Chapter 29:
After leaving Old Trafford and heading back to the hotel, Yang Hao kept reflecting on the proposal Ferguson had just made.
Of course, it wasn't because he was tempted to go to Manchester United, spend two or three years there, and then take Ferguson's place.
That sly old fox was clearly trying to con him.
NND! Back in 2002 or so, Ferguson had already announced he would retire, claiming he'd step down after winning a Champions League. And what happened?
Did he retire after winning the Champions League?
Three years passed, then another three, and yet another three. A pure master of bluffing!
What Yang Hao was really pondering was the phenomenon Ferguson was now facing.
Since arriving in 2023, Yang Hao had noticed that modern football tactics and strategies seemed rather crude and lacking refinement.
Whether it was in terms of tactical specialization or team data analysis, everything still felt quite primitive.
This inevitably tied into the issue of talent within a team.
Yang Hao clearly remembered that when Barcelona won the treble with their "Dream Team" in 2009, Guardiola's first-team coaching staff alone consisted of more than 30 people, each with their specific roles.
Mind you, these were all coaches, not support staff.
After winning the treble, during the club's presidential elections, Rosell came into power and deemed the coaching staff too bloated, so he reduced it. Even then, about 20 people remained.
Why was Ferguson so insistent on finding an assistant coach who could take full charge?
The reason was simple: there was too much work to handle.
Previously, hiring a head coach usually meant the coach brought along two or three assistants, and that was it.
At that time, everything within the team was under the head coach's control. Decisions were made based on his experience and capabilities.
But that approach had become too demanding.
The workload kept increasing, especially with the growing number of matches, players, and the increasingly specialized management, training, and tactical planning.
In 2023, Yang Hao often visited different teams to observe. Well, to be honest, he spent the most time watching Real Madrid's training sessions. In just one training session, they often needed five or six coaches. Some took notes, others assisted players on the field, and some focused on post-training communication with the players...
The more specialized the roles, the more tasks there were to manage.
Ferguson was still using the old patriarchal coaching model, so it was no surprise he was feeling overwhelmed.
If Yang Hao remembered correctly, Ferguson brought in Carlos Queiroz around 2002.
This Portuguese coach was no ordinary figure. In his autobiography, Ferguson spoke highly of him, praising Queiroz for not only taking full charge of training and tactical planning but also assisting Manchester United in revamping their tactical approach and even playing a role in transfers.
As Ferguson said earlier, if he retired, it would only make sense for Queiroz to succeed him.
But of course, the stubborn Sir Alex outlasted one assistant after another until Moyes finally came along.
Yang Hao, in his past life, wasn't at all surprised by Moyes' inability to handle Manchester United.
At that time, Everton wasn't even close to the scale of Manchester United.
And it wasn't just about player quality or reputation. It was about the entire support system that Manchester United had, a scale Everton could never match.
As for why Van Gaal, Mourinho, and others also struggled, that's another story. Maybe there will be time to discuss it in the future.
From Ferguson's words, Yang Hao gained a clear sense of the future direction of football.
And reflecting on Atlético Madrid, he realized that the first-team coaching staff had already grown to more than ten members, and they were starting to be organized into different levels.
While everyone still knew each other, not all of them reported directly to Yang Hao.
Looking to the future, as staff numbers continued to grow, roles would become even more specialized.
Additionally, as Atlético's results kept improving, more and more external offers would target their players. Retaining them would naturally become more expensive.
That's why Yang Hao always urged Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil to focus on making money as soon as possible.
The number of first-team players and coaching staff would only continue to increase over the coming years. Salaries and benefits would also rise, placing greater financial pressure on the club.
If at that point the club's revenue couldn't keep up, there would be only two options.
The first would be to sell players, weakening the team and possibly relegating them to the level of past teams like Valencia, Deportivo La Coruña, or Sevilla. At best, they could be like the old Atlético, comfortably sitting as LaLiga's "third force" behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Occasionally, they might assemble a strong group of players, enjoy a good run, and win a league title. That would be the ceiling.
The second option would be to operate under heavy debt. But since Atlético wasn't a member-owned club like Madrid or Barça, that strategy wouldn't last long. Ultimately, they would need to find a wealthy buyer.
In the end, it all came down to one word: money.
At this stage, Atlético still didn't have the strength to fully challenge a giant like Real Madrid.
Yang Hao had been feeling this more and more recently.
During the period when Atlético focused on the Champions League match against Manchester United, Real Madrid had a few dips in league form, but Atlético failed to seize the opportunity and push ahead.
Even José Ramón de la Morena from Cadena SER said Atlético was still missing "one final push." They lacked hard strength.
Yes, that "final push" was the gap they needed to bridge.
But how was that gap to be closed?
Atlético's first eleven was highly competitive, and their substitutes and rotation players weren't bad. But when facing strong LaLiga teams like Deportivo or Mallorca, they struggled.
In that aspect, they couldn't compare to Real Madrid.
Madrid's bench included players like McManaman, Savio, Solari, Flavio, and Celades. All of them were core players for top teams in major leagues.
Even Gremi, who faced heavy criticism at Madrid, became a key player for a mid-to-upper Premier League team after leaving.
Behind Madrid's massive squad was a massive salary budget and immense financial power.
This disparity became especially clear during LaLiga's 28th round.
Madrid faced Celta Vigo away in what could be considered a clash of strong teams.
Celta, sixth in the league, had shown their quality early in the season.
Del Bosque, having played in the Champions League midweek, opted for heavy rotation. He rested players like Hierro, Cannavaro, Zidane, Figo, Raúl, and Roberto Carlos.
Despite Celta's fierce attacking, Madrid, with Makelele and Flavio in a defensive midfield pairing, held firm.
Then, in the 65th minute of the second half, Del Bosque brought on Raúl and Zidane.
In the 82nd minute, Zidane assisted Raúl for the winning goal.
The result: 1–0. Madrid secured an away win in a tough match.
And Atlético?
Yang Hao tried a similar rotation strategy, but the results were entirely different.
The 24th Minute of the First Half:
Valencia's Aimar made a strong dribble through the center, drawing the attention of Cambiasso and other defenders before passing the ball to the left. Kily González sent a cross from the left wing.
Norwegian giant Carew distracted two center-backs in the middle, allowing Angulo to overpower Evra at the far post with a header to score.
In the second half, Yang Hao made successive substitutions, and in the 72nd minute, Deco assisted Diego Forlán to score and equalize the match.
However, despite Atlético's relentless attacks afterward, they could not breach Valencia's defense again.
The match ended 1–1, with Atlético sharing the spoils at home against Valencia.
...
Downward Spiral!
This was how the Spanish media described Atlético after Matchday 28.
Since February, Atlético had noticeably struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid.
Particularly with the Copa del Rey and Champions League in full swing, Atlético's dual-front campaign repeatedly encountered difficulties.
After this round, Atlético trailed Real Madrid by as much as seven points.
With only 10 league games remaining, this gap seemed almost impossible to close.
The pro-Madrid newspaper AS celebrated wildly after learning of Atlético's draw with Valencia, declaring that the league title was now within Real Madrid's grasp.
"It's not that Atlético has been unimpressive. On the contrary, their current tally of 65 points puts them 15 points ahead of third-placed Valencia, which is an exceptional achievement."
"But Real Madrid is simply too strong!"
AS even suggested that, based on Madrid's current form, they could easily break the 100-point mark in the league, claiming the title in the most dominant fashion in La Liga history.
Not only that, but Madrid was also making great strides in the Champions League and Copa del Rey. They were virtually guaranteed a place in the Champions League quarterfinals and had already reached the Copa del Rey final.
"Del Bosque's team has shown unprecedented dominance this season, making it entirely possible for them to compete on all three fronts—La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey—and secure the treble. This would be an unparalleled achievement in Spanish football history!"
While the Spanish media lavished praise on Real Madrid, their tone toward Atlético was more critical.
The reasons weren't hard to guess: since February, Atlético had dropped points frequently and struggled to find consistent form.
Although they managed to defeat Manchester United twice with 1–0 victories in the Champions League and eliminated Deportivo La Coruña in the Copa del Rey to reach the final, their league performance lagged behind, allowing Madrid to widen the gap.
Atlético's chances of winning the title were now extremely slim.
"Yang Hao's team is enough to make Atlético fans proud, but unfortunately, they've run into an unstoppable Real Madrid!"
Only four days after Matchday 28, the Copa del Rey final loomed.
Spanish media eagerly anticipated this match.
Real Madrid's vice-captain, the Golden Boy Raúl, expressed in an interview that the away win against Celta Vigo, which extended their lead to seven points, was a rare and crucial victory for the team.
"This was a very important match. Securing these three points not only brought us a step closer to the title but also restored our confidence, especially as we prepare for Wednesday's Copa del Rey final."
Raúl acknowledged Atlético's impressive performance over the past two seasons, describing them as a strong team. He added that the Copa del Rey final, coinciding with Real Madrid's centenary celebration, made the match even more extraordinary.
"Yes, it will be a tough game, but I don't think it will affect us. We're a team accustomed to winning. My teammates and I will give our all in the match."
"Our opponents are indeed tenacious and highly capable, but I've always believed that for Real Madrid, victory doesn't depend on the opponent's strength but on ourselves."
Raúl's sentiments were echoed by captain Fernando Hierro.
Hierro emphasized that the Copa del Rey final, held at the Bernabéu during the club's centenary celebration, carried a special meaning for Real Madrid but wouldn't waver the team's determination.
"This will only make us even more motivated!"
Hierro, however, reminded his teammates that Atlético is a formidable team and warned against complacency, even when playing at home.
"I'm confident that if we give our all, the victory will belong to Real Madrid!"
Head coach Vicente del Bosque had heavily rotated his squad during the match against Celta Vigo, clearly with the Copa del Rey final in mind.
"Our team is in excellent form right now. In the past few games, we've been fine-tuning everything, and both the team and the players have performed at an extremely high level. We are confident we can defeat our opponents at the Bernabéu and win the Copa del Rey!"
However, Del Bosque denied that the Real Madrid management had issued a must-win directive for the match, stating that he had received no such instructions.
"In fact, we all understand that such demands don't exist."
Real Madrid's sporting director, Jorge Valdano, also dismissed the notion of a must-win order. He described the Copa del Rey final as the perfect conclusion to Madrid's centenary celebrations.
"The Copa del Rey title will be the best birthday gift for Real Madrid's centennial!"
Valdano remarked, "The match will be between two of Europe's strongest teams, making it a monumental game that fans will remember for years. And we are one of the teams in it."
"Hosting such a match during the club's centenary at the Bernabéu is unparalleled. I can't imagine anything more significant or spectacular, and I trust that the coaching staff and players are fully prepared."
"We will claim this title!"
In addition, Real Madrid's superstars like Zidane, Figo, Morientes, and Guti all gave interviews to the media, repeatedly expressing their confidence and desire to win the Copa del Rey final.
Clearly, everyone understood how much this match meant to Real Madrid.
For the past hundred days, Madrid had been building hype with countdowns and various celebratory events.
For instance, Real Madrid had invited the world's three greatest tenors to perform live at the Bernabéu, promising an unprecedented musical spectacle.
Over the past six months, Madrid, in collaboration with Spanish television, organized large-scale talent competitions for singers and models, with the finals scheduled during the centenary celebrations.
On the evening of March 6, the newly selected talents would perform during the festivities.
Throughout this period, Madrid's TV channels aired weekly specials on Real Madrid's 100-year history, achieving consistently high ratings.
Sports newspapers like Marca and AS spared no effort in promoting Madrid's centenary celebration.
All these events built toward the night of March 6.
For a time, all of Europe—no, the entire world—was eagerly awaiting what promised to be the most remarkable Copa del Rey final in history.
Real Madrid fans viewed it as the start of a glorious new chapter.
Because from that night, they believed, Real Madrid would take their first step toward a historic treble!
But amidst the chorus of praise, there was a discordant note.
Atlético's head coach Yang Hao gave an exclusive interview to El País, openly declaring that Atlético would show no mercy during Real Madrid's centenary celebrations.
"On the contrary, this makes us even more motivated!"
"I know Real Madrid has done an extraordinary amount of preparation for this, but so have we."
"I told my players, we're going to achieve a Maracanã-style victory at Real Madrid's centenary celebration, so the world will never forget this Atlético team!"
Many Real Madrid fans were puzzled, speculating: What is a Maracanã-style victory?
Real Madrid's mouthpiece, AS, quickly responded, asserting that Yang Hao and his Atlético Madrid lacked the ability to achieve such a feat.
The so-called Maracanã-style victory refers to the 1950 World Cup final held at Brazil's Maracanã Stadium, where Uruguay, under the watchful eyes of Brazilian fans, snatched the World Cup title that Brazil had considered theirs.
It was hailed as a classic victory!
Yang Hao's message was clear: he wanted the world to know that Atlético would be the disruptor!
Real Madrid might dream of winning during their centenary celebrations, but they shouldn't even think about it!
...
The verbal duel between the two teams before the match added even more drama to this clash.
As the centenary celebrations drew near, this grand occasion began dominating major media outlets worldwide. In Europe, it occupied front-page headlines of authoritative outlets almost daily.
Spain's King Juan Carlos and Prime Minister announced they would attend the event, alongside government officials, FIFA and UEFA executives, and other dignitaries.
On a televised special, King Juan Carlos expressed heartfelt sentiments:
"In my heart, Real Madrid represents Spain, and it symbolizes decades of resilience for the royal family."
Some media outlets revealed the unprecedented scale of Real Madrid's centenary celebrations, befitting the grandeur of the 20th century's best club. With over 40 celebratory events, the total expenditure exceeded €60 million.
Beyond the football match, one event was indirectly related to Yang Hao.
Before the game, alongside performances by tenors and singers, the event would feature a fashion show at the Bernabéu, showcasing global designer brands with dozens of world-class supermodels.
Among the models was Yang Hao's ex-girlfriend, Alessandra Ambrosio.
Some media outlets, eager to stir controversy, speculated that both Yang Hao's ex and his current girlfriend would appear at the Bernabéu. This was touted as a potential highlight of the centenary celebrations.
Yang Hao declined to comment, as he never discussed his private life in public.
When some media suggested that Atlético might "help" their neighbors during Real Madrid's centenary, Yang Hao vehemently refuted the idea:
"Defying power is ingrained in Atlético Madrid's values. Our blood flows with the spirit of resistance. We always fight against power, never compromising!"
"Far from being timid or compliant, we will perform better and fight harder than ever before. We will battle until the final second of the match!"
"This is Atlético Madrid's belief!"
Yang Hao's statement garnered unanimous support from Atlético players, management, and legends. It also resonated with non-Real Madrid fans everywhere.
Wasn't it Real Madrid's idea to schedule the Copa del Rey final during their centenary celebrations?
Fine—if they wanted the title, they'd have to prove they deserved it!
...
While Yang Hao struck a tough tone publicly, internally, he focused on calming his players.
In team meetings, he advised his players to approach the match with a normal mindset:
"This is Real Madrid's centenary celebration, not ours."
Yang Hao reminded his Atlético players that Real Madrid couldn't afford to lose this match, but Atlético could.
"When the whole world expects us to lose, what do we have to worry about?"
During this time, Atlético's two full-time psychologists implemented a series of stress-relief and support measures to prevent players from feeling overwhelmed.
Yang Hao himself remained composed.
Pre-match preparations followed the usual routines, with no special emphasis placed on the occasion.
Yang Hao hoped his players would enter the pitch with a clear mind.
He understood that if Atlético stayed calm, the pressure would shift entirely to Real Madrid.
During their centenary celebrations, Real Madrid would desperately want to win. The grander the spectacle they created, the more impatient their players would feel on the field.
This was what Irureta referred to as Atlético's psychological edge before the match even began.
To ensure his players approached the match with tranquility, Yang Hao declined all visits, even rejecting Jesus Gil's request to speak to the players before the match.
He also turned down Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil's proposal to offer additional bonuses to the players.
Yang Hao was determined to treat this match as a regular game.
This resulted in a stark contrast: Real Madrid created a massive buzz with continuous events, while Atlético maintained an unusually low profile.
Outside of Yang Hao's interviews and the players' support for their coach, there was little news from Atlético.
In contrast, Real Madrid dominated the spotlight, with their preparations attracting global attention.
Everyone knew Real Madrid had to win this match.
While it was public knowledge that King Juan Carlos was a staunch Real Madrid fan, Prime Minister José María Aznar added fuel to the fire by revealing in an interview:
"When I was seven, I dreamed of becoming a player like Di Stéfano and playing for Real Madrid."
This sparked even more attention.
It was evident that Real Madrid had spared no effort for their centenary celebrations.
On match day, while regions like England and Germany were still blanketed in snow, Madrid, situated on the Iberian Peninsula, enjoyed bright sunshine and clear skies.
Spring had arrived!
...
"All commemorative activities are ready, and we've rehearsed them over the past few days."
On the morning of the Copa del Rey final, the Bernabéu Stadium was temporarily open only to its museum and official stores, with the pitch closed to visitors as final preparations for the centenary celebrations were underway.
The renowned artistic director Rodríguez from the multinational media group Carat, who oversaw the event, accompanied Florentino Pérez and other Real Madrid executives to inspect the evening's program and preparations.
"For the event, we'll display all the trophies the club has won over the past century along both sides of the players' tunnel, connecting to a central stage on the pitch," Rodríguez explained.
"We've invited world-class bands to perform live. The opening acts include singers who won fan-favorite competitions, starting at 6 PM."
"After the singers, there will be a fashion show featuring over 20 world-class supermodels wearing designer brands. They'll walk from the players' tunnel to the stage and back."
"Next, Plácido Domingo will perform our team anthem, followed by performances from other tenors like Carreras. These acts will push the atmosphere to its peak, setting the stage for the Copa del Rey final."
Rodríguez, Europe's finest artistic director for major celebrations, had successfully organized numerous high-profile events, including state-level ceremonies.
This time, Florentino spared no expense to bring him in to design Real Madrid's centenary celebration.
"Will the King and Queen host the celebration?" Florentino asked with concern.
"Yes, the King is especially excited," Rodríguez replied with a smile.
The entire Real Madrid fanbase eagerly awaited the event.
The club received top-tier recognition from all sectors, from the Spanish royal family and government to UEFA and FIFA.
For instance, FIFA had announced last year that December 18, 2002, would officially be designated Real Madrid Day. On that day, Real Madrid would host a friendly match against a World All-Stars XI at the Bernabéu.
This wasn't just any friendly.
The key detail was that no official matches could take place anywhere else in the world on that day. In other words, on December 18, the only sanctioned football match on the entire planet would be at the Bernabéu.
This exemplifies the level of prestige FIFA afforded Real Madrid.
Tonight, the Bernabéu would host not just Spain's and Europe's elite in politics and business but also ambassadors and officials from around the world.
Even three former U.S. presidents were in attendance, an unprecedented level of distinction for any sporting event.
Florentino had clearly spared no effort for this match.
After inspecting the Bernabéu, Florentino and his entourage returned to the administrative office.
"How are Del Bosque's preparations coming along?" Florentino asked the moment he sat down.
"Everything is going smoothly. The players have been rotated over the past few games to ensure they are in peak condition for tonight."
Florentino seemed slightly relieved. "And what about Atlético?"
"No news from them—very low profile," came the reply.
Florentino nodded. With Real Madrid's overwhelming media presence and promotional buildup, Atlético had no choice but to stay in the shadows.
With their limited resources, how could Atlético possibly compete with Real Madrid?
"Still, we need to be cautious. Tell Del Bosque that tonight's match is extremely, extremely, extremely important!"
Florentino emphasized the word "extremely" three times.
"The world's media will be watching the Bernabéu tonight, watching this match. We've organized an unprecedentedly grand celebration in football history; now all we need is that trophy."
Valdano nodded. He understood the significance of this moment.
The Real Madrid management had invested so much effort into this occasion to boost the club's momentum and promote its brand. Winning the Copa del Rey tonight would be crucial.
"I've been following public sentiment closely," Butragueño chimed in. "Atlético has been unusually quiet before the match, so most people don't believe they stand a chance. Many think it's nearly impossible for them to win."
Clearly, this was good news for Real Madrid.
"Let's hope so," Florentino sighed.
But deep down, Florentino couldn't fully relax when it came to Yang Hao.
It was a peculiar feeling, one he couldn't quite explain.
On paper, Real Madrid boasted superstars like Zidane, Raúl, Figo, Morientes, Roberto Carlos, and Casillas. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they could crush Atlético's squad of young talents.
Add to that the home advantage at the Bernabéu and the incredible atmosphere they had created. Florentino couldn't see any logical reason for Real Madrid to lose tonight.
He had even overheard guests, including King Juan Carlos, expressing hopes for a resounding victory—a dazzling display of Real Madrid's characteristic attacking football to decisively dismantle Atlético.
Not just a win, but a victory so glorious that the world would watch in awe and admiration.
The best players, the best football, the best club.
That was nobility. That was Real Madrid.
Yet, deep in his heart, Florentino felt an inexplicable unease.
Yang Hao was a wildcard—always unpredictable, always surprising.
Realizing he could do little more, Florentino turned to Valdano.
"Jorge," he said.
Valdano nodded.
"You're the professional here, the sporting director. Keep an eye on things. We cannot lose this match tonight!"
Valdano nodded firmly. "Don't worry. We won't mess this up!"
"Good. I trust you," Florentino replied, slapping his thighs as he stood up.
"Let's go meet our guests."
...
Although this was Real Madrid's centenary celebration, the match was still arranged under the strict protocols of a Copa del Rey final.
For instance, the fan distribution at the Bernabéu was evenly split between Real Madrid and Atlético supporters.
However, nearly all the VIP guests were associated with Real Madrid and seated in the president's box.
As the players from both teams, led by referee Mejuto González, walked out of the tunnel and onto the Bernabéu pitch, thunderous applause erupted from the stands.
It was clear the crowd had been electrified by the lively pre-match performances.
Yang Hao was the last to leave the dressing room.
As he walked through the player tunnel, he encountered a group of supermodels who had just finished their performance and were heading to the stands.
Seeing Yang Hao, many of them smiled and nodded in recognition. Clearly, they had heard of him.
"Hello, Yang," Alessandra Ambrosio greeted him warmly, walking over for a polite hug.
"Too bad you couldn't catch our show earlier."
Yang Hao had parted ways with her amicably, and they remained on good terms. He even thought about catching up with her in the future when time allowed.
"Good luck tonight," she said with a smile.
"Thanks," Yang Hao replied with a polite nod.
As he exited the tunnel, he saw the players from both teams lining up for a group photo, with a massive Copa del Rey banner displayed in the center.
Just as Yang Hao stepped onto the pitch, he saw Del Bosque approaching with a smile and an outstretched hand.
"Hello, Vicente," Yang Hao greeted him with a smile.
"Welcome to the Bernabéu," Del Bosque replied, shaking his hand warmly.
"Let's hope for a great match tonight."
Yang Hao nodded, "Same here."
The two headed to their respective technical areas.
As fierce city rivals, Atlético Madrid was determined to go all out against Real Madrid tonight. The tension extended beyond the pitch, with both teams clashing in every way possible.
For example, Atlético fans unveiled a massive Tifo in the stands, featuring Real Madrid's crest but with the crown removed from the top. Next to it was Atlético's crest, adorned with the crown that once belonged to Real Madrid.
As the display unfurled, the stadium erupted with cheers from Atlético fans.
It was a declaration of war!
Tonight, Atlético was intent on stripping Real Madrid of their pride!
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans focused on cheering for their team, hoping their superstars would rise to the occasion.
...
Starting XI for Real Madrid:
Goalkeeper: CasillasDefenders: Roberto Carlos, Hierro, Cannavaro, SalgadoMidfielders: Makelele, Helguera (deep-lying), Zidane, Raúl, Figo (advanced)Forward: Morientes
After two seasons of working together, Zidane and Figo had fully integrated into the team and developed excellent chemistry with Raúl.
Although Real Madrid's formation was officially a 4-2-3-1, in reality, they rarely stuck rigidly to it during matches.
Raúl frequently drifted to the right, leaving the central-left area for Zidane. Raúl also stayed close to Morientes, often making late runs into the box.
Even Figo on the right often drifted toward the middle.
Real Madrid's superstars thrived on individual brilliance. Every player possessed exceptional personal skill.
Zidane, Raúl, Figo, and Morientes—just having these four players leading the attack was enough to intimidate any opponent.
And let's not forget Roberto Carlos lurking behind.
Starting XI for Atlético Madrid:
Goalkeeper: Van der SarDefenders: Aurelio, Carvalho, Lucio, BellettiMidfielders: Cambiasso, Simeone, Baraja (deep-lying); Deco, Kaká (advanced)Forward: Adriano
Yang Hao once again opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation.
After a series of tough matches, he had come to appreciate the benefits of this tactical setup, particularly its defensive solidity. Facing Real Madrid's star-studded lineup tonight, Yang Hao stuck with this approach.
This decision clearly signaled his strategy for the match: solid defense with sharp counterattacks.
With Real Madrid playing at home and under pressure to win, Atlético aimed to exploit their psychological state by breaking down their defense with swift counterattacks.
Even if Del Bosque anticipated Atlético's tactics, there was little he could do about it—he had no choice but to push forward.
But to everyone's surprise, despite Atlético's ostensibly conservative 4-3-2-1 setup, the team pressed aggressively from the opening whistle.
When Real Madrid kicked off, they immediately felt the intensity of Atlético's high pressing.
The front three surged into Real Madrid's half, while the midfield trio and backline pushed up to the halfway line.
Real Madrid was caught off guard.
Roberto Carlos attempted to carry the ball past the halfway line on the left but was swiftly tackled by Baraja, who slid in and sent the ball out of bounds while also bringing down Carlos.
The referee did not blow his whistle and signaled for play to continue with a Real Madrid throw-in.
Carlos hurled the ball forward toward Morientes, but Lucio stepped in front and headed it away decisively.
The ball pinged back and forth near the halfway line as both sides fought fiercely. The pace of the game was electric, with relentless challenges from both teams.
Real Madrid exuded an aggressive intensity from the start, clearly aiming to overwhelm Atlético early.
But they hadn't expected Atlético to match their aggression, taking the fight directly to them.
Weren't Atlético supposed to play defensively and counterattack?
Del Bosque glanced over at Yang Hao on the visitors' bench, feeling a twinge of helplessness.
His plan had been to launch an opening blitz to take Atlético down swiftly. In his mind, it was unlikely Atlético would choose to attack. Real Madrid had the confidence that came with their superior squad.
Yet, Yang Hao defied expectations by starting on the front foot.
As Del Bosque pondered, the dynamic on the pitch suddenly shifted.
Atlético intercepted the ball near midfield and passed it to Kaká.
The Brazilian controlled the ball and prepared to accelerate forward. But before he could get going, Makelele stepped in and cleanly dispossessed him without committing a foul.
The crowd erupted in applause from Real Madrid fans.
"That was an excellent tackle!"
"Real Madrid move quickly with a forward pass to Zidane."
"Zidane drives toward the center but is immediately surrounded by Baraja and Belletti."
"Atlético wins the ball back with tight, disciplined defending."
"They pass forward again, finding Kaká in space."
"Kaká controls it, accelerates, and drives forward before laying it off to Deco."
"Deco escapes Helguera and delivers a diagonal pass to Adriano at the edge of the box."
"Adriano receives it with his back to goal, traps it with his left foot, turns, and shoots!"
"Casillas dives and makes a fantastic save!"
"That's the first shot on goal of the night—a long-range effort from Adriano at the edge of the box!"
"Atlético Madrid isn't playing defensively tonight."
"Cannavaro looks slightly overwhelmed in one-on-one situations with Adriano."
"It's clear that Real Madrid won't have an easy time winning tonight."
"As fierce city rivals, Atlético won't go down without a fight."
"Our team has become very strong," said Jesus Gil, seated in the VIP section of the president's box. He smiled contentedly as he watched the match unfold.
It had been quite some time since Jesus Gil last attended an Atlético Madrid match. His doctors had forbidden it, citing his high blood pressure and heart issues. Emotional fluctuations, they warned, could pose serious risks.
But tonight was a special occasion, and he had made his way to the stadium.
"Yes, we've just completed a double victory over Manchester United in the Champions League. Advancing to the quarterfinals looks very likely," added Miguel Gil, seated beside him, pride evident in his voice.
When Jesus Gil stepped back from his leadership role, he had been apprehensive about leaving the club in Miguel's hands. However, Atlético Madrid's progress had far exceeded everyone's expectations—Miguel's included.
And all of this—the results on the pitch and the club's management—was thanks to Yang Hao.
"When you recommended Yang Hao, I thought he was too young, too unreliable. But now, it seems you were right," Jesus Gil said, turning to his son with a rare expression of approval.
On the field, after Atlético Madrid's first shot on goal, the team engaged in a few more hard-fought exchanges with Real Madrid before gradually retreating into a defensive posture.
The 4-3-2-1 formation offered significant defensive solidity. The backline was stable, making it difficult for Real Madrid to penetrate the penalty area. Most of their attempts came from long-range shots or set pieces, such as when Figo won a free kick after drawing a foul from Cambiasso while dribbling.
However, none of these efforts posed a real threat.
"In the past, whenever I watched Atlético play—even during Antic's double-winning era—I'd always worry about our defense. But tonight, even though it looks like we're under pressure, I feel surprisingly calm," Jesus Gil remarked.
While he didn't understand tactical intricacies, he could sense how the game was unfolding.
Real Madrid's stars, whether Zidane on the left, Figo on the right, or Raúl in the middle, often relied on individual skill to create chances.
It felt as though they weren't operating as a cohesive unit.
Jesus Gil couldn't discern whether this was due to Atlético's defensive structure or Real Madrid's overly loose tactics. Nonetheless, that was his impression.
Of course, the individual brilliance of Real Madrid's stars was undeniable. Occasionally, they produced moments of dazzling quality that made his heart skip a beat.
"Yang Hao said we have a real chance this season—not just in the Copa del Rey, but also in the Champions League and La Liga," Miguel Gil noted.
A flicker of hope lit up in Jesus Gil's clouded eyes as he nodded slowly.
"That would be great. If we can win the Champions League, I could die without regrets."
In Atlético Madrid's century-long history, they had never won the Champions League.
Last season's UEFA Cup victory was their first European trophy.
Jesus Gil had poured resources into the club over the years, hoping Atlético could achieve greatness in La Liga and the Champions League, breaking free from the shadow of their city rivals, Real Madrid.
Now, it seemed that Yang Hao's team was on the brink of fulfilling that vision.
Not only were they holding their own against a star-studded Real Madrid tonight, but they were also a young team.
A squad like this, even if unsuccessful this season, was bound to succeed within two or three years if they stayed the course.
As Jesus Gil reflected, his thoughts wandered to the agreement between Yang Hao and the club.
Yang Hao was already ahead of schedule in fulfilling his side of the wager.
Rather than feeling any disappointment about losing the bet, Jesus Gil felt deeply gratified.
...
"You were right—Real Madrid's players are getting anxious," remarked Juanma Lillo, standing by the visitors' technical area.
As he observed the match, his expression was relaxed. He showed no signs of intimidation, even against Real Madrid's galaxy of stars.
Yang Hao's strategy for the match was clear: start by clashing head-on with Real Madrid to disrupt their rhythm, then gradually fall back into a solid defensive structure, forcing Real Madrid to carry the psychological burden. Over time, this would wear them down.
The reasoning was simple: Real Madrid couldn't afford to lose tonight.
Many might not understand the difference in pressure between this match and, say, a Champions League final. In a final, both sides are equally desperate to win and equally afraid to lose—creating a balance of nerves.
Tonight, however, Real Madrid's mental load was far heavier than Atlético's.
Their pressure would only grow as the match progressed and time ticked away.
If Atlético managed to score another goal, Real Madrid might completely unravel.
The best example of their growing impatience came in the 12th minute.
Figo dribbled diagonally into the penalty area, attempting to deliver a pass into the box. Raúl made a late run toward the right side of the penalty area but was blocked by Carvalho, who used his body to shield the ball. Raúl couldn't reach Figo's pass and watched helplessly as the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
Known for his composure, Raúl uncharacteristically shouted at Carvalho.
But Carvalho wasn't one to back down. The Portuguese defender shouted back, and the two players, hands behind their backs, went head-to-head, exchanging heated words.
The referee rushed over to separate them but refrained from issuing any cards.
"Hey, Ricardo!" Yang Hao called out to Carvalho from the sideline.
He was concerned that Carvalho might lose his temper. But to his surprise, the Portuguese defender flashed him a grin and nodded slightly.
Yang Hao immediately realized what was happening—Carvalho was deliberately trying to provoke Raúl.
While Raúl maintained control and didn't retaliate physically, it was clear that his emotions had been stirred. As Real Madrid's talisman, Raúl understood the significance of tonight's match better than anyone. He was fighting harder than anyone else, constantly running and creating chances.
But Atlético's defense was exceptionally disciplined.
Yang Hao stood by the sideline, encouraging his players to stay calm and composed.
He repeatedly signaled for them to control their emotions and play steadily, avoiding rash decisions.
Before the match, he had emphasized these points to his players multiple times. Now, he reminded them constantly.
Yang Hao was confident that as long as Atlético maintained their composure, Real Madrid would inevitably make mistakes.
And it wouldn't take long.
...
By the 15th minute, cracks began to appear in Real Madrid's gameplay.
The most noticeable issue was a lack of cohesion.
The four attacking players up front—Zidane, Figo, Raúl, and Morientes—were eager to score and frequently pushed forward aggressively.
However, due to Atlético's threatening counterattacks earlier in the half, Real Madrid's midfield and defensive players—especially the double pivot and backline, excluding Roberto Carlos—hesitated to push up too far.
This created a disconnect in their midfield.
Noticing this, Yang Hao immediately called Deco over.
"You need to focus on exploiting that space to receive the ball and initiate attacks," he instructed.
"I understand," Deco nodded.
In essence, Real Madrid's mentality was caught between wanting to win and fearing to lose.
Failing to score would be blamed on the forwards; conceding a goal would be pinned on the defenders.
In such a mindset, disconnection between players is a natural outcome.
At its core, it's a psychological issue.
When a team's 11 players fail to align their thoughts and actions, disjointed play on the pitch is inevitable.
As Deco returned to the field, play resumed. Real Madrid continued to dominate possession and push against Atlético's defense.
Adriano, always stationed at the front, posed a constant threat that kept Real Madrid's backline wary of pushing too high. One mistake, and a long ball behind the defense could spell disaster.
Kaká had slightly more freedom, often dropping back and finding open spaces to receive the ball.
However, Makelele proved a formidable opponent. Several times, the French midfielder dispossessed Kaká with clean tackles.
Makelele's one-on-one defensive skills were truly exceptional.
But Kaká, ever the intelligent player, kept searching for opportunities and observing Real Madrid's defensive layout.
Real Madrid's fullbacks, especially Roberto Carlos on the left, began to push higher up the pitch, playing increasingly aggressively.
Many hailed Kaká for his ability to read the game and immediately identify the best path forward. His habit of constantly scanning the field allowed him to make such judgments quickly.
At the 21st minute, Real Madrid attempted another attack through the center, trying to penetrate Atlético's well-fortified midfield.
Sometimes, you had to admire their persistence.
Even with Atlético fielding three defensive midfielders in front of the box, Real Madrid repeatedly tried to force their way through the middle.
Zidane led the charge this time, attempting a through ball to Morientes in the penalty area.
While Morientes managed to get a touch on the ball, Lucio was there immediately to poke it away.
Cambiasso intercepted and passed forward to the left.
Deco, with his back to the attack, controlled the ball while Salgado loomed behind him. Without hesitation, Deco executed a sharp turn and lifted a pass over the top toward Adriano.
Although Deco had been facing away from the goal, he had clearly heard Adriano calling for the ball, their two years of teamwork shining through.
As the ball sailed through, Adriano judged its trajectory perfectly, using his strength to shield Cannavaro without even jumping and heading the ball back toward the space between Makelele and Helguera.
After the header, Adriano immediately turned and sprinted forward.
Almost simultaneously, a red-and-white blur darted through the gap between Makelele and Helguera. Kaká, accelerating with explosive speed, reached the ball first, kicking it forward before brushing off a tug from Makelele and sprinting ahead.
Kaká's brilliance lay in his ability to adapt his dribbling. When he had open space, he would push the ball far ahead, maximizing his sprinting speed.
This was exactly what he did now.
With Adriano drawing Cannavaro and Hierro away, Kaká found himself with plenty of room to attack. Confidently, he pushed forward.
As he approached the edge of Real Madrid's penalty area, Cannavaro stepped up to challenge him. Kaká adjusted, keeping the ball close to his feet.
When he entered Cannavaro's defensive zone, he feigned a shot, tricking the Italian defender into committing to a block. Seizing the moment, Kaká slipped the ball past him with his left foot, cutting toward the outside for a cross.
Although Cannavaro was agile and quick, he was caught off guard by Kaká's move. However, the veteran recovered swiftly, anticipating that Kaká would attempt to cross toward Adriano. Cannavaro stretched out his leg to block the ball.
The ball deflected off Cannavaro's leg but rebounded straight back to Kaká. Wasting no time, Kaká pushed the ball toward the byline.
Now deep inside the penalty area, Kaká wasn't worried about Cannavaro's challenge—any contact would almost certainly result in a penalty.
Fully aware of this, Cannavaro refrained from making a tackle, instead calling for Casillas to cover.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper had already moved to guard the left post.
But Kaká, after reaching the ball, performed another feint, tricking both Cannavaro and Casillas. Still, he didn't shoot. Instead, he took one more step forward, reaching the edge of the six-yard box, before delivering a precise low cross.
The ball slipped past Cannavaro and zipped right in front of Casillas.
Adriano, perfectly positioned, had been preparing for this moment. Before the cross arrived, he subtly used his body to disrupt Hierro's balance, giving himself a fraction of a second's advantage.
Rushing forward, Adriano met Kaká's pass with a thunderous right-footed strike.
The ball rocketed into the back of Real Madrid's net, leaving no chance for Casillas.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Atlético Madrid has scored!!!"
"In the 21st minute, Real Madrid's defense is breached!"
"What a lightning-fast counterattack by Atlético Madrid! Kaká and Adriano, just two players, broke through Real Madrid's three defenders to score!"
"My God, these two players were absolutely sensational! Kaká's surging run and Adriano's clinical finish were simply outstanding."
"Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Real Madrid finds themselves behind after a lethal counterattack in the 21st minute!"
Adriano and Kaká sprinted toward the sideline, celebrating wildly.
In the Atlético section of the stadium, chaos erupted. The 37,000 Atlético fans leaped from their seats, screaming and cheering with unbridled joy.
1–0!
Yang Hao was overwhelmed with excitement. Unable to contain himself, he sprinted to the sideline, punching the air and shouting toward the Atlético fans in celebration.
"Did you see that? Did you see it?"
"We're ahead!!!" Yang Hao roared toward the stands, his fists pumping.
But soon, his voice was drowned out by the jeers from the Real Madrid supporters.
The fourth official and the assistant referee hurried over, gesturing for Yang Hao to return to his technical area.
"I understand you're excited—it's a derby, but you can't leave the technical zone, okay?" the fourth official warned.
Yang Hao shrugged and nodded with a grin.
Despite this, the referee approached and showed him a yellow card.
The Atlético fans erupted in cheers, treating the booking as though it were a badge of honor rather than a warning.