Villa, who was poised for a tap-in near the penalty spot.
Puyol had just saved Barcelona.
Yang Hao clapped from the sidelines, though a tinge of frustration crossed his face. The counterattack had been executed brilliantly.
"Keep playing like this! Come on! Let's go!" he yelled, applauding his players' effort.
Turning to Iniesta, Yang Hao gave a thumbs-up, signaling him to continue disrupting Xavi.
If Xavi lost control, Barcelona would unravel.
In the 21st minute, Barcelona pushed into Atlético's half, attempting to initiate an attack through Ronaldinho. Failing to penetrate, they recycled possession.
Baptista lofted a pass toward Xavi, resetting Barcelona's buildup.
Xavi took a touch, scanning for options.
Atlético's defensive setup had cut off all his passing lanes—except for Belletti behind him.
But Xavi couldn't see behind him.
Iniesta pounced.
Xavi attempted a lateral dribble to open up space, but Iniesta knew him too well.
Having trained together at La Masia, Iniesta understood Xavi's tendencies like the back of his hand.
As Xavi shifted the ball behind him, Iniesta stepped in, bumping him with his shoulder and stealing possession.
Xavi stumbled, grabbing at Iniesta's jersey in desperation.
Iniesta managed to poke the ball to Kaka before both players tumbled to the ground.
The referee, favoring the attacking side, let play continue.
Kaka burst forward, charging down the middle. With one glance, he delivered a diagonal pass into the space behind Barcelona's defensive line on the right.
Van Bronckhorst and Puyol sprinted back, but Robben outran them.
Reaching the ball just outside the box, Robben executed a sudden stop.
With a deft left-footed drag, he cut inside, slicing through Van Bronckhorst and Puyol as the crowd erupted.
Puyol lost his balance, slipping to the ground.
Robben continued along the edge of the box, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot.
The strike lacked precision, and Víctor Valdés appeared ready to collect it.
But then, disaster struck.
Valdés fumbled the save.
The ball spilled loose, and Torres reacted instantly. Shielding Oleguer with his body, he jabbed the ball into the net with his left foot.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"IT'S IN!!!"
"TORRES!!!"
"When it matters most, Torres delivers!"
"Every time Torres faces Barcelona, he manages to deliver stunning goals!"
"This time, he seized the opportunity with perfect awareness!"
"1–0!!!"
The entire Calderón Stadium erupted in jubilation. As Torres sprinted out to celebrate, the crowd of Atlético fans chanted his name at full volume.
The stadium was on fire!
Yang Hao clenched his fists, shouting and cheering passionately.
This goal was truly a masterpiece!
Iniesta's interception, Kaka's driving run, and diagonal pass exploiting the space behind Van Bronckhorst's run, followed by Robben's sharp stop and cut inside that left Puyol and Van Bronckhorst in the dust—it was a sequence of brilliance.
The only blemish was Robben's final shot, which lacked precision.
But that was understandable; Robben was only 20 years old, far from the refined player he would become as "Old Man Robben" later in his career. Even so, his play was already electrifying.
The image of Puyol slipping and falling would undoubtedly become a cherished moment for fans to replay endlessly.
But that's Robben for you.
"The tactical adjustments from Atlético tonight are very clear and deliberate."
"Especially Robben on the right—he's been nothing short of a revelation."
"That sharp stop and inside cut to break free from Puyol and Van Bronckhorst, followed by a left-footed shot, forced Valdés into an error. Torres capitalized on it brilliantly."
"Atlético has started this match on the front foot!"
On the touchline, Rijkaard watched with his hands clasped tightly in front of his mouth, biting down on both thumbs in tension.
When Torres scored, he groaned in frustration, visibly dissatisfied with how his team conceded.
"How did we let that happen?" he muttered, pacing back toward the bench.
"The counterattack was too fast," Ten Cate explained. "Kaka's driving runs are one of Atlético's deadliest weapons. His ability to alter the rhythm of the game and pick smart passing lanes is remarkable."
Rijkaard knew this all too well.
Not only did he understand it, but he almost wanted to applaud Kaka internally.
Why?
Because Rijkaard had been a player himself.
Fans often admired superstars for their flair but rarely understood the nuances of why these players were exceptional.
Only someone with deep football knowledge and experience could appreciate the subtle brilliance.
Take Kaka, for instance.
Before receiving Iniesta's pass, Kaka had already mapped out his dribbling route.
Ball arrives. Player accelerates.
Most pace-driven players operate like gas-powered cars—they need time to build up speed. This process is often referred to as "explosiveness."
But Kaka?
He was a bug in the system.
Kaka moved like an electric car—instantaneous full power at the first step.
Imagine an electric vehicle competing in a sprint against traditional gasoline cars. Could the latter ever keep up at the start?
Robben was the same—a player powered by "electric motors."
How had Yang Hao managed to assemble so many players of this type?
And the most absurd part? They were not just fast—they were technically gifted too.
Typically, speedsters were less skilled technically. This made sense; youth players blessed with speed often relied on it to dominate games, neglecting their technical skills in training.
But Kaka and Robben?
They combined blistering pace with elite technical ability, creating a near-unbeatable package.
That was why Puyol ended up slipping on the ground after Robben's sudden stop and cut.
What could you do? Two defenders against him, and they still couldn't contain him.
Rijkaard sighed internally. What could he say?
"Our midfield can't control the ball. One outlet like Xavi isn't enough," Ten Cate said, exasperated.
Indeed, Barcelona aspired to play possession football, yet they had signed Júlio Baptista.
One glance at the Brazilian's physical, aggressive style, and it was clear he wasn't suited for intricate passing play.
It wasn't just Ten Cate; even Rijkaard felt helpless about the situation.
Everyone knew that Barcelona's vice president, Sandro Rosell, was building a "Brazilian bloc" within the team, attempting to replace the "Dutch bloc" of old.
Barcelona now boasted five Brazilians—Ronaldinho, Baptista, Edmílson, Belletti, and Sylvinho—with Thiago Motta adding a sixth.
Including Rafael Márquez and Maxi López, there were now eight South and Central American players in the squad.
Why? Simple: Rosell's connections were rooted in Brazil and South America.
Even club legend Johan Cruyff preferred to steer clear of the situation.
During the summer transfer window, Barcelona's top target had been Ajax's Rafael van der Vaart. The player himself was eager to join, being a lifelong Barcelona fan.
But Rosell had the final say in transfers.
Rijkaard glanced at Ten Cate, who continued grumbling under his breath. There wasn't much he could do either.
When the game resumed, Barcelona tried to stick to their possession game. Atlético, however, became more resolute in ceding possession strategically, focusing on disrupting play in midfield rather than chasing the ball blindly.
Atlético began playing more direct and efficient football.
Yang Hao's strategy was straightforward: isolate Xavi, disrupt Barcelona's midfield organization, and launch quick counterattacks, especially down Barcelona's flanks—targeting Van Bronckhorst in particular.
The Dutch fullback had been tasked with supporting Ronaldinho, reminiscent of the Marcelo-Cristiano Ronaldo combination at Real Madrid years later.
Ronaldinho had almost complete freedom in the attacking third, often drifting into the left half-space to create chances for himself and his teammates.
Consequently, Van Bronckhorst had to shoulder both defensive and offensive responsibilities on the left.
Having learned from their earlier mistake, Barcelona adjusted their defensive structure.
When Atlético regained possession, Puyol would shift out wide to cover Robben.
The Barça captain, still fuming over being humiliated by Robben earlier, seemed determined to make the Dutch winger's life difficult.
Between the 25th and 35th minutes, Puyol clattered into Robben three times, each time sending him to the ground.
Yang Hao, watching from the sidelines, could no longer tolerate it and kept shouting at the referee, protesting repeatedly.
Finally, the referee issued Puyol a yellow card, warning him to restrain his actions.
Yang Hao observed closely. With Puyol moving wide, Edmílson was shifting centrally to cover defensively.
Yang Hao was quite familiar with Edmílson. Back when he went to São Paulo to sign Kaka, this player was also at the club, playing as a center-back. Later, when Edmílson joined Lyon in Ligue 1, he continued in that position.
However, after arriving at Barcelona, Rijkaard decided to convert him into a holding midfielder, impressed by his passing ability and physical attributes. This move was also prompted by the injury to Thiago Motta, whom Rijkaard had highly praised as a player most similar to himself.
Noticing this adjustment, Yang Hao took advantage of a stoppage to call Kaka over to the sidelines.
"The left side is blocked. Try targeting the edge of the penalty area."
"Let Robben pin down Puyol, and have Torres and Villa make active runs."
Just two concise instructions, but Kaka instantly understood his coach's intentions.
The game remained evenly contested.
Barcelona persisted with their possession-based play, while Atlético focused on quick counterattacks. Both teams were locked in a battle near the halfway line.
Kaka gradually relayed the coach's plan to his teammates, and everyone prepared, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
That opportunity came in the 37th minute.
Xavi, pressured by Iniesta, misplayed a pass toward Júlio Baptista, which was deflected by Marcos Senna. Chaos ensued near Atlético's penalty area, and Ronaldinho hastily attempted a lofted pass.
Ramos, anticipating the danger, outjumped Eto'o to clear the ball with a header back toward midfield.
Iniesta, without taking a touch, swept the ball to the right, where Kaka was waiting. The Brazilian immediately accelerated, carrying the ball past the halfway line before switching play to the left flank.
Robben sprinted down the wing, charging forward with pace.
It seemed like Atlético was launching yet another attack from the left.
Puyol moved quickly to close him down, joined by the retreating Van Bronckhorst. The two aimed to trap Robben on the flank.
However, just as Robben reached the 30-yard mark, he abruptly stopped and executed a sharp cut inside, catching the Barcelona defense off guard. He then delivered a swift horizontal pass.
Kaka sprinted up to meet Robben's pass, controlling it expertly.
Almost simultaneously, Torres peeled away to the edge of the box, raising his hand to call for the ball, drawing Oleguer out of position.
Edmílson, meanwhile, was still lingering on the edge of the penalty area, failing to drop back in time.
What happened next left everyone stunned.
Kaka, with effortless poise, gently flicked the ball with his right foot, lofting it over the heads of the defenders.
The ball arced beautifully into the space behind the Barcelona defense on the left side.
As the Barça players tracked the ball's flight, they suddenly noticed Villa making a diagonal run, using his body to shield the ball from Belletti.
Inside the penalty area, Belletti dared not risk any rash challenges. He could only watch helplessly as Villa chested the ball down and spun to unleash a thunderous right-footed volley.
Valdés, positioned toward his right, was caught off guard by the sudden strike to his left. He dove desperately but couldn't reach it.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"
"37th minute!"
"Atlético strikes again!!!"
"A stunning goal from Villa!"
"2–0!"
The Calderón erupted once more with deafening cheers and applause.
Villa raced toward the stands, arms outstretched, basking in the thunderous roar of the Atlético faithful.
Behind him, his teammates rushed over, one after another, joining the celebration.
"That was brilliant!"
"This is Atlético's attack—layered, imaginative, and devastating!"
"The individual quality of their players is overwhelming Barcelona's defenders."
"Villa's perfectly executed volley has secured Atlético's second goal of the night."
"He owes a big thank-you to Kaka for that sublime assist."
"Let's take another look at Kaka's lobbed pass—it was pure genius. Villa's follow-up was flawless, chesting it down and firing the volley straight away!"
If the first goal was the blow that opened Barcelona's defense, the second goal built on it, demonstrating Yang Hao's tactical adjustments in response to Barcelona's changes.
Realizing the risks of going toe-to-toe with Atlético at the Calderón, Rijkaard instructed his full-backs to limit their forward runs, ensuring more defensive cover.
With fewer players committed to attack and Xavi under constant pressure, Barcelona's offense gradually lost its sting.
Their defense, however, was temporarily stabilized.
Why only temporarily?
Because Atlético had never shied away from breaking down a parked defense.
And Yang Hao always believed, when it came to playing against Barcelona, he was a professional.
Just before halftime, Atlético seized another opportunity.
Robben, receiving a pass from Maicon, launched yet another attack down the left. This time, Van Bronckhorst managed to disrupt him, forcing Robben to cut inside again and lay the ball off to Kaka.
Kaka, seeing Barcelona's defense compacted in the center, chose not to look for Torres. Instead, he switched the play to the right.
Maicon, surging forward, controlled the ball into the right side of the penalty area. Without hesitation, he whipped in a cross toward the middle of the box.
Edmílson, drawn out by Kaka, was stranded on the edge of the area, while Puyol occupied the near post.
Maicon's cross sailed toward the center, where Torres rose above Oleguer, leaping high to meet it with a powerful header.
The ball rocketed toward the left corner of the net.
Valdés, leaning toward his right, had no time to react. The ball smashed into the back of the net.
43rd minute!
Atlético 3–0 Barcelona!
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on January 2, 2026.
Read 16 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10