Chapter 96
"58!"
The front page of Marca was dominated by a massive "58," composed of photos from Atlético Madrid's goals across their 58-game unbeaten streak. Beneath it, the timeline of matches, opponents, and results was listed in fine print, creating a visual homage to the historic achievement.
The layout exuded an epic tone.
Spain's most influential sports publication devoted multiple pages to analyzing the significance of Atlético's accomplishment, emphasizing that their journey was far from over. The Milan dynasty's 58-match record was now history, but the Colchoneros' march continued.
"We are incredibly proud to witness Atlético's legendary run in our era, a feat that transcends time and inspires awe."
"Fifty-eight games unbeaten. Atlético Madrid has matched the longest unbeaten streak in the history of Europe's top leagues!"
The article revealed that, upon returning to Madrid late that night from Pamplona, Atlético was greeted by throngs of fans lining the streets, celebrating as if the team had just won a championship.
Despite the late hour, Atlético's passionate supporters turned out in droves to honor their team.
"Last night, Atlético fans across the world were united in celebration!"
"It was a night to witness history—a truly unforgettable moment. From Kaká's brilliant backheel pass to Messi's decisive left-footed strike, to Torres's exuberant reaction after the goal—we were all captivated!"
"The past 58 matches have been increasingly challenging. Especially in the final stretch, every game has been a fierce battle, often decided in the dying minutes."
"The path to this milestone was paved with determination, sacrifice, and an indomitable spirit. This is a triumph not just for Atlético but for Spanish football and global fans alike."
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Praise from All Corners
During the live broadcast, José Ramón de la Morena, a famous Atlético-supporting commentator on Cadena SER, was so moved by Messi's goal that he broke down in tears.
"As one of Spain's most devoted Atlético fans, he admitted he never dreamed he would witness such greatness."
"'I want to kneel before Yang Hao,' he said."
Luis Aragonés, now managing Mallorca, exclaimed at his press conference:
"I'm immensely proud to be a fan and a member of Atlético Madrid!"
Congratulatory messages poured in from every corner of Spanish football, including the Spanish FA, La Liga, and the referees' committee. Spanish FA President Ángel María Villar declared:
"Atlético is not only Spain's pride but a treasure for fans worldwide!"
UEFA also extended its congratulations, with Michel Platini proclaiming:
"I've always been an Atlético fan, captivated by their dreamy, artistic style of football. I'm thrilled they've equaled history and hope they'll create a new one!"
FIFA President Sepp Blatter added his voice:
"Atlético has been the best and strongest team in the world over recent years. Under my tenure, it's an honor to witness such a great club make history."
By the following morning, the Spanish Royal Family sent their own messages of congratulations. King Juan Carlos I called Atlético President Enrique Cerezo, praising the club as a model for Spanish football. Crown Prince Felipe echoed the sentiment, proudly affirming his role as an honorary president and lifelong Atlético fan.
The Spanish Prime Minister, Parliament, Madrid Mayor's Office, and City Council also issued statements celebrating the accomplishment.
International partners like Nike, Emirates Airlines, Dubai Tourism, Audi, and Adidas joined the flood of congratulations, highlighting their pride in supporting the historic club.
Messages of goodwill from every corner of the world flooded Madrid, the epicenter of this football storm.
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The Day After
The morning after the match, Yang Hao drove to Atlético's training base in Majadahonda. To his surprise, a group of fans had already gathered outside the gates.
Bundled up against the winter chill, they wore Atlético jerseys over their long sleeves, wrapped themselves in scarves, and topped off their outfits with club hats. They were unmistakable.
When Yang Hao's car came into view, the crowd erupted in cheers, swarming toward him.
"Hello, Yang! Good morning!"
"Good morning, everyone."
Yang Hao rolled down his window and greeted them warmly.
"You're here so early?"
Though he didn't know them personally, their dedication was evident. Hardcore fans like this braving the cold at dawn deserved recognition.
Earlier that morning, club staff Juan Muñoz and Aguilera had already called him, informing him that several Atlético fan clubs were organizing activities to celebrate the milestone.
"More people will arrive soon," one fan said, beaming with pride. His expression seemed to say: You bring the magic on the pitch; we'll match that energy off it.
Yang Hao was moved by their devotion.
On a freezing winter morning, these fans had come out to celebrate their team.
"I'll have the gates opened so you can all come in."
He drove up to the entrance, stepped out, and instructed the security guards to let the fans in.
"Go on in," he encouraged.
The fan club organizer quickly rallied the group, and they filed inside, brimming with excitement.
For many, this wasn't their first visit.
Every match day, the training ground was opened to fans and media the day after. These supporters knew the rules.
"Remember, don't enter the training building. We can only observe from outside. Anyone who breaks the rules will be sent home, so let's all watch out for each other, alright?"
"Also, stay off the pitch. Don't touch the equipment..."
Yang Hao chuckled as he overheard their leader rattling off guidelines.
For these fans, visiting Majadahonda felt like a pilgrimage. They treated the facilities with reverence, cautious not to cause trouble.
After parking his car and settling into his office, Yang Hao began preparations for the day's training.
The pressure across Atlético was immense. Players, coaches, and management alike felt the weight of the streak.
Unbeaten records can crush a team, but they also forge resilience. Everyone wanted to extend the streak as far as possible—especially with the opportunity to surpass Milan's legendary 58-game run.
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The Next Challenge
Breaking the record, however, would require overcoming their toughest challenge yet.
Their 59th match? A home game against José Mourinho's Barcelona.
It was certain to be a grueling battle.
Atlético Sets Its Sights on a Historic Record!
If Atlético wins their next match, they will create a brand-new historical record!
This isn't just the dream of the fans; it's a goal shared by the management, coaching staff, and players alike. By this point, the Atlético machine is determined to keep rolling down the unbeaten path—until they physically can't anymore.
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As time passed, more and more Atlético fans gathered outside the training ground, joined by numerous journalists, some of whom arrived on short notice after hearing the news.
Soon, the players began arriving one by one.
Each player's arrival was met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd.
The local stars—Baraja, Torres, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, and Ramos—were especially popular among the fans. After parking, they stepped out of their cars to chat warmly with the supporters before heading into the training building.
After the coaching staff concluded their morning meeting, they got to work preparing the training field.
Under the watchful eyes of the fans, the players completed their warm-ups and began stepping out onto the pitch.
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted.
Every player who appeared was greeted with ear-splitting excitement. The atmosphere was electric.
The players basked in the adoration of their supporters, who made it clear how deeply loved and appreciated they were.
When the likes of Kaká, Messi, Drogba, Torres, Ramos, and Xabi Alonso emerged, the crowd's roars grew deafening.
Though Kaká and Messi were the biggest global stars, Torres and Ramos enjoyed just as much love from the fans, owing to their status as local heroes who resonated more directly with the Spanish supporters.
This wave of affection inspired the players to put even more effort into their recovery training session. Surrounded by thousands of fans, everyone gave their all to showcase their best.
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As the session was nearing its end, Yang Hao received surprising news: Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia, representing the Spanish royal family, had arrived at the training ground. As honorary president of Atlético Madrid, Felipe had come to personally congratulate the team.
Accompanying them were Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, and several key members of the city council. They were joined by Ángel María Villar, president of the Spanish Football Federation, and Antonio Ponte, CEO of La Liga.
When the convoy of cars arrived, Atlético's training session was still ongoing.
Stepping out of their vehicles, the delegation was met with loud applause from the fans and media before making their way to the training field.
Yang Hao greeted them, shaking hands and exchanging embraces with each dignitary.
The players, finishing their session, gradually joined the gathering as well.
Crown Prince Felipe spoke on behalf of the royal family, addressing the management, coaching staff, players, and all the club's employees:
"As a member of Atlético Madrid, I am sincerely grateful for the contributions you've all made to this team."
"Through our collective efforts, I hope we can continue striving forward and achieve even greater success on this remarkable journey!"
Prime Minister Zapatero and Mayor Gallardón each took their turn to offer congratulations, emphasizing that this was not just a victory for Atlético but for Madrid and all of Spain.
Earlier that morning, many Spanish clubs—including those in La Liga and Segunda División—had sent congratulatory messages to Atlético, including rivals like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Barcelona's congratulations, however, carried an air of awkwardness.
After all, their next match would see them visiting the Emirates Stadium. If Atlético won, it would mark their 59th unbeaten game, setting a new record. But for that to happen, Barcelona would have to lose or draw.
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona limited their remarks to congratulating Atlético without offering encouragement.
Prince Felipe, Zapatero, Gallardón, Villar, and Ponte all confirmed their attendance at the upcoming match. It would not only be a clash between two of La Liga's giants but also a game that could cement Atlético's place in history.
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Boosting Morale
Despite the intense pressure, the players' spirits were high.
The recent stretch of matches had been grueling, and the physical toll was evident. However, the accolades and recognition they were receiving brought a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
At the team meeting later that day, Yang Hao focused on reviewing the match against Osasuna while also addressing the looming challenge against Barcelona.
He knew his players were under immense strain, so his tone was more encouraging than critical.
"I know these past weeks have been incredibly tough for all of you. I understand and share in your struggles."
As head coach, Yang Hao carried just as much—if not more—pressure than the players.
"No one can demand more from you than you've already given. Your performances have been nothing short of extraordinary."
"But I know you still carry a desire deep inside—a yearning to achieve something unprecedented."
"We're about to step into uncharted territory. We've reached the limits of the path paved by those who came before us. From this point on, every step we take will inspire generations to come."
"So no matter how difficult it gets, no matter the strength of our opponents, we have one goal, one resolve."
"To see this journey through to the end!"
The players erupted in cheers, fired up by Yang Hao's speech.
"That's right, boss!"
"We'll push through no matter what!"
Having reached 58 matches unbeaten, they were determined not to let up now.
Yang Hao reminded the team that the coaching staff would be raising expectations and demanding even higher standards from everyone moving forward.
"This isn't just about records, titles, or accolades. It's about challenging ourselves to see how far we can go."
"I believe every unbeaten streak eventually ends. But as long as we give it our all, we'll look back with pride at everything we've accomplished, no matter when that day comes."
The players responded with resounding applause and renewed determination.
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In Barcelona
Over at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, José Mourinho stood by his office window, staring out at the empty training pitch.
He couldn't believe what Yang Hao's team had achieved.
"Fifty-eight matches..."
Destined for Immortality
A legendary moment was within Atlético's grasp. Securing victory in the upcoming match would cement their place in history with a record-breaking 59-game unbeaten streak.
This wasn't just the dream of fans—it was the collective ambition of management, coaches, and players alike. The unstoppable force that was Atlético was determined to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles, until it could move no more.
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Mourinho's Challenge
But for Atlético, their next challenge was monumental: facing Barcelona.
Outside his office at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, José Mourinho brooded over the task ahead. Known for his confrontational spirit, Mourinho often found himself embroiled in battles with players, coaches, and even pundits. Yet his conflicts were never without purpose.
He didn't care about critics like Johan Cruyff.
Cruyff had always looked down on Mourinho's pragmatic style of play. Reconciliation was impossible, as their footballing philosophies were worlds apart. Ironically, Barcelona now depended on Mourinho's methods to salvage their season after Rijkaard's failures.
Without Mourinho's disciplined structure, Barcelona might not even qualify for the top four in La Liga, given the fierce competition.
Now, Mourinho's Barça had found its rhythm. In their last La Liga match, they thrashed Levante 6-0 at Camp Nou, with Tevez, Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Bojan all getting on the scoresheet. The fans were ecstatic.
"Let them call me defensive," Mourinho thought smugly. "We're third in La Liga, and we've been unbeaten for 15 matches."
While he admired Yang Hao and Atlético's accomplishments, Mourinho had no intention of holding back on the pitch.
"If Yang's team has the skill to beat us, then I'll congratulate him. If not, that's their problem!"
Determined, Mourinho picked up his phone and called his assistant, Rui Faria.
"Rui, prepare the team. We're going to give Atlético a surprise this weekend."
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Copa del Rey Semi-Final
While much of the attention was on the weekend clash, Atlético faced Villarreal in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final midweek.
With injuries plaguing key players like Drogba and Thiago Silva, Yang Hao fielded a rotated lineup. The match at El Madrigal was a thrilling back-and-forth affair.
Renato opened the scoring for Villarreal, but Suárez equalized for Atlético before halftime, assisted by Marcelo.
In the second half, Aguero restored Villarreal's lead in the 71st minute, only for Di María to level the score three minutes later. However, Villarreal's Santi Cazorla provided another assist for Aguero, who sealed a 3-2 victory for the hosts.
Although it was a Copa del Rey loss, it cast a shadow over Atlético's preparations for the league match against Barcelona.
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Unprecedented Hype
The looming clash between Atlético and Barcelona had captivated the world. With the unbeaten streak reaching 58 matches, global media coverage exploded.
Nearly 200 countries planned to broadcast the match live, and hundreds of journalists from around the world flocked to Madrid. Demand for tickets at the Emirates Stadium, with its capacity of 76,500, far exceeded supply.
The scarcity of tickets led to scalpers selling them at prices exceeding €3,000—enough to buy multiple seasons of Atlético memberships. Despite the club's efforts to crack down on scalping, the intense demand overwhelmed their response.
Even before kickoff, La Liga announced that this match was projected to set new records for global viewership and attendance.
With the potential for Atlético to break the all-time unbeaten record in European top-flight football, and the added spectacle of Yang Hao versus Mourinho, the match transcended football. It became a cultural event, drawing in not just die-hard fans but casual viewers around the globe.
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March 1st: Atlético vs. Barcelona
The Emirates Stadium in Madrid was electric. The stage was set for La Liga's 26th round, a showdown between Atlético and Barcelona.
From the moment the match began, Mourinho defied expectations. Known for his defensive strategies, he shocked spectators by going on the offensive.
Barcelona's formidable attack—comprising Thierry Henry, Diego Milito, Samuel Eto'o, and Ronaldinho—relentlessly pressed Atlético's defense.
This was not the "defensive Mourinho" that critics often mocked. It was a bold, daring Barcelona determined to spoil Atlético's party.
For Atlético, the path to history was anything but certain.
One Minute In: Barcelona Strikes First
Within just one minute, Henry made a surging run down the left flank but was fouled by Alves, earning Barcelona a free kick from 30 meters out. Ronaldinho stepped up to take it, but Neuer comfortably caught the ball.
Barcelona maintained their aggressive momentum, repeatedly creating threats.
"You can see that Barcelona has started very openly."
"Atlético, however, looks tense. The players are visibly under enormous pressure, and it's affecting their performance."
"As we analyzed before the game, the unbeaten streak is both a badge of honor and a heavy psychological burden."
Pre-match, Real Madrid coach Arsène Wenger told reporters, "Atlético's greatest enemy tonight isn't Barcelona—it's themselves."
The tension was evident in Atlético's recent form. A string of draws had already raised concerns, and their midweek Copa del Rey semifinal loss to Villarreal only compounded the pressure.
Defensive vulnerabilities were exacerbated by injuries. Thiago Silva was sidelined for two months after a muscle injury sustained against Osasuna, and Evra was also unavailable. This forced Atlético to field a shaky backline of Ramos, Pepe, and Marcelo, with Neuer in goal.
"Let's hope Atlético can withstand the pressure tonight."
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10th Minute: Eto'o Strikes
Barcelona seized the initiative. Ronaldinho collected the ball centrally, performed a clever feint to shake off Xabi Alonso, and delivered a precise through ball. Eto'o made a diagonal run from the right into the penalty area—onside.
"Goal! Eto'o! The African Cheetah delivers!"
"Just 10 minutes in, Barcelona scores! Ronaldinho's assist was sublime, and Eto'o finished clinically."
"We were just discussing how proactive Barcelona has been. They've taken the game to Atlético and capitalized beautifully."
"In contrast, Atlético looks stiff and overburdened by the significance of this match."
The goal exposed defensive frailties on the left side. Marcelo failed to track Eto'o, and the absence of Evra and Thiago Silva was glaring. Neuer was visibly furious, shouting at Marcelo for losing his marker.
On the sideline, Yang Hao saw the brewing frustration and immediately intervened.
"What are you doing? Calm down!" he shouted at his players.
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Yang Hao Steadies the Ship
Yang Hao's voice carried over the noise, cutting through the tension. He called over Xabi Alonso, instructing him to settle the team. Xabi patted Neuer on the face, urging him to stay composed, and reassured Marcelo, who was visibly shaken.
At just 19 years old, Marcelo was struggling. He had played midweek in the Copa del Rey, where two of Villarreal's goals were partially his fault. Barcelona had clearly targeted his side, exploiting his inexperience.
Xabi Alonso encouraged him. "Take a deep breath. Don't trust yourself? Fine, trust the boss!"
Marcelo nodded, inhaling deeply to steady himself.
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Atlético's Struggles Continue
After restarting play, Atlético attempted to push forward. Torres managed a shot, but it was off-target, reflecting the team's growing desperation.
The pressure was palpable, visible on the players' faces. They desperately wanted to win, but their nerves only led to more mistakes. Even their hallmark passing sequences lacked fluidity.
By the 20th minute, Atlético's possession was just 52%—nearly even with Barcelona, an anomaly for the usually dominant side.
Barcelona, emboldened by their early lead, continued their relentless attack. Atlético created a few chances but failed to threaten meaningfully.
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31st Minute: Ronaldinho's Masterpiece
Another breakdown on Atlético's left side led to Barcelona's second goal. Eto'o combined with Zambrotta on the flank, and Xavi overlapped to deliver a cross from the edge of the box.
Ramos had shifted left to cover Marcelo's gap, while Xabi Alonso dropped into the center-back position. Xavi's cross, however, found Ronaldinho near the penalty spot. Using his body to shield the ball from Kaka, Ronaldinho executed a stunning turn and volley.
The ball rocketed past Neuer, who was unsighted and unable to react in time.
"Another goal! Ronaldinho with a sensational strike!"
"What a stunning piece of skill—a world-class goal from Ronaldinho."
"Barcelona is absolutely on fire tonight. Their forwards are playing at an exceptionally high level."
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A Mountain to Climb
The 2-0 deficit left Atlético reeling. Marcelo hung his head, clearly overwhelmed by the situation.
Atlético's performance in the first half was nothing short of dismal. Their usual poise was replaced by nerves and disorganization.
On the sideline, Yang Hao felt a pang of disappointment but refused to give up. He began clapping energetically, shouting encouragement.
"It's okay! Keep your heads up! Let's go, come on!"
The players glanced toward the sideline. Yang Hao's gestures made his message clear: don't give up.
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The Road Ahead
Atlético's players were caught in a whirlwind of emotions—frustration, exhaustion, and determination. As halftime approached, they faced a daunting task. Could they recover, or would their historic unbeaten streak end tonight?
"Enough is enough!"
Neuer stood in front of the goal, unleashing a roar that seemed to drain every ounce of energy from his body.
"This is infuriating!" he shouted through gritted teeth.
"What are you all doing? How are you defending like this?"
Ramos and the others tilted their heads back, equally furious. For years, it had always been Atlético punishing Barcelona. When had they ever been humiliated like this?
"We're Atlético Madrid, dammit!" Ramos bellowed.
"We fight them to the end!"
Turning toward Neuer, Ramos pointed fiercely. "We're pushing up. Watch your backline!"
Neuer nodded firmly, his jaw clenched. "Leave it to me!"
Ramos then walked over to Marcelo, throwing an arm around the young defender.
"Kid, I've made way more mistakes than you ever have, but that's why we can't give up. We cannot fall, especially not here in the Emirates Stadium. Got it?"
Marcelo looked up, confused, staring at Ramos.
His captain's eyes were bloodshot.
"Our boss has coached Atlético for eight years, and in all that time, we've never lost at home. Tonight, if we lose here..." Ramos' voice cracked. "I swear I'll never play football again!"
Marcelo's eyes widened in shock. Was it a spur-of-the-moment declaration? He couldn't tell, but the weight of those words struck him deeply.
Moments later, Marcelo clenched his fists and shouted back with all his strength, "I get it now! Let's fight them to the end!"
Ramos nodded, his face filled with determination. "That's the spirit."
Turning to the team, Ramos raised his voice. "Brothers, it's do or die! In our house, we will not lose!"
His voice quivered with emotion as he finished.
The players, many of whom had been with Atlético for years or had risen through its youth ranks, felt their hearts tighten.
They knew exactly what Ramos meant.
Eight years.
In eight years under Yang Hao, Atlético had never lost at home. Would tonight be the night that streak ended? Would all the blood, sweat, and tears of the past year and a half—the 58-match unbeaten run—amount to nothing?
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The Fightback Begins
As the match resumed, Atlético started regaining composure. Despite conceding two goals, their defense began to stabilize. Slowly, the backline pushed forward, no longer allowing Barcelona to pin them inside their penalty box.
This shift in tactics brought a new challenge.
In the 33rd minute, Xavi spotted an opportunity and sent a pinpoint long ball over the top, bypassing the defense and finding Eto'o in the right channel.
The African striker's speed was electrifying.
Marcelo chased him doggedly, teeth clenched, doing everything he could to disrupt Eto'o's momentum. But no matter how hard he tried, Eto'o refused to be stopped.
Yet Marcelo's relentless pursuit delayed Eto'o's shot just enough.
Neuer charged off his line, sprinting to the edge of the box. The two reached the ball at nearly the same time. With a fearless dive, Neuer stretched out an arm, clutching the ball tightly to his chest.
The cost? A brutal collision.
Eto'o and Marcelo crashed into Neuer, sending all three players sprawling to the ground in a heap.
The referee blew his whistle immediately, pausing the match and calling for the medical team.
"Neuer's forehead has been grazed by Eto'o's boot and is bleeding."
"The referee is urging the Atlético medical staff to quickly tend to him."
"What a courageous intervention from Neuer."
"Marcelo deserves credit as well—his persistence disrupted Eto'o's rhythm."
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Yang Hao's Rallying Cry
On the sidelines, Yang Hao saw the opening he needed. As medical staff treated Neuer, he gathered Xabi Alonso, Alves, Kaka, Messi, and Torres—who were closest to him—together.
"I won't waste words. I have one demand," Yang Hao said, his voice steely.
The players leaned in, their faces taut with focus.
"Before halftime, no matter what it takes, we score. I don't care how you do it—just make it happen. Can you do that?"
Yang Hao's voice escalated to a near shout.
Messi, Kaka, and the others inhaled deeply before nodding firmly.
"We won't let you down, boss!"
"We'll make it happen."
"Understood!"
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Momentum Shifts
Neuer returned to the pitch moments later, his forehead hastily bandaged with a small strip of tape to stop the bleeding. He showed no hesitation, signaling his readiness to resume.
The incident seemed to jolt Atlético awake. Their movements sharpened, and the midfield regained control.
In the 37th minute, Xabi Alonso launched a long ball toward the front line.
Torres drifted out wide to the right, leaping to nod the ball toward the channel.
Kaka, surging forward at full speed, expertly controlled Torres' header, pushing it into space before accelerating toward Barcelona's penalty area.
Barcelona's defenders scrambled to retreat, forming a wall at the edge of the box.
Kaka, undeterred, darted into the attacking third and sent a pass to the right wing.
Messi, sprinting to meet the ball near the edge of the box, trapped it deftly and feinted inside. A quick move left Eric Abidal off balance, allowing Messi to cut toward the center.
Diarra tracked back furiously but was no match for Messi's agility. A left-footed touch slipped the ball past him, leaving Messi free to dart diagonally toward the box.
Puyol stepped up to challenge.
Messi leaned into a classic body feint, dipping his shoulder as if to go around Puyol's right side.
Barcelona's captain anticipated the move, calculating Messi's next step.
Fake! He'll cut inside to curl it far post with his left foot, Puyol thought.
But Messi's movements defied expectations. Instead of cutting in, he powered through on Puyol's right side, leaving the defender frozen in place as they brushed past each other.
"He's through!"
Breaking into the box, Messi executed another feint to trick Valdés, then slotted a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net.
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1-2: Messi Inspires Hope
"Goal!!!"
"Lionel Messi!"
"In the 37th minute, Messi weaves through three defenders to score a stunning solo goal!"
"The Emirates erupts! The fans are on their feet, roaring their approval!"
Messi, panting heavily, turned toward the crowd and raised both hands, pointing skyward with his index fingers.
The stadium exploded with noise.
Atlético players rushed to celebrate with Messi. Torres, brimming with emotion, wrapped Messi in a bear hug.
On the sideline, Yang Hao pumped his fists in triumph.
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"1-2! Atlético is back in it!"
"What a moment of brilliance from Messi. He's single-handedly reignited Atlético's hopes."
"The Emirates Stadium is alive, and the momentum has shifted!"
"Atlético's attack."
"A long pass to the left wing, given to Robben."
"Robben attempts to control the ball on the left, Zambrotta defends, it's one-on-one."
"Robben dribbles, breaking down the flank..."
"Foul!"
"The referee blows his whistle—Zambrotta fouled Robben during the defense."
"We can see that after conceding two goals, Atlético has finally awakened, finding their rhythm at last."
"Let's see this free kick."
"Taken quickly, passed sideways."
"Torres controls it, shoots!"
"Valdés tips the ball over the crossbar."
"What a threatening long-range shot by Torres!"
"Now it's Atlético's corner kick."
"Xabi Alonso takes it; let's see this opportunity."
"Sent in—Ramos with a header!"
"Just over the bar."
"Too bad!"
"In the last few minutes, Atlético has been relentlessly attacking."
"It's already the 43rd minute; the first half is about to end."
"Barcelona seems a bit shaken by this wave of Atlético attacks."
"They started the match very smoothly, but once Atlético woke up, their defense began to feel the pressure."
"A quick goal kick, sent to the front."
"Pepe heads it out."
"Atlético controls the ball, but Barcelona starts pressing high in the front."
"A series of passes—Ronaldinho intercepts successfully, and Barcelona launches a counterattack..."
"Xabi Alonso slides in, regains possession, and passes to Kaka up front."
...
As Kaka sprinted back, he saw Xabi Alonso, still on the ground, manage to kick the ball toward him.
In that instant, he and Xabi Alonso exchanged a look.
Yang Hao had demanded a goal in the first half.
One goal!
But they were not satisfied.
That wasn't Atlético's style.
They wanted another!
This is why everyone was still giving their all.
In this stadium, they refused to lose.
In his eight years coaching the team, Yang Hao had never lost a home game. This time was no exception!
This was why Xabi Alonso, even while on the ground, made sure to pass the ball.
Kaka quickly scanned his surroundings before receiving the ball. He didn't stop it but instead flicked it forward and turned with all his strength, launching himself like a released arrow.
When Kaka sprinted forward with the ball, he instantly crossed the midfield line, charging into Barcelona's final third.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Many fans were already standing from their seats because they knew that once Kaka started running, he always posed a threat.
Barcelona's defenders were rapidly retreating.
As Kaka reached the final third, he passed the ball to the right wing without even looking, accelerating forward and cutting diagonally toward the top of the box.
Messi arrived just in time, stopping Kaka's pass.
It looked almost identical to their earlier attack.
But this time, Abidal was ready.
Messi expertly controlled the ball, keeping it close between his feet as he moved toward Abidal, forcing him to retreat.
This was Messi's signature move—pressuring his opponent until they had no space to back away, then exploiting the situation to his advantage.
Abidal was forced back to the edge of the penalty area and had nowhere left to retreat.
At this moment, Messi glanced at Kaka and saw him gesturing from the top of the box.
The two understood each other without a word.
Suddenly, Messi dropped his right shoulder.
At such close range, any unexpected move from Messi would provoke a reaction from Abidal.
But the Argentinian deftly shifted the ball with his left foot, cutting inside and creating a sliver of space before moving horizontally with a single touch.
Puyol immediately rushed in to block Messi.
Messi lightly pushed the ball with his left foot.
The ball obediently rolled along a straight line through the narrow gap between Abidal and Puyol, sliding toward the right corner of the six-yard box.
Abidal was stunned and shouted, "Watch the goal!"
Puyol turned to follow the ball's trajectory.
What he saw was a red-and-white figure sprinting diagonally toward the right side of the penalty area.
Kaka!
Messi's pass was perfectly timed, and as the ball slowed down near the right corner of the six-yard box, it aligned perfectly with Kaka's stride. Without needing to adjust, Kaka planted his left foot and fired a low shot with his right, aiming for the far corner.
No one expected Messi's pass to be so precise, nor did they think Kaka would shoot without even controlling the ball first.
But the duo's synergy was flawless—Messi's brilliant pass and Kaka's instant shot.
Valdés reacted instinctively, diving low to block with his feet.
But the ball slipped past him, hit the inside of the left post, and ricocheted into the net.
"Goal!!!"
"Kaka!!!"
"In the 44th minute of the first half, Kaka scores against Barcelona!"
"Messi delivered a phenomenal assist from the right, and Kaka calmly slotted it home from the right edge of the box, leveling the score for Atlético!"
"2-2!"
"The first half has taken a dramatic turn."
"Nobody could have predicted that after conceding two goals, Atlético would equalize right before halftime."
"And both goals came from Atlético's right side—Kaka and Messi's fantastic teamwork."
"This is the power of superstars!"
"When Atlético's two star players combine forces, Barcelona's defense struggles to hold."
"Impressive!"
"Amazing!"
"Incredible!"
The moment Kaka scored, Prince Felipe couldn't hold back and stood up from his seat, enthusiastically cheering and applauding the Atlético players on the field. At that moment, he looked just like any other ordinary Atlético fan around him. The entire Emirates Stadium erupted in cheers and excitement. Atlético's players ran to the sideline, celebrating the goal with exuberant hugs and cheers.
They had equalized!
From the stands, looking down at the players' celebration, Prince Felipe seemed almost beside himself.
"Kaka, you're amazing! Messi, you're amazing! Torres, you're incredible too!"
The expressions of those around him became quite colorful. Many had suspected that Prince Felipe might not truly be an Atlético fan, and that his role as honorary president of the club was likely more due to royal interests. But now, seeing his reaction, they couldn't help but silently tag him in their minds: Spain's royal family might just have gained a hardcore Atlético fan. And not just any fan—Prince Felipe was set to become the future king!
Although Spain's monarchy is mostly symbolic, having a king as a fan was still a significant honor for the club. It was similar to how King Juan Carlos often lent his support to Real Madrid.
"I think we need to capitalize on this momentum in the second half," Prince Felipe said, still visibly excited. "Push hard and crush Barcelona. We can't let them bounce back." Sitting tall, his broad gestures almost knocked into the queen seated next to him, showing just how animated he was.
"Don't worry," Enrique Cerezo said with a chuckle. "Haven't you seen how good Yang Hao is as a coach?"
Prince Felipe nodded but then sighed regretfully. "It's a pity he's not Spanish. If he were one of us, we'd knight him for his contributions to our country's football."
Two trebles and a grand slam—those were already extraordinary achievements. Not to mention the countless international players and stars Atlético had cultivated for Spain over the years. If knighthood were on the table, Yang Hao would have earned it long ago.
But everyone around tactfully avoided discussing this further.
________________________________________
When Yang Hao returned to the locker room, the first thing he did was check on Neuer's condition. The German goalkeeper was lying on a bed as a teammate helped clean and disinfect the cut on his forehead.
"It's nothing serious, just a gash," said Parales.
"Will it leave a scar?" Yang Hao asked with concern.
The entire locker room erupted in laughter. Even Neuer couldn't help but chuckle, though the medic quickly reminded him to stay still as he treated the wound.
"It shouldn't, just a minor issue."
"Don't worry, Manuel. If it does leave a scar, next time we visit Korea, I'll make sure they find the best cosmetic surgery specialist for you. The club will cover the costs, guaranteed."
"Seriously?"
"Of course! Korean cosmetic surgery is world-famous. They can turn a 50-year-old woman into a youthful beauty. Fixing a scar is no big deal. They could even transform you into Kaka—or someone handsome like me—if you wanted!"
The locker room burst into laughter again. Now that the score was tied, everyone was in high spirits, including Yang Hao.
"Boss, if you want to praise yourself, go ahead, but leave me out of it. We're not even on the same level in terms of looks," Kaka joked.
"Don't be so modest. We're not that far apart. I'm just a tiny bit better-looking than you," Yang Hao replied, gesturing with his thumb and forefinger to indicate a small gap, only to widen it comically after a moment of thought.
Everyone laughed so hard they doubled over. Kaka could only admit defeat. After all, who in Atlético would dare challenge Yang Hao in a battle of looks? It wasn't about Yang Hao's authority as head coach; it was about the players having some pride in themselves!
"Boss, is Korean cosmetic surgery really that good? Could I make myself more handsome?" Ramos asked.
"You want surgery?"
"Yeah. Is it expensive?"
"I don't know about others, but for you, it's probably just the cost of two plane tickets."
"That cheap?"
"Yep. One for flying over, where the doctor will tell you, 'Sorry, Mr. Ramos, you're too ugly to fix,' and the other for flying back!"
The locker room erupted in laughter again. Messi leaned back in his chair, clutching his stomach as he laughed so hard he almost couldn't breathe. The young Argentinian's sense of humor was easily tickled.
From a distance, Juanma Lillo, Guardiola, and Pochettino watched the scene and smiled faintly.
In truth, they didn't fully understand the dynamic between Yang Hao and his players. Sometimes they'd overhear them talking about Thai surgeries or other random topics, and occasionally even discussions about gaming or tech gadgets. Whatever the case, Yang Hao's relationship with his players was nothing like the usual coach-player dynamic.
________________________________________
"Barcelona is starting to unravel a bit!"
After the jokes died down, Neuer returned to his seat, and Yang Hao began laying out the strategy for the second half.
"We can't give them any breathing room. At the start of the second half, I want you to press hard, dominate, and hit them relentlessly!"
"Don't think about anything else—not even defense. Just focus on breaking through Barcelona's goal. Score as many as you can!"
Tactically, Yang Hao stuck to an aggressive approach, emphasizing attack over defense. Robben would pin down Zambrotta, while Messi would occupy Abidal. As long as the two Atlético wingers were present, Barcelona wouldn't dare push forward.
In the center, Torres would tie up Puyol and Bruno Alves, while Iniesta and Kaka would time their runs into the box.
The key focus was still on the combination of Kaka, Messi, and Alves on the right flank.
"In the second half, we won't focus on possession. The moment you get the ball, attack. Push the tempo, overwhelm them with high-speed offense, and exploit gaps in their defensive structure. Every player must keep running. Force their zonal defense to break down, and attack wherever their coverage is weakest."
"The most important thing is not to give them time to recover!"
"Attack! Attack!! And keep attacking!!!"
This time, Yang Hao didn't dwell on tactical minutiae. Instead, he focused on the bigger picture and emphasized the players' mentality. He understood that for Atlético, the most critical aspect of this match wasn't defense or even specific attacking strategies. It was about the players maintaining their composure and playing to their full potential.
The best way to do that? Keep attacking. Ignore the defense, ignore the opponent's strategies. Just attack relentlessly until they had no choice but to defend.
Simple, direct, and ruthless.
In the second half, both teams immediately switched to high gear, pushing the tempo to its peak.
The first threatening play came from Barcelona, starting with a long pass from the back. Xavi sent another trademark long ball behind Atlético's defense, aiming to exploit the speed of their forwards. This time, however, the target wasn't Eto'o but Henry.
Henry made a quick run forward, but Neuer decisively left his goal, diving just inside the penalty area to firmly grab the ball. The Frenchman leaped over Neuer and shook his head in frustration. If he had been just a bit closer, the attack would have had a better chance.
At 30 years old, Henry's physical capabilities had started to decline. His speed was no longer what it used to be. Back in his Premier League days, he favored receiving the ball on the left wing, combining with teammates before driving into the left side of the penalty area for a shot. That had been his most dangerous attacking zone, relying on his extraordinary speed.
Now, things were different. Under Rijkaard, Henry had been deployed as a center-forward, but the results were underwhelming. Since Mourinho's arrival, Diego Milito had taken over the role of challenging for aerial balls up front, leaving Henry to focus more on positioning and finishing—an adjustment that suited his current skill set.
But against Atlético, Henry was starting to feel out of his depth. More importantly, Ronaldinho, who had shone brightly at the start of the match, was losing his rhythm as Atlético found their footing. His performance had become erratic.
Indeed, rhythm was the issue. Barcelona's entire rhythm was in disarray. Mourinho hoped his team could regain control, but Atlético had other plans. They came out swinging, offering no respite and refusing to play by the usual rules.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Henry jogged back quickly, clapping in appreciation of Xavi's pass. Neuer, meanwhile, stood up and, seeing Barcelona retreating, immediately threw the ball out of the penalty area. After a short run-up, he delivered a pinpoint long pass to the front line.
Atlético's long pass was accurate. Torres won the first aerial duel, but Barcelona recovered the second ball. Atlético immediately launched a counter-press.
The battle intensified in midfield, extending into Barcelona's defensive third. At the 54th minute, Robben received the ball on the left wing. Facing Zambrotta and hugging the touchline, he attempted to dribble past him but was forced out of bounds, winning a throw-in.
Marcelo rushed over, grabbed the ball, wiped it clean, and quickly threw it to Torres, who had moved into position. Atlético's captain shielded the ball from Bruno Alves, chesting it down before taking a step outside the penalty area and passing it to Robben on the left.
Zambrotta marked Robben closely, leaving him no room to maneuver. Robben passed the ball back to Marcelo.
Marcelo controlled the ball but was immediately pressed by Xavi, forcing him to pass back to Iniesta, who was positioned further behind on the left.
With no immediate pressure, Iniesta advanced along the left channel, drawing Diarra and other defenders before spotting Kaka cutting across from the right side of the box. Iniesta delivered a precise through ball.
The ball landed perfectly at the top-left edge of the penalty area, just as Kaka arrived. The Brazilian used the outside of his right foot to flick the ball forward, chipping it over Bruno Alves and into the left side of the box.
Torres burst past Bruno Alves, controlled the ball with his chest, and took a second touch with his right foot to position himself at the left edge of the six-yard box. Facing Valdés, who was tightly guarding the near post, Torres calmly pushed the ball toward the far corner with his right foot.
Valdés reacted immediately, diving to deflect the shot. His hand made contact with the ball but couldn't alter its trajectory enough. The ball spun past him, grazing the right post and crossing the goal line.
The Emirates Stadium erupted in jubilation. Over 70,000 Atlético fans leapt from their seats, chanting Torres' name in unison.
"Goal!!!"
"Torres!!"
"In a crucial moment, Torres scores to give Atlético the lead!"
"3-2!"
"Atlético completes a stunning comeback!"
"From two goals down, they've scored three unanswered!"
"Barcelona has completely lost control of the rhythm and the game. Since Atlético's surge at the end of the first half, Barcelona hasn't been able to recover. Their defense is in tatters under Atlético's relentless assault."
"Atlético has adopted a simple and direct strategy tonight. They're not clinging to possession; instead, they're launching quick attacks every time they win the ball."
"This approach is devastating for Barcelona!"
"Mourinho might need to consider stabilizing his defense first."
At the 54th minute, Atlético scored the go-ahead goal. By the 58th minute, Mourinho couldn't wait for the usual 60-minute mark and made an early substitution. Van der Vaart replaced Henry.
With the substitution, Barcelona adjusted their tactics. Diarra dropped to play as a lone defensive midfielder, while Van der Vaart and Xavi paired in central midfield. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Ronaldinho, Diego Milito, and Eto'o.
It was clear Mourinho was ready to go all in against Atlético.
Yang Hao didn't doubt Mourinho's boldness. It was a classic case of sunk cost. After Barcelona's explosive start, scoring two early goals, Mourinho felt victory was within his grasp. He believed this game should be his.
When Atlético equalized with two quick goals before halftime, Mourinho perceived it as a significant loss. Those two goals and the three points at stake became his sunk cost—something he felt compelled to recover.
More importantly, Mourinho likely recognized that with Atlético's current momentum and Barcelona's shaken mentality, simply defending wouldn't be enough. So, he decided to risk everything and fight Atlético head-on.
The tactical adjustment quickly paid off, as Barcelona created a dangerous chance. Ronaldinho, however, was fouled by Kaka while advancing near the edge of the penalty area, about 25 meters from goal.
Although Kaka couldn't stop Ronaldinho cleanly, he immediately helped him up, and Ronaldinho didn't seem to mind, patting Kaka on the shoulder. Despite rumors of tension between the two, they maintained a cordial relationship on the surface.
Ronaldinho took the free kick and struck it with precision, aiming for the top left corner of the goal. However, Neuer reacted swiftly, diving to his side and brilliantly parrying the ball away with one hand.
The spectacular save earned thunderous applause for the German goalkeeper.
"Corner kick for Barcelona."
"Neuer's save was outstanding."
"This season, despite facing criticism for some errors, Neuer has shown his brilliance at Atlético. Tonight, his decisive saves and composure have been remarkable."
"Of course, we must understand that for a goalkeeper of his style, especially one who frequently comes off his line, if he succeeds 9 out of 10 times, fans will consider it normal. But if he fails even once, he'll face criticism."
"Moreover, matches change in an instant, and no one can predict whether his next decision to come out will succeed."
"That said, based on this season's performances, we must admire Yang Hao's judgment. Neuer has truly demonstrated the potential of a world-class goalkeeper. That diving save just now was exceptional—it stopped what seemed like a guaranteed goal from Ronaldinho."
"It's still a corner kick for Barcelona."
When Xavi delivered the corner into Atlético's box, Bruno Alves rose for a header, but it went just over the bar.
Goal kick.
The Emirates Stadium erupted in applause again. Atlético's fans were thoroughly impressed with the team's performance, clearly satisfied.
The first 30 minutes had been disastrous, but after conceding two goals, the team finally woke up and began playing at their usual level. From the second half onward, Atlético had been applying consistent pressure on their opponents in the final third.
Neuer placed the ball for the goal kick and slowly retreated, scanning the positioning of his teammates. The German goalkeeper took a quick run-up and sent a powerful long pass upfield.
Neuer's goal kicks were always precise and dangerous.
Kaka, with his back to the attacking direction, retreated toward the ball. Near the right side of Barcelona's half, almost level with the center circle, the Brazilian leaped to contest the ball. With his height advantage, he out-jumped Van der Vaart.
However, Diarra rushed forward and joined the duel with Kaka and Van der Vaart. All three scrambled for the ball, which ultimately fell near the center circle.
At that moment, Torres dropped back from the front line, reaching the ball first. He quickly passed it to the right, finding the onrushing Dani Alves.
Messi, showing great awareness, was already cutting diagonally toward the center.
Alves controlled Torres' pass, nudging it forward before chasing after it. Without breaking stride, he delivered a precise lob along Messi's path, targeting the right edge of Barcelona's penalty arc.
Earlier, Torres' movement had pulled Bruno Alves out of position, leaving the area wide open.
Messi and Alves displayed perfect chemistry. Messi suddenly accelerated, sprinting toward the ball's landing point and cushioning it down with a sublime touch.
In that moment, Messi's incredible ball control showcased its danger.
Surrounded by Puyol and Abidal, Messi gained the slightest advantage by controlling the ball perfectly. He dashed into the penalty area, slipping past the defenders whose hands had been pressing on his shoulders.
Puyol had been waiting for Messi to make a mistake—just a slightly heavy touch—and he was ready to tackle.
But Messi's touch was flawless, leaving no margin for Puyol to act. The ball seemed glued to Messi's foot as he glided into the box.
The tackle Puyol had prepared for was rendered useless, and he was left chasing Messi alongside Xavi, who had hurried back.
Three Barcelona defenders trailed Messi, but none could stop him. The Argentinian reached the penalty spot and unleashed a low, stealthy shot.
The ball sped past Valdés and nestled into the back of Barcelona's net.
"Messi!! Messi!!!"
"Another goal for Atlético! Messi dribbles through Barcelona's defense and scores!"
"4-2!"
"A sensational and extraordinary comeback!"
"This is absolutely unbelievable."
"In the 64th minute, Atlético extends their lead as Messi scores his second goal of the night!"
On the sideline, Mourinho cursed in frustration, turning to gesture helplessly at his assistants.
Clearly, he was at a loss. Atlético had too many star players with incredible individual talent.
When they were in form and determined to win, they were nearly unstoppable.
Mourinho's despair deepened nine minutes later, in the 73rd minute. Messi, initially looking to cut inside and combine with Kaka, saw his pass deflected by Mohamed Diarra.
Undeterred, Messi regained possession and decided to continue alone. He dribbled past Diarra and Xavi, advancing into the left channel before suddenly cutting inside toward the penalty area.
Torres made a run to the right, dragging Puyol out of position, while Robben drifted wide to the left.
As Messi approached, Zambrotta and Bruno Alves realized that stopping him would take more than one man. The two defenders positioned themselves like sentinels at the top left corner of the penalty area.
Chasing Messi from behind were Xavi and Diarra, making it a 4-on-1 situation.
Everyone expected Messi to pass. Robben was open, Iniesta was available behind him, Kaka was positioned to the right, and Torres was ready to run into space.
Passing was the obvious choice.
But what defines a superstar?
A superstar is someone who makes their choice the right one.
Messi seemed to be in the zone, refusing to pass. Surrounded by four Barcelona players, he maintained his speed and control.
Reaching Zambrotta and Bruno Alves, Messi executed a series of feints, shifting his shoulders left and right while keeping the ball firmly under his command.
Somehow, he broke through the middle of Zambrotta and Bruno Alves.
Yes, through the middle!
In that instant, the entire stadium gasped in disbelief.
It was incomprehensible. Four defenders, front and back, left and right, could not stop Messi. It was something extraordinary.
Had they not seen it with their own eyes, who would have believed it?
Messi entered the penalty area and faced Valdés, who had rushed off his line. A quick fake sent Valdés diving toward the near post, but Messi coolly slotted the ball into the far corner with his left foot.
The ball nestled into the bottom right corner of the goal.
After scoring, Messi turned and sprinted toward the stands.
Two cameras, dedicated to capturing the stars, zoomed in on him as he reached the sideline. Messi appeared momentarily dazed, as if wondering: Why is it so quiet?
But as he neared the fans, the entire stadium erupted in a deafening roar. Everyone had leapt from their seats, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"Incredible!"
"My God!"
"Messi has completed a hat-trick!"
"He just dribbled past four Barcelona defenders—Messi dribbles past four!"
"In the first half, he delivered a stunning solo run past three defenders to score a goal that sparked Atlético's comeback."
"And now, he's done it again—this time taking on four defenders to produce another legendary goal!"
"I truly don't know how to express my feelings right now. I believe every fan watching this match around the world must be as stunned as I am."
"This is absolutely unbelievable!"
"Sorry, I just cursed, but I can't help it!"
"Messi! Messi!!"
"Absolutely magnificent Messi!"
Even Yang Hao hadn't expected this. Messi was just too incredible! He began to wonder if the Messi from his previous life had ever been this strong. Certainly not during the 07/08 season. Even at his peak, it didn't seem like he had reached this level. And now, Messi was only 20 years old!
All Yang Hao could conclude was that this Messi was far superior to the one he remembered.
"He's totally on fire tonight. He's fully in the zone, and all the energy in his body has completely exploded," Guardiola remarked from the bench, shaking his head in amazement. As a Barcelona legend, even he found Messi's goal utterly ridiculous—borderline absurd.
How could one person be this dominant? Four defenders couldn't stop him!
"For the past year, he's been improving every day. And have you noticed? Apart from playing football, he doesn't do anything else. He doesn't think about anything else either—at most, he spends time with his girlfriend. He's just so pure!" Juanma Lillo added, heaping praise.
Anyone could see from Messi's smile how much joy he derived from football. He was genuinely enjoying the game, completely immersed, and playing at the height of his powers.
"If he can play like this every match, no team will want to face us," Guardiola laughed. Messi was the ultimate weapon. How could anyone defend against him?
Yang Hao, more than anyone else, felt deeply moved because he had watched Messi grow up. From a frail, short boy who needed daily injections and feared being bullied at school to the phenomenon on the pitch today, it had been an incredible journey.
Somewhere along the way, Messi's goal celebrations began to feature him kissing the badge on his chest. Everyone could see his love for Atlético and the happiness he felt at the club. Yang Hao had no doubt—this Messi was stronger than the one from his previous life.
In fact, it wasn't just Messi. Torres, Kaka, and many others had also surpassed their previous selves. Under Yang Hao's meticulous guidance, they avoided many pitfalls and benefited from the best resources and conditions in Europe. Naturally, their development had been exceptional.
When Messi completed his four-man dribble and hat-trick to seal the game, the match was effectively over. In the final 20 minutes, both teams created opportunities, but neither managed to score again. Barcelona came close with one excellent chance, but Neuer made a heroic save.
In the end, Atlético overturned a 2-0 deficit to defeat Barcelona 5-2 at home.
Even before the final whistle, the match had already ignited a global frenzy online. From Kaka's brilliant assists to Messi's mesmerizing dribbles and Torres' goals, every highlight from Atlético sparked widespread discussion.
When the match ended, fans and media worldwide dove into even more fervent debate.
Johan Cruyff, who attended the game at the Emirates Stadium, expressed his disappointment in Barcelona during a post-match interview with Spanish media. He believed Mourinho had made several glaring errors in this match.
"What baffles me the most is that he thought he could go toe-to-toe with Atlético on the road. I just can't understand that."
"Is there any team in the world bold enough to try that?"
Cruyff criticized Mourinho's over-aggressiveness, pointing out that it disrupted Barcelona's midfield rhythm. "From start to finish, Barcelona never controlled the tempo. They were completely led by Atlético, even during the first 30 minutes."
Cruyff emphasized that any team aspiring to play attacking football must first learn to control the rhythm of the game.
"Ronaldinho is a genius, but he's not a reliable ball-controller. He makes frequent mistakes, especially when faced with adversity. What we need are players like Iniesta or David Silva, who can provide stability and control in midfield."
"Such players can help the team maintain possession and rhythm. But right now, we don't have anyone like that in midfield."
"Xavi isn't the right fit, and both Van der Vaart and Rosicky aren't performing well."
"The two best ball-controlling midfielders in the world are both at Atlético."
Cruyff came close to outright blaming Barcelona's former president, Joan Gaspart, for sending a gem like Iniesta to Atlético.
He also implicitly criticized Mourinho: "You should stick to your defensive counterattacks! Possession? What do you know about possession? If you can't control the rhythm, how can you even think about possession?"
Cruyff's sharp comments excited the media. They knew Mourinho's fiery personality would lead to a rebuttal sooner or later.
Meanwhile, a memorable scene unfolded at the Calderón stands after the match. Atlético's die-hard fans unveiled a massive "59" Tifo, covering an entire section of the stadium. The crowd stood as one, delivering thunderous applause to the players on the pitch.
Although this moment didn't appear in the live broadcast, it was quickly uploaded online, allowing fans worldwide to witness the emotional display.
During the post-match press conference, Yang Hao openly praised Messi by name. Yet, he maintained one point: "He's only 20 years old. He's still not mature enough!"
Like a protective parent, Yang Hao implored the media not to disturb Messi and to let him grow quietly.
At the same time, Yang Hao made no effort to hide his expectations: "He will become not just the greatest player on this planet but one of the greatest in football history!"
Comparisons to Pele and Maradona?
"No, no, no. They're legends of the past. Such comparisons are meaningless and disrespectful. But I believe Messi has the potential to achieve greatness on their level."
Yang Hao's words spread across the globe, sparking discussions among fans and pundits alike. After witnessing Messi's performance in this match, no one doubted Yang Hao's praise.
All Messi needed now was to grow, mature, and maintain his progress. If he continued at this pace, everyone believed he would become the best player in the world.
With Atlético's 5-2 victory over Barcelona, they surpassed the legendary Milan dynasty, achieving an unprecedented 59-game unbeaten streak—a new historical record.
This milestone once again sent fans worldwide into rapturous celebration!
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