Chapter 94
From the moment Yang Hao began coaching Atlético Madrid, he placed great emphasis on post-match recovery training and match reviews.
This approach has proven highly effective for improving player fitness and enhancing the team's overall competitiveness. Recovery training helps alleviate post-match fatigue and adjusts players' physical conditions. The match reviews provide an opportunity for players to understand what transpired during the game, what they did well, what fell short, and what they need to focus on moving forward.
Yang Hao isn't sure how this method works at other clubs, but at Atlético, it's been a cornerstone of their success. While the benefits may not be immediately evident in a single match or even over a few months, the long-term consistency has been transformative.
It's like drops of water wearing away stone.
Yang Hao's presence at training sessions, though he doesn't lead the drills himself, has become a symbol of steadfast leadership. Despite not being a former player or an expert in physical training, he is a constant figure on the sideline, rain or shine, standing alongside his team.
Over time, the players have grown used to Yang Hao's presence. His watchful eye provides reassurance while also discouraging any laziness.
Atlético Madrid's training programs are carefully designed to anticipate and neutralize players' potential for slacking off. For instance, the team has implemented structured routines in the gym. Each station is staffed by supervisors who ensure the players complete the exercises properly and consistently.
For example, if a player uses a BOSU balance ball, they must maintain their balance on the assigned foot for the designated time. Any slip-ups result in starting over. Stretching exercises follow specific counts and ranges of motion, leaving no room for shortcuts.
Additionally, all training sessions are monitored, with the media team filming daily routines to share updates on platforms like YouTube and social media. Knowing their efforts—or mistakes—might become public encourages players to give their best, avoiding moments that could turn into embarrassing memes or reaction GIFs.
This strict oversight ensures that training sessions yield the desired results.
Over the years, Atlético's research and development laboratory has established a dedicated team for training regimen design. From football-specific drills to general fitness routines, they've invested considerable resources into refining and improving their methods.
Every year, the club allocates significant funds to stay at the cutting edge of technology and sports science. By attending industry conferences and exhibitions, Atlético continuously integrates the latest advancements into their systems, improving both individual and team performance.
Despite the seemingly high-tech and glamorous approach, the investment is relatively modest—just a few million euros annually. However, the impact on the club's training standards has been profound.
Atlético's Ambitious Expansion: Women's and Basketball Teams
Recently, Atlético Madrid announced the establishment of a women's football team and a basketball team, marking a major milestone in the club's growth.
This was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a strategic move reflecting the club's long-term vision.
In Spain, women's football has been steadily gaining prominence. Clubs like Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, Zaragoza, and Rayo Vallecano already boast strong women's teams. Rayo Vallecano, in particular, has been a dominant force in Spanish women's football.
For years, Atlético fans had been calling for a women's team.
Historically, most European clubs have neglected women's football. For instance, Manchester United shut down its women's team in 2005 after the Glazer family takeover, while even a giant like Real Madrid lacked a women's team until recently.
Such omissions have left gaps in fan engagement, especially among families with daughters who aspire to play football.
A turning point for Atlético came during their celebration of another treble-winning season. A prominent Spanish businessman approached club president Enrique Cerezo, explaining how his daughter, a lifelong Atlético fan, had to join Rayo Vallecano's women's team because Atlético lacked one.
This heartfelt story prompted a thorough investigation.
Atlético found that the broader European football culture often marginalized women's sports, but the tide was shifting. Marketing analysts within the club argued that women's football could enhance a club's reputation, showcasing respect for gender equality. From a commercial perspective, the market for women's football was untapped but promising, with relatively low initial costs.
When Atlético announced the creation of their women's team with a €500,000 annual budget, the Spanish football world was stunned.
To put this into context, this budget was considered extravagant for women's football, akin to the lavish spending of Abu Dhabi's acquisition of Valencia in men's football.
The club also revealed plans to purchase land near the Majadahonda training base, building a dedicated facility for the women's team, including a stadium for matches and state-of-the-art training facilities.
Notably, the women's team will share resources with the men's team, including access to Atlético's laboratory, medical staff, and top-notch coaching personnel. Their matches will be held at the newly renamed Calderón Stadium, located near the training base, paying homage to the club's former home.
Despite recruitment for the team not starting until the summer, thousands of fans had already expressed interest in joining or supporting the project.
Atlético Basketball: Expanding Horizons
The club also announced the acquisition of a Liga ACB basketball team, Estudiantes. Located just a kilometer from the Emirates Stadium, Estudiantes' home arena, Madrid Sports Hall, will now operate as Atlético's basketball base.
By incorporating basketball into the club's operations, Atlético further enhances its brand while fulfilling social responsibilities.
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These initiatives signify Atlético Madrid's commitment to holistic development. From training innovations to social engagement, the club is solidifying its position as a leader in European sports, striving to balance on-field success with broader cultural and community impact.
This Had Nothing to Do with Yang Hao
The establishment of Atlético's basketball team and women's football team were decisions made entirely by the club's management. Truth be told, Yang Hao knew next to nothing about basketball.
Back in his previous life, he had friends who wrote basketball novels, and he occasionally read their work. But his knowledge barely extended to recognizing names like Kobe, Shaquille O'Neal, or LeBron James. To say he was familiar with the sport would be a stretch.
When it came to areas outside his expertise, Yang Hao had a simple rule: leave it to the experts. Everyone else in the organization believed these initiatives were worth pursuing. For a club of Atlético's stature, the required investment was negligible, so there was little room for debate—just go for it.
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After hosting the training session and holding the post-match analysis meeting, Yang Hao joined everyone for a meal in the club's dining hall.
Even amid casual conversations, he could sense the tension in the air. Coaches, players, and staff alike couldn't hide their preoccupation with the major event unfolding in the heart of Madrid.
No official announcements had come through yet, but everyone was on edge.
This wasn't just a club matter; it was a pivotal moment for La Liga as a whole. The outcome of the negotiations would shape the league's future for years to come. From journalists to fans, everyone was eagerly awaiting news.
At the heart of the discussion was whether the investments made by Spanish clubs over the years—especially in expanding their global reach—would finally pay off.
A Competitive Domestic Market
Domestically, expectations hovered around €1.6 billion. Anything below this figure would be shocking, given La Liga's current stature.
Realistically, though, nobody expected the numbers to soar much higher.
For context, the Premier League's recent domestic broadcast deal had jumped from £1.13 billion to an astonishing £1.88 billion annually—approximately €2.82 billion. However, England's domestic market dwarfed Spain's, both in population and economic scale.
Moreover, Spain's pay-TV market was still catching up, and its growth was nowhere near as rapid as the UK's.
Four years ago, La Liga's broadcast rights—domestic and international combined—had fetched €1.6 billion. The domestic-only share of that deal had left companies like MDP and Telefónica bleeding cash.
But the league's international expansion efforts since then had borne fruit. For three years, La Liga had focused on low-cost promotions in overseas markets, earning handsome returns and creating leverage for this round of negotiations.
As a result, there was confidence that domestic rights would at least match the €1.6 billion mark. Still, expectations for a significant increase remained cautious.
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Anticipation and Distractions
The waiting was grueling. After lunch, the players retired to rest, while Yang Hao returned to his office to chat with his coaching staff about various trivial matters.
Among their lighthearted discussions, Yang Hao joked about assigning Mauricio Pochettino to coach Atlético's new women's team.
"Why Pochettino?" someone asked, chuckling.
"Well, if I recall correctly, his first coaching job was with Espanyol's women's team," Yang Hao replied with a grin. "Feels poetic, doesn't it?"
The room erupted into laughter, with everyone agreeing it wasn't a bad idea.
As for the basketball team, Yang Hao admitted he only remembered one basketball name: Luka something—possibly a Slovenian player who later went to the NBA.
"Why do I remember him? Because of Luka Modrić," Yang Hao joked, shrugging. "That's about the extent of my basketball knowledge."
He laughed off his ignorance, regretting not reading more basketball novels or doing some basic research in his previous life.
Shortly after, the coaches dispersed to rest. Just as Yang Hao stepped into his office, his phone buzzed.
It was Enrique Cerezo.
"The bidding results are out!"
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Historic Auction Results
From the top floor of Atlético's headquarters, the construction of the twin towers could be seen progressing steadily.
The two skyscrapers were part of a massive redevelopment project, with their underground structures integrated into the club's existing headquarters and Madrid's ring-road infrastructure. Despite the project's complexity, funding ensured everything stayed on schedule.
When Yang Hao received the call, he wasted no time. Leaving the training base at Majadahonda, he rushed to Atlético's headquarters, where the department heads were already gathered.
Everyone sat with bated breath as Enrique Cerezo began sharing the details.
"This auction was nothing short of historic—truly unprecedented," Cerezo began, brimming with excitement.
He explained how domestic broadcast rights were divided into four packages.
"Telefónica, as expected, secured the first two packages, giving them priority access to broadcast the most high-profile matches.
"The fiercest bidding war was between MDP and AVS for the third package, which includes the largest share of broadcast content. After an intense back-and-forth, MDP narrowly emerged victorious.
"Meanwhile, Vodafone retained the rights for broadcasting in public spaces like cafes and bars, doubling their previous bid to €200 million."
Cerezo paused for dramatic effect before delivering the news everyone was waiting for.
"We initially predicted domestic rights would hit €1.6 billion at best. But the final figure is staggering—€2.067 billion! And this is just for domestic rights!"
The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into murmurs of disbelief.
It was an astronomical figure. The Spanish domestic market alone had exceeded all expectations.
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A Global Expansion
"MDP has even begun extending its reach into overseas markets, bidding for La Liga's rights in Portugal and France," Cerezo continued.
Headquartered near the French border, MDP had leveraged La Liga's low-cost promotions to compete aggressively against Canal+, one of Spain's major media players.
Cerezo added, "MDP is confident about the domestic market's growth potential. Whether it's pay-TV or streaming platforms, they see La Liga as a lucrative long-term investment.
"And it's not just MDP. All the bidders came prepared, which is why we shattered expectations."
The final tally for domestic rights left everyone in awe. Even Yang Hao, who had anticipated good results, was pleasantly surprised.
With domestic rights alone surpassing €2 billion, the foundation for La Liga's rise as a global powerhouse was firmly in place. The next frontier would be the international market.
La Liga's Moment of Triumph
The results validated years of effort by Spanish clubs, particularly in expanding the league's international appeal.
Yang Hao, reflecting on this monumental achievement, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. La Liga was no longer in anyone's shadow. It was now firmly established as a global brand, poised to rival the Premier League.
For La Liga—and Atlético Madrid—the best was yet to come.
Surpassing the Premier League's €2.82 Billion Domestic Rights Revenue? Unrealistic
Let's be honest: Spain's economic foundation simply cannot compare to that of the United Kingdom.
"AVS has suffered another major setback. They poured resources into this round of bidding, but still lost to MDP. Coupled with their earlier struggles, this might widen the gap between the two companies even further," said Enrique Cerezo, shaking his head.
Telefónica, with its immense financial resources, secured the most valuable packages with top-tier matches at the highest price—a logical outcome.
As for MDP, its growth over the last three or four years has established it as a dominant player in Spain. Given three more years, AVS may be in serious trouble.
That said, it's not all bad news for AVS. Their parent company and major shareholder, Canal+, is also a financial powerhouse. It's only a matter of time before they attempt a comeback, especially as MDP's aggressive expansion into the French market poses a direct threat to Canal+.
While it's one thing for MDP to grow in Spain, targeting French turf could provoke a fierce response.
For now, both Telefónica and MDP face the challenge of expanding Spain's underdeveloped pay-TV market to justify their investments. With €20.67 billion in domestic rights, even relegated teams in La Liga could expect to receive at least €20 million annually—an undeniable boon for every club.
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The Question of International Rights
"What about international broadcasting rights?" Yang Hao asked, curiosity written all over his face.
Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Carlos Léo exchanged glances, their laughter bubbling over.
"It's exploded!"
"What?" Atlético's media director, Andrés Velasco, looked confused.
"Absolutely exploded!" Carlos Léo exclaimed.
"How much?"
"€2.16 billion!"
"Wait, how much?" Yang Hao's voice cracked in disbelief.
"€2.16 billion—La Liga's international broadcasting revenue for the next three years."
For a moment, everyone in the room froze. Then came the murmurs of astonishment.
Was this real?
It felt surreal.
"This seems… absurd," murmured Fernando Vázquez, Atlético's financial guru.
He wasn't wrong. The numbers were staggering.
To put things in perspective, the Premier League's international rights for the last three years totaled just £6.25 billion—roughly €9.37 billion. For La Liga to rake in €2.16 billion was nothing short of astonishing.
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Breaking Down the Revenue
"How did this happen?" Yang Hao asked, still struggling to wrap his head around it.
"The numbers are real," Miguel Gil confirmed. "Let me break it down for you:
The Americas contributed 36% of total international revenue, with North America alone accounting for 15%. NBC, ESPN, and FOX fiercely competed for the North American market, with NBC ultimately winning the rights for €324 million over three years, covering the U.S. and Canada. Similar bidding wars erupted in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
The Americas, as La Liga's traditional stronghold, delivered the largest share of international revenue this time around."
Carlos Léo chimed in, "Asia-Pacific was another major contributor, accounting for 26% of total revenue.
In Australia, rights were sold for €70 million—one of the highest bids in the region. Singapore saw SingTel outbid rival StarHub for €55 million, matching deals in Japan and South Korea."
Years of relentless efforts to grow the Asia-Pacific and North American markets were finally bearing fruit. In fact, La Liga's market share in Asia-Pacific had likely surpassed the Premier League's.
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Middle East and Africa
"In the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi Media Group secured the rights for the MENA region and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa at a hefty price," Cerezo explained.
"Overall, the Middle East and Africa contributed 18% of international revenue, with the MENA region performing especially well."
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Europe: Room for Growth
"Europe, excluding Spain, accounted for just 20% of international revenue," Cerezo added, his tone turning slightly serious.
This was where La Liga still trailed the Premier League.
According to official data, Europe (excluding the UK) generated over 40% of the Premier League's international revenue, amounting to roughly €4 billion. While La Liga wasn't far behind, the gap underscored the league's untapped potential in its home continent.
"If we want to keep growing, we need to make significant inroads across Europe," Cerezo concluded.
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The Road Ahead
At €2.16 billion over three years, La Liga's international broadcasting revenue was nothing short of revolutionary.
"It's roughly €720 million annually. Each club should receive around €36 million per season just from international rights. Combined with domestic rights, that's €50–60 million a year," Fernando Vázquez calculated, still stunned.
This was transformative. Many La Liga clubs, especially smaller ones, had never come close to earning such sums annually. Now, consistent revenues were guaranteed.
"The value of La Liga clubs is going to skyrocket," Carlos Léo said with a knowing grin.
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La Liga's Evolution
The incredible results reflected years of effort by La Liga to expand its global presence. Star-studded rosters, scheduling adjustments to cater to overseas viewers, and aggressive market promotions had all paid off.
Now, the league was poised to rival—or even surpass—the Premier League in key markets like Asia and the Americas.
For La Liga and Atlético Madrid, the era of abundance had just begun.
With Guaranteed Annual Revenues of €50-60 Million, What Is a La Liga Spot Worth?
More importantly, what does the growth trajectory look like?
La Liga is currently experiencing simultaneous growth in both domestic and international markets—explosive growth, to be exact.
But what about three years from now?
At this pace, there's no doubt that the international market will yield even greater returns. Consider the untapped potential in Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
"La Liga has already decided to open subsidiaries in Mexico and South Africa, with plans to deepen market penetration in the coming years," announced Enrique Cerezo.
La Liga currently has branches in Asia, the U.S., and Dubai, all working to grow the league's influence in key markets.
"After this auction, I believe everyone associated with La Liga will feel more confident than ever!" Cerezo added with visible excitement.
At the very least, the era of La Liga clubs drowning in debt is nearing its end.
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Regulatory Reforms: A New Era for La Liga
"Tomorrow, Antonio Ponte will formally announce these results, alongside the league's new financial oversight policies. This will greatly boost market confidence and reassure fans and investors alike," Cerezo explained.
Yang Hao nodded in agreement.
"The results prove that the reforms we pushed for years ago were absolutely correct," Cerezo said, turning to Yang Hao.
"Yang, your proposal back then laid the foundation for today's La Liga prosperity."
Cerezo sighed deeply before continuing.
"After the results came in, owners of several mid-to-lower-tier La Liga clubs personally thanked me for Atlético Madrid's leadership in driving these reforms. They said this not only elevated Atlético Madrid's status within Spanish football but also benefited countless smaller clubs and the country's youth development programs."
Everyone understood the truth.
La Liga's push for globalization and its impressive results today would have been impossible without those reforms. Without them, it would still be Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating, with maybe Atlético Madrid joining the mix, while the rest of the league floundered.
This isn't speculation—it's precisely what happened in Yang Hao's previous life.
Real Madrid and Barcelona earned over €100 million each from broadcasting rights annually, far surpassing the combined earnings of all other La Liga teams.
Why?
Because these two clubs were the biggest attractions. Once they secured deals, broadcasters didn't care about smaller clubs.
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From Fragmentation to Solidarity
The domestic market was no different. AVS, having secured deals with Madrid and Barça, paid other clubs peanuts. This led to annual player strikes, unpaid salaries, and widespread financial instability across the league.
But then Atlético Madrid stepped up, spearheading a move to consolidate La Liga's broadcasting rights. This effectively curbed Madrid and Barça's dominance and distributed revenue more equitably among all clubs.
Ironically, neither Madrid nor Barça fully grasped the extent of their losses. Instead, they celebrated as La Liga's international rights revenue soared.
What they didn't realize was that, in Yang Hao's previous life, each club would have been earning over €100 million annually from broadcasting rights alone.
This underscores the importance of strong institutional frameworks.
A well-regulated league fosters collective growth. While Madrid and Barça may have lost out on some revenue under the new system, the league's improved environment has also driven up their commercial incomes.
So, have they truly lost out? Likely not.
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Atlético's Growing Influence
The biggest beneficiary, however, is undoubtedly Atlético Madrid.
Now positioned as La Liga's de facto leader, Atlético enjoys widespread support from smaller clubs.
This advantage may not be immediately obvious, but in the long run—when Atlético seeks to sign players from other leagues or rival clubs—it will prove invaluable.
Think of Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga, where they have a near-monopoly on top domestic talent.
While Atlético won't achieve Bayern's level of control, Enrique Cerezo's diplomatic acumen ensures the club's influence within La Liga will continue to grow.
This is why Yang Hao always emphasizes that Atlético Madrid's "Big Three"—its coach, president, and managing director—are indispensable.
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La Liga Takes the Spotlight
The next day, at a press conference at La Liga's Madrid headquarters, the scale of the announcement was unprecedented. Nearly 200 journalists attended, reflecting the world's anticipation.
Rumors had been swirling, but nothing concrete had been confirmed until now.
With an excited tone, Antonio Ponte announced the results:
Domestic broadcasting rights: €20.67 billion. International broadcasting rights: €21.6 billion.
For a total of €42.27 billion over three years.
The bombshell news stunned everyone present.
La Liga, with these figures, had surpassed the Premier League's €37.57 billion total and officially become the most lucrative league in the world.
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Media Shock and Skepticism
Journalists were in disbelief, their expressions a mix of awe and doubt.
Everyone knew La Liga had been investing heavily in global expansion for the past six or seven years, consistently pushing the boundaries.
Clubs embarked on grueling summer tours, fans grumbled about inconvenient match times, and even the clubs themselves felt the strain.
For instance, Levante's poorly executed preseason tour in Asia last year caused significant damage to La Liga's reputation. They were publicly criticized by the league, and now they sit at the bottom of the table.
When the auction results were announced, Levante's owner reportedly broke down in tears.
€50-60 million in guaranteed revenue per year, gone.
Desperate to reverse their fortunes, Levante now wants to stay in La Liga, but their earlier mismanagement leaves them little chance of survival.
For most La Liga teams, simply staying in the league guarantees financial stability.
With decent stadium capacities, matchday revenues, and sponsorship deals, even modest clubs can expect annual revenues exceeding €100 million.
This is nothing short of revolutionary.
La Liga's transformation is a testament to the power of collective action and forward-thinking reform.
A few years ago, how many European clubs could boast revenues exceeding €100 million?
Debts that once seemed crushing no longer appear so burdensome.
The unluckiest club in this situation is Espanyol. Sold off earlier this year, the broadcast rights auction results immediately inflated the value of La Liga clubs.
Even worse for Espanyol's former owners, the team is performing well this season, comfortably avoiding relegation, meaning they're guaranteed to collect these lucrative revenues.
At the same time, La Liga seized the opportunity to formally announce its financial oversight policy, mandating that all clubs meet strict financial standards.
Antonio Ponte emphasized the necessity of controlling player wages and stated that La Liga would implement additional measures to redirect spending toward youth development and infrastructure, such as stadiums and training centers.
He also highlighted the poor state of most La Liga facilities and expressed hope that this situation would gradually improve.
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News Goes Viral Worldwide
The moment the press conference ended, the announcement spread like wildfire.
Media outlets and fans around the world were less interested in the technical details and more astonished by the numbers.
Their reaction was summed up in one word: Wow.
"La Liga is killing it!"
With annual revenues this high, won't La Liga clubs become flush with cash?
Not so fast.
La Liga clarified that finances will remain strictly regulated.
This was a clear warning to any clubs or leagues hoping to exploit La Liga's newfound wealth: while revenues are rising, spending will be kept in check. Clubs shouldn't expect to jack up their asking prices for players.
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Learning from the Premier League
In Yang Hao's previous timeline, the Premier League struggled with this exact issue. Teams often paid inflated prices for players, exacerbated by the premium placed on "homegrown" talent.
This led to transfer fees and salaries spiraling out of control.
Antonio Ponte, with his financial expertise, was quick to recognize these risks. He preemptively introduced policies to curb excessive spending and guide La Liga toward sustainable, long-term growth.
For this, Yang Hao gave Ponte a big thumbs-up.
It was clear that La Liga was growing more mature in its approach to managing the league.
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The Spanish FA Benefits Too
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has also benefited greatly.
With higher broadcasting fees, the federation now enjoys more resources for its own competitions. For instance, the Copa del Rey has become a significant revenue driver, with sponsorship deals and naming rights adding to its value.
Although La Liga manages the league, the RFEF retains control of the Copa del Rey and profits substantially from it.
Even the Spanish Super Cup, despite being organized by La Liga, sees its revenues mostly go to the federation.
Some media reports suggest that the RFEF is even considering hosting the Copa del Rey final abroad, though this idea has been met with strong resistance from fans and La Liga itself.
If moving the Spanish Super Cup overseas was controversial, sending the Copa del Rey final abroad would likely spark outrage.
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A Shockwave in England
The reaction from British media was especially intense.
The Times published an in-depth analysis of La Liga's broadcast rights auction, noting that the league had been at the forefront of globalization efforts in European football for years.
While the Premier League has made strides, its pace has been far slower.
"Traditionally, the Asia-Pacific and North American markets were strongholds for the Premier League. But now, look at the results: La Liga has completely taken over," the Times lamented.
In particular, the loss of the North American market stung the most.
When the Premier League first tried to break into North America, it negotiated with Fox and ESPN for years. Both networks were hesitant to invest heavily, doubting the appeal of football in the U.S.
As a result, the Premier League entered the market at rock-bottom prices.
Meanwhile, La Liga teams toured the U.S. every summer, even moving the Spanish Super Cup there. Initially, Premier League teams dismissed this as inconsequential, with some even joking, "Let the Spaniards pave the way. We'll come in once the market is ready."
Now, however, the Premier League finds itself on the back foot.
NBC, one of the largest American broadcasters, won the bidding war for La Liga's North American rights, outpacing both Fox and ESPN.
NBC's investment signals a major shift in the U.S. sports market.
The Times also noted that Atlético Madrid has become the most popular and recognizable football club in North America, thanks to global stars like Kaká, Torres, Messi, and Drogba.
Even Real Madrid, with stars like Beckham, Ronaldo, and Ibrahimović, ranks second.
This success stems from La Liga's consistency. Clubs visit the U.S. almost every year, unlike Premier League teams, whose efforts have been less coordinated.
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A Warning for the Premier League
The Times concluded that while La Liga may trail the Premier League in its domestic market, it has pulled ahead in the rapidly growing international markets.
The broadcast rights auction results serve as undeniable proof of this shift.
For the Premier League, this is a wake-up call to act quickly or risk falling further behind.
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Praise from UEFA
UEFA refrained from commenting directly on La Liga's auction results but congratulated the league on its success.
The organization praised La Liga's financial oversight measures, calling them a major step toward ensuring the health of the football industry.
UEFA President Michel Platini went a step further, openly stating that La Liga's management practices are the gold standard for European football.
"Atlético Madrid, as a model of success both on and off the pitch, should serve as an inspiration to all European clubs," Platini said.
Yang Hao couldn't help but roll his eyes.
With Platini's constant praise, it felt as though he was angling to become Atlético's honorary godfather.
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Background on La Liga's Broadcast Auction
This story combines meticulous research with creative interpretation. The timeline of La Liga's global expansion has been pieced together from various sources.
While some specifics, like the exact timing of Atlético Madrid's women's team formation, required educated guesses, the overarching narrative reflects a comprehensive understanding of La Liga's evolution and its efforts to surpass the Premier League.
Barcelona's Old Port
Alisher Usmanov's luxury yacht was so massive that it could only dock at the outermost part of Barcelona's Old Port.
From the deck, the iconic Christopher Columbus Monument stood directly in sight, with the Olympic Park and Espanyol's Olympic Stadium visible to the south near the harbor.
Despite the short distance, Usmanov always arranged for a driver to pick him up.
Unlike others who might stroll to the stadium, his entourage of conspicuous bodyguards made this impossible.
The biggest inconvenience for him? The Olympic Stadium lacked VIP boxes. That, combined with the long, oval-shaped track and semi-circular areas, greatly diminished the viewing experience for spectators.
For Usmanov, this was intolerable.
But today, all of that frustration faded.
In celebration, he broke out some of his finest wine and invited Farhad Moshiri and Ramón Planes, Espanyol's technical assistant, to join him onboard.
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Ramón Planes: A Trusted Ally
At only 40 years old, Ramón Planes had an impressive resume. Beginning as Sporting Director for Spanish lower-division club Hospitalet in 1999, he had worked with Racing Santander, Alavés, and Lleida before joining Espanyol in the summer of 2007.
While officially listed as a technical assistant, it was clear his role was more of a trial period to gauge his fit within the club.
Planes had quickly become a critical figure for the Russian billionaire and his associate, Farhad Moshiri, who needed someone well-versed in football operations to navigate the complexities of managing a club.
Planes' ascent was evident in the privilege of sharing drinks aboard Usmanov's luxury yacht.
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A Toast to Success
"To the prosperity of La Liga!" exclaimed Usmanov, raising his glass.
"To the bright future of Espanyol!" Planes responded enthusiastically.
Moshiri smirked, shaking his head. "I'm more practical—here's to making a fortune!"
"Well said!" Usmanov roared with laughter.
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A Billionaire's Delight
What had Usmanov in such high spirits?
The day's announcement from La Liga.
Who could have imagined that La Liga's broadcast rights for the next three seasons would sell for such astronomical sums?
This wasn't just significant; it was staggering.
Moshiri calculated that if the sale of Espanyol had been delayed until after the broadcast deal, it might have cost Usmanov an additional €50 million—or even €100 million.
This timely acquisition felt like pure serendipity.
Usmanov wasn't thrilled by the money saved. For him, the real joy lay in the validation of his foresight.
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New Stadium, New Aspirations
"Ramón, tell the contractors to accelerate the construction of our new stadium. I've had enough of that cursed Olympic Stadium," Usmanov fumed.
"If they don't speed up, I'll scrap the project and buy the Olympic Stadium outright for a complete overhaul!"
"Well said!" Moshiri chimed in, fanning the billionaire's fervor.
Planes, ever the diplomat, promised swift action while inwardly chuckling.
There was no doubt about it—this Russian boss wasn't just wealthy; he was a bona fide tycoon.
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An Investment Commitment
Moshiri turned to Planes. "The boss just made an executive decision: the €100 million we saved goes straight into the club. This summer, we're adding another €100 million to the transfer budget."
Planes, stunned and overjoyed, exclaimed, "Boss, this is—"
"Don't question it," Moshiri interrupted. "When the boss commits, he commits. Your job is to figure out the financial regulations and ensure every Espanyol fan knows how much heart the boss has for this club."
"Exactly," Usmanov agreed. "We're taking on Barcelona. Our strength might lag for now, but we'll match them in spirit!"
Moshiri added with a grin, "That's the spirit—€100 million to show them who's boss!"
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Strategic Planning
"Ramón," Usmanov asked, "what's your assessment of Valverde?"
Planes replied, "He's a very capable coach. I think highly of him."
"Can we rely on him long-term?"
"Absolutely."
"And our transfer strategy?"
Planes elaborated, "We should approach this from two angles.
"First, our squad is solid, but dislodging the 'Big Three' of La Liga—Atlético, Barcelona, and Real Madrid—won't happen overnight. It would require massive spending, which we can't match for now. Occasional wins against them are possible, but competing head-to-head will take time."
He pointed out that even Valencia, with their significant investment, was still struggling to consistently outperform Villarreal or Sevilla.
"Our immediate focus should be on cementing ourselves as a top-tier team in La Liga with aspirations for European football. To that end, we should prioritize value-for-money signings like Deportivo La Coruña has done with solid, affordable players."
"Go on," Usmanov urged.
"Second, from a commercial perspective, the trend toward globalization is undeniable. The 'Big Three' have already paved the way. We should consider recruiting players from Asia-Pacific and Africa, alongside our traditional focus on South America."
"This would help us align with La Liga's international ambitions and boost the club's global profile, gradually increasing revenue streams."
"Excellent. You have my full support," Usmanov declared.
"One more thing," he added.
"Yes?"
"Try to sign some players from Russia, Ukraine, or Eastern Europe. They're talented and would resonate well with fans in those regions."
Planes nodded. "Understood. I'll take care of it."
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A Billionaire's Legacy
With that, Usmanov raised his glass once more.
"Here's to Espanyol!"
The mood was jubilant, fueled by the billionaire's newfound sense of vindication. His decision to invest in La Liga had already begun to pay off handsomely.
And as Usmanov basked in his triumph, one thought lingered: this was just the beginning.
When heading to the nearby café for a cup of coffee, remember that café belongs to Carlos Slim. The coffee? It comes from a plantation he invested in.
Even when you pull out your phone to make a call, that phone was likely bought through Slim's stores, and your phone bill? Paid to Slim's telecom company.
In Mexico City, no matter which shop you visit, there's a high chance the property is rented from Slim's enterprises.
Carlos Slim Helú: A Quiet Titan of Mexico
Carlos Slim Helú, a silent but omnipresent force controlling Mexico's economy, was now in his modestly furnished office at the Grupo Carso headquarters. The room was neither spacious nor lavish, but Slim's influence extended far beyond its walls. Today, he was listening to a report on the setback his company faced during La Liga's broadcast rights auction.
Despite managing a vast empire, Slim personally oversaw even relatively minor matters, like this one involving just a few hundred million euros. Especially so, given that this was his brainchild.
"We lost to Telefónica?" Slim asked calmly.
"Yes, sir. They bid aggressively. It seems they were determined to win."
Slim raised his hand, signaling the assistant to stop. "Let's focus on what comes next. What's the plan?"
There was no point in lamenting a loss—solutions mattered more.
"We're exploring options, perhaps acquiring sublicenses from Telefónica," the assistant suggested.
"It's not about the rights. You've missed the point," Slim replied, his tone betraying a hint of frustration.
Although he wasn't angry, his assistant sensed Slim's growing impatience. Despite years of mentorship, Slim felt the assistant hadn't fully grasped his methodology—something that slowed operations and undermined efficiency.
"Do you think I care about a minor telecom deal?" Slim asked evenly. His calm voice carried the weight of someone who could alter another's destiny with a single decision.
The assistant fell silent, struck by the gravity of the question.
"Whether we have the rights or not is immaterial. If needed, we'll simply pay Telefónica more and acquire them. The real problem is that we've lost a key foothold in Spain," Slim explained with a sigh.
A Broader Perspective
As one of the world's wealthiest men, Slim had access to information far beyond what others could obtain. For instance, while most people only vaguely sensed turmoil in the U.S. financial system, Slim already understood the gravity of the impending debt crisis.
Reports from his team hinted at a ripple effect that would soon reach Europe. Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street players were already laying groundwork to exploit the situation.
Slim had no interest in speculative finance. He preferred tangible investments, such as Spain's construction firms.
Spanish construction giants, which dominated markets across Central and South America, had inexplicably fallen into financial turmoil. Despite their global competitiveness, they were somehow incurring losses.
As the owner of construction companies under Grupo Carso, Slim couldn't comprehend how these Spanish firms had mismanaged such lucrative opportunities.
These companies were all Fortune 500 members. Given their current losses, any financial shock from the U.S. would likely cripple them, presenting Slim with a golden opportunity to acquire them at bargain prices.
But he needed a pretext. Walking into Spain and declaring his intent to buy out struggling firms would be foolish. Familiarity and local influence were prerequisites for his strategy.
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Laying the Groundwork
Slim's interest in football was a calculated move, although no one knew it. To outsiders, it simply seemed like the billionaire had suddenly taken an interest in La Liga.
"Bring Patrick and Hajji to me," Slim instructed.
Patrick, his youngest son, had chaired América Móvil since 2004. Daniel Hajj, one of his sons-in-law, served as the CEO of América Móvil.
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Post-Auction Panic in La Liga
The conclusion of La Liga's broadcast rights auction sparked global debate, but in Spain, it ignited outright panic, particularly among clubs hovering near the relegation zone.
Teams like Osasuna, Getafe, Zaragoza, and Athletic Bilbao were all flirting with relegation and scrambling to strengthen their squads during the winter transfer window.
Levante, however, had seemingly given up entirely. Valencia's fans, outraged by Levante's management, vented their frustration, claiming:
"You didn't even wait for the ambulance—you just keeled over and died!"
Levante had only managed 8 points this season, with just two wins to their name. One of their few victories came against Unai Emery's Almería.
By comparison, the second-to-last team, Osasuna, had 20 points—a 12-point gap over Levante.
Barring a miracle, Levante seemed destined for relegation.
To make matters worse, Levante's management had inexplicably allowed three players to leave on free transfers just before the winter break, reportedly to save money.
In contrast, teams like Getafe and Osasuna were actively seeking reinforcements to avoid the financial catastrophe of relegation.
Desperate Measures
For instance, Getafe had reportedly set their sights on Bolton's French striker Nicolas Anelka. They were scrambling to secure funds to pay the €15–20 million transfer fee, hoping Anelka could solve their goal-scoring woes.
But Chelsea had also expressed interest in Anelka, with rumors suggesting they might swoop in during the winter window.
If Chelsea signed Anelka, Getafe had backup options: Diego Forlán, the Uruguayan striker struggling at Chelsea, and Bordeaux's Moroccan forward Marouane Chamakh, whose Europa League performances had impressed Getafe manager Michael Laudrup.
For clubs fighting to stay afloat, every move in the winter market carried enormous weight.
Osasuna and other teams were scrambling to secure reinforcements, hoping to avoid relegation.
But some clubs, not at risk of relegation, were still looking to strengthen their squads—for example, Valencia.
After their massive summer spending spree, the club continued to bolster their roster. According to information Yang Hao received, Valencia aimed to finalize their squad before La Liga's financial regulations came into full effect, thereby reducing the policy's potential impact on their operations.
Currently, Valencia's biggest concern was their midfield.
Carlo Ancelotti felt the team's midfield lacked depth and was inadequate to handle the demands of the UEFA Cup, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. As a result, he sought to reinforce this area.
When the winter transfer window opened, Valencia made inquiries about Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, hoping to lure the mainstay of the Giallorossi to the Mestalla. Valencia reportedly raised their bid to €40 million, but Roma rejected it outright. Roma, under pressure from Juventus in Serie A, was determined to retain De Rossi to maintain their competitiveness.
Unable to secure De Rossi, Valencia turned to Liverpool and signed midfielder Mohamed Sissoko for €11 million. The robust midfielder was brought in as a backup for David Albelda.
Although Albelda, at 30, was still performing well, concerns about his form were beginning to arise.
Shortly thereafter, Valencia made another stunning acquisition, signing Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder from Ajax for €25 million. This transfer shocked the European football scene.
It was clear that Ancelotti remained skeptical about the readiness of young midfielder Anderson.
The club also signed Argentine midfielder Éver Banega from Boca Juniors for €18 million and towering striker Nikola Žigić from Racing Santander for €14 million.
The European football world couldn't help but marvel at the immense financial power of Valencia's Middle Eastern ownership, who were showcasing their ambition to contend for the title.
€68 Million Spent in Winter Transfers
Valencia's winter spending spree, totaling €68 million, far outpaced other clubs. Aside from AC Milan's €24 million acquisition of Brazilian wonderkid Alexandre Pato from Internacional, most European clubs were tightening their belts.
However, several La Liga teams continued to aggressively recruit players.
This surge in spending was heavily influenced by La Liga's record-breaking broadcast rights auction. Observers speculated that competition within the league would reach unprecedented levels. Even mid- to lower-tier teams were likely to fight tooth and nail to stay in the league.
After all, remaining in La Liga guaranteed annual revenues of €50–60 million. Relegation, on the other hand, meant losing it all.
The calculation was simple, and the stakes were enormous.
Yang Hao Feels the Pressure
Yang Hao was well aware of the growing threat posed by Valencia.
Interestingly, it was not widely known that Valencia had previously approached Inter Milan to inquire about signing Adriano. However, Inter refused to sell their Brazilian striker, and Adriano himself expressed no interest in joining Valencia.
After failing to secure Adriano, Valencia turned their attention to Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, only to be met with a firm rejection from the Red Devils.
Now, with the additions of Sissoko, Sneijder, Banega, and Žigić, Valencia's midfield and attack had become significantly more formidable.
Combined with their existing stars such as David Villa, emerging talent Juan Mata, Vicente, Nani, Anderson, and Dimitar Berbatov, the Bats had assembled a fearsome squad. Their clear goal for the season was a top-four finish.
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January 16: Copa del Rey Round of 16, Second Leg
Atlético Madrid fielded a full reserve lineup for their away match against Valladolid.
The first half ended goalless, but three minutes into the second half, Luis Suárez converted an Ángel Di María assist to give Atlético the lead.
However, in the 68th minute, Valladolid's Josete Llorente equalized.
The match ended in a 1–1 draw, and Atlético advanced to the quarterfinals with a 2–1 aggregate victory.
Quarterfinal Pairings:
Villarreal vs. Barcelona Atlético Madrid vs. Getafe Valencia vs. Real Mallorca Racing Santander vs. Athletic Bilbao
Shock Results in the Copa del Rey
Real Mallorca had already made waves by eliminating Arsène Wenger's Real Madrid.
Mallorca defeated the league leaders 2–1 at home in the first leg and then secured a 1–0 away victory in the second leg. Both Alexis Sánchez and Arturo Vidal started in both matches and delivered strong performances.
Wenger, undeterred by the loss, stated that Real Madrid would now focus entirely on the league and the Champions League.
"With La Liga's current level of competition, fighting on three fronts is almost impossible," Wenger said.
His comments sparked outrage among British media outlets, including The Sun and The Times, which accused Wenger of betraying the Premier League by praising La Liga.
However, Wenger's remarks reflected a growing reality:
For example, Barcelona faced Sevilla in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Both teams had advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 as group winners and were strong contenders for the quarterfinals.
Imagine that—a clash between two potential Champions League quarterfinalists happening in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Mallorca—currently a mid-table La Liga side—had eliminated Real Madrid, the league leaders, with a two-legged sweep.
Why?
Real Madrid had rotated their squad heavily, losing 2–1 away in the first leg and failing to recover at home.
This was the harsh reality of La Liga's fierce competition.
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Relentless League Battles
The Copa del Rey was only the beginning. Desperate to stay in La Liga, many teams were fighting tooth and nail.
In La Liga Round 20, Getafe secured a dramatic 3–2 comeback win over Sevilla. Juan de Ramos' Sevilla, dominant in the Champions League, suffered an embarrassing defeat to a relegation-threatened side.
Adding to the intrigue, Ancelotti, who had lost 3–0 to Villarreal in the season opener, exacted revenge with a 3–0 away victory at El Madrigal in Round 20.
David Villa, Antonio López, and Berbatov all scored for Valencia.
Elsewhere, Osasuna defeated Athletic Bilbao 2–0 at home, while Barcelona edged out Racing Santander 1–0 at the Camp Nou, courtesy of a Thierry Henry goal.
But the highlight of Round 20 was undoubtedly the Madrid Derby the following day.
Atlético Madrid, second in the standings, would host Real Madrid, the league leaders, at the Emirates Stadium.
This was more than just a derby—it was a battle for the top spot in La Liga.
Atlético Madrid, trailing Real Madrid by one game, viewed this match as a decisive battle for the La Liga top spot. Both teams treated it with the utmost seriousness.
At the pre-match press conference, Real Madrid coach Arsène Wenger described the challenge awaiting his team:
"This will be a very, very difficult game," he said. "We are up against a truly extraordinary team. If I were to define this match, I'd call it a 'Battle for Earth.' At the Emirates Stadium, we'll be tested by an opponent akin to extraterrestrial invaders."
Wenger emphasized the importance of scoring first when facing Atlético Madrid.
"We cannot afford to let such a formidable team score even a single goal. Otherwise, our survival rate will plummet, and we'll fall into a vicious cycle."
Wenger alluded to the danger of conceding first: the rush to equalize could open more opportunities for Atlético to counterattack.
The Real Madrid coach also made an appeal to the club's fans:
"I want to tell our supporters that our style and philosophy won't change. But playing an exciting match isn't solely the responsibility of the team. I hope our fans will continue to support us, especially during tough times."
This statement was widely interpreted as a signal that Wenger planned to adopt a more defensive approach at the Emirates.
Marca even predicted that Wenger would deploy a three-defensive-midfield setup, the best way to contain Atlético.
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January 20: Madrid Derby at the Emirates Stadium
Atlético Madrid hosted Real Madrid in what was billed as a showdown for the league's top spot.
The home team stuck with their trusted 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer Defense: Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Dani Alves Midfield: Xabi Alonso (holding), Andrés Iniesta, Kaká Forwards: David Silva, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi
With both Arjen Robben and Patrice Evra sidelined due to injuries, Yang Hao was forced to field a left-sided combination of Marcelo and David Silva.
Wenger, well aware of Atlético's weaknesses on that flank, also set up his team in a 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas Defense: Ashley Cole, Giorgio Chiellini, Walter Samuel, Philipp Lahm Midfield: Andrea Pirlo (holding), Yaya Touré, Michael Essien Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Joaquín
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Opening Minutes: A Tactical Chess Match
The match began with Atlético Madrid taking the kick-off and immediately sending the ball into their own half. Real Madrid quickly pressed forward.
Yang Hao observed from the sideline as Wenger's tactical setup revealed itself. While nominally a 4-3-3, Real Madrid's shape often shifted into what resembled a 4-2-3-1.
Essien played closer to Pirlo, effectively forming a double pivot to shield the Italian playmaker. Yaya Touré operated as a box-to-box midfielder, pressing high when necessary but also retreating to reinforce the defensive block.
Atlético dominated possession early, relying on their crisp passing to probe for weaknesses. David Silva and Messi frequently dropped into the half-spaces to create numerical superiority in midfield.
However, just one minute in, Yang Hao noticed something peculiar about Real Madrid's defensive setup.
Wenger's team dropped back into a compact block that resembled a 4-4-1-1. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joaquín tracked back to the flanks, forming two solid defensive lines. Touré advanced slightly higher to harass Xabi Alonso whenever he received the ball.
The formation seemed designed to stifle Atlético's build-up play and isolate their key players.
By the second minute, Messi drifted into the right half-space to receive the ball while Kaká made a diagonal run forward. Messi's lateral dribble created an opening, but Real Madrid's defense reacted swiftly.
Ronaldo, Essien, Pirlo, and Touré closed in, forming a cage around Messi and cutting off his connection with Kaká. Forced to pass back to Iniesta, Messi had to relinquish the ball.
When Iniesta picked it up, Joaquín immediately stepped up to pressure him, forcing another backward pass.
This pressure extended to Atlético's backline, as Ibrahimović pressed Thiago Silva and Pepe whenever they received the ball.
Yang Hao, intrigued, praised Wenger's defensive scheme:
"This is a clever setup," he said to his coaching staff.
Assistant coach Juanma Lillo nodded in agreement. "It's clear Wenger's thrown everything into this game. His priority is breaking the connection between Messi and Kaká."
"They're putting all their resources into containing us," said Lillo.
Yang Hao, however, remained skeptical.
"Wenger must have a trick up his sleeve. He's not one to play a purely defensive game."
Yang Hao's suspicions stemmed from Wenger's pre-match remarks, which seemed designed to lower expectations and deflect criticism.
The game's early moments only reinforced Yang Hao's doubts. Wenger was too meticulous to let his tactical plans slip so easily.
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