Chapter 46
March 9th, Calderón Stadium, Madrid.
Yang Hao stood in front of the home team's dugout, his eyes scanning Bayern Munich's setup as they attacked from right to left.
It was the same standard 4-4-2 formation:
Goalkeeper: Oliver Kahn
Defenders: Bixente Lizarazu, Robert Kovač, Sammy Kuffour, Willy Sagnol
Midfielders: Zé Roberto, Martín Demichelis, Michael Ballack, Owen Hargreaves
Forwards: Roy Makaay, Claudio Pizarro
This was almost identical to the lineup Bayern used two weeks ago in Munich against Atlético Madrid. The only change was Demichelis replacing Salihamidžić, a clear switch from a wing attacker to a defensive midfielder. The intention was obvious.
Yang Hao often reminded others: don't listen to what coaches say—watch what they do.
After returning from Munich, Atlético's players suffered from noticeable discomfort, resulting in a 0-0 draw against Aragonés' Real Mallorca in the following league match. However, three days ago, Atlético bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Murcia at home.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's situation was far worse. After losing 0-2 to Monaco in the first leg, they now faced the daunting task of an all-out attack in the second leg at home. But could they overturn the deficit against Monaco?
Atlético's circumstances looked comparatively better.
For this match, Yang Hao set up a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech
Defenders: Patrice Evra, Ricardo Carvalho, Lúcio, Maicon
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (holding), Deco, Rubén Baraja
Forwards: José Antonio Reyes, Didier Drogba, Joaquín
Before the game started, Baraja had beaten Kahn in the coin toss, giving Atlético the kick-off in the first half.
Swiss referee Urs Meier stood in the center circle, ready to signal the start.
Yang Hao had just exchanged handshakes with Ottmar Hitzfeld and now glanced back toward the visiting team's technical area. The impeccably dressed veteran coach nodded and smiled at him.
Go ahead and smile. Let's see how long that lasts.
Both teams' strategies were no mystery.
Yang Hao had made it clear in pre-match press conferences that Atlético would go all-out on the attack.
Hitzfeld's lineup left no doubt: Bayern's approach would be solid defense and swift counterattacks.
The only question was whether Atlético's relentless offense could break through Bayern's formidable defense.
With Hargreaves, Demichelis, Ballack, and Zé Roberto, Bayern's midfield was a defensive fortress.
Could Atlético breach it?
That was the burning question for everyone in the stadium, including the 50,000 fervent Atlético fans.
As the home crowd roared in support, referee Meier blew the whistle, and the match began.
From the center circle, Deco didn't pass the ball forward to Drogba but instead played it back to Baraja near the center circle's base.
Baraja controlled the ball with his right foot, turned, and passed it to the right flank.
Bayern's two forwards pressed aggressively, with Roy Makaay immediately closing in on Maicon.
But the Brazilian full-back calmly passed down the right side to Joaquín near the sideline.
Joaquín carried the ball over the halfway line, shaking off Zé Roberto's pressure. As the Bayern winger shadowed him, Joaquín cut diagonally toward the center and passed back to Baraja near the middle.
Baraja controlled the ball with one touch before delivering a long, cross-field pass to the left flank.
Evra controlled it on the left, surging forward quickly.
Owen Hargreaves was on him immediately, but Evra opted for a short pass to the left half-space before accelerating forward.
Deco received the ball in open space and, without hesitation, played a quick one-two with Evra.
"What a beautiful one-two!"
"The ball is back at Evra's feet!"
"The French full-back is picking up speed, slicing through Bayern's midfield like a knife through butter!"
Reyes, stationed near the left sideline, moved back to receive the ball as Evra advanced.
Evra's return pass was immediately played back, initiating another one-two.
"Another one-two!"
"Atlético is dazzling Bayern with these intricate combinations down the left flank!"
"Evra's pace is incredible!"
The entire Calderón Stadium erupted.
More than 50,000 fans roared in unison, many rising from their seats in excitement.
As Evra dribbled past Bayern's midfield blockade with breathtaking speed, he charged into the left corner of the penalty area and delivered a lofted cross.
Bayern's center-backs—Kuffour and Kovač—had their work cut out.
At 5'10" (1.78m) and 5'11" (1.82m) respectively, they were at a disadvantage against Drogba's imposing physicality.
As Evra reached the edge of the box, Kuffour moved to intercept him.
But before the defender could close him down, Evra chipped the ball into the penalty area.
The cross sailed over Kuffour's head, dropping near the penalty spot.
Drogba, like an unstoppable freight train, bulldozed past Kovač, charging forward at full speed. With Oliver Kahn hesitating to come off his line, Drogba met Evra's cross head-on.
Without even jumping, Drogba powered his entire body into the header, smashing it with ferocious force.
The ball rocketed into the bottom right corner of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Oh my god!"
"Just 16 seconds! Only 16 seconds into the match!"
"Drogba!! Drogba!!"
"1-0!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"Fans were still finding their seats, but the roar of this goal has left them all stunned!"
"What a start!"
"Atlético's very first attack, their first shot on goal, and Drogba's thunderous header has shattered Bayern Munich's defense!"
"This goal came from Evra's lightning-fast charge down the left flank."
"The French left-back showed extraordinary speed and determination!"
Replays showed the sequence in all its glory:
Atlético's seamless one-two combinations down the left.
Evra's precise delivery.
Drogba's sheer physical dominance and clinical finishing.
On the touchline, Yang Hao was a picture of emotion, fists clenched as he roared in celebration.
Calderón was on fire.
Bayern, however, was about to experience 90 minutes of relentless Atlético pressure.
"It must be said, starting the attack down the left was a bold choice."
"We were just discussing how Hitzfeld had specifically replaced Salihamidžić with Demichelis and pushed Hargreaves to the right to neutralize Atlético's left flank."
"This season, the left-side pairing of Evra and Reyes has been exceptional."
"Clearly, Yang Hao knew this, yet he still insisted on attacking from the left right at the start. It shows his confidence in his players. Scoring in such a situation not only boosts team morale but also puts tremendous pressure on Bayern and deals a psychological blow."
"Yang Hao is sending a clear message to Hitzfeld and Bayern's players: 'I know how you're defending, I know what you're planning, but I can still break through your defense.'"
"This is Yang Hao's Atlético Madrid!"
After Drogba's header broke the deadlock, Yang Hao couldn't suppress his excitement, leaping into the air in celebration.
Drogba, meanwhile, sprinted toward the stands, sliding on his knees as he celebrated with Atlético's roaring fans.
First attack, first shot, first goal!
Could there be a better start than this?
Yang Hao waved both arms enthusiastically, urging the crowd to cheer even louder, to spur the players into even greater fervor.
At that moment, a new wave of cheers erupted from the crowd.
Gradually, a chant became clear:
"Record! Record! New record!!"
The entire stadium soon joined in with rapturous applause and jubilant cheers.
Yang Hao was momentarily confused and turned to Juanma Lillo for an explanation.
"16 seconds—this is the fastest goal in Champions League history!"
Yang Hao froze, somewhat incredulous.
"Are you sure?"
"The previous record was set by Arsenal's Gilberto Silva in 2002—20.5 seconds. We just broke it by more than four seconds."
Yang Hao burst out laughing.
No wonder the Atlético fans were going wild.
This was an unexpected bonus!
Yang Hao hadn't anticipated this outcome, but a goal and a record-breaking one at that? He wasn't complaining.
Returning to the sidelines, Yang cupped his hands to his mouth and shouted loudly toward his players, urging them to keep attacking and piling on the pressure!
Two weeks ago in Munich's Olympic Stadium had been frustrating—tonight was about redemption.
"Let Bayern Munich, and everyone mocking us from the outside, witness our strength!"
That was what Yang Hao had shouted to his players in the locker room during the pre-match pep talk.
Now, on the pitch, his players were fulfilling his words.
"They've gone completely insane tonight!"
Bayern assistant coach Michael Henke muttered to Ottmar Hitzfeld.
"Pressing this aggressively right from the start."
On the pitch, after the restart, Atlético showed no signs of easing up despite their lead. They maintained relentless pressure on Bayern, pressing high up the pitch, even right up to Kahn's position.
This forced Oliver Kahn into a hurried long ball.
The result? The ball flew out of bounds right in front of Hitzfeld and his staff, gifting Atlético a throw-in.
"That's their style. And their players have the technical skills to back it up," Hitzfeld said, his tone flat but tinged with dissatisfaction.
The veteran coach was clearly unhappy with the situation but seemed resigned, lacking a better solution.
Since Bayern's 2001 Champions League triumph—or rather, since 2000—Bayern's decline had become evident to all.
Effenberg was past his prime, and Bayern's tactics had grown outdated.
Hitzfeld had long dreamed of deploying a three-man defense, but that system was no longer viable in modern football. Meanwhile, German football faced a severe talent gap, leaving Bayern in a precarious situation.
Take Bayern's backline, for example.
Did Hitzfeld know about the height deficiencies of Kuffour and Kovač? Of course.
But what could he do about it?
Since the collapse of the Kirch Group, the Bundesliga was littered with debt-ridden clubs, many teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. While Bayern's financial situation was relatively stable, it was far from ideal.
Germany's talent pool had dried up, and without suitable domestic options, Bayern couldn't strengthen their squad. Competing with Europe's elite for players?
Look no further than Patrick Andersson—poached by Barcelona with a mere wave, even amid Barça's own turmoil.
Hitzfeld was painfully aware of Bayern's limitations.
And the times were changing too quickly.
The European football landscape, led by Spanish clubs, had embraced the 4-2-3-1 formation, which swept through the continent in record time.
Hitzfeld, however, looked at Bayern's roster and couldn't envision implementing a 4-2-3-1 effectively.
After retiring as a player in 1983, Hitzfeld's coaching career had been a steady climb without any breaks. He had painstakingly built Dortmund into a Champions League-winning team before moving to Bayern, where he remained to this day.
But he was starting to feel left behind.
Hitzfeld didn't believe his ideas were outdated—he simply hadn't had the time to reflect, adapt, and grow.
Back in 1997, when he decided to leave Dortmund, he had intended to take a break. He even turned down Real Madrid's offer, leading them to hire Jupp Heynckes, who went on to win the Champions League with them.
Yet Dortmund convinced him to stay for one more season—a disastrous campaign that ended with him moving to Bayern, where he had been ever since.
In hindsight, after winning the Champions League with Bayern, he should have stepped back to rest, observe, and think.
Now, however...
Watching Atlético play with youthful vigor and seamless coordination, and glancing at the much younger Yang Hao on the sidelines, Hitzfeld's eyes betrayed a trace of envy.
Youth was truly a gift.
Bayern, like Hitzfeld himself, felt old, tired, and out of step with the rapidly evolving game.
It was time to stop, reflect, and restart.
Perhaps someone new could breathe fresh life into the team.
As Hitzfeld mused, Atlético's relentless attacks delivered yet another blow.
Deco, surging forward through the middle, was brought down by Demichelis.
Referee Urs Meier immediately brandished a yellow card—the first of the match.
Drogba stepped up to take the free kick, as the distance was slightly far out.
The Ivorian took a long run-up and delivered a well-struck direct free kick.
Kahn barely managed to tip the ball over the crossbar, conceding a corner to Atlético.
Deco took responsibility for the corner kick.
By this point, Lucio, Carvalho, Drogba, and others had charged into Bayern's penalty area, creating an imposing presence. Particularly, Drogba and Lucio commanded attention.
All of Europe knew these two were exceptional in the air and physically dominant.
Bayern's defense was heavily focused on marking these tall players.
Yet, when Deco whipped in the corner, Drogba and Lucio both made decoy runs, drawing attention. Out of nowhere, Carvalho darted into the middle, leaped high, and connected with a clean header.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Carvalho!!!"
"Ricardo Carvalho!"
"2–0!!"
"An excellent set-piece routine from Atlético! While Bayern's defense concentrated on Lucio and Drogba, Carvalho emerged unexpectedly to deliver a decisive header, doubling Atlético's lead!"
"The pressure is now entirely on Bayern Munich."
"We're not even 20 minutes into the match, and Bayern is already trailing by two goals."
"This is a dreadful situation for the Bavarian side."
"Atlético's opening display has been absolutely stunning."
"It's becoming increasingly evident that there's a significant gap in quality between these two teams."
"Bayern has put in effort defensively, but their overall tempo still cannot match Atlético's."
"While this style might work in the Bundesliga, it's clearly too slow for the Champions League stage."
With a two-goal lead, Yang Hao signaled his team to ease the pace and reduce their attacking intensity.
This high-octane offensive strategy was thrilling to watch but extremely draining for the players.
Given their two-goal cushion, continuing to attack relentlessly had little purpose.
Instead, Yang Hao instructed his team to retreat slightly and use their possession-based game to lure Bayern forward, creating space for counterattacks.
The strategy quickly filtered down to the players.
Atlético slowed the tempo but immediately pressed Bayern whenever they crossed the halfway line. Once they regained possession, they launched rapid counterattacks without hesitation.
This approach bore fruit again in the 26th minute.
Xabi Alonso delivered a precise ball behind the defense, sending it toward Reyes on the left flank.
The Spanish winger surged past Sagnol with blistering pace, catching up to Alonso's pass before delivering a low cross into the near post.
Deco was there to meet it with a quick shot, but Kahn parried the ball away.
Drogba followed up with a strike, only to see it deflect off Robert Kovač and bounce out of the penalty area.
Baraja rushed in, controlled the ball, and unleashed a powerful long-range effort, forcing Kahn into another fingertip save to push it over the crossbar.
A relentless wave of attacks left Bayern completely out of sorts.
Shortly afterward, Joaquín made a dazzling diagonal run from the right flank, dribbling past three defenders before chipping a pass behind the defense.
Drogba latched onto it inside the penalty area, but under heavy pressure from Kovač and Demichelis, his shot lacked power and was easily gathered by Kahn.
The Ivorian turned to complain to the referee, gesturing that his arms had been pulled, leaving him unable to move freely.
Referee Urs Meier merely smiled and waved play on.
The first half ended with Atlético holding a comfortable 2–0 lead.
During halftime, Hitzfeld made a substitution, bringing on Schweinsteiger for Hargreaves to bolster Bayern's attack.
This was Bayern's classic "dual-wing" 4-4-2 strategy in action.
However, the first-half exertions had drained Bayern's players, and Atlético, riding a wave of momentum, refused to grant them any opportunity.
More importantly, possession remained firmly in Atlético's control.
Bayern faced a dilemma: if they pressed forward to reclaim the ball, they risked leaving gaps behind them.
This was particularly problematic given Reyes' speed and off-the-ball runs on the left, combined with Alonso's pinpoint long passes.
If that weren't enough, there was still Drogba in the middle.
Kuffour and Kovač had spent the entire first half proving to Hitzfeld that they couldn't handle the Ivorian forward.
In terms of height, strength, and even speed, they struggled to contain him.
To make matters worse, Drogba had unexpectedly developed a knack for deft passes—a rare skill for a physically imposing striker who looked more like a nightmare-inducing brute than a finesse player.
By the 65th minute, Hitzfeld made a double substitution.
Salihamidžić replaced Sagnol, while Santa Cruz came on for Pizarro.
Both changes aimed to inject more attacking intent.
Yang Hao didn't seem too concerned. In fact, he suspected Hitzfeld was trying to prove he wasn't a conservative coach.
Regardless, Atlético still held a two-goal advantage.
Yang Hao even mused internally, "Thank Real Madrid!"
"If not for our upcoming showdown with them in a week, I'd go all out tonight. I wouldn't let you leave the Calderón without stripping you of everything, including your dignity."
In the end, Atlético secured a 2–0 victory over Bayern Munich, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2–0 aggregate score.
At the post-match press conference, Hitzfeld accepted the result and extended his congratulations to Yang Hao and Atlético.
In this match, Bayern managed only six shots, three of which were on target, but none found the back of the net.
In contrast, Atlético recorded 21 shots, more than three times Bayern's total.
For free kicks, Atlético had 20 compared to Bayern's 4—a fivefold disparity.
In terms of possession, Atlético dominated with 58%, while Bayern managed just 42%.
This was despite Bayern's aggressive pressing, which limited Atlético's passing rhythm. Otherwise, Yang Hao's team would likely have posted even higher possession stats.
Bayern's aggression was reflected in their 31 fouls, compared to Atlético's 11—a staggering difference.
During the press conference, one journalist bluntly asked Hitzfeld if Bayern had played too violently.
Hitzfeld defended his team, pointing out that they had received only three yellow cards, indicating their fouls didn't cross the line.
Ultimately, the Bayern coach acknowledged that his team had been outclassed:
"I believe Atlético has what it takes to compete for the Champions League title," Hitzfeld admitted earnestly.
When Yang Hao heard Hitzfeld commend Atlético Madrid, he didn't hesitate to offer a gracious response:
"Bayern faced the same challenges that we encountered two weeks ago," he remarked.
"We traveled from warm Madrid to freezing Munich, and they had to do the opposite, from cold Munich to warm Madrid. I think both situations were equally challenging for the players to adapt to."
The German journalists present applauded his comments, recognizing his fairness and sportsmanship.
While the weather in Munich two weeks prior had been frigid and snowy, the temperature had since warmed up somewhat. It was still much colder than Madrid but nowhere near the extreme conditions Atlético endured.
Having secured a place in the Champions League quarterfinals, Yang Hao expressed his desire to lead the team even further:
"Our locker room is full of passion and ambition. Many of our players are eager to make an even bigger impact on the Champions League stage, and I share their hope."
"We'll continue to push forward with everything we've got. My wish is to achieve a result this season that satisfies everyone."
When asked about the possibility of a treble, Yang Hao smiled:
"If we can achieve it, of course, it would be wonderful. But we'll take it one step at a time and continue to work hard."
His measured response aimed to keep the pressure off his players.
The day after Atlético defeated Bayern, media outlets worldwide were buzzing about the match.
This is the magic of the Champions League knockout stages.
For Atlético, many now considered them one of the leading favorites to win the Champions League this season.
Drogba, who set the record for the fastest goal in Champions League history, and Carvalho, who scored the decisive second goal, became household names overnight, gracing the pages and headlines of countless newspapers and columns.
However, the focus soon shifted away from Atlético.
This year's Champions League had turned into a stage for upsets.
Porto managed a shock victory, defeating Manchester United 1–0 at home in the first leg. In the return leg at Old Trafford, Mourinho's side ground out a 0–0 draw, frustrating Ferguson's Red Devils.
No matter how much United pushed, they failed to find the breakthrough they needed.
Without Beckham's precise passing, Van Nistelrooy seemed to have lost his edge.
And Cristiano Ronaldo?
At this stage, he was still more captivated by his own dribbling than the team's collective play.
Another massive upset came from Real Madrid.
In the first leg, Monaco had secured a 2–0 victory at home, thanks to Morientes' extraordinary contribution of a goal and an assist in just three minutes.
In the second leg at the Bernabéu, the two sides fought a tense first half.
In the second half, Figo delivered a brilliant assist, with Zidane and Ronaldo each scoring to make it 2–2, leveling the aggregate score.
Then, in the 81st minute, Zidane sent a sublime through ball to Figo, who found the net again to make it 3–2.
The Bernabéu erupted into celebration.
The fans roared the names of their superstars, ecstatic that Madrid seemed to have sealed their place in the quarterfinals.
As time ticked away, entering the 89th minute, the Real Madrid fans in the stands began to celebrate.
They believed the job was done.
90 minutes… 91… 92…
In the final moments, Giuly launched a counterattack down the right flank, drawing a foul from Helguera to earn Monaco a free kick. Even then, most believed the result was secure for Madrid.
But when Giuly delivered the free kick into the box, Morientes emerged from the crowd.
In front of 78,000 stunned Real Madrid fans, he powered a fierce header past his former teammate Casillas.
A last-minute winner.
The Bernabéu fell into a stunned silence.
Morientes stood in the penalty area, refraining from celebrating his goal.
While his Monaco teammates erupted in euphoria, he remained still.
He saw Casillas pounding the grass in frustration—the very turf Morientes had once called home.
He saw Raúl racing to retrieve the ball from the net, desperate to restart play.
He saw his former superstar teammates frozen in disbelief, unable to comprehend the unfolding nightmare.
And he saw the entire Bernabéu staring at him.
This was once his dream. His life's ambition.
He had longed for a day when the entire Bernabéu would fixate on him instead of the galácticos.
His wish had come true.
But the irony was unbearable—he was no longer wearing Madrid's white jersey.
He was Madrid's enemy.
The emotions were a turbulent mix of complexity, pain, and… vindication.
Morientes glanced toward the presidential box, wondering if Florentino Pérez and his executives regretted loaning him to Monaco.
No one could say for sure.
Not even Morientes himself.
In the end, Monaco, despite losing 1–3 in the second leg, advanced on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate scoreline, eliminating Real Madrid.
This shocking upset sent ripples through Spanish football, and the media, especially AS, reacted with collective despair.
No one could believe that a Real Madrid squad packed with superstars had been knocked out in the Round of 16.
It was beyond comprehension.
How could a team boasting so many world-class players crash out at this stage?
To make matters worse, it was Morientes, a player on loan from Real Madrid, who delivered the fatal blow.
The Spanish football world was in uproar.
Marca penned an article questioning how such a collapse could happen. "How many times has this happened now?"
From Eto'o to Cambiasso, to Munitis, and now Morientes, Real Madrid had been haunted repeatedly by players they had let go.
Surely, there was something deeply wrong with this pattern.
Marca criticized Madrid's "galáctico policy" for severely marginalizing the team's core contributors.
Usually a more neutral voice, Marca went on the offensive:
The club claimed budget constraints required them to offload players like Makelele and loan out talents like Morientes and Savio.
But on the other hand…
"According to reports from our journalists at Real Madrid, the club has already reached an agreement with Zidane to extend his contract until 2007. As part of the deal, Zidane will receive a net salary of €6 million per year after taxes!"
"This is the highest salary in the world of football today!"
Marca questioned Real Madrid: how could the club afford to offer Zidane such a staggering salary while haggling over a meager €1 million renewal for Makelele or tightening the purse strings for Morientes and Savio?
After all, €6 million after taxes is an astronomical figure.
"This isn't the first time this has happened," Marca continued, arguing that Real Madrid's operational strategy was deeply flawed.
Surprisingly, while Real Madrid fans usually support their team unequivocally, this time they sided with Marca's criticism, agreeing that the management of the club's galáctico strategy was problematic.
Yes, the fans loved the superstars. Yes, the stars had brought dazzling football to Madrid.
But the fans loved victory and trophies even more.
If the arrival of these stars couldn't deliver victories and titles, what was the point of signing them?
Morientes, a former hero for Real Madrid, epitomized this dilemma. As the club's former captain Camacho once said:
"Before Florentino Pérez and the galácticos arrived, Real Madrid was already the best team in Europe."
Back then, Raúl and Morientes formed Europe's most formidable strike duo.
Now, with the influx of superstars, Raúl's goal tally had plummeted. Wasn't that due to tactical changes?
How was Raúl supposed to thrive when Beckham's long passes often bypassed him?
While Beckham's deliveries benefited Ronaldo, they plunged Raúl into the most precarious form of his career.
And Morientes—was he truly lacking in quality?
If so, how had he led Monaco to a 3–0 aggregate victory over Madrid in the Round of 16?
All three of Monaco's goals came through Morientes. Wasn't that proof enough of his capabilities?
Throughout this season, in match after match, fans and media alike had yearned for Morientes' presence.
And yet, the club had chosen to loan him out.
Marca's article ignited a firestorm among Real Madrid fans.
The idea that the club could spend lavishly on superstar renewals while sending away homegrown heroes who then came back to haunt them enraged the fanbase.
One fan posted online, earning thousands of likes:
"When Zidane renewed his contract, he said, 'We will win every possible honor—winning the treble is just the beginning.'
"But now, we've all seen the truth. The treble is nothing more than an unattainable, shattered dream. It was never going to happen.
"In fact, this season, the so-called greatest galáctico squad with the most luxurious lineup has achieved Real Madrid's worst Champions League result in years—eliminated in the Round of 16.
"And the cruelest part? The man who buried Madrid was one of our own: Morientes.
"Watching Morientes score at the Bernabéu and then stand motionless in the penalty box, I wanted to cry.
"It was the first time I had ever seen a player score such a critical goal yet refuse to celebrate.
"I can only imagine the turmoil in his heart at that moment.
"He could have been scoring goals for Real Madrid. But instead, because of certain decisions, he had to stand in the opposing lineup and personally eliminate the team he loved most.
"This makes Real Madrid's galáctico strategy all the more ironic."
Across Spain, emotions ran high, and discussions were heated.
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez addressed the media, defending the club's philosophy:
"The galáctico strategy has no issues whatsoever."
"On behalf of the club and the players, I apologize to all Real Madrid fans for our elimination from the Champions League."
"But I must reiterate that we will continue with the galáctico strategy because we believe it is the best way to return Real Madrid to the pinnacle of European football. This strategy is also part of the club's tradition."
Florentino insisted that, despite the Champions League exit, Real Madrid was performing well in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
Although they trailed Atlético Madrid by 10 points in the league, he pointed out that 11 matches remained, leaving ample opportunity for a turnaround.
As for the Copa del Rey, Florentino confidently declared:
"We will win that trophy."
He also revealed plans to reinforce the squad in the summer, aiming to sign younger, more talented superstars to address the team's weaknesses.
"We believe that the new season's Real Madrid will be even stronger!"
Florentino hinted at two key positions for reinforcement: center-back and right-wing.
Currently, Real Madrid's top target for central defense was Atlético Madrid's Lucio.
However, Marca was quick to point out the unlikelihood of this move, stating that Atlético would never sell their defensive stalwart to Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, AS speculated that Atlético's plans for a new stadium might force them to consider a lucrative offer for Lucio.
Another target was Joaquín, whom Real Madrid envisioned as Figo's successor on the right wing.
Figo himself had publicly stated that Joaquín was the player in European football who most resembled him.
Real Madrid had been pursuing Joaquín for years, but they faced fierce competition from clubs like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Inter Milan.
Securing either Lucio or Joaquín would require not only a massive transfer fee but also beating out numerous rivals.
For now, these were distant concerns.
Real Madrid's immediate focus was the Copa del Rey final.
AS reported that Florentino had issued a strict ultimatum to coach Carlos Queiroz:
Win the Copa del Rey final against Atlético Madrid, or face dismissal.
He also warned the players, demanding top performances in every remaining match.
"They need to prove whether they still deserve to stay at Real Madrid!"
However, AS's exposé triggered another storm.
Leaks of internal directives had become a recurring issue at Real Madrid, but this time it felt different.
The ultimatum to players to "prove themselves" sparked outrage within the squad.
Coach Queiroz launched an internal investigation to uncover the source of the leak.
Amid such turmoil, how could Real Madrid possibly perform well?
In La Liga's 28th round, with the Copa del Rey final looming, Real Madrid rotated their squad, giving young players like Portillo a chance.
The result?
At the Bernabéu, Zaragoza's Gabriel Milito scored a header from a corner in the 32nd minute, securing a 1–0 upset over Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, also heavily rotated, managed a 1–1 draw against Real Sociedad.
Despite the draw, Atlético fans were left aggrieved by a highly controversial penalty awarded to Sociedad's Karpin.
Regardless, the results widened Atlético's lead to 11 points over Real Madrid.
Yang Hao, surprised by the outcome, quipped:
"A draw, and we still extended the gap? That's unexpected."
He quickly refocused on the Copa del Rey final, calling it:
"The first decisive battle in our quest for the treble!"
In the days leading up to the Copa del Rey final, a steady stream of news flowed into Yang Hao's hands.
Two pieces stood out to him the most.
The first was on March 14, when Spain held its general election. The People's Party lost to the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, resulting in Prime Minister José María Aznar stepping down. José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero would now become Spain's new Prime Minister.
Aznar was a die-hard Real Madrid fan and had a close relationship with Florentino Pérez. Rumors had long circulated that Real Madrid's deal to convert the old Ciudad Deportiva into a lucrative financial windfall and acquire vast suburban lands was heavily influenced by this connection.
Though never officially confirmed, the timeline raised eyebrows: Aznar had served as Prime Minister since 1996, coinciding with Real Madrid's peak era from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
In contrast, Zapatero openly declared himself a Barcelona fan. Notably, his tenure aligned with Barcelona's upcoming golden age, which Yang Hao recalled vividly from his previous life. Zapatero's eight-year term, likely ending around 2012, paralleled Barça's resurgence.
Was this mere coincidence or a pattern?
Yang Hao found it fascinating yet perplexing. Unsure of how to interpret this political phenomenon, he called Enrique Cerezo for clarity.
The Atlético chairman chuckled at Yang Hao's newfound "political sensitivity."
Cerezo explained:
"A prime minister openly supporting Real Madrid or Barcelona certainly has its advantages—politically and otherwise. But the impact is limited. Rules remain in place, and success on the pitch ultimately depends on strength."
He added that such affiliations might make things like loan approvals or project approvals marginally easier, but watchdogs from the opposition would keep them in check.
"It's like refereeing," Cerezo concluded. "The rules dictate what constitutes a foul, but the referee can exercise discretion within those boundaries."
Cerezo then shifted focus to Real Madrid's current struggles:
"The biggest problem for Real Madrid is that they've been shackled by their galáctico strategy—they can't abandon it now."
From Florentino's perspective, abandoning the strategy wasn't an option. Real Madrid's commercial empire was still in its infancy. Giving up now would render years of effort futile.
As long as the club remained the planet's most star-studded team, its commercial value would endure, even amid performance inconsistencies.
Yang Hao drew parallels to Manchester United in his previous life. After solidifying its commercial foundation, the Red Devils maintained their elite status, regardless of sporting upheavals. Fans continued hoping for their triumphant return, primarily because of their immense financial resources.
If Manchester United's income were halved in 2023, that would signify true despair.
Likewise, Florentino aimed to prioritize revenue streams and commercial stability. After that, acquiring new stars to fill gaps was a secondary concern.
Yang Hao's second concern was Atlético's new stadium project.
Cerezo reassured him:
"There won't be any issues."
In the past, Jesús Gil's political aspirations may have created complications. But Atlético's current neutral stance and transparent operations ensured they wouldn't face unnecessary obstacles.
"Besides, Jesús Gil stepped down in 2000 and passed away last year. Our club is now professionally run and modernized. There's no reason for anyone to target us."
The MSM consortium, which funded Atlético's operations, played both sides politically, ensuring security regardless of election outcomes.
With that, Yang Hao felt reassured.
The other intriguing piece of news involved Real Madrid's internal turmoil, specifically their ongoing quest to uncover a mole leaking information.
The issue wasn't that they were searching for a mole—it was that leaks continued unabated.
Recent examples included revelations that Raúl had passed medical tests, clearing him to play in the Copa del Rey final despite his ankle injury. Similarly, Ronaldo had recovered from a left leg injury and was also ready for the final.
Additionally, insider sources "clarified" Florentino's stance on coach Carlos Queiroz. While Florentino wanted the Copa del Rey, he hadn't explicitly threatened Queiroz with immediate dismissal if he lost. Instead, he had hinted that Queiroz's contract required a trophy, giving the club the right to terminate his tenure at season's end.
How absurd was this? On one hand, the club was trying to catch a mole, while on the other, sensitive information continued leaking freely.
For Atlético, this stream of information made it relatively simple to predict Real Madrid's starting lineup and tactics for the final.
Preparing for the Final
Before departing for Barcelona, Yang Hao held a tactical briefing with his team.
He distributed detailed scouting reports to the players, giving them something to study en route.
"This is Real Madrid's likely starting lineup for tomorrow's Copa del Rey final," Yang Hao announced.
"It's clear they'll stick to their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, but there will be differences in their approach this time."
"Based on the media narrative, I expect Real Madrid to play with heightened urgency. They're desperate for this trophy—more than ever before."
Yang Hao's reasoning was sound.
After their humiliating elimination in the Champions League Round of 16—courtesy of a Morientes-led Monaco—and an 11-point deficit in La Liga, the Copa del Rey had become Real Madrid's last shot at redemption this season.
"Their desperation will make them dangerous, but also predictable," Yang Hao explained.
He urged his players to exploit this emotional fragility, emphasizing discipline and composure.
As the team bus headed toward Barcelona, Yang Hao felt confident. This was their chance to secure the first piece of a historic treble.
Atlético Madrid's unexpected draw widened their lead in La Liga, something even Yang Hao hadn't anticipated.
Real Madrid, their city rivals, had shown remarkable "loyalty." With their Champions League campaign over and trailing far behind in La Liga, their only real shot at a trophy was the Copa del Rey.
Ironically, the last time the Copa del Rey was held in mid-March was two years ago at the Santiago Bernabéu, during Real Madrid's centenary celebrations. Back then, they couldn't afford to lose. This year, it felt eerily similar.
"Real Madrid's problems have become increasingly obvious," Yang Hao observed.
"Their first-team squad looks sizeable, but in reality, only 12 players have regular playing time. The rest see little action, and their minutes are highly inconsistent."
"Relying on such a limited group to compete across three competitions for an entire season is nowhere near enough. As a result, injuries are mounting at this stage of the campaign."
Both Raúl and Ronaldo were carrying injuries. However, being injured didn't necessarily mean sitting out. With a thin squad, players often had to play through pain—even taking painkilling injections—if they could still manage to run.
In contrast, Yang Hao's Atlético Madrid took a more humane approach. Players with even minor injuries weren't allowed to play if it could impact their health, a policy that occasionally sparked discontent.
This approach, however, gained credibility after a recent incident.
Vicente, who had transferred to Valencia, sustained an injury. Dissatisfied with Valencia's medical team, he returned to Atlético to seek a second opinion.
Atlético's lab diagnosed him with muscle fatigue that had led to a strain, which worsened due to playing while injured. The recommendation was clear: rest and rehabilitation.
But when Vicente returned to Valencia, he was back on the pitch just two days later.
Atlético's players took note of this. They saw how playing through injuries was possible in the short term but could lead to severe long-term consequences, even career-ending setbacks.
Examples like Vicente's were common across La Liga and Europe, reinforcing Atlético's medical policy despite occasional pushback.
Everyone understood that injuries were a player's greatest enemy.
Yang Hao was convinced that by mid-March, Real Madrid's galácticos were nearing their physical limits. Add to that the psychological blow of being eliminated by Monaco in the Champions League, and Real Madrid was under tremendous pressure.
"They'll be desperate. They'll play aggressively, maybe even recklessly," Yang Hao predicted.
"We don't need to match their tempo. I want you to play with patience. However, one thing is non-negotiable—we cannot let them dominate possession. We have to fight for the ball!"
Yang Hao's strategy was straightforward: when in possession, slow the tempo and force Real Madrid to chase; when Real Madrid had the ball, press aggressively to disrupt their rhythm.
In this Copa del Rey final, Atlético's key advantage was their better physical condition and sharper form.
With this in mind, Yang Hao aimed to exploit these factors ruthlessly, delivering a decisive blow to their rivals.
The Copa del Rey Final: Madrid Derby
Despite the final being held in Barcelona, the enthusiasm of the fans was uncontainable.
Ahead of the match, AS reported that over 200 buses filled with Real Madrid fans would head to Barcelona, organized by the club's fan associations. Along with those taking high-speed trains and driving themselves, an estimated 22,000 Real Madrid fans were expected at the Olympic Stadium.
This excited AS, but Marca soon countered with its own report. According to Atlético Madrid's fan services department, over 28,000 Atlético fans were set to attend, giving them a numerical edge in the stadium.
Such comparisons were largely symbolic, serving media narratives rather than substantive analysis.
The real intrigue lay elsewhere: the Spanish royal family would also be in attendance, with a unique "divided" dynamic.
King Juan Carlos, a staunch Real Madrid supporter, would attend alongside Queen Sofía. Crown Prince Felipe, however, was an Atlético fan and would be present with his fiancée, Letizia Ortiz.
Letizia, a divorced television journalist, was famously unpopular with Queen Sofía, making this a potential royal spectacle. Spanish media described the event as not just a Madrid Derby but also a "royal family showdown."
Meanwhile, Catalan media watched from the sidelines, lamenting their exclusion from this major event.
Amid this charged atmosphere, the Madrid Derby set the stage for the 2003/04 Copa del Rey final.
The Match Begins
The referee for the final was the experienced 43-year-old Fernando, who had been officiating in La Liga since the 1980s and was nearing retirement. He had overseen 11 league matches this season, including two for Atlético and two for Real Madrid—both of which the teams had won.
From the start, Fernando established control over the game's tempo and enforcement, quickly earning the players' respect.
Real Madrid's players, however, soon found themselves frustrated.
In the very first minute, Atlético launched a swift attack. Rubén Baraja unleashed a long-range shot that forced a save from Iker Casillas.
But when Real Madrid tried to counterattack, they discovered Atlético wasn't pressing high but instead had retreated, setting up a defensive block around the midfield line.
The moment Real Madrid crossed into Atlético's half, they encountered relentless pressing and tight marking.
In the 3rd minute, Roberto Carlos tried to initiate an attack down the left. Raúl dropped back to receive the ball but quickly found himself surrounded by three defenders. Zinedine Zidane was nearby but chose not to advance, as Maicon was tightly marking him.
Raúl attempted to dribble forward but was soon enveloped by four Atlético players. He lost possession.
Maicon intercepted and began dribbling back. Raúl pursued him relentlessly, forcing Maicon to pass back to goalkeeper Petr Čech.
Even then, Real Madrid's forwards didn't push forward. Ronaldo, Zidane, and Luís Figo remained near the midfield line, maintaining their usual spread-out formation.
This was characteristic of Real Madrid's tactics: leveraging their players' exceptional technical ability to maintain wide spacing. They relied on individual brilliance to create opportunities before linking up with teammates.
However, Atlético's approach tonight was different.
Čech, upon receiving the ball, didn't rush to launch a counterattack. He calmly controlled it before passing to Ricardo Carvalho, who leisurely advanced forward.
Carvalho then sent the ball to Patrice Evra on the left flank.
The game's tone was set. Atlético's disciplined approach clashed with Real Madrid's disjointed desperation. The stage was set for a tactical battle in this high-stakes Copa del Rey final.
When Real Madrid's formation pushed forward, Evra passed back to Xabi Alonso, who had retreated to provide support. Alonso, in turn, returned the ball to the defensive line.
The Real Madrid players ran forward to press, only to find the ball had been passed backward again, forcing them to readjust their formation.
When Atlético moved the ball out again, Figo rallied his teammates and charged forward to apply pressure.
First, he pressed Evra, but the Frenchman calmly played a horizontal pass to the unmarked Deco. Deco then passed to Xabi Alonso and sprinted ahead. When Alonso played the ball back to Deco near the halfway line, Figo failed to keep up.
Deco quickly crossed the halfway line but was closed down by Beckham, who was pressing aggressively. The ball went wide to Reyes, but Deco was knocked down by Beckham's challenge.
The referee blew his whistle—another free kick for Atlético.
This time, Atlético took a quick free kick but opted to pass backward, reorganizing their play.
This deliberate, methodical tempo started to frustrate Real Madrid's star players.
Without possession, the Real Madrid players felt like puppets on strings, being pulled around by their opponents. It was a deeply unsettling sensation.
Then, in the 6th minute, Atlético finally spotted an opportunity.
Lucio sent a long ball toward the right flank. Villa rose to head it, nodding it down into the path of Drogba. The Ivorian used his strength to shield Cannavaro, chesting the ball down before protecting it with his back to goal. Before Roberto Carlos could close in, Drogba played a pass.
Villa sprinted past Carlos, chasing Drogba's pass into the right side of the penalty area. However, Vieira reacted quickly, using his physicality to muscle Villa off the ball, forcing it out for a goal kick.
A cheer erupted from the Real Madrid fans—a successful defensive play.
Vieira's physical dominance provided much-needed reassurance to Madrid's backline.
When play restarted, Real Madrid tried to establish control over possession.
But they soon realized that every time the ball approached the halfway line, Atlético would ramp up the pressure.
When the pace quickened, mistakes began to creep in.
Each time Atlético won the ball back, they recycled possession, slowing things down and reorganizing.
This pattern repeated: once, twice, three times... over and over.
Real Madrid's players quickly recognized Atlético's strategy.
But understanding it didn't make it any easier to counter.
The rhythm was deeply unsettling. When Madrid wanted to control the game, they couldn't; their tempo was constantly disrupted. When they tried to quicken the pace, they couldn't either.
The only solution seemed to be pressing high up the pitch.
But that would require more running.
Players like Zidane, Ronaldo, and Figo weren't inclined to expend unnecessary energy. They ran only when absolutely necessary.
But was staying static an option?
Not when Atlético's organization allowed them to transition into rapid counterattacks at any moment.
Take the 10th minute, for example.
Deco seized an opportunity, chipping a pass into Madrid's half, targeting Drogba. The striker controlled the ball with his foot, shielding it from Helguera, before laying it off to the right.
Maicon surged forward with long strides, forcing Madrid's defenders to scramble back.
As Maicon reached the 30-meter mark, he played the ball ahead to Villa on the right.
Villa, hugging the touchline, controlled Maicon's pass and sped toward the byline. Near the goal line, he delivered a cross.
In the box, Baraja attacked the near post while Reyes supported from the far post.
But this time, Salgado intercepted the cross with a header, clearing the danger.
Although Atlético's attack didn't result in a goal, it gave Real Madrid a serious scare.
As play resumed, the game fell back into its earlier pattern.
Whenever Madrid advanced beyond their defensive third, Atlético's pressing intensified.
And if Atlético couldn't capitalize on their counterattacks, they reset, taking control of possession and slowing the game down.
This constant disruption left Madrid unable to find their rhythm, forcing them into a deeply uncomfortable style of play.
By the 15th minute, Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz had already noticed how poorly his team was adapting.
"The rhythm of this game is a mess. We've completely lost control," lamented assistant coach José Peseiro.
Queiroz turned to his assistant—a coach he had personally invited to join him at Madrid—and offered a bitter smile.
He knew what his fate would be at the end of the season.
Peseiro, a coach with a decent reputation in Portugal after a four-year stint at Nacional Madeira, had joined Queiroz on a gamble. If Queiroz succeeded, Peseiro's career prospects would soar. It was akin to how Mourinho had risen to prominence after shadowing Bobby Robson at Barcelona.
But now, with the season nearing its end and Queiroz on the verge of being sacked, Peseiro's hopes seemed dashed.
"Our players' tactical thinking is outdated, and they don't run enough," Queiroz admitted helplessly.
Neither defensively nor offensively were Madrid's players showing sufficient energy or commitment.
To make matters worse, their effort seemed dictated by their moods: they ran more when they felt like it, less when they didn't.
It wasn't uncommon to see Madrid's stars standing idly as opponents dribbled past them, simply refusing to track back. Defense, in their minds, wasn't their responsibility.
But what could Queiroz do?
Criticizing his stars publicly was out of the question. Instead, he had to frame their lack of effort as a byproduct of their attacking brilliance.
After all, these players had been signed to score goals and dazzle fans, not to defend.
"You can see it most clearly in their cohesion—or lack of it," Peseiro said, his frustration boiling over. "Look at Atlético—they're tight, compact, working as one. And us? We're completely disjointed."
"Yes, our players have more individual talent, but they're not playing as a team at all."
Peseiro, clearly exasperated, continued to vent.
"It's obvious Atlético planned for this. If we keep playing like this, it's only a matter of time before they punish us. We're sitting ducks, waiting for disaster to strike!"
His voice rising, Peseiro added, "There's no fight, no hunger. It's like they've already given up."
Queiroz sighed deeply and asked quietly, "Then tell me, what do you suggest we do?"
Peseiro had no response. His silence spoke volumes.
Complaining is easy, but what's the solution?
On the bench sat players like Solari and Guti—who could you sub in?
If you dared to take one of the superstars off, they'd throw a tantrum immediately, perhaps even make a call to Florentino Pérez after the game. The next thing you'd know, someone from the president's office would be ringing you to ask for an explanation.
Being the head coach? It felt more like being a babysitter—a babysitter for a squad of superstars during training and matches.
The problem was, these players dictated how they wanted to play on the pitch. Who dared question them?
After all, they were among the most elite footballers in the world. Who knew better than them how to play the game?
Take Ronaldo, for instance. You tell him to run more, and he'll respond, "I need to save my energy for sprints and crucial moments when I need to score." Push him harder, and he'd flat-out refuse, showing his displeasure.
And how would Florentino and Valdano respond?
Simple: dealing with superstar egos was your problem as the coach.
What's that? You can't handle managing such players?
Then why did you agree to coach Real Madrid in the first place?
The terms were clear: this is how things work at Real Madrid. Didn't you know?
And so, the blame always circled back to the head coach.
Watching Atlético execute a "death by a thousand cuts" strategy, both Queiroz and Peseiro were left without answers.
Queiroz had even stopped pacing the touchline to direct his players.
He knew it was pointless.
At Real Madrid, victories were expected. If they played beautifully, the credit went to the stars. After all, with a roster like this, any coach could let the players do their thing and win matches.
Lose, though?
"You're an idiot, Queiroz. How could you lose with all these stars? Even an untrained dog could coach this team and win."
The implication? If you failed, it couldn't possibly be the players' fault—it must be yours.
Queiroz was tired. Exhausted, even.
By the 24th minute, Atlético launched another long pass.
Xabi Alonso played a pinpoint ball behind the defensive line on the left.
Reyes made a surging run and managed to control the ball, but when he attempted to dribble past Salgado down the byline, he lost control, and the ball rolled out for a goal kick.
The crowd erupted in cheers for yet another defensive success by Madrid.
Queiroz, however, shook his head in frustration and returned to his seat on the bench.
Casillas placed the ball on the edge of the six-yard box and backed away to prepare for a goal kick.
Real Madrid's outfield players were mostly positioned near the halfway line, while Atlético set up in their own half.
Casillas launched a long ball, aiming for Zidane.
Neither Raúl nor Ronaldo had the ability to win such a contested aerial ball against Atlético's defenders, but Zidane did, thanks to his strength and technique when controlling the ball with his back to goal.
This time, though, Zidane didn't run to challenge for the ball. Instead, Lucio stepped forward and won the header, clearing it back into midfield.
Baraja, with his back to the attacking direction, intercepted Lucio's header before Vieira could close in, swiftly passing it back to Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso controlled the ball, dribbled a few steps centrally, and quickly offloaded it to Deco on the left side of the midfield circle when Raúl approached.
Deco carried the ball past the halfway line, and before Beckham could close him down, played a sharp forward pass to Drogba.
With Helguera on his back and Vieira retreating into position, Drogba opted to play it safe, one-touch passing the ball back to Deco.
Deco, after controlling the return pass, deftly sidestepped Beckham and moved toward the middle. Without hesitation, he sent a lofted through ball over the defense.
Reyes and Drogba both surged forward at full speed. Reyes, in particular, broke away from Salgado, leaving him behind and racing into a one-on-one opportunity.
Salgado raised his hand, appealing for offside, but the referee ignored him.
Reyes entered the box. As the ball bounced once and dropped, he delicately chipped it with his left foot over the onrushing Casillas toward the right side of the six-yard box.
Drogba, charging in like a freight train, muscled past Cannavaro and met Reyes' chipped pass with a powerful header.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Atlético have scored!!!!"
"The 25th minute, and it's Drogba with the goal!!"
"What an absolutely classic example of a rapid attacking move!"
"The quick, precise passing from Atlético completely dismantled Real Madrid's defense."
"Look at Salgado—he just couldn't keep up with Reyes."
"When Atlético created a 2-on-2 situation in the box, Drogba calmly capitalized on the opportunity!"
"1–0!"
"The situation has become even worse for Real Madrid. Their first-half possession rate so far is barely over half of Atlético's—a disastrous figure."
"It's clear that Madrid's players seem to have lost their fighting spirit."
"The superstars need to wake up."
"If they keep playing like this, they're heading for an embarrassing defeat!"
After conceding the goal, Real Madrid's stars seemed to snap out of their daze and started responding with urgency.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao chuckled wryly.
Even the so-called "Galácticos" had their version of procrastination.
If you didn't push them hard enough, they were content to drift aimlessly, waiting for the game to slip further out of reach.
But now, trailing by a goal, they began to show signs of life.
Suddenly, the forwards started pressing aggressively, running harder and more purposefully.
When Madrid's stars played with intent, Atlético felt the pressure.
After all, this group of players was brimming with talent, and any misplaced pass could quickly turn into a dangerous counterattack.
As a result, Atlético played cautiously, wary of losing possession in key areas.
The game shifted into a stalemate, with both sides increasing the tempo.
Neither team could fully impose their rhythm, and the match evolved into an intense, back-and-forth battle.
In truth, Atlético didn't mind playing at a fast pace.
This team mirrored Yang Hao's coaching style: versatile, adaptable, and, depending on who you asked, shamelessly pragmatic. They could play fast, slow, or even go all out with relentless aggression.
The rapid back-and-forth exchanges continued until the end of the first half.
Real Madrid's superstars were finally putting in the effort.
Though it came at a steep physical cost, they understood that this was a final. If they didn't want to lose, they had to fight.
Yang Hao couldn't help but feel exasperated. If Madrid had started the game with this intensity and gone head-to-head with Atlético, the match wouldn't have been this smooth for his team.
But hindsight was irrelevant.
Near the end of the first half, Figo carried the ball down the right flank, only to be cornered on the edge of the box by two Atlético defenders.
This was where individual brilliance shone—Figo somehow managed to squeeze the ball through the defenders.
However, his pass didn't reach the six-yard box as intended but ended up closer to the edge of the penalty arc.
There was no one from Madrid to connect with it.
The ball rolled out toward the right side of the box, where Lucio calmly collected it and passed to Maicon on the right flank.
Maicon dodged Zidane, dribbled diagonally toward the center, and sent the ball to a retreating Baraja.
Baraja took a few touches before passing it back to Deco, who had positioned himself near the center circle.
At that moment, everyone noticed a glaring gap on Madrid's left side.
Where was Roberto Carlos?
To their astonishment, Carlos had pushed up to the right side of the center circle to challenge Deco, alongside Vieira.
Deco, surrounded by two defenders, pivoted toward the right and executed a sharp diagonal pass toward the right side of Madrid's penalty area.
It was a lethal ball.
The entire right flank of the penalty area was left unguarded.
Maicon, sprinting at full speed along the right wing, blazed past everyone. He reached the penalty area, sped past a sliding Cannavaro, and reached the byline before delivering a high cross.
It was a slow, looping ball, a calculated effort to avoid Cannavaro's interception.
Drogba positioned himself to receive it, but both Helguera and Salgado charged at him.
The Ivorian understood he had no chance to score directly, so he leapt into the air and directed the ball with a header toward the penalty spot, just outside the six-yard box.
The space was wide open.
This was a testament to Drogba's trust in Villa.
He knew that with Villa's awareness and instincts, the Spaniard would seize the opportunity.
As if on cue, Villa darted forward, getting to the ball just before Casillas, who had rushed out in desperation.
Villa delicately poked the ball past the goalkeeper with his foot, leaving Casillas flailing.
Regaining his footing, Villa struck the ball cleanly with his left foot.
With no defenders left on the goal line, the ball sailed into the net unchallenged.
The stadium fell silent for a moment.
Then, the Atlético fans erupted in jubilation, their cheers drowning out all else.
Behind the goal, Real Madrid fans screamed in frustration, their anger boiling over.
Another goal conceded.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"
"José Antonio Reyes scores in the 44th minute of the first half!"
"Atlético now lead 2–0!"
"What did I just say?"
"I've maintained all along that Real Madrid struggle in these high-paced battles. Their strength lies in controlling possession and slowing the tempo to their liking."
"But tonight, Atlético have dictated the game's rhythm completely."
"2–0! The situation looks grim for Madrid now!"
"In terms of both tactics and individual performances, Atlético have outclassed Real Madrid in every way."
"Atlético's first-half display has been not only impressive but also composed."
"This demonstrates that Atlético are no longer a fledgling side. They're a fully mature team."
In the VIP box, Real Madrid's top executives watched in disappointment as Atlético scored yet again.
Florentino Pérez's expression turned increasingly sour.
He knew that after the humiliating elimination from the Champions League Round of 16, the board was already under immense pressure.
If they lost the Copa del Rey final as well, the repercussions would be severe.
La Liga?
Anyone with eyes could see that the league was effectively Atlético's to lose.
With an 11-point lead, were they expecting Atlético to collapse suddenly?
Especially now, with Atlético gaining even more momentum from the Copa del Rey, their players were highly motivated, and their confidence was soaring.
Banking on a sudden meltdown was pure fantasy.
Should Madrid lose this final, their fans would undoubtedly erupt in outrage.
Someone would have to take the fall.
Queiroz wasn't enough. The blame would have to go higher.
Florentino was frustrated and helpless.
"Florentino,"
King Juan Carlos leaned past Queen Sofía to address the Real Madrid president.
Florentino leaned in closer.
"These superstars of ours need to be properly managed. This can't continue," the king said, visibly pained.
"I know they have the talent, but the way they're playing now—it's unacceptable."
Juan Carlos, a staunch supporter of Madrid's Galácticos project, was clearly dismayed. The problem wasn't the strategy itself but the lack of effective management, which had become the club's greatest weakness.
Florentino nodded solemnly. "I understand, Your Majesty. I'll work on finding a solution as soon as possible."
"It has to be quick. Otherwise, the Madrid fans won't stand for it," the king replied, his voice filled with concern.
Juan Carlos' influence among Real Madrid's fanbase was undeniable. His genuine passion for the club made his words carry considerable weight.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. We'll get back on track soon," Florentino assured him.
The king sighed deeply.
"If I could trade my throne for those two goals back, I would," Juan Carlos muttered under his breath.
Crown Prince Felipe, seated nearby, overheard the comment. His expression grew complicated, caught between amusement and unease.
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