On the evening of August 18th.
As it approached 9 p.m., the Bernabéu Stadium in the heart of Madrid was brightly lit and bustling with people.
More than 70,000 Real Madrid fans poured into the stadium, filling every stand.
This was Real Madrid's first game of the season, and it was at home.
When referee Jesús Gil Manzano walked out of the tunnel with his officiating team and the players from both sides, the fans inside the stadium erupted in deafening cheers, as if they could shake down the roof of the Bernabéu.
The roar surged like a tide, sweeping through every corner of the stadium and rattling everyone's eardrums.
The atmosphere grew even crazier, more passionate.
…
"Dear viewers, welcome to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Tonight, we bring you the fifth game of the opening round of the new La Liga season. Real Madrid will host Real Betis."
"So far, four matches have been completed. In three of them, the home side claimed victory. Yesterday afternoon, Real Sociedad defeated Getafe 2-0, and last night Valencia beat Málaga 1-0 at the Mestalla."
"In another key game that just ended, Barcelona thrashed Levante 7-0."
"Barcelona's new head coach Martino has led the team to a string of emphatic wins since taking charge. At the Camp Nou, they stormed past their opponents with seven goals, unleashing a ferocious attacking display."
"Now, with Real Madrid set to host Betis, the pressure is mounting."
"Gao Shen's team missed out on the league title last season. Just yesterday, at the pre-match press conference, Gao Shen confidently declared that Real Madrid's goal this season is to win the treble."
"If the treble is the target, then Real Madrid cannot afford slip-ups in La Liga."
"But Barcelona's huge win earlier today has undoubtedly added more pressure on Madrid."
"Amidst the thunderous cheers of the fans, both teams are now taking the field."
"We can see Real Madrid's starting XI."
"In goal is Courtois, who was the first-choice keeper in La Liga last season."
"Gao Shen has two world-class goalkeepers. Courtois plays in the league, and Iker Casillas in the cup competitions. The roles are clearly divided."
"In defense, there have been changes. Marcos Alonso, Ramos, Varane, and Nacho make up the back four."
"It's a bit surprising to see three key players missing: Marcelo, Carvajal, and Pepe."
"It's obvious that Gao Shen has an eye on the Spanish Super Cup in three days' time, where Real Madrid will face Barcelona here at the Bernabéu."
"Midfield is also interesting, with Pogba, Casemiro, and Verratti."
"Among them, Paul Pogba is the young star Real Madrid signed for 60 million euros from Leeds United this summer. Gao Shen values him highly. Alongside him are Verratti and Casemiro, two of Gao Shen's trusted players. These three young midfielders are starting in the season opener."
"Brave use of youngsters has always been Gao Shen's style."
"Up front, Ronaldo is joined by Dzeko through the middle and Isco on the right."
"I have to say, this is also a surprising decision."
"It's no shock to see Ronaldo start, and it makes sense that Dzeko replaces Benzema. But Isco on the right is unexpected, given his previous struggles in that position last season."
"Especially since Real Madrid have other options for that role, such as Di María, Jesé, Morata, and Vázquez."
"Gao Shen's choice of Isco here is puzzling."
"From this lineup, Real Madrid may be shifting away from a simple 4-3-3, giving major responsibility to young players. The question is, can they deliver under Gao Shen's trust?"
…
After both teams lined up, Gao Shen walked out of the home tunnel.
The stands erupted with wild screams.
Countless fans shouted his name. At first it was scattered, but soon it became organized, until the entire Bernabéu was chanting for him.
Gao Shen, dressed once again in a sharp Kiton suit, waved and smiled to the fans before walking toward the visiting bench.
Betis head coach Pepe Mel, a bald, stocky man with a warm smile, was waiting.
"Welcome to the Bernabéu!" Gao Shen greeted.
"Thank you, Gao!"
After a handshake and a hug, Gao Shen shook hands with the rest of the Betis staff, then returned to Pepe Mel. "Let's hope for a wonderful match tonight. Good luck to you."
"And to you!"
Their exchange was shown live on the big screen, and the fans roared even louder.
…
"If this goes on, I'm starting to wonder if he'll run for the presidency of Real Madrid."
Florentino Pérez, seated in King Juan Carlos' box, chuckled as he watched the scene unfold.
Juan Carlos laughed heartily. "I don't even dare to see him now, in case he wants to challenge me for the throne."
The box burst into laughter.
Years ago, Juan Carlos had joked about giving up his throne for Gao Shen's sake in a Real Madrid match, and that story spread worldwide. Even the King himself would poke fun at it from time to time.
He had once told the media that the throne no longer belonged to him, that he was only keeping it for Gao Shen.
Of course, some believed he was simply riding Gao Shen's popularity.
"To be honest, tonight's match carries a lot of pressure," Juan Carlos said, calming his laughter.
Just two hours earlier, Barcelona demolished Levante 7-0 at the Camp Nou, with all four of their forwards finding the net.
Messi scored once, Neymar twice, while Sánchez and substitute Agüero added one each.
"With Barcelona winning so big, and Gao Shen making such heavy rotations, are you confident?" Juan Carlos asked with concern.
Florentino smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Gao Shen never goes into a battle unprepared."
Juan Carlos nodded. "If he really wins the treble this season, I'd gladly give him the throne."
Laughter filled the box once more.
Your Majesty, hadn't you already given it up?
Are you planning to reclaim it just to make another joke?
On the pitch, both teams had taken their positions.
From the box, it was clear that Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3, with Isco indeed stationed on the right wing.
This was surprising.
Isco lacked pace and explosiveness on the flank. Why would Gao Shen choose him there?
The match began with Betis striker Molina kicking off.
Amid cheers from the stands, Real Madrid's attacking trio surged quickly into Betis' half.
The game was underway.
…
Betis, after kicking off, didn't retreat far. Instead, they attempted a long ball toward the left, aiming for Real Madrid's right side and looking for Cedric.
Varane charged forward decisively, winning the header and clearing.
But the ball crossed the halfway line and was headed back into Madrid's half by a Betis player. Moreno collected it on the right, laid it off to Verdú, but Casemiro pressed aggressively and won possession.
As soon as Casemiro recovered the ball, three Betis players swarmed him, forcing him to pass backwards.
He played it to Pepe, who returned it to Courtois.
The goalkeeper controlled the ball near his six-yard box, raised his hand, and signaled his teammates to stay calm.
On the sidelines, Gao Shen remained composed.
He had already said all he needed to before the match. Now, it was up to the players.
Courtois played it short to Ramos. The captain carried it forward to the left, but Molina shadowed him closely.
Ramos abruptly turned, switching direction to the right, yet the Betis striker stuck with him.
Pepe and Casemiro were both tightly marked, leaving Ramos with few options.
Just then, Pogba dropped deep, raising his hand for the ball.
Ramos immediately passed to him.
Betis defenders pressed, but Pogba, shielding with his back to goal, quickly laid it off to Marcos Alonso on the left, then spun forward with a shout.
Alonso returned the pass first-time, perfectly into Pogba's path, completing a neat one-two on the flank.
Pogba then slid it into Ronaldo.
The Portuguese star dropped back, held it up, and played it back to Alonso, who sent it on to Pogba again. Pogba dragged it with his right foot, shifted sideways, adjusted his body, and launched a long pass.
It was well-placed, though the arc was a little high and the pace slightly slow.
Nacho sprinted down the right flank, meeting Pogba's ball with a header into his own stride. Accelerating at full tilt, he reached the right edge of Betis' penalty area.
Coincidentally, Betis' left-back, also named Nacho, was their captain. But unlike Madrid's Nacho, who was from the capital, Betis' Nacho hailed from Málaga.
Still, Madrid's Nacho was clearly faster. After controlling Pogba's pass, he used his pace to break to the byline and whipped in a low cross with his right foot.
The ball flew at high speed toward the near post. Dzeko made a sharp run, rising between the two Betis center-backs to flick a header on.
The deflection carried the ball toward the far post.
Ronaldo, bursting in at full speed, met it with a direct strike.
His shot flew low to the left.
Goalkeeper Andersen dived desperately, but he was too late. The ball hit the net.
"!!!!!!"
"54 seconds!"
"Just 54 seconds into the game, Real Madrid strike first against Betis!"
"This is truly a dream start!"
(To be continued.)