Chapter 61
The Perfect Kaká!
In the midweek Kicker magazine special issue dedicated to the Champions League, the cover featured a photo of Kaká praying after scoring.
The German outlet declared that Kaká had completely dominated the match at the Calderón Stadium with four assists and one goal.
"This magical Brazilian is conquering European football with his dazzling skill!"
Kicker analyzed that with Atlético's 2–0 away victory in the first leg, most people already believed their qualification was highly likely.
Historically, it's rare for a team to win by two goals away in a knockout match and then be overturned at home.
"But even the most optimistic Atlético supporters could never have imagined such a thrilling and dreamlike victory at home."
The magazine noted that the partnership between Iniesta and Kaká is constantly catalyzing Atlético's attacking prowess.
The analysis spotlighted the Madrid Derby earlier in January, where Yang Hao deployed a midfield trio of Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, and Kaká. That combination lit up the derby with mesmerizing attacking football.
Now, against Manchester United over two legs, Yang Hao once again used a similar setup, substituting the injured Xabi Alonso with Marcos Senna. The result? Another offensive masterclass.
Aggregate score: 7–0. Kaká was the undisputed leader in both matches.
Kicker argued that Iniesta's presence liberated Kaká.
When Kaká partnered with Baraja, he often had to shoulder more responsibilities, including dropping deep to collect the ball and linking play. This limited his ability to fully focus on attacking and showcase his talents.
But with Iniesta alongside him, Kaká was free to express himself.
Most importantly, the synergy between the two midfielders—especially in technical aspects—elevated their performances.
"In the matches against Manchester United, it was common to see Iniesta delivering passes for Kaká to chase down with his electrifying speed, fully unleashing his impact and dynamism."
Moreover, even in high-speed scenarios, Kaká's decision-making and vision remained impeccable. His three assists to Drogba in this match were a testament to that.
Yet, what Germans discussed most fervently was Atlético's final goal.
After Drogba's "injury" and substitution, Yang Hao brought on Messi. At that point, Atlético had no traditional striker on the field, opting for a false nine strategy.
Kaká and Messi took turns in the central role, but Kaká eventually assumed the forward position.
Kicker highlighted this moment with a picture of Kaká carrying Messi on his back in celebration, with Messi jubilantly raising his arms.
"Twenty-two-year-old Kaká is like a tree, sheltering 17-year-old Messi as he grows."
"In Messi's goal, both Atlético stars displayed extraordinary talent."
"Messi initiated the play with a bold dribble past Scholes and Fortune before finding Kaká with a precise pass."
"Kaká, with his back to goal, executed a sublime turn-and-heel flick, setting up a wall pass for Messi, who delivered the finishing blow."
"This was, without a doubt, the most spectacular and imaginative goal of the Champions League this season."
"Messi's subsequent touches demonstrated why Yang Hao has so much faith in him."
"Every touch was sublime, and only through slow-motion replays can one truly appreciate the finesse with which he handled the ball."
"In this sequence, the two Atlético geniuses displayed unparalleled control over the game, turning it into a work of art."
France Football also awarded Kaká a perfect score, noting that the Brazilian—just shy of 23 years old—was entering the prime of his career.
With Deco's departure, Kaká had fully stepped into the spotlight and taken his game to new heights.
The magazine revealed that Kaká had already ranked 7th in last year's Ballon d'Or voting.
"He is currently the best attacking midfielder in European football."
"And this year, he has elevated his game even further, achieving a complete transformation in his career."
France Football acknowledged that Kaká wasn't without flaws. For example, during the first half of this match, he rushed a few chances after pressing to win the ball, leading to missed opportunities.
"Otherwise, Atlético could have scored even earlier, and the final scoreline might have been even more lopsided."
However, France Football emphasized that Kaká's performance was already outstanding.
"His vision, ability to create chances, explosive speed, and ball progression make him one of the most dangerous players in European football."
The magazine also praised Messi and Drogba.
Based on Messi's performances this season, the publication noted that the young Argentine was rapidly emerging as the next global superstar.
"It's hard to believe that after producing Kaká, Atlético has managed to develop yet another prodigy like Messi."
"All across Europe, coaches are privately speculating about Yang Hao's talent scouting methods."
"It's rumored that during UEFA's elite coaching summit, legendary managers like Ferguson directly asked Yang Hao how he identifies talent, but he never provided a clear answer."
"This alone demonstrates Yang Hao's extraordinary eye for talent."
"Over the years, from Adriano to Deco, and now Kaká to Messi, Atlético has consistently produced one star after another. We wouldn't be surprised if even more talents emerge from Atlético in the future."
As a French outlet, France Football also discussed the contributions of Ribéry and Evra, two players who share humble beginnings in lower leagues.
Evra came from Italy's third tier, while Ribéry hailed from France's third division. Ordinarily, scouting networks of top-tier La Liga clubs wouldn't reach such grassroots levels.
Yet Yang Hao unearthed both players.
Even Drogba, who scored a hat trick, originated from France's lower leagues.
"This Ivorian striker, dubbed 'The Beast' by Yang Hao, is now one of Europe's most lethal forwards. Alongside Torres and Villa, he forms one of the most devastating attacking trios in football."
Atlético Madrid Goes Viral Again.
The global reaction to Atlético's performance was immense.
Prominent newspapers like the UK's The Sun, The Guardian, and The Times; France's Le Monde and Le Figaro; the US's New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times; Germany's Bild and Süddeutsche Zeitung; Japan's Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun; Brazil's O Estado de S. Paulo; Argentina's Clarín; and even Africa's Al-Ahram and South African dailies all featured Atlético on their front pages.
After their post-Madrid Derby surge in popularity, Atlético now found themselves at the center of attention on an even grander stage: the Champions League. Their opponent, Manchester United, was as globally recognized as Real Madrid.
More importantly, Atlético dominated United 7–0 over two legs.
The matches were brimming with highlights: dazzling South American creativity from Kaká and Messi, Drogba's hat trick, and the sheer beauty of Atlético's offensive football.
Atlético Madrid was no longer just a football club. They were an international sensation.
This match had every element that could captivate fans.
Moreover, the sheer influence of both teams amplified its impact.
As a result, following the conclusion of this game, media outlets worldwide were abuzz with commentary and analysis. Fans across the globe lavished praise on Atlético's overwhelming victory.
Online, countless netizens passionately debated the game.
In one night, Atlético Madrid became the hottest topic in the football world.
The Colchoneros have gone viral once again!
The day after Atlético's win over Manchester United, Florentino Pérez sat in his office at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training facility, slowly setting down a newspaper with a sigh.
"This opponent of ours is no joke," he remarked.
The night before, Florentino had watched the Atlético vs. Manchester United match at home. It was, undoubtedly, an extraordinary spectacle.
As a long-time football aficionado, Florentino had to admit that Atlético's football was truly beautiful.
But it was a different kind of beautiful compared to Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Barcelona's traditional style was rooted in possession football—a game of endless passing and controlling the ball.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's style in recent years had been centered on the brilliance of individual superstars, with most highlights stemming from dazzling moments of individual skill.
Both teams played at a relatively slow tempo.
Atlético's football, however, was different.
They thrived on fast-paced play, constantly aiming to increase tempo whenever they gained possession, and immediately transitioning to counter-pressing when they lost the ball. This created a game with relentless intensity and speed.
Even in the opening moments against Manchester United, when Atlético employed possession-based play to control their opponents, their overall tempo was still faster than that of Real Madrid or Barcelona, with more dynamic and proactive off-the-ball movements.
Watching the game, Florentino couldn't help but wonder what might have happened if he hadn't driven Yang Hao away all those years ago…
Now, seeing so many newspapers and news reports around the globe lauding Atlético, Florentino couldn't suppress the resurfacing of that thought, which only grew stronger.
But as someone of his stature, he quickly dismissed the idea as unrealistic.
"So, what's next?" he asked.
Arrigo Sacchi glanced at Emilio Butragueño and José Ángel Sánchez, realizing neither of them planned to speak. He shook his head slightly, deciding to take the lead.
After all, as Real Madrid's sporting director—granted full authority over football matters—he had a responsibility to do so.
"Judging by the current situation, our chances of catching up to Atlético or Barcelona this season are slim."
His first statement was bold, but Florentino nodded in agreement. He thought the same.
"I think we need to start streamlining the squad, injecting the team with fresh energy, and creating a more balanced and rational roster."
"What should we do to compete with Atlético and Barcelona for the La Liga title next season?" Florentino asked.
Sacchi paused to think before responding, "We should stop signing superstars."
The room fell silent.
Florentino's Galácticos policy had been his defining hallmark since becoming president of Real Madrid.
Abandoning it would essentially mean renouncing his philosophy—a monumental blow to his pride.
Worse still, the world knew that Florentino had driven Yang Hao away precisely because Yang Hao opposed the Galácticos approach. Now that Yang Hao was basking in glory at Atlético while Real Madrid considered abandoning the policy, what would that say about Florentino?
"The Galácticos strategy itself isn't the issue. The problem is that the stars we've signed recently have been too old…"
José Ángel Sánchez tried to justify the policy but trailed off mid-sentence.
After all, wasn't this exactly what Yang Hao had warned them about years ago?
Everything Yang Hao had predicted had come true.
In quiet moments, many at Real Madrid found the entire saga astonishing.
It was as if Yang Hao had been some kind of prophet, foreseeing everything that would unfold years in advance.
And now, in just five years, he had transformed Atlético—a former relegation battler—into one of Europe's most competitive and dominant teams, a club firmly entrenched among the elite.
Florentino could sense the unspoken concerns of those around him. Fixing his gaze on Sacchi, he asked, "If I follow your advice, can you guarantee that we'll have a team capable of competing with Atlético by the summer?"
Sacchi, known for his eloquence and confidence, shook his head and sighed.
"I can't promise that. In fact, I don't think anyone can. Worse still, I doubt you'd be able to implement the changes I'd ask for."
Seeing the puzzled expressions of Florentino and José Ángel Sánchez, Sacchi offered a bitter smile and posed a rhetorical question:
"Could you sell Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Roberto Carlos, and all the other stars this summer?"
Florentino was stunned.
"Impossible!" José Ángel Sánchez immediately retorted. "That's absolutely impossible!"
He turned to Florentino, exclaiming, "Selling those superstars would bankrupt us!"
This wasn't hyperbole.
Their sponsors would never allow it.
These corporations had invested enormous sums in Real Madrid, banking on the allure of their star players. Selling them off would be a betrayal that would lead to hefty financial penalties and irreparable damage to their reputation.
Florentino leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the reality that Yang Hao had warned him about years ago.
Everyone at Real Madrid—players, staff, even minor employees—had been shackled by the Galácticos strategy, whether willingly or not.
The team was trapped.
San Mateo County, South of San Francisco
Adrián Pérez, a Spaniard, stood outside a modest two-story building in a suburban street.
This was a common type of establishment on the American West Coast: the ground floor housed various small shops—an Italian pizza parlor, a Japanese sushi restaurant, and a Chinese noodle house.
No one cared if the owners were genuinely Italian, Japanese, or Chinese.
The second floor offered cheap rental accommodations, catering to recent graduates and young dreamers from around the globe seeking opportunities in California. These apartments were affordable but far from luxurious—some didn't even have windows.
The building itself was narrow and cramped, and as Pérez entered through a side door to reach the second floor, a peculiar mix of odors greeted him.
He easily located an open office door.
Inside were three scruffy young men, each hunched over a laptop, typing furiously. They were so absorbed in their work that they barely noticed Pérez approaching.
He rapped gently on the doorframe.
"Hello, Chad? Steve? Jawed?"
The three young men in the rented apartment stopped what they were doing and simultaneously looked up.
"Oh, Adrián," one of them, a long-haired young man, finally snapped out of his concentration. He quickly moved his laptop aside and got up from the bed in a fluster.
The other two also reacted, hurriedly setting their laptops aside.
All three looked like a mess, one scruffier than the other.
"Hello, Adrián. Welcome to YouTube," said Chad Hurley, wearing pajamas as he walked up to greet him, brushing his greasy hair back.
Adrián Pérez frowned slightly.
Who knew how long it had been since this guy last showered?
"Alright, why don't you guys freshen up? I saw a coffee shop nearby. I'll wait for you there," Adrián said, quickly turning to leave.
These coders were terrifying.
Adrián Pérez was originally from Madrid, Spain. After studying at a university in the U.S., he worked for a renowned Wall Street investment firm.
His college classmate, Carlos Leo, introduced him to a client: Atlético Madrid's head coach, Yang Hao.
Back then, Yang Hao was still the founder of the European tech company Line, which had garnered significant interest from American firms. Adrián Pérez had been tasked with finding investors for Line in the U.S.
From Microsoft's acquisition talks to Yang Hao's investment in Apple, and even dealing with investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Adrián had handled many matters on Yang Hao's behalf, especially those Yang didn't need to attend to personally.
In addition to the Apple investment, Yang Hao had given him another assignment: find a startup called YouTube.
Tracking down YouTube wasn't the hard part. The real challenge was conducting thorough background research.
It had taken him until now to finally make his way to San Mateo.
Half an hour later, the three scruffy young men arrived at the coffee shop. Though still dressed like coders, at least they looked slightly less disheveled.
"Let's get straight to the point," Adrián began after ordering each of them a coffee.
"Have you heard of Atlético Madrid?"
One nodded, another shook his head, and the third seemed unsure.
"It's been trending online today—seems impressive," Steve Chen commented.
"They're a football team, right? I don't follow football," said Jawed Karim.
Adrián wasn't interested in debating this point. "What about Line?"
"I've heard of it. They were acquired by Microsoft. European company, right?" Chad Hurley replied.
"My boss is the head coach of Atlético Madrid and the founder of Line."
The moment Adrián said this, all three of them suddenly looked as though they understood.
"Oh, so he's the guy all those men online hate!" Steve Chen exclaimed.
"Scarlett Johansson's current boyfriend!" Chad Hurley added.
"And the ex-boyfriend of Alessandra Ambrosio and Jessica Alba!" Jawed Karim chimed in to complete the thought.
The three turned to look at Adrián Pérez with mischievous smirks.
"He's the enemy of all male internet users!"
"Is he seriously going to invest in YouTube?"
"That's awesome! If he uploads photos of Scarlett Johansson, our traffic would skyrocket!"
"Make them sexy photos, and we're set!"
"Absolutely! Brilliant idea!"
Adrián Pérez nearly passed out on the spot.
Are you guys so lost in your fantasies that you've brought the internet into real life?
He coughed heavily, twice, snapping the three back to reality.
"My boss is interested in your site, but not as a dating or matchmaking platform."
"What?"
All three were dumbfounded.
But that's precisely what their site was—dating and matchmaking.
Adrián knew what was going through their minds. However, based on his conversations with Yang Hao, it was clear Yang didn't see it as a dating platform.
This misunderstanding wasn't unique. Many West Coast startups had similar origins.
Take Facebook, for example. It had gone viral among college students by allowing them to rate girls.
These three ex-PayPal employees saw a similar opportunity. To attract more male users, they encouraged women to upload videos about themselves for matchmaking or dating purposes.
"How's that working out for you so far?" Adrián asked. "You've spent a fair amount of money on Craigslist ads, offering women $20 to upload videos. Has it been effective?"
The three exchanged glances and deflated immediately.
Despite offering cash incentives, few women had shown interest.
"So, your strategy isn't working," Adrián concluded.
"Who says so?" Steve Chen retorted indignantly.
The other two, equally stubborn, chimed in with their disagreement.
Adrián smirked and took a sip of his coffee. "How much money do you guys have left to burn?"
They fell silent.
All three had left PayPal to start this venture, but Steve Chen was already in debt, and the others weren't faring much better. Continuing down this path would drain them dry.
Chad Hurley, now slightly more composed, turned to Adrián and asked, "Why us?"
That was the inevitable question.
"You've surely noticed the recent trends," Adrián began.
Without waiting for their response, he continued, "My boss, the head coach of Atlético, has observed something. The club is generating massive buzz, but fans and media worldwide can only engage through text."
"You all know that football is best experienced through video. Video captures the energy, the emotions, and the thrill of the game far better than words. But sharing video content online is still cumbersome."
Chad Hurley and the others were momentarily stunned before their eyes lit up.
"True, sharing videos online is a nightmare right now."
"Exactly! That's why my boss looked at your site and realized you're wasting its potential by focusing on dating and matchmaking. Your platform should be about video sharing—removing barriers so anyone, anywhere, can register, upload videos, and allow others to view them freely."
"Yeah! That's exactly what it should be!"
But Chad Hurley quickly raised a concern. "If we go that route, we'll need significant resources for servers and operations. That would require a huge amount of funding."
Adrián Pérez smiled. Finally, these guys were getting to the point.
"My boss is willing to invest $1 million for a 40% stake, and he can ensure Atlético Madrid joins your platform as its first official content creator, uploading the very first video," Adrián Pérez said confidently. He paused briefly before adding with a persuasive smile, "You can check for yourselves how much traction Atlético Madrid and its players have online right now. This will bring you unimaginable traffic."
The three young men immediately perked up.
This idea was fantastic!
With content lined up and funding in place, the three of them had the technical skills to make it happen without much difficulty.
But Chad Hurley quickly raised another concern.
"Why doesn't your boss just do it himself?"
The other two nodded in agreement.
It was a fair question. If everything was in place, why not just build it independently?
"Too much hassle. My boss is a football coach; his focus is entirely on football. That's how it was with Line too—he set it up, but others took over. Besides, haven't you already laid the groundwork?" Adrián responded smoothly.
He didn't reveal the entire truth. Yang Hao had mentioned the innovative Flash-based technology used by YouTube, which required low bandwidth and allowed videos to be embedded on blogs and other websites, making it excellent for generating traffic. However, keeping this under wraps during negotiations could give them more leverage.
The three founders found Adrián's explanation reasonable.
$1 million would solve their immediate financial troubles, including some pressing debts. As for the 40% stake, they didn't feel like they were losing out.
More importantly, Yang Hao's promise of bringing Atlético Madrid as the first user was a game-changer.
With such traffic funneled in, and some online promotion, how could it not succeed?
"You can rest assured—Atlético Madrid just needs a platform for promotional purposes. They already have accounts on other websites with plenty of followers," Adrián assured them.
"My boss also mentioned that any videos posted on your site could be shared on other social media platforms, driving traffic directly to YouTube..."
Adrián let his words linger.
The three men's eyes lit up instantly.
Traffic generation—what a brilliant idea!
"Sign the deal! Let's sign today! Right now!" Chad Hurley exclaimed, completely fired up.
Since launching their startup months ago, they hadn't earned a cent. Instead, they were drowning in losses and struggling to find direction.
But now, an angel investor had appeared, and everything suddenly seemed clear.
"My boss has one simple request: get the platform ready and launch as soon as possible. With the current buzz around Atlético, we need to move quickly. They're ready to upload videos immediately." Adrián pressed them.
This was how startups worked in Silicon Valley. Moving fast was crucial—early movers won the game, while those who hesitated lost everything.
"Prepare the contracts! We'll contact our lawyer and sign right away. I guarantee we'll have videos uploaded by tomorrow!"
"Why wait until tomorrow? We'll upload today!"
"Exactly—today!"
The trio was brimming with the energy of young entrepreneurs.
In Madrid, the local time was nine hours ahead of San Mateo.
By the time Adrián Pérez wrapped up the negotiations and called to report back, Yang Hao had just finished his day and was lying in bed, resting.
After taking the call, Yang Hao made a couple of other phone calls—one to Andrew Velasco in PR and another to Carlos Leo in marketing.
Both were already in the loop and fully supported Yang Hao's vision.
Atlético Madrid had already set up a subsidiary in New York to handle their U.S. operations and promotions. Now, it was this team's turn to represent Atlético in officially signing the partnership with YouTube and creating their channel on the platform.
For Atlético, this was a simple task that required minimal effort.
"You didn't hesitate to throw in $1 million?" Scarlett Johansson, lying next to Yang Hao, asked with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
The more time she spent with Yang Hao, the more mysterious he seemed to her. It felt like his life was full of secrets.
"Are you interested? I can give you a stake," Yang Hao teased with a smile.
Scarlett shook her head repeatedly. "I don't have that kind of money."
Although she was gaining fame, her acting fees weren't very high yet, and she was still trying to break into blockbuster films.
"Then you'll regret it later," Yang Hao joked.
"Will I?" she asked skeptically.
In the U.S., there were countless investment stories, but the successful ones were rare. Most ended in failure, with people losing everything.
But people always remembered the successful ones, turning their tales into legends.
"Today's a good day. We should celebrate properly," Yang Hao said.
"How do you want to celebrate?" Scarlett asked.
"Let me show you," Yang Hao said, pulling the covers over both of them as he moved closer.
Not long after, news broke online: Atlético Madrid had officially joined YouTube.
The site launched a specially designed channel for Atlético, and the first video featured Yang Hao and the team's star players greeting their fans.
More videos followed, showcasing Atlético's matches, training sessions, player interviews, and fan interactions.
Having built a strong online presence over the years, and riding high on recent publicity, Atlético's arrival brought a massive influx of traffic to YouTube.
So much traffic, in fact, that the platform's servers crashed.
Yang Hao wasted no time in stepping in, funding the purchase of new servers, office equipment, and rental spaces for operations—all at lightning speed.
More importantly, they repurposed the $20 initially used to incentivize female users and made it a reward for everyone.
Now, any user who registered and uploaded three videos would immediately earn $20.
It was Yang Hao's idea.
Within days, over 1,000 users had signed up, uploading more than 5,000 videos. Operational costs—server upgrades, office rentals, staff salaries—were skyrocketing.
In just one week, they had burned through tens of thousands of dollars.
Chad Hurley, now the CEO, called Yang Hao in Europe to update him.
Yang Hao's response was simple: "Keep burning. Don't worry—we've got plenty of ammunition."
Yang Hao also offered some strategic advice.
Currently, users could upload videos of unlimited length, but Yang Hao warned this could lead to copyright issues. He suggested limiting video length to 10 minutes, focusing on short, engaging, and fresh content.
Chad Hurley admitted they had considered the issue but decided to prioritize building their video library first, reasoning that no one would care about a small startup.
Once the video library and registered user base reached a sufficient scale, they planned to address these issues more seriously. For now, short-form videos would be supported as an interim solution.
Hearing this, Yang Hao didn't have further input and simply encouraged them to proceed confidently.
Regarding developments in the U.S., Yang Hao delegated the majority of responsibilities to Adrián Pérez, managing things remotely. He firmly believed that YouTube's Atlético Madrid channel would prove to be an invaluable asset for the club. As a result, he instructed the PR department to continuously produce and upload new content.
"Real Madrid has its television channel; this will be our Atlético TV!"
That was exactly how Yang Hao explained it to Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Andrew Velasco.
Meanwhile, Yang Hao didn't let up on his commitments on the pitch.
After the match against Manchester United, the Champions League draw placed Atlético Madrid against Héctor Cúper's Inter Milan in the quarterfinals.
It was a case of familiar foes meeting again. Last season's Champions League finalists were now clashing in the quarterfinals, making it a highly anticipated matchup.
The media framed it as a showdown between Adriano and Kaká, adding more intrigue.
La Liga Updates
In La Liga's 28th round, Atlético Madrid hosted Valencia at home.
Fernando Torres scored for Atlético in the 12th minute, and the game ended with that single goal as neither side could score again.
It's worth noting that Valencia's head coach was no longer Claudio Ranieri. After Ranieri's departure, Antonio López took over—a manager coincidentally sharing the same name as Atlético's left-back but otherwise unrelated.
Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home, while Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 away loss to Getafe.
At this point, Real Madrid's chances of challenging Atlético Madrid or Barcelona for the top spots were effectively over.
A week later, in the 29th round of La Liga, Barcelona secured a 1-0 away win against Deportivo La Coruña thanks to Ludovic Giuly's goal.
Real Madrid won 1-0 at home against Málaga.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid triumphed 2-0 away against Zaragoza, with Torres and David Villa each scoring a goal.
With the conclusion of this round, La Liga temporarily paused for two weeks of international fixtures. This posed some challenges for Atlético due to their numerous international players.
Yang Hao used the break as an opportunity to visit the U.S. He checked in on Scarlett Johansson in Hollywood and also went to San Mateo to address matters related to YouTube.
During these two weeks, YouTube's registered users surpassed 5,000, and the number of uploaded videos exceeded 20,000. Weekly operating expenses alone reached $3,000, excluding employee salaries and other hardware and software costs.
As user growth and video uploads surged, the company needed to expand its workforce. From the original three founders, the team quickly grew to eight members, but even that wasn't enough. The projection was to expand to 20 employees to barely keep up with the platform's development.
Yang Hao maintained his usual approach: keep burning money.
He instructed Adrián Pérez to sign another investment agreement with the three founders, injecting an additional $3 million for an extra 30% equity, leaving each founder with 10%.
The three founders were overjoyed.
The platform was thriving; all they needed was more funding. With $3 million in hand, they were confident they could dominate the global internet landscape.
Yang Hao's Double Safety Net
Yang Hao's cautious nature drove him to ensure financial security.
While Atlético Madrid was investing heavily in its new stadium and real estate projects, Yang Hao wanted a secondary safety net, just in case. YouTube presented a promising avenue to build additional wealth—something he considered worthwhile, especially for achieving future financial freedom.
April 3: La Liga Resumes
After a two-week hiatus, La Liga returned.
Barcelona hosted Real Betis at the Camp Nou. Despite conceding in the 12th minute, they equalized two minutes later through a penalty scored by Samuel Eto'o, following a red card for David Rivas of Betis.
However, the match took an unexpected turn. Ricardo Oliveira scored twice for Betis, giving them the lead again despite playing with ten men.
Barcelona managed to draw level through another Eto'o penalty and a stoppage-time goal by Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The match ended 3-3.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid faced Albacete away, conceding early in the 9th minute. However, goals from Iván Helguera and Michael Owen secured a 2-1 comeback victory.
With both strong teams showing inconsistent performances, there was some concern about Atlético Madrid's upcoming home match against Mallorca.
But those worries proved unfounded.
In the 26th minute, David Villa opened the scoring for Atlético. Early in the second half, Mallorca defender Fernando Varela was sent off after a second yellow card for a foul on Torres. Four minutes later, Torres himself scored Atlético's second goal.
By the 77th minute, Mallorca's other center-back, Marc Llorente, was also sent off after receiving a second yellow card. With nine men against eleven, Mallorca could no longer resist. Villa added two more goals, completing a hat-trick, and Atlético sealed a dominant 4-0 victory.
This win extended Atlético's lead at the top of the table to 10 points.
With only eight rounds remaining, this margin virtually guaranteed Atlético the championship.
Champions League Quarterfinals Begin
Three days after the 30th round of La Liga, Atlético faced Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup.
April 5th, Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid
The first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals saw Atlético Madrid host Inter Milan.
Both sides were dealing with injuries and suspensions.
For Atlético, Arjen Robben was sidelined. Yang Hao adjusted by fielding Franck Ribéry on the right and David Villa on the left.
Inter Milan was missing Aurelio due to accumulated yellow cards, and Héctor Cúper substituted the Brazilian with 33-year-old veteran Giuseppe Favalli.
Atlético stuck with their trusted 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Patrice Evra, Pepe, Lúcio, MaiconMidfielders: Marcos Senna, Andrés Iniesta, KakáForwards: David Villa, Didier Drogba, Franck Ribéry
The midfield trio of Senna, Iniesta, and Kaká had shone brilliantly against Manchester United, so Yang Hao maintained this setup.
Inter opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: Francesco ToldoDefenders: Giuseppe Favalli, Alessandro Nesta, Iván Córdoba, Javier ZanettiDefensive Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso, Javier ZanettiAttacking Midfielders: Kily González, Juan Sebastián Verón, Andy van der MeydeStriker: Adriano
Cúper's starting lineup matched Yang Hao's expectations. Since Verón's loan spell at Inter had yielded mixed performances, the team lacked a reliable playmaker.
Yang Hao's tactical analysis identified two weak points in Inter's defense:
Córdoba's height disadvantage against Drogba, making aerial duels difficult.Favalli's age and declining performance, with the veteran often outshone by Aurelio.
The game plan was simple: bombard Inter's left side with relentless attacks, targeting Favalli. Ribéry, Kaká, and Maicon would all focus their efforts on that flank.
In the opening five minutes, Atlético launched three attacks down the right.
But to Yang Hao's surprise, he realized he'd underestimated Favalli.
The veteran defender, whose performances this season had been underwhelming, turned in a stellar showing against Atlético.
"This guy's having an incredible night," Juánma Lillo commented from the dugout as Yang Hao returned.
Yang Hao nodded, recognizing the defender's unexpectedly strong form.
Situations like this were not uncommon in football. Even coaches couldn't always predict their players' form, let alone opponents'. What seemed like a weak point had turned into a resilient bastion.
"What now?" Lillo asked.
"We have no choice but to stick with the plan for the first half," Yang Hao replied.
The game's strategy had been meticulously prepared, and sudden changes could throw the team into disarray. Such risks were not worth taking during the match's early stages.
Yang Hao moved back to the technical area and gestured to Kaká, signaling him to shift even further to the right and intensify the assault on Favalli.
Whether or not the veteran was in top form, Atlético was determined to test him to his limit.
On Inter's Sideline
Héctor Cúper watched with satisfaction. Favalli was exceeding expectations and had provided a much-needed boost to Inter's defensive stability.
Cúper himself had been concerned about the left flank, assigning extra protection by pulling Kily González deeper and positioning Zanetti to help cover. However, Favalli's performance gave him an unexpected advantage.
The only remaining weak link was Córdoba's inability to match Drogba's physicality, but as long as Atlético's wings could be contained, the threat was manageable.
Cúper glanced at Yang Hao, whose expression was troubled. The Argentine coach couldn't help but think back to the 2000 Champions League final.
At the time, he had been leading Valencia against Real Madrid. By the opening minutes, he knew the game was lost. His tactics had been neutralized, and there was no way to adjust mid-match without risking chaos.
Atlético's Pressure on the Right Flank
"Atlético combining on the right."
"Ribéry passes back to Kaká."
"Kaká surges forward—he's picking up speed!"
"Kaká… foul!"
"The French referee Alain Sars blows his whistle and calls a foul on Favalli."
"From the replay, we can see Zanetti and Favalli working together, both using hands and feet to stop Kaká."
"Zanetti's first attempt missed, and then Favalli outright grabbed Kaká and brought him down."
"The referee shows a yellow card. Well deserved."
"Tonight, Atlético's focus has clearly been on attacking Inter's left side. While Favalli has performed admirably, the pressure is mounting."
"It feels as though both teams are pouring all their resources into this battle on Inter's left flank."
"Atlético is displaying the same brilliant form they showed in their 7-0 demolition of Manchester United. Their attacking prowess is overwhelming Inter's midfield."
"Zanetti, Cambiasso, and Verón are struggling to cope with Atlético's ferocious pressing."
"Especially Verón—his best days are clearly behind him."
Set Piece for Atlético
"Atlético with a free kick in the attacking third."
"The ball is delivered into the box—Lúcio goes for the header!"
"Just over the bar!"
Lúcio's aerial attempt narrowly missed, and the scoreline remained unchanged.
Despite their early dominance and persistent pressure, Atlético couldn't yet break through. Yang Hao's decision to keep targeting Favalli, despite his solid performance, showed his determination to stick to the game plan and eventually exploit the veteran's vulnerabilities.
The chess match between Yang Hao and Héctor Cúper was well underway, and the stakes were only getting higher.
"Atlético continues to target Córdoba, but they haven't capitalized on any clear opportunities so far."
"Before this match, there was much speculation about whether Cúper would choose Materazzi or Córdoba. Cúper ultimately went with Córdoba, and it seems he had his reasons."
Kaká and his teammates were retreating quickly. Drogba caught up from behind.
"Let me shift to the right," Drogba suggested.
"I'll receive the ball on the right and pass it back. You can make a diagonal run into the right channel and attack the box."
Kaká shook his head. "That'll just make things more complicated. Nesta has locked down that area completely, and then there's Zanetti. Look…"
Kaká tugged at his jersey, showing a torn section on the collar.
Inter Milan had committed several fouls against him tonight. None were malicious or aimed at injuring him, but they were relentless in stopping him from advancing with the ball. The game had become exhausting.
It was only the 20th minute, yet Kaká already felt a significant drain on his energy.
But that was the hallmark of Italian teams—their defense was airtight.
"You need to stay in the penalty area and focus on exploiting Córdoba. Leave the right flank to me," Kaká said firmly.
He turned to glance at the sidelines. "The boss probably didn't expect Favalli to play this well. This guy has hardly had any chances this season, but he's pulling off a miracle tonight."
Kaká and Drogba jogged back, exchanging words.
"The boss wants us to keep pressing their left flank. It's not just about scoring; it's about keeping Inter too busy to mount any serious attacks. I think we'll see some changes in midfield soon."
Drogba nodded in agreement.
No one had anticipated Favalli's standout performance, but there was no avoiding it now.
Yang Hao's strategy was clear: apply immense pressure on Inter's left side to ensure they didn't get opportunities to counterattack effectively.
"Didier, your position is critical. Don't drift out of the penalty area—leave the right flank to us!"
"Understood," Drogba replied.
The two split up and resumed their positions.
As the match unfolded, everyone in the stadium and those watching on television could feel the intense struggle between the two teams.
Inter relied heavily on Adriano's individual brilliance to create chances in the attacking third.
The Brazilian striker had two solo efforts that posed real danger.
One resulted in Pepe committing a foul near the box, leading to a free kick. Adriano's powerful shot nearly broke through, forcing Čech to punch the ball away with both fists.
On another occasion, Adriano took the ball down the right channel, outpacing both Evra and Pepe before unleashing a left-footed strike from distance. Čech tipped it over the crossbar.
Adriano's presence was undeniable, and Inter's game plan was straightforward: stay solid defensively and rely on Adriano to exploit Atlético's weak spots, particularly Pepe.
Both teams were targeting each other's vulnerabilities, sparing no effort to gain an edge. The result was a tense, grinding battle on the pitch.
By the 30th minute, neither side had managed to carve out clear opportunities, and the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy.
Yang Hao, watching from the sidelines, felt it more than anyone.
Both teams were locked in a relentless duel, loading pressure onto Inter's left flank and testing their resolve. Atlético attacked, Inter defended—it was a matter of who would break first.
Cúper's ability to organize a defense had indeed improved significantly in Serie A.
The combination of Zanetti, Favalli, Nesta, and Kily González wasn't extraordinary individually, but football is a team sport, and their collective discipline shone through.
Up front, Adriano's solo efforts were impressive but couldn't consistently threaten without support. He would need either a lapse from Atlético's defense or a moment of individual brilliance.
The Breakthrough
In the 37th minute, Atlético intercepted the ball and once again launched an attack down the right flank.
Ribéry received the ball on the right wing and attempted to cut inside, but Favalli stuck to him like glue, forcing him to pass back to the overlapping Maicon.
As Ribéry moved inward, Kaká sprinted from the center toward the right, raising his hand to call for the ball.
Maicon delivered a pass, and Kaká received it, immediately pushing the ball toward the touchline and accelerating. His burst of speed left Zanetti trailing behind.
Favalli abandoned Ribéry and closed in on Kaká.
But Kaká's pace was electric. He reached the ball, stopped it dead, and as Favalli extended his foot to challenge, Kaká performed a seamless Marseille turn, spinning past him near the edge of the box.
The move was executed with such grace and elegance that the entire stadium erupted in applause.
"Marseille turn!"
"Unbelievable! Kaká leaves Favalli in the dust—he's flying now!"
With his momentum building, Kaká charged toward the corner of the penalty area, weaving past defenders with ease.
Nesta and Córdoba scrambled back to defend, while Drogba sprinted to the far post.
Inter's defenders knew they had to stop Kaká. Nesta stepped forward to intercept, fully aware of the Brazilian's capability.
As Kaká approached, he deftly pushed the ball toward the byline, using his agility to change direction and cut inside, leaving Nesta momentarily wrong-footed.
Nesta recovered quickly, but Kaká didn't give him a chance. Without breaking stride, he chipped the ball into the air, arcing it over Nesta's outstretched leg.
Córdoba turned, trying to gauge the ball's flight path, but Drogba was already on the move.
Timing his jump perfectly, Drogba soared above Córdoba, meeting Kaká's cross with a thunderous header.
The ball rocketed past Toldo, slamming into the net at the far post.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Atlético Madrid!"
"In the 37th minute, Atlético takes the lead against Inter Milan!"
"It's Drogba with the goal!"
"What a play from Kaká—his individual brilliance broke through Inter's defense!"
"This is the Kaká we know: when he moves, he moves like a storm!"
"Let's take another look at Kaká's breakthrough—it was absolutely brilliant, especially the Marseille turn."
"We often say Kaká doesn't seem like a typical Brazilian player, as he lacks that stereotypical Brazilian flair, but I think that's an unfair assessment."
"This particular breakthrough showed otherwise. The sudden Marseille turn was so unexpected, executed perfectly, and left Favalli completely helpless."
"We can only say that Kaká is still Kaká, but now he's playing with more confidence, unlocking more and more of his potential."
"And then there's Drogba!"
"Atlético has targeted Córdoba's height disadvantage multiple times tonight, and this time Drogba finally capitalized."
"1–0!"
"This goal is vital for Atlético."
"We can see Yang Hao on the sidelines, continuously signaling to the players, likely instructing them to keep pressing, to stay aggressive, and to keep attacking down the right flank."
"This is the mark of a world-class coach."
"Even when the initial tactics didn't yield results, he didn't rush to make changes. Instead, he trusted his players and believed they would find their rhythm and break through."
"And now that they've broken through, Atlético wants to keep pushing on this side."
The importance of the first goal went beyond giving Atlético the lead.
More importantly, it struck a blow to Inter Milan's morale and disrupted their defensive confidence, particularly exposing cracks on their left flank.
Yang Hao seized the moment and pushed for more.
For the remainder of the first half, Atlético repeatedly created chances down the right wing, looking for another breakthrough.
Finally, in the 44th minute, Kaká controlled the ball in the right channel, broke free from his marker with a deft touch, and surged forward. He quickly played a diagonal pass to the right flank.
Ribéry sprinted into the space, hugging the sideline as he carried the ball forward. Facing Favalli one-on-one, Ribéry forced his way past and dashed toward the byline. His cross attempt was blocked by Favalli and deflected out for a corner.
The entire stadium erupted in cheers from Atlético's supporters.
Iniesta placed the ball at the corner flag and took a few steps back to prepare.
Atlético's tall players moved into position inside Inter Milan's penalty area: Drogba, Lúcio, Pepe, and even Kaká.
Though Atlético is known for their technical style, their height advantage in set-piece situations shouldn't be underestimated.
Earlier, Lúcio had come close to scoring with a header, so Inter Milan was on high alert.
As Iniesta began his run-up, the crowd tensed. Atlético's setup for this corner had changed slightly.
Drogba positioned himself at the near post, while Lúcio, Pepe, and Kaká grouped near the far post.
As Iniesta delivered the ball, Lúcio and Pepe split off, making runs toward the near post. Lúcio, positioned in front, drew the defenders' attention.
Drogba didn't jump, serving as a decoy, while Lúcio's leap drew both Inter defenders and even Nesta into the air.
But Iniesta's delivery wasn't aimed at Lúcio.
The ball sailed over his head, landing perfectly in the middle of the goal area.
Pepe, who had trailed behind Lúcio, leaped into the air and redirected the ball with a glancing header, sending it toward the far-left corner of the goal.
Toldo, caught off guard by the chaos at the near post, was slow to react. He began diving, but it was too late—the ball nestled into the back of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Pepe!!!!"
The Brazilian defender spun around, sprinting toward the touchline, shouting in pure exhilaration.
He was letting out all the emotions that had built up over the season.
This season, Pepe had faced relentless criticism and ridicule. Together with Sergio Ramos, he had become a punching bag for fans and media, who labeled them as Atlético's worst-ever center-back duo, dragging down the team's performance.
But through it all, Yang Hao had stood by them, offering unwavering support, encouragement, and trust.
And now, Pepe had seized his moment of redemption.
"The Brazilian looks absolutely ecstatic!"
"This is his first goal in the Champions League knockout stages, and it's a crucial one!"
"Pepe has shown tremendous improvement this season. After enduring so much criticism early on, he's worked tirelessly to grow."
"Yang Hao's approach to developing young players is truly unique. It's said that after every game, he ensures his staff works closely with the players to review mistakes and identify areas for improvement."
"And tonight, Pepe has repaid Yang Hao's trust with a pivotal goal!"
"2–0! Atlético doubles their lead just before halftime."
"Great job, everyone!"
Entering halftime with a 2–0 lead, Yang Hao heaped praise on his players.
He specifically singled out Pepe, commending his solid defensive performance against Adriano and his critical goal from the corner kick.
While Pepe was still at a disadvantage in his duel with Adriano, Yang Hao acknowledged that it was already a significant achievement to limit the Brazilian striker from creating clear-cut chances.
Adriano, after all, was arguably the best striker in the world at this point.
Pepe and Sergio Ramos had been steadily improving throughout the season, occasionally delivering excellent performances but struggling with consistency—typical of young defenders.
Yang Hao knew they needed time, space, and patience to develop. Mistakes were part of the process.
The players' spirits were high. The first half had been challenging, but Atlético's dominance had shown through in the end.
"Let's stick with the same plan in the second half. Keep targeting their left flank!"
Yang Hao wasn't about to change a winning strategy.
While Favalli had started the game in excellent form, as the match progressed, Ribéry and Kaká had found ways to exploit his weaknesses.
Despite his valiant effort, Favalli couldn't withstand the relentless pressure from the two Atlético attackers.
This was where Yang Hao's tactical adjustments shone.
Matches evolved constantly, and it was up to the coach to read the game and make decisive changes.
"Their left side is breaking down. Keep pushing them there, and we'll find more opportunities from Favalli's flank!"
"In the second half, we're going to press hard from the start and aim for another goal!"
Yang Hao was almost certain that Cooper wouldn't make any substitutions during halftime. After all, Favalli had performed decently, and Inter Milan didn't have viable replacements for their left flank. Adjustments would require changes to the midfield or forward lines, but with Cooper's cautious nature, that was unlikely.
This meant Atlético could continue their aggressive assault in the second half.
If the first half had been an even contest with moments of stalemate, the second half marked a clear shift in momentum.
Atlético came out with relentless intensity, playing like a pack of wolves. Yang Hao directed his players to press high immediately after the restart, focusing their attacks down Inter Milan's vulnerable left flank.
In the 54th minute, just as Atlético seemed to momentarily ease their offensive tempo, Ribéry attempted a breakthrough on the right but was unsuccessful, leading to a horizontal pass across the field.
Zanetti failed to mark Kaká tightly.
Positioned just outside the penalty area near the right corner, Kaká received Ribéry's pass, smoothly guided the ball to his left with a touch, and instantly created shooting space as Zanetti lunged to close him down.
In the same motion, Kaká lightly scooped the ball with his left foot, lofting it high into the penalty area.
Near the penalty spot, Drogba had drawn the attention of both Córdoba and Nesta.
As the towering Ivorian commanded their focus, a small pocket of space opened up between Córdoba and Zanetti.
Kaká's deft chip floated over Drogba and the defenders, heading toward the far post.
Was it a shot or a pass?
No one knew.
The ball arced gracefully, leaving Toldo with no time to react.
Out of nowhere, David Villa appeared like a phantom, perfectly positioned at the critical moment. He threw himself forward and connected with a sliding shot, redirecting the ball toward the net.
Toldo dived, but Villa's effort was just high enough to evade the keeper's grasp.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"David Villa scores in the 54th minute!"
"3–0!"
"Tonight's Atlético has once again proven unstoppable!"
"What a start to the second half! Kaká's delicate chip was both mesmerizing and deceptive, but it was Villa's lethal run and finishing instinct that made the difference."
"This is what we call a striker's intuition! Knowing exactly where to be and when to arrive."
Cooper was visibly exasperated after Villa's goal. He promptly made two substitutions:
Materazzi replaced Verón.Martins came on for Van der Meyde.
The changes shifted Inter Milan's formation to a 4-4-2. Materazzi partnered with Nesta at center-back, Córdoba moved to right-back, and Zanetti pushed forward to play as a right midfielder. Kily González switched to the left, leaving Adriano and Martins up front.
Yang Hao immediately responded, instructing his team to prioritize ball possession and slow down the tempo.
Cooper had opted for a 4-2-3-1 earlier to prevent Atlético's midfield from dominating. Switching to 4-4-2 now risked losing control in the middle of the park, leaving his side vulnerable.
Verón and Van der Meyde's underwhelming performances had forced Cooper's hand, but this tactical gamble exposed Inter Milan further.
The shift to 4-4-2 highlighted a broader issue: Inter's decline. Under Cooper, the team had peaked two seasons ago. This season, they were trailing Capello's Juventus in Serie A and struggling to maintain their previous dominance.
Aging key players like Kily González, Verón, Favalli, Materazzi, and even Zanetti—most of them over 30—had lost their sharpness. Others, like Van der Meyde, were underperforming.
This left Inter heavily reliant on Adriano's brilliance to carry the attack, a precarious position for any team.
Yang Hao couldn't help but wonder whether Moratti would continue investing in the team as he had in the past. After all, in this timeline, Inter had already won a Champions League title. Would they remain motivated to rebuild?
Atlético closed out the match with a resounding 3–0 victory at home.
After the match, media outlets heaped praise on Atlético while reflecting on Inter Milan's decline.
Inter had once looked unstoppable, but last season's Champions League final loss to Atlético had marked the beginning of their downturn. While they had managed to remain competitive last season, their performances this year had clearly regressed.
Aging stars and inconsistent investments left Inter vulnerable, while Atlético's steady rise under Yang Hao stood in stark contrast.
The media hailed Atlético's defensive improvements, particularly praising Pepe, who scored a header and successfully contained Adriano.
Despite creating a few chances, Adriano couldn't break through. Critics acknowledged his effort as Inter's best player, but his isolation up front reflected the team's struggles.
For Atlético, it was another wave of accolades.
Kaká, once again named Man of the Match, received widespread acclaim. This marked his third consecutive Man of the Match performance in the Champions League knockout rounds, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world's best.
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao openly championed Kaká's case for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
"In my mind, Kaká deserves to win both awards," Yang Hao declared.
"He's already the best player in the world!"
Originally, Yang Hao had considered adding "one of" to soften his statement. But he quickly decided against it.
He knew how the media worked. A qualified statement would generate little debate, but making a bold claim would spark heated discussions.
And that was exactly what Yang Hao wanted.
Let the debate rage.
Let the spotlight shine brighter on Kaká.
Let more people learn about Kaká's extraordinary season.
Why?
Because creating buzz was part of the game, and Yang Hao was playing to win—not just on the pitch but in the court of public opinion.
Amid the heated debates sparked by Yang Hao's statement—whether Kaká was the best player in the world or merely one of the best—it subtly instilled an important perception in the audience's minds:
Not only was Kaká one of the best, but he was also among the very few truly qualified to compete for the title of the world's greatest player.
This was all part of a deliberate effort to build momentum for Kaká's reputation.
As expected, Yang Hao's remarks caused a massive uproar.
Many Italian media outlets and fans protested, claiming Yang Hao had forgotten about Adriano.
"Don't forget, he's one of your own, and he's always respected you!"
English media and fans chimed in:
"Wayne Rooney disagrees! He's the world's best player!"
Catalan media and fans criticized Yang Hao for stirring controversy:
"Ronaldinho is the universally recognized genius."
Meanwhile, AS took a subtle jab at Atlético, suggesting the club was lobbying for Kaká:
"Ronaldo remains the true king of the game."
Only the unfortunate German media and fans seemed left out of the conversation. Scanning their roster, they couldn't even find a superstar to rival Kaká, let alone match his level. Germany's status as Europe's perennial "fourth power" in football felt more entrenched than ever.
Atlético's press and marketing departments quickly sprang into action, working to boost Kaká's candidacy.
Yang Hao and the department heads agreed on one goal: to secure a top-three finish for Kaká in global awards rankings.
One important detail: after Florentino Pérez revolutionized football with his image rights strategy, Atlético's players had signed contracts giving the club 50% of their image rights earnings—except Yang Hao, who retained 100% of his own.
Thus, the higher the commercial value of players like Kaká and Torres, the greater the financial benefit for Atlético.
Three Days Later
In La Liga's 31st round, Atlético drew 1–1 away at Numancia.
With this match sandwiched between their two Champions League clashes with Inter Milan, Yang Hao rotated his lineup extensively, even giving Luka Modrić a starting role.
Fernando Torres put Atlético ahead in the first half, and the team maintained control for much of the match. However, in the 86th minute, substitute striker Goikoetxea Djorje beat Sergio Ramos to head home an equalizer, leveling the score at 1–1.
Meanwhile, in a thrilling showdown at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid edged out Barcelona 4–3 in a spectacular attacking display.
Both teams were desperate for a win—Barcelona to challenge Atlético for the title and Real Madrid to defend their home turf. The result was a ferocious back-and-forth battle, with Madrid ultimately prevailing.
Despite Atlético's draw, the result in Madrid widened their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.
With just seven rounds remaining in the season, Barcelona's chances of overturning the deficit were now virtually zero.
Some media outlets had already begun celebrating Atlético's inevitable league triumph, speculating that the club had a legitimate shot at a historic treble this season.
But Yang Hao remained grounded, well aware of the lingering issues in his team's defensive line.
Offensively, Atlético could take on any opponent in the world, but their defensive vulnerabilities remained the biggest obstacle to achieving greater success.
As the only Spanish team still competing in Europe, Atlético naturally attracted significant attention. Yet Yang Hao kept things low-key, forbidding his players from discussing potential titles.
It was in this atmosphere that Atlético prepared for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
April 12th, San Siro Stadium, Milan
By the 14th minute of the match, Inter Milan, pressing hard for an early goal, had not only failed to breach Atlético's defense but had also been caught out on the counterattack.
Drogba, deep in Atlético's half, won the first touch from a defensive clearance and passed the ball to Kaká.
Kaká surged diagonally into the left channel, intercepting Drogba's pass just ahead of Cambiasso and striding forward with powerful, precise touches. Within moments, the Brazilian had left Cambiasso trailing behind.
He streaked down the field like a red-and-white blur, each stride pushing the ball forward by nearly ten meters before he chased it down again with astonishing speed.
When he faced off against Materazzi, Kaká barely gave the Italian defender time to react, breezing past him in a stunning display of pace and control.
Even Inter's fans at the San Siro couldn't help but gasp in amazement.
This Brazilian is simply unstoppable!
As Kaká entered the left side of the penalty area, he slowed down slightly, taking small, measured steps to adjust his angle. Then, with a sudden push of his right foot, he struck a low shot that beat Toldo and nestled into the far corner of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Kaká! Kaká!!"
"14 minutes in, and Atlético strike with a blistering counterattack!"
"Kaká's solo effort—covering nearly 60 meters—tears through Inter Milan's defense!"
"His pace, his precision... every touch was perfect."
"Inter Milan's aggressive start left them vulnerable at the back, and Kaká punished them mercilessly."
From that moment on, Inter Milan struggled to mount a meaningful response. They were caught in a frustrating cycle—pushing forward in desperation to attack but repeatedly exposed by Atlético's counterattacks.
Trailing 4–0 on aggregate, Inter's hopes were all but extinguished.
By the final whistle, Cooper had no choice but to accept defeat.
Atlético secured a 1–0 victory on the night, progressing to the Champions League semifinals with a comprehensive 4–0 aggregate win over Inter Milan.
This result sent Atlético's momentum soaring to new heights.
Even La Gazzetta dello Sport declared Atlético as the most likely team to lift the Champions League trophy this season.
European bookmakers adjusted their odds accordingly, making Atlético the new favorites.
The semifinal draw had also been kind to Liverpool, who avoided the major powerhouses and drew PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, Atlético would face Chelsea—a matchup widely regarded as the unofficial "final."
For most observers, the winner of Atlético vs. Chelsea would almost certainly go on to claim the title, with little doubt that they would prevail over the Liverpool-PSV victor in the final.
For Yang Hao, however, there was a significant concern heading into the first leg of the semifinal.
Lucio's yellow card in the second leg against Inter Milan meant the Brazilian defender would be suspended for the opening match against Chelsea.
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