Paris Saint-Germain had clearly racked their brains trying to figure out how to contain Haaland.
This incredible center forward was simply too difficult to deal with.
If the defensive line pushed up, it created space behind them, and Haaland's speed became a nightmare for center-backs. If they dropped too deep, his imposing height, excellent strength, and increasingly refined heading ability made him an unstoppable threat in the box.
How should one defend against a striker like this?
This is a problem all central defenders face.
Because Haaland is just too complete.
Tuchel's defensive setup is highly flexible. When Haaland and Rashford pushed forward, PSG's back line contracted, with Mazraoui and Bernat closing the flanks to block crosses.
Once the ball left the penalty area, center-backs Varane and Marquinhos would press the defensive line up, trying to force Haaland out of the danger zone.
But as soon as the Norwegian forward appeared inside the box, the tension skyrocketed.
And with Rashford thrown into the mix, it became deadly.
After several probing attacks early on, Leeds United slightly slowed the tempo.
When their first quick counterattack failed, they immediately slowed the pace and regained possession.
This time, Leeds United attempted a fast break. Davies and Rashford linked up on the left flank, but Mazraoui and Kanté dropped back quickly, with Jorginho recovering centrally, cutting off the transition.
Rashford shielded the ball with his back to goal, pulled out from the penalty area, and laid it off to Enzo Fernández, who was left unmarked.
The Argentine midfielder took control, slowed down the tempo, and tried to dictate the rhythm.
As the ball left the attacking third, Haaland and Rashford, who had initially pushed forward, began to drop deeper. Rashford fell even further back to support Enzo.
Davies also actively retreated.
This gave PSG's defense the illusion that Leeds would switch play to the left, down their right side.
But just then, Enzo didn't pass to Rashford or Davies. Facing Kanté, he shifted his position slightly and delivered a diagonal long ball with his right foot, aiming directly for the right side of the box.
Sancho, initially the deepest of the attacking trident, suddenly surged forward, charging into the right side of the penalty area. Haaland and Rashford, who had been retreating, abruptly turned and sprinted toward goal.
Sancho sprinted to meet the ball's landing spot and, just before it crossed the byline, volleyed it into the center. He and Varane slid out of bounds together.
Navas attempted to block the ball but was positioned too close to the near post and missed it.
The ball flew across the face of goal. Haaland made a quick run, slipped in front of Marquinhos, and slid in to stab it into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Haaland!"
"In the 12th minute, Haaland scores the opener for Leeds United!"
"A brilliant, sudden goal!"
"We just witnessed an absolutely exquisite attacking move from Leeds United!"
"Enzo Fernández's long diagonal pass, Sancho's late run and volleyed cross, followed by Haaland's sliding finish!"
"The entire sequence was lightning quick!"
The Estádio do Dragão erupted in cheers from the Leeds United supporters.
Thousands of fans were roaring.
Haaland sprinted to the sideline and dropped to his knees, once again performing his signature five-heart celebration, soaking in the thunderous cheers.
Cheers and applause echoed throughout the stadium.
The Leeds players swarmed him and hugged him tightly.
"That was a completely unexpected goal."
"Leeds United had already created two dangerous chances, but this one was different."
"After their initial counter failed, they reorganized quickly, caught PSG off guard, and capitalized."
"PSG are in trouble now."
...
Leeds United's strength lies in their relentless ability to create dangerous attacks and exploit any cracks in the opponent's defense.
Once a weakness is exposed, Leeds commit their full force and strike decisively.
PSG knew this.
After conceding, Tuchel didn't dare push forward. Instead, he became more conservative, bracing for the onslaught that was sure to follow.
But the French champions weren't pushovers.
With a compact defensive shape, the midfield trio of Kanté, Jorginho, and Pogba held firm and protected the back line.
After weathering Leeds United's aggressive waves, PSG looked for opportunities to counter.
However, Leeds had prepared specifically for this. Their tactic was to isolate Neymar, Cavani, and Dembélé, cutting them off from each other and forcing them into individual situations.
This meant PSG often had to rely on solo brilliance.
Their players are undoubtedly world-class and capable of great moments. But without cohesive movement, they were forced into taking on defenders one-on-one or drawing fouls.
Especially down the flanks.
This created a strange dynamic. PSG weren't truly threatening in open play, but Leeds United were committing fouls.
As a result, PSG generated several set-piece opportunities.
Marquinhos even came close from a free kick.
Unfortunately for PSG, he couldn't capitalize.
In terms of organized play, they couldn't break down Leeds United.
After the 30-minute mark, Leeds raised their tempo again, increasing the intensity and putting PSG on the back foot.
In the 33rd minute, Leeds were building from midfield when Declan Rice stepped forward, beating Pogba to the ball and forcing a turnover. Valverde quickly sent it down the right.
Sancho, waiting on the edge of the penalty area, whipped in a first-time cross with his right foot.
Haaland charged through the middle and struck with his left.
The shot came suddenly and with immense power, but Navas made a brilliant diving save, tipping it wide.
The Costa Rican keeper was nearly injured by the sheer force of the shot. He shook his hands in pain as he stood up, causing concern on the PSG bench.
Tuchel looked nervous.
Fortunately, Navas signaled he was fine.
But it was a clear reminder of just how powerful Haaland's strikes were.
"Leeds United nearly scored their second!"
"PSG are on the ropes. If Tuchel doesn't make changes soon, things will spiral in the second half."
"And time favors Leeds United."
Although a Champions League final is 90 minutes long, when you fall behind, every passing minute becomes pressure.
That's why scoring first is so crucial.
...
In the final minutes of the first half, Leeds launched another barrage of attacks.
Rashford and Haaland both had looks at goal inside the box.
But on this night, Navas kept PSG alive.
The Costa Rican saved at least three or four top-quality chances, ensuring PSG trailed only 1-0 at the break.
If not for him, it could have easily been 3-0 or worse.
But it was also clear: PSG couldn't handle Leeds United's tempo.
Especially when the English side raised the speed and intensity, PSG couldn't cope.
This wasn't just a tactical mismatch.
It was a reflection of overall form.
This sharpness doesn't just come from training, but from league competition.
Reaching the final proves PSG are a strong team.
But they were fortunate to face Manchester City, who play at a slower tempo, in the semifinals. Had it been Zidane's Real Madrid or Leeds United, they wouldn't have made it.
Against Leeds United's relentless energy, PSG were clearly outmatched.
Pochettino recognized this and sent his team out aggressively at the start of the second half.
His strategy was clear: keep up the pressure, raise the tempo, and drag PSG into a pace they couldn't match.
Leeds started working the flanks.
In the opening five minutes, two consecutive attacks came from wide areas.
First, Hakimi linked up with Sancho on the right and delivered a cross Haaland couldn't reach.
Then, Rashford dropped deep, laid it off to Davies, who got to the byline and whipped in a low cross. Haaland tried to stab it in but was blocked by Marquinhos.
...
Tuchel wiped his face and stared grimly at the pitch.
PSG's flanks were under siege. Leeds United's wide players were simply too dangerous.
Sancho and Hakimi. Rashford and Davies. These combinations can dismantle any team.
Previously, Pogba's side could provide more support, but now, under Valverde's pressure, even he struggled.
Tuchel rushed to the touchline and gestured toward Cavani, urging him to shift wide and exploit the space behind Leeds' advancing full-backs. But he quickly shook his head.
Cavani was 34. He was spent.
The Uruguayan had once been tireless, but age was catching up. Tonight, he looked exhausted.
Tuchel turned and signaled for Choupo-Moting to warm up.
The German-born forward is one of Tuchel's go-to options. At 32, he's younger than Cavani and coming off the bench.
At this point, PSG desperately needed someone who could pin Leeds back and create space.
Only by attacking could they relieve Leeds' pressure.
"How did these guys train to be this fit?" Tuchel muttered, frowning.
But while Choupo-Moting was still warming up, Cavani was gasping for breath, drifting wide to receive a pass from Dembélé.
Rashford tracked back and pressured Mazraoui, whose pass was intercepted by Enzo.
Davies collected the ball and quickly passed to Haaland, who had dropped deep.
Haaland laid it off to Sancho, then turned and sprinted forward.
Sancho surged down the right, caught up with the ball, but Varane and Marquinhos had already tracked back.
Sancho suddenly stopped.
This caught the defenders by surprise.
Varane hesitated but had to stay on Sancho. Bernat continued retreating.
Hakimi arrived.
Sancho's brilliance this season was matched by Hakimi's wide support.
Sancho had clearly waited for Hakimi.
Once Hakimi received the ball, he too slowed down.
Sancho drifted centrally, drawing Varane and creating space for Hakimi.
Suddenly, a white blur streaked through midfield.
Valverde made a powerful run, bursting into the gap between Sancho and Hakimi.
Hakimi, seeing the opportunity, slid a diagonal ball into the box.
Valverde sprinted in, reached the ball on the right side of the box, and whipped in a low cross.
The ball zipped across the turf.
Haaland, who had dropped back earlier, charged into the area, got in front of Marquinhos, and used his physicality to muscle past him, then struck with his right foot.
Navas reacted but couldn't stop it. The ball kissed the inside of the post and hit the back of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"2-0!"
"Haaland again!!"
"A brace!"
"Unbelievable! Leeds United's attack was flawless from start to finish, switching from left to right, and carving PSG open with sharp movement and intelligent passing!"
"Haaland, cool as ever, doubles the lead!"
"2-0! PSG are in big trouble!"
...
With Leeds United leading 2-0, the match was effectively over.
On the pitch, the White Roses held an overwhelming advantage.
PSG now needed a miracle.
But based on their performance, they simply didn't have it in them.
They couldn't keep up with the pace. That was the fatal flaw.
"PSG have completely lost their rhythm!" Wenger shook his head.
He had given up hope.
"It's just like Gao said. They've been too comfortable in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Leeds United have battled on four fronts and still look sharper." Ferguson sighed.
This PSG was even weaker than last season's version.
Even though it was only 2-0, it could have been much worse.
Tuchel had tried to turn things around. He replaced Cavani with Choupo-Moting, brought on Draxler for Jorginho, and switched to a 4-2-3-1.
This did give them some possession.
But Leeds made substitutions too and quickly stabilized.
By then, 80 minutes had passed.
PSG tried to raise the tempo, but they couldn't.
That's what frustrated them most.
When they slowed the game, Leeds would speed it up. When they tried to play fast, Leeds killed the rhythm.
Neymar even picked up a yellow card out of frustration.
By the 85th minute, it was clear PSG were done.
In the stands, Leeds United fans were already celebrating.
"The tide has turned." Ferguson exhaled.
Gao Shen stood up, gripping the rail, ready to applaud.
With this win, Leeds United would complete a historic quadruple.
This was a legendary season.
A new era had begun in European football.
In 2021, fans still spoke of Van Gaal's Ajax.
Today, Leeds United had surpassed that.
This was a season destined for history.
Given Leeds' squad and structure, the Whites would remain a European powerhouse for years.
They could build a dynasty.
This wasn't just Gao Shen's belief. It was shared by Ferguson, Wenger, and football fans around the world.
This title proved it: Gao Shen had been right all along.
Everything he'd done at Leeds United was right.
Ferguson and Wenger both admired him deeply.
Not only as the most successful manager, but as the most successful club owner.
In just a few years, he transformed Leeds from a struggling Championship club into a global giant.
One of the highest-grossing, most advanced, and most respected clubs in Europe.
Gao Shen raised the bar for world football.
His football philosophy is now mainstream. His tech-driven training systems are being adopted everywhere. His management model has been proven at Leeds, Real Madrid, and PSG.
As FIFA President Gianni Infantino once said, Gao Shen single-handedly elevated world football to a new level and opened a brand-new era.
The past 15 years have been an era of turbulence in world football.
But everyone believes the next 15 years will still belong to Gao Shen.
He is a living legend.
(The End.)
Wow, and that's the end. It still feels surreal actually finishing this. It's been over a year since I started, with some of you following from the very beginning, some joining midway, and some hopping on close to the end.
I swear I could work on 500 more chapters, but I doubt I'd be bored. All good things come to an end. I appreciate your support all the way through and for sticking with me until the very end of this masterpiece.
But sadly, our journey comes to an end now.
I was planning to work on another management book about the MC being a club owner and trust me, it's on the same level as this one. But I figured some of you might want a break and focus on a player-journey story for now. So I found one that's equally good.
All Football Abilities Are Mine!
I'll be uploading it immediately, so do check it out, that will be my follow-up football fic for now.
Thank you once again for all your support, and I hope to see you all in All Football Abilities Are Mine! Bye!