After a string of stepovers down the right flank, Robinho cut inside with ease.
Even Su Hang was playing like a wing destroyer today—once a true dribble-first winger got going, it was like slicing vegetables with a cleaver.
Su Hang: ???
As Van Nistelrooy called for the ball through the middle, Robinho raised his foot.
Bang!
A feinted pass—then a shot!
Another effort from a tight angle.
The ball struck a defender's leg and changed direction, slipping perfectly into the net on the goalkeeper's blind side.
Dynamo Kyiv's luck had truly run out.
Perhaps Zelensky had already used up all of it for them.
Since Robinho's shot was originally on target, the goal was credited to him.
At the same time, Zidane picked up yet another assist, completing a hat trick of assists.
"The fans are chanting Zidane's name again! This veteran has completely defied the laws of time—from last season to this one, he just keeps getting better!"
"I truly believe fans all over the world should thank Su Hang. It was Su Hang who brought the retired Zidane back! We all owe Su Hang a match ticket!"
In the 69th minute, Cassano came on for Van Nistelrooy.
Beckham was visibly displeased.
Given Zidane's age—and the excellent personal numbers he'd already put up today—common sense said he should have been subbed off to rest.
And instead, you bring on Cassano?
Under those circumstances, Beckham left in a huff.
Of course, what he told the assistant coach was that he needed to use the restroom.
At least he didn't completely tear the mask off.
After that, Real Madrid entered a more experimental attacking phase. With the score at 6–0, many players wanted to show off a bit. Su Hang and Zidane were more than happy to see it.
This was exactly the effect they wanted.
They hoped different players would keep hitting red-hot form, each carrying the team for a stretch. That way, in the second half of the season, both Su Hang and Zidane would still have enough stamina to handle the truly important matches.
In the 85th minute, Su Hang fired a powerful shot that earned a corner.
When Zidane took it, Kompany—the tallest player on the pitch—drew everyone's attention.
But Zidane's corner went to the far post instead.
With Su Hang locking down the defender, Sergio Ramos leapt high and powered in a nodding header that seemed to say, "You're right."
Seven–one!
"Zizou!"
Zidane's name rang out once more.
He had completed a quadruple assist.
In stoppage time, Robinho beat his man on the right and whipped in a cross.
Su Hang went up for the header.
The ball struck the Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper.
Rather than good positioning, it was more that Su Hang had read him—but the keeper hadn't moved.
Bang!
Guti followed up with a shot.
The Dynamo Kyiv goalkeeper collapsed on the spot and didn't get back up.
Not playing anymore!
This match couldn't be played!
Eight–zero!
Real Madrid announced the return of the king with a scoreline that felt like something only possible in a video game.
Zidane, with one goal and four assists, was named Man of the Match.
Su Hang, returning from concussion, finished with one goal and two assists, earning the second-highest rating.
But more important than either of their standout performances was the fact that Real Madrid had finally achieved true multi-point scoring.
...
"All-Out Attack, Eight Different Scorers! Real Madrid Massacre Dynamo Kyiv 8–0 at Home!"
"0–2 to Lyon Was an Accident—8–0 Against Kyiv Is the Norm! With Su Hang's Return, the Galácticos Blast Out of the Solar System Once More!"
"King Zidane Delivers a Four-Assist Masterclass, Redefining the Meaning of the No.10 Shirt!"
"Su Hang Dependency? No—Real Madrid's Only Illness Now Is Feeling Uncomfortable Without Scoring!"
"Frozen Out and Benched? Beckham Leaves the Bench Early, Risking a Full Break with Capello!"
"Insider Scoop! Friends Claim Victoria Once Slammed Capello as Incompetent, Old-Fashioned, and Jealous of Star Players' Salaries!"
See? With this win, hasn't that Europe-fearing Real Madrid returned?
Compared to last week's public opinion, it was night and day.
After going through enough of this, players get used to it and gradually find their own rhythm.
Still, this match brought something different inside Real Madrid.
The atmosphere was more harmonious.
Players dared to joke with Zidane and Su Hang, while at the same time becoming more willing to acknowledge their special status within the squad.
This is the proper way to build authority and trust within a team.
First, show strength—earn respect.
Then, show warmth—earn affection.
If you only show the latter, sorry—they'll just think you're easy to bully.
Su Hang, who once had three matches and eleven goals in reserve, was now "sacrificing himself" for the team. His captain's armband grew steadier by the day.
When he spoke, people listened.
October 1st, La Liga Round 5.
Real Madrid hosted Atlético de Madrid at the Bernabéu.
Cicinho, previously injured, made his return in this game.
Real Madrid continued trying to use Su Hang's threat to create chances for others.
This was a clash between two young captains. Atlético's captain Torres openly admitted the pressure before kickoff.
Still, they managed a respectable result.
One–one. Atlético Madrid took a point away from the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, were clearly off form.
Su Hang's streak of scoring every time he appeared this season came to an end.
If not for substitutes Guti and Raúl combining for a last-gasp equalizer, they might well have suffered a home defeat.
Although the Galácticos have refreshed their squad frequently over the past two years, that doesn't mean the older players are useless.
Guti and Raúl proved that once again.
But taking just one point wasn't Real Madrid's worst news of the night.
The worst came in the 29th minute, when the recently returned Cicinho was forced off injured again.
From his pained expression and the medical staff's reaction, it was clear the injury was serious.
Sure enough, not long after the match, Real Madrid released an official statement:
"Dear fans, it is with regret that we must announce an early loss to the squad this season.
"Cicinho has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will require surgery. The expected recovery time is five to six months.
"We thank Cicinho for his contributions and look forward to his return."
A serious injury.
Just over a month into the new season, Real Madrid had already lost a player to a major injury.
That was not a good sign.
Despite his youth, Cicinho had quickly nailed down a starting spot after joining Real Madrid.
His attacking ability was excellent, and the squad had every reason to believe he could become the "Roberto Carlos" of Real Madrid's right flank.
But now…
Of course, Real Madrid weren't completely without options at right back.
There was the versatile defender Raúl Bravo.
And former Real Madrid starting right back Salgado.
But the fact that both had been kept on the bench by Cicinho said everything—they simply weren't as effective as him.
Filling in occasionally was fine.
But truly entrusting them with major responsibility… that still needed to be tested.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser