Some media outlets even claimed that if Zidane hadn't been sidelined by injury, Su Hang's current goal tally might already be ranked among the top three single-season totals in La Liga history.
Bayern Munich, however, held a different view.
They argued that with Zidane on the pitch, Su Hang definitely wouldn't have scored five goals in nine minutes—damn it.
This El Clásico also became a turning point.
If, before this match, Real Madrid had been stuck in the uneasy "post-Zidane era," playing every game on edge,
then after facing Barcelona, the team's morale finally settled down.
Over this long stretch, the squad gradually restored order in midfield.
While creating clear-cut chances was still difficult, simply maintaining stability was no longer a problem.
On March 18, in Round 27 of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Tarragona.
The much-anticipated Su Hang continued his hot scoring form and found the net once again.
This pushed his La Liga goal tally to thirty.
He drew level with Barcelona legends Romário and Mariano Martín, moving up to sixth place on La Liga's all-time scoring list.
On March 22 came the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Real Madrid traveled away to face Getafe.
In the first leg, Su Hang's hat trick had given Real Madrid a commanding 4–1 lead,
essentially placing one foot in the semifinals.
However, the situation for this match was far from optimistic.
After a string of high-intensity fixtures, Real Madrid had no choice but to field a fully rotated lineup for this Copa del Rey match.
Even ironmen like Su Hang experienced lower-back discomfort after the Barcelona game and needed to rest.
The medical staff believed the issue stemmed from Su Hang being knocked over by Oleguer during an aerial duel.
After the match, Su Hang used medicated spray to speed up his recovery.
Zidane and Roberto Carlos had relied heavily on the same treatment as well.
As a result, their recovery progressed faster than the doctors initially expected.
Zidane, in particular, was rumored to be able to return to Real Madrid within half a month.
Yet even such uplifting news failed to inspire Real Madrid's reserve squad.
With the combined efforts of underperforming players like Higuaín, Gago, Modrić, Juan Mata, Marcelo, Negredo, and Valero,
Real Madrid lost 2–0 to Getafe.
Still, they advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals with a 4–3 aggregate score.
It had to be said—this was a legacy left behind by Su Hang, and they were enjoying it thoroughly.
Losing the match but still advancing—nothing could be more wonderful than that.
However, many far-sighted Real Madrid fans no longer dared to imagine what next season would look like.
According to the club's original plans, at least half of these players were supposed to rotate regularly or even start next season.
But at this level, they'd barely be suitable for Segunda División.
They simply didn't have the ability.
Aside from buying new players, fans couldn't think of any better solution.
Yet even with new signings, time would be needed for them to integrate—so the team's results… were easy to imagine.
With no hope placed on next season, this campaign became the only glory left to gamble on.
You could say Real Madrid fans were borrowing enthusiasm from next season to cheer for every single match this year.
On April 1, La Liga Round 28.
Real Madrid traveled away to face Celta Vigo.
The bad news was that Real Madrid fielded a half-strength lineup, leaving the match full of uncertainty.
They needed to prepare for the midweek Champions League fixture.
The good news was that Su Hang had returned and was named in the starting eleven.
His recovery had been remarkably fast.
Not only that, Van Nistelrooy was also back in the squad and was expected to start in the second half.
There was even better news: Zidane had returned to the team.
Although he wasn't included in the matchday squad,
sources revealed that Zidane had already begun training with the team.
This meant he was very likely to make his official comeback in the midweek Champions League match.
That was unquestionably bad news for Chelsea.
However, Chelsea manager José Mourinho firmly believed it was just a smokescreen from Real Madrid:
"I admit Zidane's talent and ability, but his injury couldn't possibly heal that fast. I know how troublesome that kind of injury is.
If a 35-year-old veteran can return so quickly, then I'd have to wonder whether our own Robben is faking his injury.
Robben is younger than Zidane and his injury isn't as serious. There's no reason he wouldn't be fit while Zidane already is."
Yes, Robben was injured.
He was definitely ruled out of the quarterfinals.
He was expected to recover in time for the Champions League semifinals—if Chelsea could make it that far.
Speaking of which, Chelsea really did seem cursed.
The speedy winger Duff, who left Chelsea earlier in the season, suffered a broken leg.
But Robben, the pacey winger who stayed, was also plagued by constant injuries.
No matter what, someone always ended up hurt.
It was truly cursed.
In this match, Su Hang scored once again, leading Real Madrid to another win—
at least if the Copa del Rey was excluded.
Su Hang's La Liga goal tally this season climbed further to thirty-one.
He drew level with Tenerife legend Juan Antonio Pizzi and Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stéfano at 31 goals,
jointly ranking fifth on La Liga's all-time scoring list.
During this period, Beckham was also starting matches one after another.
His performances on the pitch were plain for all to see.
This left Major League Soccer in an awkward position.
They had originally planned to bring him over.
But now Beckham turned the tables, saying the transfer could wait—his priority was helping Real Madrid achieve strong results at the end of the season.
The Americans were almost in tears.
If you really win something, Beckham, will you still come to the United States?
Pushed to the limit, they offered $100 million and two franchise rights for Beckham.
Beckham just smiled, said nothing, and hung up the phone.
Su Hang said, "One hundred million for three people!"
Our "Seven-Speed" trio—none of us can be left out!
Su Hang: "You really shouldn't say that—it's bad luck."
Less than two days after the match, Real Madrid flew to London as a group.
They were set to visit Stamford Bridge later on for the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Even while they were still departing from Spain, journalists had already photographed Zidane.
For a moment, England was on edge.
Sky Sports: "The King Returns! The Frenchman brings footballing justice against oligarch money football!"
The Echo: "Poor Chelsea—their Champions League draws in recent years have been unbelievably bad!"
Manchester Evening News: "Chelsea are strong, but facing the strongest 9+10 combination, it's hard to be optimistic!"
The London Globe: "Su Hang: Chelsea are a high-level team—we cannot afford any complacency!"
How could the Madman Mourinho accept such a media narrative?
Mourinho responded through the BBC:
"I acknowledge Zidane's talent and quality, but his return isn't necessarily a good thing for Real Madrid."