Chapter 84
La Liga was nearing its conclusion, and the trajectory was clear. Unless something extraordinary occurred, Atlético Madrid's championship was all but assured. This victory would make Atlético the second team in La Liga's 80-year history, after Barcelona, to achieve a five-peat. It would also mark the league's third five-peat era, following Real Madrid in the 1960s and 1980s.
This would be a display of unprecedented dominance.
Even though Atlético hadn't officially secured the title, global media outlets were already reporting and speculating feverishly about the achievement. Moreover, Atlético had reached the finals of both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, putting them in a strong position to claim a treble. If they managed to pair the five-peat with two trebles and three Champions League titles, it would become an unparalleled milestone in Spanish football history.
In Spain, Atlético and Real Madrid fans were already locked in heated debates. Atlético supporters were prematurely celebrating the five-peat, while Real Madrid fans were both accusing Atlético of counting their chickens before they hatched and expressing frustration with their own club's management.
"Why couldn't we stop Atlético?"
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Florentino Faces the Fans
Under immense pressure, Florentino Pérez convened a special meeting of Real Madrid's representative members at the basketball arena in Valdebebas. Over 2,000 members attended.
Representing the club's management, Florentino apologized to the members, acknowledging their failure to stop Atlético Madrid.
"We must admit that our opponents are exceptionally strong—stronger than any team we've faced in the past," Florentino stated candidly, dissecting Real Madrid's challenges.
He admitted that Atlético's dominance coincided with a challenging transition period for Real Madrid. From the 2002–03 season to 2006–07, while Real Madrid had achieved extraordinary success commercially, the team had struggled on the pitch. Aging stars left the squad in need of renewal, and the process was still ongoing.
"We've brought in the best coach who aligns with Real Madrid's values. We have some of the world's best players, such as Ibrahimović, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pirlo, and Cannavaro, alongside Spain's finest, like Raúl, Casillas, and Joaquín."
"We've given everything. Everyone has worked tirelessly, but sometimes, results are beyond our control."
Florentino's transparency earned the respect of those present. It was undeniable that Atlético's dominance was visible to all, and Real Madrid had indeed made substantial efforts to challenge them.
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A Vision for the Future
"We cannot control the outcome on the pitch, nor can we stop our opponents. We are improving, and so are they. All we can do is focus on ourselves. At Real Madrid, we never aim to surpass one specific rival; instead, we aim to surpass ourselves."
Florentino's emphasis on Real Madrid's core values resonated with the audience, and his speech was met with resounding applause.
Commercially, Real Madrid had been a juggernaut. Florentino proudly announced that the club would surpass €400 million in revenue for the 2006–07 season, becoming the first football club to break the €2 billion, €3 billion, and now €4 billion revenue barriers in history.
"This demonstrates the global recognition and love for Real Madrid's brand," Florentino declared, emphasizing that the club remained a benchmark in sports business worldwide.
He promised further investment in the team's renewal and unveiled a summer transfer budget exceeding €100 million. The focus would be on strengthening weak areas to build a team capable of facing greater challenges.
If the right opportunities arose, Florentino assured members that Real Madrid would spare no expense.
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Reflecting on the Past
During the Q&A session, Florentino addressed a question about Yang Hao. For the first time, he publicly admitted regret about their 2000 meeting.
"Yes, looking back from 2007, I must acknowledge that I made a critical mistake in 2000. I missed the chance to hire a great coach who could have led Real Madrid to extraordinary success."
"I won't defend the decisions I made in 2000. A mistake is a mistake. But what matters most is focusing on the present and future because the past cannot be changed."
Florentino's speech diffused much of the tension at the meeting, effectively turning a potential PR crisis into a rallying cry.
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Yang Hao's Response
Yang Hao watched Florentino's speech and acknowledged that Real Madrid's PR strategy was well-executed. Despite widespread speculation about a potential coup to replace Florentino, no such revolt occurred.
Atlético's dominance in recent years had been undeniable, and even Real Madrid's most ardent fans couldn't ignore the club's efforts to improve.
As for Florentino's admission of regret over their missed connection in 2000, it stirred widespread media speculation that Real Madrid might attempt to lure Yang Hao away from Atlético.
Yang Hao's response?
A sardonic chuckle.
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2007: The Road Ahead
While the press speculated, Yang Hao's focus remained on the season's closing stretch.
With five league matches remaining, Atlético Madrid was closing in on the title. Although the championship was likely, Yang Hao refused to take anything for granted—complacency could be disastrous.
In addition to La Liga, Yang Hao had his sights firmly set on the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals. The goal was clear: secure the treble.
With history within reach, there was no room for error.
Since joining Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid became a thing of the past for Yang Hao—a memory from a previous life that he no longer wished to revisit. Everything he had now was with Atlético: his career, wealth, and friends, all centered on the "Colchoneros."
Under these circumstances, how could he possibly abandon it all to join Real Madrid?
The notion was purely a fantasy of some fans. The so-called "childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid," now sometimes humorously referred to as the "childhood dream of playing for any big club," was meaningless fluff.
Take Kylian Mbappé in Yang Hao's past life, for example. His supposed "childhood dream" of joining Real Madrid wasn't enough when Paris Saint-Germain threw enough money and influence his way. Rumors even suggested that French President Emmanuel Macron personally intervened to persuade him to stay. Ultimately, these stories were little more than an exercise in saving face. The truth was simple: pay enough, offer sufficient power, and most players would stay.
No amount of sentimental rhetoric could change that reality.
When Yang Hao heard Florentino Pérez's speech, he felt a fleeting ripple of emotion that quickly dissipated. It was a non-issue for him.
What truly intrigued him was Real Madrid's next moves.
Real Madrid's Ambitions and Barcelona's Struggles
Reliable sources suggested that Real Madrid was determined to sign Philipp Lahm. Recent years had been tough for the Bundesliga, and Bayern Munich was no exception. Real Madrid had already approached Lahm during the winter transfer window and might try again now.
Meanwhile, Barcelona was in a state of uncertainty.
The club seemed adrift in the surging tides of La Liga's competition. Despite the undeniable strength of Frank Rijkaard's team, injuries had fragmented their cohesion. Internally, the squad lacked stability, leaving their direction unclear.
Rumors circulated that Sandro Rosell had met privately with José Mourinho in London. Yang Hao's own intelligence suggested there was truth to the claim. Within Barcelona's leadership, a faction led by Rosell was reportedly pushing to bring in Mourinho. They believed that Barcelona's current setup lacked clear strategic thinking.
Rijkaard had emphasized possession football, but his implementation was inconsistent. Meanwhile, dressing-room tensions involving superstars like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Henry were poorly managed. The loose environment in the locker room reflected Rijkaard's overly lenient approach.
Amid the intense competition in La Liga, where even teams like Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, and Villarreal posed significant threats, Rijkaard's leadership seemed insufficient.
Rosell and his allies wanted a strong-willed coach like Mourinho to impose order in the dressing room and reshape Barcelona's tactical philosophy. However, Johan Cruyff firmly opposed Mourinho's appointment, citing his style as antithetical to Barcelona's traditions.
As Rijkaard's influence waned, so too did Cruyff's.
Rosell's meeting with Mourinho was reportedly framed as a casual consultation—a request for Mourinho's analysis of Barcelona's situation. However, this could easily escalate into a formal offer if Mourinho's insights proved compelling.
After all, in the modern football world, Mourinho was one of the few managers who had managed to beat Yang Hao.
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The Hidden Discussions Behind the Scenes
According to the iceberg theory, the public only sees a fraction of what lies beneath.
While the media and fans speculated about Florentino Pérez's speech and his perceived overtures to Yang Hao, another significant meeting was quietly unfolding in a luxury suite in Milan.
Carlo Ancelotti met with Sheikh Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Javier Subirats, representatives of the Abu Dhabi United Group and Valencia's future leaders. Only four people attended the meeting, including an assistant who left after escorting Ancelotti into the room.
The secrecy of the meeting underscored its importance; if leaked, it would undoubtedly create significant waves.
Al Mubarak and Subirats sought Ancelotti's insights into Valencia's current state.
Having done his homework, Ancelotti offered a frank assessment. "With the current squad, Quique Flores has already taken Valencia to great heights. Whoever takes over will struggle to achieve more with the existing players. In both the Champions League and La Liga, Valencia's ceiling is finishing fourth or fifth."
"Right now, Valencia doesn't have the strength to challenge Madrid, Atlético, or even Barcelona," he continued. "And there are three teams you'll need to watch next season: Didier Deschamps' Deportivo, Manuel Pellegrini's Villarreal, and Juande Ramos' Sevilla. These teams are young and will only get better."
Valencia's squad was aging. While talented younger players like Andersson, Berbatov, and Nani had potential, the overall team had significant issues.
"Vicente's injuries are a major concern. A fully fit Vicente is world-class, but his availability is unpredictable," Ancelotti noted, criticizing Valencia's medical staff. Even Yang Hao had once lamented Vicente's wasted potential.
Subirats interjected, revealing that Valencia had secured a deal to bring in Juan Mata from Real Madrid's youth academy on a free transfer.
"That will help, but what about midfield? Who partners with Albelda? And the defense? Ayala is already 34, and Cañizares is 37. Your recent signing, Asier del Horno, hasn't lived up to expectations on the left. The right flank is stable with Miguel, but what about central defense, the left, and your goalkeeper?"
Ancelotti emphasized that Valencia's center-backs—Marchena and Raúl Albiol—lacked the depth to endure a full season.
Subirats and Al Mubarak exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Finally, Subirats asked, "If it were up to you, Carlo, how would you address these issues?"
Ancelotti smiled and replied, "That depends on your ambitions for Valencia."
"Championships," Al Mubarak stated bluntly. "La Liga and the Champions League."
"No one can guarantee that. Not me, not anyone else," Ancelotti responded candidly. "Especially not in today's La Liga."
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Ancelotti's realistic outlook resonated with his audience, highlighting the scale of the task ahead. As Valencia aimed for lofty goals, the road would undoubtedly be long and fraught with challenges.
"In terms of overall strength, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are clearly a level above the rest of La Liga. Any team looking to challenge them in the short term has little chance—or to be blunt, no guarantees," said Carlo Ancelotti, pausing before continuing. "Especially when it comes to Yang Hao's Atlético Madrid."
Mubarak glanced at Subirats, who gave a barely perceptible nod of agreement. The assessment was straightforward: it would be pure folly for anyone to declare their intention to "crush Atlético and stomp Real Madrid" without the resources to back it up.
"What would you suggest we do?" Mubarak asked.
"Consistent investment. Bring in top-tier players," Ancelotti replied.
"For example?" Mubarak leaned forward, intrigued.
"To start with, Santiago Cañizares is nearing retirement. If you're looking for solid value, Villarreal's Pepe Reina or Mallorca's Miguel Ángel Moyà would be great options. Either would be a smart transaction."
"And if we're aiming higher?" Mubarak pressed.
"Then look at Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon or Atlético's Petr Čech. Both are among the best goalkeepers in the world, undeniably talented, but the downside is... they're expensive. Very expensive."
Mubarak chuckled. "Why not Real Madrid's Iker Casillas?"
Ancelotti smiled. "He's untouchable."
"But Buffon and Čech are not?"
Ancelotti nodded. "Buffon nearly left Juventus last year. As for Čech, it's no secret that Atlético Madrid and their partners are planning a massive project—two skyscrapers on the former site of the Calderón Stadium once they move to their new ground. That kind of investment doesn't come without sacrifices."
"And the attack?" Subirats inquired further.
"The frontline lacks enough firepower. Dimitar Berbatov is reliable, scoring around 20 goals this season, but Fernando Morientes, Nani, and Andersson aren't yet consistent enough to fill the gaps. Vicente, despite his quality, has an unreliable attendance record due to injuries."
Ancelotti concluded, "If Valencia truly want to take the next step, they need a player who can shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals, elevate the team's offensive capabilities, and lead the frontline."
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3 Hours Later
After the meeting, Mubarak summoned his assistant to escort Ancelotti out. When they were alone, he turned to Subirats.
"What's your impression?" Mubarak asked.
Subirats smiled faintly. "He adapts to his audience—whatever you need, he can deliver."
Mubarak burst into laughter.
Indeed, that was the impression Ancelotti had left: a man who never gave absolutes and always offered multiple paths forward.
If you want to spend, he has a spending strategy. If you want value, he has a cost-effective plan. Even if you prefer a conservative approach, he can manage that too. Whatever the choice, Ancelotti made sure the decision-makers understood the trade-offs.
"If you're willing to spend big, you might not get immediate results, but you'll secure a strong foundation. If you prioritize value, stability isn't guaranteed. If you want to be conservative, then don't expect trophies."
In the face of La Liga's fiercely competitive environment, Ancelotti's realism stood out.
"His coaching style is much more appealing. Héctor Cúper is too defensive," Subirats said, clearly leaning toward Ancelotti.
Initially, Subirats had leaned toward recommending Cúper because of their history together. From a financial perspective, Cúper's defensive counter-attacking style suited clubs with limited budgets—it required less spending but still yielded respectable results.
But when Sheikh Mansour declared his vision of a Valencia team playing attractive football and competing in both La Liga and Europe, everything changed.
Money was no object.
With that directive, the game plan shifted. Valencia needed a coach who could deliver performances that matched their investment. A defensive approach wouldn't satisfy the fans or the club's lofty ambitions.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi United Group considered public perception carefully. Many local Valencia fans still resisted the idea of foreign ownership. When the consortium bought shares from club members, they promised to elevate Valencia into one of Europe's elite teams.
If the team remained frugal and unimpressive, the fans wouldn't stand for it.
Valencia were already Champions League quarterfinalists this season. The Abu Dhabi United Group's primary concern wasn't how much they spent but the outcomes. If substantial investment could transform Valencia into a powerhouse, it would be worth every cent.
Sheikh Mansour's instructions were clear: "If burning cash builds a dynasty, then burn it."
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Meanwhile...
Yang Hao remained unaware of the developments in Valencia.
In La Liga's 34th round, Atlético Madrid traveled to Getafe.
Fernando Torres opened the scoring just two minutes in, and Kaká doubled the lead in the 18th minute, making it 2–0.
Just before halftime, Getafe's striker, Adrián Mora, a former Atlético youth player, scored to pull one back. Mora had come through Atlético's academy alongside Torres but had struggled to secure a spot in the first team. Even in the Segunda División, he had been overshadowed by Luis Suárez.
After two loan spells at Recreativo de Huelva, where he performed well, Atlético allowed him to join Getafe for a symbolic fee of €100,000, as his contract was set to expire.
Mora's strong performances in La Liga this season had impressed many.
After scoring against his former club, Mora chose not to celebrate. Instead, he quietly walked back to his half, passing by former teammates like Ramos, Torres, Kaká, and David Villa, who patted him on the shoulder.
From the sidelines, Yang Hao could only sigh—not because of the goal itself but because this situation was becoming increasingly common.
As Atlético's academy grew stronger, more talented players inevitably moved on to other clubs, where their quality became apparent. Facing them in La Liga often brought such bittersweet moments.
At least players like Mora, who chose not to celebrate against their old club, showed respect for their roots.
But with limited spots in the first team, not every talented youth player could stay at Atlético.
Yang Hao acknowledged Mora with a smile and a nod, offering silent approval.
Five minutes after Mora's goal, Torres struck again. David Villa added a fourth in the 78th minute, sealing a 4–1 victory for Atlético.
Post-match, Yang Hao shared a brief conversation with Getafe's manager, Bernd Schuster. The German coach had done an impressive job with Getafe, though his rumored move to Real Madrid was now unlikely with Arsène Wenger firmly in charge at the Bernabéu.
As Atlético Madrid conceded a goal to a former youth player, Real Madrid hosted Espanyol at the Bernabéu.
To everyone's shock, former Atlético player Walter Pandiani scored a hat-trick, nearly pushing Real Madrid to the brink of disaster. It took Cristiano Ronaldo's brace—especially his 89th-minute goal—for Real Madrid to narrowly escape with a 4–3 victory.
The match was incredibly intense. Pandiani's explosion, scoring in the 15th, 26th, and 34th minutes of the first half, left Real Madrid stunned. However, Wenger's team managed to withstand the pressure and complete a dramatic comeback at home.
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Copa del Rey Final Preparation
La Liga's 34th round was barely over when the Copa del Rey final arrived midweek.
The final was held at the Bernabéu in Madrid. Starting Tuesday morning, cars adorned with blue and white flags, scarves, and ribbons began streaming along the A6 highway from La Coruña to the capital. Some fans painted their entire vehicles in Deportivo La Coruña's colors, while others played the club's anthem and Galician regional songs loudly on their stereos as they traveled.
Every time two vehicles bearing Deportivo symbols crossed paths, fans would roll down their windows and cheer enthusiastically at each other.
By Tuesday afternoon, Deportivo La Coruña held a high-profile send-off rally at Riazor Stadium. Head coach Didier Deschamps and his players entered the stadium to bid farewell to their fans. The message from everyone was clear: they intended to return from Madrid with the Copa del Rey trophy.
Club owner Amancio Ortega attended the rally personally, visibly excited. "This is the most important match in the history of Deportivo La Coruña," Ortega declared.
"Because it represents the rebirth of our club!"
His remarks received thunderous applause from the assembled Deportivo fans. Ortega's words were not an exaggeration. Deportivo had only ever won the Copa del Rey once, back in 1995.
After weathering bankruptcy and internal turmoil, the club's return to prominence was nothing short of miraculous. Ortega made a bold promise to the players: "If you can defeat Atlético Madrid at the Bernabéu, you will be immortalized as heroes of Deportivo La Coruña!"
Substantial bonuses were a given, but more than that, the players would earn eternal glory.
Deportivo were taking the final extremely seriously, especially since their opponents were the formidable Atlético Madrid. Moreover, the final was set to be broadcast live to nearly 190 countries and regions, offering the club unparalleled exposure.
In a clever marketing move, Ortega produced a new commemorative kit for fans to wear en route to Madrid. The aim was clear: flood the capital with blue and white and make Deportivo's presence impossible to ignore.
Reports suggested that in just one week, more than 200,000 of these jerseys—produced by Ortega's company—had been sold in La Coruña, despite the city having a population of only 230,000. The jerseys were in such high demand that they became nearly impossible to find.
Preliminary estimates suggested that by the day of the final, at least 100,000 Deportivo fans would be in Madrid. With the Bernabéu's capacity limited to 80,000—split equally between the two teams—approximately 60,000 Deportivo fans were expected to take to Madrid's streets.
To accommodate them, the city government worked with Deportivo officials to set up large screens in various public spaces for fans without tickets to watch the game. Additional police patrols were organized to maintain order and prevent conflicts.
Clearly, Deportivo's appeal had extended well beyond their city limits, reaching surrounding regions with a combined population exceeding one million.
Ortega's marketing brilliance didn't stop with the fans. Even the team's match kit was brand new, prominently featuring the ZARA logo on the chest and Inditex branding on the sleeves.
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The Final: Pre-Match Encounters
As Yang Hao entered the Bernabéu, he couldn't help but notice Deportivo's striking new kit. Smiling, he remarked to Deschamps, "Your boss is incredibly savvy."
Deschamps laughed and gestured to his own attire. "Look, even my suit is from one of his brands."
"Did he make you pay for it?" Yang Hao teased.
Deschamps gave a helpless shrug, his expression saying, Laugh all you want.
"He's not overly passionate about football, but he does care about appearances. I think he's constantly asking himself, 'What does football actually do for me?'" Deschamps admitted.
Yang Hao nodded. "Makes sense. He's a businessman, after all."
"Exactly. That's why I told him, 'Fine, you're the boss. Do whatever you want,'" Deschamps said, spreading his hands with a chuckle.
It was evident that Deschamps had settled comfortably into his role at Deportivo. Ortega's shrewdness was undeniable, as was the influence of Jorge Mendes behind the scenes. Yang Hao, however, believed this pragmatic approach was what made sense.
Blind passion, like that of someone like Massimo Moratti, could only sustain a club for so long. Passionate owners often made impulsive decisions, leading to long-term setbacks.
Professional football was, at its core, a marketplace of fame and profit. Owners needed tangible rewards to stay invested, ensuring longevity for their clubs.
For Ortega, the final's result might not even matter. The significance lay in Deportivo making it to the final at all, and in the fact that thousands of their fans could descend upon Madrid for an unforgettable experience.
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Tactical Adjustments and Surprises
Deschamps' starting lineup for Deportivo featured no surprises, with only one notable change: Raúl Meireles replaced Nigel de Jong.
Yang Hao, on the other hand, made several adjustments for Atlético. Javier Mascherano started to neutralize the threat posed by Diego Ribas, while Pablo Zabaleta was deployed on the right to contain Steven Pienaar.
These changes served dual purposes: to rotate the squad and give players who had featured heavily in earlier Copa del Rey rounds a break. Ángel Di María and Luis Suárez, for instance, were both given starting roles.
Yang Hao had expected Deschamps to adopt a defensive, counter-attacking approach. However, Deportivo surprised everyone by starting aggressively, pressing high from the first whistle.
The Frenchman clearly hoped to exploit an aggressive start to create early pressure and potentially score a goal. If Deportivo could take the lead early, their defensive approach would become even more resolute and confident.
In the 2nd minute, Deportivo already threatened Atlético's goal. By the 6th minute, Van Nistelrooy provided a pass, and Antonio Valencia broke free on the right, outpacing Antonio López before firing a shot that Palop managed to save. The resulting corner posed no threat.
In the 8th minute, Deportivo had a golden opportunity. Diego carried the ball through the center and executed a clever one-two with Pienaar, followed by a sudden through ball. The pass was so unexpected that even Van Nistelrooy was caught off guard. When he managed to chase it down and go one-on-one with Palop, the goalkeeper charged out and intercepted the ball just in time.
The entire stadium let out a collective gasp of relief—Deportivo had nearly taken the lead.
After 10 minutes of attacking, Deschamps was visibly disappointed. Van Nistelrooy's chance had been their most dangerous moment. Forced to adjust, Deschamps moved to the sideline and signaled his team to fall back.
Yang Hao, observing this, turned to glance at Deschamps with a smirk.
So you show off in our house, have your fun, and now think you can just retreat? You think we'll let you off that easily?
Yang Hao waved his hand, instructing Atlético to press higher and engage more aggressively in midfield. Not only was he ready to counter Deschamps' plan, but he wanted to suffocate Deportivo's counterattacking opportunities completely.
With their superior strength, Atlético wasn't afraid to take risks.
Deschamps likely anticipated this. High pressing was one of Atlético's hallmark tactics, and Deportivo struggled to hold possession under such relentless pressure. They fell back but couldn't retreat too deep—doing so would leave them vulnerable to even a single mistake, which could cost them the game.
For about ten minutes, the two sides fiercely contested the midfield, battling between the halfway line and Deportivo's 30-yard zone. Finally, in the 22nd minute, Diego, under tight marking from Mascherano, was forced to pass backward to Felipe Melo. Melo played it horizontally to Meireles, but as soon as the Portuguese midfielder settled the ball, David Silva appeared out of nowhere and poked it away.
Intercepting the ball, Silva charged forward and delivered a perfectly timed through ball. Drogba, positioned between Juan and Coloccini, muscled his way past both defenders, controlled the ball, and burst into the penalty area. Calmly facing the onrushing goalkeeper, Drogba slotted the ball home.
1–0!
The Atlético fans erupted into wild cheers. After enduring a shaky opening spell, the "Colchoneros" had finally seized control.
Meanwhile, Deportivo's traveling supporters quickly responded with chants of their own. The Bernabéu buzzed with energy as both fanbases clashed in noise.
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The Rest of the Match
After conceding, Deportivo reverted to their defensive posture, waiting for counterattacking opportunities. Atlético took the initiative, patiently moving the ball and maintaining control of the game.
Both teams engaged in intense pressing battles in midfield, but the first half ended 1–0 in favor of Atlético.
In the second half, neither side made substitutions, and the overall rhythm of the game remained largely unchanged.
By the 70th minute, however, Deschamps could no longer sit still. Trailing by one goal, Deportivo couldn't afford to continue playing passively. He replaced Capdevila with Valerón, switching to a three-man defense. The change signaled an all-or-nothing approach.
But in the 78th minute, Atlético struck again. After winning the ball in their defensive half, they quickly transitioned to attack. Drogba received the ball with his back to goal, turned, and delivered a pinpoint pass to Suárez. The young striker made a diagonal run into the box, executed a feint to bypass the charging goalkeeper, and tapped the ball into an empty net.
2–0!
Deschamps responded by substituting in Rubén Castro, further bolstering Deportivo's offense. From the 80th minute onward, Deportivo played with more urgency, but Atlético focused on maintaining possession and dictating the tempo.
Deportivo's determination was evident, but frustrations boiled over in the 89th minute. After Ramos delayed a throw-in, Felipe Melo, already on a yellow card, angrily shoved him. The incident escalated, and the referee issued Melo a second yellow, sending him off.
Down to ten men, Deportivo couldn't mount a comeback. The final whistle blew, sealing Atlético's 2–0 victory at the Bernabéu.
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Post-Match Analysis
The commentators summed it up perfectly: "This wasn't Atlético's most entertaining game, and Yang Hao's lineup was relatively conservative. But in these decisive matches, Yang Hao consistently delivers results, leveraging Atlético's strength to neutralize Deportivo's spirited efforts and secure the Copa del Rey."
"In contrast, Deschamps' team lacked Atlético's depth and quality. They gambled on an aggressive start, but Van Nistelrooy's missed chance proved costly. Had he converted that opportunity, Deportivo might have caused more problems for Atlético—or even pulled off an upset."
"But football doesn't deal in 'what-ifs.' Van Nistelrooy missed, and Yang Hao's team played with composure, achieving a solid 2–0 victory."
"Congratulations to Atlético Madrid, the 2006/07 Copa del Rey champions!"
"This is Atlético's first trophy of 2007, but it may not be their last."
Three days after Atlético Madrid defeated Deportivo La Coruña, they hosted the 35th round of La Liga at the Calderón Stadium.
Before this match, a controversy erupted across Spain. Atlético had just claimed the Copa del Rey title at the Santiago Bernabéu. Traditionally, the opposing team in the next match would line up to give a guard of honor for the champions.
However, the Catalan media argued that this wasn't mandatory, and Barcelona didn't have to comply.
Their reasoning wasn't surprising: Barcelona had a tense relationship with Atlético Madrid in recent years. Atlético had consistently been a thorn in their side, causing numerous setbacks.
This season, Barcelona had won nothing. Watching Atlético lift trophies was already painful, and now they were expected to honor them for their Copa del Rey victory? That was outrageous.
Barcelona's closest shot at a title this season was the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they were eliminated by Deportivo La Coruña. Atlético Madrid ultimately clinched the Copa del Rey by defeating Deportivo.
Could Barcelona accept this situation?
Media outlets even approached Yang Hao, asking his thoughts on whether Barcelona should perform the guard of honor. The debate was causing an uproar outside.
Yang Hao, however, responded bluntly and without hesitation:
"We don't care!"
Even the journalist interviewing him was taken aback and spent a long time explaining that this tradition was universally respected.
But Yang Hao stuck to his stance:
"If they want to line up, let them. If they don't want to, then don't. Let me repeat: we don't care!"
That was it—completely disregarded.
When Yang Hao's remarks spread, the Catalan media were infuriated.
What did he mean by "we don't care"?
Were they being treated as air?
They had argued passionately for two or three days, and Yang Hao just dismissed it?
If he truly didn't care, couldn't he have been more diplomatic, giving them a way to save face?
Why did he have to sound so arrogant?
Did he have any respect for Barcelona at all?
The Catalan media retaliated, directing their criticism at Yang Hao.
"Oh, you don't care? Fine! Then we'll make sure to line up for you, and during the match, we'll destroy you and ruin your plans!"
Suddenly, the Catalan media, including Sport and Mundo Deportivo, began urging Barcelona to perform the guard of honor. At the same time, they berated Yang Hao for his lack of sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Moreover, they called on Rijkaard and the Barcelona players to seize this opportunity to crush Atlético Madrid at the Calderón Stadium, while the team was basking in their recent victory.
Joan Laporta, Rijkaard, and the Barcelona squad were utterly confused.
What was going on?
First, the media argued against the guard of honor, and now they were insisting on it?
Should they perform it or not?
They hadn't even made a statement yet!
Ultimately, Barcelona's management decided to stick with tradition—it wasn't the first time, after all.
They would perform the guard of honor.
Before the match at the Calderón, Barcelona's players lined up in the players' tunnel, forming two rows to welcome Atlético Madrid onto the pitch.
Veteran captain Rubén Baraja and Fernando Torres led the team, each holding one handle of the Copa del Rey trophy. Amidst deafening cheers from over 50,000 Atlético fans, they slowly entered the Calderón Stadium.
The entire stadium erupted in celebration.
The live broadcast captured many fans in the stands shedding tears of joy.
"This is the penultimate match at Madrid's Calderón Stadium," the commentator explained.
"According to Atlético's official announcements, the new 76,000-seat stadium near the Calderón—sponsored by Emirates and officially named the Emirates Stadium—will open this summer.
"This new stadium, costing nearly €800 million, is the most expensive football venue in Europe and will replace the Calderón."
"After this season's final home match against Celta Vigo in Round 37, the Calderón will be demolished, with work starting the following day."
"Atlético fans hope the team can defeat Barcelona tonight and secure the title before Round 37. That way, they can bid farewell to the Calderón with two trophies."
Although the Champions League final would take place at the end of May, Atlético could secure a maximum of two titles before the Calderón was dismantled. But that was already enough for the fans.
...
Yang Hao had gradually figured out how to maximize Lionel Messi's potential.
He also began to understand why, in his previous life, Pep Guardiola attempted to position Messi in the center.
It wasn't an ideal choice. Or rather, it was a desperate one.
In Yang Hao's view during his past life, Guardiola's transformation of Messi into a false nine seemed to unlock Messi's full potential, making him unstoppable.
But reflecting on it now, Yang Hao felt something was off.
The key question was: what is the most important task for a team in possession of the ball?
Most would say: move forward, attack, and score.
But achieving that requires an essential condition—width.
To create effective attacking plays, a team needs to stretch the field horizontally, which necessitates skilled wide players.
One of the biggest challenges Barcelona and Spain faced with their tiki-taka style wasn't the opponent's deep defense but their inability to maintain width during attacking plays.
Without width, the opposition could compress their defense centrally, creating a deadlock.
On the pitch, the optimal spacing between players is about 10 meters. Once the distance exceeds 15-20 meters, passing accuracy drops significantly, and receiving the ball becomes more challenging.
Atlético's goal against AC Milan, which stunned all of Italy, involved consecutive long passes over 15 meters. But even for players of Atlético's technical caliber, including Andrés Iniesta, Kaká, and Messi, it was borderline. For other teams, such consistency was nearly impossible.
That's why Guardiola's tenure at Barcelona was marked by persistent efforts to address the central striker role, starting with Rijkaard before him.
When Barcelona signed Samuel Eto'o, Rijkaard had already expressed doubts, as Eto'o wasn't the type of center forward capable of holding the ball or facilitating play.
In a 4-3-3 system, a center forward who can't maintain possession, distribute effectively, or link with the flanks is a critical liability.
After Barcelona signed Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto'o was moved to the flanks. In Yang Hao's previous life, after Eto'o joined Inter Milan, Diego Milito became the center forward, and José Mourinho also deployed Eto'o on the wings.
Why did Pep Guardiola position Messi as a false nine? It was a last-resort decision. After the failure of the plan to bring in Zlatan Ibrahimović, Barcelona faced a difficult problem: who would take up the central role in the attack?
This role was indispensable. Guardiola even considered using Cesc Fàbregas and mentioned in his autobiography how he felt sorry for Fàbregas, as he had planned to design a system around him. Alexis Sánchez also played in that position for a time.
At the time, when examining Barcelona's squad, it was clear that only Messi could fill the role. But that created another problem.
Everyone knows that playing in the central attacking zone means facing intense defensive pressure, frequent physical confrontations, and high physical demand. In such high-stress conditions, asking a diminutive technical player like Messi to take on that role and battle against physically imposing defenders comes with a heavy cost.
If you look at the news from that period, you'll find frequent reports of Messi playing until he vomited. People marveled at his incredible stats but often overlooked the toll it took on him.
How long did Messi endure this? The arrival of Neymar significantly alleviated the pressure on Messi, especially the responsibility of connecting the attack and driving forward. It was the arrival of Luis Suárez, however, that finally allowed Messi to truly ease up. The significance of the MSN trio—Messi, Suárez, Neymar—lies here.
Some may wonder, "But if Messi scored so many goals as a false nine, wasn't that his best position?"
Yes, he scored a lot of goals, but that doesn't necessarily mean it was his best position.
Yang Hao had said before that Messi's most dangerous weapon was his short bursts of acceleration. Over longer distances, his threat diminishes significantly. The further Messi is from the goal, the less effective he becomes, often relying solely on his passing ability to pose a threat.
As a false nine, Messi could operate closer to the penalty area and the goal. Most of Messi's goals were scored within the penalty area, supporting Yang Hao's evaluation of him.
But then the question arises: if playing as a false nine is so demanding, is Messi's best position the right wing?
Yang Hao's current setup has Messi as a right winger, but in practice, his range extends across the entire right side, and he often drifts centrally to the edge of the box on the left.
Restricting a player like Messi to a single position is the worst possible approach.
Yang Hao recalled a saying about Cristiano Ronaldo in his previous life. Fans joked: "No matter where Ronaldo starts the match, he'll end up at the goal."
This might sound like a jest, or even a criticism implying Ronaldo lacked tactical discipline. But could it be that the coaches—Ferguson, Pellegrini, Mourinho, and others—intentionally set things up that way?
Why would they do that? Because it maximized Ronaldo's strengths.
Barcelona fans familiar with history would recall Álvaro Arbeloa's breakout performance. In a Liverpool match against Barcelona, Arbeloa, a right-footed player, was deployed on the left by Rafael Benítez, completely shutting down Messi and making a name for himself.
This is the crux of the issue. Once you confine a player within a specific zone on the pitch, opponents will devise strategies to neutralize them.
Yang Hao had even assigned Andrés Iniesta to shadow Zinedine Zidane in a game, instructing him to follow Zidane everywhere, doing nothing else.
But what if a player could roam freely across the pitch, adapting their positioning based on their reading of the game? Wouldn't marking them become significantly harder?
Now, imagine a player like Messi—one who can pass, shoot, dribble, control the ball, and has good speed—given the freedom to move within the final 30 meters of the pitch. With teammates supplying him the ball at the right moments, wouldn't that maximize his threat?
Some might argue, "Isn't that similar to playing as a false nine?"
No, it's not. A false nine has to directly face defenders, especially center-backs.
In Yang Hao's system for Messi, there's a center forward ahead of him. This is akin to Cristiano Ronaldo having Karim Benzema as his partner. With someone absorbing defensive pressure up front, Messi would have more space than as a false nine.
Behind Messi, there are players like Kaká and Iniesta with excellent ball control and passing ability. Both are adept at short passes within 10 meters, and Kaká can even execute precise passes over 15 to 20 meters.
However, this system isn't ready yet. For one, Arjen Robben on the left wing doesn't quite fit into this strategy. More importantly, Messi hasn't earned the stature yet.
On the football pitch, things don't happen just because Yang Hao says so. Players have their own thoughts and egos. Messi has great potential, no doubt, but he needs to prove himself first, earning the respect and trust of his teammates. Only then can Yang Hao smoothly elevate him to a central role.
Forcing him into that role prematurely would yield poor results.
In Yang Hao's vision, the team would revolve around Messi's movements, with Iniesta and Kaká controlling the midfield, David Silva and Luka Modric assisting, and fullbacks like Patrice Evra, Marcelo, and Dani Alves providing width. When Messi is free to attack as he pleases, he could truly thrive.
At that point, the strongest version of Messi would naturally emerge.
But for now, the system isn't mature enough. Messi is still honing his craft on the right wing, building his experience. He hasn't yet reached the level of maturity required to shoulder the entire team's burden.
However, Yang Hao has been experimenting with and refining this system.
Take, for example, the 6th-minute attack against Barcelona.
When Messi received Xabi Alonso's pass near the right touchline, Giovanni van Bronckhorst immediately closed in. Messi expertly shifted the ball to his left foot. Rafael van der Vaart also rushed in, intending to trap Messi along with Van Bronckhorst on the flank.
But Messi was quick and decisive. Before Van der Vaart could close him down, Messi took a step back along the right sideline, avoided Van der Vaart, and dribbled inward with his left foot.
Van Bronckhorst and Van der Vaart both turned to chase back. Messi took a step horizontally, then cut diagonally toward the right edge of the penalty area. Torres moved into position, receiving the ball with his back to goal, shielding Puyol behind him. Messi sent the ball to Torres with a quick pass and continued his diagonal run into the box, aiming for a one-two exchange with Torres.
However, under pressure from Puyol and further interference from Márquez, Torres struggled to control the ball. Forced to shield it using his body, he brought the ball back and quickly passed it out to Alves on the right flank. Atlético's initial attempt at linking up fell short.
Just when everyone thought the attack was over, Kaká raised his hand, signaling for the ball. Alves, having just controlled it, immediately sent a horizontal pass. Kaká was positioned perfectly in the right half-space, with only Márquez nearby.
At the same time Alves received the ball, Messi, who had paused momentarily after the earlier misplay, made a sudden burst, sprinting diagonally toward the top of the penalty arc. As the ball reached Kaká, Márquez closed in on him quickly, but Kaká didn't hesitate. With a right-footed touch, he delivered a perfectly timed through ball, splitting the defense and landing it directly in Messi's path at the edge of the box.
Just as Messi controlled the ball and pushed it into the penalty area, Van Bronckhorst, with his vast experience, launched a scissor tackle and brought Messi down just outside the box. Messi tumbled to the ground, and the referee immediately blew his whistle, showing Van Bronckhorst a yellow card. Without argument, Van Bronckhorst turned and walked away.
Alves stepped up to take the free kick, but his shot struck the defensive wall, posing no real threat. Yang Hao shook his head in frustration on the sideline. Atlético still lacked a reliable free-kick taker. If they had a specialist, Van Bronckhorst might have hesitated before committing the foul. Right now, everyone knew Atlético's free kicks weren't dangerous.
Messi, however, had the most potential for free kicks. Yang Hao made a mental note to push him to train harder in this area.
The recent sequence reflected Yang Hao's tactical vision. Messi started on the right, evading Van Bronckhorst and Van der Vaart. Torres then moved wide to receive the ball while Messi made a diagonal run. If Torres had controlled the ball better, he could have linked up with Messi, who would've been in a prime position to attack the penalty area. In that scenario, Van Bronckhorst wouldn't have been able to stop him.
Of course, it wouldn't be fair to blame Torres entirely. Football isn't like basketball, where every play can be perfectly executed to create scoring opportunities. If it were, goals wouldn't be so rare in football.
This sequence demonstrated the idea: Messi, with minimal defensive pressure and the freedom to create threats at will, is the most dangerous version of Messi. Even the best opponents would struggle to contain him.
Tonight's match clearly showed that Barcelona was playing with anger. The game frequently turned chaotic, with Atlético players often the ones sprawled on the ground. This infuriated Yang Hao, who continually pressured the fourth official and the referee to address the situation.
Yang Hao understood the mentality of Barcelona's players. They were still bitter about having to give Atlético the guard of honor before the match. Now, they were venting that frustration by targeting Atlético's players on the pitch. At moments like this, the referee needed to enforce stricter control over the game. At the very least, he should curb Barcelona's behavior.
The match continued in a heated and fiery atmosphere. Even Yang Hao hadn't expected a team like Barcelona, known for their possession-based style, to transform into a physical, borderline-violent team tonight. Was this a sign of their frustration boiling over, or had their principles truly faltered?
In the 32nd minute, Iniesta, receiving the ball near the bottom of the center circle in Atlético's half, was tripped by Xavi, gifting Atlético a free kick in their own half. This also prevented a potential quick counterattack from Atlético.
Xabi Alonso stepped up to take the free kick quickly, looking for options. However, Barcelona immediately began pressing near the halfway line, surrounding Iniesta and Kaká.
"Here!" Messi called out, raising his hand as he sprinted back toward the ball. Without hesitation, Xabi Alonso sent it to the right flank. Messi, retreating past the halfway line, received the ball just inside Atlético's half, instinctively knowing there was no one around him. He swiftly turned and began driving forward, forcing Barcelona's defenders to retreat step by step.
As Messi crossed the halfway line, he abruptly cut diagonally toward the center. Van Bronckhorst, Van der Vaart, and Márquez converged on him, attempting to trap him. Messi delivered a perfectly weighted diagonal pass between Van der Vaart and Márquez, the ball landing in the center circle in Barcelona's half.
Kaká received it and immediately accelerated. Torres, positioned up front, was already preparing to sprint. Puyol and Thuram shadowed Torres, closely marking both him and Kaká.
However, Kaká and Torres had been teammates since their youth days and had an almost telepathic understanding. On the pitch, a simple glance was often enough for them to predict each other's intentions.
As Kaká surged forward with the ball, Torres subtly slowed down, feigning an attempt to support Kaká. This caused Puyol and Thuram to hesitate, retreating slightly. Puyol stopped momentarily, attempting to track Kaká.
In that instant, Torres suddenly burst forward at full speed. Kaká, recognizing the move immediately, delivered a long-range through ball. The timing was flawless, catching Barcelona's defense off guard.
Puyol's first thought was, "Damn it, I fell for it!" But it was too late. Torres sped past Puyol, cutting through Thuram's zone with sheer pace. At the top-right corner of the penalty arc, he caught up to Kaká's pass and drove into the penalty area.
With no other options, Valdés rushed out to challenge him. But Torres, unflustered in a one-on-one situation, calmly slotted the ball past Valdés with a low shot into the net.
"GOOOOAAALLL!!!"
"TORRES!!!"
"In the 32nd minute of the first half, Atlético quickly took a free kick. Kaká delivered a precise through ball, and Torres successfully beat the offside trap to go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly scoring!"
"1-0!"
"We were just talking about how Barcelona have been giving away too many free kicks to Atlético today. Their fouling has been excessive."
"And now, Atlético has taken advantage of one of those free kicks to break through Barcelona's defense."
After Atlético took the lead, Barcelona became even more aggressive, and their attacks grew increasingly frantic. Whether it was Ronaldinho, Eto'o, or Giuly on the right, they all rushed to break through Atlético's defense. Several attempts at long-range shots were made, but none of them seriously threatened Atlético's goal.
This gave Yang Hao a very clear impression: Barcelona lacked patience.
When it comes to possession football, two factors are indispensable: patience and confidence. Both are essential. But right now, Barcelona seemed to lack both, which led to their disorganized play on the pitch.
This was especially evident in their tactics tonight. Their midfield lineup of Márquez, Xavi, and Van der Vaart suggested a possession-based and attacking approach. However, their players on the field came across more like brawlers.
They fouled and resorted to sneaky tactics to win the ball. But once they got it, they lacked the patience to organize and plan attacks, always rushing to score. This created an interesting paradox.
A prime example came in the 44th minute. Barcelona committed a foul within their own 30-meter zone. Kaká was brought down. The Brazilian got up immediately, bent over to place the ball, and looked up to see Van der Vaart and Márquez closing in quickly.
Thuram and Puyol were guarding Torres near the penalty arc. Without much thought, Kaká took the free kick immediately, this time opting not to pass to anyone. Instead, he sent a direct ball toward the right corner of the six-yard box. Kaká had noticed the space in that area and knew Messi could get there.
The ball zipped between Van der Vaart and Márquez, who only realized the gap they had left at the last moment. No human can outrun the ball. As the ball entered Barcelona's penalty area, Messi, sprinting in from the right side of the penalty arc, reached it first.
Messi chased the ball forward, and Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés abandoned his goal to challenge him. The two raced toward the ball simultaneously and reached it at nearly the same moment.
Valdés, desperate to prevent Messi from gaining control, dove forward and managed to deflect the ball with an outstretched hand.
Messi stopped abruptly, turned, and chased the ball, now loose on the right side of the penalty area. Valdés scrambled to recover, but his rushed dive hadn't cleared the ball far, leaving it still within Atlético's attacking zone.
Messi regained control and turned to face Valdés, who was now charging at him. The goalkeeper bent low, arms wide, trying to block every possible angle. Messi feinted a shot, causing Valdés to instinctively lunge with his hands to block.
But instead of shooting, Messi gently pulled the ball back with his left foot, sidestepping Valdés and creating an opening. By the time Van Bronckhorst and others caught up, Messi had already chipped a curling left-footed shot.
The ball arced gracefully, skimming the intersection of the left post and crossbar before nestling into the net.
At that moment, the entire Calderón Stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Messi scores!!!"
"An absolute stunner into the top corner!"
"My goodness, after tricking Valdés with a fake shot, Messi chipped a perfect curling strike into the far corner!"
"2-0!"
"Right before halftime, Messi doubles the lead!"
"This match is as good as over."
When Messi scored the second goal, the game was essentially decided.
At halftime, Yang Hao repeatedly reminded his players not to get complacent or overconfident.
"In the second half, stay patient and keep playing calmly. Barcelona are playing without patience tonight, so we must do the opposite. We must stay composed!"
Early in the second half, Atlético created a corner kick opportunity. Robben's aggressive run on the left was blocked out by Zambrotta.
Xabi Alonso took the corner, and Torres's header was saved by Valdés, tipping it over the bar. On the second corner, Lucio got to the ball but headed it just over.
These consecutive corner threats left Barcelona on edge.
Using this momentum, Atlético orchestrated wave after wave of attacks against Barcelona.
This match, in reality, held little significance for either team. If not for Barcelona's frustration and overly aggressive play, Atlético wouldn't have fought so fiercely. After all, Atlético's championship win was just a matter of time. For Barcelona, securing a top-four finish wasn't in doubt either.
But what should have been an unremarkable game turned into a fiery clash filled with tension.
In the second half, with Atlético firmly in control, they began conserving their energy.
Barcelona, meanwhile, made a substitution in the 71st minute, bringing on Gudjohnsen for Xavi in an attempt to bolster their attack. However, two consecutive counterattacks by Atlético forced Barcelona to retreat once again.
Later, Messi missed a golden opportunity to score another goal. After receiving a through ball from Kaká, he broke into the box and unleashed a low shot, but Valdés deflected it out for a corner.
Messi always seemed to play with extra fire against Barcelona.
Ultimately, Atlético secured a 2-0 victory at home, with goals from Torres and Messi.
After this win, with three rounds remaining in La Liga, Atlético had practically secured the title.
But Real Madrid still refused to give up.
In this round, Wenger's team secured a 3-2 away victory against Recreativo de Huelva. Robinho, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Ashley Cole each scored a goal. During the match, Wenger's side allowed Huelva to claw back two goals, but Cole's decisive strike ultimately gave them a narrow victory.
After the game, Wenger admitted in an interview that the La Liga title race was nearly decided this season.
"Nevertheless, we will fight until the very last moment!" he declared.
"As long as there's even the slightest chance, no matter how slim, no matter if it's only theoretical, we will give it our all!"
Wenger's words resonated with Real Madrid players. Raúl, Casillas, Guti, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, among others, all spoke to the media, vowing to fight to the end.
After all, what if a miracle happened?
In midweek during the 36th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Deportivo La Coruña at the Bernabéu. The game turned out to be a dramatic rollercoaster.
This was Ruud van Nistelrooy's first return to the Bernabéu since transferring to Deportivo. In just the 13th minute, the Dutch striker scored with a header in the box, giving Deportivo an early lead.
However, in the 29th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo equalized with a brilliant goal for Real Madrid. The first half ended 1-1.
In the second half, in the 55th minute, Joan Capdevila's assist on the left set up Van Nistelrooy for his second goal, making it 2-1. The Dutchman celebrated emphatically, showing the Real Madrid fans that he was still the prolific scorer they once knew.
But just two minutes later, David Beckham struck to equalize again.
Then, in the 74th minute, Ibrahimović found the net, giving Real Madrid the lead for the first time.
Deportivo launched a furious offensive under Didier Deschamps, but they couldn't break through Casillas's goal again. Real Madrid eked out another narrow 3-2 win.
For the second consecutive round, Real Madrid won 3-2, reflecting the immense pressure they've been under lately.
Barcelona, too, were feeling the weight of expectations. Thanks to a Ronaldinho goal, they scraped a 1-0 home victory against Getafe.
The day after Real Madrid's narrow victory over Deportivo, Atlético Madrid traveled to Tarragona for their 37th-round fixture. To lift the league trophy at the Calderón in the next round, they needed an away win against Gimnàstic de Tarragona.
The disparity in strength between the two teams was enormous. Tarragona had already been relegated. Still, some Real Madrid fans held onto faint hopes of a miracle.
However, Torres shattered those hopes with a goal in the 11th minute.
In the second half, in the 54th minute, Torres scored again, completing a brace. Atlético secured a 2-0 win over Tarragona.
This match was yet another example of Yang Hao's ability to steady the ship in crucial moments.
Games where a victory secures the championship carry immense pressure for players. Coupled with a packed schedule of two matches per week and preparations for the upcoming Champions League final, Yang Hao had rotated his squad appropriately while keeping Torres in the starting lineup.
At this critical juncture, the Golden Boy delivered. His two goals secured Atlético's La Liga title with two rounds to spare, making them the second team after Real Madrid to achieve five consecutive La Liga championships.
Upon their return to Madrid, Atlético players were greeted by crowds of jubilant fans lining the streets. The entire Spanish media heaped praise on Atlético Madrid.
Marca described Atlético's five consecutive titles as "great, great, and great," emphasizing their dominance. During this run, Atlético achieved one treble, a grand slam, two Champions League titles, and three Copa del Rey trophies. If they could defeat Real Madrid in Athens this season, they would secure their second treble.
This record far surpassed the achievements of Real Madrid during their own five consecutive titles.
What's more, Atlético looked unstoppable. A sixth consecutive title seemed entirely possible.
Even AS, traditionally sympathetic to Real Madrid, celebrated Atlético's success on its front page while urging Real Madrid to adopt a bolder transfer strategy and build a more competitive squad to challenge Atlético.
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with clinching the title early but reminded everyone that the celebration wasn't over.
"We still have the most important trophy waiting for us in Athens!" he said.
Yang Hao also revealed that in the final two league matches, he would use substitutes and rotation players, as he needed the entire squad focused on preparing for the Champions League final.
After La Liga's 38th round, there would be only four days before the Champions League final.
However, the next match presented a minor complication: the 37th-round home fixture against Celta Vigo. Celta were fighting to avoid relegation and were desperate for points.
Celta's form had been inconsistent—at times impressive, but now they were battling to stay up and faced the real threat of relegation.
Yang Hao remarked that the competition in La Liga this season had been particularly fierce. Based on the current standings, Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, and Athletic Bilbao all faced significant relegation risks.
Yang Hao even hinted at a potential move for Javi Martínez if Athletic were relegated. He admired the Spanish midfielder's potential to develop into a world-class defensive midfielder.
Javi Martínez, currently playing as a central midfielder, wasn't a traditional defensive player. Instead, he was the type who gradually played deeper as his career progressed.
At present, Martínez excelled in passing, ball control, and long-range shooting. In Yang Hao's previous life, Marcelo Bielsa converted Martínez into a ball-playing center-back at Athletic. From that point on, he alternated between midfield and defense until Bayern Munich activated his release clause.
In his first season at Bayern, Martínez delivered world-class performances as a defensive midfielder, stunning the football world. That season, Martínez was the epitome of the perfect defensive midfielder.
Sadly, injuries later derailed his career.
In other La Liga action, Pellegrini's Villarreal defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at home. Real Madrid, seemingly dispirited, drew 2-2 away to Zaragoza. Barcelona fared even worse, losing 2-0 at home to Espanyol.
Atlético, meanwhile, received their 2006/07 La Liga trophy before their home game against Celta Vigo. The celebration marked Atlético's second trophy of the year and the Calderón's final match.
The Calderón had served as Atlético's home since its completion in 1966, following its purchase in 1961. From its original name, Estadio Manzanares, to its renaming as Estadio Vicente Calderón, it witnessed 40 years of history.
However, the aging stadium could no longer keep up with Atlético's ambitions.
In the final La Liga match played there, Atlético defeated Celta Vigo 3-2. Torres scored twice, while Villa added a goal, securing three more points.
After the match, the team held a brief farewell ceremony, including a documentary on the stadium shown on the big screen.
Atlético players, holding two championship trophies, bid an emotional farewell to the Calderón alongside the fans.
Yet everyone believed that Atlético would become even stronger in their new stadium, with an even brighter future ahead.
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