Chapter 45
February 14, Camp Nou, Barcelona.
La Liga Round 24: Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona.
Yang Hao stood in the visiting team's technical area, his eyes locked on the pitch.
Both teams had set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Barcelona, playing left to right, lined up as follows:
Goalkeeper: Víctor Valdés.
Defense: Van Bronckhorst, Márquez, Puyol, Reiziger.
Midfield: Cocu as the holding midfielder, flanked by Davids and Xavi.
Forwards: Ronaldinho on the left, Saviola centrally, and Luis García on the right.
Atlético, after losing the coin toss, set up like this:
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech.
Defense: Evra, Carvalho, Lúcio, Maicon.
Midfield: Marcos Senna as the holding midfielder, Deco and Kaká in central roles.
Forwards: Reyes on the left, Torres in the center, and Joaquín on the right.
Atlético faced challenges in their lineup. Xabi Alonso was sidelined with an injury, and Baraja was suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. With two key midfielders unavailable, the team's structure inevitably suffered.
However, Yang Hao wasn't overly preoccupied with Atlético's issues. Instead, his focus was on Barcelona.
Yang Hao couldn't help but be curious about Frank Rijkaard.
The Dutchman had endured months of chaos at the beginning of the season. Barcelona's tactics seemed disorganized, oscillating between a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3, and a 4-2-3-1, with constant lineup changes.
If this had been preseason experimentation, Yang Hao would have understood. But these tactical inconsistencies persisted well into La Liga and the Copa del Rey, leading Yang Hao to question Rijkaard's initial vision.
"Did he really not have a plan when he took over Barcelona?" Yang Hao mused. "Or is this just a case of management incompetence?"
Yet, somewhere around January, Rijkaard—or perhaps Barcelona as a whole—seemed to find their footing. Their setup became more consistent:
Defensively, the backline remained stable, with Oleguer filling in when needed.
In midfield, Cocu anchored, flanked by Davids and Xavi—a setup that would echo through Barcelona's next decade. Cocu's successors—Edmílson, Yaya Touré, and Busquets—would maintain the same role, while Davids' position would later be filled by Deco and Iniesta.
Up front, Ronaldinho held the left flank, with Saviola central and either Luis García or Overmars on the right.
The system's design was clear:
Ronaldinho's presence on the left created a constant threat.
The right flank's speed, whether through Luis García or Overmars, provided incisive counters.
Yang Hao found it hard to believe Rijkaard had stumbled upon this formula accidentally after months of confusion. "If he had this plan all along, what was he doing during that chaotic first half of the season?"
As the referee blew the whistle, Saviola tapped the ball to Ronaldinho, who passed it wide to Reiziger.
Immediately, Atlético surged forward, with Reyes, Torres, and Deco pressing Barcelona's right flank. Evra also pushed up, shadowing Luis García on the left.
Reiziger played it safe, passing back to Xavi, who was quickly closed down by Torres. Under pressure, Xavi returned the ball to Reiziger, who shifted it to Puyol.
From just outside the box, Puyol lofted a diagonal ball to the left, aiming for Davids.
The high ball gave Maicon enough time to charge in and head it away before Davids could control it. Sprinting forward, Maicon collected his own clearance and drove down the right flank.
Joaquín moved wide to receive the ball, pulling Van Bronckhorst with him. This created a gap for Maicon, who sped past both defenders as Joaquín's perfectly timed pass set him free.
With nearly 100,000 Camp Nou fans gasping, Maicon reached the edge of the box and delivered a cross.
Everyone assumed he was targeting Torres at the near post. Both Puyol and Márquez focused on marking the striker.
But Maicon's cross sailed over them, landing perfectly at the back post, where Reyes arrived unmarked.
Reyes struck the ball first-time, unleashing a thunderous volley.
Valdés reacted instinctively, diving at full stretch to parry the shot away.
"Reyes shoots!"
"Valdés with an incredible save!"
"What a critical intervention to deny Atlético an early goal!"
"Only 20 seconds in, and Atlético already came close to breaking the deadlock."
Atlético didn't retreat. They maintained their high press, keeping Barcelona pinned.
When the ball was passed back to Valdés, the goalkeeper opted to play short, sending it to Cocu.
However, as Cocu turned to face upfield, Kaká suddenly appeared, stealing the ball from behind.
A Stunning Start
With possession in the final third, Kaká surged forward. Barcelona's defense scrambled to reorganize, but Kaká's quick movements and precise dribbling left them off balance.
Spotting Torres making a run between Puyol and Márquez, Kaká delivered a perfectly weighted through ball.
Torres broke free, one-on-one with Valdés. The Atlético striker calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
GOAL!
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Torres scores! Atlético take the lead in just the 4th minute!"
"What a brilliant interception and assist by Kaká!"
The Camp Nou fell silent, save for the ecstatic cheers of the traveling Atlético fans.
Yang Hao clapped calmly on the sidelines, masking his excitement. Inside, he was thrilled with the team's start.
"This is the response we needed," he thought. "Let's keep the momentum going."
The match resumed, and Barcelona attempted to regroup. Ronaldinho tried to create openings on the left, while Xavi orchestrated from midfield. But Atlético's disciplined pressing and defensive organization stifled their efforts.
In the 22nd minute, Atlético struck again.
Joaquín, cutting in from the right, found Deco at the top of the box. With a deft touch, Deco laid the ball off to Kaká, who fired a low shot past Valdés.
2-0!
"Another goal for Atlético!"
"Kaká is unstoppable tonight!"
The Brazilian's performance electrified his teammates, who continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Barcelona managed to pull one back in the 58th minute, with Ronaldinho curling a free kick into the top corner.
But Atlético responded almost immediately. In the 65th minute, Maicon's overlapping run and precise cross found Torres, who headed in his second goal of the night.
3-1!
As the final whistle blew, Atlético had not only secured a vital victory but also made a resounding statement.
"Atlético Madrid have conquered the Camp Nou!"
"A masterclass performance from Kaká and Torres!"
Yang Hao's side celebrated on the pitch, their lead at the top of La Liga intact, silencing doubters and critics alike.
Intercepting the pass, Kaká quickly launched a counterattack with a precise through ball.
Torres made a swift diagonal run, but the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
The Atlético prodigy had started his run a fraction too early.
"The Colchoneros have started this match impressively."
"It's often said that Yang Hao excels at setting the tempo early on—this is proof of his expertise."
"Barcelona has already had their defense breached twice in just over a minute. This is a dangerous sign for them."
The match continued at a blistering pace, with both sides pressing high and pushing the tempo.
Atlético Madrid had been juggling a grueling schedule with matches on multiple fronts, while Barcelona only had La Liga to focus on. On paper, Barça should have had a fitness edge.
However, Atlético's renowned stamina and unparalleled running ability in La Liga leveled the playing field.
Barcelona's First Offensive Foray
In the 2nd minute, Barcelona managed to break into Atlético's 30-meter zone.
Ronaldinho, stationed on the left, sent a diagonal long pass into the path of Luis García, who carried the ball forward. But the danger was swiftly neutralized by Evra, who intercepted and cleared the ball.
Evra passed to Deco, who took two touches before shifting the play to the right flank.
Maicon advanced rapidly, sending the ball forward to Joaquín. The winger received it and charged into Barça's defensive third, facing off one-on-one against Davids.
With a flurry of feints, Joaquín tricked Davids and sprinted along the edge of the penalty box. However, when he attempted to bypass Van Bronckhorst for a cross, the Dutch defender deflected the ball out for a corner.
The subsequent corner was headed just over the bar by Lúcio.
A Fierce Tactical Battle
Atlético kept applying pressure, consistently generating chances in the attacking third and forcing Barcelona to defend deep.
But Barcelona, unwilling to retreat, fought back by attempting to advance their lines and engage in an end-to-end battle.
However, Barça encountered a recurring problem: once they reached Atlético's penalty area, they struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Yang Hao soon noticed a key adjustment in Barcelona's strategy: Ronaldinho had drifted more centrally, leaving the left flank to Davids.
Davids, a natural left-sided player with pace and ball-carrying ability, appeared comfortable in this role. Yang Hao speculated that Rijkaard had deployed him there to counter Atlético's dangerous right flank.
With Ronaldinho freed from defensive duties, Barcelona relied on him to focus solely on orchestrating attacks, while Davids acted as the defensive anchor on the left.
When the left side couldn't penetrate Atlético's defense, Barcelona shifted their focus to the right flank, attempting to break through using Reiziger and Luis García. However, Atlético's left side, anchored by Reyes and Evra, posed a significant offensive threat in return.
Adding to Barça's frustrations, Atlético's composure under pressure was exemplary. Their midfield, unfazed by Barcelona's aggressive pressing, consistently bypassed the Blaugrana's forward lines with precise one-touch passing, forcing Barcelona's players to chase shadows.
First Clear-Cut Chance
In the 7th minute, Barcelona finally managed to deliver a cross into Atlético's penalty area. Luis García's attempt was headed clear by Carvalho.
The ball fell to Deco near the halfway line. Combining seamlessly with Kaká in a series of one-touch passes, the pair executed a quick positional switch. Kaká then delivered a perfectly timed through ball behind Barça's defensive line.
Torres, sprinting at full speed, latched onto the pass—this time, he wasn't offside.
Gasps echoed around the Camp Nou as Torres closed in on goal.
However, Puyol's relentless pursuit pressured Torres, causing him to overhit his touch. Valdés seized the opportunity to rush out and smother the ball, denying Torres the chance to score.
Frustrated, Torres turned to the referee, gesturing that Puyol had tugged his shirt. The referee ignored his protest.
Atlético Dominates the Midfield
As the match progressed, the momentum shifted increasingly in Atlético's favor.
Both teams engaged in fierce duels near the halfway line, but Barcelona struggled to retain possession, frequently losing the ball before crossing the midfield.
In the 12th minute, Marcos Senna intercepted a pass and fed Kaká. The Brazilian surged forward, bypassing Xavi and breaking through Cocu's defensive zone with remarkable ease.
Spotting Torres making a run, Kaká threaded a through ball between Barça's defenders.
As Torres turned to chase the pass, he collided with Puyol. Both players tumbled to the ground.
While Torres quickly got back to his feet, Puyol remained face down on the turf, appearing as if he had suffered a serious foul.
An exasperated Torres threw up his hands, seemingly pleading with the referee: "Why would I foul him when I was clean through on goal?"
The referee, unmoved, allowed play to continue. Moments later, Puyol miraculously recovered, springing to his feet and signaling his innocence.
Puyol's Tactics Frustrate Atlético
The replay showed what had happened clearly: Puyol had intentionally positioned himself to obstruct Torres, a classic case of a defender "drawing the foul."
"From the replay, it's clear that Puyol was playing the man, not the ball."
"Torres was focused on chasing the through ball and didn't even notice Puyol closing in."
"It's hard for the referee to make these calls, but logically, Torres had no reason to foul Puyol—once he gets going, no defender can catch him."
In the 15th minute, Torres dropped deep to pull defenders out of position. Deco spotted the space and delivered an inch-perfect long pass into Barcelona's penalty area.
Reiziger missed his clearance, and Reyes darted in, ready to head the ball.
But once again, Puyol intervened, colliding with Reyes mid-air. Both players went down inside the box.
This time, even Yang Hao couldn't hold back his frustration.
Yang Hao Confronts the Referee
Furious, Yang Hao stormed to the touchline.
"Look at him! How many times is he going to get away with this?"
"Is this a home-field advantage, or are you just handing them the game?!"
The fourth official bore the brunt of Yang Hao's rage, enduring a barrage of spittle-laced insults without daring to argue back.
Turning his attention to the referee, Yang Hao gestured angrily, pointing at his eyes as if to say, "Are you blind?"
The referee, already surrounded by players from both teams, noticed Yang Hao's outburst and approached the touchline.
Yang Hao, anticipating the confrontation, spread his arms wide. "Come on, give me a card. Yellow? Red? Take your pick!"
The referee, visibly annoyed, responded sternly, "Control yourself, Mr. Yang."
"Control myself? You've ignored foul after foul. Is this what your committee trains you to do? Blatant bias for the home team? Do you just want us to lose?"
"No one's said anything of the sort."
"Then why are you officiating like this?"
"Keep your temper in check, or I'll be forced to take action."
After issuing his warning, the referee pulled out a yellow card and brandished it at Yang Hao.
The Camp Nou erupted into applause.
Yang Hao, seething with anger, waved dismissively and returned to his technical area, muttering under his breath.
"I saw this coming."
In the 20th minute, Barcelona won a throw-in on Atlético Madrid's right side.
Under heavy pressure from Atlético's marking, Ronaldinho tried a horizontal pass to Saviola, only for it to be intercepted by Marcos Senna.
Senna quickly passed to Maicon, who returned the ball to Lúcio, who then switched it to Carvalho. Carvalho delivered a medium-length pass to the central-right area of the pitch.
Kaká received it with a chest trap and laid it off to Deco. Deco responded with a lobbed return, while Kaká shielded the ball from the defender and lobbed it back toward Deco, who headed it wide to the right flank.
Throughout this sequence, Barcelona's defenders were chasing shadows, unable to intervene in the quick, seamless exchanges between Deco and Kaká.
When Joaquín picked up the ball on the right wing, he surged forward. Van Bronckhorst stuck close on the inside, matching Joaquín step for step.
Reaching the corner of Barcelona's penalty box, Joaquín performed a sharp stop-and-go feint, faking an inside cut before suddenly accelerating toward the byline.
Van Bronckhorst, experienced as he was, didn't bite and stayed with him. Davids came across to assist in shutting down the angle.
Faced with two defenders, Joaquín pulled off a rapid series of stop-start feints and directional changes before managing to send a low cross into the box.
The ball wasn't well-placed and was headed clear by Márquez.
At the edge of the penalty area, Reyes controlled the ball on his chest but lost possession when Xavi lunged in to poke it away.
Kaká chased down Xavi's clearance and intercepted it just in time. As Xavi rushed at him again, Kaká used his left foot to shield the ball and positioned his body to block Xavi. With his right foot, he pushed the ball forward and left Xavi behind.
Taking one step toward the goal, Kaká faked a pass to Torres, causing Barça's defenders to shift toward Torres in a panic. Seizing the opening, Kaká unleashed a thunderous right-footed shot.
"Kaká shoots!"
"GOOOOOAAAALLLLLLLLL!"
"Kaká! A world-class strike!"
"Once again, it's a spectacular goal from outside the box by the Brazilian star!"
"Valdés got a hand to it, but it wasn't enough to stop the shot."
"This is what star players do!"
"In the critical moment, Kaká steps up to give Atlético the lead!"
As Kaká performed his signature prayer celebration in the middle of Camp Nou, the stadium erupted with a cacophony of jeers.
The jeers, however, had no impact on Atlético. The entire team was jubilant, celebrating wildly.
After over 20 minutes of relentless pressure, repeatedly fouled and thwarted by the referee's decisions, Atlético had finally broken through.
And what a breakthrough it was—a thunderous world-class strike!
Yang Hao, who had been sitting on the bench catching his breath, erupted from his seat upon seeing the goal. He raced to the touchline, roaring and shouting his approval.
"So what if it's a biased referee?"
"We'll still score the goals we deserve!"
Despite his outburst, Yang Hao knew better than to provoke the referee further. Already carrying a yellow card, he wasn't about to risk being sent off.
"Kaká's strike was hit with sheer power—ferocious pace, immense strength. Valdés did his best but couldn't keep it out."
"Atlético came out storming from the first whistle, pinning Barcelona back with relentless pressure."
"This goal is cathartic for Atlético's players. You can see them unleashing all their pent-up frustration."
"And this is the impact of a goal."
"Before the match, many worried how Atlético's midfield would cope with Baraja suspended due to yellow cards. But tonight, they've been even more aggressive."
"The duo of Kaká and Deco in midfield has completely unlocked Atlético's attacking firepower."
"So far, Atlético's performance has been flawless—Yang Hao has executed a textbook opening strategy, leaving Barcelona in disarray."
The View from the Presidential Box
Up in Camp Nou's presidential box, Barça president Joan Laporta sat alongside Johan Cruyff and other dignitaries.
Watching Kaká's breathtaking strike, the group could only sigh in resignation.
Despite Barcelona's noticeable improvement since the winter break, facing a juggernaut like Atlético Madrid still left them on the back foot, struggling to keep up.
"This Kaká is incredible," Laporta murmured, shaking his head.
"Right now, Atlético is head and shoulders above the rest of La Liga," Cruyff remarked with conviction.
"Even stronger than Real Madrid?"
"In terms of cohesion, absolutely. And Atlético's squad depth is phenomenal."
Cruyff paused before elaborating:
"Look, Baraja's suspended, but Kaká has stepped up. Xabi Alonso is injured, and Marcos Senna slots in seamlessly."
"Yang Hao has slightly tweaked Atlético's style tonight. They're playing more directly, bypassing the midfield battle."
"Yes, but that speed and directness are devastating."
"Exactly. That's why they're unfazed by our pressing. Did you see that earlier sequence? The way they passed through our lines—our players couldn't even get close. These guys have been playing together for three to four years. Their chemistry is unmatched."
Laporta and Begiristain nodded repeatedly.
"Johan, what do you think about us going after Kaká?"
"Kaká?" Cruyff was slightly taken aback but quickly shook his head. "No, we need Deco or Xabi Alonso. These two players are exactly what we need right now."
"Deco can provide us with midfield stability. He's both offensive and defensive, with excellent passing skills and fine ball control. We need him to stabilize the midfield."
"But we have Davids."
"No, no, no," Cruyff interrupted. "Davids is about to turn 31. He can't last for many more years, and his temperament won't let him sit back quietly in the midfield. That's a potential risk."
"Deco is different. His personality is great, and at 26, he'll only be 27 next season. With his current form and ability, he can easily play for another five years."
Cruyff paused briefly before elaborating, "If Deco comes, he can partner with Xavi. Together, they'll bring creativity and defensive solidity to the midfield. Behind them, we need a younger No. 4 player with stability in distribution and ball movement. That will completely revitalize our midfield."
"Once we build this structure, our midfield will be one of the strongest in Europe for years to come."
Laporta was deeply moved.
Indeed, many of Cruyff's suggestions had proven crucial for Barcelona. Laporta placed significant trust in him.
"But Deco is expensive, and I've heard we're not the only ones interested. Inter Milan wanted him last summer, and so did Chelsea."
Cruyff didn't dwell on financial matters—that wasn't his forte. His expertise was football.
"Whatever the cost, he's worth it!" Cruyff asserted confidently.
Back on the Pitch
Although Atlético had opened the scoring, the game's rhythm remained unchanged.
The ball stayed largely under Atlético's control, and they continued dictating the tempo.
Barcelona frustratingly discovered that their star player, Ronaldinho, seemed invisible tonight.
Whenever the ball reached the attacking third, he was nowhere to be found.
Yang Hao, however, understood the situation perfectly—this was Marcos Senna's brilliance at work.
Barcelona had placed Ronaldinho too close to the center tonight, hoping to maximize his offensive impact. But the problem with this positioning was glaring: What happens if the midfield can't deliver the ball to him?
Who else could Barcelona rely on?
With Atlético's flanks buzzing with activity, Davids was stuck tirelessly covering the right, leaving him no time to assist with ball progression.
Xavi and Cocu faced the same issue.
Under these conditions, it was inevitable that Ronaldinho would disappear from the game.
Having secured an early lead with Kaká's brilliant strike, Yang Hao felt confident. Standing by the sidelines, he exuded calm and even managed a smile when glancing at the fourth official, earning him an eye-roll in return.
"One goal, and he's this smug!"
The fourth official wasn't fooled—everyone in this circle understood the game. It was all about applying pressure.
Tonight, the referee had shown some bias in his decisions. But the problem was simple—Barcelona just wasn't good enough.
Lately, Barcelona had been putting three, four, or even five goals past other teams. Against Atlético?
They couldn't even mount a single threatening attack.
What could the referee do?
At best, he could shrug and think: I've done everything I could within my jurisdiction.
It wasn't until the 29th minute that Barcelona managed another decent attempt, a long-range effort from Ronaldinho, but it failed to beat Čech.
Later, Xavi attempted a shot from distance, which Čech comfortably caught.
In attack, Barcelona clearly lagged behind Atlético.
Having eased their tempo after the goal, Atlético allowed Barcelona to find some attacking rhythm. But by the 35th minute, Atlético reignited their offensive surge.
Returning to their original game plan of central pressure and wing play, Atlético relentlessly targeted Barcelona's flanks. Torres kept central defenders Puyol and Márquez busy, using his height, physicality, and speed to cause constant headaches.
By the 39th minute, Atlético had forced three consecutive corners, each one plunging Barcelona's penalty area into chaos and keeping the Camp Nou crowd on edge.
Atlético's relentless assault didn't stop.
In the 44th minute, Barcelona tried to switch play to the right, with Reiziger attempting to create an opening. However, Reyes tracked back to hassle him.
When Reiziger passed to Luis García, the latter, under pressure from Évra, passed back to Saviola, who had dropped deep to help.
Deco, however, pounced from behind. As Saviola controlled the ball and turned, Deco robbed him cleanly, passing to Marcos Senna, who quickly relayed it to Kaká.
Kaká pushed forward, using his speed to break free from Davids' close marking. He then executed a sharp left-footed feint to beat Cocu before Puyol closed in, forcing Kaká to attempt a pass to Torres.
Márquez intercepted the pass, but the clearance only sent the ball toward the right side of Barcelona's penalty area.
Márquez chased the ball down with Torres hot on his heels, waiting for any mistake. This pressure left the Mexican defender struggling to find a clear passing option.
Under duress, Márquez turned and cleared the ball aimlessly downfield.
The ball landed at Joaquín's feet.
Seizing the opportunity, Joaquín darted past Van Bronckhorst and cut diagonally into the penalty area, attempting to catch Barcelona off guard.
Reaching the edge of the box, he faced tight marking and sent a horizontal pass to Kaká.
Facing Xavi's challenge, Kaká used the outside of his right foot to nudge the ball sideways, creating just enough space to unleash another thunderous strike.
From almost the same spot as his first goal, Kaká let loose a ferocious shot. The ball, traveling with immense power and speed, forced Valdés to dive to his left, barely managing to parry it.
However, the save lacked control, and the ball spilled toward the edge of the six-yard box on the left.
In a flash, a red-and-white blur appeared—Reyes charged in and struck the rebound with his left foot.
Valdés scrambled up for a second save, deflecting Reyes' shot back into play.
The rebound landed on the left flank again.
Before Barcelona's defenders could react, another Atlético player stormed into the box.
As Camp Nou collectively gasped, the player delivered a thunderous strike toward goal.
Evra's powerful shot carried incredible speed.
But at the crucial moment, Puyol, who had retreated to the goal line, used his body to block the shot.
The French defender's effort struck Puyol square in the face, sending the ball skyward and toward the right side of the goal.
It was only at this moment that the 100,000 Barcelona fans at Camp Nou exhaled slightly.
It was insane!
Atlético had spent the entire first half battering Barcelona with relentless waves of attack.
With this kind of aggressive play, who could stand up to them?
But before the crowd could settle down, the ball fell near the right edge of the penalty area.
Torres, who had just been pressuring Márquez, was still in the vicinity.
The Atlético striker judged the ball's trajectory, shielded it with his body, and brought it under control.
Márquez immediately pressed hard against him, denying him any chance to turn.
Once again, the 100,000 fans in the stadium held their breath.
Torres protected the ball but couldn't turn around, so he looked for a teammate and passed it backward.
By this time, Maicon had moved up. Just outside the right corner of the penalty box, he controlled Torres' pass, glanced toward the box, and spotted Joaquín making a diagonal run toward the near post.
The Brazilian full-back made a quick decision and delivered a perfectly lofted cross.
Joaquín, advancing, noticed that another teammate was charging into the center while Puyol and Cocu were focused solely on him. Joaquín knew that if he attempted to control the ball, they would block his shooting lane.
Suddenly inspired, the Spanish winger opted not to trap the ball. Instead, he flicked it mid-air, sending it across the face of the goal.
The ball soared over Puyol's outstretched foot and into the center of the box.
At that moment, time seemed to slow.
A figure in the number 22 jersey darted into the box, raised his right foot high, and swung it at Joaquín's perfectly delivered pass, executing a delicate volley.
Kaká could feel the crisp sensation of the ball meeting the instep of his right foot.
He could also see the ball change direction, curving toward Barcelona's goal.
Valdés dove desperately, expecting Kaká to aim for a high shot. But to his shock, Kaká had chosen a low volley.
The ball slipped right through Valdés' legs and into the net behind him.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Kaká! It's Kaká again!!!"
"He's unstoppable tonight!"
"2-0!!!"
"Atlético is completely on fire in the first half!"
"This level of performance is simply unbelievable!"
"Kaká has scored a brace!"
"Let's watch this brilliant sequence again."
"In just a matter of seconds, Atlético delivered four shots on goal, two of which came from Kaká."
"I truly don't know how to describe Atlético tonight."
"With this form, not just in La Liga but across all of Europe, there are few teams that could withstand their relentless attacks."
"Simply incredible!"
"Remember this name: Kaká. With a magnificent brace, he's led Atlético to extend their lead before the halftime whistle."
"Atlético's first-half display has been nothing short of a dreamlike attacking spectacle!"
"One has to wonder, if this continues into the second half, will it turn into a total rout?"
Adjustments at Halftime
If the game continued in this vein, a lopsided massacre seemed inevitable.
However, Rijkaard made decisive changes during the halftime break.
Overmars came on for Luis García, and Kluivert replaced Saviola.
Barcelona's tactics also shifted.
Kluivert took up the central striker role, pinning Atlético's two center-backs, while Overmars stretched play down the left.
Ronaldinho was given free rein, roaming across the left half of the attacking third.
This adjustment saw Barcelona respond fiercely after the break. While Atlético launched another wave of attacks early in the second half, Barcelona didn't back down, creating chances of their own.
By the 55th minute, seeing that his defense was under increasing pressure, Yang Hao made a substitution.
Mascherano replaced the impressive Deco.
Atlético switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kaká in the playmaking No. 10 role. Marcos Senna moved to the right side to focus on marking Ronaldinho, while Mascherano anchored the midfield to bolster defensive stability.
Yang Hao's reasoning was straightforward: Atlético's energy reserves were depleting.
Barcelona, playing just one game a week and enjoying the comforts of home, had fresher legs. Yang Hao's strategy was clear—unleash an all-out attack in the first half, then adapt as needed in the second.
Engaging in an all-out battle with Barcelona in the latter stages, especially with fatigue setting in, wasn't a smart move.
Moreover, Yang Hao had been wary of Ronaldinho all along.
When Rijkaard adjusted his tactics, Yang Hao responded in kind.
With this shift, Atlético leaned more toward a counterattacking approach.
The presence of Senna and Mascherano shored up Atlético's midfield defense, frustrating Rijkaard on the sidelines. Gone was his usual composed demeanor; instead, he was pacing, shouting, and gesturing for his players to push forward and attack.
But with Torres, Kaká, Reyes, and Joaquín lurking up front, how could Barcelona commit to an all-out assault without exposing themselves to counterattacks?
The Home Crowd's Frustration
"Shameless! No class! Not a shred of dignity from this so-called 'tactical master'!"
In the stands, Johan Cruyff was fuming.
It wasn't just Atlético's defensive shift—it was their sheer pragmatism. As soon as Barcelona gained momentum, Atlético adapted their approach.
Now, not only was Cruyff enraged, but the 100,000 Barcelona fans were also livid.
"What happened to the attacking showdown we were promised?"
"You had your fun in the first half. Now it's our turn. Why won't you play along?"
But the facts were undeniable.
Throughout the second half, Atlético didn't manage to produce any notable attacks, and Barcelona couldn't create meaningful chances either. The game turned into a midfield tug-of-war, with neither side finding an opening.
Final Whistle
In the end, Atlético secured a 2-0 victory at Camp Nou.
As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted into deafening boos and curses.
The scene and atmosphere were nothing short of spectacular.
A New European King Crowned at Camp Nou!
After the game, Spanish media flooded their headlines with reports of the high-stakes showdown at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
In recent weeks, with Barcelona regaining form, the traditional La Liga powerhouse had climbed back toward the top half of the league table. Though they were still some distance from the Champions League spots, the momentum of their resurgence was clear.
Before this match, optimism filled the air in Barcelona's camp—among Rijkaard, the locker room, and even the club's management. Everyone was confident about defeating Atlético at home, especially given Atlético's recent dip in form.
From a scheduling perspective, Barcelona had been knocked out of the Copa del Rey, a competition they deemed trivial. This allowed them to focus solely on La Liga. Playing one game a week and on home turf, they seemingly held all the advantages.
By contrast, Atlético had been engaged in a grueling stretch of back-to-back matches, including Copa del Rey clashes against Deportivo, Barcelona, and Valencia. Their grueling three-match duel with Valencia had drained significant energy.
In such circumstances, Atlético's slight dip in form was understandable.
On top of that, Atlético was without Baraja due to yellow card suspension and Xabi Alonso, who was sidelined with an injury. Losing two key midfielders dealt a severe blow to their lineup.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's squad was fully fit, with no injuries or suspensions, allowing Rijkaard to field his ideal lineup in peak condition for this pivotal home match.
"Even the referee in this match appeared biased toward Barcelona for much of the first half, prompting a heated protest from Yang Hao, who ended up receiving a yellow card," reported El País.
The publication argued that Barcelona held every conceivable advantage going into this game at Camp Nou.
But in the end, Barcelona lost.
And they lost badly.
Throughout the first half, Atlético Madrid created a stunning number of chances, enough to defy belief.
"Looking at the final scoreline, one might think it was a closely contested, evenly matched game. But for anyone who watched the match—especially the first half—it was clear that Atlético was on a completely different level," the report noted.
"Their attacking fluidity and seamless combinations were awe-inspiring, producing wave after wave of threatening plays that left spectators breathless. The sheer volume of clear-cut chances they created was astonishing."
"This is why Barcelona's young goalkeeper Víctor Valdés received the highest player rating among his team—he kept the scoreline from becoming an utter disaster."
"Without Valdés' crucial saves, without the referee's biased calls, and with just a bit more luck on Atlético's side, Barcelona might have been reduced to a sieve defensively by halftime."
El País also framed this as a duel between two Brazilian superstars: Ronaldinho and Kaká.
"Ronaldinho has been one of the most dazzling players in La Liga this season. His mesmerizing skills and ability to glide past opponents have left defenders helpless."
"But at Camp Nou, facing Atlético's disciplined defense and the tenacious Marcos Senna, Ronaldinho was invisible for the entire first half. He completely disappeared."
The report suggested that Ronaldinho's lackluster performance stemmed partly from Rijkaard's tactical setup and partly from Saviola's ineffectiveness in the forward line.
"If Ronaldinho vanished, Saviola might as well have been a ghost. Many fans even wondered if Barcelona had anyone up front."
Ronaldinho only showed glimpses of his ability in the second half when Rijkaard adjusted the team's tactics, but by then, the game was beyond Barcelona's reach.
In stark contrast, Kaká stole the show.
"In 2002, when Ronaldinho was dazzling on the World Cup stage, Kaká could only watch enviously from the bench as the 3R trio dominated in South Korea and Japan. At the time, Kaká was just an emerging talent at Atlético."
"But after the World Cup, Yang Hao began to entrust Kaká with greater responsibility. The young midfielder repaid his coach's faith with stellar performances, becoming a pivotal figure in Atlético's midfield and stepping up when Deco was unavailable."
"After last season's baptism of fire, Kaká has grown into a commanding presence, improving rapidly."
"At Camp Nou, he shone brightest, scoring twice and cementing himself as the standout player on the pitch."
"As Rivaldo fades and Ronaldo struggles with fitness, the question of who will be Brazil's next football king looms large."
"Ronaldinho is widely regarded as the most gifted player since Zidane and is a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in the coming years."
"But with his two goals at Camp Nou, Kaká has announced himself as a legitimate contender. He proved to the world that he deserves to be in this conversation."
"As Atlético's coach Yang Hao said after the match, 'Tonight, Kaká was nothing short of phenomenal.'"
El País agreed with Yang Hao, asserting that if Kaká continued playing at this level, he would be a strong candidate to compete with any superstar—not just Ronaldinho—for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Marca speculated that Atlético's victory at Camp Nou had effectively sealed the La Liga title.
After 24 rounds, Atlético sat atop the table with 60 points from 19 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses.
Real Madrid, however, only managed a 1-1 draw at home against Valencia in the same round. Ayala scored in the 74th minute, but Figo equalized in stoppage time with a controversial penalty.
This left Real Madrid in second place with 50 points, Valencia third with 48, Deportivo fourth with 46, and Barcelona slipping to sixth with 36 points after their loss, overtaken by Athletic Bilbao.
Marca acknowledged that although 14 rounds remained, Atlético's 10-point lead made them overwhelming favorites for the title.
Still, the publication cautioned that uncertainties lingered in the schedule.
Key among these was the upcoming Copa del Rey final between Atlético and Real Madrid, set for March 17 at Barcelona's Estadi Olímpic.
Before that, the Champions League Round of 16 loomed, where Atlético faced a tougher challenge against Bayern Munich compared to Real Madrid's clash with AS Monaco.
"Real Madrid's progression to the quarterfinals seems all but guaranteed. Many Madrid fans are already speculating about their potential opponents in the next round. In contrast, Atlético's matchup with Hitzfeld's Bayern is filled with uncertainty."
Marca warned that an early Champions League exit could have ripple effects for Atlético, potentially leading to a Copa del Rey loss. If that happened, their La Liga lead might also come under threat.
"Last season's Real Madrid collapse—finishing with three second-place finishes—serves as a cautionary tale for Atlético."
The publication advised Yang Hao to tread carefully and even consider strategically abandoning one competition to secure success in the other two.
"No La Liga team has ever won the treble, and there's a reason for that."
"Even Real Madrid, with their star-studded squad last season, crumbled under pressure and ended up as the infamous 'Triple Runners-Up.'"
"While Atlético has been exceptional this season, they lack the depth to compete on three fronts simultaneously. Yang Hao must prioritize wisely."
Daily Sports: "Atlético Ascends to the Throne"
The Daily Sports headline proclaimed Atlético's victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou. The Catalan outlet credited Yang Hao for his impeccable strategy and in-game adjustments during the match.
"He gave Rijkaard a vivid lesson," the report stated.
The publication noted that Atlético's first half was a rare display of relentless attacking football in La Liga in recent years, likening their onslaught to a torrential storm that left Barcelona reeling.
"If not for Valdés, Barcelona could have conceded at least five goals in the first half."
In the second half, seeing his team's stamina falter and Rijkaard's tactical changes, Yang Hao promptly adjusted by bringing on Argentine youngster Mascherano to bolster midfield defense.
"As a result, Barcelona's midfield talisman, Ronaldinho, was completely silenced."
The Catalan outlet acknowledged that Atlético deserved their victory.
"The younger Yang Hao has shown Rijkaard that he still has much to learn."
The outlet concluded that not only did Atlético deserve the win, but their overall performance this season also made them worthy champions.
Sport World: "Atlético Silences Camp Nou"
Another Catalan outlet, Sport World, took a similar stance, stating that Atlético's victory at Camp Nou was a clear statement that they firmly grasp the La Liga title.
However, this outlet focused more on Barcelona, using Atlético as a benchmark to analyze their current shortcomings and propose solutions.
"Barcelona needs to sign Deco, Xabi Alonso, and Lucio," the report suggested.
"Without a doubt, these three players would provide Barcelona with the most substantial reinforcements."
The report broke down the needs:
Deco: A stabilizing midfield presence capable of creating balance and structure.
Xabi Alonso: A player molded by Yang Hao, possessing the precise long-passing ability that Barcelona currently lacks, along with the qualities of a classic "Number 4" midfielder.
Lucio: A rare defensive talent who could complement Puyol and Márquez, solidifying Barcelona's backline.
"Barcelona's management should act quickly to secure these three stars and enhance their competitiveness."
Sport World argued that Atlético's massive investment in constructing a new stadium presented an opportunity for Barcelona to act decisively.
"With Atlético focused on their stadium project, this is the perfect chance for Barcelona to gain the upper hand, sign these players, and lay the foundation for a Champions League-winning squad."
Yang Hao's Response
After defeating Barcelona, Yang Hao noticed that the entire world seemed to erupt with speculation, led by the Catalan press. He couldn't help but laugh at Sport World's audacious suggestions.
"They want to sign three of our players in one go? I can't help but ask: does Barcelona even have the money?"
Yang Hao mocked the notion, pointing out Barcelona's dire financial situation. "Forget three players. Even one would make them dig deep into their pockets."
"If they genuinely want to buy, they might as well sell their club's furniture too."
Juanma Lillo, ever the diplomat, advised not to take such media comments seriously. "These remarks are just to pander to fans. They don't mean much."
Even so, another assistant, Paralés, chimed in, suggesting that Barcelona could secure a loan to fund at least one major signing.
Yang Hao smirked, conceding the possibility. "Fine. Even if they can afford one, I still have to be willing to sell."
Privately, Yang Hao had his own list of players he deemed transferable, including Deco. But he kept these thoughts to himself, knowing that sharing such plans could cause unrest within the squad.
"Selling players is inevitable, especially with the stadium project and training facility renovations requiring significant funds. The key is selling strategically," Yang Hao remarked.
He expressed a preference not to sell to La Liga rivals. "They're our competition. Selling players who might come back to score against us or steal titles? No, thanks."
That said, Yang Hao recognized the complexities of the transfer market, especially with players' preferences post-Bosman ruling. "If a player insists on leaving, like Fabregas returning to Barcelona, there's little you can do."
The New Stadium Project
Atlético's new stadium plan was progressing well. Their partner company had completed surveys and initial site plans. Reportedly, over a dozen prestigious global design firms were vying for the project.
These included Germany's GMP (renowned for redesigning Berlin's Olympic Stadium), the UK's Norman Foster (designer of the new Wembley), Switzerland's Herzog & de Meuron (designers of the Allianz Arena and Beijing's Bird's Nest), and Australia's Populous (one of the largest stadium architects globally).
The project extended beyond the stadium itself, incorporating urban renewal, including two skyscrapers, attracting substantial interest from leading firms in Spain and beyond.
Preparations for the Grueling Schedule
Juanma Lillo agreed with Marca's sentiment, stressing that Atlético's form must remain steady, especially against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
After Matchday 24, Atlético had a week's rest before Matchday 25—a precious reprieve in their demanding schedule.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Matchday 25: Deportivo La Coruña
Midweek: Bayern Munich (Champions League)
Weekend: Mallorca
Afterward: Murcia, Bayern (2nd leg), Real Sociedad, and the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Yang Hao appreciated the Champions League's revised format, which eliminated four matches and allowed for critical rest periods between knockout rounds. This provided players much-needed recovery time.
A Rare Day Off
Yang Hao granted his players a full day off—a rarity amidst their intense schedule. "It's just one day. There's still plenty of work to be done," he emphasized.
After the break, he organized a team-building event, tasking Baraja and Torres with rallying the entire first team for a bonding session.
With grueling fixtures ahead, Yang Hao knew the importance of keeping spirits high and the squad united as they braced for one of the most challenging stretches of the season.
Yang Hao rented an estate-style restaurant in the suburbs, inviting everyone on the team for a gathering.
He had done this before when Kaka and Deco had a disagreement. By creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere, the two players quickly smoothed things over. In fact, there hadn't been much of a problem to begin with.
Yang Hao had grown fond of team-building events, seeing them as a way to cultivate a positive locker-room dynamic. The only issue was that the packed schedule rarely allowed for such gatherings.
As everyone sat down together, eating, drinking, and chatting, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. Yang Hao, being a young coach, naturally blended in with the players. Unlike him, Juanma Lillo stuck to sitting with the coaching staff, as he couldn't relate to the players in the same way.
Inevitably, the conversation shifted to the season's ambitions.
It was mid-February, and Atlético was still competing on three fronts, with real hope of success in all of them.
"Boss, everyone strongly insists that I ask you something," Torres said with a grin, standing up after the food and drinks had been mostly consumed.
The room instantly quieted as laughter rippled through it.
"If you're asking about my rumored breakup, let me clear that up now: I haven't," Yang Hao said with mock solemnity.
The room erupted in laughter.
Every month, the media speculated about his personal life, and Yang Hao often turned it into a running joke.
"No, it's not that," Torres said, shaking his head, still laughing. "What we all want to know is: Do you think we have a shot at the treble this season?"
His choice of words was cautious, but as soon as he finished, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to Yang Hao, even those of Juanma Lillo and the coaching staff.
Yang Hao had been deliberately avoiding this topic, not wanting to put unnecessary pressure on his players. But avoiding the subject didn't mean the players weren't thinking about it. By this point in the season, it was a burning question in everyone's mind.
"If your question is simply whether we have a chance, then my answer is yes. We're still fighting on all three fronts," Yang Hao said confidently.
"But I know that's not the real question you're asking. What you really want to know is how likely we are to win it. Am I right?"
The players nodded eagerly.
"You've all looked at the schedule, haven't you?"
More nodding followed.
"I've said before, and I'll say it again: This season's schedule is actually pretty favorable. Look at February and March. After the Champions League group stage, it's not as hectic as it used to be."
"But the competition is definitely fiercer. Going from group stages to knockout rounds means less room for error. We need to be at our absolute best in these two-legged ties."
"If we want to fight for the treble, then the next three matches are critical: the two legs against Bayern and the Copa del Rey final."
Yang Hao leaned forward.
"In Matchday 25, we're hosting Deportivo La Coruña. We can't afford to slip there. Then it's Mallorca away, and we all know Luis Aragonés' team is fighting for survival. Our upcoming opponents are no pushovers."
Everything Yang Hao said had been covered in team meetings, but it felt different hearing it now.
"But let me ask you this: Compared to last season, don't you think we've had better luck?"
The players exchanged glances, unsure of his point.
"The Copa del Rey final is in March," Yang Hao said, letting the words sink in.
"If we secure that title early, we'll only have two competitions to focus on for the next two months."
The most grueling stretch of Atlético's schedule was from late February to March—a true test of competing on three fronts. January had been brutal, with back-to-back matches in the Copa del Rey against tough opponents like Deportivo, Barcelona, and Valencia. Atlético had emerged on top but paid a price: their 14-point lead in La Liga had shrunk to 10.
If they could get through the Copa del Rey final, the team would have the luxury of focusing solely on La Liga and the Champions League. The possibility of winning the treble seemed far more realistic.
"That's our opportunity," Yang Hao said.
"Of course, having a favorable schedule means nothing if you don't have the strength to back it up," he continued.
"Facing Bayern is no joke. Even if we make it to the quarterfinals, there won't be any easy matches. The semifinals? The final? What then?"
The room grew solemn. Everyone understood how monumental the challenge was. No Spanish team had ever won the treble—not even the most dominant versions of Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"Instead of asking me whether it's possible, I think we should each ask ourselves: Do we have the resolve? Do we want the treble badly enough? Are we willing to give everything to get it?"
"Right now, at least four teams in La Liga are doing everything they can to knock us off our perch. Across Europe, plenty of clubs would love nothing more than to eliminate us. We're going to face tough battles and stronger opponents at every turn."
"But let me be clear: we have what it takes."
Yang Hao's words lifted the players' spirits. Heads rose, eyes brightened.
"We have the best players in Europe, the strongest squad, and the most professional coaching staff and support team. With the way we've been performing, I have no doubt we're capable of fighting for the treble."
"In fact, I believe we can accomplish what Real Madrid failed to do last season. I believe we can win the titles they couldn't."
"But first, ask yourselves: Are you ready?"
As soon as Yang Hao finished, a youthful, cracking voice yelled, "I'm ready!"
Everyone turned to see Sergio Ramos standing tall, his expression serious.
The room burst into laughter.
"I'm serious, boss!" Ramos insisted. "If anyone here isn't ready, just put me in. I'll bring home the treble!"
The players quieted, momentarily stunned by Ramos' boldness.
Baraja stood up, grinning, and gently pushed Ramos back into his seat.
"Listen, kid," Baraja teased, "leave this to the grown-ups. You just focus on cheering us on. When we win the treble, you can join us on the victory parade."
The players erupted into laughter again, their determination rekindled. Baraja's words carried weight, and his confidence was infectious.
As they raised their glasses and cheered, the team looked more unified than ever, ready to face the daunting challenges ahead.
In Atlético's relegation-battling days, the only remaining veteran from that squad was Baraja.
As many Atlético fans described it, he was the man who fought through hell alongside the team.
Back then, Valencia offered a considerable sum to sign him, but Baraja refused. He chose to stay. Over the years, both Real Madrid and Barcelona tried to lure him away multiple times, yet he never left.
Just for that loyalty and sentiment, his influence in the locker room was immense.
Not to mention, nearly every player present in the room owed their introduction to the team to him.
What's influence?
This is influence.
Baraja was known for being meticulous, calm, and composed—never rash or impulsive. Yet, that didn't mean he was naive.
On the contrary, he understood the gravity of the situation all too well.
"Boss, no need to prod us with words. Since everyone is here tonight, let me speak on behalf of the entire first team," Baraja said, standing up.
"Long-term plans aside, I can guarantee you this for the rest of this season!"
"Every single one of us, for every minute we play, will give our absolute all. We'll put in our best effort, and we'll fight to claim those three trophies!"
"Good! Well said!"
"Captain, you're the man!"
"Perfectly said, Rubén!"
"Beautifully put!"
February 21st, Matchday 25 of La Liga: Atlético vs Deportivo La Coruña.
Both teams had Champions League matches midweek, so both managers opted for squad rotations.
Atlético made significant changes.
Before the match, Yang Hao received news from Munich that the weather forecast for their Champions League match showed heavy snow. During the game, temperatures would drop to -13°C (8.6°F) or even lower.
This was bad news for Atlético as they prepared to travel.
Playing away games in the Champions League has always been challenging.
The most infamous example was during the 1997/98 Champions League group stage in Group C.
Barcelona, after losing 2–3 away to Newcastle and drawing 2–2 at home against PSV Eindhoven, had to play Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine's harsh winter. In late October, Barcelona lost 0–3 in Kyiv due to the cold.
When the teams met again at the Camp Nou, desperate for a win, Barcelona was hammered 0–4 by Dynamo Kyiv.
It was during these matches that Andriy Shevchenko made his name, becoming a star.
If Barcelona's situation then was bad, Real Madrid faced worse conditions in the 1999/00 season. In the second group stage, they played in Kyiv in late November, where temperatures dropped to -17°C (1.4°F).
These extreme conditions often spell disaster for visiting teams.
Aside from player discomfort and higher injury risks, field conditions, accommodation, and overall logistics become major challenges.
But these issues lay ahead.
At the Vicente Calderón, neither Atlético nor Deportivo went all out.
The match's sole goal came in the 77th minute when Robben delivered a cross from the left. Torres connected with a left-footed volley in front of the net, securing the win.
Atlético edged Deportivo 1–0.
February 22nd: Rest and preparation for Munich.
After their Sunday rest day in Madrid, Atlético began preparations for their trip to Munich, packing cold-weather gear and other necessities.
The match was scheduled for February 24th in the evening, so the team departed early on the morning of the 23rd.
Atlético's scouts in Munich had already reported back to Yang Hao about worsening conditions. Daytime temperatures were hovering around -8°C (17.6°F), with heavy snow falling continuously.
Atlético immediately contacted UEFA, requesting the match be postponed.
Bayern Munich, however, refused.
As the team prepared to depart from Madrid's Barajas Airport, they received a sudden notification: the snowfall in Munich was so heavy that the airport had closed, halting all flights.
Atlético waited at the airport until mid-afternoon before finally landing in Munich and checking into their hotel.
By then, temperatures had dropped significantly.
Munich was blanketed in snow—a literal winter wonderland.
How bad was it?
Yang Hao stood near the team bus for only a couple of minutes, ushering players into the hotel lobby. Within that short time, he was covered in snow.
After settling in, the team headed to the Olympiastadion.
Due to flight delays, they arrived later than planned. What greeted them was a field in abysmal condition.
Munich's iconic stadium is unique, with much of it set below ground level. Over half the stands and the field are uncovered, creating a picturesque scene under normal conditions.
But in a snowstorm, it's a disaster.
When the stadium was built over 30 years ago, snow was considered. Nearly 20 kilometers of under-pitch heating pipes were installed to provide warmth to the turf.
However, when Atlético arrived, the pitch was covered in snow—thick layers of it.
Stadium staff explained that the temperatures were so low that the under-pitch heating wasn't working effectively.
Atlético wanted to train on the pitch, so the staff used snow plows to clear the field. But as soon as one area was cleared, it was quickly buried under fresh snow.
"It's like even God isn't on Atlético's side," one traveling journalist remarked helplessly.
Everyone stood on the sidelines, watching the workers struggle with the snow. Their efforts seemed futile.
Juanma Lillo approached one of the cleared patches and inspected it before returning to Yang Hao, shaking his head.
"It's frozen solid. The pitch is in terrible condition. And using heavy machinery to clear snow is making it worse."
Yang Hao nodded. It was clear: training on this pitch wasn't an option.
"We'll need to change our tactics," Yang Hao said to Lillo.
In these conditions, even running could lead to slips and injuries.
Expecting to execute Atlético's intricate passing game on such a pitch? Impossible.
Why had Bayern refused to delay the match?
Because they were more accustomed to the weather and field conditions. Bayern's playing style—long balls and crosses—was also better suited to such an environment.
It was clear that this would be one of the toughest challenges Atlético faced all season.
The ball stayed in the air most of the time—who cared about the condition of the grass?
Yang Hao's original plan was to snatch an away goal and even prepare for a full-on offensive against Bayern. Securing away goals was the priority.
But under these conditions, forget about it!
After spending over half an hour at Munich's Olympiastadion, with the snow still falling and temperatures plummeting, Yang Hao decided to call off the training session. Seeing how much his players were struggling, he sent them back to the hotel.
That evening, he gathered his coaching staff for an emergency meeting to devise a new tactical plan.
The next morning, he relayed the adjusted strategy to the players.
February 24th, Olympiastadion, Munich.
It was the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Atlético Madrid vs. Bayern Munich.
The snow had stopped, but the cold was biting.
As Atlético's players stepped onto the pitch, they saw piles of snow surrounding the field, with only the grass in the center exposed.
The stadium staff explained that the under-pitch heating system had been running nonstop to keep the field barely playable.
For this match, Atlético opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on solid defense and counterattacks.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, fielded a 4-4-2, prioritizing wing play. Under Ottmar Hitzfeld, Bayern played aggressively, launching relentless attacks from the start.
Barely nine minutes into the match, Ricardo Carvalho was caught in a challenge by Roy Makaay, resulting in a knock to his calf that forced him off the pitch for treatment. Although it wasn't serious, the incident highlighted Bayern's combative strategy.
Bayern kept pressing, with wave after wave of attacks, while Atlético relied on counterattacks. Even forwards like Reyes and Joaquín were pulled back to assist in defense.
Atlético found themselves on the back foot throughout the match.
There wasn't much they could do. The pitch was wet and slippery. Even Bayern, despite being more accustomed to the conditions, made frequent errors.
Atlético capitalized on these errors to launch counterattacks, but their offensive efforts were minimal.
Yang Hao had made it clear to his players:
"If you can score, do it. If not, avoid conceding at all costs. The real battle will be at the Calderón."
"That's our stage!"
The players understood. Yang Hao hated playing so conservatively—he had spent weeks preparing to go on the offensive and secure away goals. But who could have anticipated such dreadful weather?
The match remained defensive, especially in the second half.
With Carvalho and Lúcio anchoring the defense, and Baraja and Xabi Alonso shielding the midfield, Atlético held firm. Midway through the second half, Yang Hao even brought on Marcos Senna, shifting to a three-defensive-midfield setup.
This reinforced defense kept Atlético steady until the final whistle.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw.
"You know, your Ballack didn't seem to be in great form," Yang Hao remarked with a grin while shaking Hitzfeld's hand after the game.
His mood was upbeat—they hadn't lost.
Under such dreadful conditions, leaving with a draw was a positive outcome.
Hitzfeld, visibly frustrated, seemed disappointed that Bayern hadn't scored. His star midfielder, Michael Ballack, had indeed underperformed. Rumors suggested he was unhappy at Bayern, with Barcelona eyeing him for a potential transfer.
Ballack's market value, however, was steep.
"You played very defensively tonight," Hitzfeld commented, exasperated.
"What choice did I have? In this weather, if you were me, you'd probably have been even more conservative," Yang Hao replied, barely concealing the provocation in his tone.
Hitzfeld feigned indifference. "A 0-0 result isn't bad for either of us."
Yang Hao nodded. The result didn't clearly favor one side over the other.
If it had ended 1-1, Atlético would have gained an edge with the away goal.
"Let's see if you're just as bold at the Calderón in two weeks. I'm looking forward to it!" Yang Hao said with a challenging smile.
The first knockout-stage match of the season had been a frustrating experience.
Blame the wretched weather.
Hitzfeld understood Yang Hao's implication but didn't respond.
Go toe-to-toe with Atlético at the Calderón? No thanks.
Atlético could attack all they wanted, but if Bayern could sneak in a goal, it would be Atlético who'd have to deal with the consequences.
Back in Spain, most of the media sympathized with Atlético's difficult circumstances. Extreme weather wasn't something anyone could control.
The exception? AS.
The pro-Real Madrid outlet splashed a photo of Atlético players desperately defending on its front page, mocking them for "narrowly escaping defeat."
"Merciful Germans spared Atlético, allowing them to escape unscathed. But they played a lackluster game and gained no advantage away from home."
"The second leg at the Calderón will determine everything!"
But as AS ridiculed Atlético, another story unfolded that same evening.
Real Madrid played away at Monaco's Stade Louis II and was humiliated by their own loanee, Fernando Morientes.
Monaco defeated Real Madrid 2-0, with Morientes delivering a goal and an assist within the first three minutes of the second half.
Suddenly, AS fell silent.
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