Chapter 44
After defeating Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid secured 12 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 14 league matches, accumulating 37 points—a very satisfying performance.
Trailing behind was Real Madrid with only 27 points. Valencia ranked third with 25 points, followed by Deportivo La Coruña with 24.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's recent struggles continued. With only 19 points, they had slipped to 11th place.
This reflected one of Barcelona's core issues—unstable performances, largely due to their weak midfield and defense.
The problems were glaring in their 1-5 defeat against Málaga, a team they hadn't lost to in 27 years. To borrow a phrase from the legendary Van Gaal: "They've lost all semblance of dignity!"
Calls for Frank Rijkaard's dismissal grew louder once more.
Three days later, in La Liga's 15th round, Barcelona hosted Real Madrid at Camp Nou in a clash between two struggling giants. The result? Barcelona lost 1-2.
The Galácticos made their point: "Sure, losing to Atlético Madrid was tough, but crushing little Barcelona? That's a walk in the park."
Goals from Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo sealed Barcelona's fate, with Kluivert scoring a late consolation goal.
Before this match, Real Madrid had not won at Camp Nou for 20 years.
The loss left Catalonia in despair, with an overwhelming outcry for Rijkaard's resignation.
What baffled everyone was Rijkaard's bizarre tactics for the match.
He opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Kluivert and Luis García leading the attack. The midfield comprised Cocu, Xavi, Thiago Motta, and Gerard—a lineup packed with defensive midfielders.
In the second half, after falling behind, Rijkaard reverted to a 4-3-3 formation, substituting in Overmars and Quaresma. Barcelona's performance visibly improved, with Kluivert's goal coming from a Quaresma assist.
This sequence of decisions confused not only fans and the media but also football analysts.
"Even if you're scared of Real Madrid, there's no reason to be this conservative!"
A 1-5 humiliation against Málaga, followed by a 1-2 defeat at home to a Real Madrid team that hadn't won at Camp Nou in two decades, was utterly unacceptable.
Frustrated Barcelona fans took their anger out on everyone—blocking Rijkaard, heckling Laporta and the board, and even attacking a bus parked outside Camp Nou after the match.
Bottles, eggs, shoes, and flares were hurled at the bus, and some fans clashed with police.
The twist? The bus wasn't Real Madrid's. It was a vehicle arranged by Barcelona to transport media personnel.
In this round, Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 victory at home against Espanyol, thanks to a brace from David Villa.
Three days later, in the final round of the Champions League group stage, Atlético Madrid faced PSV Eindhoven away.
This match belonged to Arjen Robben.
In the 14th minute of the first half, the Dutch youngster provided a brilliant left-wing assist for Drogba to open the scoring.
At the start of the second half, in the 48th minute, Robben scored a goal of his own.
With a 2-0 lead, Yang Hao made substitutions, bringing on young talents David Silva, Luka Modrić, and Lionel Messi.
What about Sergio Ramos? Of course, he wasn't left out—he started this match, partnering Pepe in central defense.
In the 83rd minute, Modrić executed a beautiful turn and through ball from outside the box, sending Villa into the right channel. Villa controlled the ball, dribbled past a PSV defender, and scored with his left foot.
3-0.
In injury time, John de Jong scored a consolation goal for PSV, ending the match 3-1 in Atlético Madrid's favor.
With this result, Atlético Madrid and AS Monaco advanced from the group.
On December 12, UEFA held the Champions League Round of 16 draw at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Of the eight runners-up, two were La Liga teams, alongside Monaco, leaving Atlético Madrid with limited potential opponents.
Yang Hao secretly hoped to draw Mourinho's Porto.
Not for any particular reason, just to send Mourinho home early so I can relax.
However, Atlético didn't draw Porto. Instead, they drew Bayern Munich.
This was still a decent matchup.
Bayern had struggled in the group stage, and Ottmar Hitzfeld's side seemed to be facing difficulties. Yang Hao was eager to test Atlético's recent progress against Bayern in the first leg in Munich.
What surprised Yang Hao the most was that Real Madrid drew Monaco.
"This must be a joke!"
When Yang Hao heard the news, he couldn't help but chuckle.
"Could Real Madrid's infamous Round of 16 exit be coming early this year?"
However, it was hard to say.
This season, Real Madrid had added Cannavaro and Vieira, which shored up their defense. Monaco might not stand a chance.
Still, if Morientes could exploit his aerial advantage, Monaco had a fighting chance.
Cannavaro and Helguera, Real Madrid's central defensive pairing, were weak against aerial threats.
As for Pavón—the poor youngster had been thoroughly vilified this season.
On December 13, La Liga's 16th round.
Barcelona came from behind to beat Espanyol 3-1 in a chaotic match that featured six red cards—three for each side.
The shocking part? All six red cards were justified.
In other words, the Dream Team II that fans revered in Yang Hao's previous life was still a team prone to violent tactics.
After the match, many media outlets urged the Spanish FA and La Liga to improve referee training and match control to prevent such farcical spectacles.
Madrid's derby and Barcelona's derby were worlds apart in quality.
Atlético Madrid narrowly beat Celta Vigo 2-1 away. Real Madrid edged Deportivo 2-1 at home. Valencia scraped by with a 1-0 away win over Real Betis.
Everyone stayed on track.
On December 16, in the third round of the Copa del Rey, Atlético Madrid traveled north to face Cultural Leonesa.
Yang Hao fielded a lineup entirely composed of young players.
With their skillful passing and movement, Atlético's youth team dominated the match.
In the 24th minute of the match, Andrés Iniesta assisted David Villa for the opening goal.
By the second half, the match had turned into Iniesta's personal showcase.
In the 75th and 86th minutes, he provided assists for Arjen Robben's goals, taking the score to 3–0.
Finally, in stoppage time, Iniesta scored one himself.
A hat-trick of assists and a bonus goal—Iniesta's stellar performance left Yang Hao thoroughly impressed.
The exceptional display of the young players gave Yang Hao a strong sense of confidence.
They would become the backbone for the team in the second half of the season, a reliable reserve force for enduring the challenges of multiple competitions.
Returning to Madrid, Atlético immediately prepared for the 17th round of La Liga—their final match before Christmas.
Atlético Madrid secured a 3–1 home victory against Racing Santander.
Valencia edged Sevilla 1–0. Deportivo La Coruña beat Espanyol 2–1. Real Madrid managed a 3–1 comeback win against Mallorca. Barcelona, however, drew 1–1 at home against Celta Vigo.
With all pre-Christmas matches concluded, the top four standings remained unchanged.
Barcelona, thanks to their draw, climbed to 11th place with one additional point.
As La Liga paused for the winter break, Europe's final football highlight of the year was unveiled.
On December 22, at 5:45 p.m., French television channel Canal+ aired a 40-minute program.
During the broadcast, the editor-in-chief of France Football officially announced that the 2003 Ballon d'Or—awarded to Europe's Footballer of the Year—went to Brazilian forward Adriano of Inter Milan!
The world erupted in celebration for the Brazilian superstar.
Just a week earlier, on December 15, FIFA had hosted its awards ceremony in Basel, Switzerland, where Adriano had also been named the 2003 FIFA World Player of the Year.
A double triumph!
Adriano, accompanied by his parents and his stunning new girlfriend, appeared on the live show to receive his accolades.
FIFA had invited Yang Hao to the awards ceremony in Switzerland, but he had been unable to attend due to Atlético's Copa del Rey commitments. During his acceptance speech, however, Adriano tearfully expressed his gratitude to Yang Hao.
Yang Hao had long anticipated Adriano's Ballon d'Or victory.
While Canal+ officially broke the news, the next morning's issue of France Football magazine would feature a full spread on Adriano's win, including exclusive interviews with him and his family. Preparations for this had been underway for weeks.
When Adriano received the call from France Football, he knew he had won and immediately called Yang Hao before notifying anyone else.
During the live broadcast, Adriano shared his life story, highlighting the struggles and hardships he and his family had endured. He expressed immense gratitude for everything he had achieved.
"In my life, there are two people I am most thankful for: my father, who gave me life, guidance, and a loving upbringing, and Yang Hao, who helped me grow into a responsible and capable man."
Watching Adriano say these words on television, Yang Hao couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
At that moment, his phone rang.
The caller ID? Adriano.
Yang Hao's immediate thought: "What is this? A live call-in?"
The next morning, France Football hit the stands, and news of Adriano's double accolade dominated global media.
The Brazilian striker had eclipsed his predecessor Ronaldo in both fame and form, earning his place as the world's hottest forward and arguably the best striker of his time.
Naturally, Yang Hao became a focal point for reporters, given his mentorship of Adriano.
During the live broadcast, Adriano had called Yang Hao in tears, laughing and crying as he told him he had fulfilled Yang Hao's expectations by winning football's two highest individual honors.
A heartfelt moment of steel and sentiment.
This phone call was celebrated worldwide as a testament to Adriano's deep respect and gratitude toward Yang Hao.
Yang Hao found himself once again at the center of media attention.
With Atlético dominating La Liga and Yang Hao's protégé claiming both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, the young managerial prodigy earned even greater admiration.
The more the media delved into Yang Hao's career, the more fascinated they became by his enigmatic persona.
Privately, in a post-show phone call, Yang Hao lavished praise on Adriano while offering stern advice:
"Stay humble and keep working hard."
At just 21 years old, Adriano had already matched Ronaldo's early career achievements. However, Yang Hao emphasized the importance of setting higher goals and striving for even greater accomplishments.
"You have the potential to surpass everyone and achieve unprecedented greatness. Do you understand?"
After Inter Milan's historic treble last season, Yang Hao had predicted Adriano's Ballon d'Or and FIFA award victories.
Yet he now worried that success might breed complacency—a common pitfall for many players.
The enduring greatness of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lay not only in their early talent but in their ability to maintain peak performance for over a decade—a rare feat in football history.
In contrast, prodigies like Ronaldinho and Michael Owen had shone brightly but faded quickly after reaching their peaks.
To address this, Yang Hao also called Adriano's father, urging him to keep his son grounded:
"He has the potential for even greater achievements—don't let him stop now!"
Despite his profound influence, Yang Hao knew his limits. Adriano was no longer an Atlético player, and Yang Hao could only offer guidance from a distance.
This dynamic mirrored that of a parent and child—eventually, one must learn to let go.
Clinging too tightly could only lead to conflict and eventual estrangement.
For this reason, Yang Hao placed great emphasis on the personal development of his current young players, including Messi, Kaká, and Iniesta.
By instilling strong values and discipline, he hoped to prepare them for enduring success.
As for Adriano, Yang Hao remained a watchful supporter, proud of his first Ballon d'Or winner.
"Will we ever have our own World Player of the Year or Ballon d'Or winner?"
Miguel Gil asked Yang Hao this question as they stood in the Atlético chairman's office.
Yang Hao, gazing out at a group of surveyors marking out measurements for the club's new facilities, allowed himself a wry smile.
Construction work truly is a never-ending grind.
While others celebrated the holidays, the construction crews labored on.
In his previous life, Yang Hao had a friend in the construction industry, someone who had truly endured hardship.
Building a cross-sea bridge meant enduring years of sea winds; digging a tunnel involved spending years in the mountains, often in remote places where even buying a pack of cigarettes required traveling several kilometers. By his thirties, this friend hadn't even held a girl's hand.
Whenever Yang Hao thought about it, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yang, what are you laughing at? We're talking to you," Miguel Gil said, leaning closer with curiosity.
He, too, had noticed the surveyors at work.
"Oh, those are survey engineers from MP13 Construction Company," Yang Hao said, guessing the reason behind their presence. "The architectural design has already been subcontracted out?"
"No, not yet. Before we proceed, we have to survey the site thoroughly and prepare a master site plan. That's why we hired a reputable urban planning firm based here in Madrid. They'll help us figure out the layout—where to place the stadium, how to integrate the high-rises, roads, and other infrastructure. Once we have that plan, we'll commission a more specialized architectural firm to handle the actual design."
Yang Hao nodded, though he wasn't entirely sure he understood.
Enrique Cerezo noticed Yang Hao's confusion and further explained, "We're in Madrid, where every square meter counts. We need to utilize every inch of this land to the fullest."
This was something Yang Hao understood well. It reminded him of how real estate developers in his previous life meticulously calculated plot ratios when building high-rises.
"Also, the city government requires the stadium's architectural style to match the surrounding area. Most modern stadiums follow standard templates, but aligning the design with local architecture makes this project quite challenging. If done well, though, it'll undoubtedly be a stadium that captures the world's attention."
Yang Hao nodded. Modern stadiums typically followed a standard bowl design, with seating areas and various functional facilities. Introducing unique architectural elements was no easy task, especially given the technological limitations of the current era.
Some of the breathtaking designs Yang Hao had seen in his previous life—like the stunning SoFi Stadium in the United States—simply weren't feasible yet. Designs like the Allianz Arena had already been conceived, so they were out of the question.
"This MP13 firm has strong credentials. They frequently handle public projects, including urban renewal and community redevelopment, so they're highly familiar with Madrid and Spain's unique needs. They'll also liaise with the city's relevant departments and our chief architects," Enrique explained.
That made sense to Yang Hao.
"They've already provided valuable input. For example, they suggested incorporating design elements from Madrid's Plaza Mayor, like red bricks and arch structures—classic materials and construction techniques with a distinctly Spanish flair."
Yang Hao had visited Plaza Mayor before. The square featured red brick facades and colonnaded shops reminiscent of an arcade-style design.
The challenge now was to see how these elements could be integrated into the stadium's architecture.
"Based on our initial estimates, our plot is slightly smaller than the Mahou Brewery site. We'll need to acquire the adjacent property to match MSM Company's plot size."
The adjacent property wasn't huge and included a modest building and warehouse. Negotiations had taken place, and the owner had agreed to sell.
"How much is the acquisition going to cost?" Yang Hao asked.
"About 100 million euros," Enrique replied.
Yang Hao silently cursed.
Acquiring a building and a warehouse in Madrid's city center was indeed expensive.
"Don't worry. The club's revenue is still growing this year, so finances aren't a major issue. Plus, we'll use an installment payment plan. The first installment will be 40 million euros. The club will just have to tighten its belt a bit."
Hearing this, Yang Hao was reminded of the struggles of buying a home in his previous life.
Scraping together a down payment, then enduring years of mortgage payments, cutting back on expenses, and living frugally—what was it all for?
In the end, it was about having a place to call one's own, a comforting haven.
For Atlético Madrid, it was the same.
If they didn't seize this opportunity to build their new stadium now, they might eventually be forced to relocate to the outskirts of the city.
The thought brought a sense of urgency. Yes, it was tough now, but as long as the stadium was built, it would all be worth it.
Yang Hao recalled how Real Madrid had spent enormous sums renovating the Santiago Bernabéu in his previous life, and even then, it hadn't been enough—they had to continue investing. Tottenham's new stadium had also faced multiple budget increases over several years.
But once the stadium was completed, everything changed.
"What were you asking me earlier?" Yang Hao turned to Miguel Gil.
Miguel repeated his question.
"When will Atlético have its own World Player of the Year or Ballon d'Or winner?"
Yang Hao laughed. "Not anytime soon."
He might not understand construction, but when it came to football, Yang Hao was an expert.
"Let me ask you: if we won both La Liga and the Champions League, and Adriano was still with us, do you think he'd win the Ballon d'Or or World Player of the Year?"
Miguel and Enrique exchanged glances, falling silent.
"I personally think it's unlikely," Yang Hao concluded.
Atlético had previously won both the double and even a treble, but they hadn't made a global splash.
"The Ballon d'Or is decided by journalists, and the FIFA World Player of the Year is voted on by national team coaches and captains. With such small voting groups, there's no point expecting fairness or transparency."
Awards like these were always subjective.
As someone once said, why did Figo win in 2001? Why Zidane in 2003?
Even the Ballon d'Or operated without strict criteria.
In Yang Hao's previous life, fans had protested when players like Iniesta and Xavi lost out, but internally, Barcelona might have already decided that Messi was their main star.
Likewise, players like Ribéry and Sneijder were passed over for lacking the global popularity of Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
"These awards have never been purely merit-based," Yang Hao said.
"Why do players from big clubs win more often? Because they're more well-known.
"In 2004, Deco led Porto to a treble—how many people knew who he was?
"Meanwhile, Ronaldinho, despite Barcelona's lack of titles, still won the World Player of the Year. Why? Because he was a global sensation."
Yang Hao cited examples where coaches and captains from lesser-known nations—places like Guinea-Bissau or Iceland—consistently voted for the most famous names, often unaware of other deserving players.
"Fame decides votes more than performance," Yang Hao concluded.
Of course, it's hard to say how deep the waters run.
Take public relations, for example.
There's no doubt that these things play a role.
For instance, before Shevchenko won the Ballon d'Or, then-Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi personally called the editor-in-chief of France Football. Could that have been pure coincidence?
"This is something that happens naturally," Yang Hao explained. "If, one day, our club's influence reaches that level, and our relationships with various parties are equally developed, then these things will happen on their own."
"When that time comes, we won't be in the position we're in now."
Having a player win the Ballon d'Or or the FIFA World Player of the Year would truly mark Atlético Madrid as a global powerhouse. The influence would be undeniable.
"Do you think Torres has a chance to win the award?" Miguel Gil asked.
"Yes," Yang Hao replied with a nod.
This season, Torres had been in outstanding form, scoring goal after goal. As long as he continued this upward trajectory, working tirelessly to improve step by step, Yang Hao was confident Torres would have his opportunity.
"What about Kaká?"
"Yes," Yang Hao affirmed again without hesitation.
"And the others?"
This time, Yang Hao simply smiled and didn't answer.
How was he supposed to respond? Should he tell them that Messi was destined to win multiple Ballon d'Ors and FIFA World Player of the Year awards?
Should he mention that Modrić would also win the Ballon d'Or?
Or bring up how, in 2023, countless fans would still be crying injustice for Ribéry, Iniesta, Robben, and Drogba?
Having coached for several years, Yang Hao's perspective had shifted. He realized that while winning individual accolades was significant, what mattered more was leaving a lasting impression.
Having everyone recognize you, and ensuring that fans remembered you decades later—this was far more valuable than a trophy or two.
Of course, if the opportunity to win came, you still had to seize it.
Yang Hao visited the Calderón Stadium primarily to finalize plans for Atlético's upcoming training camp in the Middle East.
Scheduled for the week after Christmas, the team would head to the region for a one-week training session, part of Atlético's partnership with its sponsors.
However, Yang Hao had secured a bonus for the players: they could bring along their families and children.
While the players would focus on training, their families would enjoy a holiday.
Just before Christmas, another unexpected event occurred.
Barcelona vice president Sandro Rosell called Atlético's general manager, Miguel Gil, to inquire about Deco's transfer fee, expressing interest in signing the midfielder during the winter break.
This time, Miguel Gil didn't bother consulting Yang Hao. Over the phone, he directly rejected Rosell's inquiry.
Undeterred, Barcelona sent over a fax offering €25 million for Deco.
Miguel Gil was so furious he nearly called Rosell back to give him a piece of his mind.
"Are you out of your mind?!"
€25 million for Deco?
Even if Barcelona's euros were made of gold, it wouldn't be enough to buy him!
The fax went unanswered.
As was tradition, Barcelona's president gave a speech to the club's members before Christmas.
This year, Joan Laporta's address turned into a complaint session. He explained that although the club was in dire straits, they wouldn't be signing any players during the winter transfer window.
Why?
They had no money.
Laporta lamented that he had inherited a Barcelona riddled with problems.
"I know it may seem ungracious to speak ill of my predecessor, but I must say—he was a fool!"
"We spent massive sums to acquire players like Alfonso and Rivaldo, only for my predecessor to give them away for free—yes, free!—to other teams. I can't wrap my head around it."
"Many of our transfers defy comprehension. I had the finance department review the club's spending over the past few years and found that the fees we paid to agents were simply outrageous."
"Some of the players we signed were inexplicable choices. Even without naming names, I'm sure you all know who they are."
"In my opinion, this all stems from the incompetence of our previous president."
Laporta admitted that while he wished to build a strong team, the harsh reality was that Barcelona could no longer compete financially with clubs like Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.
"As the president of Barcelona, I find this deeply painful," Laporta confessed.
"But I continue to motivate my colleagues and everyone in the club. We're facing challenges, but with the support of thousands of Barça fans, if we unite as one, I believe we can restore our former glory."
As for the persistent rumors about replacing Rijkaard, Barcelona publicly dismissed them.
There had been speculation linking the club to Guus Hiddink, Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Ronald Koeman. In fact, some Catalan media outlets even captured photos of Rosell meeting with Scolari in Lisbon.
However, Laporta clarified that Barcelona had no intention of changing managers.
Even Johan Cruyff came forward to support Rijkaard, asserting that the team's tactics were fine and that they weren't lacking in star players.
"What we need to address is the attitude of our players on the pitch," Cruyff said.
Meanwhile, neither Atlético nor Real Madrid planned to make any moves during the winter transfer window.
Atlético, in particular, faced interest from multiple clubs—including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Chelsea—in several of their players. But the club rejected all advances.
At the team's Christmas banquet, Yang Hao made his stance clear to the players:
"There will be no changes this winter transfer window."
"Because…"
"We're going all-in for the championship in the second half of the season!"
"La Liga, the Champions League, and even the Copa del Rey!"
Yang Hao's speech inspired the team, lifting everyone's spirits.
The team's training camp in the Middle East went smoothly. With families accompanying the players, morale was high, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
A midweek friendly against a local team served as a tune-up, allowing the players to get into rhythm before returning to Madrid.
January 3, 2004 – La Liga, Round 18
Raúl's 8th-minute goal secured a 1-0 home win for Real Madrid over Murcia.
Atlético faced a tough away match against Zaragoza, with the breakthrough only coming in the 78th minute when Torres assisted Reyes for a crucial goal to seal a 1-0 victory.
Deportivo La Coruña thrashed Celta Vigo 5-0 away, while Valencia defeated Villarreal 4-2 at home.
And Barcelona…
Barcelona's Struggles and Atlético's Emerging Stars
Rijkaard's team suffered a humiliating 0-3 defeat away to Racing Santander.
Turkey's World Cup hero goalkeeper Rüştü had a disastrous performance in this round, leaving Barcelona in 14th place in La Liga.
Despite this, they were still six points clear of 18th-placed Celta Vigo in the relegation zone.
As Spanish media sarcastically put it, "Frank, keep working hard. If you want to take Barcelona into the relegation zone, you'll need to push a bit more!"
January 6: Copa del Rey Round of 16, First Leg
Atlético Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña
Yang Hao heavily rotated his squad for this match:
Goalkeeper: Palop
Defense: Antonio López, Pepe, Marchena, and Dani Alves
Midfield: Marcos Senna in a holding role, Kaká and Iniesta in central midfield
Attack: Robben, Drogba, and Villa
The match began with fierce competition, particularly in midfield.
Deportivo came into the game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo. Having little hope in La Liga or the Champions League, Irureta's team was eager to make an impact in the Copa del Rey.
As a result, Deportivo launched relentless attacks from the start.
Both teams struggled for control. Atlético attempted to maintain possession but found it difficult, while Deportivo's attacking moves often faltered in midfield.
Though Atlético's wing play was fluid, there were issues with central coordination.
While Marcos Senna handled defensive responsibilities well, the partnership between Iniesta and Kaká was less effective. The two players hadn't yet developed a strong understanding, leading to passing errors under Deportivo's high pressing.
This pattern persisted until halftime.
During the break, Yang Hao made adjustments, instructing Iniesta and Kaká to switch positions.
Just two minutes into the second half, Iniesta delivered a brilliant through ball to Drogba in the box.
The Ivorian striker controlled the pass, turned, and fired it past Molina, opening the scoring for Atlético.
1-0!
From that moment on, Atlético gradually gained control, particularly in midfield.
With control established in the center, the flanks became even more dynamic.
Iniesta provided another superb pass, which Drogba laid off to the right side.
Villa received the ball, dribbled into the right side of the penalty area, and finished clinically to double the lead.
2-0!
Atlético continued to press forward. Both the midfield and wings became increasingly cohesive.
However, the team missed two golden opportunities to extend their lead—one by Drogba and the other by Kaká.
In the end, Atlético secured a 2-0 victory over Deportivo.
When Yang Hao heard the final whistle, he felt a surge of surprise and even a brief sense of losing control.
This wasn't about the match itself but rather the rapid growth of his young players, especially Iniesta.
While Kaká had already matured into a top player, and Robben, Villa, and Drogba were progressing rapidly, it was Iniesta's performance that stood out.
Iniesta was undoubtedly the best player in this match—particularly in the second half. Both goals stemmed from his vision and assists.
And he was only 19 years old.
"Juanma, I feel like things are getting out of hand," Yang Hao said with a hearty laugh.
Juanma Lillo nodded in agreement. "The progress has been astonishing—Robben, Villa, and especially Iniesta."
This was evident to everyone watching.
Kaká's performance, however, was less impressive, mainly due to coordination issues with his teammates.
But that didn't bother Yang Hao—it was all part of the team's ongoing process of building chemistry. Over time, Iniesta and Kaká would naturally form a better understanding.
"You should be thinking ahead now—especially about next season," Lillo said with a wry smile.
He couldn't imagine how Yang Hao would manage things. Players like Iniesta were in a critical phase of development, rapidly gaining experience and improving.
With Deco, Kaká, and Baraja all ahead of Iniesta in the pecking order, his playing time was inevitably limited.
"This delightful headache is yours to deal with," Lillo said with a grin as he walked away.
It was indeed a tricky dilemma, but Yang Hao didn't see it as a major issue.
Deco was nearing the age where selling him would make sense. This was already part of Yang Hao's plan.
The goal was to push for success this season and then sell Deco while his value remained high.
If they didn't sell him, they'd have to renew his contract with a significant pay raise, making it harder to offload him later. After this season, Deco would be 27 years old. Keeping him until he was 28 or 29 would diminish his market value significantly.
Relying on a "Chelsea-like" buyer willing to overpay, like they did for Makelele, wasn't a viable strategy.
Yang Hao had a feeling that cases like Iniesta's would only increase in the future. Atlético had a pool of talented youngsters waiting for their chance.
However, that was still a few years away. Among them, Messi was likely to break through first, but even he would need a year or two of gradual transition.
Rushing players into the spotlight too soon or burdening them with excessive responsibilities wasn't beneficial for their development.
Yang Hao believed in a step-by-step approach to nurturing talent.
The plan to replace Deco with Kaká was a prime example of a steady and logical transition.
Yang Hao kept these thoughts to himself, not sharing them even with Miguel Gil or Enrique Cerezo.
Atlético needed money desperately. If Deco were to be sold, it had to be for a good price.
Barcelona's lowball offer of 25 million euros for Deco was laughable.
If Yang Hao weren't strapped for cash, he'd have loved to slap a blank check on their table and say, "At this price, give me ten Decos!"
On the evening of January 11th, at the Vicente Calderón Stadium in Madrid.
It was Round 19 of La Liga, the final match of the first half of the season. Atlético Madrid was hosting Athletic Bilbao.
65 minutes into the game, the score remained 0-0.
The Calderón faithful showed patience, continuously cheering for their team. After all, Yang Hao's home record was stellar—he hadn't lost a single match at home.
Moreover, the game was still tied, wasn't it?
Standing in front of the home team's dugout, Yang Hao maintained a composed demeanor, showing no signs of anxiety.
Well, in truth, he was conscious of the occasional live broadcast camera panning over to him. He felt it necessary to maintain an air of grace and polish, the look of a cultured and tactically sound manager.
Athletic Bilbao's coach was Ernesto Valverde, the same Valverde who would one day manage Barcelona.
This was his first season managing the Basque Lions. Previously, he had served as an assistant coach and managed Bilbao's B team. It was his first opportunity to take charge of a top-tier team in Europe's major leagues.
The Basque Lions were performing decently this season, sitting in 9th place in La Liga—higher than Barcelona, in fact.
Yang Hao's calm demeanor stemmed from more than just tactical confidence. There was another reason: Real Madrid had lost.
They suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Real Sociedad. Deportivo La Coruña had drawn 1-1 with Racing Santander, while Valencia managed a win.
This created a relatively relaxed external environment for Yang Hao's match.
The main reason for his composure, however, was that Atlético had been controlling the tempo and possession throughout the match.
At the start, Athletic Bilbao pressed aggressively, employing their trademark high press to trouble Atlético. Valverde's strategy was to pressure high up the pitch and disrupt Atlético's rhythm.
When the early attacks didn't yield results, Yang Hao shifted tactics, prioritizing possession and wearing down the opposition with patience.
With over 70% possession, Atlético held the upper hand, forcing Bilbao into a physically taxing game of relentless chasing.
By the 61st minute, Valverde had already used two of his substitutions due to visible signs of fatigue among his players.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, remained patient, instructing his players to keep moving the ball and maintaining composure. He knew Bilbao's energy would eventually falter.
Bilbao understood Atlético's strategy but had no choice. With such a disparity in possession, what else could they do but keep chasing?
Yang Hao waited. And waited.
Returning to the bench, he grabbed a bottle of water from the assistant coach, Parrares, drank it, and then asked for a stick of gum.
"Albert, are you sure about your data?" Yang Hao teased with a smirk.
"It's already past the 70th minute, and it feels like they're playing with even more energy!"
Everyone nearby chuckled at the comment.
With the game firmly in hand and the pressure relatively low, the mood around the dugout was relaxed.
The players were just as composed.
Only with this level of calmness could Atlético play such confident, relaxed football.
"My data is spot on," Albert Roca replied, standing by his analysis. "Their activity levels have clearly dropped, and their participation in the game is decreasing. This indicates that their stamina is indeed flagging."
Roca grumbled under his breath, "If your team can't score, it's not my data's fault. That's like blaming the bed for not having kids."
The others burst into laughter, having overheard his muttering.
Yang Hao chuckled. "Fine. But if we lose tonight, I'm docking your pay."
Just as Yang Hao finished speaking, a wave of cheers erupted from the stands.
Yang Hao turned to look at the pitch and saw Deco deliver a crossfield pass to the right. Joaquín faced off against Del Horno—the Spanish international who would later join Chelsea—in a one-on-one.
With a deft feint, Joaquín easily bypassed Del Horno and delivered a cross from the byline.
Given that Bilbao's center-backs were just over 1.8 meters tall, aerial duels were a critical part of Atlético's game plan for this match.
This time, Fernando Torres seized the moment. Rising above former Real Madrid defender Karanka, he met Joaquín's cross with a powerful header, sending the ball into the back of the net past goalkeeper Aranzubia.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"
"73rd minute, Atlético Madrid takes the lead!"
"Torres! It's Torres again!"
The stadium erupted as Torres celebrated wildly, leaping into the air before sprinting towards the sidelines. The entire Calderón crowd chanted his name in unison.
El Niño opened his arms wide, basking in the adulation of the fans.
Yang Hao couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement upon seeing the goal.
But someone next to him was even more thrilled.
"Did you see that? We scored! Torres scored!"
Albert Roca was practically embodying the spirit of a commentator, his exuberance infectious.
Seriously? Yang Hao thought. It's just one goal. Is this much excitement necessary?
"You saw that, didn't you?" Roca said, gloating. "I told you—they're running out of steam."
Yang Hao wasn't about to let it slide. "Fine. But there are still 17 minutes left. If we don't score another, I'm still docking your pay."
"What?"
Roca was dumbfounded. We've already scored. How is my pay still on the line?
What happened next left everyone stunned.
In the 78th minute, using the same attacking structure but with a slight twist, Atlético struck again.
Deco once more played the ball wide to Joaquín. This time, Joaquín's attempt to break through failed, but Maicon overlapped on the flank. With no clear crossing opportunity, Maicon cut the ball back to Baraja at the edge of the box.
Bilbao's defense lost track of Baraja, leaving him unmarked. The Atlético captain unleashed a long-range strike.
Goal!
Yang Hao stood in awe for a moment, then quickly snapped out of it. We're on a roll! Time for substitutions to keep the pressure on.
He signaled for Parrares to call David Villa to the sideline, readying him to come on and intensify the attack.
Turning back to Roca, Yang Hao smirked. "Don't get too comfortable. If we don't score a third, I'm still docking your pay."
Everyone nearby burst into laughter.
Roca was on the verge of tears.
"I didn't even say anything this time!"
"Doesn't matter," Yang Hao quipped. "Your eyes gave you away."
What no one expected was that Atlético would indeed score again before the final whistle.
This time, the goal came from the right once more, with Maicon providing the assist. The scorer? David Villa—with a header.
Yang Hao was overjoyed.
Atlético Madrid faced Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderón Stadium on the night of January 11th for Round 19 of La Liga, the final match of the league's first half.
By the 65th minute, the score remained 0-0.
The fans at the Calderón remained patient, cheering passionately for their team. After all, Yang Hao's home record was impeccable—undefeated so far.
And besides, the score was still tied.
Yang Hao stood calmly at the touchline in front of the home dugout, exuding composure.
Well, truthfully, he wanted to look composed. Knowing that the broadcast cameras might pan to him, he decided it was best to project an air of sophistication and control befitting a master tactician.
Athletic Bilbao's manager, Ernesto Valverde—destined to later coach Barcelona—was leading the Basque Lions for his first full season in top-flight football. Previously an assistant coach and reserve team manager, this was his debut in charge of a major league team.
The Basque Lions were performing well, currently sitting 9th in La Liga—above Barcelona, no less.
Yang Hao's calmness also stemmed from another reason: Real Madrid had lost.
Earlier, Real Sociedad handed Madrid a 1-0 defeat at the Anoeta Stadium. Deportivo La Coruña managed only a 1-1 draw against Racing Santander, and while Valencia secured a win, the overall stakes were favorable for Atlético.
More importantly, Atlético Madrid controlled the match.
Bilbao started aggressively, pressing high up the pitch, applying their trademark physicality and intensity. Valverde's strategy aimed to disrupt Atlético's rhythm.
When early attempts failed, Yang Hao adjusted his strategy. Atlético shifted to patient ball retention, using their superior possession to tire out the opposition.
With over 70% of the possession, Atlético had the Basques chasing shadows.
By the 61st minute, Valverde had already used two substitutions, a clear sign that fatigue was setting in for his players.
Yang Hao remained patient, urging his players to keep moving the ball and stretching Bilbao's defense. He knew their stamina wouldn't hold up forever.
For Bilbao, the game turned into a grueling endurance test.
Yang Hao waited. And waited.
He returned to the dugout, grabbed a bottle of water from assistant coach Parrales, took a sip, and popped a piece of gum into his mouth.
"Albert, are you sure your data's right?" Yang Hao teased with a grin.
"It's already past the 70th minute, but it looks like their energy's picking up instead of dropping!"
Everyone chuckled at the remark.
With Atlético in control and little external pressure, the mood on the bench remained lighthearted.
The players mirrored this composure.
Calmness like this allowed Atlético to maintain their rhythm and precision.
"The numbers don't lie," Albert Roca replied confidently. "Their activity levels have dropped, and their engagement is fading. It's proof their stamina is wearing thin."
Roca muttered to himself, "If they don't score, you can't blame the stats. That's like blaming the bed for not having kids."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Yang Hao grinned. "Fine, but if we lose tonight, I'm docking your pay."
Just as Yang Hao finished speaking, a sudden roar erupted from the stands.
Yang Hao turned toward the field just in time to see Deco deliver a crossfield pass to the right flank. Joaquín, faced with a one-on-one against Del Horno, executed a quick feint, leaving his marker behind before crossing the ball into the box.
Bilbao's defenders, while physically strong, struggled against Atlético's aerial threats.
Fernando Torres seized his moment, rising above former Real Madrid defender Karanka and sending a powerful header into the net past goalkeeper Aranzubia.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"73rd minute! Atlético Madrid breaks the deadlock!"
"Torres! It's Torres again!"
The stadium erupted as Torres celebrated, leaping into the air before sprinting toward the sidelines. The Calderón crowd chanted his name in unison.
El Niño spread his arms wide, basking in the love of the fans.
Yang Hao allowed himself a moment of elation.
Meanwhile, someone beside him was even more ecstatic.
"Did you see that? We scored! Torres scored!"
Albert Roca was practically vibrating with excitement.
Seriously? Yang Hao thought. It's just a goal. No need for all that.
"You saw that, right?" Roca said smugly. "Told you—they're gassed!"
Yang Hao wasn't about to let that slide.
"Fine. But there are still 17 minutes left. If we don't score another, your pay's still docked."
"What?"
Roca was dumbstruck. We've already scored. What more do you want?
But to everyone's surprise, Atlético struck again.
In the 78th minute, using the same attacking structure but with slight variation, Deco fed the ball wide to Joaquín once more. This time, Joaquín's attempted dribble failed, but Maicon overlapped and cut the ball back to Baraja at the edge of the box.
Bilbao's defense left Baraja unmarked, and the captain launched a thunderous long-range shot.
The ball rifled into the net.
Goal!
Yang Hao was momentarily stunned. This is getting fun!
Immediately, he signaled for Parrales to bring David Villa off the bench to further intensify the attack.
He turned to Roca. "Don't celebrate just yet. If we don't get a third, your pay's still on the line."
Everyone nearby chuckled.
Roca looked like he was about to cry.
"I didn't even say anything this time!"
"Doesn't matter," Yang Hao quipped. "Your eyes gave you away."
Astonishingly, Atlético scored a third before the final whistle.
In the dying minutes, Maicon delivered a precise cross into the box, where David Villa met it with a clinical header to seal the victory.
Yang Hao was over the moon.
"10 minutes remain in the match."
"Kaká, once you're on the field, push forward whenever you have a chance. Let Reyes and Drogba create space for you."
Yang Hao placed a hand on Kaká's shoulder and encouraged him, "Find a way to score!"
Kaká turned to look at his coach, nodded firmly, and stepped onto the pitch.
Yang Hao substituted Kaká for Baraja, marking the team's third substitution of the night. Earlier, Joaquín had been replaced by Marchena.
After making the change, Yang Hao stood on the sideline, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the field.
The match resumed.
Lately, Atlético Madrid had been struggling through a noticeable dip in form. They had drawn both a league match and a Copa del Rey tie. What loomed ahead only added to the pressure: a Copa del Rey semifinal against Valencia, followed by a La Liga clash against the same opponent, another semifinal leg against Valencia at home, and an away game against Barcelona.
Three matches against Valencia in a row. This schedule was enough to give anyone headaches.
A loss tonight at the Calderón would make the situation even more dire.
Yang Hao had maintained an undefeated home record since taking charge at Atlético, but a defeat now would not only shatter that streak—it could deal a devastating blow to the team's morale, possibly leading to a chain of poor results.
For Yang Hao, the home record was less important than the team's performance in the crucial matches ahead, particularly the upcoming games that could decide La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Once Kaká stepped onto the field, he became the most active player in Atlético's midfield.
Osasuna's coach, Javier Aguirre, immediately adjusted his tactics, instructing his midfielders to mark Kaká more closely. Pablo García, in particular, stuck to Kaká like glue.
The world knew of Pablo García's lingering resentment toward Yang Hao, who had refused to bring him back to Atlético in the past. Fired up by this grudge, García was determined to see Atlético fall at the Calderón and take pleasure in Yang Hao's humiliation.
As a result, several of Atlético's attacking attempts fell short of creating any significant threat.
Time ticked away.
Yang Hao stood on the sidelines, constantly directing his players to stretch the formation and push the fullbacks forward.
Sensing Atlético's resolve, Osasuna tightened their defense even further. Despite being down a player, Atlético managed to dominate possession and create pressure.
"We're now into the 89th minute."
"Atlético are still searching for a way through, but Osasuna's defense remains resolute."
"It looks like this will be Yang Hao's first home defeat as Atlético's manager."
"The fourth official has raised the board: 2 minutes of added time."
"That means Atlético have just 2 minutes left to turn things around."
"Tonight, it's clear that the team is working hard, but their form seems slightly off. This could be due to adjustments in their setup or the grueling schedule they've faced recently."
"Other teams are playing one match per week, but Atlético have been forced into two matches weekly, often against tough opponents. It's a tall order."
"Sometimes, losing a match under such circumstances can actually help a team—letting them release pressure and reset mentally."
"They've gone 20 matches unbeaten in La Liga. Maybe this is the moment the streak ends."
"Here comes another attempt. Xabi Alonso sends the ball to the right. Maicon surges forward from deep."
Two Osasuna defenders immediately closed Maicon down, blocking his path to the byline and preventing a cross.
Forced to stop, Maicon turned his back toward the sideline, facing his markers. With no teammates nearby for support, it seemed he had no choice but to try and beat his man one-on-one.
Just then, Kaká's voice cut through the noise.
"Right corner, pass it to me!"
Maicon glanced over and saw Kaká sprinting into position. Without hesitation, he passed the ball to him.
Pablo García was hot on Kaká's heels, refusing to give him an inch of breathing space.
Kaká received the ball near the corner of the box, with Pablo García closing in behind him.
In the center of the box, Drogba suddenly started to retreat, drawing the attention of Osasuna's defenders.
Pablo García, responding to calls from his teammates, realized his primary task was to cut off any connection between Kaká and Drogba. He adjusted his position slightly forward, prepared to block Kaká's pass or any attempt to cut inside.
But Kaká didn't give García time to settle. With a quick feint suggesting an inside move, he baited García into committing to a block. Then, with a deft touch, Kaká poked the ball through García's legs, slipped around him, and sprinted toward the byline.
A nutmeg.
Kaká had beaten the first line of defense, but Osasuna's penalty area was well-fortified.
Center-back César Cruchaga stepped up immediately, cutting off Kaká's path and staying vigilant for a potential cutback to Drogba.
The Brazilian seemed to have anticipated this.
"Wait for it!" Kaká shouted toward Drogba.
With incredible confidence, Kaká opted for a riskier, high-skill maneuver. He dribbled directly toward the byline, surging into the narrowest of spaces at full speed.
Reaching the tight angle between the six-yard box and the byline, Kaká appeared to have run out of options. From this position, he had no shooting angle, and even a pass seemed impossible.
Osasuna's defenders and goalkeeper collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, in a stunning move, Kaká nudged the ball back toward the six-yard box and cut sharply inside.
The ball stayed in play by mere millimeters, while Kaká's movement blurred the line between genius and madness. His body half-slipped out of bounds before he re-entered the box, maintaining perfect control of the ball.
The stadium collectively held its breath.
Kaká found the smallest gap between Cruchaga and the goalkeeper, delivering a precise cutback to the penalty spot.
Drogba, left unmarked in the chaos, calmly controlled the ball. With no defenders close enough to challenge, he unleashed a powerful strike.
The ball rocketed into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Osasuna's goalkeeper, glued to the right post, could do nothing but watch as the ball slammed into the back of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"90th Minute: Drogba equalizes for Atlético!"
"1-1!"
"My God, the key contributor to this goal is undoubtedly Kaká!"
"The Brazilian showcased mesmerizing footwork in Osasuna's penalty area."
"He completely toyed with Osasuna's defense, including their goalkeeper."
"Just when everyone thought there was no danger, he found a way to create this opportunity."
"This is what a star player does!"
"His sequence of movements required immaculate technique and extraordinary precision."
"And don't forget—he nutmegged Pablo García during the buildup!"
"This is Kaká!!"
As the TV broadcast replayed the goal in slow motion, highlighting Kaká's every touch and masterful technique, the Atlético fans at the Calderón went absolutely wild.
On the sideline, Yang Hao clenched his fists and celebrated passionately.
With the match ending in a 1-1 draw, Atlético managed to salvage a point at home against Osasuna.
The locker room after the match was silent.
The only sounds were the heavy breaths of the players, exhausted from the grueling game.
Every player could feel the weight of the team's recent struggles.
Tonight, they had nearly lost at the Calderón. The Calderón—where they had been undefeated.
A defeat here would have been catastrophic, leaving deep scars on the team's confidence.
Now, they sat with their heads lowered, anxiously waiting for their coach's fury to descend.
"We played so poorly," they thought. "The boss must be furious."
Amid this tension, the door opened. Yang Hao stepped into the room.
To everyone's surprise, he was smiling.
"You guys played well tonight," Yang Hao said, his first words catching the players off guard.
They stared at him in disbelief, trying to figure out if he was being sarcastic.
"We almost lost to Osasuna, and that's 'playing well'?!"
"Don't look at me like that," Yang Hao chuckled. "Isn't it true?"
His smile wasn't forced—it seemed genuine.
"Osasuna are sixth in La Liga right now. Yes, our performance was below par, but dips in form are normal. To come away with a 1-1 draw at home during a rough patch? I'm satisfied with that."
Hearing this, the players finally began to relax.
"I know you've all been under a lot of pressure lately," Yang Hao continued.
"On one hand, our strong performances earlier in the season have created heavy psychological expectations. On the other hand, we've had a packed schedule, and now we're trying to adjust for the Champions League Round of 16..."
January was a pivotal month for both the players and the coaching staff.
The fixtures were relentless, and with the Round of 16 approaching in late February, the team needed to peak at the right time.
In knockout football, there's little room for error. One bad match could send you home.
From a fan's perspective, these do-or-die encounters were thrilling. But from a coach's perspective? Yang Hao could only curse the intense pressure.
"We're in the middle of an adjustment period right now," Yang Hao reassured them. "Don't overthink things. Prepare as usual, play as usual, and if we lose, so be it. We've built a comfortable lead and can afford some mistakes."
Yang Hao had worked tirelessly earlier in the season to build this cushion in the standings, precisely for moments like these—allowing the team time to recalibrate and refocus.
"Alright, everyone, pack up and get ready to leave. Tomorrow night, dinner's on me—we haven't had a proper gathering in a while."
Turning to Baraja and Torres, Yang Hao added, "Rubén, Fernando."
Torres had picked up an injury during the match and had been subbed off, though the prognosis was not serious. A week of rest should suffice.
"You two handle the invitations. I'll have Parales book the venue—everyone must show up, got it?"
With a few claps of his hands, Yang Hao signaled the end of the meeting.
The players finally exhaled, their tension dissipating.
As Yang Hao left the locker room, he let out a heavy sigh of his own.
He couldn't help but think about the oversimplified portrayals in his early writing: a team underperforming, the coach unleashing a fiery speech, and the players magically turning things around.
If only it were that easy.
In reality, dips in form usually came with warning signs. Coaches and staff were aware, and these slumps were often manageable.
For example, with the Champions League looming in February, Yang Hao dreaded the thought of his team peaking too early in January. How would they then have the energy to face Bayern Munich?
Right now, the goal wasn't brilliance but stability. A slight drop in performance was acceptable—as long as the results held.
For Yang Hao, the real challenge was maintaining results when the team wasn't at its best.
This season, he had made the Copa del Rey a priority. Reaching the semifinals was a testament to their depth, but matches against teams like Deportivo and Valencia carried risks.
Given Atlético's current state, things could have been much worse.
"It's like raising a child," Yang Hao mused. "If their grades drop, do you start yelling at them? Or do you analyze the issue, support them, and help them improve?"
Which approach worked better? The answer was obvious.
The media, however, had no interest in context.
Strategic, long-term thinking didn't sell papers. What mattered was tomorrow's headline.
As a rising force in Spanish football, Atlético Madrid was an easy target.
After two consecutive draws, Atlético's lead over second-placed Real Madrid had shrunk to 11 points. Valencia trailed by 13.
But this didn't stop publications like AS and others from declaring that Atlético was in a downward spiral.
AS went so far as to predict that the gap would continue to close, especially with the challenges ahead.
The semifinals of the Copa del Rey pitted Atlético against an in-form Valencia, fresh off a 6-1 demolition of Málaga. Meanwhile, Real Madrid faced Sevilla—a much more favorable draw.
AS conveniently ignored the fact that Atlético had faced far tougher opponents, including Deportivo and Barcelona, while Madrid had benefited from easier fixtures.
All that mattered was the narrative: Atlético was faltering, and their rivals were poised to capitalize.
In Catalonia, the media were optimistic, proclaiming that Barcelona was undergoing a strong resurgence. With the addition of Edgar Davids, Barça's performance had improved significantly. In their latest La Liga match, they demolished Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at home. Rijkaard's adjustments had revitalized the midfield, bringing balance and stability to the team, resulting in an unstoppable flow of goals and victories.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, delivered a dramatic comeback. Trailing 2-0 at halftime against Valladolid, they roared back to win 3-2. Across Spain, much of the media seemed eager to see Atlético Madrid falter.
AS boldly predicted that February and March would be the turning points for Atlético's season:
"The Copa del Rey, La Liga, and the Champions League will all reveal their truths over these two months."
"Yang Hao's team might well repeat Real Madrid's collapse last season—or worse, they might not even have a chance at second place."
As if to validate AS's dire predictions, three days later, Atlético traveled to Mestalla to face Valencia in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
Yang Hao implemented a rotation, fielding players in better form. However, by the 18th minute, Atlético was already behind, as Mista outmuscled Carvalho to head in the opening goal.
The match was intense, with both sides going all out. Yang Hao opted not to bring younger players like Messi or Ramos, not because he lacked faith in them but because the pressure of such high-stakes matches wasn't conducive to their development. For younger players, Yang Hao preferred to provide a more relaxed environment, allowing them to grow steadily. Intense knockout matches, especially against elite opponents, were not the right stage.
In the 90th minute, Andrés Iniesta delivered a precise through ball to Reyes, who broke into the box and slotted home with a low shot to equalize. The match ended 1-1.
On February 7, Atlético faced Valencia again, this time in La Liga at Mestalla.
By the 70th minute, a right-wing cross from Angulo found Mista, who skillfully sidestepped Marchena in the box before unleashing a left-footed rocket past Atlético's goalkeeper.
It was the only goal of the match.
Once again, the clash was a grueling contest, with both teams leaving everything on the pitch. Valencia coach Rafael Benítez had vowed before the game to keep the pressure on Atlético:
"We'll chase Atlético the way they pursued Real Madrid last season!"
"Whether it's La Liga or the Copa del Rey, we'll fight until the final moment!"
In this fiercely contested encounter, Valencia made full use of their home advantage. Mista, enjoying a career-best season, delivered yet another decisive performance.
After the match, as Benítez extended his hand for a customary handshake, Yang Hao responded with a cryptic remark that left the Valencia coach visibly displeased:
"Take these 3 points. But the Copa del Rey final ticket belongs to me."
Following this round, Deportivo, Barça, and Real Madrid all secured victories.
After 23 matches, Atlético remained at the top of the table with 57 points (18 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses). Real Madrid trailed with 49 points, Valencia had 47, and Deportivo stood at 43. Barcelona, with 36 points, held fifth place.
The battle for the top four was becoming increasingly clear, while Atlético's lead at the top had shrunk to 8 points.
In the next round, Atlético would face a resurgent Barcelona at the Camp Nou. But before that, Yang Hao's focus was on the Copa del Rey second leg against Valencia.
In the lead-up to this decisive showdown, the Spanish media were full of doubts about Atlético's future.
From a commanding 14-point lead, the gap had dwindled to just 8. The Catalan press confidently predicted that Barcelona would defeat Atlético at the Camp Nou, reducing the lead to 5 points and reigniting the title race.
Yang Hao dismissed these narratives with characteristic disdain:
"I don't know how much they've had to drink to be this drunk."
"But one thing I do know—we haven't lost yet!"
He acknowledged that the recent schedule had been brutal.
The Copa del Rey had pitted Atlético against Deportivo, Barcelona, and Valencia in successive rounds—six grueling matches. Meanwhile, in La Liga, Atlético faced relentless challenges, including clashes with Osasuna, three matches against Valencia, and an upcoming trip to the Camp Nou.
"But we're not underdogs anymore," Yang Hao declared confidently.
"I believe in our players. They can overcome these challenges. This is our chance to prove ourselves."
Even better, Fernando Torres was back to full fitness for the Copa del Rey semifinal.
February 10: Copa del Rey Semifinal, Second Leg
Atlético hosted Valencia at the Calderón.
Benítez's team lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, starting the match with aggressive intent. Yang Hao, however, anticipated their approach. He knew Valencia's squad depth was even thinner than Atlético's. After consecutive grueling matches, their starters were more fatigued.
Yang Hao's strategy was simple: wait for the second half to decide the game.
But Valencia gifted Atlético a goal in the first half.
In the 32nd minute, Baraja played a diagonal pass to Reyes, who combined with Evra on the left flank. Reyes' cross found Kaká outside the box, and the Brazilian unleashed a stunning long-range strike that beat Cañizares.
Valencia pressed relentlessly after conceding, but Atlético held firm, patiently controlling possession to wear down their opponents.
By the 61st minute, Valencia's fatigue began to show. Vicente was replaced by Angulo.
At the 70th minute mark, Mista could no longer continue and was substituted by Sisco.
Then, in the 80th minute, Joaquín delivered a pinpoint cross from the right. Torres rose above Ayala in the box and headed the ball into the net. 2-0!
Five minutes later, Atlético sealed the deal. After intercepting a pass in midfield, Kaká surged forward and delivered a perfectly timed diagonal pass to Joaquín on the right edge of the box. The winger controlled the ball and calmly slotted it into the far corner. 3-0!
Valencia's frustration boiled over. In the 88th minute, Albelda received his second yellow card and was sent off.
The final whistle blew. Atlético triumphed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, advancing to the Copa del Rey final.
As the whistle sounded, the Calderón erupted in jubilation.
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