Time moved to May 22nd, the final round of La Liga.
Real Madrid had currently won 37 consecutive games. They had already secured the title three rounds early, but in pursuit of a perfect undefeated season, they still needed to take this match seriously.
"This is the 38th round of the 2010/2011 La Liga season, the final match. Real Madrid is hosting Almería at home. In just two days, Real Madrid will face the Champions League final, but even under these circumstances, they have fielded a full-strength lineup!"
"They want to ensure there are no surprises in this match!"
"This season, Real Madrid has achieved the remarkable feat of breaking the 100-point barrier. Although Barcelona followed closely behind, also surpassing 100 points, history only remembers the first. Real Madrid has become the first team in the top five leagues to achieve this!"
"At the same time, they are pursuing another historic moment: an undefeated season!"
"In the past 37 rounds, Real Madrid has won all 37 league matches. Throughout the season, they only drew in an away Champions League match against Barcelona. It's incredible how dominant Real Madrid has been this season!"
The camera shifted to show Florentino Pérez, with Zidane beside him.
"Real Madrid's president, Florentino Pérez, has also come to the stadium to witness this historic moment. Compared to the chaotic era under Calderón, since Mr. Pérez took office..."
The stadium's broadcast system praised Florentino's achievements. Suker had reason to believe the announcer was reading from a script.
Although he appeared natural, the delivery was just too smooth.
But that wasn't important. For the team, securing this victory and officially achieving an undefeated season was the key.
After warming up, both teams returned to the locker rooms for final preparations.
Soon, they emerged from the tunnel led by the referee.
The starting lineups were as follows:
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Casillas
Defenders: Srna, Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo
Midfielders: Khedira, Kaká, Granero
Forwards: Di María, Benzema, Suker
Almería (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Esteban
Defenders: Luna, Marcelo Silva, Ortíz, García
Midfielders: Pellerano, Corona, Bernardello
Forwards: Piatti, Crusat, Uche
Almería was at the bottom of the league table with a record of 6 wins, 12 draws, and 20 losses. They had already been relegated to the second division.
As a promoted team in the 2007/2008 season, they had once achieved an impressive 8th-place finish and struggled in La Liga for four seasons.
However, their performance declined each season, and now they were back in the second division as the bottom team.
They were frustrated but helpless.
Most importantly, they were already relegated as the last-place team, and now they had to face a Real Madrid side on a 37-game winning streak in the final round. It was adding insult to injury.
The worst team in the league versus the best team in the league.
And it was Real Madrid, a team filled with top-tier stars. How could they possibly compete?
Almería had no morale left.
Relegation had left them disoriented. Since confirming their relegation, they had played three matches, all of which were messy.
After learning they had failed to avoid relegation, they completely lost the motivation to win.
Now, facing Real Madrid, no one was shouting slogans like "Let's play one last beautiful game."
On one hand, no one was in the mood.
On the other hand, playing against Real Madrid was pure torture.
This was the team that had brutally beaten Barcelona three times in a row!
How could they possibly compete?
It was safe to say that even before the match started, their spirits were already broken.
"It's about to begin!"
In a residence in London, Bale and his agent Barnett were watching the Real Madrid match.
Bale had already decided to transfer away.
If Spurs didn't let him go, he would make a fuss and force his way out.
Previously, he had been reluctant to cause trouble because he felt Spurs had treated him well. But after the deception incident, he had no attachment left to the club. Leaving as soon as possible was the right move.
Moreover, since deciding to join Real Madrid, Bale's mindset had changed.
His previous confusion had disappeared. He was now eager to improve his skills to keep up with Real Madrid's forward line.
Once a person has goals and a plan, they become filled with passion for life.
Peep!
On the TV, the whistle blew.
The match had begun.
Bale stared intently at the screen, wishing the camera would focus solely on Suker so he could study his positioning and decision-making.
Although the camera focused on Suker often, it wasn't fixed on him.
At that moment, Kaká turned suddenly, evading a defender, and then played a sharp through pass forward.
Benzema received the ball with his back to the goal and flicked it sideways to Suker with the outside of his right foot.
Suker paused slightly, drawing the defense toward him, then suddenly used the outside of his foot to curl a pass in a arc.
"Rainbow pass!" Bale exclaimed. "So beautiful!"
The ball slipped between the full-back and center-back, curving into the open space on the right flank.
There, Di María arrived and calmly slotted the ball past the diving goalkeeper and into the net.
"The counterattack was so fast, and the decision-making was quick too. The entire attack was so clean!"
Bale grinned.
Why did it feel like after the three matches against Barcelona, Real Madrid had become even better?
Manchester United players watching the match had the same question.
"Seriously? Is Almería too weak, or is Real Madrid too strong?" Rooney scratched his balding head, puzzled. "It feels like they've become even more..."
He couldn't find the right word.
Modrić chimed in, "They've become more cohesive. Their coordination, the speed of their decision-making,and their choices..."
Giggs sighed. "The three matches against Barcelona didn't break them. Instead, it perfectly honed the team. The Champions League final won't be easy!"
At the front, Ferguson was also watching the match.
He chewed his gum rapidly, his right hand occasionally clenching and unclenching. The reflection on his glasses made it hard to see his expression clearly.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
24th minute.
After a series of passes, Suker suddenly appeared in a gap in the midfield.
This change surprised the Almería players.
Why was no one marking Suker?
Suker himself was also puzzled.
While making his run, the defender marking him had simply disappeared!
However, this gave Suker a chance to shoot.
Suker was outside the penalty area, about 30 meters from the goal.
Most importantly, the Almería goalkeeper was positioned near the right post.
Suker shifted the ball slightly to create space for a run-up, then swung his right foot fiercely, striking the ball with power.
Bang!
The ball shot toward the goal like a cannonball, dipping sharply in the air.
The Almería goalkeeper had already dived, but the ball slipped under his arm and crashed into the net.
Real Madrid had scored again.
"Suker!!!"
"Gooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!!"
"Real Madrid has extended their lead. Suker scores with a world-class strike!"
After scoring, Suker rushed to the corner flag to celebrate.
With a two-goal lead, Real Madrid had the match firmly under control.
In the second half, at the 50th minute, Mourinho substituted Suker off.
This was to let him rest and prepare for the Champions League final.
With the lead secured and the situation stable, there was no need for Suker to continue attacking.
After Suker left the field, Real Madrid should have shifted to a defensive stance.
But Almería made several mistakes in their own half.
Benzema capitalized on a turnover in the attacking third and scored two goals within ten minutes.
"Karim Benzema!!!"
"Benzema scores a brace! Real Madrid leads Almería 4:0!"
But Benzema wasn't done yet.
A corner kick for Real Madrid was delivered to the near post. Just as an Almería player was about to clear it, Benzema suddenly appeared, crouching and flicking the ball backward with his forehead.
The ball looped in a parabola and dropped into the far corner of the goal.
Benzema had completed a perfect hat-trick in the second half.
Real Madrid led Almería 5:0.
Watching Benzema's goal, Suker couldn't help but smile.
Training had paid off.
Finally, Benzema wasn't just waiting around aimlessly. Instead, he used his instincts to make a clever run. Although his technique still needed refinement and his chance conversion wasn't perfect, in important matches, a goal like this was enough to frustrate the opponent.
Suker felt somewhat confident about the Champions League final.
Real Madrid was dealing with injuries, but thanks to prior preparations, they had adequate replacements.
With Suker, Benzema, and Di María—all players who performed well in big games—they had the ability to compete with Manchester United.
The 90 minutes were up.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Almería 6:1.
The last goal was intentionally conceded.
By the end, Almería was on the verge of collapse.
It made sense—they were already relegated, and if you thrash them too hard, they might retaliate.
Real Madrid deliberately allowed a goal, as if to say, "You scored, so you can't come after us!"
After that, neither team scored again, and the match ended.
The 2010/2011 La Liga season.
Real Madrid had achieved the unprecedented feat of winning all 38 matches.
The media went into a frenzy, flashing cameras nonstop. Commentator González shouted himself hoarse.
It was another historic moment.
The Real Madrid players ran across the field, celebrating, rolling on the grass, and having a great time.
"Where's the trophy? Where's the trophy? Give it to me! I want to see the La Liga championship trophy!"
Srna excitedly rushed toward the sidelines.
Kaká eagerly followed.
At that moment, Suker grabbed both by the collars and pulled them back.
"There's no trophy!"
Suker said.
"Huh? No trophy?" Srna tilted his head. "What are you talking about? We're the champions!"
Kaká also looked confused.
Suker shrugged. "That's right! No trophy. The La Liga championship trophy will be awarded next season."
Srna and Kaká were stunned.
"The trophy is awarded next season? What kind of ridiculous rule is that?" Srna complained. "How are we supposed to celebrate without a trophy?"
"Like this!"
Suker pointed at the other players, who were running across the field, sliding on their knees, hugging each other, or clapping with the fans.
"Just celebrate like this!"
Celebrating without a trophy was somewhat anticlimactic, but there was no helping it. Those were the rules.
Real Madrid's historic undefeated season had further boosted their morale.
Florentino and others came down to join the celebrations.
However, the players didn't participate because they still had the Champions League final to play. Mourinho led the team directly back to the training base.
"I know you're excited about the undefeated season, but I need you to suppress that excitement—or save it for when it's needed. There are still four days left. We'll go to London on the 25th to prepare for the Champions League final, so you must maintain your condition during this time!"
Mourinho said sternly, "The most crucial match is coming. Whether we win the Champions League after nine years or make the fans wait another year depends on your performance in the final."
"That's all for today. Training as usual tomorrow. Dismissed!"
Everyone left separately.
They had achieved an undefeated season, but they had to suppress their excitement and maintain their focus.
After all, the Champions League final was the priority!
For these players, the league was a goal, but the Champions League was a dream!
The Champions League final was approaching, and for the Real Madrid players, it was the most important match.
In fact, although Real Madrid had a prestigious reputation, not every player on the team had won the Champions League.
Currently, only Suker, Kaká, Srna, Carvalho, and Alonso had won the Champions League.
Others like Benzema, Di María, Khedira, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, and Arbeloa were all playing in their first Champions League final.
Even Casillas, who won the Champions League in the 2001/2002 season, did so as a substitute.
This was essentially his first time challenging a full Champions League final.
In contrast, Manchester United's squad had won the Champions League in the 2007/2008 season. If it weren't for Croatia winning the European Championship that year, Cristiano Ronaldo would have won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
"Damn it! I'm so nervous!"
Marcelo clutched his chest and turned to Srna. "How do you adjust your mindset? My heart feels like it's about to jump out of my chest. If I'm like this now, I'll be even more nervous in London."
Srna shrugged. "Maybe I just have a good mindset? I didn't feel particularly nervous at the time."
At that moment, assistant coach Faria remarked casually, "I remember you made five trips to the bathroom before the match!"
"Faria!" Srna shouted, his face turning red.
As Faria walked away laughing, Srna coughed awkwardly. "Maybe I drank too much water."
"If you're nervous, just admit it. Why hide it?" Suker teased. "During the European Cup final, weren't you trembling when you gave your speech? Do you know how hard we tried not to laugh?"
"Get lost!" Srna was embarrassed.
"Aren't you nervous? Huh? Aren't you nervous?"
Suker shrugged. "I really don't get nervous."
Kaká nodded. "He slept like a log. I was really jealous at the time, so I remember it clearly."
Srna curled his lip enviously. "You're something else."
Marcelo was still clutching his chest. "Doesn't anyone have advice on how to relax?"
"Simple!" Suker pointed to the locker room. "Go to the bathroom, look in the mirror, and keep repeating, 'I'm going to destroy Ronaldo!' That should do it."
Marcelo: "Ronaldo plays on the left. What does that have to do with me?"
Suker: "Then say, 'I'm going to destroy Rooney!'"
Marcelo rolled his eyes. No constructive advice at all.
What a waste of time.
Suker nudged Marcelo's butt. "Instead of wasting time, why not go train? You only have two days left to destroy Rooney!"
"Don't pressure me!"
Marcelo grumbled as he walked away.
Being around Suker, the pressure monster, was driving him crazy!
Kaká and Srna also went off to train.
Although they acted relaxed, they were still feeling the pressure.
Suker was undoubtedly feeling pressure too.
He just didn't show it.
Suker pulled up his system panel.
He checked his attribute cards.
[Attribute Cards +9]
He had nine attribute cards in total. He had earned five in the Champions League, plus the four from before, making nine.
He would earn more from season rewards and could also obtain some from the Champions League final rewards.
But the card acquisition rate was still slow.
Suker felt helpless.
How he wished the European Championship and World Cup could alternate every two years!
That way, he could farm cards more efficiently.
Unlike now, after grinding through an entire season, he had only obtained five cards. With the various season-end rewards, he should be able to get around ten more.
By then, Suker would have around 15 attribute cards.
But that was still a far cry from his goal of hoarding a hundred or so attribute cards.
In a few months, after his 25th birthday, he would officially be heading toward his thirties.
Suker wasn't sure when his physical abilities would begin to decline.
That was why he insisted on training diligently.
There was no other way!
He could only try to prolong his peak condition through hard work.
If someday, Suker's attributes began to decline significantly, he would use attribute cards to fill the gaps.
Ronaldo and Messi's peak conditions lasted until around age 35.
Objectively speaking, by 2018, these two had already begun to decline. Although the process was gradual, compared to their absolute peak, there was a noticeable gap.
Suker's goal was simple!
For the next ten years, he needed to maintain a dominant state.
In the later stages, even if he had to rely on "attribute cards" to boost his stats, he would still suppress these two.
To ensure he could perform well in the later stages, Suker needed to hoard attribute cards now.
In this prolonged "battle of maintaining form" across time, he intended to lead the way!