This starting lineup was essentially an all-reserve squad.
But the performances of Higuaín, Modrić, Juan Mata, and the others were nothing short of disastrous.
In the end, Real Madrid only managed to equalize thanks to a goal from Reyes and a header by Helguera.
Although this match wasn't particularly important, it was still a bit ridiculous—Su Hang had just declared the goal of winning the treble, and Real Madrid almost crashed out of the Copa del Rey right afterward.
...
January 14th, La Liga Round 18.
Real Madrid hosted Zaragoza at home.
This was a team that Su Hang always seemed to thrive against.
With Zidane back in the side, Su Hang delivered a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a dominant 5–1 home victory.
...
January 17th, Real Madrid training day.
The moment Sergio Ramos had been waiting for finally arrived.
He went in with a flying tackle, cleanly wiping out Higuaín as he dribbled forward.
Pipita sprang to his feet in fury and charged toward Ramos, ready to argue.
But Modrić reacted quickly, grabbing Higuaín and saying,
"Pass the ball! I was right here just now—you could've passed it to me!"
Seeing that Higuaín didn't lunge at him, Ramos felt a trace of disappointment.
That level of "lesson" didn't feel sufficient.
But as a teammate, there wasn't much more he could do.
Otherwise, he'd look like an outright villain.
Su Hang: Uh… aren't you already?
This was factional politics.
Often, things like this were beyond the control of even the top leader.
Su Hang himself didn't know anything about it.
Because at that very moment, he was in Capello's office, applying for a spot in tomorrow's match.
Capello was shocked.
"Su, that's just a Copa del Rey match. Everyone's using substitutes. You—"
Su Hang replied calmly,
"I've been monitoring my physical feedback. I may have already adapted to high-intensity matches. A sudden break could actually make me lose rhythm."
"This summer, I'll rest properly and reset my body clock."
"But before that, I don't dare interrupt this rhythm. Otherwise, when the team truly needs me, I might not be able to find my form."
Capello was stunned.
Was that really how it worked?
Work too much, and suddenly not working feels wrong?
Still, Capello didn't dare take the risk.
Real Madrid, holding both the Ballon d'Or winner and the World Footballer of the Year, were only third in La Liga.
If either of them dropped in form, what would the standings look like then?
"Alright," Capello finally said. "But you must protect yourself. Don't get injured in this kind of match."
"If I think you're tired at any point, I'll take you off immediately."
Su Hang nodded repeatedly.
Tired?
Sorry—he could keep going for three days and three nights.
"Oh right," Su Hang said cheerfully. "Bathroom break? Want to go together?"
Capello accepted without hesitation.
They entered the restroom and each chose a stall.
Before long, more people came in.
"Higuaín, you can't just clash with Ramos like that. He's part of the local clique."
That was Modrić's voice.
The next moment, Higuaín spoke with a sob in his tone.
"Then why did he tackle me like that? He was targeting me—I could feel it!"
"Shh, keep it down," Modrić said quickly. "If others hear this, it'll be trouble."
"Of course Ramos did it on purpose. He's Captain Su's most loyal guard dog!"
Higuaín froze.
"You're saying… the one targeting me wasn't Ramos, but Su?"
Modrić said firmly,
"Yes! Him! He looks generous on the surface, but he favors his own people—meddling in tactics, lineups, even transfers."
"He's wary of you because you have the potential to become the next him."
Higuaín swallowed hard.
"Then what should I do?"
"Seize your chances in the Copa del Rey," Modrić replied.
"Perform well, break into the rotation. I believe you can establish yourself at Real Madrid."
"Don't worry—I'll pass you the ball."
Higuaín was deeply moved.
...
After the two left, some time passed.
Then Capello opened his stall door and locked eyes with Su Hang, who emerged from the other side.
Capello said awkwardly,
"Those two will never get playing time in my team."
Su Hang waved his hands.
"It's fine, not that serious. At least behind closed doors, he still calls me Captain Su. That means he still respects me."
"He's just been a little scared by his weight gain and strength training."
"As for Modrić, he's a good prospect. I truly believe he'll make it—he just needs time. So…"
"Double his training load."
Capello nodded.
"Ball work? Tactical drills? Or physical training?"
Su Hang smiled.
"All of it."
Capello silently offered his condolences to Modrić in advance.
...
January 18th, Copa del Rey Round of 16, first leg.
When Capello announced that Su Hang was included in the matchday squad, Higuaín felt a bad premonition.
Sure enough.
The starting lineup came out—and Higuaín's name was nowhere to be seen.
He was benched.
What surprised him even more was that the team's so-called "big brother," Modrić, was also on the bench.
Borja Valero had taken his starting spot.
The two rebels looked at each other.
Had their conversation leaked?
Modrić whispered,
"Impossible. Absolutely impossible. I checked—every stall."
Higuaín asked,
"How did you check?"
"Except for the first and last ones, I pushed every door open. No one was inside."
"Then why didn't you check the first and last stalls?"
"Because the doors wouldn't open."
Higuaín nodded.
"Oh. Well, that's not your fault then."
The next second, both of them froze.
Wouldn't open?
That meant—
Someone was inside.
Two people, even.
Their faces went pale as their minds spiraled.
Modrić silently prayed: "Please don't let it be Captain Su or Mr. Capello…"
Higuaín nodded.
"Yeah. Probably not them. I heard Mr. Capello has a private bathroom in his office."
As they spoke, a sudden roar of cheers erupted from the pitch.
Higuaín turned his head—Su Hang had scored.
"So strong?" he muttered, turning to find Modrić.
But Modrić was already gone.
A second later, Higuaín saw him sprinting toward the touchline, cheering wildly for Su Hang.
This…
Higuaín suddenly felt like he might have chosen the wrong side.
Was this so-called leader really reliable?
Wasn't he afraid of overdoing it by flattering Su Hang like this?
Fortunately, while celebrating, Modrić shot Higuaín a wink.
Relax. Just playing along.
In the end, Real Madrid cruised to a 4–0 victory over their previously tough opponents.
Su Hang's two goals and one assist were the sole reason the reserve lineup looked dramatically stronger.
After the match, several youth players from Real Betis approached Su Hang to exchange jerseys.
Compared to older players, they were far more willing to accept a newly risen star.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser