Chapter 43
On matchdays, Yang Hao was always incredibly busy. Even though the Madrid Derby was a home game, there were still countless tasks to handle.
Upon arriving at Majadahonda punctually, Yang Hao found his laptop on his desk as usual. It was dedicated solely to storing materials for the match: reports from various analysis teams, and carefully edited video clips—all focused on Real Madrid. The video analysis team had flagged particular moments for Yang Hao to review, crucial details that needed attention.
Football wasn't just about the big picture; success lay in the details. And against a team like Real Madrid, brimming with superstars, every detail was even more critical. A moment of brilliance—a sudden, inspired dribble, a split-second pass, or an unexpected long shot—could completely change the course of the match.
It wasn't possible to prepare for everything, but Yang Hao and his coaching staff did their best to cover as much as they could. After reviewing the materials for an hour, Yang Hao jotted down important notes and sent tasks to the team's group chat. Paralelos, his trusted assistant, would track these tasks and follow up on anything that needed attention.
Football-related matters were the responsibility of Juanma Lillo, but Paralelos excelled at liaising with other departments and external entities. Together, they formed Yang Hao's right and left hands.
Once the notes were shared, the coaching staff met to finalize the plans. Yang Hao outlined his preferred tactics, the objectives for the match, and what he hoped to achieve. This involved delegating specific responsibilities to each staff member and addressing any lingering concerns.
Yang Hao also shared insights gained from his analysis. Occasionally, these led to last-minute changes to fine-tune the strategy. After the coaching meeting, it was time for the pre-match briefing with the players, where Yang Hao confirmed the starting lineup, detailed the game plan, and assigned roles to each player.
Atlético Madrid would use a 4-3-3 formation for the match:
Goalkeeper: Čech
Defenders: Evra, Carvalho, Lúcio, Alves
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (defensive), Deco, Baraja
Forwards: Reyes, Torres, Joaquín
The lineup reflected some key considerations. Maicon, nursing a minor injury, was replaced by Alves, whose style better suited the evening's strategy. Torres had been slightly off form lately after an explosive run of goals, but as the team's captain and a symbol of the club's identity, his inclusion was crucial for morale.
Drogba, despite his excellent recent form, was on the bench. Yang Hao had explained his decision the previous evening, and Drogba had been understanding. Nevertheless, both Drogba and players like Villa and Kaká were ready to come on if needed, depending on how the game unfolded.
Yang Hao reminded the players of their roles and what to expect during the match. Then came his one-on-one talks, a tradition well-known at Atlético. These private discussions allowed Yang Hao to address individual concerns or give personalized instructions.
The first player called in was Lúcio. Behind closed doors, Yang Hao emphasized the importance of closely marking Ronaldo.
"You know his abilities better than anyone. Sure, he's not at his peak anymore, but his skills, awareness, and explosiveness are still top-notch. Ronaldo could go an entire game without doing much, not even a shot, but when you least expect it, he'll deliver a killer blow."
Lúcio nodded, fully aware of the task ahead. He solemnly promised to stay focused and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
"Good. Remember, in the 30-meter zone, if Ronaldo is anywhere near your area—and he loves to operate in the left half-space—you need to shut him down immediately. Don't give him the chance to accelerate. Once he gets going, no one can stop him."
Ronaldo might have lost some pace due to injuries and weight gain, but his short-distance burst and ability to break past defenders were still world-class. And he was a player who conserved his energy for decisive moments.
Lúcio understood and pledged to stay vigilant.
"Got it, boss. I won't let you down."
"Good. Watch him like a hawk in that zone—no slip-ups," Yang Hao reiterated.
After Lúcio left, Yang Hao messaged Paralelos to send in Petr Čech. The goalkeeper, composed and professional, entered the office and knocked lightly before stepping in.
Yang Hao repeated to Čech the same key points he had emphasized earlier with Lúcio. His primary concern was Ronaldo's ability to exploit spaces behind the defensive line, especially since Atlético planned to push forward and go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid, leaving significant gaps at the back.
"Petr, I've always said you have an excellent habit—you stay calm no matter the situation. From the first minute to the last, you remain fully focused."
Čech nodded repeatedly, clearly understanding that this was high praise from his coach.
"You know, Lúcio is a trustworthy teammate, but sometimes he can be just a little bit..." Yang Hao broke into a laugh mid-sentence.
Čech couldn't help but grin. "I know, boss. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."
"It's not just about you staying alert. I also need you to watch him and the others. Speak up more! Everyone says you're a bit too quiet on the field. Be more vocal. Command the defense actively. And don't hesitate to expand your range—if you need to move outside the penalty area to intervene, do it."
Čech nodded earnestly. These were issues he'd been aware of for some time, ones his goalkeeping coach had frequently brought up.
His predecessor at Atlético, Edwin van der Sar, had been an exceptional communicator and organizer. Čech, however, wasn't as vocal and lacked Van der Sar's precise footwork.
Although Čech had been working on these aspects, including one-touch passes with Palop during training, old habits were hard to change overnight.
"Trust yourself, Petr. Everyone here acknowledges your abilities—Lúcio was just praising you earlier. Have confidence, take on more responsibility. You're fully capable."
Čech met Yang Hao's gaze and nodded firmly. "I'll do my best."
"Good. Now, take a look at this." Yang Hao handed Čech a file from his desk.
"I mentioned before that I'm applying for funding to collaborate with Madrid University through the lab. We're planning to study football flight trajectories. The lab has already contacted a physicist who's interested in this topic."
Čech flipped through the documents carefully. Many of the ideas were familiar—proposals he, Palop, and the goalkeeping coach Pedro Jaro had discussed.
"A physicist is interested in this?"
"We're funding the research," Yang Hao replied with a chuckle. "It's not a huge amount, but it's still an investment."
"We'll also reach out to Nike and Adidas to explore potential collaborations."
Although Atlético's official sponsor was Nike, the club maintained partnerships with Adidas in other areas. Both companies invested heavily in sports equipment research, particularly footballs, unveiling new designs for every major tournament.
While fans debated offside rules, match schedules, training methods, and tactical innovations, few paid attention to the football itself. Yet over the years, football technology had advanced significantly, with balls becoming lighter and faster thanks to breakthroughs in materials science.
This evolution affected the game profoundly. Lighter balls traveled further and faster, making long-range shots increasingly viable and impactful. Initially, curved shots revolutionized the sport as players discovered how to bend the ball's trajectory by adding spin.
Now, a new technique had emerged: shooting without spin.
This was Cristiano Ronaldo's signature knuckleball—a technique that relied on striking the ball with tremendous force while minimizing spin. The result? The ball's unpredictable trajectory, influenced by atmospheric pressure, made it nearly impossible for goalkeepers to anticipate its direction.
Yang Hao's initiative aimed to equip Čech with tools to counteract such advances. If opponents used cutting-edge techniques, why shouldn't they? Moreover, the research could also benefit Atlético's forwards, helping them develop more threatening shots.
Despite the relatively modest cost—30,000 to 50,000 euros—no other team had undertaken similar studies.
As Atlético prepared for the season's first Madrid Derby, Real Madrid made their presence felt.
When Atlético's team bus arrived at the Bernabéu, it was immediately surrounded by thousands of Real Madrid fans blocking the entrance. They jumped, banged on the windows, and yelled, their faces twisted with hostility, as though they wanted to devour the visitors.
Even as a former Real Madrid fan, Yang Hao found no trace of sportsmanship in this mob.
"Don't worry," he said nonchalantly to the players on the bus. "They're just trying to scare us. Once we step onto the pitch, they won't dare do anything."
Many of the players had experienced derbies before and understood Yang Hao's reassurance.
The atmosphere surrounding the Madrid Derby had grown increasingly intense in recent years, surpassing even El Clásico in terms of passion and significance. Despite this fervor, no major incidents had occurred outside the stadium, thanks to strict crowd control measures.
As the bus finally made its way into the Bernabéu, Yang Hao reviewed his final mental checklist. On paper, Real Madrid had the star-studded lineup. But on the pitch, the match would be decided by preparation, execution, and nerve.
The battle was about to begin.
Unlike matches against Barcelona, there was no need to worry about Barça fans creating disturbances outside the team's hotel or resorting to unsportsmanlike tactics, like throwing bricks at the team bus.
As this thought crossed Yang Hao's mind, a sudden bang startled him.
"What was that?"
"A water bottle."
Yang Hao nodded knowingly. "Typical. This is about as far as Real Madrid fans go."
Security personnel and local police rushed to calm the crowd and maintain order, shouting to dissuade the fans.
"There are hundreds of media outlets here from all over the world, and the game is being broadcast globally. Watch yourselves! Don't ruin the club's image. Disperse now!"
"If you're truly Real Madrid fans, stop this nonsense. If the club gets fined for this, it's on you."
Slowly, the crowd began to thin out, though a few disgruntled fans couldn't resist tossing a few more water bottles as they left.
This, Yang Hao thought, was what a derby should feel like. The intensity stemmed from Atlético's recent rise.
In the past, Atlético posed no real threat to Real Madrid. The so-called "Madrid Derby" wasn't taken seriously. As Madrid fans used to joke, "Giving Atlético even a glance is already a loss for us."
Now, ignoring Atlético wasn't an option.
Last season's dramatic turn of events, where Real Madrid went from treble contenders to finishing runners-up in three competitions, had fans blaming Atlético entirely. After all, it was losing the derby matches that marked the beginning of Real Madrid's collapse.
And here they were again, facing yet another derby. This time, Atlético held a seven-point lead at the top of the league table.
That was intolerable.
Time to crush them!
An hour before kickoff, Yang Hao received Real Madrid's starting lineup.
As expected, they fielded their strongest XI, featuring every single superstar.
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Defense: Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro, Iván Helguera, Michel Salgado
Midfield: Patrick Vieira, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Raúl González, Luís Figo
Forward: Ronaldo
Carlos Queiroz's tactics bore a strong resemblance to Vicente del Bosque's—a hybrid between a 4-4-2 and a 4-2-3-1.
Raúl's positioning was the key. If he pushed forward, it became a 4-4-2; if he dropped into the No. 10 role, it shifted to a 4-2-3-1.
This tactical flexibility underscored Real Madrid's ongoing issue: as long as the club insisted on fielding all its superstars, this setup was the only viable option. Not even someone like Sir Alex Ferguson could alter this fundamental truth.
Since taking over, Queiroz had made some adjustments in training and repositioned Beckham as a deep-lying midfielder. He also focused on creating a robust left-side attack with Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Ronaldo, and Raúl often combining in that area.
Anticipating this, Atlético had prepared specific defensive strategies. However, only the match itself would reveal how well those plans worked—especially in neutralizing Ronaldo.
While the players warmed up on the field, Yang Hao and his coaching staff analyzed Real Madrid's tactics.
Just as Atlético focused on containing Ronaldo and Raúl, Real Madrid would undoubtedly target Torres.
When the players returned from warm-ups, Yang Hao gave his final instructions.
"Xabi, I have a feeling Raúl is going to stick to you like glue tonight."
Everyone in the locker room laughed. The phrasing sounded oddly intimate.
"Deco, Rubén, pay close attention—especially you, Deco."
Baraja had a critical role, not only facilitating right-side defensive support but also handling transitions when Real Madrid concentrated their attack on the left. Their typical pattern saw four players—Carlos, Zidane, Ronaldo, and Raúl—converge in that zone.
On paper, the matchups seemed even: Joaquín versus Carlos, Xabi Alonso versus Raúl, Ronaldo against Lúcio, and Zidane against Alves.
But one-on-one duels against players like Zidane, Ronaldo, and Raúl? It wasn't enough. These were world-class superstars capable of breaking through.
This was where Baraja's flexibility came in.
Offensively, he could drive the ball forward and shoot from distance. In midfield, his passing and vision were assets, especially his ability to execute long-range switches. Defensively, he could operate like an additional center-back.
The more Yang Hao analyzed, the more he realized Baraja's skillset resembled Real Madrid's future star Federico Valverde.
"Okay, everyone, I'll keep this brief," Yang Hao said as the players completed their final preparations.
"All of you experienced last season, didn't you?"
The players nodded.
"Then you'll remember what happened in Round 18 last season."
Yang Hao pulled up materials from that campaign, including the league standings at the time.
"Before Round 18, we were four points behind Real Madrid. Back then, they declared that beating us would extend their lead to seven points and all but guarantee the title. Do you remember that?"
The players nodded again, their faces solemn. That match had been grueling yet unforgettable.
"Now, 13 rounds into this season, we're seven points ahead of Real Madrid. But if we lose tonight, that lead shrinks to four points. Our opponents will start believing they can catch us—just like we believed last season."
Last year, Atlético had chased Real Madrid relentlessly, finally overtaking them in the penultimate round to win the league. Real Madrid's collapse culminated in their infamous "three-runner-up" season.
"I also remember our fans at the Bernabéu that night. They chanted, 'Atlético never surrenders!'
"Real Madrid boasts the most star-studded lineup in the world. They stand tall above everyone else. But I've always believed we're not inferior to them—in fact, I believe we're stronger."
"Talking won't prove anything. No one will believe us. The only way to prove it is on the pitch. Beat them. Show our fans, show everyone, even their fans—"
"—that Atlético never surrenders. That Atlético is invincible!"
"I know this won't be easy, but I believe in you. I believe you can do it."
Yang Hao gestured to the coaches and staff around him.
"All of us are standing with you. So are the Atlético fans crammed into a corner of the stands. So are the countless fans waiting outside this stadium.
"We're all with you!"
"Win this game! Prove to the world that we are the best!"
By the time Yang Hao finished, the players were visibly fired up.
As the locker room fell silent, Baraja suddenly stood and roared:
"Smash Real Madrid!"
"Smash Real Madrid!" the team echoed, their voices ringing loud and clear.
"The players are on the pitch at the Bernabéu."
"We are bringing you live coverage of the 2003/04 La Liga season, Round 14: the Madrid Derby."
"Led by referee Alfonso, the two teams are now taking their positions on the field."
"Tonight, both squads are dazzling with talent."
"In recent years, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been regarded as two of the strongest teams, not just in Europe, but in world football."
"Both teams are fielding full-strength lineups, with only a minor adjustment on Atlético's side."
"It's said that right-back Maicon had a minor injury but has resumed training."
"Yang Hao has chosen not to risk him tonight, opting instead for Dani Alves."
"At just 20 years old, this side could become a focal point for Real Madrid's attacking efforts."
"Real Madrid, on the other hand, is at full strength. Pavón has made costly errors in several games this season, so Queiroz has gone with Iván Helguera to partner Fabio Cannavaro in central defense."
"This pairing looks solid on paper, though Helguera might become a target, especially during aerial duels on set pieces."
"Real Madrid's backline players—except Vieira—aren't particularly tall."
"The teams have taken their group photos and are now lining up in their formations."
"Real Madrid starts with their signature 4-2-3-1 setup, while Atlético lines up in a 4-3-3."
"The Madrid Derby is about to ignite."
Čech paced along the goal line, not wandering idly but searching for his rhythm. As he moved, he raised his hands to test the height of the crossbar.
Perfect. Standard.
This wasn't showmanship—it was practical vigilance. Atlético had once discovered, during a Copa del Rey match, that their opponent's goalposts were five centimeters too low.
Back then, Edwin van der Sar had quickly measured the discrepancy using his own height, forcing the hosts to correct the issue.
In high-stakes games like this, match officials conduct thorough pre-match inspections. Clubs like Real Madrid wouldn't stoop to such antics, knowing the potential reputational damage far outweighs the temporary advantage.
Still, out of habit, Čech ran his checks and used the process to focus his mind.
"Get ready! It's about to start!" Baraja shouted from midfield.
Čech took a deep breath, standing motionless at the center of his goal. He closed his eyes briefly to compose himself, his hands automatically adjusting his gloves. When he reopened his eyes, they locked forward with fierce intensity.
His gaze quickly scanned the positions of key players, especially the dangerous Ronaldo and Raúl.
At the center circle, Ronaldo and Raúl were preparing for kickoff.
With a sharp whistle, the match began. Ronaldo tapped the ball to Raúl, then sprinted forward.
Raúl passed the ball back to Beckham, who one-touched it to Zidane.
"Left side, Roberto Carlos!" someone shouted.
Čech immediately shifted toward his right post. A single thought echoed in his mind:
The boss was right again!
Real Madrid launched an aggressive opening attack.
Roberto Carlos raced down the left flank, receiving Zidane's pass. Instead of pushing forward, he cut inside and delivered a pass to Ronaldo in open space.
Čech noticed Ronaldo controlling the ball with his back to the goal as Lúcio rushed forward. Carvalho, slightly behind, hadn't yet adjusted to cover, and Raúl was lurking nearby.
Damn! Real Madrid's opening is ferocious!
In just moments, several superstars had moved into threatening positions.
"Lúcio, hold your ground! There's no one behind you!" Čech shouted loudly, though he wasn't sure if Lúcio heard him.
Hesitating only briefly, Čech decided to leave his line.
Leaving the comfort of his penalty area was uncharacteristic for him, but he had no choice.
With Lúcio pressing forward, a massive gap opened behind him. If Ronaldo broke through, it would be a clear scoring chance. By closing the distance, Čech could challenge Ronaldo sooner—even if the forward got past Lúcio.
"We all believe in your abilities, Peter!" Yang Hao's words replayed in his mind, filling Čech with confidence. His strides were deliberate and swift as he surged forward.
Simultaneously, Ronaldo feinted toward Raúl, tricking Lúcio into committing. With a sudden burst of speed, the Brazilian striker accelerated past him.
Ronaldo's explosive power was on full display. In just a few steps, he left Lúcio behind, the ball perfectly in stride.
As he entered the box, Ronaldo caught a fleeting glimpse of Lúcio's expression—shock, regret, fear—all etched on his face.
Ronaldo lived for these moments.
Entering the penalty area, the crowd at the Bernabéu collectively gasped.
"Just 10 seconds in, Real Madrid has created a golden opportunity!"
"Ronaldo is through on goal…"
Suddenly, a lithe figure darted out—Čech. Sliding decisively, he reached the ball just ahead of Ronaldo and smothered it in his arms, his momentum carrying him forward.
Ronaldo leapt to avoid colliding with the goalkeeper, soaring over Čech's body.
The 78,000 fans at the Bernabéu erupted in a mixture of shock and awe.
"Čech!"
"Brilliant from Čech!"
"What a crucial save by the young Atlético goalkeeper!"
"It's only been 13 seconds into the game!"
"This is a phenomenal stop—remember the name, Peter Čech, the 21-year-old Czech goalkeeper!"
Lying on the turf, ball firmly in his grasp, Čech took a moment to catch his breath. The adrenaline was still coursing through him after that nerve-wracking sequence.
If Čech had hesitated even a fraction longer, that ball would have been gone.
Though it was just one save, it felt as if he had used every ounce of his strength.
Lúcio hurried over, still shaken, glancing at Čech sprawled on the ground clutching the ball tightly to his chest. Only then did his heart finally settle.
He shot a glance at Ronaldo walking by, who was flashing that trademark toothy grin—infuriating as ever.
"Thank your young guy over there, or you were toast!" Ronaldo said with a mischievous smirk, pointing at Lúcio.
"Mind your business!" Lúcio snapped back, clearly irritated.
Damn it, where was your concern during the attack? Now you want to act like a nice guy? Get lost!
"You okay, Peter?"
Čech struggled to his feet, shaking his head vigorously to regain his composure.
"I'm fine, but if you pull something like that again, I won't be," Čech said with a deep voice, still catching his breath.
Lúcio nodded seriously, "Got it. Don't worry—it won't happen again."
Just then, Yang Hao's furious roar cut through from the sidelines.
"Lúcio! What the hell is wrong with you? Are you a complete idiot? What did I tell you before the game?"
"Do you even want to play?"
Lúcio took a deep breath, turned around, and slapped his hands against his own head hard enough to hurt. The pain snapped him back into focus. He raised his right fist toward Yang Hao—a silent vow:
I won't mess up again.
Yang Hao, though still fuming, saw Lúcio acknowledge his mistake and chose not to harp on it. Instead, he clapped his hands forcefully.
"Come on, stay sharp! Keep fighting! Let's go!"
Baraja and Torres echoed the call, shouting to rally their teammates.
"Real Madrid's opening blitz has clearly rattled Atlético."
"Although they didn't score, Real's superstars showcased their individual brilliance and technical prowess. Ronaldo's last move in particular came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock."
"For Atlético, getting hit like this right at the start was a real shock."
"But now the priority is to regroup, steady their footing, and not panic."
The match resumed.
Atlético was visibly shaken by Real Madrid's lightning-fast opening attack.
After the restart, Real Madrid continued to dominate possession.
Yang Hao's original game plan had been to control the ball early, settle into the game, and press high to disrupt Real Madrid's flow.
But that plan was out the window now. The team was off balance.
While they hadn't conceded, the opening moments felt almost as costly as a goal.
Yang Hao adjusted on the fly, signaling his players to slow things down and focus on finding their rhythm.
Real Madrid's seasoned superstars, however, had no intention of letting up. Their attacks came in relentless waves, forcing Atlético into a defensive stance that often bordered on desperation.
The tactical setup Yang Hao and his staff had prepared was nowhere to be seen.
Thankfully, Lúcio had regained his composure, and Čech was steadily holding the fort inside the penalty area.
Yang Hao didn't mind his team starting defensively; he knew Real Madrid couldn't sustain such an aggressive tempo for an entire match.
What worried him was conceding a goal before his team could recover.
So he stood at the sidelines, shouting encouragement nonstop.
The players might not have heard him clearly—or at all—but that didn't matter.
As long as they looked toward the bench, they'd see their coach standing there, fighting alongside them.
Slowly, the defensive strategy Yang Hao had planned started to take shape. While Atlético was still under pressure, they were no longer on the brink of collapse.
What surprised Yang Hao, however, was that even after 10 minutes, Real Madrid showed no signs of easing off. They pressed on with relentless intensity.
"Queiroz must've picked this up during his time in the Premier League," Yang Hao muttered bitterly.
This style—blitzing the opposition early with wave after wave of attack—was a hallmark of English football.
"They won't stop until they get a goal," assistant coach Juanma Lillo speculated.
Yang Hao nodded grimly.
In the 16th minute, Beckham sent a long pass from midfield into Atlético's left flank. Raúl surged forward to meet it, attempting a header on goal.
But Čech was quick to react, once again abandoning his line. He leapt high, his nearly 2-meter frame and outstretched arms easily collecting Beckham's cross before Raúl could connect.
"Well done! Brilliant, Peter!" Yang Hao applauded from the sidelines.
Just four minutes later, Roberto Carlos unleashed a surprise long-range strike from outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Zidane. Čech tipped it over the crossbar with both hands.
Real Madrid's subsequent corner kick failed to threaten, and the crowd began to take notice. Even some Real Madrid fans at the Bernabéu offered polite applause for Čech's performance.
The young goalkeeper was putting on a masterclass, his decisive interventions preventing what could have been early disaster for Atlético.
Meanwhile, Atlético managed only two long-range shots in the opening 20 minutes—both harmless efforts.
The team's play was disjointed, and they struggled to find their footing.
But finally, as the clock ticked past the 20-minute mark, Real Madrid began to ease off slightly. Atlético used the opportunity to steady themselves, focusing on retaining possession and dictating the pace of the game.
They concentrated on building from the back, knowing Real's superstars wouldn't chase too aggressively. Slowly but surely, Atlético worked the ball forward.
By the 25th minute, they had settled into the rhythm and game plan Yang Hao had outlined before kickoff.
"They've got Saint Iker, and we've got Saint Čech!" Yang Hao quipped, finally allowing himself a breath of relief as he joked with his assistants.
That opening onslaught had been brutal. Had Atlético not weathered it, their hopes could have been dashed before the game truly began.
"What a spectacular match—so intense it takes your breath away."
In the VIP box at the Bernabéu Stadium, La Liga's inaugural CEO Antonio Pont sat alongside Florentino Pérez, Atlético Madrid chairman Enrique Cerezo, and Miguel Gil.
Real Madrid's superstars had just unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, showcasing their brilliance. Atlético defended admirably, though they clearly struggled to match Real Madrid's dominance in the early stages.
However, by the 20th minute, the tide had begun to turn. Atlético's precise passing and control allowed them to stabilize and engage in fierce midfield battles with Real Madrid near the halfway line.
Clearly, Real Madrid's opening assault, which failed to result in a goal, had taken its toll. The Galácticos needed to catch their breath, while Atlético took the opportunity to push forward. The match was now deadlocked, with both sides locked in a tactical duel.
"This is a clash between the two strongest teams in La Liga," Pont remarked. "Tonight, we've calculated that over a hundred countries and regions are broadcasting this match live."
"That many?" Florentino was genuinely surprised.
"It's just the beginning. We're still developing the global market, but matches like the Madrid Derby are our flagship events. Once the market is cultivated, international revenue could rival domestic income."
Antonio Pont's words drew nods of agreement from both Florentino and Cerezo.
"Both of your teams have contributed significantly to this progress," Pont added, acknowledging the efforts of Real Madrid and Atlético.
"With your strengths, I hope both teams can make a strong push in the Champions League this year. You have the potential to contend for the title," Pont said with an expectant smile.
Florentino, ever ambitious, made no attempt to hide his intentions. "That's certainly our goal."
Cerezo, however, merely smiled and nodded. In football matters, Atlético consistently deferred to Yang Hao.
"By the way, how is Atlético's new stadium project coming along? If there's anything we can assist with, don't hesitate to ask," Pont inquired.
"We're still in the planning phase," Cerezo replied. "There's a lot to work through, especially with the stadium's relocation. The calculations and analyses are complex—it likely won't be resolved this year."
He continued, "The Madrid city government has specific requirements. The stadium must face the city center, the architectural style must harmonize with the surrounding area, and there's also a mandate to excavate an underground section."
This added significant design and construction challenges.
"Madrid's infrastructure heavily relies on underground parking, so those requirements are standard," Florentino noted, drawing on his expertise in real estate. "That said, with two metro station exits nearby, parking demands shouldn't be too intense."
"Exactly," Cerezo agreed. "We're currently consulting designers and preparing plans for the project."
Florentino nodded. "If you need any help, just let me know."
"Thank you."
While the two clubs were fierce rivals on the pitch, off the pitch, they shared the responsibility of advancing La Liga's global footprint.
Florentino and others at Real Madrid recognized the benefits of Atlético's rise. After all, without Atlético's resurgence, would the Madrid Derby have captured worldwide attention like this? Certainly not.
This kind of high-stakes rivalry significantly boosted the international appeal of both clubs.
Still, Cerezo refrained from revealing all the challenges Atlético faced. Most of the obstacles had been resolved.
For instance, the city required the new stadium's design to harmonize with nearby landmarks, such as the Spanish Royal Palace. The stadium couldn't resemble traditional designs; it needed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood.
Atlético had enlisted several renowned architectural firms to draft proposals, aiming for a design that bridged the classical and modern aesthetics.
The new stadium project also included two residential towers and two skyscrapers by the river, which were set to become iconic landmarks in southern Madrid.
While the project's initial investment was already significant—estimated at over €500 million—it continued to attract interest from major investors.
Projects of this scale naturally required time to kick off, but once finalized and funded, progress would accelerate.
"Financial prudence is key. With such a massive investment, this stadium will cost at least €500 million, right?" Florentino asked.
"That was the original estimate, but now it's likely more," Cerezo admitted.
"Have you considered selling one or two players to offset the costs?"
"Not currently," Cerezo replied with a smile. "Yang Hao is overseeing that area."
Florentino's eyebrows raised slightly, unsure whether this was Cerezo being evasive or factual.
If true, it wasn't surprising. While the public may not know, Florentino and other insiders were well aware that Yang Hao was a shareholder at Atlético.
Sensing the shift in topic, Pont tactfully redirected the conversation, discussing La Liga's plans to upgrade its broadcast technology. The league aimed to enhance stadium capabilities, increase camera angles, and adopt advanced techniques to improve the viewing experience.
While these improvements required investment, La Liga planned to fund them through its revenues rather than burdening clubs.
Florentino and Cerezo both supported the initiative.
In terms of broadcast quality, La Liga still lagged behind the Premier League. Better camera work and production vastly enhanced fans' viewing experience.
"When the time comes, we'll count on your full cooperation!" Pont said with a smile.
"Of course."
"Absolutely."
Both club leaders agreed without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Miguel Gil reflected on Yang Hao's foresight. Years ago, when La Liga was in disarray, Yang Hao had pinpointed the core issues and provided a viable solution.
Looking toward the pitch, Miguel Gil's gaze settled on Yang Hao in the away dugout.
He felt profoundly grateful for bringing Yang Hao to Atlético.
Unaware of the discussions happening behind him, Yang Hao focused entirely on the match.
By the 25th minute, both teams were engaged in an intense midfield battle.
Real Madrid's early 20-minute onslaught had failed to breach Atlético's defenses, but it had taken a toll on the Galácticos' stamina—especially their attacking stars.
Atlético, meanwhile, began to find their rhythm, gradually imposing their passing game to wrestle back control of the ball and tempo.
The match had turned into a tactical chess match, with both sides vying for supremacy.
Real Madrid's initial strategy was to slow the tempo, use their passing and control advantage to retain possession, and regain their breath. This had been their approach against most opponents, even Barcelona.
In past encounters with Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid had comfortably dictated possession.
But tonight, the Galácticos were surprised to find Atlético competing for the ball—and doing so successfully. The Rojiblancos not only held their ground but even began to subtly dominate possession.
From Yang Hao's perspective, this was no surprise.
Atlético's players were technically gifted. With talents like Xabi Alonso, Deco, and Dani Alves—all adept at maintaining possession—and defenders such as Baraja, Lucio, Carvalho, and Evra, who were excellent passers, Atlético was well-equipped for a possession-based game.
Years of practicing intricate passing and movement allowed Atlético to sustain control. Once they regained the ball, all their players moved collectively, making it hard for Real Madrid to wrest back possession.
Ronaldo, though not yet as lazy as he would become in later years, had expended significant energy during the opening 20 minutes and now needed to recover. Zidane and Figo, while still brilliant, were no longer in their physical prime. Only Raúl and Beckham continued to chase tirelessly.
In contrast, Atlético's younger players were more energetic and eager to press. Every time they lost the ball, they fought to regain it immediately. Real Madrid simply couldn't sustain the same intensity.
From the 25th to the 30th minute, both teams played at a blistering pace. Possession frequently changed hands, with neither side able to hold the ball for long.
But by the 30th minute, Atlético's possession spells grew noticeably longer.
This subtle shift allowed Atlético to push their formation higher up the pitch. A telling sign was that each time they recovered the ball, it happened closer to Real Madrid's goal.
Yang Hao noticed this and knew his team had weathered the storm and was beginning to exert their control.
In the 33rd minute, David Beckham passed to Luís Figo on the wing, but Evra harassed the Portuguese star relentlessly, attempting to snatch the ball.
Figo, visibly frustrated by Evra's tenacity, shook him off, took two steps back, and passed the ball horizontally to Raúl, who had dropped deep to assist. Raúl quickly played the ball forward to Beckham.
Before Beckham could settle the ball, Deco pounced.
The Englishman turned to shield the ball, intending to pass it back, but Deco tugged lightly at his jersey. Beckham, who had been relying on his body to hold off Deco, suddenly lost his balance.
In a flash, Deco darted in front and won the ball cleanly.
Beckham staggered and fell, shouting, "Foul! Foul!"
But referee Alfonso did not blow his whistle.
Deco surged forward with the ball.
"Atlético crosses the halfway line—this is a quick counterattack!"
"Let's see how they handle this."
Reyes hugged the left touchline, pinning Salgado to his side. Torres sprinted through the middle, trailed closely by Helguera.
As Torres approached the edge of the box on the left, he abruptly stopped, using his body to shield the ball from Helguera. With one hand, he pointed to his left, indicating the direction to Deco.
Deco understood instantly and delivered a precise through ball to Torres's left foot.
"Watch out!"
Torres used his left foot to control the ball, killing its momentum while turning to face the goal.
Cannavaro rushed forward to intercept, and Helguera closed in from the other side.
But with a sudden burst of speed, Torres slipped between Real Madrid's two central defenders and charged into the penalty area.
Casillas, realizing the danger, rushed out to challenge him.
However, Torres seemed to anticipate the goalkeeper's move. Reaching the ball, he feinted to the right as if to dribble past Casillas, then quickly cut left, creating just enough space to shoot with his left foot.
The ball shot straight into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"
"33rd minute! The 33rd minute!"
"Atlético wins the ball near midfield. Deco orchestrates a rapid counterattack, and Torres, under pressure from two defenders and Casillas, feints and slots the ball home!"
"1-0!"
After scoring, Torres sprinted to the corner flag, where the Atlético fans were gathered, shouting passionately toward them.
The Atlético supporters erupted, leaping from their seats and roaring their approval.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao jumped into the air, punching the sky in celebration.
1-0!
This goal was critical for Atlético. In a match like this, the team that scored first would seize a psychological edge.
Last season, Atlético had failed to secure victory at the Bernabéu. Tonight, Yang Hao was determined to change that.
Victory would extend Atlético's lead over Real Madrid to 10 points—a crucial buffer for a team competing on three fronts.
Such a lead would allow Atlético to approach the rest of the season with greater confidence and flexibility, resting players when needed and managing their workload.
Real Madrid's mistakes from last season served as a cautionary tale. Constantly pressured by Atlético, they had been unable to rotate their squad, leading to exhaustion and collapse at the season's climax.
Yang Hao was determined to avoid that fate.
Before the match, he had told his players: "This game will decide the championship."
While slightly exaggerated, Yang Hao truly believed it. A 10-point lead represented a significant psychological barrier.
"Hey, guys! Keep it up! Hold our advantage, keep pressing, and let's try to score another before halftime!"
"Come on! Let's go!!"
Yang Hao's shouts reverberated across the pitch. His players, buoyed by the goal, responded with renewed energy.
When Real Madrid restarted the game, they were shocked to see Atlético pressing even harder.
Despite taking the lead, Atlético looked even hungrier.
When Beckham received the ball, he scanned the field. Ronaldo and Raúl weren't in position yet, but Zidane had a chance on the left.
The Frenchman, towering and strong, seemed like an ideal target against the shorter Dani Alves.
Beckham delivered a diagonal long pass toward Zidane on the left flank.
When Lucio suddenly charged forward, he managed a crucial header, redirecting the ball to Joaquín ahead of him.
With his back to the attacking direction, Joaquín controlled the ball and quickly passed it to Baraja, then to Xabi Alonso, followed by Carvalho.
Atlético began a sequence of one-touch passes, effortlessly reclaiming possession and dictating the tempo once again.
As Atlético slowly pushed forward, the match dynamics shifted. The first 20 minutes had seen Real Madrid pinning Atlético back, but starting from the 30th minute, it was Atlético exerting pressure on Real Madrid. After their first goal, Atlético's confidence soared, and they dominated the game, leaving Real Madrid struggling to respond.
It became evident that Atlético's control in their defensive and midfield zones wasn't being seriously contested.
This was largely due to the mentality of Real Madrid's superstars. Ronaldo, Zidane, and Figo gave off the impression that defending wasn't their responsibility. Their focus was solely on positioning themselves for passes from their teammates and finding ways to break Atlético's defense.
Ronaldo, in particular, embodied this approach. Zidane and Figo occasionally made symbolic defensive moves but rarely committed to defensive duties.
As Carlos Queiroz had once said, Real Madrid's front-line stars possessed immense footballing talent, and their energy shouldn't be wasted on defending. Instead, it should be channeled into creating and converting scoring opportunities.
Whether this was Queiroz's true philosophy or simply a justification to placate the superstars, Yang Hao didn't know. However, from his perspective, the two teams seemed to be playing football from entirely different eras.
Atlético showcased collective discipline. Their formation was compact, and their players demonstrated relentless movement and cohesion.
Real Madrid, by contrast, appeared disjointed.
A prime example came toward the end of the first half. Dani Alves successfully evaded Zidane and continued his charge forward. Zidane simply stood and watched. Ronaldo, too, ambled nonchalantly.
Alves surged down the right flank, combining with Joaquín to reach the edge of Real Madrid's penalty area. Patrick Vieira hurriedly retreated to cover, neutralizing the attack and forcing Joaquín to pass backward.
Baraja, unmarked near the edge of the penalty box, seized the opportunity. Scanning the area, he delivered a perfectly lofted diagonal cross into the box.
Near the penalty spot, Torres found himself sandwiched between Helguera and Cannavaro. Despite the close marking, he leaped high, barely reaching Baraja's cross, and flicked the ball toward the far post.
A red-and-white blur streaked past Salgado. It was Reyes, sprinting at full speed toward the far-left corner of the six-yard box. Meeting Torres' flicked header, Reyes struck a breathtaking left-footed volley, smashing the ball into Real Madrid's net.
Casillas was powerless to react. The ball zipped past him at an unstoppable speed.
2-0!
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Reyes!"
"Another goal! 2-0!"
"Atlético scores again during stoppage time in the first half!"
"Torres, under heavy pressure from Helguera and Cannavaro, won the aerial duel and flicked the ball to the far post, where Reyes buried it with a stunning volley!"
"This was a beautifully crafted move by Atlético. Dani Alves' overlapping run created a numerical advantage on the right flank, pulling Vieira out of position and allowing Baraja to deliver a precise cross."
"This situation is looking dire for Real Madrid."
"In the last 10 minutes of the first half, Atlético has played some sensational football."
"Both Madrid teams have approached this game with aggressive, attacking football. Neither side is playing conservatively tonight."
At halftime, Yang Hao praised his players for their performance but also urged caution for the second half, particularly against Ronaldo.
He highlighted the critical saves made by Čech at the beginning of the game and his solid performance throughout the first half.
"Real Madrid won't accept losing three points here without a fight. They will definitely come at us hard in the opening minutes of the second half," Yang Hao warned.
Based on the first half, it was evident that both teams had expended significant energy. The game's tempo and intensity had been relentless. However, Atlético held an advantage in youth and fitness—qualities the team prided itself on.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, relied on their superstar talent rather than stamina. This disparity was precisely why Yang Hao had chosen to go toe-to-toe with them in the first half. If it came down to a battle of endurance, Atlético would prevail.
"Remember, the start of the second half is crucial. Win that opening phase, and this game will be ours!"
Yang Hao's prediction proved accurate just minutes into the second half.
Queiroz made no substitutions or major tactical changes, instead increasing support for Ronaldo in the hopes that the Brazilian could score an early goal.
Barely two minutes after the restart, Zidane and Raúl combined near Atlético's penalty area to deliver the ball to Ronaldo.
The Brazilian controlled it expertly, spun past Lucio, and fired a powerful left-footed shot.
However, Čech, ever alert, parried the strike.
The ball rebounded into the six-yard box, and Ronaldo pounced for the follow-up.
This time, under pressure from Lucio and with Čech diving again to close the angle, Ronaldo's shot hit the side netting.
The Bernabéu faithful roared their encouragement. Trailing by just two goals, the fans still believed in their superstars' ability to mount a comeback.
Atlético, however, remained composed, patiently defending and waiting for opportunities to strike.
In the 58th minute, Zidane found Ronaldo with a pass, who in turn set up Raúl. From the edge of the penalty arc, the Real Madrid captain unleashed a fierce left-footed strike.
Once again, Čech came to Atlético's rescue, leaping to tip the ball over the crossbar.
"Čech again!"
"Tonight, this young Czech goalkeeper has delivered a phenomenal performance."
"If Atlético wins tonight, Torres' contributions in attack will certainly be celebrated. But Čech's heroics in goal have been just as vital, if not more so. Time and again, he has denied Real Madrid's efforts, keeping Atlético in control."
In the 61st minute, Vieira advanced with the ball, only to be dispossessed by a sudden challenge from Baraja. Although Baraja didn't win the ball outright, his intervention disrupted Vieira's pass, which lost its accuracy.
Deco intercepted and quickly passed to Xabi Alonso, who delivered a long diagonal ball to the right flank.
Joaquín, who had been patiently waiting to exploit the space left by Roberto Carlos' forward runs, finally got his chance. After an hour of waiting, the opportunity he had been seeking arrived.
Xabi Alonso delivered a precise pass ahead of Joaquín, who chased the ball down and surged forward.
Approaching the edge of Real Madrid's penalty area on the right side, Joaquín faced off against Cannavaro. With a deft feint, he pushed the ball toward the goal line, relying on his speed to outpace the defender. He reached the byline, nudged the ball into the penalty area, and sent a sharp cutback to the top of the box.
Torres, charging into the center, connected with a clean strike, driving the ball straight into the bottom-left corner of Real Madrid's net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Torres!"
"Another brace for him!"
"How many braces has he already scored this season?"
"This 19-year-old Spanish striker has developed into a formidable scoring force this season, becoming a rising star that no one can afford to ignore."
"It's simply incredible!"
"Atlético's Golden Boy has delivered another two goals tonight, along with an assist!"
"After Adriano and Diego Forlán left the team, many doubted Atlético's offensive capabilities. But as we can see, Torres, Drogba, and Villa have fully embraced the responsibility of leading the attack."
"This season, Atlético's firepower hasn't diminished—in fact, it's become even stronger!"
"3-0!"
"Real Madrid is in deep trouble now."
Yang Hao applauded Torres' goal with enthusiasm, finally allowing himself a moment of relief.
However, he wasn't surprised by Torres' consistent scoring form.
Even in Yang Hao's previous timeline, a 19-year-old Torres had scored 20 goals in La Liga this season, second only to Ronaldo.
Now, Torres had become even stronger, supported by a robust attacking lineup that included Villa, Drogba, Reyes, Joaquín, Deco, Robben, and Kaká, who all provided endless service from behind. With such a setup, how could Atlético's offensive firepower be lacking?
With the game progressing to this point, Yang Hao no longer worried about the result—it was already decided.
Instead, his curiosity shifted to whether Queiroz would make substitutions.
In the past, Queiroz usually made changes only when the game was effectively over.
But tonight?
Real Madrid's strongest lineup was already on the pitch. Who could they bring on? Guti? Solari? Portillo? Borja?
Frankly, Yang Hao suddenly felt a bit of sympathy for Queiroz.
The Real Madrid manager dared not make substitutions because there were no viable alternatives. No one on the bench could perform better than the current players on the field.
As time ticked away, Atlético maintained possession, patiently creating opportunities while Real Madrid increasingly retreated into a defensive shell.
When the Galácticos opted for a defensive posture, they could still hold their ground thanks to the double-pivot of Vieira and Beckham, supported by Cannavaro and Helguera in central defense.
But it was an unappealing sight.
In the Bernabéu, Real Madrid resorting to defensive counterattacks? How could their fans accept this?
At first, the fans offered encouragement, urging their team to push forward.
But as the match wore on and the players showed no inclination to attack, jeers began to ripple through the stands.
This was a critical derby. How could the team play with such a lack of spirit?
Where was the famed Juanito Spirit of Real Madrid?
What happened to fighting until the final whistle?
Even more frustrating for the fans was Queiroz's apparent lack of urgency to change the situation.
Trailing by three goals, shouldn't the manager take action to shake things up?
Where were the substitutes?
Indeed, where were they?
Last season, substitutes like Morientes frequently came off the bench to change games and help the team secure wins. But now, Morientes was at Monaco.
McManaman, Savio, Munitis, and Makelele? Loaned out or transferred.
What substitutes were left?
Portillo?
The once-promising academy product, hailed as a talent surpassing Raúl, had seen his career nosedive after Del Bosque's departure. This season, he had zero goals and zero assists.
Finally, in the 83rd minute, Queiroz made his first substitution, bringing on Guti for Raúl.
It made no difference.
In the 88th minute, he replaced Ronaldo with Portillo.
Still no improvement.
At the 90th minute, Solari replaced Roberto Carlos.
What change could these substitutions bring?
The match was already over!
In the end, Real Madrid lost 3-0 to Atlético at home.
"Your Atlético is indeed very strong this season," Florentino Pérez admitted with a strained smile as referee Alfonso blew the final whistle. He turned to Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil, offering them reluctant praise.
Anyone could see the pain hidden behind his expression.
Miguel Gil, tempted to respond with, "Only this season? We were strong last season too, you know?" ultimately decided against kicking a man when he was down.
Enrique Cerezo offered a conciliatory remark instead. "Your superstars are starting to age."
What was intended as a kind gesture only deepened Florentino's frown.
Because it was true. And it was precisely what Yang Hao had warned him about years ago.
At the time, Florentino had dismissed those warnings and forgotten all about them. But now, he realized every word Yang Hao had spoken had come true.
The aging of the Galácticos was undeniable.
Ronaldo was only 27, but his injury-plagued career had taken its toll.
Zidane was 31. Figo, 31. Roberto Carlos, 30. Cannavaro, 30.
When a team's starting lineup includes four players over 30 years old, how can it maintain competitiveness throughout an entire season?
At this moment, Florentino Pérez clearly recognized another issue: Real Madrid's substitute roster was deeply flawed.
Additionally, it was becoming evident that they had misjudged Carlos Queiroz. His success at Manchester United owed much to the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson. At Real Madrid, while he had managed to stabilize the locker room and diffuse tensions between Beckham and Figo, his tactical acumen left much to be desired.
Tonight's performance against Atlético Madrid was utterly disappointing.
"It seems we still don't have enough superstars," Florentino remarked, flashing a seemingly relaxed smile toward Antonio Pont and Enrique Cerezo.
Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged glances, both finding the statement absurd.
There were already so many superstars—wasn't it enough? Did he truly intend to fill the entire bench with superstars as well?
"Did he really say that?"
After the game, in the visitors' locker room at the Bernabéu, Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil came by to reward the players.
When they mentioned Florentino's comment, both Cerezo and Miguel Gil found it baffling.
After receiving confirmation, Yang Hao simply nodded. "He has no choice."
"What do you mean?"
"The Galácticos strategy is Florentino's political foundation—it's how he became president. He can't abandon it now. He has to double down, hoping the team's performance will rebound. Besides, Real Madrid does rely on this strategy to expand its revenue."
Imagine the backlash if Real Madrid were to go trophyless again this season.
If this campaign ended in failure, potentially with disastrous results, what could Florentino do? Abandon the Galácticos strategy?
Unlikely. By the next day, another "Florentino" would emerge, wielding the same superstar strategy to challenge for the presidency.
Wasn't that how Laporta came to power at Barcelona this past summer? By tying his campaign to Beckham.
In Yang Hao's previous life, how did Ramón Calderón win the presidency?
He went even further, promising Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Robben all at once.
The result? Calderón became a laughingstock when none of the three joined immediately, with Robben only arriving in 2007.
Some claimed Cristiano Ronaldo's eventual signing was due to Calderón, but this theory is implausible.
Contracts of such enormous value would never be signed a year in advance. Too many risks were involved—what if the player got injured, changed their mind, or experienced a decline in performance?
At best, there might have been verbal assurances, similar to how Tottenham's Daniel Levy promised Modric he could leave after another season.
A president who rises to power through campaign promises of superstar signings but fails to deliver would meet Calderón's fate.
Laporta, while missing out on Beckham, still managed to salvage his campaign by signing Ronaldinho at all costs.
Florentino had chosen his path. At this stage, there was no turning back.
"I told him from the beginning this path wouldn't work," Yang Hao remarked with a wry chuckle. "But some people just won't listen."
"Stars Shine Bright Over Madrid!"
This was the headline of El País in the aftermath of the Madrid Derby, hailing the match as a spectacular showcase of star power.
In his column, editor Santiago commented that this was one of the most high-profile matchups in European football, with the highest combined market value of players. It wasn't just about Real Madrid's Galácticos; Atlético Madrid's lineup was equally dazzling.
Deco, Baraja, Lucio, Torres, Joaquín, and Reyes—each of these players was already a well-established name in European football. Their presence ensured global attention on this clash.
"Against superstars like Ronaldo, Raúl, Zidane, Beckham, and Figo, Atlético's players delivered a stunning performance. Torres, with two goals and an assist, was named Man of the Match."
"However, the most unforgettable display at the Bernabéu came from Czech goalkeeper Petr Čech."
"Initially, when Čech replaced van der Sar, many Atlético fans were worried. But his steady performances last season put those fears to rest. Tonight, at the Bernabéu, he delivered a world-class performance."
"In front of his predecessor Casillas, Čech repeatedly denied the Galácticos' attempts on goal, keeping Real Madrid at bay."
Santiago observed that Atlético's dominance in this match exposed the glaring flaws behind Real Madrid's superstar-packed roster.
"Real Madrid's lineup is far from perfect."
"As many feared before the season began, this star-studded Titanic has finally collided with Atlético's iceberg."
Marca shared a similar sentiment, asserting that Real Madrid's humiliating loss was a consequence of seeds sown in the preseason.
"When Vicente del Bosque was unceremoniously dismissed under flimsy pretexts, when captain Fernando Hierro was denied a contract renewal, when players like McManaman and Morientes were forced out…"
"The bitter harvest Real Madrid now reaps stems from those decisions."
Despite their criticism, Marca adopted a balanced view, acknowledging that Florentino's Galácticos strategy had lifted Real Madrid out of financial troubles and turned the club into one of Europe's top earners, second only to Manchester United.
"However, in his three years at the helm, the club has steadily lost control. The presence of superstars devours resources, young players see no future, substitutes lose their purpose, and everything spirals into chaos."
Even AS, often aligned with Real Madrid's interests, expressed profound disappointment after the derby defeat:
"We've lost this season's La Liga title!"
Following the derby, Atlético's lead stretched to 10 points—a nearly insurmountable gap.
"A comeback? Theoretically possible, but in reality, Atlético won't allow it."
AS emphasized that Atlético's dominance in the derby made Real Madrid look utterly inferior.
"Perhaps it's time for us to embrace change."
But who would dare to lead such a transformation?
AS also published Florentino Pérez's post-match interview.
The Real Madrid president apologized to fans, acknowledging the team's poor performance, but insisted that the club wouldn't abandon its pursuit of the La Liga title.
However, he made it clear that the focus would shift to the Champions League.
"That is our primary battlefield this season!"
Florentino also promised significant changes next summer.
"We need to bring in younger, more competitive superstars!"
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