Chapter 67
When Málaga midfielder Juan Rodríguez advanced with the ball, he never expected that Torres, who had been positioned up front, would quietly follow him and sneak in from behind to disrupt him.
Before Rodríguez could regain control of the ball, Iniesta and Kaká had already closed in on him, especially Iniesta, who pressed tightly against him.
At 1.71 meters tall, Iniesta wasn't physically imposing compared to the 1.85-meter Rodríguez. Still, his agility and quick reactions made the Málaga player look clumsy under pressure.
Seizing the opportunity, Iniesta poked the ball away, and Kaká quickly took possession.
Rodríguez tried to recover the ball immediately, but Kaká's movements were swift. With a clever backheel, he passed the ball to Iniesta while darting forward.
Iniesta instantly sent the ball back with a sharp forward pass, completing a textbook one-two combination.
Kaká surged ahead, his speed picking up as he reached the opposition's defensive line.
Seeing Anderson Silva rushing toward him, Kaká executed one of his trademark moves, cutting sharply to the other side and accelerating to leave Silva in the dust.
Meanwhile, Torres sprinted to the left as directed by Kaká's hand gestures, while Kaká pushed forward through the middle.
"Atlético's counterattack is lightning-fast."
"Let's see how they coordinate this time."
"Kaká has entered the 30-meter zone. He passes! The right side is wide open!"
Messi arrived on the right just in time, receiving Kaká's pass near the edge of the penalty area.
At this moment, Kaká positioned himself at the center of the penalty arc, while Torres moved to the left. Málaga's defense focused on the center and left, leaving Messi one-on-one against Barakase on the right.
Calm and composed, Messi controlled the ball and stepped into the penalty area. Barakase took a step back to close him down, but Messi advanced a step forward.
Planting his right foot, Messi shifted his weight to the right, causing his right shoulder to dip.
Although it happened in an instant, the move was deliberate.
Barakase, interpreting Messi's lowered shoulder as a signal that he was heading toward the byline, moved to block the anticipated cut outside.
However, Messi had anticipated this response. With a sharp push off his right foot, he shifted his weight and redirected his momentum, leaving Barakase grasping at air.
With the ball now at his left foot, Messi quickly adjusted for a shot. However, César Sanz, who had retreated, stood firmly in his path to the far post.
Reacting instantly, Messi nudged the ball horizontally to create space, narrowly avoiding Nacho's challenge, before striking a low shot with his left foot.
The ball skimmed the ground, slipping between Sanz and another defender, Ruano, on its way to the far-left corner of the net.
The goalkeeper, stationed near the right post, was powerless to stop it.
"GOAL!!!"
"Messi! Messi!"
"Atlético scores again, thanks to a brilliant strike by the young Argentine phenom!"
"5–0!"
"Let's take another look at the goal."
"The play started with Atlético's midfield winning possession."
"The one-two between Kaká and Iniesta showed remarkable understanding, and Torres's intelligent positioning created the opportunity for Messi."
"Facing Barakase, Messi feigned going wide but cut inside with extraordinary precision. His quick adjustment to avoid Sanz and his composed finish were a masterclass in skill and decision-making."
"Tonight, Messi dazzled us with multiple dribbles past defenders, and this goal showcased his composure and talent. He's undoubtedly another gem produced by Atlético's academy!"
After scoring, Messi immediately ran to Kaká, hugging him and celebrating with Torres and Iniesta near the sideline.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao clapped enthusiastically for Messi's performance. When Messi ran toward him during the celebration, Yang Hao extended his hand for a high-five, grinning from ear to ear.
Messi, beaming with joy, quickly slapped Yang Hao's hand before returning to the pitch.
This brief moment of interaction spoke volumes about the trust and camaraderie between the coach and his young star.
Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at the joy of coaching talents like Messi and Kaká.
Though they played differently, their brilliance was undeniable.
Messi's low center of gravity made him exceptionally agile and balanced, allowing him to execute rapid turns and adjustments with ease. At 1.70 meters tall, his small stature gave him a natural advantage in tight spaces.
If Messi were just 5 or 10 centimeters taller, his dribbling style would lose some of its effectiveness. His ability to rapidly shift weight and adjust direction was something taller players could rarely replicate.
Kaká, on the other hand, relied on explosive bursts and long strides to bypass opponents, often using his signature body feints to create space. While similar in concept to Messi's moves, Kaká's style appeared more rigid due to his height and stride length.
Another difference was frequency of touch. Messi's rapid, successive touches allowed for seamless control and adjustment, while Kaká and Robben, though also adept with quick footwork, didn't quite match Messi's precision and fluidity.
In Messi, Yang Hao saw the perfect harmony of a low center of gravity, unmatched footwork, and exceptional football intelligence.
While players like Isco in the future had similar technical abilities, they lacked the decision-making and tactical acumen of midfield legends like Iniesta or Modrić.
Messi thrived because of his skill and intelligence, using his strengths wisely. His most dangerous moments were always within the final 30 meters, where his combination of balance, control, and creativity truly shone.
Yang Hao understood the tactical nuances of speed and explosiveness on the pitch. It wasn't about raw pace but rather how effectively a player used it.
Messi's brilliance reaffirmed why he was destined to become one of the game's greats.
As Messi faced off against Barakase earlier, with just one feint, he shifted the defender's weight completely. No matter how fast or explosive Barakase might be, it was useless.
Shorter players excel at using changes in rhythm and balance to outmaneuver their opponents. Messi, Hazard, Iniesta, Isco, Ribéry—all of them are masters of this skill.
Meanwhile, taller players like Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robben, Ronaldo Nazário, and Gareth Bale dominated with ease in their younger years, slicing through defenses at will. But once their physical abilities declined, particularly their speed, they had to adapt.
Kaká and Gareth Bale failed to transition effectively. Cristiano Ronaldo became a goal-scoring machine, while Robben reinvented himself as a master of rhythm and cutting inside.
Even at their peak, their success wasn't guaranteed. They thrived when given space but struggled when confined.
In football, there is no absolute advantage. Success depends on how the coach utilizes a player's strengths.
Isco's primary problem was the lack of a tactical system that truly suited him. His style leaned more toward flair and ball control, but he found himself in Real Madrid's fast-paced counter-attacking setup, which relied heavily on space and directness. This system only amplified Isco's weaknesses.
Even Messi would have been no better than Modrić if placed in such a system at Madrid, where midfield players are limited to short 10–20 meter advances.
By examining Modrić's evolving role at Real Madrid, one can see how tactics shape a player's development.
What about a middle ground? A player who blends the advantages of both shorter and taller athletes? That's where Neymar comes in.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Neymar was hailed as the perfect hybrid—someone who combined the agility and balance of shorter players with the strength and reach of taller ones.
People believed in Neymar's potential so much that his father established a company early on, owning all his image rights and even turning Neymar's name into shares for sale.
But Yang Hao never considered signing Neymar, adhering to one principle: avoid players consumed by money too early.
This applied to Neymar and also to Mbappé.
After Atlético's 5–0 victory against Málaga, La Liga paused temporarily. Atlético's official website announced that they had formally initiated contract renewal talks with Kaká's father, who also served as his agent.
The club also began negotiations to extend Fernando Torres' contract, given his increasingly stellar performances in recent seasons.
By announcing these renewals in early October, before the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards were revealed, Atlético made it clear they were fully backing Kaká.
It was no secret how much the club had invested in him.
When interviewed by São Paulo while on international duty with Brazil, Kaká expressed his gratitude to Atlético.
"I've already spoken to the club," he said. "I made it very clear that I'm happy to extend my contract."
"I'm enjoying my time at Atlético. We have a fantastic squad, and I want to win more titles and honors together with my teammates."
When asked about the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Kaká didn't hide his ambition.
"I'll give everything I have. If I don't win, I'll know I did my best."
Brazilian media were unanimous: based on his performances in 2005, no one else deserved the awards more than Kaká.
"This should be an easy and obvious choice," they proclaimed.
Two weeks later, after international duty, Atlético faced city rivals Real Madrid in the Madrid Derby.
During this period, Yang Hao took on an additional role as a consultant for the Spanish national team.
Luis Aragonés worked hard to secure this arrangement, liaising with the Spanish Football Federation and Atlético. The idea was for Yang Hao to provide tactical advice, though this wasn't publicized.
Atlético had become the dominant presence in the Spanish national team, boasting eight players: Sergio Ramos, Antonio López, Baraja, Xabi Alonso, Iniesta, Torres, Villa, and new call-up Pepe.
Given this influence, many suggested Aragonés simply adopt Atlético's playing style for the national team.
Aragonés considered it, but there was a significant obstacle: Raúl.
The question of Raúl's role in the team was a massive headache.
In his previous life, Yang Hao, as a Real Madrid fan, was furious when Aragonés excluded Raúl. At the time, it felt like a blatant power play to sideline a club legend.
Now, Yang Hao understood.
It wasn't about arrogance but practicality. Raúl's contributions were undeniable, but his skill set didn't align with Spain's evolving tactics.
He couldn't physically hold up as a central striker, lacked the speed for the wings, and wasn't suited to midfield.
Internally, the Spanish national team debated this endlessly. Opinions were split.
Some insisted Raúl should stay, arguing that the coach must find a way to incorporate him. Others suggested reverting to a traditional 4-4-2 system with wingers, which they used against Belgium in the first match.
The result? A disjointed performance and two late goals from Torres that salvaged a 2–1 win.
In the second match against San Marino, Spain switched to Atlético's 4-3-3 setup, leaving Raúl on the bench.
The result? A 9–0 thrashing.
All nine goals were scored by Atlético players: hat-tricks from Torres and Villa, a brace from Ramos, and an opening goal from Antonio López within the first minute.
But skeptics dismissed the result, attributing it to San Marino's weakness rather than Spain's tactical adjustments.
What could anyone do? Replay the match against San Marino? Even then, identical conditions couldn't be guaranteed.
"Now you understand how hard my job is?" Aragonés sighed over drinks with Yang Hao at a Madrid bar after a team meeting.
"It's impossible to convince everyone," Yang Hao replied nonchalantly.
After all, this wasn't his problem.
In any national team, at any time, decisions are never entirely based on athletic performance. In Spain, there are even more considerations, including representation from regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country.
For example, this time Oleguer couldn't even be called up.
"Stall for time. There's nothing time and hitting a wall can't solve. Once they crash, they'll listen," said Luis Aragonés with a wry smile.
It sounded irresponsible, but there was little else he could do.
This wasn't just a problem for the Spanish national team. Real Madrid faced similar challenges.
Sometimes, an era is merciless and cruel.
Five years ago, Raúl was Europe's hottest young superstar, a forward brimming with creativity.
Now?
The winds shifted, the times changed, and he began to fall behind. As an individual, as a player, who could he blame?
If sentimentality prevails, you keep Raúl and carry on. But if results are the priority, tough choices must be made.
This decision wasn't just hard for Aragonés or the Spanish Football Federation—it would be equally difficult for someone like Yang Hao.
One day, if the time came to part ways with Kaká, he'd face the same struggle.
The issues confronting Aragonés and Spain weren't unique to them. Many teams faced similar predicaments, including Atlético's Week 7 opponent: Real Madrid.
During the international break, Yang Hao kept receiving updates and reports on Real Madrid.
The Galácticos had signed several stars over the summer, signaling their determination to rebuild and make drastic changes.
However, in practice, Vanderlei Luxemburgo lacked the courage to make bold moves.
When Yang Hao returned to Majadahonda, the coaching staff and scouts shared reports that confirmed his suspicions: Luxemburgo was sticking to the same old system.
A 4-4-2.
This aligned with what Aragonés had said—stall for time. Nothing changes without hitting a wall.
That sense of inertia hit Yang Hao especially hard when he saw Real Madrid's starting lineup for the Madrid Derby on October 15th.
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Defense: Roberto Carlos, Fabio Cannavaro, Walter Samuel, Michel Salgado
Midfield: Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira, David Beckham, Robinho
Forwards: Ronaldo Nazário, Raúl
Yang Hao noted that summer signings like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack, and Ashley Cole were all absent from the lineup. Joaquín wasn't starting either.
It was baffling.
Yang Hao genuinely wanted to ask Luxemburgo, Are you planning to surrender to Atlético?
This lineup was meant to challenge Atlético? Was this a joke?
Real Madrid had been crushed by Atlético last season, and now they were back with the same approach?
The reasons weren't hard to deduce.
As a Brazilian coach, Luxemburgo's position was already precarious. Without support from the Brazilian players in the squad, his tenure would be doomed.
Behind him was Brazilian agent Wagner Ribeiro. Robinho, touted as the "new Pelé," was being hyped as a rival to Messi.
Thus, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos had to start. Raúl, as the club's symbol, was untouchable. That locked down the two forward spots.
In midfield, Joaquín could have played Zidane's role, but Luxemburgo favored Zidane. Vieira and Beckham occupied the double-pivot roles, leaving Ballack and Essien on the bench.
Yang Hao couldn't understand it.
If that was the plan, why had Real Madrid spent so much money on four star players during the summer?
"Not replacing the coach was Florentino's dumbest move yet," Yang Hao sighed as he handed the lineup sheet to Juanma Lillo.
Lillo glanced at the list and chuckled. "Maybe they couldn't find anyone suitable."
So many stars, a complicated locker room dynamic—what coach would dare take the job?
Without authority and charisma, without a big enough reputation to command respect, who could handle those egos?
Real Madrid had been linked with Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, but Yang Hao thought even Ancelotti would have struggled with this version of Real Madrid.
Looking at the landscape of European football, who had the status, strength of character, and iron fist needed for the job?
Yang Hao couldn't think of anyone.
If Camacho couldn't handle it, why would anyone else?
"No problem. Let's send Real Madrid another 'gift'!"
After last season's globally celebrated Madrid Derby, La Liga once again made this matchup a marquee event.
The two-week international break provided ample time for preparation.
As a result, the match drew global attention, with both squads packed with talent and star power.
The spotlight, however, was on Kaká.
In the lead-up to the game, media outlets hyped the idea that Kaká could solidify his claim to the Ballon d'Or by defeating the Galácticos.
Real Madrid, after all, had produced the most Ballon d'Or winners in football history.
The narrative caught fire, with fans worldwide eagerly anticipating the match.
Atlético's starting lineup reflected the players' workloads during the international break:
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech
Defense: Patrice Evra, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Dani Alves
Midfield: Xabi Alonso as the holding midfielder, Andrés Iniesta and Kaká centrally
Forwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi
The moment the match began, Yang Hao noticed Luxemburgo's defensive mindset.
Real Madrid ceded possession immediately, retreating to defend in numbers.
They avoided pressing high up the pitch, instead concentrating their forces in their defensive half.
Clearly, Luxemburgo was banking on counter-attacks.
His strategy relied on Beckham's long passes and Zidane's vision to unleash Ronaldo and Robinho in transition.
The first notable moment at the Estadio Vicente Calderón came from Robinho's burst of speed on the right flank.
Receiving a long pass from Beckham, Robinho sprinted forward, but his attempt to stop suddenly and cut inside left both him and Evra slipping and tumbling to the ground outside Atlético's penalty area.
The referee waved play on, signaling no foul.
It was the only moment of excitement for Real Madrid fans in the first 10 minutes.
From then on, the match fell firmly under Atlético's control.
With Real Madrid retreating, Atlético dominated possession, dictated the pace, and pinned their rivals deep in their own half, even inside the penalty box.
Once they established control, Atlético patiently probed, looking for the breakthrough.
In the 12th minute, Andrés Iniesta received a pass from Kaká. Seeing Kaká continuing his forward run, Iniesta carried the ball forward, evaded Beckham, and found an angle to loft a pass into the box toward Kaká.
Samuel got to the ball first, heading it clear.
The ball fell to Iniesta outside the box, who quickly regained control. Beckham closed in, but Iniesta shifted the ball laterally to the right, finding Dani Alves.
If the game had paused at that moment, the alignment on the field would have revealed Atlético's attacking trio—David Villa, Fernando Torres, and Dani Alves—stretched wide from left to right along Real Madrid's defensive line.
Villa and Alves stationed themselves at the corners of the penalty box, forcing Madrid's defensive formation to stretch thin. Roberto Carlos and Míchel Salgado were pulled wide, leaving only the two center-backs, Cannavaro and Samuel, to cover the middle.
Torres hovered around the top-right edge of the penalty arc, with Cannavaro stationed slightly to his right, guarding against a potential pass from Alves. Meanwhile, Samuel positioned himself behind Torres, keeping an eye on both him and Kaká, who was near the center of the arc.
This setup formed Atlético's first attacking wave.
Further back, Messi occupied a deeper position on the right channel. His positioning was deliberate: if he beat one defender, he could deliver a threatening pass; if he beat two, he could penetrate the box. However, Vieira stood in his way.
The experienced Frenchman had masterfully positioned himself to block Alves' passing lanes to Torres while also being ready to challenge Messi if the Argentine received the ball.
Meanwhile, Iniesta hovered outside the penalty arc to the left, with Beckham shadowing him at the arc's edge.
Any fan watching at this moment would have immediately recognized the problem for Madrid:
Six Atlético attackers were matched by six Madrid defenders, but the defense was stretched too thin. In this setup, Madrid's defenders were in a highly reactive and precarious position—"scrambling" would be an understatement.
Alves, under pressure from Roberto Carlos, took a step back and passed the ball to Messi.
As soon as Messi received the ball, Torres made a diagonal run into the right side of the box, immediately drawing the attention of Cannavaro and Vieira. The former moved to shadow Torres, while the latter adjusted to cut off Messi's passing lanes.
But Messi ignored Torres entirely, dribbling diagonally toward the arc as if avoiding Vieira. Beckham, seeing this, moved to challenge Messi.
However, Messi abruptly passed the ball horizontally to Iniesta.
Iniesta didn't control the ball but let it run, using his right foot to push it forward into space.
Kaká made a diagonal run behind Samuel, reaching Iniesta's pass with blistering speed. At the left edge of the six-yard box, Kaká struck the ball with his left foot, aiming for the far post.
Casillas crouched slightly to react, but the ball was already past him, kissing the right post before nestling into the net.
"Goal!!!"
"Atlético scores!!!"
"In the 12th minute, Kaká breaks the deadlock against Real Madrid!"
"1–0!"
"Real Madrid's defense was torn apart by Atlético with ease!"
"What a goal from Kaká!"
"The build-up to this goal was exquisite!"
"Real Madrid's defenders couldn't even touch the ball—they were completely outplayed by Atlético's passing and movement!"
As Atlético's players celebrated jubilantly, Yang Hao pumped his fist on the sidelines, joining in the moment of triumph. In the stands, Atlético's fans erupted with cheers, celebrating wildly.
Taking the lead was no surprise to Yang Hao.
Six attackers versus six defenders, with Madrid's defensive shape stretched so thin? Atlético's superior individual skill made exploiting such weaknesses inevitable.
Some might wonder: Why was it so easy?
Because Madrid only had two defensive lines: the back four and a double-pivot midfield of Vieira and Beckham.
When Alves advanced to the corner of the box, where was Zidane, his direct counterpart?
He was loitering near the 30-yard line, waiting for a potential counterattack.
In theory, if the ball reached Zidane, he could orchestrate a dangerous play.
In practice? Atlético had already scored!
The real issue wasn't Madrid's formation—whether 4-4-2 or another system—but the lack of defensive discipline and tracking back.
The forward stars were Madrid's biggest liability.
After conceding, Madrid immediately launched a furious counterattack.
The game opened up, becoming an end-to-end battle.
Two minutes later, Robinho created a chance on the right, firing from a tight angle, but his shot soared over the bar.
Atlético quickly responded.
Messi carried the ball on the right flank, evaded Roberto Carlos, and found space past Vieira. He unleashed a long-range shot, but Casillas easily caught it.
Madrid countered again, with Beckham attempting a through pass to Robinho, who charged into the penalty area. However, Thiago Silva calmly held his ground, shielding the ball before passing it back to Čech or sending it to Xabi Alonso at the top of the box.
Alonso found Kaká, who was already poised to attack.
Receiving the pass, Kaká accelerated like a missile, pushing the ball forward in powerful strides.
In seconds, he crossed the halfway line, his speed intensifying.
As Kaká approached Madrid's 30-yard line, Torres and Villa surged ahead on his flanks.
At that moment, Madrid had only four defenders back.
As Kaká neared the penalty arc, Vieira moved to challenge him.
Kaká feinted left, drawing Vieira in, before suddenly shifting to the right. With a sharp turn, he created space and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into the right side of the box.
Torres outran Cannavaro, latched onto Kaká's pass, and fired a rocket into the net.
"Another goal!!!"
"Atlético scores their second of the match!"
"Fernando Torres finds the back of the net!"
"2–0!"
"Atlético's counterattack is lightning-fast!"
"Simply incredible."
"Kaká's pace and vision in transition are breathtaking."
"Atlético's attacking variety is astonishing!"
"Real Madrid's defensive line left far too many gaps. After pressing forward to attack, they were reduced to just four defenders, with Salgado marking Villa. This created a 2-on-3 situation in the middle," the commentator analyzed.
"But against stars like Kaká and Torres, whose individual abilities are extraordinary, even three defenders are at a clear disadvantage—especially when Kaká is in his element, charging forward at high speed."
After conceding two goals, Real Madrid found themselves in an awkward dilemma. They wanted to launch a counterattack but struggled to create genuine threats, all while fearing Atlético's devastating counterplay.
If they chose not to attack and instead adopted a defensive stance, they would become even more passive.
Meanwhile, Atlético maintained relentless pressure within Madrid's 30-yard zone, passing and switching play around the edge of the penalty area, constantly pulling Madrid's defensive line apart with their quick horizontal movements.
Madrid's defense, already fragile, was visibly stretched thin, with the backline struggling to keep up.
To make matters worse, Iniesta, Kaká, and Messi—especially Messi on the right flank—repeatedly probed Madrid's defenses.
These three players consistently drew fouls with their driving runs, forcing Madrid's defenders into desperate tackles.
Yet even with such physical resistance, Atlético still managed to carve out golden opportunities.
Xabi Alonso sent a diagonal pass to the right, where Messi drove inside and shook off Vieira. Using his left foot, he delivered a pinpoint diagonal pass into the box.
Villa made a blistering diagonal run and attempted a sliding shot, narrowly missing Messi's delivery.
The ball flew past all of Madrid's defenders in the box, leaving the crowd gasping in unison.
"The young Argentine is dazzling tonight!" the commentator exclaimed.
"Real Madrid's players have committed numerous fouls on him. He's been the most dangerous player on the pitch, causing Madrid's defenders immense anxiety every time he touches the ball."
"Just look at that diagonal pass—simply brilliant!"
"Madrid's situation on the pitch is becoming increasingly dire."
Madrid tried to restart play but quickly lost possession again, allowing Atlético to regain the upper hand and press Madrid back into their defensive third.
The 31st minute:
Kaká attempted a lofted pass into the box, but Beckham headed it clear.
Iniesta, waiting on the edge of the box, intercepted the clearance and passed it back to Kaká.
Positioned near the top of the penalty arc, Kaká controlled the ball with his right foot. Then, with a burst of acceleration, he surged forward like a predatory leopard, piercing through Beckham's defensive positioning and charging into the box.
Torres, initially in an offside position, quickly stepped away, clearing a path to the goal.
Without hesitation, Kaká unleashed a powerful shot. The ball rocketed toward the goal at blistering speed.
Casillas, who had been outstanding all evening, was momentarily distracted by Torres' movement. By the time he reacted, Kaká's shot was already kissing the inside of the right post and nestled into the back of the net.
3–0!
The stadium erupted in deafening cheers!
"Kaká!!!!"
Over 50,000 Atlético fans roared the Brazilian's name, their chants echoing across the stadium.
The goal came so suddenly that it caught Madrid's defenders—and even Atlético's fans—off guard.
In the blink of an eye, the ball was in the net. Many spectators hadn't even processed what had just happened.
Kaká raised his hands high above his head, grinning and laughing exuberantly as he celebrated.
"A brace!!"
"Kaká has been absolutely unstoppable this season!"
"I'm running out of adjectives to describe his performances and form. Tonight, Kaká is simply... the best on Earth!"
"At this point, I just want to say on behalf of Kaká and Atlético: Real Madrid, bow down and sing your surrender!"
"There's just no stopping him!"
Real Madrid's coach, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, seemed to realize that his side was finished. His position as head coach was hanging by a thread.
In this match, his tactics and lineup had failed to deliver.
The Brazilian stars he relied upon hadn't produced any moments of magic, while Madrid's attacking players seemed utterly powerless against Atlético.
At halftime, Luxemburgo made a substitution, bringing on Michael Essien for Robinho. Beckham shifted back to the right wing, while Essien joined Vieira in a double pivot.
To Luxemburgo's credit, this change immediately improved Madrid's performance.
Essien's energy and ability to cover ground revitalized Madrid's midfield, giving the team a newfound intensity. The lethargy from the first half was replaced by a sense of urgency.
The 55th minute:
Luxemburgo made his second substitution, replacing Zidane with Joaquín.
Madrid shifted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ronaldo as the lone striker, Raúl in the hole behind him, Joaquín on the left wing, and Beckham on the right.
Within three minutes of entering the game, Joaquín made an impact. He dribbled past Dani Alves on the left flank, cut inside, and fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Cech, Atlético's goalkeeper, spilled the ball.
Ronaldo pounced for the rebound, but Thiago Silva launched himself heroically, blocking Ronaldo's effort with a diving clearance.
Sensing an opportunity, Madrid pressed forward, hoping to gain a foothold in the match.
But Thiago Silva and Pepe remained unshakable at the heart of Atlético's defense, shutting down Ronaldo and Raúl.
In one sequence, Kaká tried to carry the ball forward on a counterattack, only for Essien to slide in with a crunching tackle to dispossess him.
However, Messi quickly recovered the ball and delivered a brilliant diagonal pass into space.
Villa sprinted onto it, outpacing Madrid's defenders. He controlled the ball, broke into the box, and calmly slotted it past Casillas.
4–0!
The match was effectively over.
The broadcast cameras caught the disheartened expressions of Raúl and Casillas, shaking their heads in resignation.
The game was lost.
Atlético's fans erupted into a frenzy, standing and applauding their team's spectacular performance.
"Total Domination!"
This was the headline on the front page of Marca the day after the Madrid Derby.
In its coverage, the most influential Spanish sports media outlet praised Atlético Madrid's stunning performance while delivering a harsh lesson to Real Madrid:
"The Galactic Era is over!"
The article revealed that despite Real Madrid strengthening their squad over the summer with top European stars like Van Nistelrooy, Ballack, Essien, and Ashley Cole, President Florentino Pérez continued to cling to his dream of seamlessly transitioning from the Galáctico generation to a new era of superstars.
"At the Calderón Stadium, Atlético Madrid cruelly exposed the futility of that dream with a devastating 4–0 victory," Marca stated.
The article pointed out that during the match, legendary stars like Zidane, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos were unable to keep up with the tempo of the game or cope with Atlético's intensity.
"Their decline was on full display," the report continued.
Marca even claimed that Madrid's superstars were so overwhelmed by the hostile atmosphere at the Calderón that they seemed to forget how to fight back. Throughout the match, Real Madrid rarely managed to mount any meaningful offensive threat.
The report also praised Yang Hao for his bold tactical setup:
"In midfield, he deployed a trio of Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, and Kaká, a lineup designed for aggressive play, while the wings featured Messi and Alves, both of whom relentlessly attacked Madrid's flanks."
According to Marca, Atlético's offensive combinations were dazzlingly effective:
"Both Evra and Alves essentially played as attacking wingers, with Alves frequently operating near Madrid's penalty area, while Messi roamed in the half-spaces."
This relentless pressure rendered Real Madrid unable to organize counterattacks, aside from a few long balls from Beckham that posed occasional threats.
Marca concluded with a dire warning for Madrid:
"The Galácticos have no answers to these issues: outdated tactics, disjointed play between attack and defense, and players struggling with fitness or form."
While Marca approached the defeat with some restraint, AS, a Real Madrid-leaning outlet, placed the blame squarely on coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
The paper criticized his outdated tactics and inability to adapt to the realities of modern football:
"Why were fitter and in-form players like Essien, Ballack, Van Nistelrooy, and Ashley Cole left on the bench? Why were struggling players chosen instead?"
The article pointed out that Essien's introduction in the second half transformed Madrid's midfield. Paired with Vieira, Essien's energy revitalized the team:
"It was clear evidence that Real Madrid's problems stem not from the players but from the coach."
AS lambasted Luxemburgo's defensive approach in a derby against their fiercest rivals, calling it an act of cowardice:
"From the moment Real Madrid stepped onto the pitch at the Calderón with a defensive mindset, they were destined to lose. The only question was by how much."
The report contrasted Luxemburgo's timidity with Yang Hao's boldness, confidence, and decisiveness, urging Madrid's management to act before it was too late:
"Zidane and Roberto Carlos are aging, Figo has already left, and Ronaldo is no longer at his peak. By the end of this season, Vieira, Ballack, and Van Nistelrooy will all be 30, leaving Madrid with only a limited window to rebuild."
Unlike the Spanish press, which focused on Atlético's dominance and Madrid's decline, L'Équipe centered its coverage on the players.
The match brought together a host of global superstars, including Kaká and Ronaldo, as well as young talents like Messi and Robinho.
At just 23 years old, Kaká, the favorite for this year's Ballon d'Or, once again delivered a masterclass, earning the title of Man of the Match.
"Whether it was his passing or finishing, Kaká's performance was flawless," L'Équipe declared, stating that he was the undisputed choice for the Ballon d'Or.
If Kaká wins, he will become Atlético Madrid's first-ever Ballon d'Or recipient, making them the 19th club in football history to produce a Ballon d'Or winner.
The 2005 edition of the Ballon d'Or marks the award's 50th anniversary. Since the 1980s, the honor has been dominated by players from powerhouse clubs, with only a few exceptions like Marseille's Jean-Pierre Papin (1991) and Dortmund's Matthias Sammer (1996).
In this era of growing dominance by Europe's elite clubs, Atlético's rise is nothing short of remarkable.
Another focus for L'Équipe was the duel between young stars: Messi, hailed as the "New Maradona," and Robinho, the "New Pelé."
From the match, it was clear that 18-year-old Messi thoroughly outshone 21-year-old Robinho.
"The young Argentine is increasingly trusted by his coach, Yang Hao, and has become an indispensable part of Atlético's squad," the report noted.
Messi's fearless dribbles caused endless headaches for Madrid's defenders. Over the course of the match, he was fouled six times, a testament to the threat he posed.
In contrast, Robinho struggled to make an impact, managing just one shot on goal while failing to impress with his dribbling.
"Whether in performance or impact, Messi has clearly emerged as the superior talent," L'Équipe concluded.
With Kaká at 23, Messi at 18, and other young stars like Iniesta, Torres, and Villa, Atlético boasts one of the most dynamic squads in Europe.
"This team is brimming with energy and extraordinary talent. For years to come, they will be Europe's most formidable force—and every other club's nightmare."
As the global media buzzed with coverage of the derby, Yang Hao returned to work at Atlético's Mahadahonda training base the following morning.
After reviewing reports in his office, he headed to the New Media Team's workspace.
Normally, Yang Hao rarely involved himself in the details of their operations, but this time he felt it was necessary to address something:
The viral video uploaded to YouTube the previous night.
Based on Quality, It's Already Exceptional
Atlético Madrid's YouTube channel is known for its high-quality videos, but Yang Hao found himself dissatisfied with several clips uploaded after last night's derby.
"You have so many resources at your disposal now, including footage from alternate camera angles during the match," he said, addressing the New Media Team.
Yang pointed to a video showcasing Kaká's dribbling:
"For something like this, zoom in. Focus on his feet as much as possible, then slow it down. Let the audience clearly and vividly see every jaw-dropping move he makes."
"We need to create a sharp contrast between normal and slow motion, allowing viewers to truly grasp Kaká's brilliance. They need to be stunned, thinking, 'Wow, how did he do that?'"
Yang Hao continued, switching to another clip featuring Messi:
"Look at this one. You can barely see what's happening. Viewers will only take away that Messi dribbled past someone, but then what? You need to break down the details. Let people see exactly how he pulled it off—every feint, no matter how subtle. Make them marvel: 'How is this even possible?'"
This level of attention to detail comes from Yang's past experiences.
"In live broadcasts, there's often no time to show such specifics, but fans crave them," he explained.
Atlético should fill this gap, showing Kaká, Messi, and their teammates at their absolute best. Yang recalled watching games in his previous life, often slowing down footage to 0.5x speed to analyze players' movements. Even then, he sometimes had to re-watch multiple times to catch everything.
"These moments aren't improvised; they're the results of rigorous training and split-second decision-making," he said.
Players like Messi can execute numerous complex movements in just one second. Even Yang, observing from the sidelines, often couldn't fully process the intricacies of their actions.
"Imagine the impact if we present this to fans in a way they can comprehend and admire. It'll leave them in awe," Yang emphasized.
He recounted the technological advancements that have revolutionized football over the years. From VHS tapes to DVDs to modern digital storage, clubs' ability to collect and analyze data has grown exponentially.
"Take Ronaldo, for example. Why is his acceleration so explosive? Is it purely physical, or do his body movements play a role in deceiving defenders?" Yang posed.
Atlético's analytics team had begun cataloging such insights, creating a database of moves that could later be tailored to develop players with similar attributes.
"Let's say we identify a young player with Ronaldo-like explosiveness. We could train them using these materials, teaching them to replicate these deceptive moves before a sprint," Yang explained.
By systematically training players this way, the club could significantly boost development efficiency. What once depended on instinct or individual trial and error could now become a standardized process.
"Think of it as creating a bespoke toolkit for every promising youngster," Yang said.
Clubs like Ajax had historically excelled at grooming raw talent through meticulous, hands-on coaching. However, Yang believed the future lay in industrializing this process, much like how Barcelona's La Masia had established a methodology-driven approach.
Currently, Atlético was still building its infrastructure, but Yang hoped for greater innovation. He criticized the New Media Team's recent output, saying:
"These videos don't capture the players' brilliance. They lack the kind of 'wow factor' that makes fans scream with excitement."
To fix this, Yang planned to suggest that Miguel Gil hire top-tier content creators for the club. After all, his own schedule was too packed to micromanage.
Lately, he hadn't even had time to spend with his girlfriend.
While discussing improvements with the team, Yang received a call from Juanma Lillo.
"Luxemburgo Has Resigned!"
The news left Yang momentarily stunned.
"Well, that escalated quickly," he thought.
Yang couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. In his previous life, he had written about this exact situation in his most successful football novel.
In the 2005–06 season, Luxemburgo had been sacked, and caretaker manager López Caro had taken over. However, with no significant improvement in results, both Arrigo Sacchi and Florentino Pérez eventually stepped down. This led to an interim presidency under Fernando Martín, during which Yang's fictional protagonist stepped in as Real Madrid's new coach, leading the star-studded Galácticos to an epic comeback.
Looking back, Yang found his past work cringe-worthy.
"It was like a football-themed A Step Into the Past, wasn't it?" he mused.
Ironically, in this life, Yang had initially dreamed of coaching Real Madrid but ended up leading Atlético Madrid instead.
For a brief, mischievous moment, Yang entertained the thought of approaching Florentino Pérez now:
"What if I offer myself to Real Madrid? Could I turn this into a real-life sequel to Starting with Coaching Real Madrid?"
However, he quickly dismissed the idea.
"Why would I leave? My life here is perfect," he thought.
Yang's situation was vastly different from his fictional protagonist's. He was a wealthy bachelor, holding shares in Atlético Madrid and Apple, and living a life of financial freedom.
More importantly, he was something of a "lady-killer," having dated a Spanish beauty queen, a Victoria's Secret model, and even a certain Hollywood starlet known as the "Black Widow."
"This is what real success looks like," Yang laughed to himself.
His mind wandered further:
"If my fictional protagonist were to coach Real Madrid now, what would happen? Sure, he has the Tactical Library system, but I've got Kaká, Torres, and Messi. Bring it on!"
Yang chuckled at the thought, finding it amusing to reminisce about his past struggles as a fledgling writer.
"Life really does take you in unexpected directions," he said, shaking his head.
Although It Was Tough, It Was Incredibly Satisfying
Creating characters and storylines I loved while building a fictional team was such an exhilarating experience.
The readers on Qidian, where I used to publish, were amazing. They'd shower me with recommendations, votes, and tips without me having to ask. If they knew I had crossed over into this world, they'd probably be devastated.
No worries, though—when I retire, I'll return to Qidian to write a book about my journey here. I'm sure they'll love it. The book will rake in silver and gold sponsorships for sure.
As for the title... Ugh, naming books is the hardest part.
Well, I have a meeting to get to.
Luxemburgo's Resignation: A Bombshell in Spanish Football
The news of Luxemburgo's resignation shook the foundations of Spanish football.
Even though AS had been vocal about their dissatisfaction with him, they were still surprised. Last season had already been tumultuous for Real Madrid, and it seemed this season was following suit.
Although Luxemburgo managed to last a bit longer this time, he still didn't make it to November.
Back in his office at Majadahonda, Yang Hao sighed with an exaggerated look of helplessness.
"As a former Real Madrid fan, I feel guilty. I've lost count of how many Real Madrid managers have lost their jobs because of me!" Yang laughed heartily at his own joke.
If he were to declare himself a Real Madrid fan now, no one would believe him.
Positive Reactions from the Media
Surprisingly, the press reacted positively to Luxemburgo's departure.
AS argued that the resignation wasn't about results. After all, only seven rounds of La Liga had been played, and while Atlético Madrid was dominating with 21 points, Real Madrid's 15 points placed them in second.
The real issue, according to AS, was that Luxemburgo could no longer control the locker room.
"Real Madrid's priority now is to continue their reforms and clear out the deadwood," the newspaper wrote.
They pointed out that Barcelona's resurgence had stemmed from clearing out the Dutch contingent and bringing in younger, high-quality players.
"Luxemburgo was clearly not the man for the job."
Other media outlets echoed the sentiment, asserting that Real Madrid's summer overhaul was the right move and urging Florentino Pérez to stay the course.
"What Real Madrid needs now is a stronger, more decisive coach to lead this revolution."
Who Can Save Real Madrid?
Yang Hao, though amused, wasn't overly concerned. The media had essentially summed up his thoughts:
The number of suitable candidates to rebuild Real Madrid was limited.
Fabio Capello at Juventus was one possibility, but the timing wasn't right.José Mourinho was thriving at Chelsea and had already rejected Real Madrid once.Ottmar Hitzfeld (formerly of Bayern Munich) and national team coaches like Marcello Lippi or Arsène Wenger were potential options but equally unrealistic.
"Real Madrid is caught in a dilemma," Yang thought.
A coach with too little stature wouldn't be able to control the locker room, but one with high standing—like Vicente del Bosque or Carlo Ancelotti—might lack the aggressive reformist approach the team needed.
Ultimately, it all depended on Florentino Pérez's decision.
Depor in Financial Ruin
Amid the news about Real Madrid, Yang noticed another story: Deportivo La Coruña was facing near-catastrophic financial woes.
In an interview, club president Augusto César Lendoiro admitted that the once-mighty "Super Depor" had accumulated nearly €200 million in debt.
While the exact figure wasn't disclosed, it was clear this was an astronomical sum for a club whose annual revenue was under €100 million. Lendoiro was forced to reveal these figures as the year-end shareholders' meeting approached, with mounting dissatisfaction from fans and stakeholders over the club's poor performance.
In the interview, Lendoiro admitted:
"Perhaps it's time for me to step down. Maybe that's what's best for the club."
He hinted at selling his shares in the club, signaling a potential change in ownership.
For years, Deportivo had sustained itself through debt to maintain the illusion of being a competitive top-tier club. Fans in Galicia joked that the famous 4-0 comeback against AC Milan had been "paid for with IOUs."
Foreign Investors Eyeing La Liga
After reading the article, Yang Hao immediately called Enrique Cerezo.
Cerezo, well-connected in La Liga and Spanish football circles, confirmed that Deportivo was actively seeking salvation.
"Lendoiro's priority is finding a local Galician or Spanish investor, but the club's €200 million debt has scared most people away," Cerezo explained.
"And it's not just about the debt—anyone buying Deportivo would also need to invest heavily in the squad to keep them competitive in La Liga."
Cerezo doubted any Spanish investors would step up, but foreign interest was growing.
Yang was intrigued. Was foreign capital finally coming to La Liga?
Cerezo reminded him of earlier conversations:
"La Liga is actively looking to attract foreign investment to alleviate clubs' financial woes. Some teams are on the brink of bankruptcy."
He added:
"Our broadcasting rights are now bundled together, and the revenue from sales is looking good. Plus, we've made strides in globalization, so the league is planning to auction international broadcasting rights in early 2008."
This was consistent with Yang Hao's memories of his previous life.
While Real Madrid and Barcelona dominated domestically and internationally, La Liga's overall broadcast rights revenue lagged behind the Premier League's. However, bundling all the rights together into a single package was a game-changer.
"Finally, the puzzle pieces are falling into place," Yang thought.
La Liga's financial struggles, foreign interest in Spanish clubs, and the global push for TV rights all pointed to the league's transformation.
For now, though, Yang's focus remained on Atlético Madrid, ensuring they stayed ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.
Currently, La Liga's domestic broadcast rights allocate a small portion to the Segunda División, the Spanish Football Federation, and La Liga itself. However, international broadcast rights are split equally among all 20 La Liga teams.
Compared to the previous era, this is a significant benefit for smaller clubs.
Moreover, La Liga now boasts not two but three powerhouses in Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.
After years of developing its international profile, La Liga is in a much stronger position than in the past, making it highly attractive to foreign investors.
"Right now, nothing has been finalized," Enrique Cerezo explained, "but several clubs might be willing to sell. Racing Santander, Málaga, Zaragoza—even Valencia—are heavily in debt and could be up for grabs."
Yang Hao wasn't surprised. The state of Spanish football has long been precarious, with almost every club struggling to stay afloat except for Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Even with bundled broadcasting rights and globalization efforts, the situation in Yang Hao's previous life was far more dire.
"Attracting foreign investment could help," Yang Hao said, "but it's crucial to establish strong regulatory frameworks, especially for financial and background checks. There are too many scammers out there."
Yang Hao recalled a bizarre incident in his past life when a supposed Dubai royal family expressed interest in buying Getafe, only for it to be exposed as a scam by a small group of fraudsters.
These con artists claimed to represent Middle Eastern capital and tricked several clubs into covering their travel and hospitality expenses, raking in anywhere from €1,000 to over €10,000.
Getafe, in particular, fell victim to a €20,000 scam.
The entire scheme only came to light after one astute club reported the matter to the police, resulting in the gang's arrest.
The memory still amused Yang Hao. At the time, La Liga's financial desperation had clearly driven clubs to make reckless decisions.
Enrique Cerezo agreed with Yang Hao's concerns.
"Spain's current financial review processes are relatively lax, which can attract foreign capital but also poses significant risks. La Liga needs safeguards to prevent chaos."
La Liga's greatest strengths now lie in two areas:
The Beckham Law, which keeps salary costs comparatively low, making La Liga highly appealing.A promising global outlook, thanks to years of aggressive international expansion, which has caught the attention of potential investors worldwide.
With broadcast rights bundled, and no longer dominated solely by Real Madrid and Barcelona, La Liga's appeal has naturally increased.
October 18: Champions League, Group Stage Round 3
Atlético Madrid faced Sparta Prague away.
Drogba opened the scoring in the 21st minute with an assist from Maicon.
In the 74th minute of the second half, Ribéry dribbled past multiple defenders on the left wing to set up Drogba for a second goal. The Ivorian's brace secured a 2–0 victory for Atlético, marking three straight wins in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defeated Rapid Vienna 3–0 at home, further proving that apart from Atlético and Arsenal, the other two teams in the group were no match.
In related news, Luxemburgo's resignation saw Real Madrid's interim coach, López Caro, lead them to a 4–1 victory against Rosenborg in the Champions League.
While Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona competed in the Champions League and UEFA Cup, the rest of La Liga's clubs played in the Copa del Rey, Round 3.
This season, the Copa del Rey schedule was adjusted to allow Champions League and UEFA Cup participants to join directly in the Round of 16, reducing their workload by two rounds.
As Yang Hao often said, the Copa del Rey's early rounds were largely ceremonial for Atlético.
While these matches gave lower-division teams a chance to face top-flight clubs and excite local fans, the effort required often outweighed the benefits. This sentiment was shared by other teams, prompting collective suggestions for change.
The adjusted schedule served as a trial run this season, with Atlético's first Copa del Rey match scheduled for January.
La Liga Round 8: Atlético Madrid vs. Racing Santander
Atlético traveled to Racing Santander, where Fernando Torres scored in the 16th minute to give his team the lead.
In the second half, Kaká scored again in the 51st minute to double the advantage.
Though Racing made substitutions and pushed for a comeback, Atlético's dominance was undeniable. In the 72nd minute, Kaká delivered a brilliant assist to David Villa, who sealed the win with a goal.
Final score: 3–0 in favor of Atlético.
Elsewhere, Barcelona cruised to a 3–0 victory at home against Osasuna, while Real Madrid defeated Valencia 2–0 at the Bernabéu, with goals from Van Nistelrooy and Raúl.
Under interim coach López Caro, Real Madrid employed a more cautious approach against Valencia, adopting a 4-3-1-2 formation:
Goalkeeper: CasillasDefense: Ashley Cole, Cannavaro, Samuel, SalgadoMidfield: Ballack, Vieira, Essien as defensive midfielders; Zidane ahead of themAttack: Van Nistelrooy and Raúl
David Beckham, Joaquín, and Ronaldo were rested for this match.
The strategy worked effectively, freeing Zidane to dictate play in attack while Van Nistelrooy and Raúl complemented each other well up front.
The full-backs, especially Ashley Cole on the left, played an active role in supporting the offense.
Real Madrid's formation shift and tactical adjustments paid off, sparking renewed calls for the club to continue its reforms and phase out its aging stars.
In related news, Zidane announced his plans to retire at the end of the season—a decision Yang Hao deeply respected.
"Zidane has always been wise," Yang Hao remarked. "He knows when to advance and when to retreat. Staying on would only lead to further awkwardness; retiring now shows both grace and foresight."
La Liga Round 9
The following week, Real Madrid secured a 2–0 away win against Real Betis, with goals from Robinho and Samuel. The team's form under Caro had improved, with three consecutive wins.
Barcelona demolished Real Sociedad 5–0 at home, while Atlético Madrid edged Villarreal 2–1 at the Calderón to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Midweek: Champions League, Group Stage, Matchday 4
Atlético Madrid hosted Sparta Prague at the Calderón. In the 23rd minute, Didier Drogba opened the scoring, assisted by starting right winger Lionel Messi. Messi had dribbled past two defenders in the right channel before delivering a perfect pass to Drogba, who made no mistake.
Atlético completely dominated the game. Yang Hao made a series of substitutions in the second half. In the 72nd minute, Messi scored the second goal after receiving a pass from David Silva. Near the end of the match, in the 86th minute, David Silva himself added a goal to seal a 3–0 victory for Atlético.
With four wins in four matches, Atlético secured qualification for the knockout stage.
Arsenal managed a 2–1 away win against Rapid Vienna, bringing their points total to 7. Atlético's first-place finish in the group seemed all but certain unless they lost heavily to Rapid Vienna and suffered another major defeat against Arsenal.
However, this was almost impossible since Rapid Vienna had lost all four of their group matches so far.
After the match, Yang Hao announced in the locker room that the remaining two group-stage games would be played by younger players. This news was met with cheers from players like David Silva, Messi, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos.
Back to La Liga: Matchday 10
Atlético Madrid faced Sevilla away.
Juande Ramos' team employed a well-drilled defensive strategy, relying on counterattacks led by Kanouté and Saviola. This posed challenges for Atlético's center-backs.
Atlético took the lead in the 60th minute but conceded an equalizer in the 86th minute due to a defensive mistake. The match ended 1–1, marking Atlético's first draw of the season and bringing their nine-match winning streak to a halt.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, narrowly defeated Zaragoza 1–0 at home thanks to a brilliant free kick from David Beckham. Barcelona earned a 3–1 away win against Getafe.
La Liga Matchday 11: Atlético Madrid vs. Cádiz
Atlético hosted Cádiz at the Calderón. In the 22nd minute, Arjen Robben cut inside from the right, dribbled past defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot into the near corner to give Atlético the lead.
In the second half, Lucio doubled the lead with a header in the 62nd minute. Kaká sealed the win with a goal in the 75th minute.
Final score: 3–0 for Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona defeated Málaga 2–0 at the Camp Nou, while Real Madrid secured a 3–1 away win against Deportivo La Coruña. Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice, with Raúl adding another goal.
Since changing coaches, Real Madrid had been in stellar form, with their midfield showing signs of improvement. López Caro's results earned initial praise, but the club was still searching for a high-profile manager.
International Break and Ballon d'Or Buzz
After Matchday 11, European leagues paused again for two weeks of international matches.
During this time, speculation about the Ballon d'Or reached fever pitch, with Kaká as the frontrunner.
Atlético Madrid spared no effort in campaigning for Kaká, with Yang Hao publicly advocating for his player. Yang Hao even addressed France Football editor-in-chief Gérard Ernault directly, saying:
"Kaká's win would be well-deserved. It would only enhance the prestige of the Ballon d'Or."
The implication was clear: if a player as exceptional and influential as Kaká didn't win, the credibility of the award would be called into question.
However, neither Ernault nor France Football responded to Yang Hao's remarks.
La Liga Matchday 12: A Tough Loss
The international break had a significant impact on Atlético Madrid. Several players, including Messi, had grueling commitments with their national teams.
As a result, Atlético suffered a 1–2 away loss to Celta Vigo. Yang Hao lamented the situation, stating that the players had done their best despite the challenges of fatigue and travel.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid hosted Barcelona in El Clásico. Using a defensive strategy with three holding midfielders, Real Madrid still fell to a late winner from Ronaldinho, who received widespread acclaim for his performance.
The Brazilian's decisive goal sparked a media frenzy, with Catalan outlets hailing him as a worthy contender for the Ballon d'Or.
In recent weeks, Barcelona had also been actively promoting Ronaldinho for the award, adding to the intense debate in the football world.
With only eight days left until the Ballon d'Or announcement, global anticipation was at its peak.
A Special Arrival
The day after Atlético's loss to Celta Vigo, Yang Hao personally drove to Madrid's main airport to greet two important guests who had traveled a long way to see him.
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