Chapter 98
The Champions League quarterfinals came to a close, and Atlético Madrid advanced to the semifinals with a 4–1 aggregate victory over Liverpool.
In another match, Barcelona defeated Chelsea 4–2 at Camp Nou and followed it up with a 2–0 win at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho had his moment of redemption, returning to his former club and triumphing in front of the same fans he had parted ways with the previous summer due to conflicts with Chelsea's management.
The 2–0 victory on the night and 6–2 on aggregate saw Barcelona join Atlético in the semifinals.
From the quarterfinal draw, it was already clear that Atlético would meet Barcelona in the next round.
With Liverpool and Chelsea both eliminated, two of England's "Big Three" had already fallen. The following morning, British media were filled with despair, with hopes pinned on Manchester United to salvage English pride. They urged United to stage a comeback against Real Madrid at Old Trafford, where overturning a 1–2 deficit was seen as achievable.
However, that evening, Arsène Wenger's Real Madrid demonstrated the fruits of his two-year transformation of the club, a project stymied in La Liga only by the dominance of Yang Hao's Atlético.
In the Champions League, however, Real Madrid thrived.
The Old Trafford Showdown
The match began explosively. Just nine minutes in, Cristiano Ronaldo latched onto a Beckham cross to open the scoring for Real Madrid. Wayne Rooney equalized in the 33rd minute, giving United hope.
But just before halftime, Philipp Lahm whipped in a cross, and Ronaldo headed home his second to restore Madrid's lead.
Ronaldo and Beckham, both former United players, were in dazzling form against their old club.
In the second half, an own goal by Giorgio Chiellini—under pressure from Vidic—briefly brought United level again at 2–2 in the 53rd minute.
Yet six minutes later, Beckham combined with Ronaldo once more, and the Portuguese star completed his hat trick with a sublime finish to make it 3–2.
The game was sealed in the 84th minute when Beckham scored a stunning fourth goal for Madrid, completing a 4–2 win on the night and a 6–3 aggregate victory.
At the post-match press conference, Wenger joyfully declared that Real Madrid was entering its best era, with Champions League glory now firmly in their sights.
Sevilla vs. Inter Milan
At the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Sevilla faced Inter Milan in the second leg, having lost 3–2 in the first leg at the San Siro.
Juan de Ramos' team opened the scoring early with an aggressive start, grabbing a crucial goal. Inter responded with relentless pressure, particularly in the second half, with Adriano leading the charge. However, the Brazilian striker couldn't turn the tide alone, and Inter lacked the depth to match Sevilla's intensity.
The match ended 1–0 in Sevilla's favor, with a 3–3 aggregate scoreline allowing the Spanish side to advance on away goals.
Inter's heavy reliance on Adriano was evident; without him, they seemed a shadow of their former selves. Without significant reinforcements, even reaching the knockout stages of future competitions would be a challenge for the Nerazzurri.
An All-Spanish Semifinal Stage
With Sevilla's victory, all four Champions League semifinal spots were claimed by La Liga clubs:
Atlético Madrid vs. BarcelonaReal Madrid vs. Sevilla
For the second consecutive season, La Liga completely dominated the semifinals. This dominance sparked widespread discussion in European football circles, with global media and fans captivated by the unprecedented achievement.
Germany's Kicker magazine even devoted a midweek special to analyzing La Liga's growing supremacy.
"The strength of La Liga is now undeniable," they wrote, highlighting the struggles of other leagues to compete. In successive seasons, Spanish clubs had swept aside English and Italian heavyweights in the Champions League.
"Even Sevilla managed to eliminate Inter Milan, while Real Madrid and Barcelona dismantled Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively. The question isn't just how to beat La Liga clubs—it's how to stop La Liga itself."
Kicker warned of a troubling trend: the Champions League, ostensibly Europe's premier club competition, was increasingly turning into a La Liga showcase.
Spanish Dominance Extends to the UEFA Cup
La Liga's stranglehold extended beyond the Champions League.
Villarreal defeated Bayer Leverkusen 5–1 on aggregate after a stunning 4–1 away victory.Valencia cruised past PSV Eindhoven with a 4–0 aggregate score.Deportivo La Coruña eliminated Sporting CP with a 2–0 away win, thanks to Van Nistelrooy's brace.
The only blemish on La Liga's near-total dominance was Getafe's exit against Bayern Munich.
Despite finishing 14th in La Liga and hovering near the relegation zone, Getafe pushed the Bundesliga giants to the brink. After two 1–1 draws, the tie went to extra time and then penalties, where Bayern narrowly triumphed.
Even Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was full of praise for Getafe, admitting that their performance exceeded his expectations. He acknowledged La Liga's rise as Europe's top league, citing its cost-effective talent acquisition and development as key advantages.
"Spanish clubs have built highly competitive squads at a fraction of the cost we see elsewhere," he said. "Their investment in youth development is also unparalleled."
Hitzfeld urged the Bundesliga to learn from La Liga's success in commercial strategy, league operations, and player development.
Meanwhile, Getafe coach Michael Laudrup was visibly disappointed. Despite giving Bayern a scare, their elimination meant La Liga fell short of sweeping all eight semifinal spots across the Champions League and UEFA Cup.
With La Liga continuing to assert its dominance, the upcoming semifinals would further cement its position at the pinnacle of European football.
Laudrup revealed that Getafe's inability to defeat Bayern Munich was largely due to their leading scorer in the second half of the season, Diego Forlán, being ineligible for the UEFA Cup matches.
Forlán had represented Chelsea in the Champions League during the first half of the season, and under UEFA rules, he could not participate for Getafe in the UEFA Cup. As a result, despite creating more chances than Bayern across the two legs, Getafe couldn't overcome their German opponents.
This led to widespread amazement in the football world. A team near the relegation zone in La Liga had gone toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich, the dominant force in the Bundesliga.
If this had been a one-off match, it might have been dismissed as a fluke. But across two legs, Getafe proved they were evenly matched with Bayern, further demonstrating the rising strength of Spanish football.
Debate on La Liga's Dominance
The results of the Champions League and UEFA Cup quarterfinals sparked heated discussions across Europe. Many media outlets speculated that if La Liga's dominance continued unchecked, future editions of the Champions League might simply turn into an internal Spanish affair, leaving little room for clubs from other top leagues.
UEFA President Michel Platini addressed this concern during an interview with a major media outlet. He acknowledged that when competitions like the Champions League and UEFA Cup become dominated by one team—or, in this case, one league—it is not a healthy development.
However, Platini admitted UEFA had no effective way to curtail La Liga's supremacy.
Some had proposed financial regulations to limit the spending power of La Liga clubs, but Platini noted that such measures would face the greatest resistance not from La Liga, but from other leagues—especially the Premier League.
"The reason is simple," Platini explained. "La Liga already operates under a stricter budget oversight system than UEFA's own Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. While UEFA conducts its reviews at the end of the season, La Liga audits club budgets before the season even begins, staying a step ahead of us."
Another suggestion was to limit foreign investment in Spanish clubs, but Platini dismissed this as unrealistic. "UEFA doesn't have the authority to restrict such investments," he said.
"I've consistently held up Atlético Madrid as a model for other clubs to follow," Platini added. "They have the strongest squad in Europe and one of the healthiest financial situations in football."
Platini also highlighted the forthcoming new broadcasting deal in La Liga, which would ensure that even the league's bottom-placed teams would earn €50 million annually. This, he argued, would widen the gap between La Liga and other leagues.
Platini pointed out that Spain's low tax rates were another critical factor driving La Liga's success. This advantage, he explained, made Spain an attractive destination for Europe's top football talent—a reality that other leagues would struggle to counter unless their governments reduced taxes.
"Expecting Spain to change its tax laws is futile," Platini concluded. "These policies, like the Beckham Law, are part of Spain's broader strategy to attract global talent across industries. Asking them to sacrifice such a successful policy would be unrealistic.
"Instead, governments in England, Germany, and Italy should consider lowering their tax rates to improve their leagues' competitiveness. That's a far more practical solution."
However, the likelihood of European governments voluntarily reducing taxes seemed remote. As Platini quipped, "Convincing governments to give up revenue? That's wishful thinking."
Mourinho's Tactical Gambit
In the lead-up to La Liga's 32nd round, José Mourinho held a private meeting with his coaching staff at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
At the meeting, Mourinho declared his intent to dedicate the next two weeks to preparing for the Champions League semifinal against Atlético Madrid.
"The match at the Calderón will be the most important game of our season," Mourinho emphasized.
He revealed that he had already secured the backing of Barcelona's board, including President Joan Laporta and Technical Director Txiki Begiristain. The consensus was clear: La Liga was out of reach this season. The club's focus would now shift entirely to Europe.
"Atlético Madrid is chasing their unbeaten record. They can't and won't abandon their league campaign," Mourinho said. "I know Yang Hao, and I know his Atlético. Their number one goal this season is to go undefeated."
"They're just seven games away from completing an unbeaten season and winning the title. No manager could resist such a tantalizing goal," he added, visibly envious.
Mourinho wasn't wrong. Only one team in the history of Europe's top leagues had ever achieved an unbeaten league title: AC Milan during their legendary run in the 1990s.
While Milan's achievement was historic, critics often downplayed Atlético's current streak, arguing that it wouldn't truly matter unless they finished the season unbeaten as champions. This comparison frequently sparked debates in football circles.
Despite the criticism, Yang Hao and Atlético stayed silent, letting their performances speak for themselves as they continued their pursuit of perfection.
Strategic Decisions
Mourinho was clear in his strategy. "We'll use these two weeks to meticulously prepare for the first leg in Madrid. Our goal is to secure a favorable result at the Emirates Stadium," he said, referring to Atlético's temporary home ground during renovations at the Calderón.
Mourinho hinted that Barcelona would not go all-out in their next two La Liga matches, adopting a strategic approach to conserve energy.
This decision made sense, though it came with a complication: one of those matches was the Barcelona Derby.
Laporta insisted that Barcelona must give their all in the derby, especially as it was a home game at Camp Nou. Mourinho reluctantly agreed.
"Publicly, we'll say nothing—neither to the media nor the players," Mourinho told his staff. "But internally, we all know what's at stake. This is a gamble we must take."
As La Liga's title race entered its final stages, all eyes turned to the monumental Champions League clash between Mourinho's Barcelona and Yang Hao's unbeaten Atlético Madrid. The stage was set for a season-defining battle.
"I believe that everyone present here, including myself, is fully aware that Atlético Madrid is currently the most formidable team in world football. If we don't give our absolute all and leverage every possible factor, both subjective and objective, it will be exceedingly difficult—if not impossible—for us to defeat Atlético at the Emirates Stadium."
"But now, we can make sacrifices. We can make compromises."
"This is our one and only chance this season to make it to Russia and compete in the Champions League final. We absolutely cannot let this opportunity slip away, just as the West could not afford to lose Jerusalem."
"So, I need unconditional cooperation from everyone here. No exceptions."
By the end of his speech, Mourinho's tone had shifted to one of command rather than persuasion. It left an impression on everyone in the room: anyone who dared to hold him back would undoubtedly be removed.
La Liga Round 32 Results
Valencia secured a narrow 2-1 victory at home against Racing Santander. Carlo Ancelotti's side continued to display impressive consistency despite competing on multiple fronts.
After a year of observing Valencia, it was clear to everyone that the club had immense potential. As long as the Abu Dhabi consortium remained committed to its management strategy, Valencia could soon rival Real Madrid, Barcelona, and even Atlético Madrid.
Why?
Because the Abu Dhabi consortium wasn't just wealthy. Under Mubarak's leadership, the management team respected professional expertise and the coaching staff, especially head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
One notable example was during the winter transfer window when Ancelotti requested reinforcements for the bench. The arrivals of players like Wesley Sneijder and Éver Banega followed swiftly. These signings injected strength and depth into Valencia's squad, making them a more formidable long-term contender.
Mourinho's Barcelona, however, failed to maintain their lead twice in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Recreativo de Huelva.
On the other hand, Didier Deschamps' Deportivo La Coruña delivered a convincing 3-0 home win against Athletic Bilbao.
Atlético Madrid claimed a 2-0 away victory over Real Valladolid, extending their unbeaten run. Real Madrid managed a narrow 1-0 home win against Real Murcia, with Yaya Touré scoring the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Villarreal suffered a 1-0 away loss to Almería.
La Liga's competitiveness this season was at an all-time high. Aside from the top-tier teams like Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, it was increasingly difficult for any team to confidently predict victory against their opponents—especially in away matches.
La Liga Round 33 Drama
Atlético Madrid hosted Real Betis and staged a remarkable comeback after conceding an early goal in the 14th minute. Goals from Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, and Kaká secured a 3-1 victory for the home side.
Real Madrid scraped a narrow 2-0 win away to Racing Santander, with Raúl and Gonzalo Higuaín finding the net. Higuaín's goal came in the 93rd minute, underscoring the tense nature of the match.
Two other games particularly caught Yang Hao's attention.
Sevilla 1-4 Almería:
This result raised eyebrows across the league. Sevilla, preparing for their upcoming Champions League commitments, fielded a rotated lineup. Within 30 minutes, Unai Emery's Almería capitalized on this by scoring two goals. As Sevilla pushed to equalize, they conceded another two goals within four minutes. Although Kanouté managed to pull one back in the 72nd minute, the damage was already done, and Sevilla suffered a heavy 4-1 home defeat.
Barcelona 0-0 Espanyol:
Preparing for their Champions League semi-final, Mourinho also rotated heavily, resting key players like Diego Milito, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Xavi. He fielded younger players like Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkić, hoping to secure a win. However, Espanyol, under Ernesto Valverde, implemented a well-drilled 4-2-3-1 system that frustrated Barcelona's attack.
Despite making adjustments in the second half, Mourinho's team failed to break the deadlock. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
The game's intensity was evident in the number of yellow cards: both teams accumulated seven each, with a total of 14 bookings handed out. Despite the aggressive play, no red cards were issued, as both sides maintained a level of discipline.
Catalan media refrained from heavily criticizing Mourinho for the result, while even Johan Cruyff, who was known for his consistent critiques, skipped his column for the day.
April 22: Champions League Semi-Final First Leg
Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona – Emirates Stadium
The match began with Barcelona launching an aggressive high press. Atlético Madrid, however, approached the game cautiously, focusing on maintaining control of possession and dictating the tempo.
Yang Hao prioritized defensive stability, emphasizing the importance of not conceding an away goal to Barcelona—a potentially decisive factor in a two-legged tie.
From the opening whistle, Barcelona threw everything into their attack, with relentless pressing and high-intensity runs aimed at catching Atlético off guard.
Yang Hao faced a tough decision ahead of the match regarding his center-back pairing. Thiago Silva had recently returned from injury and performed well in two La Liga matches. However, the coaching staff debated whether Silva was ready for the intensity of a Champions League semi-final.
Ultimately, Yang Hao decided to rely on the familiar pairing of Sergio Ramos and Pepe. Before the game, he emphasized the need for absolute concentration, reminding them of the stakes.
To his relief, Ramos and Pepe handled the initial pressure admirably. Both made crucial defensive interventions early on, calming Yang Hao's nerves.
Barcelona, recognizing Atlético's solid defense, dialed back their initial onslaught. Mourinho's side shifted to a more measured approach, looking to find gaps in Atlético's structure.
The tactical chess match between Yang Hao and Mourinho had begun in earnest. Both managers understood the significance of this tie, with every move carefully calculated. As the tension built, the entire football world watched in anticipation of what was shaping up to be an epic showdown.
As soon as Barcelona's opening attack failed, they immediately shifted into a defensive posture. Atlético Madrid gradually found their footing and adopted their signature passing game, launching waves of aggressive attacks on Barcelona.
As Yang Hao anticipated, Mourinho deployed a three-defensive-midfielder formation once again:
Goalkeeper: Víctor ValdésDefense: Éric Abidal, Carles Puyol, Bruno Alves, Gianluca ZambrottaMidfield: Mahamadou Diarra, Thiago Motta, XaviForwards: Ronaldinho, Diego Milito, Samuel Eto'o
While it looked like a 4-3-3 on paper, in practice Ronaldinho and Eto'o frequently dropped back into midfield.
In the 13th minute, Lionel Messi dribbled into Barcelona's right-side penalty area. Remarkably, it was Ronaldinho who tracked back and blocked Messi's pass, sending it out for a corner.
Yang Hao, observing from the sideline, was momentarily stunned.
He couldn't believe his eyes. Ronaldinho defending near the goal line? What kind of spell had Mourinho cast on him?
Atlético won three consecutive corners but failed to convert any of them into goals.
Then, in the 16th minute, Messi's movement along the right channel caused chaos among Barcelona's trio of defensive midfielders. He threaded a precise through ball to Arjen Robben, who cut into the penalty area from the left and crossed to the center.
Drogba dummied the ball, letting it roll to Kaká, who calmly slotted it into the net.
1–0!
With the lead, Atlético surged with confidence and unleashed a relentless wave of attacks. The pressure was suffocating, as one attack followed another like a rising tide.
Just two minutes after Kaká's goal, Messi created another dangerous opportunity from the right. He bypassed Abidal with a deft dribble and threaded a pass into the right side of the penalty area. Drogba controlled the ball but struggled with his first touch, allowing Valdés to charge out and block his subsequent shot.
Despite the missed chance, Atlético kept pressing.
In this match, Barcelona's famed possession game, once their hallmark, was shockingly ineffective. Apart from Ronaldinho and Xavi, no one else could hold onto the ball. Even Diego Milito, one of their key forwards, frequently misplaced passes.
This glaring disparity underscored Atlético's dominance in ball control.
However, Atlético soon encountered a new problem: breaking down a defensive Barcelona.
When a team as strong as Barcelona resorts to compact, deep-lying defense, it creates significant challenges for attackers.
Drogba's earlier missed chance exemplified this. Messi's through ball carved open a gap, but the tight space gave Drogba little room to maneuver. A slight error in his touch allowed the defense to recover.
Barcelona continued to crowd their defensive third, leaving Atlético with little room to operate.
The entire first half unfolded with Atlético relentlessly attacking while Barcelona hunkered down to defend.
Possession stats told the story: Atlético controlled 73.3% of the ball, while Barcelona managed just 26.7%.
Barcelona mustered only two shots in the first half, neither on target.
Both Eto'o and Ronaldinho frequently tracked back to help defend.
Yang Hao had to admit, Mourinho's ability to galvanize players into giving their all was truly unique.
Barcelona's pass completion rate barely surpassed 70%, a far cry from their usual precision. The team looked unrecognizable—utterly un-Barça-like.
Yang Hao couldn't help but think that Mourinho's Barcelona had strayed further and further from the ideals of the club's traditional style.
Second Half
In the second half, Yang Hao instructed his team to push higher up the pitch, seeking to capitalize on their dominance and extend their lead.
Atlético launched another torrent of attacks, most notably in the 51st minute.
Iniesta, Kaká, and Messi combined for a series of quick one-touch passes around the edge of the penalty area, pulling Barcelona's defense apart.
Messi eventually broke into the box and threaded a pass to Drogba. The Ivorian used his strength to outmuscle Bruno Alves and fired a powerful shot.
The ball slammed into the right post and ricocheted back into play.
Messi pounced on the rebound but struck the crossbar.
Robben followed up, but under pressure from Zambrotta, his shot hit the side netting.
One attack. Two shots off the woodwork. Could Atlético be any unluckier?
Sensing danger, Mourinho made adjustments. Without making substitutions, he ordered his players to retreat even further, creating a formation that resembled a 5-5-0.
Yang Hao could only shake his head in disbelief.
"Unbelievable," he muttered. "Mourinho really will do anything to win."
By the 65th minute, Atlético, frustrated by their inability to extend their lead, began to slow their tempo and pull back slightly. The focus shifted to maintaining their advantage and wearing down Barcelona.
However, in the 73rd minute, Barcelona seized their moment.
Dani Alves, pushed forward to support the attack, failed to recover in time, leaving space for Ronaldinho to exploit down the left flank.
The Brazilian surged into Atlético's defensive third, pursued closely by Xabi Alonso. Despite Alonso's persistent attempts to dispossess him, Ronaldinho's ball control was exceptional, and Alonso couldn't find an opportunity to challenge effectively.
As Ronaldinho approached the edge of the penalty area, Alonso committed a foul to prevent further progress.
The referee issued a yellow card and awarded Barcelona a free kick from approximately 25 meters out.
Yang Hao grew visibly uneasy.
He suspected that Ronaldinho had been baiting Alonso into committing the foul, inching closer to the goal for a better free-kick opportunity.
Indeed, Ronaldinho's proficiency with free kicks was well-known.
As Yang Hao fretted on the sidelines, the Brazilian maestro prepared to take the set piece.
Ronaldinho struck the ball cleanly, sending it on a wickedly curved trajectory toward the top-right corner of the goal.
Manuel Neuer, ever-alert, dove to his right, but the ball's speed and late dip proved too much to handle.
The net rippled.
1–1!
Yang Hao shook his head in frustration. On the sideline, Mourinho clenched his fists in celebration.
The game was far from over.
Ronaldinho's free kick was absolutely phenomenal!
Subsequently, despite Atlético Madrid launching a relentless offensive and Yang Hao making continuous substitutions to strengthen the attack, they still failed to break through Barcelona's defense again.
1-1, Atlético allowed Barça to secure a precious away goal.
After the match, Mourinho's extremely conservative 5-5-0 tactic received contrasting opinions across Spain.
In Catalonia, both the media and fans praised Mourinho's lineup and tactics for the match, deeming it a high-quality performance.
However, in other parts of Spain, his tactics were criticized as anti-football.
Surprisingly, Johan Cruyff, who had always regarded possession football as the lifeblood of the game, once again refrained from updating his column.
Three days later, La Liga reached its 34th round.
Barcelona, indifferent to anything but the Champions League, lost 0-2 away to Deportivo La Coruña. Everyone understood that Mourinho was fully focused on preparing for the Champions League. Barcelona had essentially abandoned La Liga, as long as they could secure a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid drew 1-1 away against Getafe. Laudrup's team, eliminated from the UEFA Cup, focused entirely on La Liga and fought fiercely for survival in the league. In this match, Yang Hao also rested key players for the Champions League second leg, leading to both teams scoring just once.
Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at home, maintaining pressure on Atlético. Wenger's team remained highly competitive in the second half of the season.
April 29, Evening – Camp Nou, Barcelona.
The second leg of the Champions League semifinals saw Atlético visiting Barcelona.
At Camp Nou, Barcelona played an extremely conservative game. Mourinho employed a tight defensive strategy for the entire match, sticking to his 5-5-0 formation.
Even more astonishing, in the second half, as Atlético's attacks became more intense, Mourinho substituted offensive players like Diego Milito and Ronaldinho for defensive players like Edmílson and Thuram.
By the end, it seemed as if Barcelona wanted to field an entire lineup of defensive players, parking all 11 men in front of the goal.
Atlético attacked relentlessly, but Barcelona's defense was impenetrable.
Ultimately, Mourinho's team held on to a 0-0 draw, preventing Atlético from scoring.
This outcome took Yang Hao by surprise. Over the two legs, Barcelona's attack created challenges for Atlético, but their defensive trio remained flawless throughout both matches.
However, Atlético struggled to find effective solutions against Barcelona's ironclad defensive tactics.
It was reminiscent of Yang Hao's previous life, where Guardiola's Barcelona faced Mourinho's Inter Milan at Camp Nou. The only difference was that Mourinho's team, unlike Inter, did not suffer a red card and managed a 0-0 draw with a full squad.
Additionally, the near-100,000 fans in Camp Nou passionately supported Mourinho's Barcelona, creating an atmosphere of unity and desperation for victory. Their hunger for triumph was palpable.
As long as they could defeat Atlético, win the match, and claim the title, Barcelona no longer cared about the style of play, even if it meant employing a tactic they once despised.
In the end, Atlético drew 0-0 at Camp Nou. The aggregate score remained 1-1, but Barcelona advanced to the Champions League final thanks to Ronaldinho's crucial away goal.
Their opponent in the final was Real Madrid, who had defeated Sevilla 4-0 on aggregate (1-0 away, 3-0 at home).
A Champions League final between Real Madrid and Barcelona promised immense spectacle.
Despite Atlético's loss in the semifinals, the media and fans expressed no criticism but rather regret. With a possession rate of around 73% in both matches and numerous opportunities created, Atlético's repeated attacks failed to overcome Mourinho's defensive wall. They could only leave with bitter disappointment.
Fans and media alike understood that breaking through a defensive fortress has always been a daunting challenge.
Yang Hao, with a wry smile, remarked, "Now we can focus all our energy on La Liga!"
After their elimination from the Champions League, Atlético shifted their full focus to La Liga.
In Round 35, Atlético thrashed Recreativo Huelva 6-0 at home, venting all their frustration from Camp Nou on the hapless Huelva team. Yang Hao's team went on a rampage.
Three days later, in Round 36, Atlético demolished Espanyol 4-0 away. Although Espanyol were Barça's city rivals, a local rival is still a rival—they too had to be vanquished!
In Round 37 that weekend, Atlético defeated Deportivo La Coruña 2-0 at home. After the match, Atlético lifted the La Liga championship trophy for the season.
Having secured the title early, this trophy presentation came as no surprise to the fans.
Atlético supporters felt no regret over their Champions League exit, recognizing that no team can win forever and losses are part of football.
Moreover, Atlético may have lost, but they earned widespread acclaim from media and fans worldwide.
Conversely, Mourinho's Barcelona, despite their victory, faced criticism for their excessively defensive playing style.
Atlético fans were overjoyed as they celebrated their first-ever championship trophy at the Emirates Stadium. Previously, titles such as the Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and Club World Cup had not been lifted at the new stadium.
This La Liga title, celebrated at home, thrilled the 76,500 fans at the Emirates and thousands more celebrating in the stadium plaza.
The entire city of Madrid was alive with Atlético fans celebrating all night long.
A week later, Atlético beat Ancelotti's Valencia 3-1 away.
Thus, the 2007/08 La Liga season concluded.
With 38 matches played, 33 wins, and 5 draws, Atlético Madrid achieved an astonishing 104 points, breaking the all-time record for points in La Liga history.
Even in the earlier era when La Liga had 22 teams and 42 matches, no team had surpassed 100 points.
This marked the first time in La Liga history that a team won the title with an undefeated record.
With the highest points tally in La Liga history and their first unbeaten title win, alongside a 71-match unbeaten streak, Atlético earned unprecedented praise.
Media and fans worldwide hailed them, elevating Atlético to legendary status. Even Johan Cruyff wrote in his column, "Atlético Madrid is now universally recognized as the strongest football team in the world!"
When Yang Hao returned to Atlético Madrid's headquarters, Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, Carlos Léo, and others all looked at him with eyes practically glowing. It wasn't just admiration for the world's most influential football manager—it was as though a golden, radiant God of Fortune had entered the room.
Simply unbelievable.
Just three months earlier, in this very meeting room, everyone had been urging Yang Hao to sell his shares in Apple Inc. At that time, Yang Hao not only refused but also advised them to buy in as well. While they didn't voice their doubts aloud, they were mentally preparing to see Yang Hao lose everything and become a laughingstock.
The result?
In less than three months, Apple's stock skyrocketed like a rocket, bouncing back to near its previous peak. While it hadn't yet reached the $202 mark, it was already hovering around $190 per share.
Absolutely ridiculous.
"You guys are really something else. I practically spoon-fed you money, and you didn't even bother. That's fine—it's your loss," Yang Hao remarked with mock disdain, twisting the metaphorical knife a little deeper.
After all, weren't they the ones waiting to see him crash and burn? Now they're the laughingstock.
"Do you have insider information or something?" Miguel Gil finally blurted out. He was utterly convinced by this point.
Apple's stock had been a rollercoaster ride: down $20 billion in one quarter, back up $20 billion the next.
Carlos Léo was also left speechless. He had been one of the strongest advocates for Yang Hao to sell earlier.
"Based on current market data, Apple's $190 price is linked to its recent product launches—new laptops, iPods, and an upcoming 3G-capable iPhone. That hype has driven their value up even as the broader U.S. stock market is deep in the red. However, the hype will soon fade. It's hard to predict the long-term trajectory," Léo explained.
Stock markets operate on expectations. When all the good news is already out, the big players sell off at high prices, and the stock inevitably plummets.
Yang Hao shrugged. "I've already told you all—I'm holding Apple for the long haul, for the next decade, at least."
Was he crazy? No.
From his past life, Yang Hao knew Apple's trajectory: $190 per share might seem flat compared to now, but after two stock splits (7-to-1 and 4-to-1), that same $190 stock price multiplied 28 times over.
Only an idiot would cash out prematurely. Better to let it grow, reap the compounded profits, and enjoy the ride.
For Yang Hao, Apple was an untouchable golden goose.
As long as the world didn't undergo a catastrophic change, Apple's trajectory was essentially guaranteed. Instead of obsessing over temporary ups and downs, Yang Hao planned to bide his time, sell at the right moment, and reinvest in industries like renewable energy—industries he knew would thrive in the long term.
Euro Cup Fever and a New Era in La Liga
With La Liga concluded, teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona focused on the Champions League final, while Valencia and Deportivo La Coruña prepped for the UEFA Cup final. For the rest, it was offseason. The next big stage? The Euro Cup.
However, Spanish football was rocked by a major development: Mexico's América Móvil purchased Rayo Vallecano for €100 million.
This wasn't just any purchase—it marked the arrival of Mexico's richest man, Carlos Slim, into European football.
According to Marca, the price tag was justified by Rayo's recent promotion from Segunda B (third division) to Segunda (second division). But the real kicker? Spain's new broadcasting deal for La Liga. A single season in La Liga now guaranteed at least €50 million in revenue for even the lowest-ranked teams.
At the press conference announcing the acquisition, Patrick Slim Domit, Carlos Slim's nephew and the new chairman of Rayo Vallecano, shared ambitious plans:
Appointing Javier Aguirre, the renowned Mexican coach, as Rayo's manager.Pursuing Mexican talents like Rafael Márquez (Barcelona), Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Giovani dos Santos (Barcelona), and Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruña).
Aside from Vela, the rest already had Spanish citizenship, simplifying the transfer process.
Patrick Slim vowed to make Rayo a competitive force, with promotion to La Liga as the primary goal.
A Strategic Vision for the Future
While some scoffed at Slim's plans as naïve, others, including Yang Hao, saw the bigger picture. Slim wasn't here for short-term gains.
According to Enrique Cerezo, Slim had also started negotiations with the Madrid City Council and several major construction firms, including FCC, to demolish Rayo's outdated stadium and revitalize the long-abandoned La Peineta project.
La Peineta?
Yang Hao's mind raced back to his past life. This stadium had been Atlético Madrid's grand ambition—a project initially funded by Slim's low-interest loans during the Eurozone crisis.
Yang Hao couldn't help but speculate: Is Slim looking to recreate history?
From media reports, it was clear Slim saw Rayo as more than just a football team. This was a long-term investment tied to real estate, broadcasting, and branding opportunities in Madrid.
For Yang Hao, it was fascinating to watch, but he knew better than to interfere. His focus remained squarely on Atlético Madrid—and Spain's looming Euro Cup campaign.
The Affairs of the World's Richest Men: Beyond Yang Hao's Reach
Their dealings often involve ventures worth billions—far beyond the comprehension of ordinary individuals like Yang Hao.
"Actually, América Móvil is playing this smart. With La Liga's budget review system now in place, they've avoided the restrictions on La Liga teams by purchasing Rayo Vallecano, which recently gained promotion to the Segunda División. By acquiring players at reasonable prices, their goal is clearly to secure promotion to La Liga," Yang Hao explained.
"It's evident they have a full plan in place behind the scenes."
The swift completion of Rayo Vallecano's acquisition was largely due to its private ownership. Unlike clubs like Valencia or Espanyol, which have numerous small shareholders, Rayo's ownership structure made it easier to sell.
Reportedly, the €100 million price tag didn't include the assumption of any debts, making it a favorable deal.
Meanwhile, Atlético's Negotiations With MSM Group
While Rayo's acquisition was wrapped up, Atlético Madrid remained locked in negotiations with MSM Group. MSM had approached Atlético several times but refused to budge on the asking price. In turn, Atlético showed no intention of compromising.
Atlético's financial chief, Fernando Vázquez, issued an ultimatum: MSM Group had already delayed payments by six months. If the outstanding amounts were not settled by June 30, construction would be halted. Atlético had already shown great patience in the matter.
Despite these delays, the club's financial outlook for the 2007/08 season was promising. Preliminary estimates placed Atlético's revenue at €450 million, an increase of over €100 million compared to the previous season—an impressive growth rate.
While falling short of last season's Champions League earnings due to a semi-final exit, the club's commercial operations and match-day revenue saw significant growth. Even after renegotiating contracts for stars like Messi, Kaká, and Torres, Atlético's wage bill remained manageable.
"Looking at the current financial situation, raising €100 million won't be a problem," Vázquez assured.
However, the planned acquisition of MSM Group's assets would require €300 million, on top of the funding needed to complete the construction of the twin towers. While this was a significant burden, Atlético's strong financial standing made banks eager to offer low-interest loans.
Spain Prepares for the Euros
As La Liga came to a close, attention turned to Spain's national team. Training began at Las Rozas Sports City in Madrid, with plans to move to Austria in early June. During the Madrid camp, Spain scheduled two home friendlies: one against France and another against the United States.
Yang Hao's selection of the final 23-man roster for the Euros was meticulous:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Víctor ValdésDefenders: Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carles Puyol, Álvaro Arbeloa, Raúl Albiol, Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila, Antonio LópezMidfielders: Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta, David Silva, Xavi Hernández, Marcos Senna, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fàbregas, Rubén de la RedForwards: Fernando Torres, David Villa, José Antonio Reyes, Fernando Llorente
The only surprise on the list was Fernando Llorente, a tall striker from Athletic Bilbao. It was his first national team call-up, and to be included in the European Championship squad was unexpected.
The Decision to Include Fernando Llorente
Yang Hao explained the reasoning behind his choice during the announcement.
"For years, I've been searching for a top-tier target man for Spain. From Morientes to Llorente, my vision has remained consistent."
He had experimented with Raúl Tamudo and Dani Güiza in the past. While both performed well in the league, they didn't fit Spain's tactical system. Tamudo wasn't a traditional target man, and Güiza was more of a poacher, with limited tactical contributions.
Even Morientes, a reliable veteran, had seen his form dip drastically. After scoring six goals in the first 11 league matches, his production plummeted, and he lost his starting spot.
Fernando Llorente, however, emerged as a revelation in the latter half of the season. Before Spain's February training camp, he had been largely underwhelming, with only two goals and one assist in La Liga. But after a conversation with Yang Hao during Atlético's away match at Bilbao, Llorente's form exploded.
Between February and the end of the season, Llorente scored nine goals in ten games. At just 23 years old, his consistent performances earned him a spot on the national team, despite the controversy of leaving out more established players like Tamudo and Güiza.
Valencia Wins the Copa del Rey, Deportivo Lifts the UEFA Cup
In the Copa del Rey final, Carlo Ancelotti's Valencia narrowly defeated Villarreal 3-2 to claim the trophy. Key national team players like Raúl Albiol and Carlos Marchena joined Spain's training camp shortly after.
However, Valencia's luck didn't extend to the UEFA Cup final, where they suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat to Deportivo La Coruña.
Despite dominating possession, Valencia's defensive errors proved costly. A mistake allowed Diego to score for Deportivo, and another counter-attack led to a goal from Pienaar. Valencia only managed a consolation goal from David Villa late in the match.
For Didier Deschamps and Deportivo, the victory was historic—a moment of glory for the small northwestern Spanish city.
A Shift in Focus
While Atlético's stars prepared for the Euros, Yang Hao focused on fine-tuning the squad's strategy. Players underwent comprehensive physical examinations at Atlético's state-of-the-art facilities to assess their readiness for the grueling tournament.
When Wenger and Mourinho extended invitations to watch the Champions League final in Russia, Yang Hao politely declined. He knew their true intentions: they just wanted to show off.
Fresh off their domestic triumphs, Valencia and Deportivo's contrasting UEFA performances underscored a truth Yang Hao knew well—glory in football comes only through meticulous preparation and execution.
Even though it was "just" the UEFA Cup, Deportivo La Coruña's victory was enough to exhilarate their fans.
Later, while the Champions League final took place in Russia, Yang Hao and his assistants watched the live broadcast from Las Rozas Sports City.
The match was like a replica of the UEFA Cup final.
Mourinho once again deployed his ultra-defensive 4-3-3 strategy. As for Real Madrid, they displayed aggressive intent from the outset.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Robinho formed a formidable attacking trio. Supported by Yaya Touré, they exerted enormous offensive pressure on Barcelona.
But Mourinho was unflinching, embodying the mantra: "No matter how strong you are, I remain steadfast."
No matter how Madrid pressed, Barcelona stayed resolute in their defensive setup.
Interestingly, Real Madrid's issues against Barcelona's compact defense were even more glaring than Atlético Madrid's had been.
Ibrahimović often held onto the ball too long, failing to make decisive moves quickly. Robinho, on the other hand, was overly reliant on dribbling. Watching from the sidelines, Yang Hao and his team found the situation frustrating, mirroring the sentiment of Real Madrid's players.
Cristiano Ronaldo's temperament was also evident; his impatience led to frequent long-range shots, none of which threatened the goal.
Pep Guardiola remarked, "Real Madrid is handling Mourinho's defensive setup worse than we did."
Yang Hao nodded.
Mourinho's tactics, undeniably defensive to the extreme, lacked flair or grace. A world-class coach, resorting to such tactics just to win, raised questions about his style.
Yet, Yang Hao couldn't help but admire Mourinho's pure dedication to victory. To Mourinho, success justified everything.
The game was gripping despite the lack of goals.
Madrid launched relentless attacks while Barcelona defended ferociously.
One slight edge Madrid had over Atlético was their set pieces, with corner kicks and free kicks creating significant threats—an area Atlético still needed to improve.
Mourinho was prepared, though, and tailored his defense accordingly.
The first half ended 0–0, and as the second half began, fatigue crept into both teams. Yet, the match remained fiercely competitive.
By the 80th minute, the score was still 0–0, and commentators speculated about extra time. But Yang Hao and his team anticipated that the final ten minutes could be the most dangerous.
They were proven right.
In the 81st minute, Barcelona intercepted the ball. Xavi launched a high pass forward, targeting Diego Milito. The Argentine forward outmuscled Walter Samuel to head the ball behind Madrid's defense.
Samuel Eto'o, as quick as a flash, broke through Madrid's defensive line, beat the offside trap, and latched onto Milito's pass. Racing toward goal, he calmly slotted past Iker Casillas in a one-on-one duel.
1–0!
In the final ten minutes, Madrid poured forward in waves of attacks. Barcelona, however, tightened their defense further, and Madrid couldn't find an equalizer.
Mourinho's Barcelona secured a 1–0 victory over Real Madrid, clinching the Champions League trophy.
As the stadium erupted with cheers from Barcelona fans and the players celebrated wildly, Yang Hao and his staff let out a collective sigh of relief.
The game was tense and electrifying. Though low-scoring, it brimmed with constant, lurking danger.
Madrid managed 14 shots, with only three on target—a poor conversion rate. Barcelona had just six shots, two on target, and one decisive goal.
Mourinho's approach had undeniably been effective.
"Turns out, Mourinho is best at being Mourinho. Trying to emulate others doesn't suit him," Yang Hao commented.
The turning point for Barcelona had clearly come in the second half of the season when Mourinho fully embraced his own style. He stopped trying to conform to Barcelona's traditions or pander to their star players.
Thierry Henry's declining form? Benched.
The 4-2-3-1 system wasn't working? He switched formations.
Mourinho's strengths have never been in attacking or possession football. Asking him to adopt Barcelona's style was like asking him to abandon his defensive mastery.
While Mourinho's ultra-defensive approach might lack excitement, it yielded results. This Champions League triumph was undeniably impressive, and Mourinho's exuberant celebration—sliding on his knees along the sideline—showed how much the victory meant to him.
For Barcelona, this was their second Champions League title in history, following Johan Cruyff's triumph. Now, Mourinho had delivered the second.
Winning the Champions League in his debut season was a monumental achievement for Mourinho and Barcelona.
Post-Match Reflections
After the final, Yang Hao discussed the state of Europe's top clubs with his assistants.
Arsène Wenger's rebuild at Real Madrid was progressing well. In two years, Madrid had become the only team capable of genuinely challenging Atlético. Now, Barcelona had also re-emerged under Mourinho.
However, this Barcelona was far from traditional—it was unrecognizable as a product of Spanish or Catalan football. Mourinho's team was ruthlessly defensive and unapologetically pragmatic.
"Mourinho's Barcelona has had a strong start, but the real test lies ahead," Yang Hao observed.
He wasn't thinking about Mourinho's infamous "three-year syndrome." That was more of a myth than a rule. The real challenge was squad renewal.
"By August, Henry will be 31, Thuram is already 36, Sylvinho is 34, Edmílson is about to turn 32, and Zambrotta is 31. Even their domestic players like Puyol are hitting 30."
The squad had its stars in their prime—Xavi, Oleguer, Ronaldinho—but even Ronaldinho's nightlife habits, while reduced under Mourinho's strict discipline, hadn't disappeared entirely.
As Yang Hao saw it, Mourinho had bought himself time with this Champions League win. However, whether he could navigate Barcelona's squad overhaul and maintain success was an open question.
During Rijkaard's tenure, incidents involving the "Brazilian gang" at Barcelona—frequenting nightclubs and breaking team rules—were common. Now, under Mourinho, such behavior has significantly decreased.
Take Thiago Motta as an example. In Yang Hao's previous life, Motta was highly valued by Rijkaard but eventually discarded by Barcelona. While injuries played a role, his habit of clubbing with Ronaldinho and others was a major factor. Now, such antics are rare.
Mourinho's disciplinary overhaul has brought a noticeable cultural shift at Barcelona.
The emergence of young players like Bojan this season has also delighted Barça fans. Bojan has shown promise within Mourinho's tactical framework, though Mourinho remarked that his physicality was still lacking.
Mourinho places significant emphasis on physical attributes, especially in midfield and defense. This became apparent when Barça, short on players, promoted youth players like Pedro, Giovani dos Santos, and Sergio Busquets from the B team.
Ultimately, Pedro and Giovani stayed.
As for Sergio Busquets, who was tried as a right-winger? Too slow.
This prompted Barcelona's B team goalkeeping coach, Carlos Busquets, to express frustration on behalf of his son, even hinting at a transfer or loan request.
Sergio Busquets' contract with Barcelona runs until 2009, and the club is in a dilemma. They see Busquets as versatile enough to play both on the right and in central midfield. While his speed and physicality are limited, his awareness and technique are excellent.
But in Mourinho's system, having one Xavi in midfield already pushes the tactical balance to its limit. Adding another technical player like Busquets? It's a no-go.
Thus, Mourinho restricted Busquets to the B team, playing in the third division. If Barcelona loans him out, the club risks losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next year. Selling him now might fetch a modest €1–2 million, but it would still sting.
This situation remained unresolved.
Yang Hao, ever the opportunist, enlisted Guardiola to monitor the situation.
"I see great potential in this young midfielder," Yang Hao confided to Guardiola.
Guardiola also held Busquets in high regard. However, Barcelona's management didn't.
In particular, Busquets as a right-winger failed to fit Mourinho's tactical needs, and his perceived lack of physical strength made him unappealing to the Portuguese manager.
To ensure Guardiola didn't advocate for Busquets within Barça, Yang Hao played a psychological game. By sharing his interest in Busquets, he preemptively framed any such move as a breach of trust.
When a puzzled Guardiola asked, "What if I tell Barcelona about this? After all, I'm loyal to them," Yang Hao laughed heartily.
"You won't. I trust you. You're not that kind of person."
With that, Yang Hao walked away, leaving Guardiola torn between his loyalty to Barcelona and Yang Hao's trust.
Ultimately, Guardiola's ethics prevailed. "If Barcelona doesn't recognize his value, that's not my fault," he rationalized.
Still, Yang Hao didn't immediately move to acquire Busquets. Timing was crucial. An early bid would alert Barcelona to his potential. Waiting for the right moment to "swoop in" was key—akin to Atlético's strategy of waiting out MSM Group in their financial dealings.
Spanish National Team Preparation
The Spanish national team began their physical conditioning camp at Las Rozas.
After a grueling season, players needed training to rejuvenate their energy levels and regain form. Fitness coaches Ortega, Pintus, and Roca oversaw these sessions. As long as players avoided injuries, Yang Hao trusted his staff completely and refrained from intervening.
A week into training, on May 31, Spain played a friendly against France in Huelva.
With the Champions League and UEFA Cup finals recently concluded, players involved in those matches were excluded from the squad. France also fielded a weakened team.
The match was lackluster. Yang Hao experimented with lineups, focusing on how Llorente integrated with the team. In the 80th minute, Capdevila scored the winning goal.
This left Yang Hao with a dilemma.
Capdevila's solid performance, particularly defensively, made him a strong candidate for the starting left-back position. Yet Antonio López, with his attacking prowess, also had merits.
It boiled down to a choice between defensive stability and offensive dynamism.
Fortunately, both players had played under Yang Hao before and weren't from Atlético, meaning there were no allegations of favoritism regardless of the decision.
Three days later, Spain played their final pre-European Championship warm-up against the United States in Santander.
Yang Hao began the match with a 4-1-4-1 formation.
In midfield, Marcos Senna operated as a lone defensive midfielder behind Silva, Fàbregas, Xavi, and Iniesta. Upfront, Torres served as the lone striker.
However, this setup exposed a glaring issue.
The United States locked down Torres and fortified their defensive lines. Spain's passing game looked fluid but rarely threatened the opposition. They dominated possession but struggled to penetrate the defense.
It was reminiscent of Spain's frustrating performances in the 2022 Qatar World Cup—endless passing on the perimeter with little attacking bite.
In the second half, Yang Hao switched to a 4-3-3, introducing Reyes and other players to inject pace and widen the attack.
This shift immediately improved Spain's offensive threat.
At the 68th minute, Villa capitalized on Antonio López's left-wing cross, scoring with a timely finish in the box. Shortly afterward, Xavi received the ball at the edge of the area, turned past his marker, drove into the box, and fired a shot into the net. Spain defeated the United States 2-0.
With this warm-up match completed, Spain prepared to head to Neustift, Austria, their base for the European Championship.
The day before departure, Yang Hao convened an internal team meeting at Las Rozas Sports City.
He began by congratulating everyone, noting that no player had suffered any injuries during training or the friendlies. Iniesta and Torres had minor issues but rested for two days and were fine—crises averted.
This meant Spain would enter the European Championship with a full-strength squad.
Yang Hao informed the team that upon arrival in Austria, they would have approximately one week of intense, closed-door training. This period would be critical for preparing for the upcoming matches.
"I want every one of you to be mentally prepared. From June 10 to June 29, we'll play six matches in 20 days," Yang Hao declared firmly, his voice resonating with conviction.
Six matches in 20 days? That wasn't the most striking part of his statement.
The key lay in the sixth match—the European Championship final.
Yang Hao didn't explicitly say it, but his ambitions and determination were clear to everyone.
"I expect each of you to prepare for tough battles. With a match every three days, there's no time for extended adjustments or recovery. We must go into each game ready to win," Yang Hao emphasized.
He then reminded the players, "The 23 players in this squad were personally selected by me. I called each of you directly. There was no external pressure, no interference. My only criterion was to win—win every single game!"
Tournament play demanded consistent high-level performances over 20 grueling days, testing not just physical endurance but also mental resilience.
Yang Hao knew the European Championship wouldn't pit them against Latin-style teams, except for Portugal. However, there would be tough defensive opponents, and the draw had only compounded their challenges.
The Draw: A Nightmare for Spain
For the European Championship, 16 teams were divided into four pots of four. Each group would contain one team from each pot.
But the UEFA seeding formula this year was peculiar, taking into account points from both the 2006 World Cup qualifiers and the European Championship qualifiers, averaged per match.
As hosts, Switzerland and Austria, along with defending champions Greece, automatically occupied the top pot. The remaining spot went to the team with the highest coefficient.
In Yang Hao's previous timeline, Spain had a poor 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign and barely made it into Pot 3. Their coefficient was 2.181, ranking fourth in that pot.
Meanwhile, teams like the Netherlands (2.41), Croatia (2.409), Italy (2.363), and the Czech Republic (2.333) were in Pot 2, while Sweden, Romania, Germany, and Portugal occupied Pot 3.
But now, under Yang Hao's management, Spain had won all 12 matches in their European Championship qualifying group, amassing 36 points. Combining this with their 20 points from 10 World Cup qualifiers, their coefficient soared to 2.545—enough to place them in Pot 1 as a top seed.
At first glance, this seemed like an advantage. But the actual draw turned into a disaster.
Spain ended up with Italy from Pot 2, Portugal from Pot 3, and World Cup runners-up France from Pot 4.
What initially seemed like a dream turned into a nightmare.
The so-called "Group of Death" typically associated with the Netherlands in Yang Hao's previous life was now Spain's burden.
Italy's tactical style countered Spain's fluid play. Portugal's possession-heavy, Latin-style football mirrored Spain's strengths and weaknesses. And France brought physicality and unpredictability to the mix.
Spanish fans, initially jubilant at being seeded, were left speechless after the draw.
This was worse than Yang Hao's previous life. Instead of facing Romania, Spain now had to contend with Portugal. Adding France to the mix made things even tougher.
UEFA seemed to have orchestrated a deliberate challenge. The message was clear: Spain, your league dominates Europe, so don't think your national team can waltz through unscathed.
Yang Hao could only laugh bitterly.
Who could have predicted this outcome? This European Championship would be a trial by fire.
But Yang Hao wasn't one to back down. Despite the daunting draw, he rallied his team with a clear message: "Bring it on."
If Spain was destined to face adversity, then they would face it head-on. Ball possession battles, tactical clashes, counterplay—whatever it took, Yang Hao vowed to lead Spain through the storm.
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