Chapter 71
March 4, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid.
When the referee Luis Medina blew the final whistle, Yang Hao shook his head in frustration.
However, he quickly composed himself, walking to the sideline to applaud his players, offering encouragement and reassuring them not to dwell too much on the result.
The final score was 1–1, a draw.
Just five minutes into the match, Ruud van Nistelrooy capitalized on a Beckham cross from the right, slotting the ball past Palop, finding the gap between Ramos and Thiago Silva.
Atlético then launched a relentless counterattack and equalized in the 28th minute with an Andrés Iniesta assist to Fernando Torres.
But Real Madrid's compact defensive strategy created significant challenges for Atlético.
The biggest problem? Kaká, Messi, Robben, Xabi Alonso, Lúcio, Cech—all the mainstays of Atlético—were absent.
There was no other choice.
Lúcio had returned from Russia nursing an injury and required rest.
Kaká, Maicon, and others had played full matches in the cold Russian conditions and needed time to recover.
And then there was Messi. That cursed Pekerman had forced him to play the entire game for Argentina. Rest was the only option.
Yang Hao wasn't just concerned about the Madrid Derby tonight; he had an eye on the critical home game against Chelsea next Wednesday.
A 2–0 win in the first leg was promising, but against Mourinho's Chelsea, could anyone afford to be careless?
One slip-up, and if Mourinho staged a comeback, the consequences for Atlético would be no laughing matter.
After careful deliberation, Yang Hao decided to rotate the squad for the derby.
Even with a weakened lineup, Atlético dominated, taking 26 shots, 12 of them on target, and holding 63% possession. Still, they managed only one goal. Real Madrid, frankly, should thank Casillas.
The 1–1 draw marked Yang Hao's worst result against Real Madrid to date.
But the performance on the pitch? No fault could be found.
Between the 87th and 93rd minutes, Atlético launched four shots on goal. In the dying moments, Ribéry created a corner from the left, and Torres came within inches of heading in the winner.
Real Madrid's last-ditch defending barely salvaged the draw.
By the time the final whistle blew, the applause and cheers from the Bernabéu crowd were tinged with relief.
Even the Real Madrid fans couldn't deny how fortunate they had been. Without Casillas's heroics and Atlético's slightly off-kilter finishing, their team wouldn't have secured even a single point.
Yes, a draw left the Bernabéu faithful feeling grateful.
"It's fine. You all played very well. I'm very satisfied!"
Yang Hao embraced each Atlético player as they exited the pitch, reassuring them one by one.
The frustration on the players' faces was evident—they were unhappy with the result.
But the truth was clear: under Deschamps's management, Real Madrid's tactical discipline and overall defensive organization had significantly improved.
Ashley Cole, Cannavaro, Samuel, and Salgado formed a solid backline, while Ballack, Vieira, and Essien added strength in front of them. It was essentially the same defensive lineup that had been erratic under Luxemburgo but now seemed well-organized under Deschamps.
Real Madrid only managed six shots in the game, but their defense held firm.
Yang Hao couldn't help but admit that Deschamps was doing a solid job at the helm.
Real Madrid's squad depth made effective defending possible, but it took someone like Deschamps to fully utilize it.
In comparison, Luxemburgo had utterly mismanaged the same resources.
"Your team is impressive!"
As Yang Hao sent the last of his players to the tunnel, Deschamps approached him with a handshake.
"Not at all. Your team is improving, and I'm starting to worry—these Madrid derbies are only going to get tougher." Yang Hao praised his counterpart.
"The international break didn't help either of us. Otherwise, this could've been a much more exciting match."
Yang Hao nodded in agreement.
Deschamps chuckled. "Right now, Madrid fans have low expectations. Once we stabilize our results, though, they'll start criticizing me for being too conservative."
Yang Hao couldn't help but laugh.
Ah, yes, the Madrid faithful—ever insatiable.
Deschamps appeared to be well aware of what lay ahead.
Having played at Valencia during his career, his coaching philosophy was heavily influenced by the likes of Héctor Cúper and Rafa Benítez. Deschamps had also spent many years in Italy, drawing deeply from Italian football's defensive principles.
All of this made Deschamps a meticulous tactician with a strong emphasis on defense.
The results were clear in how he'd reorganized Madrid's defense.
Yet, his approach had also alienated many players.
For instance, he had completely sidelined Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, much to the ire of the Brazilian duo.
Sometimes, Yang Hao found the whole situation rather baffling.
With a squad like Madrid's, how could previous coaches have failed so miserably at organizing the defense?
Even if they simply fielded their best players without any tactical planning, their defense would still have been above average. Yet, somehow, previous coaches had found ways to botch it.
Ultimately, it wasn't a question of skill but rather a matter of mentality and dressing room politics.
"Anyway, congratulations," Yang Hao said as he extended his hand again.
Though he wasn't a fan of Deschamps's ultra-conservative tactics—especially his mind-numbingly dull strategies during the World Cup—he had to admit that Deschamps had done well so far at Madrid.
"Thank you," Deschamps replied, before adding with a sly grin, "But next time we meet, it won't end in a draw."
The French legend's words carried a subtle challenge.
"There'll definitely be a next time. I look forward to it," Yang Hao countered.
Although they hadn't interacted much, Yang Hao found Deschamps to be pragmatic and rational.
Deschamps likely understood that his tenure at Madrid wouldn't last long.
Florentino Pérez had hired him mainly to clean up the dressing room—specifically, to phase out aging superstars like Ronaldo and Carlos.
For instance, Ronaldo and Carlos were both set to leave that summer, while Zidane had already announced his retirement.
Madrid's dressing room was undergoing a complete overhaul, and Deschamps's role was essentially that of a transition manager.
Rumors suggested that Real Madrid were still pursuing Arsène Wenger.
From the moment Pérez took over as president, Wenger had been his dream manager.
According to AS, Madrid hoped to bring Wenger and Fabregas to the Bernabéu together—a move that, if successful, would undoubtedly shake the football world.
But should anyone pity Deschamps? Not really.
Deschamps had his reasons for taking the job.
Let's be honest: the chance to manage Real Madrid, even as a stopgap, was a dream opportunity for most coaches.
Even Fabio Capello, in Yang Hao's previous life, couldn't resist when Madrid came calling.
While Deschamps had done well at Monaco, coaching Real Madrid—even briefly—was a career-defining chance to gain invaluable prestige.
The Key Question: Can Deschamps seize this opportunity to prove his managerial abilities?
After all, he's now leading Real Madrid into the Copa del Rey final, and if he wins the trophy, it will carry significant weight.
Real Madrid also beat Manchester United in the first leg of their Champions League group stage matchup. But what about the second leg? What happens if they advance?
For Deschamps, this is a golden chance to elevate his coaching career to new heights. If he takes it, he'll soar.
This kind of situation is a mutually beneficial arrangement—there's no need to overanalyze it. Deschamps is fully focused on his work, determined to lead Real Madrid to even greater success.
While Atlético was preparing for the upcoming Madrid Derby, Chelsea faced West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
The Blues cruised through their away match, scoring two early goals. However, they conceded a late one, ending the game with a 2–1 victory.
The standout performer in that match was Joe Cole, often hailed as one of England's most technically gifted midfielders. His brilliant display in that game earned him widespread praise.
Afterward, Joe Cole expressed his desire to contribute more to the team, claiming he was in excellent form.
Mourinho responded positively, even hinting at Chelsea's plan to attack aggressively in the second leg against Atlético.
"Losing 0–2 at home has stripped us of the option to play conservatively. We have no choice now."
Mourinho dismissed criticisms of Chelsea's supposedly defensive approach, insisting that the team simply played in a way that suited their strengths and increased their chances of winning.
"We're a group of warriors willing to risk everything, fighting wolves in the jungle!"
The Portuguese coach also denied allegations that Chelsea used underhanded tactics against Atlético in the first leg, calling such claims baseless.
"We don't do those things."
And what about rumors that Atlético planned to sabotage Chelsea in return?
"That's their decision, but I don't think they'll do it."
Mourinho reaffirmed his intentions to showcase Chelsea's attacking football at the Calderón Stadium.
"We will prove ourselves with an offensive display tomorrow. Chelsea will overturn the deficit and advance!"
"It won't be easy, but we thrive on challenges!"
Whenever Mourinho is involved, the lead-up to a match is never quiet.
When Chelsea arrived at Madrid's main airport, a group of Atlético fans was there to protest their arrival.
The recent rumors of Chelsea attempting to poach Lionel Messi had infuriated Atlético's supporters.
Messi wasn't just any player—he was a jewel cultivated by Atlético. How could Chelsea even think about stealing him?
About 30 Atlético fans gathered at the airport, holding a banner that read:
"Chelsea, you'll get nothing here!"
Mourinho, accustomed to being targeted by opposing fans, showed no anger or fear. He simply ignored them, leading his team out of the airport with the composure of someone who had weathered countless storms.
The following day, when Chelsea trained at the Calderón to familiarize themselves with the pitch, the number of protesting fans grew even larger.
Unfortunately, even former Atlético players now playing for Chelsea—such as Carvalho, Deco, Diego Forlán, and Reyes—became scapegoats.
Had Mourinho not stirred the pot with his antics, especially the attempt to poach Messi, the match would have simply been a competitive fixture. But now, those ex-Atlético players bore the brunt of the fans' anger.
At the pre-match press conference, Mourinho, familiar with such hostility, remarked that Chelsea players were used to unfair treatment by opposing fans on the road.
"We're mature players; we know how to handle these situations."
However, Mourinho then added provocatively:
"Of course, how players respond to fan provocation is their business, not mine."
This came across as encouraging his players to retaliate against Atlético fans.
Some reports even suggested Mourinho had asked former Atlético players to publicly counter the fan hostility, but players like Carvalho refused, arguing it was unnecessary.
According to The Daily Mail, Mourinho suspected that some of his players still harbored fond feelings for Atlético.
Ultimately, Mourinho escalated tensions with more incendiary comments during his press conference.
"Yes, Atlético currently holds an advantage in both score and psychology, but we excel in overcoming adversity. Football is full of surprises!"
"I am 100% certain we will secure qualification tomorrow, just like we did last season!"
It was clear Mourinho was deliberately inciting his players to treat Atlético as sworn enemies and give their all in the match.
As Yang Hao made his way to the Calderón Stadium, he received a report from Andrew Barrasco summarizing Mourinho's pre-match remarks.
Yang Hao wasn't surprised.
This was typical Mourinho.
Mourinho excelled at leveraging every possible factor—both internal and external—to push his teams to the brink, compelling them to fight tooth and nail.
And that always started with defining a common enemy.
In the past, it was Barcelona. Now, it was Atlético. In the future, it would be another team.
Whoever stood in Mourinho's way would receive the same treatment.
When Yang Hao arrived at the Calderón, Chelsea had just finished their training session and were about to board their bus back to their hotel.
But the bus was blocked by an angry mob of Atlético fans.
Many fans waved Atlético scarves and surrounded the bus in a tight circle, with some even spitting on the vehicle.
Fortunately, no Chelsea players emerged from the bus to escalate the situation—not even Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager might have been bold, but he wasn't foolish enough to risk getting attacked.
Yang Hao immediately got out of his car and approached the crowd.
"Hey, everyone, calm down."
Hearing Yang Hao's voice, the crowd's chants only grew louder.
"Quiet down! Listen to me!" Yang Hao shouted, grabbing a loudspeaker from a staff member managing the scene.
"I know you're all upset about how we were treated in the first leg. I know you're here for the good of the team. But remember, this is our home! If we stoop to their level, how are we any different from Chelsea?"
The crowd fell silent, listening intently.
Yang Hao saw the fans calming down and immediately signaled the staff to step forward, part the crowd, and let Chelsea's team bus drive away.
"A few days ago, someone suggested that we pull the same tricks at home against Chelsea. But I refused. Why?"
"We won 2–0 at their home, fair and square. We didn't use any dirty tricks or schemes. We beat them with dignity and strength. So why should we stoop to their level when we return to our home ground?"
"They resorted to those tactics because they couldn't beat us. It's a cowardly move. Do we need to behave like that?"
Yang Hao's words drew nods of agreement from the Atlético fans.
"I understand your love for Atlético and your emotions right now. But I want you to know, we are not Chelsea. We don't engage in off-field antics, nor do we need to."
"Let me make this clear: every single one of our players is holding a grudge in their hearts. We haven't forgotten last season's two-legged match. We haven't forgotten the humiliation we endured at Stamford Bridge recently. And we haven't forgotten their arrogance when they tried to wave their checkbooks and poach our players."
"We remember it all. Every last bit of it."
"So why am I asking you to calm down and let them leave? Because we are Atlético Madrid. We settle all our scores on the pitch!"
"I ask you to give them a fair chance to compete, and I promise you this: my players and I will fight for you, for ourselves, and for all Atlético fans, and we will make them pay!"
"Yes!"
"Well said!"
"We believe in you, Yang!"
Yang Hao glanced at the time—it was already time for his press conference. He smiled at the fans.
"Everyone, go home and rest. I'm already late for my press conference. But remember, tomorrow night, don't miss the match. I promise you'll witness a glorious victory!"
"Trust us!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
After handing the loudspeaker back to the staff, Yang Hao quickly made his way into the Calderón.
This scene outside the stadium was witnessed by administrative staff in their offices, workers at the nearby construction site, and all the journalists present.
Everyone had the same thought: Yang Hao's prestige at Atlético was simply unmatched.
March 8, Night – Calderón Stadium, Madrid.
UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg: Atlético Madrid vs. Chelsea.
Despite Mourinho's bombastic pre-match declarations and the impression that Chelsea would go all out in attack, the reality was different.
Mourinho deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation but opted for a cautious start, prioritizing defense.
All the pre-match talk and mind games boiled down to psychological tactics. Deep down, Mourinho feared Atlético's attacking prowess.
However, with Chelsea trailing by two goals from the first leg, they couldn't simply sit back. They needed to strike a balance—defend well but not rush forward recklessly.
Yang Hao, on the other hand, took a completely different approach. He didn't engage in verbal sparring or play mind games.
Returning from the muddy battleground of Stamford Bridge to the pristine pitch of the Calderón, Yang Hao unleashed his team's technical strengths from the very first whistle, dominating possession and dictating the tempo.
Chelsea's Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: CudiciniDefenders: Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, FerreiraMidfielders: Makelele, Lampard (double pivot); Joe Cole, Deco, ReyesForward: Gudjohnsen
Atlético Madrid's Starting XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: ČechDefenders: Evra, Pepe, Lúcio, MaiconMidfielders: Xabi Alonso (deep-lying playmaker), Iniesta, KakáForwards: Robben, Drogba, Messi
Yang Hao fielded almost the same lineup as in the first leg, with standout performers Kaká and Messi starting again.
The match began with Atlético launching a full-on offensive.
Although Chelsea were accustomed to the high-paced tempo of the Premier League, they struggled to cope with Atlético's relentless pressing and coordinated attacks.
From Drogba's forward pressure to the movements of Robben, Iniesta, Kaká, and Messi, Atlético created a wedge-shaped offensive front that pinned Chelsea's midfield and defense deep in their half.
Chelsea's players found it difficult to retain possession, often resorting to long clearances.
From the outset, Atlético's players were determined to dominate, seeking to humiliate Mourinho's side on home turf—not just to avenge the first leg, but also to restore pride for their fans.
The energy was palpable. Many Atlético players had been rested during the Madrid Derby, and their physical and mental freshness gave them a clear advantage.
Chelsea, by contrast, looked labored and uncomfortable.
In just the 5th minute, John Terry hesitated while trying to clear the ball, allowing Drogba to close in. Fearing a blocked clearance, Terry passed to Lampard.
But before Lampard could steady himself, Iniesta pounced on him.
Lampard, who stood at 1.83 meters, had a significant physical advantage over the 1.71-meter Iniesta. Yet Iniesta's agility and tenacity were enough to drive Lampard to frustration.
When tightly marked, Lampard struggled due to his less refined footwork. A moment's lapse was all Iniesta needed to poke the ball away.
As both players chased the loose ball, Iniesta got there first, shielding it and sending a quick horizontal pass to Kaká just outside the box.
Lampard was powerless. He could only watch as Kaká received the ball.
Fortunately for Chelsea, Makelele was already marking Kaká.
But just as Kaká chased down Iniesta's pass, and seeing Makelele rushing forward to intercept, he didn't stop the ball. Instead, with the inside of his right foot, he deftly redirected the ball past the oncoming Makelele.
The ball changed direction, slipping perfectly out of Makelele's reach.
Kaká accelerated instantly, chasing the ball forward.
Makelele, known for his quickness despite his smaller stature, spun around to give chase but was still half a step slower than Kaká.
Recognizing the danger, Carvalho rushed in to block Kaká's path.
As Kaká reached the ball near the right side of the penalty arc, he didn't hesitate—he swung his leg for a powerful shot.
Carvalho had no time to think and immediately lunged sideways to block.
But the ball whizzed past Carvalho's side, hurtling toward the bottom-right corner of the goal with incredible speed.
Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini reacted quickly, diving to his right, but it was too late.
"Kaká!!!"
"It's in!!!"
"Atlético has scored!!!"
"Just five minutes into the match, Kaká fires a rocket from outside the box to break through Chelsea's defense!"
"What a stunning start! Atlético needed just five minutes to score with a powerful long-range effort from Kaká!"
"It started with a high press. Iniesta dispossessed Lampard and delivered a brilliant pass. Kaká shook off Makelele and unleashed a thunderous shot. Everything was executed seamlessly!"
The Calderón erupted into chaos, with over 50,000 Atlético fans roaring in unison.
Kaká first raised his hands to the sky in prayer before rushing to the sidelines to celebrate with the fans. His teammates followed, sprinting toward him, and soon the entire squad was embracing in celebration.
1–0!
Aggregate: 3–0!
On the touchline, Yang Hao raised both arms high and gestured passionately toward the stands, urging the fans to cheer even louder and show unwavering support for the players on the pitch.
Meanwhile, at the visiting team's bench, Mourinho stood grim-faced, clearly frustrated by the turn of events.
Down 2–0 at home in the first leg and now conceding an early goal just five minutes into the second leg—how could Chelsea recover from this?
Atlético's early goal struck a massive blow to Chelsea, particularly their players.
Mourinho had designed a strategy focused on maintaining stability in the opening stages, hoping to gradually find opportunities to attack.
Despite trailing 2–0 on aggregate, Mourinho didn't want his team to recklessly push forward, knowing full well that Yang Hao would be waiting to exploit such a move.
But with Atlético scoring so early, the question now was: what next?
Mourinho immediately walked to the sidelines, gesturing to his team to stay calm and focus on defending to regain their footing.
However, Atlético continued their relentless attack, maintaining high pressure and aggressively counter-pressing in Chelsea's half.
The intense battle unfolded primarily in Chelsea's half, especially within 30 meters of their goal.
Mourinho had assigned Makelele to support Gallas on the left flank to counter Messi. While this pairing helped neutralize Messi's threat, it left more space for Kaká in central areas.
With the goal already conceded, the match turned into a fierce midfield war in Chelsea's half.
Messi was heavily marked every time he touched the ball, yet Atlético's coordinated counter-pressing meant Chelsea struggled to mount any meaningful counterattacks.
In the first 15 minutes, Chelsea failed to register a single shot on target.
It wasn't until the 17th minute that Reyes received a pass up front, created a bit of space, and unleashed a shot, only for Čech to calmly collect it.
Atlético's technical superiority allowed them to maintain control of the game.
Chelsea tried to disrupt Atlético's intricate passing plays with intense physicality, but they forgot: this wasn't the swampy pitch of Stamford Bridge.
The 27th minute delivered one of the match's most breathtaking moments.
Messi, tightly marked by Gallas and Makelele on the right wing, passed horizontally to Kaká.
Kaká, facing away from the goal, sent the ball backward to Xabi Alonso.
Xabi controlled the ball, pivoted, and sent a diagonal pass to the left side.
Evra sprinted into Chelsea's 30-meter area, hugging the left touchline. Chesting the ball down, he quickly passed to Iniesta, who was closely pressed by Lampard.
Forced to shield the ball, Iniesta turned back, returning the ball to Evra.
Evra, maintaining his momentum, delivered a precise diagonal pass to Kaká, who was cutting inside from the right flank.
Rather than controlling the ball, Kaká took a long stride forward into the open space behind Lampard, accelerating rapidly.
Kaká's sudden burst of speed immediately alarmed Chelsea's defense.
Lampard abandoned Iniesta to chase Kaká, while Terry stepped forward to challenge.
But just as the defenders converged, Kaká delivered a perfectly timed diagonal through ball, splitting the gap between Lampard and Terry.
The ball landed right behind Ferreira.
"What a brilliant diagonal pass!"
"Kaká's vision and precision are on full display!"
Robben surged forward, leaving Ferreira in his wake. Reaching the ball near the byline, Robben charged toward the penalty area.
Ferreira raced to recover but arrived a step too late. Robben kept control, nudging the ball along the byline before circling back inside to beat Ferreira completely.
At that moment, Yang Hao was reminded of Initial D's infamous gutter drift.
Robben's maneuver felt just as audacious.
With Ferreira beaten, Chelsea's defense was in complete disarray.
Kaká was making a diagonal run into the penalty box, while Drogba awaited in the center.
Robben had multiple options.
Chelsea's defense was helpless.
In the end, Robben delivered a precise assist to Drogba, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
"Atlético scores again!!!"
"Drogba!"
"2–0!"
"What an absolutely magnificent play!"
"Atlético's attack flowed seamlessly: from the right flank to the left, back to the center, and then returning to the left. Robben broke through on the left, sending a low cross into the box!"
"The entire buildup consisted of precise passing and intelligent off-the-ball movement. The way the players interchanged and created openings was dazzling to watch."
"We have to admit, Atlético is playing some truly beautiful football!"
"And their players are executing their roles perfectly."
"With the score now 2–0, the aggregate is 4–0!"
"And it's only the 27th minute! There's still over an hour of football left to play."
"Mourinho really needs to think hard about what adjustments he can make next."
The Calderón erupted into unbridled celebrations.
No one had anticipated such a one-sided affair right from the start.
Atlético's dominance on the pitch was overwhelming.
With Atlético extending their aggregate lead to 4–0, the tie seemed all but decided.
As Yang Hao had stated before the match, Atlético wanted to use this game to send a clear message to Mourinho, Chelsea, and the entire football world: this is what Atlético's football is all about.
Even in the swamp-like conditions of Stamford Bridge, Atlético had managed a 2–0 victory. Back at home, with favorable conditions and a clear aggregate advantage, they were displaying an even more commanding performance.
The first half ended 2–0.
At the start of the second half, Chelsea briefly attempted to press higher and attack aggressively.
But Atlético quickly repelled their efforts.
In the 58th minute, Atlético produced another stunning move down the right flank.
Messi received a pass from Maicon, skillfully shaking off Gallas and cutting inside. However, Makelele's pressure forced him to pass back to Kaká.
Kaká had moved to the right to support Messi but found Deco tightly marking him.
Receiving Messi's return pass, Kaká deftly touched the ball with the inside of his right foot, pulling it back with a backheel flick—a display of effortless finesse.
The ball spun directly back to Messi.
Messi, now centrally positioned and behind Deco, was unable to find an immediate opening. He laid the ball off to Iniesta, who passed it back to Xabi Alonso.
At this moment, Chelsea's defense collectively shifted toward the center and right, where Messi and Kaká had been active.
What they failed to notice was that the entire right flank had been vacated, leaving it wide open.
Xabi Alonso took a single touch to control the ball before delivering a diagonal long pass to the empty space.
Chelsea's players barely had time to catch their breath before realizing the ball was flying toward Maicon, who was surging forward at full speed.
As the Chelsea defenders turned and saw the situation unfold, they were struck with dread.
Messi and Kaká were in the middle, Drogba was positioned centrally, and now Maicon was racing down the right wing.
Chelsea's defense was being dismantled wave after wave, like a dam overwhelmed by an unstoppable flood.
How could they stop this?
Gallas, out of position, scrambled back desperately. Carvalho surged forward to intercept Maicon.
Receiving Xabi Alonso's perfectly weighted pass near the right edge of the penalty area, Maicon took a touch to control the ball and immediately crossed it into the box.
Drogba made a diagonal run toward the near post, drawing Terry with him.
But Maicon's cross wasn't aimed at Drogba. Instead, it sailed toward the far post.
As the ball reached its target, the spectators watched in awe as Robben, sprinting into the box at full speed, leaped high on the left edge of the six-yard box and headed the ball powerfully into the near corner.
The net bulged.
"Goal!!!"
"Robben with a header!!"
"Unbelievable! The Flying Dutchman, known for his speed and technique, has scored with a header!"
Robben himself seemed shocked, his reaction almost instinctive as he jumped to connect with the ball.
With no defenders contesting him, it was a simple finish.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Robben turned and sprinted back, repeatedly slapping his forehead in celebration.
Despite his increasingly noticeable receding hairline, he looked oddly dashing in this moment of triumph.
3–0! Aggregate: 5–0!
Mourinho sat slumped on the visitor's bench, visibly displeased yet helpless.
Atlético's rapid, seamless attacking play was overwhelming.
Unlike Barcelona's slower, methodical possession game built around short passes, Atlético combined crisp short passes with devastating mid- and long-range balls.
This multi-faceted style of play posed a unique challenge to defenders.
Take the most recent goal as an example:
Messi's movement drew Gallas away, and Kaká's positioning gave no immediate threat.
Against Barcelona, this would have been manageable since their style rarely involved long passes or quick switches of play.
But Atlético was different.
When the ball was laid off to Xabi Alonso, Deco stayed on Kaká, leaving Alonso unmarked.
This was the fatal mistake.
Xabi Alonso's exceptional vision and ability to read the game allowed him to spot the opening on the right wing and deliver a perfect diagonal pass to Maicon.
If not for Alonso's precision or Maicon's perfect positioning, the danger might have been averted.
But Atlético executed the play to perfection, leaving Chelsea's defense in tatters.
Mourinho buried his head in his hands, at a loss for solutions.
3–0, aggregate 5–0.
How could they possibly recover from this?
"Damn it!" Mourinho cursed under his breath.
He wasn't cursing Yang Hao, Atlético, or even his own players.
He didn't know who he was cursing anymore—just that the frustration was unbearable.
He had given everything, bending the rules and employing every trick in the book.
But it wasn't enough.
Last season, when the world had criticized him relentlessly, he hadn't cared.
Because he had won.
Winning justified everything.
But now?
Now, he had been criticized and humiliated—and he was losing.
That's what made it unbearable.
The agony of defeat was eating away at him.
The day after the match at the Calderón, Germany's Bild published a striking photograph on its front page.
As the final whistle blew, the entire Calderón erupted in celebration.
Fans in the stands cheered, sang, and waved their scarves in jubilant celebration.
On the field, Yang Hao walked toward the Chelsea bench to shake hands with José Mourinho. After a brief exchange of words, the two parted ways, turning in opposite directions.
It was at this exact moment that Bild's photographer captured the image.
The backdrop featured a sea of passionate Atlético fans in the stands. In the foreground, Mourinho, clad in a black suit, bore a stern expression, his eyes betraying the deep disappointment and frustration of a defeated man.
In contrast, Yang Hao appeared composed and confident, his slight smile exuding an aura of assured victory. The image starkly juxtaposed the defeated and the triumphant.
Across the middle of the photograph, Bild's headline read: "Elegant Revenge!"
The accompanying article provided an extensive analysis of the much-anticipated showdown. From the pre-match controversies to the game itself, Bild dissected the story in detail.
The publication noted that wherever Mourinho goes, controversy inevitably follows. The lead-up to the match in Madrid was no exception.
Before the game, Chelsea's team bus was surrounded by Atlético fans outside the stadium, nearly causing a major incident.
Bild highlighted Yang Hao's rallying speech to calm the fans, which had been widely shared and quoted:
"The conflicts in football should always be resolved on the pitch!"
In the match itself, Bild emphasized that Atlético showed no intent to retaliate for Chelsea's behavior in the first leg. Instead, they offered their opponents proper respect and hospitality.
"But Yang Hao and his team, at the Calderón, delivered a clean, decisive, and utterly dominant 3–0 victory over Chelsea, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 5–0 aggregate score!"
Bild also pointed out that Atlético remains the only unbeaten team in the Champions League this season.
The article praised Atlético's performance, noting that from the opening minute, they dominated Chelsea, controlling possession and dictating the pace.
"Mourinho's team struggled to create any meaningful chances and was completely outplayed."
Bild described Atlético's three goals as embodying the essence of their football philosophy: speed, precision, movement, and fluidity.
In his post-match press conference, Mourinho admitted he was surprised by the match.
"Rarely seen from the Portuguese coach, he openly acknowledged Atlético's effective pressing, which created significant problems for Chelsea."
"The small details decide the outcome," Mourinho remarked.
He also attempted to downplay the loss, saying:
"Last season, Chelsea beat Atlético. This season, Atlético beat Chelsea. That's football. Next season, it will be Chelsea's turn to win."
The UK's The Sun also made the match its headline story.
Analyzing Chelsea's crushing 5–0 aggregate defeat, The Sun pinpointed a glaring issue: Chelsea's inability to score across 180 minutes.
The article argued that Chelsea's key problem compared to last season was their lack of a reliable striker.
While the squad remained largely unchanged, the decline of Christian Vieri left Chelsea relying on Eidur Gudjohnsen as their main striker. Diego Forlán, while talented, struggled in high-stakes matches against elite teams like Atlético.
Against Atlético's formidable defense, Gudjohnsen was completely ineffective in both legs.
"In a do-or-die situation, when the striker falls silent, the team crumbles—that's the root of Chelsea's downfall," the paper stated.
The Sun revealed that Chelsea is actively pursuing a high-profile striker to fill the void left by Vieri's decline.
Reported targets include Shevchenko (AC Milan), Adriano (Inter), Eto'o (Barcelona), Ibrahimović (Juventus), and even Drogba (Atlético).
Among these, Chelsea and owner Roman Abramovich reportedly favor Shevchenko.
"Abramovich believes his fellow Ukrainian would significantly enhance Chelsea's attacking firepower."
Turning to Atlético, The Sun highlighted the team's substantial progress compared to last season.
First and foremost, Lionel Messi's rise has given Atlético more tactical options and variety in attack.
"In recent games, Messi has even displaced Franck Ribéry to become a regular starter. Robben has had to switch to the left wing to accommodate the Argentine."
The article lauded Messi's performances, describing him as a young prodigy whose brilliance is undeniable.
However, The Sun argued that Atlético's greatest improvement lies in their defense.
"Lucio remains rock-solid, but it's the development of Pepe and Sergio Ramos that has been transformative for Atlético this season."
The piece highlighted Thiago Silva's importance as well.
"Last year, when Atlético announced they would help Thiago Silva recover from tuberculosis, the world applauded their compassion. At the time, no one expected Silva to become a first-team regular at Atlético."
After recovering, Silva joined Atlético in the summer and has since been a key player in stabilizing their backline alongside Lucio.
"Atlético's defensive solidity has allowed them to unleash their full attacking potential while maintaining balance in midfield battles."
The Sun also credited Yang Hao for Atlético's rise, noting his maturity and composure as a coach.
"The seeds of this success were sown last season and have now blossomed into tangible results."
The article revisited last season's controversy surrounding Yang Hao's defensive signings, which were criticized at the time.
When Carvalho left, Atlético's defense appeared vulnerable, and fans were perplexed when Yang Hao refused to sign a replacement.
Instead, he placed his faith in young defenders like Pepe and Ramos and gambled on the recovery of Thiago Silva.
"Globally, fans and pundits alike were baffled by Yang Hao's decision to rely on two 20-year-old center-backs and a player returning from illness for a team aiming for titles."
The criticism reached a fever pitch when the young defenders made costly mistakes.
In hindsight, however, Yang Hao's vision has proven correct.
"Atlético's current defensive strength is a testament to Yang Hao's belief in his players and his ability to develop talent."
Yang Hao insisted repeatedly, firmly believing that Pepe, Ramos, and Thiago Silva could rise to the challenge and bring rewards to Atlético.
At the time, he even declared in media interviews that even if Atlético went trophyless, he would persist in developing these three players.
"Thanks to Yang Hao's persistence, trust, and constant encouragement, Pepe and Ramos have shown significant improvement this season. Their skills have advanced remarkably," noted the article.
"Combined with Lucio's growing maturity and the outstanding performances of Thiago Silva since his arrival, Atlético's center-backs have transformed into a solid defensive unit."
"Shutting out Chelsea is the best evidence of this!"
The Sun compared Yang Hao to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Just as Ferguson once placed his faith in the Class of '92—despite Alan Hansen's infamous remark, "You can't win anything with kids"—and led Manchester United to glory, Yang Hao is similarly committed to his vision.
With the growth of Pepe, Ramos, and Thiago Silva this season, Atlético's defense has undergone a remarkable evolution.
Even more importantly, these players are still in their early 20s, with untapped potential yet to be fully realized.
"With the current trajectory, Atlético won't need to worry about their defense for the next 10 years."
"And all of this stems from Yang Hao's planning and execution!"
The Sun concluded by stating that Atlético thoroughly outclassed Chelsea, not just in the match itself but in team-building, strategy, and even locker room management. Their 5–0 victory was well deserved.
Marca echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Yang Hao's determination last season and strategic decisions this season were crucial to Atlético's perfect revenge against Chelsea.
"By resolving their defensive crisis, Atlético left Chelsea with no opportunities."
The paper asserted that after defeating Chelsea and advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals, Atlético's next goal should be a double crown.
So far, Atlético leads La Liga and has excelled in the Champions League. Securing both titles is entirely within reach.
"But this will require everyone at Atlético to remain united and focused," Marca advised.
L'Équipe praised Atlético's three goals, calling them masterpieces.
"Across both legs, Atlético completely overwhelmed Chelsea," the paper stated.
"Yang Hao and his team are playing the most breathtaking attacking football in Europe!"
Similarly, La Gazzetta dello Sport declared Atlético the most entertaining team in world football right now, bar none.
"Yang Hao has found a way to play beautiful football while also consistently winning matches."
As the Champions League Round of 16 concluded, the fears voiced by British media two weeks earlier became a reality.
Real Madrid eliminated Manchester United. Liverpool fell to Benfica. Chelsea lost to Atlético. Arsenal was defeated by Villarreal. For the first time in recent memory, the Premier League contingent was entirely wiped out in the Round of 16.
Despite having five English clubs in the Champions League this season, not one reached the quarter-finals. Everton didn't even make it past the qualifiers.
This left the British media reeling.
No one could believe the Premier League's performance had been so dismal.
While Chelsea's loss to Atlético and Manchester United's defeat to Real Madrid might be understandable, how does one explain Arsenal's loss to Villarreal or Liverpool's to Benfica?
The rest of Europe began to buzz with speculation.
It became widely accepted that the Premier League could no longer claim to be the world's top league, let alone compete with La Liga.
This season, all four La Liga representatives advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals, showcasing Spanish football's dominance.
What shocked the football world even more was the Champions League quarter-final draw. Remarkably, all four Spanish clubs avoided each other.
Atlético drew their old foe Inter Milan, Real Madrid faced Juventus, Villarreal were pitted against AC Milan, and Barcelona got the most favorable matchup against Benfica.
This prompted wild speculation about whether UEFA was subtly favoring La Liga.
UEFA's spokesperson quickly clarified, asserting that the draw was conducted transparently and fairly under the watchful eyes of the world.
"No draw can satisfy everyone; someone will always cry foul," the spokesperson said.
UEFA president Lennart Johansson also weighed in, dismissing the idea of conspiracy:
"Progressing to the semi-finals will depend on each team's strength, not luck or the draw."
"At the draw, nearly every representative told me they most feared drawing Atlético. Yet someone had to face them—was that a conspiracy too?"
Johansson's remarks provoked backlash from Spanish media, who accused him of subtly suggesting that UEFA wanted to eliminate the Spanish teams.
In response, UEFA clarified that Johansson's comments were merely illustrative.
Still, the draw sparked heated debate across Europe.
When word reached Switzerland that Inter Milan had drawn Atlético, Héctor Cúper's already stern expression grew even grimmer.
The Argentine coach immediately called his assistants into his office to discuss their strategy.
Cúper, along with his long-time collaborators Bianco and Mario Gómez, quickly arrived at a sobering conclusion.
"We don't have much of a chance against Atlético," admitted Mario Gómez with a sigh.
From the moment the draw paired Inter with Atlético, their Champions League campaign seemed likely to end in disappointment.
Why "likely"? Because in football, nothing is ever certain.
"Our midfield stands no chance against theirs," Gómez continued. "And if you've seen Atlético's matches against Chelsea, their midfield is simply too strong. What do we have to match that?"
Seated at his desk, Cúper listened intently to his assistants' analysis while quietly pondering his own thoughts.
Yes, Atlético is formidable—there's no denying that.
And yes, Inter Milan's overall quality has declined recently—this too is an undeniable fact.
Inter Milan's typical 4-4-2 lineup:
Goalkeeper: Toldo
Defensive Line: Favalli, Nesta, Córdoba, and Zanetti
Midfield: Stanković, Cambiasso, Verón, and Figo
Forwards: Martins and Adriano
This lineup has enabled Inter Milan to outpace Capello's Juventus in Serie A and currently lead the standings. However, Héctor Cúper knew that while this setup was adequate for Serie A, it was far from sufficient in Europe, especially in the knockout stages.
In the Round of 16, Inter's luck shone as they drew Ajax, a relatively manageable opponent. Beyond that, though, Cúper harbored few illusions about their chances.
Inter's strengths lay with Adriano up front, Nesta in defense, and consistent performances from Cambiasso and Zanetti. But many other positions struggled.
Verón, after setbacks at Manchester United and Chelsea, now held a starting spot at Inter—indicative of the team's current state.
But the draw was set, and the games had to be played. Not only played but fought for with every ounce of effort.
"We won't go head-to-head with Atlético in midfield," Cúper announced suddenly.
"If we don't contest the midfield, it means relying heavily on Adriano up front and Nesta at the back," Bianco replied. "That's essentially last season's strategy—but we know how that ended."
Last season, Inter had also faced Atlético and suffered a resounding defeat.
"Against a team like Atlético, you can't sit back and defend," Cúper continued.
Defending deep would only invite Atlético to control possession in the 30-meter zone, stretching and prying open the defensive line. And with a forward like Drogba, they'd eventually capitalize.
"We focus on the league—it's our priority this season. In Europe, we give it our all but with tempered expectations," Cúper set the tone for the two-leg clash.
This agreement remained a tightly held secret within the coaching staff, never to reach the players or the public.
Revealing such a mindset—that Cúper had essentially conceded superiority to Atlético—would spark an uproar among players, fans, and the media.
In that scenario, resignation would be his only recourse.
Still, within the confines of tactical planning, admitting Atlético's strength was only realistic.
"To go toe-to-toe, we'll need extensive running," Bianco added. "The defense stays intact, and on the wings, we exploit our strengths. As for midfield, we rotate Cambiasso and Verón."
Cambiasso was the linchpin of Inter's midfield.
Zanetti's form had declined somewhat, making way for Verón, who—contrary to popular perception as a technical player—was also a tireless runner.
Sir Alex Ferguson had valued Verón for his work rate, passing, and shooting—qualities that made him versatile and balanced.
"Figo can't start on the right; he lacks the legs for that role now," Bianco pointed out.
Cúper considered this and decided, "Stanković on the right, Figo as an impact sub in the second half."
Bianco and Mario Gómez nodded in agreement. "That works—but what about the left flank?"
Inter had two options: Kily González and Solari, both reserves.
Solari had spent years warming Real Madrid's bench, losing his sharpness and requiring time to adapt. Kily González, meanwhile, was 31 and far from his peak this season.
"Start Solari—he knows Atlético," Cúper decided.
Both Solari and Figo were free transfers from La Liga, so their familiarity with Atlético could be an asset.
The strike partnership of Martins and Adriano remained unchanged. It had been key to Inter's attacking success, with Adriano in particular earning his reputation as the world's premier striker.
Even as he finalized plans, Cúper couldn't help but sigh.
If only they'd secured Emerson from Roma two years ago.
At the time, both Inter and Juventus had pursued the Brazilian midfielder, but Capello's sway had given Juventus the edge.
Losing Emerson had thrown Inter's midfield out of balance—a deficiency that was glaring now.
"Let's stick to the plan," Cúper concluded. "We aim to win the first leg at home."
Pressing forward against Atlético was a calculated gamble—one that could either bring success or result in a devastating defeat.
Cúper understood the risks. A defensive approach would surely collapse under Atlético's relentless probing. Better to fight and risk losing than to sit back and guarantee it.
La Liga and the Aftermath of European Success
The passage of all four Spanish teams to the Champions League quarter-finals sent shockwaves through European football, but it came at a cost in the league.
Villarreal drew 1–1 away to Mallorca. Currently eighth, their hopes of another Champions League campaign next season were slim.Real Madrid managed a goalless draw away to Valencia. Despite Van Nistelrooy's strong performances against Manchester United in the Champions League, he found no answers against Valencia.Barcelona suffered a 2–1 loss to Osasuna away from home.
Clearly, the demands of competing on multiple fronts were taking their toll.
However, all three matches were away fixtures.
Atlético, by contrast, hosted Racing Santander.
The visitors employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, defending deep and frustrating Atlético's attacks.
It wasn't until the 31st minute that Fernando Torres intercepted a defender's pass near the halfway line, delivered a diagonal ball to Villa, who carried it into the left side of the penalty area and slotted it into the far corner.
1–0.
Neither side created further significant chances, and Atlético ultimately secured a narrow victory.
La Liga, Round 28
A week later, Real Madrid hosted Real Betis at the Bernabéu.
In a rare move, Deschamps fielded a two-striker setup with Van Nistelrooy partnering Raúl. The match was tightly contested until Raúl's late goal secured a 1–0 win for the hosts.
Barcelona, meanwhile, claimed a 2–0 away victory over Real Sociedad, thanks to goals from Henry and Eto'o.
Atlético faced Villarreal away.
Due to the rare occurrence of a two-match week, Yang Hao and his coaching staff focused on adjusting the players' fitness levels. After all, another double-match week was just around the corner. This preparation led to a somewhat lackluster performance from both teams in the first hour of the match.
It wasn't until the 58th minute that Mascherano intercepted a pass in midfield and delivered a long ball into the box, where Torres headed it in, scoring the only goal for Atlético.
In the 60th minute, Yang Hao substituted in Messi.
The Argentine youngster immediately sought to make an impact, attempting a dribble on his first touch but was fouled by the defender. From the 65th to the 70th minute, Messi had two impressive runs on the right flank and the right inside channel, dribbling past four players consecutively.
The crowd at the Estadio de la Cerámica roared with enthusiasm, clearly unused to seeing such thrilling dribbling sequences. However, Yang Hao noted a subtle issue: while Messi's dribbling was spectacular, it sometimes lacked end product.
"He's still not getting the rhythm quite right. There were several chances to pass, but he didn't," Yang Hao pointed out as Messi's main issue during this match.
This was actually a good sign.
Young players, after all, should have areas to improve; if they didn't, it would almost be unnatural.
In Messi's case, the problem wasn't his unwillingness to pass but rather missing the ideal moment to do so. Often, he carried the ball too long, missing opportunities when teammates were in favorable positions. By the time he realized it, the moment was gone, forcing him to continue dribbling.
"It's just inexperience," commented Juanma Lillo.
"Maybe so. We'll need to address it quickly and make the necessary adjustments," replied Yang Hao.
Thanks to Torres' goal, Atlético secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Villarreal.
The following day, Yang Hao summoned Messi to his office. Together with the coaching staff, they reviewed footage of the match and analyzed the young player's performance.
Messi admitted there were moments when he failed to get the timing right or missed passing opportunities. Other times, he felt confident he could bypass his opponents.
Given his age, achieving this level of performance was already extraordinary. But Yang Hao's expectations were clearly higher.
As a coach, Yang Hao didn't want Messi to become a mere "dribbling machine." That wouldn't benefit the team or the player in the long term. However, Yang Hao also didn't want to discourage Messi or take away the joy he derived from playing football.
Striking a balance was key.
Yang Hao reflected on Cristiano Ronaldo's career trajectory as an example. While Ronaldo's transformation from a flashy dribbler to a highly efficient player was often credited to Sir Alex Ferguson's guidance and the tough-love treatment from his Manchester United teammates, Yang Hao believed there was more to it.
Ronaldo's Growth Through Struggles
Unlike Messi, who had his family's support throughout his life and career, Ronaldo's journey was marked by isolation and adversity.
At 11 years old, Ronaldo left his home in Madeira to live in Lisbon, far from his family. He was thrust into a new environment where his accent and background were often ridiculed. Living alone in a city full of strangers, he frequently called home in tears.
In such a hostile environment, Ronaldo developed a defensive shell, embodying an unyielding, combative persona. He had to fight for his place at Sporting CP and later at Manchester United, where he was often criticized for his over-reliance on dribbling.
Senior teammates like Keane and Gary Neville openly reprimanded him, while Van Nistelrooy's confrontations left a lasting impression on the young Ronaldo. Even Sir Alex Ferguson allegedly instructed teammates to tackle Ronaldo hard during training sessions to force him to adapt.
While these experiences shaped Ronaldo's legendary career, Yang Hao saw them as a double-edged sword. On one hand, they fueled his drive for perfection and relentless pursuit of greatness. On the other hand, they created an obsessive need for validation and a deep-seated fear of failure.
For Messi, the circumstances were different. Surrounded by a supportive environment at Atlético, he enjoyed his football and thrived. Yang Hao was determined to preserve that joy while helping Messi address the gaps in his game.
"I'll handle this myself," Yang Hao decided, unwilling to delegate the responsibility.
La Liga Matchday 29
Three days later, Atlético hosted Sevilla at the Estadio Vicente Calderón.
Robben scored the game's only goal in the 77th minute, securing another narrow victory for Atlético.
Elsewhere:
Barcelona defeated Getafe 3–1 at Camp Nou.Real Madrid managed a 1–1 draw away to Zaragoza.
As the league intensified, the top three teams continued their pursuit of the title.
La Liga, Matchday 30
Atlético Madrid drew 1–1 away to Cádiz.
Torres scored in the 33rd minute, but in the 68th minute of the second half, Ramos committed a foul in the penalty box, conceding a penalty that Cádiz converted to level the score.
Barcelona also drew 0–0 away to Málaga, while Real Madrid secured a 2–0 home win against Deportivo La Coruña. Villarreal lost 2–1 at home to Real Betis.
It was evident from the recent schedule, particularly the last three matches, that all four Spanish teams participating in the Champions League were prioritizing adjustments to prepare for their quarterfinal ties.
March 29, San Siro, Milan
The first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals saw Atlético Madrid visit Inter Milan.
In many ways, Héctor Cúper's Inter Milan and Yang Hao's Atlético shared similar tactical philosophies. Both emphasized movement, short-passing combinations, and high pressing. However, there were clear differences in execution and emphasis.
For this match, Yang Hao stuck with the starting lineup and tactics that had worked so well against Chelsea. From the kickoff, Atlético launched a series of attacking plays, coming close to scoring and causing chaos in Inter's penalty area.
After three weeks of fine-tuning, Atlético appeared to be in excellent form.
Inter, however, deviated from their usual approach. Known for their conservative style under Cúper, the team surprisingly adopted a high pressing strategy, courageously pushing forward to disrupt Atlético's rhythm. This caught Yang Hao and his players off guard.
Yang Hao hadn't expected the typically cautious Cúper to employ such a bold approach. It was, as he quipped, "completely un-Cúper-like."
Nonetheless, this gamble paid off for Inter in the first half.
Nesta and Córdoba successfully neutralized Drogba, while Messi struggled against the experienced Favalli, who relied on smart fouls and physicality to keep the young Argentine in check.
Yang Hao viewed this as a valuable learning experience for Messi. The young forward, just 18 years old, was encountering the challenges of being targeted by seasoned defenders for the first time.
During halftime, Yang Hao made significant tactical adjustments.
Inter had effectively disrupted Atlético's build-up play, with Adriano and Martins constantly harassing Xabi Alonso, making it difficult to organize attacks. As a result, Kaka spent much of the half in an awkward, constrained position.
Faced with this situation, Yang Hao decided to abandon his usual patient passing strategy.
"We're going to play simpler and more direct in the second half. More efficiency, less fuss," he instructed.
He also pushed Robben and Messi further upfield to target Zanetti and Favalli, while Drogba was tasked with pressing Nesta and Córdoba.
"Their backline shouldn't have a moment's peace," Yang Hao emphasized.
As for Inter's midfield, Iniesta and Kaka were told to press Cambiasso and Verón relentlessly.
Cúper had clearly aimed to disrupt Atlético's passing combinations. In response, Yang Hao resolved to meet aggression with aggression.
"Since they want a fight, we'll give them one," Yang Hao declared.
His instructions were clear:
"Gentlemen, Inter wants a shootout. We have no choice now!"
"If we want to win here, we'll need more courage and more determination than they have."
"In the second half, I want everyone pressing forward. We don't back down, not even an inch!"
"If they want war, then we'll give them war!"
Second Half
Inter kicked off but quickly found themselves under pressure.
Within just 30 seconds, a mistake in midfield saw Verón lose possession to Iniesta, who immediately played a diagonal pass to the left.
Robben picked up the ball on the left flank and, facing Zanetti, used his speed and dribbling ability to burst past the Inter captain. Reaching the byline, Robben delivered a precise low cross into the box.
Kaka, sprinting from behind Nesta, reached the ball first. With Nesta closing in, Kaka opted not to stop the ball, fearing he'd lose possession. Instead, he used his right foot to flick the ball back into the center of the box.
The ball lofted slightly, bypassing Nesta's outstretched foot, and floated toward the middle of the six-yard box.
Drogba, initially half a step behind, surged forward. Using his physical strength, he muscled past Córdoba and met the ball with a powerful header.
The ball flew past Toldo and into the net.
"GOAL!!"
"DROGBA SCORES!!!"
"Just 41 seconds into the second half, Atlético Madrid takes the lead!"
"1–0! A brilliant assist from Kaka, and Drogba, the unstoppable force, delivers yet again!"
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Read 16 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10