88th minute.
Roberto Carlos surged down the left flank into the attacking third.
Raúl moved in to support.
Carlos slipped him the ball, and with casual elegance, Raúl flicked it with the outside of his foot—a touch with a hint of Zidane's artistry.
The ball dropped straight into the penalty area.
Both Robinho, cutting inside off the ball, and Su Hang in the center had a chance.
They sprinted toward it, one from the left, one from behind.
As the striker, Su Hang had first claim.
Position-wise, his angle was wider, giving him a better chance to score.
In terms of finishing, the two were about even.
So…
Su Hang went straight for it.
But Robinho never once thought of yielding.
If you score, you're impressive.
If I score, I'm impressive too.
I only froze earlier because I missed.
Had I scored, you'd have been over here congratulating me!
Robinho refused to admit his fear of Su Hang. Instead, he convinced himself it was all about goals.
This one, he had to finish!
Bang!
Su Hang and Robinho collided.
The impact threw Robinho off, his right foot slicing through empty air.
Su Hang, practically dragging Robinho's leg with him, unleashed a blistering strike.
The Bilbao keeper was losing his mind.
What kind of football was this?
At least tell me who's shooting!
How am I supposed to save it when both of you are swinging at once?
Whoosh!
The ball rocketed into the net.
It was ferocious, unstoppable.
Su Hang's strike was pure willpower—no hesitation, no compromise.
As captain, yes, he had to look after his teammates.
But as captain, when ignored, he had another side—ruthless, crushing everything.
That was the difference between Su Hang and Raúl.
If you work with me, I'll work with you—even sacrifice for you.
But if you don't, then you'll face another Su Hang.
The Su Hang who makes opponents tremble.
"GOAL!"
"Five–one!"
"Real Madrid refuses to be provoked! Bilbao's goal lit a fire under Su—just look at the power in that strike!"
"Su Hang completes his hat-trick!"
"Tonight he looks every bit like the young Ronaldo!"
"Oh! Robinho's down, looks hurt… Both he and Su Hang had a chance, but neither gave way."
"Su Hang's collision took Robinho out—that must have been brutal."
"Both players showed relentless hunger to score. Neither was wrong—they both deserve respect."
The commentators tried to save Robinho's dignity.
The truth was, he'd been a step behind Su Hang and had tried to steal the goal with his speed.
That was the reality.
Madrid's medical team rushed over, confirming Robinho was hurt and calling for the stretcher.
His face was twisted in frustration.
Su Hang raised both hands above his head, signaling the fans to applaud Robinho.
But to Robinho, the applause felt like mockery.
...
In the end, Real Madrid claimed an epic home victory.
Five–one!
Their luck had finally turned!
With three goals and an assist, Su Hang was the undisputed Man of the Match.
In his post-match interview, Su Hang addressed the Robinho incident:
"He did nothing wrong. Scoring for the team at any cost—Robinho's spirit deserves praise."
"Coincidentally, I share that same spirit."
"I'll visit Robinho later. I believe he'll understand me, just as I understand him."
Reporter: "It looked like you argued on the pitch?"
Su Hang: "That wasn't an argument. As captain, I talk to all my teammates when necessary."
"Robinho is excellent, but he has things to improve. Someone has to point them out at the right time—that's how he'll get better."
Reporter: "So you believe you have the authority to guide Robinho?"
Su Hang smiled, pointing at his captain's armband.
"I don't know if I personally have the authority, but I know this does."
"It's both my right and my duty."
"At halftime, I spoke the same way with Zidane, Figo, and Beckham. They all took it well."
"This atmosphere of reminding and supporting one another—that's exactly what our team needs."
The reporters were stunned.
Was he really saying: "If I can speak to Zidane and the others, why can't I speak to you, Robinho?"
Some journalists immediately went to Zidane, Figo, and Beckham to check.
They wanted to expose Su Hang's bluff.
Would he really dare to advise Zidane?
Especially Zidane, notorious for his temper. Many coaches tread carefully around him, avoiding any hint of lecturing.
After all, Zidane was brilliant, with sharp insight. If he became a manager, few would doubt he'd be among the best.
Zidane: "Yes, Su Hang's words in the locker room motivated us. He pointed out problems from the first half and reinforced the positives."
"His tactical understanding is excellent. He clearly saw Bilbao's weaknesses."
Figo: "In the second half, we played more to his suggestions. He told me to attack directly through the middle. I tried it—and you saw the results."
Beckham: "Su Hang gives us belief. He told me to cross boldly, whether he was there or not—because he'd always get on the end of it."
"That's exactly how our first goal came. It was crucial—after that, Bilbao were finished."
!
!!!
Who else?!
The reporters were floored.
It really was Su!
So then… Real Madrid's situation… Luxemburgo, isn't this awkward?
Luxemburgo refused to comment on the win.
It looked as if his team had lost.
He couldn't even force a smile.
...
After the match, Su Hang dominated the Spanish headlines.
"This Is a Captain! Su Hang's Hat-Trick Leads Real Madrid to a Crushing Victory, True Leadership on Display!"
"Three-Game Losing Streak Over! The Galácticos Sail Again, Superstars Heap Praise on Su Hang!"
"Zidane + Figo + Su Hang + Beckham + Raúl: Real Madrid's Winning Formula! Luxemburgo, Take Note—There'll Be a Test!"
"Ball Hog Confirmed! Su Hang Stops at Nothing, Even Injuring Robinho to Score!"
"Is Su Hang Undermining Luxemburgo? Unlikely, but Could He Be Zidane and Co.'s Pawn Against the Coach?"
"The Real Su Hang: Puppet Master or On-Field Leader? Real Madrid's Power Struggles Remain Shrouded in Mystery!"
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
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