Chapter 78
On October 11, after returning to Spain from Sweden, the national team rested for two days in Madrid before traveling to Murcia for a friendly against Argentina.
Argentina, also training in Europe, had their squad packed with stars, including Atlético's own players like Pablo Zabaleta, Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, and Ángel Di María, along with other notable names such as Diego Milito, Maxi Rodríguez, Pablo Aimar, and Sergio Agüero.
Lineup for Spain:
Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina Defense: Joan Capdevila, Pepe, Carlos Marchena, Sergio Ramos Midfield: Marcos Senna (holding), Andrés Iniesta, David Silva Forwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, Joaquín Angulo
The match was evenly contested, with both teams having moments of brilliance. In the 33rd minute, David Villa put Spain ahead, only for Lionel Messi to equalize for Argentina just two minutes later. Argentina, under coach Alfio Basile, fielded a formidable attack with Maxi Rodríguez, Carlos Tévez, and Messi upfront, while Mascherano held down the midfield as the lone defensive pivot.
In the second half, both teams made numerous substitutions. For Spain, Yang Hao made four changes during halftime. Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute after combining with Sergio Ramos, ensuring Spain's 2–1 victory.
While Spain dominated possession, their offensive width remained an issue. Much of their play concentrated in the central zones, lacking effective penetration on the flanks. Yang Hao analyzed the situation after the match:
"When we control possession within the final third, it's crucial to stretch the opponent by utilizing the full width of the pitch."
Atlético's success with wide players like Arjen Robben, Messi, Di María, and previously Franck Ribéry highlighted the value of dynamic wing play. However, replicating this approach with the national team was challenging. For instance:
Antonio López, Spain's 1.73m left-back, had excellent pace and overlapping runs. By contrast, Joan Capdevila, at 1.82m, was slower and less dynamic, making López a better fit for providing width in Spain's attack.
The best fullback combination, as Yang Hao noted, was Antonio López paired with Sergio Ramos. However, with the limited pool of talent in the national setup compared to club football, adapting tactics required more creativity and precision.
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Challenges with Limited Time
Managing a national team brought unique challenges. Unlike club football, where coaches work with players daily, national team camps are brief, and training time is scarce. Yang Hao lamented this constraint:
"I wish I had more time—even just two weeks—to fine-tune tactics."
Instead, he had to rely on incremental progress during matches. Looking ahead to November's friendly against Romania, Yang Hao planned to experiment further:
Testing David Silva on both flanks. Trying a lineup featuring Silva, Iniesta, Xavi, and Cesc Fàbregas for a hyper-technical midfield, supported by a holding player like Xabi Alonso.
Yang Hao believed such configurations could unlock Spain's potential in attacking through the half-spaces and tight areas.
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Post-Match Reflection
After the Argentina game, Yang Hao returned to Madrid for an exclusive interview with Eduardo Inda, the deputy editor of Marca. For the first time, he shared his thoughts on managing the Spanish national team and the challenges involved.
"While managing Atlético, I often discussed Spain's struggles in major tournaments with my players. Many attributed it to regional divisions," Yang Hao began. "But having stepped into this role, I've realized that's a minor issue."
The real challenge, he explained, lay in fostering unity and prioritizing collective goals:
"I expect every player who steps into this team to focus solely on one thing: representing Spain. If I sense that anyone is here for personal reasons or individual ambitions, they won't be called up again—no matter who they are."
Yang Hao was clear about his expectations:
"Once you're with the national team, there's only one team in your heart—Spain."
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Raising the Bar
Despite winning all four matches so far, Yang Hao wasn't entirely satisfied:
"Maybe it's because I've been managing at the club level for so long, but my expectations are higher."
He elaborated on areas for improvement:
Physicality: "Spain can't compete with other European teams in terms of physical strength or aerial duels. But what we lack in physicality, we must make up for with our technical abilities." Playing Style: Yang Hao criticized Spain's historical reliance on individual brilliance from wingers:
"We used to rely on wide players to break through, expecting them to solve problems alone. But that approach hasn't worked."
Confidence: He observed that many players lacked confidence in the national team compared to their clubs:
"In their clubs, they're surrounded by world-class players who provide support, so they perform without fear. But with the national team, they hesitate."
To address this, Yang Hao emphasized a more collective approach:
"We need to strike a balance. Attacking isn't about recklessness—it's about calculated risk. We must build confidence through a cohesive, high-pressure style of play."
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The Road Ahead
Spain's next matches would be crucial tests of Yang Hao's philosophy. With his insistence on unity, adaptability, and attacking intent, Yang Hao was optimistic:
"Spain has one of the best youth systems in Europe and a generation of incredibly talented players. I'm confident in the future of this team."
With four wins under his belt and a clear vision for the team, Yang Hao's tenure as Spain's manager had started on solid ground. His message to fans and players alike was simple: the best was yet to come.
In such circumstances, players like Oleguer, no matter how well they perform, will not have opportunities under Yang Hao.
Before accepting interviews, Yang Hao privately discussed with Puyol and Xavi. He made it clear that he had no interest in Spain's internal politics—only football.
His philosophy was simple: once players enter the national team, only football matters. Everyone must unite and fight for the team. If a player couldn't do that, they wouldn't be called up again.
Puyol, as Barcelona's captain, fully understood Yang Hao's intentions and promised his full support.
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Club Football Resumes Amidst National Team Impact
The two-week international break significantly affected club football. Upon returning, La Liga entered its 6th round.
First Matchday:
Real Madrid suffered a shocking 0–1 loss to Getafe away from home. The lone goal came from a corner that left Madrid's defense helpless. Even with the pairing of Cannavaro and Chiellini as their central defenders, Madrid's defense faltered under set-piece pressure.
Second Matchday:
Atlético Madrid hosted newly promoted Recreativo de Huelva at the Calderón.
17th Minute: Torres capitalized on a defensive lapse, heading in an unmarked goal from 8 meters to put Atlético ahead. Before Halftime: Rubén Baraja scored a spectacular long-range goal, doubling Atlético's lead.
In the second half, Atlético continued their dominance:
Torres completed a brace. Substitute Lionel Messi added another, sealing a 4–0 victory.
Meanwhile, Valencia lost 2–3 to Celta Vigo away from home.
La Liga Chaos Continues: The season was turning into a chaotic scramble. While Barcelona edged Sevilla 2–1 at home, thanks to Ronaldinho's brace, Atlético climbed to second place in the standings with 15 points, just one behind leaders Barcelona.
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Champions League: Frozen Stalemate in Moscow
Three days later, Atlético traveled to Moscow for their third Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow.
Though it wasn't yet a frozen tundra, the harsh Moscow cold severely tested the Spanish side.
Key Highlights:
Lionel Messi developed a high fever upon arrival due to the cold climate. Although his fever subsided by matchday morning, Yang Hao opted not to risk his health, leaving him out of the squad. Atlético dominated possession with 73% control but squandered numerous chances. Even Petr Čech made an uncharacteristic error, spilling a cross, leading to CSKA's 35th-minute goal by Wagner Love.
It wasn't until the 76th minute that Drogba, with a powerful header from a free kick, equalized. The game ended 1–1, a hard-earned draw in a punishing environment.
Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with the result, acknowledging the brutal conditions. Fans and media alike agreed: traveling to Moscow at this time of year was a monumental challenge.
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La Liga Round 7: Surviving Dépor's Defense
Returning from Moscow, Atlético faced another arduous task: an away match against Deportivo La Coruña. Under Didier Deschamps, Deportivo was a formidable opponent, ranked 4th in La Liga behind the "Big Three."
Deportivo's Defensive Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Aouate Defense: Capdevila, Juan, Coloccini, Arbeloa Midfield: Felipe Melo, Nigel de Jong (double pivots); Pienaar, Diego, Antonio Valencia Forward: Ruud van Nistelrooy
With such a squad, Deschamps set up a disciplined defensive structure. Yang Hao could only marvel, thinking: "This team could easily make the Champions League Round of 16!"
The match was a grueling stalemate. Atlético struggled to break through until the 77th minute, when substitute Ángel Di María won a free kick on the left.
Torres nodded the ball forward at the near post. Kaká, unmarked at the far post, headed in decisively, securing a 1–0 victory.
This marked Deportivo's first home loss of the season, as they had previously maintained a perfect record at Riazor.
After the match, Yang Hao jokingly complained to Deschamps:
"Your team plays too defensively!"
Deschamps chuckled. "Do you underestimate your team's strength? Even with this defense, we couldn't hold you off. If we had attacked, we'd have been slaughtered!"
Yang Hao laughed and encouraged Deschamps to "keep pushing and try to overthrow Barcelona and Real Madrid."
Deschamps responded with a grin: "Or perhaps I should aim to topple all three of you giants."
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Real Madrid Ends Barcelona's Unbeaten Run
The day after Atlético's victory in La Coruña, Barcelona's unbeaten streak ended at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid, with goals from Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo, defeated their arch-rivals 2–0.
Arsène Wenger's team employed a counterattacking strategy, knowing they couldn't match Barcelona in possession. Despite this pragmatic approach, Real Madrid delivered a clinical performance, exposing Barcelona's vulnerabilities.
Yang Hao, along with his coaching staff (Juanma Lillo, Parales, and Guardiola), attended the match. The team identified several issues with Barcelona:
Lack of Depth in Attack: With Samuel Eto'o injured, Rijkaard deployed Gudjohnsen alongside Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry. The chemistry was lacking, and the attack faltered. Defensive Frailties: Ibrahimović wreaked havoc on Barcelona's backline. The Swedish striker's combination of strength and technical skill left Barça's defense in shambles.
The match reaffirmed that Barcelona was far from invincible. Yang Hao and his staff began plotting strategies to exploit these weaknesses in future clashes.
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Takeaways and Looking Ahead
Atlético's performances reflected a battle-tested squad navigating domestic and European challenges. As La Liga's chaotic season unfolded, Yang Hao's team appeared well-positioned to contend for the title.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona intensified the title race. With Wenger's pragmatic tactics proving effective and Barcelona showing signs of vulnerability, the competition among La Liga's top three promised to be fiercer than ever.
For Yang Hao, the objective was clear: push Atlético toward another La Liga crown while maintaining their momentum in Europe.
In Yang Hao's previous life, the reason Zlatan Ibrahimović failed to integrate into Barcelona was primarily a lack of time and patience. Given more time, he likely could have adapted. However, with the Swede's temperament, things went differently.
Interestingly, this season at Real Madrid, Wenger has managed to keep Ibrahimović completely in line.
Yang Hao initially worried that Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo—two notorious troublemakers—might clash. Yet, surprisingly, there were no issues at all.
"This is absurd," Yang Hao remarked.
"Wenger's ability to manage the locker room has been seriously underrated," Juanma Lillo praised.
Yang Hao nodded in agreement. "Real Madrid's main weakness right now is their midfield organization. If I were Wenger, I'd go all out for Pirlo next."
With Essien playing a Gattuso-like role and Vieira and Ballack both around 30, adding Pirlo would fortify Real's midfield for years to come. Pairing him with Essien, along with Beckham or another reinforcement, would ensure midfield dominance.
Last summer, Real Madrid tried to acquire Pirlo but fell short. Likely, their budget had been exhausted.
As for the attack, Real's front three of Ronaldo, Ibrahimović, and Joaquín, with Robinho as backup, offered speed, technique, and individual brilliance—plus, their coordination was improving.
"Troubling, very troubling," Yang Hao admitted. Wenger, with a substantial transfer budget, had indeed built a formidable team.
"You sound a little jealous," Guardiola teased.
"Jealous? Of what? If anyone's hurting, it's you. Watching your beloved team get dismantled like this—you're not upset?" Yang Hao shot back, clearly enjoying the banter.
Guardiola remained calm. "We lost by one goal away. When they visit Camp Nou, we'll return the favor, double."
Yang Hao smirked but maintained his fighting spirit. "The more Florentino tries to block Atlético's fifth consecutive La Liga title, the more determined I am to stop him."
"If he wants to go to any lengths to prevent our five-peat, I'll make it six titles in a row. Has any team in La Liga history managed six consecutive championships? No? Then we'll be the first. We'll crush Real Madrid under our feet!"
With a triumphant tone, Yang Hao turned to Guardiola. "Pep, this season's La Liga title? It's ours. Even if Jesus himself came down, he couldn't take it away. Mark my words!"
As he walked off, he couldn't resist a final jab. "Thanks, Real Madrid, for helping us top the table!"
After seven rounds, Atlético led the league with 18 points, occupying the top spot.
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Copa del Rey: A Solid Start
Midweek saw the first leg of the Copa del Rey's fourth round, marking Atlético's debut in the competition this season. Yang Hao fielded a rotated squad, yet they defeated Levante 4–2 away.
Levante, playing at home, anticipated Atlético would rest their key players and hoped to pull off an upset. Instead, the match turned into an open battle.
Key performances included:
David Silva and Luka Modrić, whose midfield combination was exceptional. Ángel Di María, who contributed a goal and an assist. Luis Suárez, deployed as the sole striker, netted a brace, showcasing remarkable finishing.
Suárez's strong form continued in the Segunda División, where he led the scoring charts with a commanding lead.
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La Liga Round 8: Consistency Across the Board
Valencia suffered a 0–1 defeat to Racing Santander away. Barcelona, powered by a Ronaldinho brace and a Xavi goal, defeated Recreativo de Huelva 3–0 at home. Real Madrid triumphed 3–1 over Tarragona, with their front three each scoring a goal. Atlético Madrid overcame Real Zaragoza 3–1 at home, thanks to Kaká's brace and an assist for Robben's goal. Diego Milito netted Zaragoza's lone goal.
The league standings remained largely unchanged, with Atlético holding onto the top spot.
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Champions League Group Stage: Ruthless at Home
In early November, Atlético hosted CSKA Moscow for the fourth round of the Champions League group stage. Having struggled in freezing conditions during the away leg, this time, at the Calderón, they were relentless from the outset.
First Half:
1st Minute: Robben's cross from the left led to a Kaká volley that smashed into the net. Atlético led 1–0. CSKA's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev had no chance against the Brazilian's spectacular shot. 17th Minute: Kaká threaded a through ball to Messi, who broke through on the right. His low cross found Drogba in the box, who calmly slotted it home. 2–0. 28th Minute: Kaká, after a one-two with Iniesta, rounded Akinfeev and scored into an open net. 3–0.
By this point, Kaká had already bagged a brace, continuing his blistering form as the Ballon d'Or ceremony approached.
35th Minute: Iniesta's pass unlocked CSKA's defense again, with Robben exploiting the left flank to finish clinically. 4–0. 43rd Minute: Iniesta chipped a pass into the box, finding Drogba, who scored his second with a composed finish. 5–0.
At halftime, Atlético had an astonishing 73% possession, with 21 shots, averaging a shot every two minutes.
The Calderón erupted in celebration, witnessing an utterly dominant display.
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A Message to the Competition
CSKA Moscow wasn't a weak opponent—they had drawn Porto away and beaten Hamburg at home. Yet, at the Calderón, they were utterly dismantled.
This overwhelming performance sent a clear signal: Atlético Madrid was not just chasing domestic glory but firmly establishing itself as one of Europe's elite.
As the team continued its campaign, Yang Hao's sights remained fixed on breaking barriers—both in La Liga and the Champions League.
At the start of the second half, just a few minutes in, Robben once again carried the ball into the left side of the box. After a dazzling move near the byline, he executed a perfect cutback pass. Drogba's initial shot was saved by Akinfeev, but Kaká was perfectly positioned to tap in the rebound.
6–0!
"Hat-trick!"
"Oh my God!"
"Kaká is in sensational form tonight—he's scored a hat-trick!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"Tonight's match is undoubtedly Atlético's best attacking performance of the season so far. Every single player has been absolutely brilliant!"
With such a commanding lead, the match tempo naturally slowed down.
However, in the 62nd minute, Kaká once again took control. Dribbling through midfield, he combined with Drogba for a beautiful one-two pass before threading the ball to Messi, who broke free on the right side of the box.
The Argentine calmly slotted the ball past Akinfeev. 7–0!
Messi was overjoyed, racing toward Drogba and Kaká to celebrate with both arms around them, shouting in triumph. The entire stadium erupted in cheers for the young star.
Only three minutes later, Atlético struck again.
Robben delivered a pinpoint diagonal cross from the left. Iniesta burst into the box and sent a low pass across the goalmouth. Both Drogba and CSKA's Ignashevich missed the ball, but it rolled through to Messi at the far post.
Messi, slightly surprised but quick to react, calmly slotted the ball into the near corner.
Another goal for Messi! 8–0!
The young Argentine sprinted out of the pitch, leaping over the advertisement boards and celebrating wildly with the fans. The Calderón echoed with chants of his name, the crowd in a state of pure ecstasy.
Even Messi couldn't believe he had scored twice.
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Despite several more chances—including Ramos and Lúcio's headers and a chip shot from Iniesta—Atlético couldn't add to the tally.
Akinfeev, though on the receiving end of a humiliating defeat, made a few spectacular saves. Rumor had it that Chelsea had already set their sights on the Russian goalkeeper. However, this 8–0 drubbing might have given Abramovich second thoughts.
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8–0: A Statement Victory
Atlético's overwhelming victory over CSKA Moscow sent shockwaves across Europe.
It wasn't just the scoreline—the largest in this season's Champions League so far—but also the fact that CSKA Moscow was far from a weak opponent. They had drawn Porto away and beaten Hamburg at home.
Even Atlético's bitter rivals, AS, begrudgingly described the match as a "near-perfect performance."
Kaká's stunning hat-trick, coupled with his brace in the previous league match, further solidified his reputation as one of the world's best players.
At the post-match press conference, a smiling Yang Hao remarked, "Topping the La Liga table has eased some of the pressure on us, and the team played with complete freedom tonight. It was our best performance of the season so far."
Yang Hao acknowledged that the World Cup had taken a toll on the players, leading to inevitable dips in form. However, this commanding win proved Atlético's incredible attacking potential.
"We're still the same Atlético—strong and relentless," he declared.
On Kaká, Yang Hao emphasized, "He doesn't need any more awards to prove himself. With his performances in 2006, how could anyone ignore him?"
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Kaká: The Ballon d'Or Front-Runner
Spanish newspaper Marca, with voting influence for the Ballon d'Or, revealed that Kaká was the favorite for the prestigious award, set to be announced in late November.
Considering his consistent brilliance—dominating La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup—few could argue against his claim to the Ballon d'Or this year.
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La Liga Round 9: Grinding Out Results
Atlético faced Mallorca away and secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory, thanks to a 12th-minute header from Fernando Torres, assisted by Antonio López.
Aragonés's Mallorca adopted a defensive approach but couldn't hold out against Atlético's relentless pressure.
Post-match, Yang Hao shared a drink with Aragonés, discussing Spanish football. The veteran coach praised Yang Hao's leadership and encouraged him to stay the course with the national team.
Elsewhere:
Deportivo La Coruña held Barcelona to a 1–1 draw. Deportivo's performances in high-profile matches continued to impress. Real Madrid edged Celta Vigo 2–1, with goals from Vieira and Cristiano Ronaldo. Under Wenger's management, both Ronaldo and Ibrahimović were showing noticeable improvement, with their partnership becoming increasingly effective.
Yang Hao sensed that, with their current squad and rotation strategies, this Real Madrid team wouldn't suffer a late-season collapse like Wenger's Arsenal once did. On the contrary, they might become even stronger.
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Copa del Rey: Advancing in Style
In the second leg of the Copa del Rey fourth round, Atlético fielded a rotated lineup against Levante, securing a 1–0 victory at home, courtesy of a Luis Suárez goal.
The aggregate 5–2 scoreline saw Atlético advance comfortably to the Round of 16, where they would face Osasuna.
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La Liga Round 10: A Familiar Rival
At home against Villarreal, Atlético faced a tough challenge.
In the 13th minute, Riquelme set up Agüero for a brilliant goal. For Yang Hao, watching Agüero score for Villarreal instead of Atlético felt bittersweet.
Atlético responded swiftly, with David Villa equalizing in the 19th minute.
Before halftime, Lucio's towering header put Atlético ahead 2–1 in the 38th minute, and Antonio López's cross set up Villa for a second goal, making it 3–1 before the break.
The second half saw fewer opportunities, and Atlético maintained their lead to claim another crucial win.
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Looking Ahead
While Villarreal's improvement this season was evident, they still fell short of Atlético's level, especially at the formidable Calderón.
The standout performance of the round, however, came from Real Madrid, signaling an increasingly competitive title race.
Wenger's team delivered a devastating 5–0 victory over Osasuna on the road. Zlatan Ibrahimović scored twice, while Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat-trick.
Barcelona, meanwhile, came from behind to secure a 3–1 victory over Zaragoza. Despite an early goal by Diego Milito—scored against his own brother, Gabriel Milito—Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry both scored braces to turn the tide in Barca's favor.
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National Team: Preparing Against Romania
After the 10th round of La Liga, the Spanish national team convened at the Las Rozas training complex before traveling south to Cádiz for a friendly against Romania.
With player evaluation as the main goal, Yang Hao left out key players such as Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Xavi, Iniesta, and Torres. Even Marcos Senna and Xabi Alonso were excluded.
Returning to the lineup was Fernando Morientes, as Yang Hao recognized the need for a tall, physical striker to improve Spain's ability to break down defensive setups.
The friendly ended in a 1–0 victory for Spain, with David Villa scoring the game's only goal, assisted by David Silva.
Silva, playing on the left wing, continued to impress with his performances for both Atlético Madrid and the national team. While not as fast as Joaquín or Reyes, his exceptional ball control and creative passing added a new dimension to Spain's attack. His assist to Villa—splitting Romania's defensive line with precision—was a prime example of his imaginative play.
However, Yang Hao was surprised by Cesc Fàbregas's underwhelming performance. Despite playing the full match, the young midfielder struggled to sync with his teammates, raising questions about his role in the squad.
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La Liga Round 11
Real Madrid secured a 3–1 home win over Racing Santander, with goals from Ashley Cole, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Michael Essien. Argentine center-back Ezequiel Garay scored Racing's lone goal.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, cruised to a 3–0 victory over Levante away from home. Fernando Torres scored once, while Kaká continued his incredible form with a brace.
Barcelona delivered another dominant performance, thrashing Mallorca 4–1 on the road. Thierry Henry scored twice, with Rafael van der Vaart and Tomáš Rosický adding to the tally.
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Kaká and the Ballon d'Or
Following the 11th round of La Liga, Marca revealed breaking news: the editor-in-chief and a photographer from France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d'Or, had arrived in Madrid.
With clear intentions, Marca reported that Atlético had discreetly sent an unmarked car to pick them up from the airport and bring them to the training base in Majadahonda. Kaká was interviewed both at the training ground and at his home.
"Yang Hao and several Atlético players were also interviewed," Marca noted, further fueling speculation.
"It's clear," the newspaper proclaimed. "Kaká has already secured this year's Ballon d'Or!"
The news spread like wildfire, igniting discussions across the footballing world.
Given Kaká's stellar performances throughout 2006—culminating in winning the World Cup's Best Player award and UEFA's Player of the Year—his selection as the Ballon d'Or recipient seemed inevitable.
France Football editor-in-chief Hervé Ernou expressed frustration with the situation, as their visits were often leaked prematurely by local media. "There's no way to avoid it," he said.
Yang Hao found the leaks amusing. During his own interview with the media after Ernou's visit, Yang refused to confirm Kaká's victory but couldn't hide his delighted grin, which practically gave away the result.
Atlético fans erupted in celebration, knowing their star had become one of the club's greatest icons.
More than that, Kaká's rise was intertwined with Atlético's identity—he was, after all, a product of the club's development system.
Yang Hao was particularly pleased when Ernou shared the final results:
Kaká Zinedine Zidane Adriano Ronaldinho
Several Atlético players were also among the nominees, including Torres, Drogba, Robben, Messi, Villa, Iniesta, and Lucio.
Messi, in particular, rose to 11th place, tying with Chelsea's Deco, who had the advantage of a World Cup performance.
Ernou highlighted the impression Messi had made last season, particularly his jaw-dropping solo goal against Barcelona. "Everyone agrees—he's the most talented player in the world today. Ranking him 11th feels too low," Ernou admitted.
Yang Hao disagreed. "It's not low," he said with a smile.
For Yang, consistent recognition at such a young age—Messi was only 19—was already a monumental achievement.
Yang adopted a balanced approach in managing Messi: he offered encouragement during struggles but deliberately tempered praise when performances soared, wary of overinflating the young star's ego.
"Young players can't be ruined by excessive praise," Yang explained.
Even though Messi seemed mature and grounded, Yang understood the risks of fame and temptation, especially for a teenager with immense talent. That's why he facilitated Messi's girlfriend Antonela's move to Madrid—to ensure stability in his personal life.
"It's not about overprotection," Yang emphasized. "It's about giving him the right environment to grow until he's mature enough to handle everything on his own."
Messi's father, Jorge, agreed wholeheartedly, creating a united front to support the young star.
"Some decisions might seem restrictive," Yang admitted, "but they're for his benefit. He's only 19. Letting him navigate everything alone at this stage wouldn't be respect—it would be negligence."
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Meanwhile, in La Liga…
As anticipation for the Ballon d'Or announcement grew, a ruthless "executioner" was rampaging through La Liga.
Wenger's Real Madrid delivered a 5–0 demolition of Osasuna, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a hat-trick and Zlatan Ibrahimović adding a brace.
Barcelona, too, shone brightly with a 3–1 comeback victory over Zaragoza, thanks to Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry.
Atlético, meanwhile, kept pace at the top of the table, showcasing consistency and the growing maturity of their young stars.
November 22nd: In the 5th round of the Champions League group stage, Atlético Madrid secured a 3–0 victory at home against Bundesliga giants Hamburg.
Despite having already secured qualification as group leaders, Yang Hao fielded a rotated squad. Lionel Messi delivered two brilliant assists, with Dani Alves, David Villa, and David Silva each scoring.
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November 26th: In La Liga's 12th round, Atlético Madrid earned a 2–0 home win against Real Sociedad.
The day after this victory, Kaká traveled to Paris, accompanied by Atlético president Enrique Cerezo, general manager Miguel Gil, communications director Andrew Barasco, and his family.
After resting at a hotel, Kaká attended the Ballon d'Or press conference at 4 PM. Later that evening, at 7 PM, he appeared on Canal+ for the awards ceremony and received his second consecutive Ballon d'Or from France Football editor Hervé Ernou.
Kaká expressed gratitude to God, his family, Atlético fans, teammates, coaches, management, and, in particular, his head coach, Yang Hao.
Once again, Kaká claimed the prestigious award with an undeniable margin, cementing his place as the world's best.
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In Madrid: A Meeting on Injuries
While Kaká basked in global attention for his Ballon d'Or win, a significant meeting was taking place at La Liga's headquarters in Madrid. Club representatives from La Liga and La Liga 2 gathered to address a pressing issue—injuries.
Back in September, Yang Hao had discussed Atlético's injury prevention measures on Cadena SER, expressing his willingness to share their methods with other clubs. Though initially met with skepticism, the alarming rise in injuries forced a change in tone.
In just three months, over 60 serious injuries were reported across La Liga, with 18 players suffering ACL tears—a staggering statistic. These injuries sidelined players for at least six months and included high-profile names like Villarreal's Nihat Kahveci, Robert Pirès, and Gonzalo Rodríguez; Deportivo's Juan Carlos Valerón; Valencia's David Albelda; Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o; Real Madrid's Cicinho, and Espanyol's Maxi Rodríguez.
Maxi's injury was particularly notable as it came shortly after he had represented Argentina in a friendly against Spain.
On average, at least one player per week suffered a serious injury—a situation Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini described as "absurd and abnormal." He publicly advocated for clubs to learn from Atlético's practices.
Even Arsène Wenger of Real Madrid frequently criticized the league's medical standards, urging his club to improve its medical staff and partner with more reputable hospitals.
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Understanding the Role of Medical Teams
In professional football, the role of a team doctor often extends beyond simply treating injuries on the pitch. They act as the bridge between the coaching staff and the player's primary medical team, ensuring consistent communication and follow-up care.
For example, during the Madrid Derby, when Raúl collided with the goalpost, Real Madrid's medical team promptly assessed his condition on the pitch before deciding on hospital treatment. In severe cases, like ACL tears, clubs must determine whether to pursue domestic treatment or consult international specialists for surgery.
Team doctors are also responsible for managing medications, including treatments for common illnesses like fever or stress-related insomnia. Yang Hao noted that many professional players, including those at Liverpool during Steven Gerrard's tenure, often relied on prescribed sleep aids due to the immense pressure of big games.
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Atlético's Medical Model
Atlético Madrid has taken a revolutionary approach to injury prevention and recovery, employing a medical team of 20 specialists that includes physical therapists, sports injury prevention experts, nutritionists, and two psychologists.
During the meeting, Yang Hao outlined Atlético's strategies to representatives from 20 La Liga clubs, 22 La Liga 2 clubs, and other industry professionals.
Psychological Support:
Yang emphasized the crucial role of the team's psychologists in helping players manage stress and maintain focus. "Our psychologists have become trusted confidants for everyone in the club," Yang explained, noting their impact on both individual well-being and team cohesion.
High-Quality Facilities:
Both Atlético's training ground in Majadahonda and the Estadio Vicente Calderón boast world-class pitches. Yang stressed the importance of high-quality, well-maintained surfaces in preventing injuries. Many La Liga clubs, he pointed out, fail to invest in proper facilities, leaving players vulnerable to injuries on uneven or poorly maintained pitches.
Data Monitoring:
Atlético employs a sophisticated tracking system to monitor player fitness and identify potential risks. Yang explained the "Traffic Light System":
o Red Light: High risk of injury—immediate rest required.
o Yellow Light: Early warning signs—further evaluation and limited training.
o Green Light: Safe to train and play but still under routine monitoring.
Player Training:
To illustrate this, Yang presented footage from the Madrid Derby, where Atlético players ensured Raúl had space to breathe after his collision with the post. Such training instills a sense of self-awareness and responsibility among players, teaching them to prioritize safety for themselves and their teammates.
Yang argued that instilling these practices contributes to a club's culture, fostering loyalty and professionalism. He also highlighted the importance of team-building, noting that a cohesive squad is far less likely to break down under pressure.
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Looking Ahead
Yang Hao closed his presentation by stressing the need for scientifically designed training regimens. These measures, he explained, were key to Atlético's recent success—not only in reducing injuries but also in building a winning mentality.
"Prevention is better than cure," he concluded, "and no player's health should ever be compromised for short-term results."
The meeting marked a turning point in how injuries are addressed across Spanish football. Whether the other clubs would fully embrace Atlético's methods remained to be seen, but one thing was clear—Yang Hao's revolutionary approach had set a new standard.
Yang Hao believed that many player injuries result from insufficient warm-ups, which points to deficiencies in club training routines, especially from the coaching staff.
The issue is exacerbated by younger players often neglecting the importance of proper warm-ups. To address this, Atlético Madrid implemented mechanisms to "force" players to take warm-ups seriously.
For instance, at their Majadahonda training facility, Atlético designated a specific "warm-up room" equipped with activities designed exclusively for this purpose.
Before every training session, players are required to complete a full warm-up routine in this room. Only after the coach's approval can they proceed to the next stage of training.
Though initially met with resistance, players eventually became accustomed to the process, forming a habit that normalized warm-ups as part of their routine.
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During Yang Hao's presentation, his remarks were met with frequent applause from the hundreds of club executives and coaches in attendance.
It was common knowledge that Atlético had avoided serious injuries, but few knew the extent of their investment in player health and well-being. Yang Hao proudly shared that even players who had left Atlético continued to trust the club's medical team, returning for assessments and consultations.
Although he didn't name names, it was widely known that Valencia's Vicente had benefited from Atlético's medical expertise, among others.
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The Financial Impact of Injuries
Yang Hao provided a breakdown of injury-related costs.
This season alone, 18 severe injuries in La Liga had sidelined players for over six months. The combined six-month wages of these players amounted to €14 million in losses, excluding additional costs such as:
Treatment expenses. Team performance losses due to key absences. Indirect economic impacts like declining player market value and underdeveloped young talent.
"These numbers represent a staggering financial burden," Yang Hao emphasized.
He further highlighted that a well-equipped medical team can prevent clubs from signing players with hidden injury risks, avoiding significant transfer losses.
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The Importance of Medical Checks
Without naming specific cases, Yang Hao urged clubs to prioritize comprehensive medical examinations during player acquisitions.
He referenced the growing adoption of cardiac evaluations following high-profile tragedies like Marc-Vivien Foé's passing. Atlético's routine included in-depth cardiovascular screenings, which could potentially save lives and prevent tragedies like those of Puerta at Sevilla or De la Red at Real Madrid.
Atlético's checks extend to young players and include:
Full respiratory and cardiac assessments. Skeletal and joint scans. Various physical performance metrics.
Such thorough processes are not only inexpensive but essential, especially compared to the millions spent on transfers.
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Lightening the Mood
To end his presentation on a lighter note, Yang Hao showcased a humorous slideshow of bizarre injury stories from European football:
Martín Palermo broke his leg in 2001 after kicking a collapsing advertising board during a goal celebration. Romero of Deportivo injured his knee and elbow after falling off his bicycle while avoiding a dog. Nesta (Inter) missed games due to hand strain from excessive PlayStation gaming. Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea) pulled his back walking his dog, which chased a rabbit. Ferdinand (Man United) hurt his knee when he fell off a coffee table while watching TV. Cañizares (Valencia) missed the 2002 World Cup after cutting his foot with a dropped cologne bottle.
Each slide prompted laughter from the audience, who appreciated the levity amidst the serious discussion.
In conclusion, Yang Hao expressed his hope that La Liga would prioritize these issues, ensuring a safer environment for players and attracting top talent.
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Industry Impact
Yang Hao's presentation sparked widespread attention within Spanish football. Clubs across La Liga and La Liga 2 began reassessing their injury prevention strategies.
Many regretted ignoring Atlético's medical innovations in the past, realizing belatedly how forward-thinking the club had been. With the injury crisis spreading, clubs scrambled to learn from Atlético's methods, scheduling visits to Majadahonda for further insights.
Yang Hao believed that fostering these relationships would benefit Atlético in the long run, especially in future player transfers. Moreover, by positioning Atlético as a leader in player welfare, the club enhanced its standing in Spanish football.
"Clubs spend millions on players but neglect affordable measures to protect them," Yang Hao remarked. "It's a strange contradiction in our sport."
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December 3rd: La Liga Round 13 – Real Betis vs Atlético Madrid
After a week of rest, Atlético faced Real Betis in an away match.
1st Minute: Kaká exploited a defensive gap to score an early goal, giving Atlético a 1–0 lead. Torres threatened twice with near-misses, showcasing Atlético's attacking intent. 33rd Minute: Kaká's long-range strike hit the post. The rebound led to a scramble, where David Villa capitalized on a deflection to score. 2–0! 45th Minute: Lionel Messi delivered a clever lob into the box, causing chaos. Betis goalkeeper Contreras fumbled the ball, creating an open opportunity for Torres. However, his shot bounced off Contreras's leg and ricocheted back.
Atlético's dominance was evident, but the sequence highlighted the unpredictable nature of football, even for the most clinical finishers.
Kaká, left unmarked, scored on the rebound, making it 3–0!
At halftime, Torres was on the verge of tears.
He had missed at least four excellent chances in the first half and couldn't understand if he was just having an off day.
Despite his frustrations, the 3–0 lead put everyone in good spirits. Torres's complaints drew laughter from his teammates, lightening the mood as if Atlético Madrid were celebrating with champagne at halftime.
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In the second half, during the 67th minute, Messi received a pass from Kaká. Swiftly shaking off his marker, he dribbled into the penalty area on the right. With a series of feints, he outmaneuvered Melly and attempted a shot but was fouled.
Without hesitation, Messi fell in the box, and referee Alvarez immediately awarded a penalty.
After getting up, Messi mischievously winked at Kaká and the others, prompting the team to rush toward the penalty spot as if fighting to take the shot.
Watching from a distance, Torres hesitated several times, his longing unmistakable.
In the end, the considerate Messi handed the ball to Torres, retreating with his teammates to give him space.
Torres, seeing their gestures, immediately understood—they were teasing him on purpose.
"Thank you!" Torres said, ruffling Messi's long hair, his gratitude evident.
He knew that Kaká and Messi had intentionally sought penalties to help him find the net.
Composed, Torres set the ball, stepped back, took a deep breath, and coolly converted the penalty with a clean strike.
After scoring, he immediately ran to his teammates, hugging Kaká with one arm and Messi with the other as the entire squad celebrated together.
4–0!
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Elsewhere:
Barcelona drew 1–1 against Levante. It wasn't that Barça were weak but rather that Levante played extraordinarily well. Real Madrid staged a comeback at home, defeating Athletic Bilbao 2–1. Cristiano Ronaldo equalized, and Ashley Cole scored the winner.
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December 6 – UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Final Matchday
Having already secured first place in the group, Atlético fielded a lineup of substitutes and young players. The result was a 2–2 draw against Porto, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage.
Atlético's goals came in the second half, scored by Luis Suárez and Sergio Ramos, while Porto had taken the lead with two goals in the first half.
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December 10 – La Liga, Round 14
Atlético secured a 2–1 victory at home against Espanyol, with goals from Torres and Villa.
Barcelona, thanks to a Ronaldinho goal, beat Real Sociedad 1–0 at home. Real Madrid, powered by goals from Ibrahimović and Beckham, defeated Sevilla 2–1 away.
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Preparing for the Club World Cup
After the Espanyol match, Atlético began intensive preparations for their trip to Tokyo, Japan, for their debut in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The tournament was scheduled for December 17th, with Atlético needing to return to Madrid on the 18th. Just two days later, on the 20th, they would face Barcelona at the Camp Nou in a crucial La Liga match.
The tight schedule posed a massive challenge:
Nearly 15 hours of flying time, plus airport logistics and the time difference, left little room for rest. La Liga Round 15 was postponed to January.
However, the Club World Cup was not something Atlético could take lightly. Beyond the prestige of the championship, the €3.5 million prize was a strong incentive.
During a coaching meeting, Yang Hao worked with his staff to develop strategies to help players rest on the plane, maintain peak form in Japan, and recover quickly for the Barcelona match.
Yang Hao was mentally prepared to lose at Camp Nou if necessary.
"You can recover lost points in the league, but there's only one chance to win the Club World Cup," he reasoned.
Still, he assured his players that he was confident they could beat Barcelona despite the odds.
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Arrival in Japan
The 14-hour journey, which stretched to nearly 20 hours including transfers, left the team exhausted. Yet, they were warmly welcomed by Japanese fans upon arrival.
Yang Hao led the team, followed by Atlético's "male model brigade." Dressed in tailored Armani suits, even less conventionally handsome players like Drogba, Lúcio, and Pepe looked impressive with their athletic builds and sharp attire.
As expected, Kaká, the back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner, was the center of attention.
Upon arriving at their Yokohama hotel, the team stumbled upon a wedding banquet in progress. In a bizarre moment, the bride, dressed in a traditional kimono, abandoned her groom to approach Yang Hao for a photo.
Caught off guard, Yang Hao could only stand still, allowing the overexcited bride to take her snapshots. Meanwhile, memories of his past encounters with Japanese culture flashed through his mind, but the public setting kept him from saying or doing anything bold.
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December 14 – FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals
In Yokohama, Atlético faced Mexico's Club América. Despite the gulf in strength between the two sides, Japanese fans filled the stadium with over 73,000 attendees.
Yang Hao fielded a rotated lineup, but Atlético controlled the match from the outset.
8th Minute: Robben's cross from the left earned a corner, which Lúcio converted with a header. 1–0! 26th Minute: Robben passed to David Silva, whose through-ball found Drogba. The Ivorian slotted the ball into the net. 2–0! 41st Minute: Baraja passed to Luis Suárez, whose shot was parried by the keeper, but Robben scored on the rebound. 3–0!
In the second half:
55th Minute: Baraja struck from distance, extending the lead to 4–0. 62nd Minute: Robben received a pass from Drogba, chipped the goalkeeper, and completed the rout. 5–0!
Atlético made substitutions to conserve energy and closed out the game with no further goals.
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Post-Match Reactions
After the match, Club América coach Luis Fernando Tena praised Atlético as the world's best team.
"We gave everything we had, even applying pressure knowing they'd just traveled long distances and were jet-lagged. But their quality is on another level. Their passing, creativity, and attacking flow are unmatched."
He concluded, "Yang Hao has built a truly great team."
Faced with the praise from the Mexican side, Yang Hao graciously returned the compliment, stating that Club América had created many challenges for Atlético Madrid. However, he maintained that it was still too early to celebrate winning the FIFA Club World Cup.
"Internacional is a very strong team with excellent players, and we must approach them with full respect," he said. "This is not yet the time for celebrations."
Many in the media were also curious about the upcoming FIFA World Player of the Year award ceremony, set to take place on December 18 at the Zurich Opera House in Switzerland.
Since FIFA President Sepp Blatter was currently in Japan for the Club World Cup, reporters asked Yang Hao if he planned to discuss the award with Blatter.
Smiling, Yang Hao replied that he hadn't had the chance to meet Blatter yet.
"But I don't think I need to say much. Kaká's performance in 2006 speaks for itself. In 2005 and 2006, he has won every individual honor a professional player could possibly win. All that remains is this World Player award."
"I believe we'll see a great result on the evening of the 18th!"
With Kaká holding the advantage of both a World Cup and a Champions League title, Yang Hao was confident FIFA would recognize his achievements. "If they don't, it's not Kaká who will lose out—it's FIFA's credibility," he remarked.
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Meanwhile, far from Japan, the British magazine World Soccer named Kaká its 2006 Player of the Year.
Yang Hao came in second in the Best Coach category, losing out to Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to World Cup glory. This result was anticipated.
Another highlight was Lionel Messi, who was named Young Player of the Year. With Atlético Madrid's success, Messi had begun to collect awards frequently.
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December 17 – Yokohama International Stadium
In the Club World Cup Final, Atlético Madrid faced Internacional from Brazil.
Internacional, despite selling key players like Rafael Sóbis (to Real Betis) and Tinga (to Borussia Dortmund) the previous summer, still had a strong squad. It boasted future stars such as Alexandre Pato, Luís Adriano, and other notable talents like Nílmar, Sidnei, and Paulinho.
Yang Hao repeatedly warned his players not to underestimate their opponents.
The first 20 minutes saw both teams trading attacks. Internacional focused on counterattacks, while Atlético relied on quick passing and movement.
Yang Hao fielded his strongest lineup, dominating possession from the outset while keeping an eye on the threat posed by Pato and Luís Adriano.
23rd minute: Kaká passed to Messi on the right. The Argentine skipped past two defenders and delivered a lofted cross into the box. Torres met it with a header to open the scoring.
1–0!
In first-half stoppage time, Messi cut inside from the right and passed to Kaká, who sent a diagonal ball to the left. Villa made a late run, controlled the ball with his chest, and volleyed it home.
2–0!
Entering the second half with a two-goal lead, Atlético wasted no time.
49th minute: Kaká lofted a pass to the far post, where Villa headed it in for his second goal of the match.
3–0!
72nd minute: Messi and Dani Alves combined on a one-two down the right flank. Alves sent in a low cross, and Torres scored from close range.
4–0!
Both Torres and Villa finished with two goals apiece, sealing a dominant 4–0 victory and Atlético Madrid's first-ever Club World Cup title!
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Match Analysis
Atlético Madrid's performance was clinical:
63% possession 21 shots, 11 on target Internacional: 6 shots, 1 on target, 0 goals
The Brazilians acknowledged the clear disparity in quality.
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Impact of the Victory
Winning the Club World Cup brought Atlético Madrid:
Their first-ever title in the competition €3.5 million in prize money Substantial appearance fees
The event also boosted Atlético's influence in Japan and the broader Asian market. Both of Atlético's matches in Japan saw sellout crowds, underscoring the team's rising popularity.
In addition to the players and coaching staff, the club's management team—led by Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and heads of various departments, especially marketing—traveled to Japan to strengthen ties and explore business opportunities.
Scouts from European clubs such as AC Milan attended the final, primarily to observe Internacional's players. Atlético's dominance served as a perfect litmus test for evaluating talent.
Alexandre Pato stood out with his sharp ball control and intelligent runs, even though he didn't score. Yang Hao wondered aloud if Milan could afford Pato's €16 million release clause.
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Returning Home
The day after the final, Atlético flew back to Madrid. However, the team split into two groups:
Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Kaká accompanied Sepp Blatter on a flight to Zurich for FIFA's awards gala on December 18. Yang Hao and the rest of the squad returned to Madrid to prepare for the critical December 20 clash against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
With a packed schedule and no time for rest, Yang Hao remained focused on both maintaining the team's momentum and continuing their La Liga campaign.
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