Chapter 79
"Kaká!!!"
When Michel Platini announced Kaká's name on the stage of the Zurich Opera House during the FIFA World Player of the Year ceremony, cheers erupted from Atlético Madrid's training facility in Majadahonda, Spain.
"Fantastic!"
"Well done, Kaká!"
"Truly amazing!"
Kaká was beloved by his Atlético teammates, who deeply respected his skills. Torres and Drogba, while among the best attackers in the world, couldn't quite match Kaká in certain decisive moments.
There were things Kaká could do that others couldn't, and they had to respect that.
Of course, respect didn't mean they had given up the fight. At their level, every player had their unique strengths, and the differences between them were often minuscule.
For players like Torres and Drogba, both of whom had consistently ranked in the top 10 for several seasons, it was clear they were just a small breakthrough away from reaching the next level.
Drogba, however, faced the most significant challenge—he was already 29 years old. He had lost too much time in his early years. Had things been different, his achievements might have been even greater.
But that was life. Mistakes made in youth must be repaid later.
On the live broadcast, Kaká was delivering his acceptance speech, beginning by thanking God, his family, and his wife. He also expressed his gratitude to his teammates at Atlético Madrid and the Brazilian national team.
"Without you all, I could never have achieved this honor!" Kaká said emotionally.
This was his second time winning the award, placing him among legends like Ronaldo, Adriano, and Zidane. At only 24, Kaká had already entered the pantheon of football greats.
Given Atlético Madrid's current dominance, it was hard to imagine anyone stopping them in the foreseeable future.
Kaká spoke movingly about his career, saying, "Joining Atlético Madrid was the greatest decision of my life."
"I never imagined I would one day win this award—not once but twice. Atlético has given me everything a professional player could dream of, as has my beloved Brazil. I will always be proud of Brazilian football."
Applause once again erupted at Majadahonda as the team celebrated Kaká's achievement.
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Post-Award Interview
After winning back-to-back Player of the Year titles, Kaká sat down for an on-air interview.
He spoke at length about his time with the Brazilian national team, his former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, Atlético Madrid, and his teammates. Of course, he also expressed his gratitude to Yang Hao.
"He is the person I respect the most in my entire life. Without him, there would be no Kaká as you know him today!"
Kaká, who had been at Atlético for over six years since his youth academy days, declared that he could not imagine leaving the club.
"For me, my family, and my career, leaving Atlético would be a disaster beyond imagination. I will never leave!"
When asked who might follow him as the next Player of the Year from Atlético, Kaká rattled off several names: Torres, Drogba, Iniesta, Robben…
This caused a burst of laughter at Majadahonda.
"Is he just listing the entire team?" Torres joked.
It was clear Kaká had high regard for all his teammates, praising Torres and Drogba as world-class forwards, Robben's unmatched speed and dribbling, and Iniesta's exceptional ball control and creative passing.
"I feel like any of them could achieve it," Kaká said confidently.
The host, however, prompted Kaká with a follow-up: "You seem to have forgotten about Messi. He ranked 16th in this year's Player of the Year voting. He's the youngest player in the top 30 and the only one under 20. What do you think about him?"
Kaká smiled warmly. "He's our little brother in the locker room, and we all adore him. I'm his biggest fan. He's already performing fantastically, but his time hasn't arrived yet. In two years, I believe he'll take over the football world."
Kaká's glowing praise drew all eyes to Messi, who was quietly sitting nearby. The young Argentine shrugged and muttered, "Don't look at me—I'm not competing with you guys."
His humility drew nods of approval, but his next words left everyone stunned.
"If I joined the competition, none of you would stand a chance."
With that, Messi bolted out of the room, leaving behind the sound of his laughter as the rest of the team shouted in mock outrage.
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A Quiet Moment at Majadahonda
Later that evening, Yang Hao noticed Messi sitting alone in the center circle of the training pitch, bundled in a thick coat and staring up at the dark sky.
Yang Hao, having just finished watching the awards ceremony from his office, approached him.
"You know, they're all looking for you," Yang Hao said.
Messi glanced at him with a soft smile. "Boss, do you think I can ever be like Kaká?"
There was no jealousy in his voice—just genuine admiration.
"Absolutely," Yang Hao replied without hesitation.
Messi chuckled. "Boss, how many people have you told that to?"
"Me? None," Yang Hao lied with a smirk.
"Don't even try. You've told Torres, Kaká, Drogba, and a bunch of others the same thing!" Messi teased, rolling his eyes.
With a swift movement, Yang Hao ruffled Messi's long hair, making the young Argentine cry out in protest.
"For most players, it's possible, but they need to fight, to push themselves to the limit. Even Kaká had to give his all for this award," Yang Hao explained.
Kaká's relentless effort was undeniable. He had thrown everything into achieving his dream of being recognized as the best in the world.
Messi smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Well, that's Kaká. Following him? I could never do that."
Yang Hao raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
"Because I'll surpass him," Messi said, his voice steady, with a mischievous grin forming.
Yang Hao laughed, realizing that Messi wasn't joking—he truly believed it. And Yang Hao knew, deep down, that he might just be right.
As Long as There's a Chance, Who Wouldn't Fight for It?
"But you're different from everyone else."
Messi looked surprised, staring at Yang Hao as if to ask, "What makes me different?"
"You just need to keep a calm mind, play as you always do, avoid injuries, stay disciplined in your life, and keep up your training. If you do that, you'll win the award— not just once, but many times."
"Three times?" Messi was stunned.
Clearly, in his mind—and likely in the minds of most people at the time—three was the limit of what a career could achieve.
"Be bolder."
"Four at most," Messi joked, exaggerating his disbelief. "There's no way I'd get more than five. Maybe like Kaká, start winning at 23, keep going until 27, then I'd probably start declining."
That was the absolute pinnacle he could imagine for his career. He already felt that Yang Hao's expectations were unreasonably high.
Yang Hao wanted to tell the long-haired teenager in front of him, "Leo, believe in yourself—you'll win at least seven!" But he knew no one would take such a claim seriously. It would sound exaggerated, even ridiculous, and might backfire.
"Leo, you shouldn't follow the paths laid out by others," Yang Hao said sincerely.
"You know, Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year at 20. He was unlike anyone else."
"All great players are unique!"
Messi's expression turned thoughtful.
Over the past two years, many people had encouraged him, including Maradona, who often advised him on how to play. But their advice was often too vague.
For example, Maradona had told him, "You should try to dominate the game!"
Dominate the game? How?
Maradona had said a lot, but most of it was incomprehensible to Messi, leaving him with more questions than answers.
"Winning the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year isn't about your age. It's about whether you're ready to carry the expectations of everyone. When the team is in trouble, will you have the courage to step up and face the challenge?"
Messi seemed to grasp something but wasn't entirely sure.
"Boss, I've never thought about these things," he admitted. "You know, I just like playing, dribbling. I've never…"
"Then start thinking about it now!" Yang Hao interrupted.
"This weekend, we're playing against Barça. Kaká won't play. Why don't you give it a shot? What if… you're up to it?" Yang Hao encouraged him.
As he finished, Yang Hao reached out and tousled Messi's long hair.
"Go get a haircut. This mop is annoying to look at. I'm leaving!"
Messi adjusted his messy hair, stuck out his tongue at Yang Hao's retreating back, and turned to run off.
"Cut my hair? You might as well kill me!" he thought.
What kind of taste is that?
Long, flowing hair—it's stylish!
But as Messi ran, Yang Hao's words echoed in his mind.
Am I up to it?
Can I really do it?
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December Injuries Plague Barcelona
As December began, Barcelona found themselves ravaged by injuries.
Eto'o had suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, sidelining him for an extended period and significantly weakening Barcelona's attack.
Subsequently, players like Zambrotta, Giuly, Baptista, and Van Bronckhorst also faced injuries. Although none were as severe as Eto'o's, they would still be out for one to two months.
In La Liga, a one- or two-month injury was now considered relatively minor.
But just after Yang Hao's recent lecture on injury prevention, Barcelona officially announced that Thierry Henry had been injured in training and would be out for a month, effectively missing all matches before the winter break.
This left Barcelona in a precarious position—they were running out of players.
The entire football world knew Atlético Madrid had traveled halfway across the globe for the Club World Cup in Japan, facing long flights and time zone changes.
Returning to Madrid on the evening of December 18, they would head straight to Barcelona on the 19th for a match on the 20th, with no time to rest.
Rijkaard and Ten Cate had hoped to ambush Atlético at the Camp Nou, bringing down the league leaders.
But with their mounting injuries, how could they even play?
Fortunately, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Puyol remained fit, allowing Rijkaard to field the strongest lineup he could muster:
Goalkeeper: Valdés Defense: Oleguer, Puyol, Thuram, Belletti Midfield: Thiago Motta as a defensive midfielder, with Rosicky and Xavi in central roles Forwards: Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen, and Van der Vaart
On Atlético's side, absences also shaped their squad. Kaká, fresh from winning the FIFA World Player of the Year on December 18, was not included in the lineup traveling to Barcelona.
Yang Hao stuck to his usual 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Čech Defense: Evra, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Alves Midfield: Xabi Alonso in the holding role, with Modrić and Baraja ahead Forwards: Di María, Torres, and Robben
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The Match Begins
From the first whistle, Atlético pressed high, targeting Thuram and Oleguer as weak points.
Thuram's defensive abilities were beyond question, but his ball-handling and distribution had always been a vulnerability. Oleguer, playing on the left, was also a liability.
In less than a minute, Thuram made a mistake while controlling the ball in defense. Torres capitalized and won possession.
Puyol reacted quickly and caught up to Torres with impressive speed. In the ensuing tussle, Torres managed a shot but couldn't find the target.
Two minutes later, Xabi Alonso delivered a long pass. Torres controlled it before laying it off to Baraja, whose powerful long-range strike was saved by Valdés.
Despite his age, Baraja's ability to shoot from distance had only improved.
A minute later, Di María attempted to dribble past Belletti on the left but was dispossessed. The loose ball fell to Modrić, who fired a shot wide of the goal.
In just five minutes, Atlético had already registered three attempts on goal, overwhelming Barcelona with their relentless opening pressure.
Yang Hao's aggressive starts were as fierce as ever, leaving Barcelona scrambling to respond.
Rijkaard, well aware of this tactic, opted for a cautious approach, prioritizing stability over engaging Atlético in open play. With key attackers like Henry and Eto'o unavailable and Giuly only fit enough for the bench, Barcelona's attacking hopes rested on Ronaldinho and Gudjohnsen.
Meanwhile, Atlético's relentless pressing left Barcelona struggling.
In the 10th minute, even Xavi, typically a reliable passer, misplaced a pass under pressure.
Torres seized the ball and attempted to dribble past Puyol but was stopped by a perfectly timed tackle from the Barça captain.
Puyol's defensive ability, particularly in one-on-one situations, was truly exceptional, and his speed made him stand out.
However, his biggest weakness was his height. Many believed that if Puyol were just five centimeters taller and could maintain his current speed and agility, he would reach another level and even become one of the world's top central defenders.
Five more centimeters would put him at about 1.83 meters—Ramos's height is 1.84 meters.
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Yang Hao stood in front of the away team's dugout, shaking his head in frustration.
Atlético had gone on the offensive for the first 15 minutes, creating seven shooting opportunities but failing to score. Forced to adjust, Yang Hao signaled to his players to ease up on the intensity.
Expending all their energy in such a short period would leave them with nothing for the rest of the game.
The match gradually settled into a stalemate.
Atlético's packed schedule, combined with the long journey to Japan, had severely drained the players. Many were already in the "yellow light" zone in terms of physical condition. Under these circumstances, Yang Hao had no choice but to adopt a more cautious approach, however much it pained him.
Tonight at Camp Nou, Yang Hao's primary objective was to secure a draw. Even a loss was something he was prepared to accept—though, of course, he kept this to himself. Instead, he encouraged his players, exuding confidence in their ability to overcome adversity.
During the pre-match interviews, Yang Hao boldly declared that Atlético would defeat Barça at Camp Nou once again.
"Barça is playing it safe tonight too," observed Juanma Lillo as Yang Hao returned to the dugout.
"Too many injuries," Yang Hao replied, nodding.
"Serves them right!" Parales, head of Atlético's medical staff, quipped. "Back in the day, the Catalan media mocked us relentlessly. Now they're dealing with an injury crisis of their own!"
Parales wasn't one to forget grievances easily. Now an essential part of Atlético's coaching team, he served as the vital link between the medical staff and the coaching staff, while also working in the club's medical laboratory.
Having been with Atlético through its darkest days, Parales had earned his status as a trusted old hand. His consistent dedication to advancing his knowledge and methods over the years had further solidified his position.
With Atlético easing off their initial push, the game turned into a back-and-forth exchange, resembling a boxing match. Neither side managed to create any real chances.
"The trip to Japan really took its toll," sighed fitness coach Ortega.
"Especially the 14-hour flight and all the time spent waiting at airports and traveling," added Parales, equally resigned.
Deep down, everyone was frustrated.
This match had seemed like a golden opportunity to take advantage of Barça's troubles and deal them a heavy blow. But the Club World Cup had complicated everything.
Yang Hao had made the right call—between Camp Nou and the Club World Cup, anyone would have chosen the latter. But that didn't make the situation any less frustrating.
Atlético wanted everything—the league, the cups, the glory—but the players simply weren't in the right physical condition tonight.
On the pitch, Atlético's players lacked their usual spark. Yang Hao had started Baraja not just for his long-range shooting ability but to mark Ronaldinho and shield Xabi Alonso. In this, the veteran captain excelled.
The one player still performing at peak form was Czech goalkeeper Petr Čech, who remained as reliable as ever.
In the 39th minute, Ronaldinho delivered a beautifully angled pass into the penalty area. Xavi arrived late to head the ball, but Čech rushed out decisively from his goal to claim it cleanly, earning applause from Yang Hao and his staff.
Barça began to intensify their attacks.
In the 41st minute, Rosický was brought down just outside the box after a tackle from Baraja, resulting in a free kick. Ronaldinho's effort was sublime, but Čech made a spectacular save to keep it out.
Yang Hao and the rest of the coaching staff couldn't help but applaud Čech's heroics.
The first half ended 0–0.
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As Yang Hao headed down the tunnel, he called over Messi, who had been warming up with his teammates.
"Get a proper warm-up. Be ready to come on in the second half," Yang Hao instructed, giving Messi's long hair an affectionate tousle.
When will he cut this mop?
Messi nodded eagerly and jogged off to continue warming up, visibly more energized.
Although Yang Hao was prepared for the possibility of a loss and had set his sights on a draw, that didn't mean he was giving up.
Aim for the best; accept the rest.
Yang Hao was determined to fight for the win. If the result ended in a draw or a loss, he could live with it. The reality was that Atlético's grueling schedule had left the players exhausted and under immense pressure.
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Second Half: Messi Enters the Fray
In the 60th minute, Messi replaced Robben, who had struggled to make an impact.
The Dutch winger, drained from the travel and the intense schedule, simply didn't have the energy to perform at his usual level.
Barely two minutes after coming on, Messi received the ball near the right corner of the penalty area.
Before sending him on, Yang Hao had specifically told him: "Take the ball, dribble, break through as much as you can. Trust yourself—just try. You can do it!"
Yang Hao's words of encouragement still echoed in Messi's ears as he now faced Oleguer one-on-one.
Messi's eyes grew resolute.
Stopping the ball, the Argentine feinted as if to cut outside along the line, his body leaning to the right as if to sell the move.
Barça had started Oleguer on the left specifically to neutralize Atlético's right-wing threat. Rijkaard's plan had been to use Robben's fatigue to their advantage, and Oleguer had indeed performed well in the first half, making six interceptions.
Both Robben and Messi were left-footed wingers who liked to cut inside, and in Oleguer's eyes, Messi was just a shorter, slightly more agile version of Robben. Robben had more pace and explosiveness, so Messi shouldn't pose a bigger challenge—right?
Wrong.
As Messi accelerated toward him, Oleguer saw the feint and instinctively shifted his weight to block the apparent move down the line.
But it wasn't a feint—it was a setup.
Messi suddenly pulled the ball back and cut inside, taking an extra step to create separation. Before Oleguer could recover, Messi unleashed a powerful left-footed strike.
The shot zipped low and fast, threading the gap between Oleguer and Puyol and heading straight for goal.
Valdés, well-positioned, managed to tip the ball up and gather it safely.
Yang Hao, watching from the sideline, nodded in approval.
Not bad. Keep it up, kid.
At this moment, the nearly 100,000 Barça fans at Camp Nou collectively let out a gasp.
It was too fast!
Oleguer had only been caught slightly off-balance, but Messi's movement was lightning quick.
This kid was completely different from Robben. Fortunately, his shot lacked power, and the long-range attempt failed to truly threaten.
"Oleguer, stay tight on him! Don't commit too easily; his balance shifts quickly!"
Captain Puyol shouted from behind.
Oleguer gestured back to indicate he'd heard the instructions.
But soon, he realized another issue.
Stay tight on Messi? No, that was impossible!
He noticed that Messi wasn't sticking to the right flank at all. With Baraja dropping deeper, Messi was moving more into the right half-space, and even drifting centrally, leaving the entire right wing open for Alves.
That damned Brazilian full-back was essentially playing as a right winger—sometimes even a right forward. Every time Atlético had possession, Alves was pushing high up the pitch.
In the 68th minute, after Barça launched an attack and earned a corner—albeit without scoring but creating some threat—Yang Hao made his second substitution.
Villa came on for Di María.
Then, Barça's defenders realized that Atlético's attack had changed once again.
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71st Minute: The Breakthrough
When Modrić carried the ball in the middle, Messi cut in horizontally from the right half-space to the center to receive it.
Beating Xavi to the ball, Modrić slid a pass to Messi.
At that moment, Torres, stationed near the top of the box, made a diagonal run to the right. Simultaneously, Messi accelerated with the ball.
Facing Thiago Motta, Messi executed a quick and skillful feint to the left before pulling the ball back in the opposite direction.
With a deft "La Croqueta" dribble, Messi left Thiago Motta completely outmaneuvered, unable to even attempt a chase.
By the time Messi reached the edge of the penalty arc, he encountered Thuram coming to block him. Messi shifted to the right, drawing both Thuram and Puyol towards him, and then suddenly released a pass to Torres in the open space on the right side of the arc.
Torres, who had carefully held his position to avoid being offside, took the pass and advanced into the box.
Puyol, anticipating this move, turned and sprinted to close him down.
But Torres had planned for this.
Just as he entered the box, Torres stopped abruptly and delivered a perfectly timed square pass.
Messi, after making the initial pass, had immediately surged forward, darting behind Thuram. The aging French defender, slower and heavier in his movements, lagged a step behind.
Messi reached the ball near the penalty spot, controlled it smoothly, and struck it with his right foot towards the left side of the goal.
Valdés, standing near the six-yard box line, dived desperately, but he had no chance.
GOAL!!!
"Messi!! Messi!!"
"In the 71st minute, Atlético complete a brilliant attacking play!"
"Messi carries the ball centrally, combines with Torres in a clever one-two, and finishes clinically near the penalty spot to break the deadlock!"
"1-0!"
After scoring, Messi sprinted off the field, arms aloft, celebrating with unrestrained joy. His teammates, led by Torres, quickly caught up and surrounded him in a jubilant embrace.
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A Masterclass in Attack
"That was an exquisitely crafted attack by Atlético," the commentator analyzed.
"Messi's move to beat Thiago Motta was beautiful and crucial. Breaking past him created a 2v2 situation at the edge of the box, and both Messi and Torres thrive in such scenarios."
On the sidelines, Yang Hao leaped into the air, pumping his fist in celebration.
He had hoped Messi would come on and make an impact, but seeing the youngster deliver so decisively still came as a pleasant surprise.
Behind him, the Atlético coaching staff erupted in cheers, and the substitutes poured onto the sidelines, shouting their congratulations.
As the Atlético players returned to the pitch for the restart, Yang Hao began deliberating his next move. Should they stick with the current attacking approach or adopt a more conservative strategy?
Mascherano was still on the bench, ready if needed.
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Suddenly, assistant coach Parales shouted, "What's going on with Thuram?"
Yang Hao turned to see Thuram signaling to the sidelines that he couldn't continue.
The French defender then collapsed onto the pitch, refusing to stand up. The referee gestured for the medical team to come on.
A wave of concerned murmurs spread through Camp Nou.
It was clear to everyone: Thuram was injured and could no longer continue.
"Looks like he pulled something during that turn to chase Messi," fitness coach Ortega speculated.
"A muscle strain?"
"Ninety percent likely," Ortega replied.
Yang Hao chuckled softly, shaking his head—not out of schadenfreude but out of sympathy for Rijkaard.
Barça's injury crisis had reached absurd levels, and losing Thuram now would only worsen their woes.
If it was indeed a muscle tear, it could mean at least a month on the sidelines.
Yang Hao watched intently, curious to see how Rijkaard would handle the situation.
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Rijkaard's Dilemma
Frank Rijkaard was visibly flustered, his mood sinking as he saw Thuram being stretchered off. He knew the defender wouldn't be able to return.
"Likely a hamstring tear," reported team doctor Toni Tramullas. "He'll be out for at least a month."
"How did this happen?" Rijkaard asked in frustration.
"He said he felt it during that chase against Messi. The exact extent will need to be confirmed with scans, but he's been fatigued, and I warned about the risks given his age," Tramullas replied, clearly exasperated.
Rijkaard waved him off impatiently. He understood what the doctor was implying—this wasn't on the medical team.
Yes, there had been warnings, but what choice did he have? His squad was severely depleted. If not Thuram, then who?
Gabriel Milito? Too short.
Edmílson? Inconsistent since his injury.
Rafael Márquez? Still sidelined with an injury.
Rijkaard sighed heavily. He was running out of options.
At this moment, describing Barcelona as being "plagued by injuries" would not be an exaggeration.
Even worse, Rijkaard needed to respond quickly.
"Do we attack or defend?" Ten Cate asked as he approached.
Replacing Thuram was non-negotiable, but who could they bring on? Unless Rijkaard was willing to risk Héctor Olmo, the choice was grim.
Olmo, a 21-year-old Barça B center-back, was only 1.79m tall. He had been called up more as a formality than anything else. To partner him with Puyol against Atlético? The thought was troubling.
"Put Giuly on. Attack!" Rijkaard had no other choice.
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Barcelona brought on Giuly to replace the injured Thuram.
After the substitution, Thiago Motta dropped back into central defense alongside Puyol, while Giuly took up position on the right wing. The midfield trio now consisted of Van der Vaart, Xavi, and Rosický.
With this setup, Barcelona had no choice but to push forward and try to regain control of the ball.
Yang Hao, sensing an opportunity, adjusted Atlético's approach to focus on midfield stability.
In the 80th minute, he substituted Mascherano for Xabi Alonso, further strengthening the team's defensive midfield.
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84th Minute: The Knockout Blow
Atlético won possession near their defensive third, about 30 meters from their goal.
Mascherano executed a sliding tackle, cleanly dispossessing Rosický, who went tumbling to the ground.
The Camp Nou erupted in whistles and boos, but the referee signaled for play to continue.
Iniesta quickly collected the loose ball and switched it to the left flank.
Evra advanced and unleashed a diagonal long ball, sending it deep into Barça's half, slightly to the right side.
A small yet rapid figure darted forward, leaving Oleguer in his wake. Messi chased the pass, heading it forward to control it before sprinting after it.
Puyol chased back at full speed but couldn't close the gap in time.
As Messi reached the ball near the edge of the box, he cushioned it deftly with his chest.
Valdés, realizing the danger, rushed out to challenge Messi, charging toward the penalty spot.
But Messi, already aware of Valdés's positioning, calmly chipped the ball.
The ball arced over Valdés's head and dropped toward the empty net.
Puyol sprinted past Messi and Valdés, hurling himself toward the goal in a desperate attempt to block it.
However, despite his best efforts—diving headlong toward the ball—he couldn't stop it from crossing the line.
"GOAL!!!"
"Messi again! A brace for Messi!!"
"Unbelievable! At a moment when Atlético needed it most, Messi delivers in spectacular fashion!"
"2-0!"
"Absolutely stunning!"
"Messi has scored twice tonight at Camp Nou!"
The commentators were effusive:
"His first goal showcased incredible skill and teamwork, while this one was all about his individual brilliance in a fast counterattack."
"Let's watch that goal again. Messi's speed isn't blinding, but his timing and decision-making were perfect. That header to push the ball forward was just brilliant!"
"2-0, and Barcelona are in deep trouble now."
"This is the same Atlético team that, on the morning of December 18, was still stranded over 10,000 kilometers away in Japan, waiting to return to Madrid."
"Now, just two days later, they've come to Camp Nou and delivered a performance like this."
"Before the match, almost everyone favored Barça. Playing at home, with more rest, they seemed poised to capitalize on Atlético's fatigue from their grueling schedule."
"But the result has defied all expectations. Yang Hao's tactical decisions, especially bringing on Messi as a substitute, have completely changed the game!"
"The young Argentine continues to shine brighter with each performance."
"There was a time when people called Torres the Barça killer because of his consistent performances against them."
"But now, it seems that title belongs to Messi. Last season, it was his iconic solo goal against Barça. This season, it's a brace at Camp Nou. It's as if he has a personal vendetta against Barcelona!"
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Final Whistle
The match ended 2-0 in Atlético's favor.
Messi's brace secured a crucial away victory for the team.
For Yang Hao, this was beyond anything he had anticipated.
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Meanwhile, in Madrid, Real Madrid comfortably defeated Recreativo de Huelva 3-0 at home.
With 16 rounds played, Atlético held the top spot in La Liga with an impressive 15 wins and 1 loss, amassing 45 points.
Real Madrid followed closely with 43 points.
Under Arsène Wenger, Madrid had been exceptional this season, excelling not only in the standings but also in their style of play. Their front three—Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Joaquín/Robinho—had gelled beautifully, making their attack increasingly fluid and potent.
Ibrahimović, in particular, was proving to be a game-changer. His ability to dominate defenses with his physicality and technical skills gave Madrid an edge, allowing them to attack with ease.
Barcelona, on the other hand, dropped to fourth place in the standings after this defeat, falling behind Sevilla.
Juande Ramos's Sevilla had been equally impressive this season.
Deportivo La Coruña, led by Deschamps, sat in fifth place. Their primary issue remained team cohesion, but they weren't far behind Barcelona and had a realistic chance of overtaking them.
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European Competitions
In the Champions League, all four Spanish teams—Atlético, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla—topped their respective groups and advanced to the knockout stage.
This dominance reinforced the perception that Spanish football was enjoying a golden era.
The UEFA Cup also saw all four participating La Liga teams advance to the Round of 32, with Deportivo maintaining a perfect record in the group stage.
As the season reached its midway point, Spanish football was riding high, showcasing remarkable progress across domestic and European competitions.
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Knockout Stage Draw
In the Champions League Round of 16 draw, fate delivered a sensational matchup: Wenger's Real Madrid would face Arsenal.
The narrative practically wrote itself. Wenger, now leading Madrid, would square off against his former club, Arsenal, managed by Claude Puel.
Puel had been Wenger's player during his time at Monaco, and his assistant coach, Jean Petit, had also served under Wenger at Monaco.
This master-versus-apprentice storyline had the entire footballing world buzzing with anticipation.
Atlético, meanwhile, drew Roma, setting up an intriguing clash with the Serie A side.
Since Atlético Madrid entered a long-term sponsorship agreement with Emirates Airlines, the team has traveled to Dubai for winter training every year after Christmas. This year was no different.
However, asking players and staff to leave home right after Christmas for training always felt like asking too much. Over the years, Atlético has worked to introduce more humane and considerate measures to make this process easier.
The club understands that the trip to the Middle East carries commercial significance. To make things more accommodating, they have consistently allowed players and staff to bring their families to Dubai for a vacation. Dubai and the team's sponsors have also been supportive, viewing it as mutually beneficial.
One persistent issue, though, was finding a quality team to play against for a high-level friendly during these trips. To address this, Yang Hao proposed a solution: Atlético could invite a team to Dubai every year for a fixed friendly match.
The proposal received widespread approval—not only from the club but also from Dubai officials and sponsors like Audi. The German automotive giant suggested naming the match the Audi Cup, given its sponsorship ties to top European teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. Audi wasn't alone in its enthusiasm; many sponsors viewed the event as an opportunity to enhance their presence in the Middle East and African markets.
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The Birth of the Hill Cup
Following discussions between Atlético, Dubai authorities, and key sponsors, the team decided to name the event the Hill Cup in memory of Jesús Gil, the former club president. The match would serve as a tribute while providing a platform for Atlético to expand its influence.
Sponsors such as Audi and Emirates Airlines agreed to fund the event, while Al Jazeera Sports secured the broadcast rights. Dubai officials fully supported the idea, hoping to attract top European teams for the Hill Cup. They assured Atlético that money was no object; the bigger the names, the better.
Dubai's ambition for global influence has grown over the years. As Atlético's consistent visits drew more European teams to the region, Dubai began positioning itself as a winter destination for football training camps. But while other clubs treated their visits as one-offs, Atlético had steadily built a presence in the Middle East.
The Hill Cup, with its promise of a marquee matchup, was perfectly aligned with Dubai's goals.
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"Keep It in the Family"
Atlético's first thought for an opponent? Their local rival, Real Madrid.
Contrary to the fierce on-field rivalry, the two Madrid clubs often cooperate off the pitch. For example, Atlético's preseason tours in recent years have covered the U.S. West Coast while Real Madrid focused on the East Coast. Similarly, when Atlético toured Asia, Real Madrid went to North America. These arrangements were the result of private agreements between the clubs.
Given the significance of the Hill Cup, Atlético immediately reached out to Real Madrid. Bringing together two of the world's most influential clubs for a friendly in the Middle East created an irresistible proposition for sponsors.
Even the UAE government became involved. Dubai's largest stadium, the Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, could only hold 12,000 fans—far too small for a Madrid Derby. Instead, the Abu Dhabi government offered to host the match at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, which seats 60,000.
Not only did Abu Dhabi provide the venue, but they also offered financial support to ensure the match's success. After discussions with Dubai, the decision was made to host the Hill Cup in Abu Dhabi.
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A Match with Global Appeal
Once the event was finalized, planning and promotion kicked into high gear. With Europe in the middle of winter, the warm Middle Eastern climate was a perfect draw.
The Madrid Derby became the centerpiece of tourism campaigns targeting European, African, and Eastern European visitors. Who wouldn't want to escape the cold, visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and witness a clash of European football titans?
The response was overwhelming. By early December, all 60,000 tickets had been sold, creating a frenzy in the secondary market. Calculations revealed that both Atlético and Real Madrid stood to earn at least €4 million each in appearance fees—far exceeding expectations.
Real Madrid, enticed by the financial windfall, decided to move their winter training camp to Abu Dhabi.
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Two Giants, One Region
The simultaneous arrival of Atlético and Real Madrid turned the Middle East into the epicenter of football, captivating fans across the region.
When Miguel Gil visited the Atlético training camp, he shared an amusing anecdote with Yang Hao:
"Florentino himself flew to the UAE and couldn't stop raving about the potential here. He grabbed my hand and said, 'Next year, don't bother inviting anyone else. Let's keep this in the family—two brothers tackling the Middle Eastern market together.'"
Yang Hao laughed. "Brothers? Since when were we brothers? Well... when there's money to be made, I suppose."
This collaboration highlighted the importance of working together. While European clubs have ventured abroad for years, few have achieved the cohesion demonstrated by La Liga clubs.
Atlético's sustained presence in Dubai, coupled with their recent dominance on the pitch, created a strong brand. But adding Real Madrid to the equation elevated things to a whole new level.
The Hill Cup, as a recurring event, ensured that Atlético retained control over its development. While opponents could rotate, Atlético would always be the anchor.
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Real Madrid's Opportunities
Miguel Gil also revealed another intriguing detail.
During Florentino's visit to Abu Dhabi, local officials floated the idea of investing in Real Madrid.
Miguel laughed as he recounted the story, dismissing it as a misunderstanding.
"Florentino probably explained that Real Madrid is a membership club. I doubt they even knew that," he said.
Yang Hao, however, took the comment more seriously.
The Abu Dhabi United Group, known for its astute investments, would eventually acquire Manchester City in the summer of 2008.
Yang Hao recalled that the group had evaluated several Premier League clubs before settling on City. It was likely that their plans were already in motion.
Given their strategic approach, it wouldn't be surprising if they had started exploring opportunities in 2007.
"Florentino may have laughed it off," Yang Hao thought, "but the Abu Dhabi group is playing the long game."
In recent years, Atlético Madrid has consistently established its presence in the Middle East, and they couldn't have missed the growing buzz, especially this past summer, when the Madrid Derby in the region caused a sensation. It likely spurred some competitive ambitions among other stakeholders.
"What did Florentino say?" Yang Hao asked with a grin.
"That old fox played it smart," Miguel Gil replied. "After explaining Real Madrid's unique membership structure, he introduced Antonio Pont, hinting that if Abu Dhabi's investors wanted to enter Spain, Real Madrid would be happy to assist."
"No wonder," Enrique Cerezo chimed in, suddenly enlightened. "Antonio Pont told me he wanted to watch one of our matches, and I was baffled. What does this have to do with La Liga's administration?"
Yang Hao was delighted to hear this. He truly welcomed the idea of Abu Dhabi's financial group entering La Liga.
Despite La Liga's improved broadcasting revenue from packaged TV rights, many clubs were still struggling. Since the league began auditing team finances in the summer of 2006, it became clear—though results were never publicly disclosed—that the financial state of most clubs was grim, with some in dire straits.
Currently, Atlético enjoyed the healthiest financial situation, followed by Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deportivo La Coruña. Villarreal was relatively stable but far from comfortable. Valencia, Real Betis, Levante, Zaragoza, Getafe, and Mallorca, among others, were deeply in debt, teetering on the edge of financial collapse.
Broadcasting revenue growth helped alleviate some pressures but failed to address the root causes. The arrival of a heavyweight investor like the Abu Dhabi group could potentially revitalize La Liga, offering not just financial stability but also enhanced global influence.
The possibility of La Liga's "Big Three" becoming the "Big Four" loomed large, but Yang Hao remained unconcerned. "If the Atlético I've built can be toppled by money alone, then I've wasted all these years of effort," he thought confidently.
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A New Addition to the Team
During Atlético's winter training in the Middle East, Yang Hao welcomed a new staff member: fitness coach Antonio Pintus. After resolving his contractual obligations with Juventus and wrapping up his work there, Pintus officially joined Atlético in Dubai on January 1.
Yang Hao had long admired Pintus's expertise. Managing both Atlético and the Spanish national team left him with an immense workload, so additional support was critical. Pintus would work alongside Oscar Ortega, focusing on fitness management for both the club and the national team, while Albert Roca concentrated on monitoring physical data.
Atlético's coaching team now comprised 40 members, excluding César Mendiondo's scouting department and the medical staff led by Dr. Parra. Including everyone across the organization—from the training facilities in Majadahonda to the operations at the Calderón—Atlético employed over 350 people. This figure excluded temporary hires, such as matchday security and event staff, which could easily swell to over 1,000 per game.
Such growth marked a stark contrast to the club's lean days when it operated with a skeleton crew of 60 to 70 people. In a few short years, Atlético had transformed into a colossal operation, reflecting its rise in stature.
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The Hill Cup: Madrid Derby in the Middle East
The Hill Cup commemorative match against Real Madrid, held in Abu Dhabi, served as a warm-up for both teams. Despite being a friendly, both sides put on a high-octane display, thrilling the capacity crowd. With a focus on entertaining fans, both teams adopted attacking styles, producing an exhilarating 4-3 victory for Atlético.
Wenger's Real Madrid lineup stood out for its inclusion of several young players, such as Rubén de la Red, Dani Parejo, Alberto Bueno, Álvaro Negredo, and Juan Mata. Yang Hao found this intriguing.
In Wenger's early Arsenal days, his emphasis on youth development was partly out of necessity during the construction of the Emirates Stadium. But now, at Real Madrid, it appeared to be a genuine passion project.
Over the years, Real Madrid's youth academy had consistently ranked among Spain's best, rivaling Barcelona and only slightly behind Atlético in producing top talent. However, the club's transfer-heavy policies often hindered young players from flourishing. Wenger's appointment seemed poised to change that dynamic, potentially unlocking the academy's full potential.
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Homecoming and the New Stadium
After returning to Madrid, Atlético's players were given a brief respite to prepare for the second half of the season. On the following day, Yang Hao led the entire first team to visit the construction site of the club's new stadium in the city center.
From the outside, the structure was nearly complete, with work now focused on interior fittings and exterior features, including the Herzog & de Meuron-designed brick façade. The stadium's interior still required significant work: furnishing VIP boxes, installing facilities, and completing commercial spaces. Everything was scheduled to be ready for the next season.
The new stadium would boast a capacity of 75,600, significantly boosting matchday revenue, which was projected to exceed €100 million annually. This would bring Atlético's financial clout closer to Real Madrid's.
Yang Hao and the players toured the site, marveling at its grandeur. The locker rooms, player tunnel, and expansive pitch were a testament to the club's ambition. The upper stands, while towering, featured a promenade offering panoramic views of Madrid's cityscape—a unique touch that delighted the players.
"God, I can already imagine the roar of 75,000 fans cascading down when we play here," Torres said, visibly awed.
The anticipation was palpable. While the Calderón held sentimental value, the players were eager to usher in a new era at their state-of-the-art home.
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A Vision Realized
Atlético's new stadium was poised to reshape the club's future. With underground parking, retail spaces, and proximity to Madrid's city center, it promised unrivaled convenience. The location—just over a kilometer from the Royal Palace and within walking distance of Madrid's commercial hub—was even more strategic than Real Madrid's Bernabéu.
Real estate projects surrounding the stadium were already complete, with all units sold out. Both Atlético and its partner, MSM Group, reaped substantial profits, which would help fund future developments, including the planned demolition of the Calderón to make way for twin skyscrapers.
Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at the transformation. From a struggling club teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to one of Europe's financial and competitive powerhouses, Atlético's rise was nothing short of meteoric. The new stadium symbolized that journey—a fortress for a team determined to remain at the summit.
The owner of Villarreal, Roig, and his two brothers previously conducted an on-site assessment of Atlético Madrid's new stadium. Their family business, Mercadona, Spain's largest supermarket chain, expressed interest in renting the stadium's underground level to convert it into a shopping center.
In addition to Mercadona, other domestic and international retail giants, such as Westfield, Walmart, and Carrefour, also showed keen interest, visiting the site and engaging in discussions with Atlético Madrid. However, the club ultimately chose Spain's El Corte Inglés, a local department store chain.
Although El Corte Inglés isn't as extensive as Mercadona and mainly operates in Spain, it has ambitious plans for expansion and transformation. In 2001, the company acquired five Carrefour outlets and nine Marks & Spencer stores, but all remain within Spain. Now, El Corte Inglés wants to venture overseas and redefine its retail concept.
Their proposal for Atlético Madrid's new stadium was particularly compelling: to establish their first-ever Global Culinary Experience Center. This would host diverse gourmet brands, renowned chef restaurants, and specialty food stores while integrating their traditional strengths in cosmetics, high-end clothing, perfumes, and jewelry into a premium, one-stop shopping experience.
This vision aligns perfectly with Atlético's aspirations for the new stadium, aimed at elevating its image as a premium venue. El Corte Inglés is particularly invested in this project, given its proximity to its flagship store on Preciados Street, just 2 kilometers away near the Royal Palace. Moreover, the brand operates another sizable store, the Castellana branch, near Real Madrid's Bernabéu Stadium.
The partnership between Atlético Madrid and El Corte Inglés extends beyond mere rental agreements. The collaboration includes a 10-year global promotional partnership. Atlético has authorized the retailer to use the club's brand for promotional activities, further enhancing the store's international appeal. The total deal, including rental and partnership rights, is valued at €150 million, netting Atlético an annual income of €15 million from this agreement alone.
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A Grand Signing Ceremony
Yang Hao brought the team to attend the high-profile signing event, which symbolized not just this major collaboration but also other commercial ventures tied to the new stadium. Among the agreements signed were deals for internal retail spaces, with brands like KFC, McDonald's, and various other restaurants and retail outlets securing their spots.
The event, hosted by Atlético's media director Andrew Balasco and with opening remarks from club president Enrique Cerezo, went smoothly. Once the contracts were signed, the businesses began preparations for their grand openings alongside the stadium launch. And, of course, rent payments were set to start flowing in immediately.
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Winter Transfers and Real Madrid's Spending Spree
The 2006 summer transfer window had been relatively subdued, leading many to believe that the 2007 winter market would be similarly quiet. This expectation largely held true across Europe—except for Real Madrid.
While most clubs refrained from making significant moves, Real Madrid splashed out with high-profile acquisitions. They signed Fernando Gago from Boca Juniors for €20 million and Gonzalo Higuaín from River Plate for €13 million, spending a combined €33 million. These investments made them the biggest spenders of the winter window.
Higuaín, a forward, was brought in to bolster the attack, while Gago, often compared to Redondo, was considered crucial to Wenger's plan to reinforce Real's midfield. With AC Milan refusing to sell Pirlo and Cesc Fàbregas committed to Barcelona if he returned to Spain, Wenger had to settle for Gago as a stopgap measure.
Both players featured in the Hill Cup Memorial Match in Abu Dhabi, giving Yang Hao a glimpse of their potential. Yang Hao was particularly curious to see if Gago, known for his technical skills and vision, could chart a different career path under Wenger's guidance than he had in the past.
Real Madrid's injuries also prompted Wenger to look for reinforcements at right-back, targeting Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm. Meanwhile, Manchester United sought to acquire Bayern's Owen Hargreaves, resulting in a bidding war that pushed offers as high as €35 million for both players. Bayern ultimately rejected these bids, declaring that no players would leave during the winter window.
Manchester United also pursued Southampton's young left-back Gareth Bale, who had garnered interest from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur. Wenger also expressed interest, raising Bale's market value to an astonishing €20 million—a staggering figure for a teenager. However, the high asking price ultimately stalled the transfer.
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Back to Business: The Second Half of the Season
As La Liga resumed, Atlético Madrid hosted Tarragona at home on January 7 in their first match after the winter break. Having focused on physical conditioning during the break, many players were still regaining their form. However, one player stood out: Lionel Messi.
In the 19th minute, Messi scored the opening goal off a Dani Alves assist, marking Atlético's first official goal of the new year. Despite Messi's brilliance, the team struggled to maintain intensity, with opponents heavily marking the young Argentine. Yang Hao emphasized a possession-based strategy to wear down the opposition.
In the 68th minute, Fernando Torres doubled Atlético's lead, followed by a third goal from substitute Luka Modrić in the 81st minute. The match ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory for Atlético.
Elsewhere, an injury-plagued Barcelona managed a 1-1 draw against Getafe, with Thierry Henry making a surprise return from injury to score a late equalizer. The biggest shock of the round came from Deportivo La Coruña, who defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at the Riazor. Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was instrumental, contributing a goal and an assist against his former boss, Arsène Wenger.
Deportivo manager Didier Deschamps showed no mercy toward his old club, orchestrating a disciplined defensive performance. However, the match took a toll on Real Madrid as Guti was forced off after just 11 minutes with an injury expected to sideline him for at least a month.
With Real Madrid and Barcelona grappling with injuries, Atlético found themselves in an enviable position, free from major fitness concerns. However, Yang Hao remained cautious. Injuries, he knew, could strike at any moment if vigilance wavered.
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Atlético Madrid's methodical preparation, combined with astute commercial strategies and on-field success, underscored their emergence as not just a football powerhouse but also a financial and cultural juggernaut. The second half of the season promised to be a thrilling chapter for the team and its ambitions.
In midweek, the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16 saw Atlético Madrid defeat Osasuna 2-0 at home, with Drogba scoring twice. However, in the weekend's La Liga Round 18, despite taking an early lead, Atlético ended up drawing 1-1 with Celta Vigo, marking the team's first draw of the season.
Since their narrow away loss to Real Madrid in Round 5, Atlético had embarked on a winning streak, racking up 12 consecutive victories. The draw against Celta brought this streak to an end, though the team remained unbeaten for 13 matches. Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with his team's performance despite the result.
Meanwhile, Barcelona lost 1-3 away to Espanyol, with standout performances from Tamudo and Luis García. Henry managed to score, but his efforts couldn't save Barcelona from defeat. Reports in Catalan media revealed that Henry's injury hadn't fully healed, and he had been rushed back to the pitch.
Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 home victory against Zaragoza, thanks to Ibrahimović's decisive goal.
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Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Qualification
In the second leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 away against Osasuna, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory to advance to the quarterfinals. Real Madrid, however, struggled. After a 0-0 draw away and a 1-1 draw at home against Real Betis, they were eliminated, much to the disappointment of their fans.
Atlético's quarterfinal opponent was Getafe.
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La Liga Round 19: Atlético vs. Osasuna
In La Liga Round 19, Atlético faced Osasuna at the Calderón. Known for their aggressive style, Osasuna brought their usual combative approach, with frequent fouls that drew whistles of disapproval from the Atlético crowd.
In the 20th minute, an overly physical challenge from Osasuna's center-back on Torres led to a confrontation, and both players received yellow cards. Given the ongoing injury crisis in La Liga, players, coaches, and clubs were all on edge, but Osasuna seemed undeterred, employing reckless tactics.
The tension boiled over after the 60th minute as Osasuna struggled to cope with Atlético's mounting pressure. Their fouls became increasingly reckless, and the atmosphere grew more volatile.
In the 67th minute, center-back Cuéllar fouled Torres in the penalty area, earning a red card. Torres converted the penalty, breaking the deadlock. Osasuna's players reacted angrily, accusing the referee of favoring Atlético.
The frustration peaked in the 78th minute when Pablo García's foul on Iniesta forced the Spanish midfielder to leave the field injured. García was also shown a straight red card, further enraging the Osasuna players.
Atlético capitalized on the numerical advantage. In the 84th minute, Thiago Silva scored with a header from a corner, making it 2-0. Two minutes later, substitute forward Soldado—on loan at Osasuna from Real Madrid—elbowed Thiago Silva in an aerial duel and was shown a red card.
This led to an on-field brawl. Osasuna goalkeeper Ricardo shoved an Atlético player and received a red card, bringing the total to four dismissals in a single match.
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Post-Match Reactions
The Spanish media criticized referee Vicente's handling of the match, arguing that he failed to control the game early on, allowing tensions to escalate into chaos. Yang Hao, however, directed his ire at Osasuna during the post-match press conference.
"I can responsibly say that many teams, when facing Atlético Madrid, resort to excessively rough tactics, hoping to stifle our attack," Yang Hao declared. "This is a deplorable trend."
He emphasized that some players seemed more focused on venting their frustrations than competing to win. Yang Hao urged the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga to impose severe punishments for such behavior to set an example.
"This isn't the first time we've faced this," he added. He acknowledged that the Copa del Rey matches against Osasuna also featured rough play but noted that the incidents had escalated alarmingly in the league match.
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La Liga Round 20: Atlético vs. Racing Santander
In the next round, Atlético hosted Racing Santander. With Iniesta sidelined due to injury, Yang Hao paired Kaká and Modrić in midfield.
Kaká opened the scoring in the 16th minute. In the 52nd minute of the second half, Torres doubled the lead. However, just four minutes later, Munitis assisted Zigic, who scored for Racing. The towering Serbian striker, standing at 2.02 meters, exploited the absence of Lucio, who was out injured, and targeted the pairing of Pepe and Ramos.
Despite this, Torres struck again ten minutes later, completing a brace and securing a 3-1 victory for Atlético.
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Injury Woes Continue for Barcelona and Real Madrid
Barcelona defeated Celta Vigo 3-1 at Camp Nou, with goals from Henry, Ronaldinho, and Giuly. However, the joy was short-lived. Medical tests revealed that Henry had suffered a recurrence of his muscle injury, likely ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Catalan media erupted with criticism, questioning the club's management of player fitness. Mundo Deportivo ran an editorial lambasting Barcelona's medical team, contrasting their performance with Atlético's exemplary injury prevention measures.
Barcelona's head doctor, Toni Tramullas, defended himself in an interview with Sport, claiming that medical staff had repeatedly warned against overplaying Henry. "From his return, Henry has been in a yellow-light status. I advised against excessive appearances, especially in consecutive matches, but no one listened," Tramullas said.
He cited other injured players, including Thuram, as examples where medical advice had been ignored, exacerbating the injury crisis. Tramullas' comments sparked a fierce debate about accountability at Barcelona.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, lost 0-1 to Villarreal, with Agüero scoring the decisive goal. The defeat, coupled with a growing injury list, added to the pressure on Wenger.
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Standings After Round 20
With 20 matches played, Atlético topped the table with 55 points, six ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
The strong form of Atlético sparked concerns among their rivals. AS newspaper posed the question:
"Are we really going to stand by and watch Atlético claim their fifth consecutive La Liga title?"
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