Chapter 97
As the world was still reeling from the shock of Atlético Madrid's unprecedented 59-match unbeaten streak, the "Colchoneros" had no time to revel in their success.
Three days later, they faced Schalke 04 in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 at the Emirates Stadium. Having lost the first leg 0-1 at home, Schalke came into the second leg with a do-or-die attitude.
The German side began the match aggressively, pressing high and launching attacks right from the start. Mirko Slomka instructed his entire team to push forward, attempting to overwhelm Atlético.
Within the opening two minutes, Asamoah delivered a pass to Kurányi, who fired a long-range shot that posed no real threat to Neuer, his former teammate.
Just one minute later, Messi carried the ball down the right flank and played a through pass. Torres received it on the right wing, controlled the ball to draw defensive attention, and then passed it back toward the center. Messi, charging forward, struck the ball but sent it wide of the target.
Yang Hao chuckled from the sideline. A rare mistake from Messi somehow made him feel more relatable—it reminded everyone that he was still just 20 years old.
No matter how gifted or talented a player is at that age, consistency remains elusive. Unless, of course, they're not human.
Both sides continued exchanging blows in an intense, open game.
Schalke's most threatening moment came in the 8th minute when Hamit Altıntop unleashed a long-range strike, forcing Neuer into a stunning one-handed save to push the ball over the crossbar.
Perhaps because he was facing his former club, Neuer seemed unusually composed and steady throughout the match.
In the 12th minute, Atlético produced a brilliant sequence of play.
Robben broke down the left flank, getting past Rafinha before delivering a cross into the center. Torres, with his back to goal, laid the ball off. David Silva received it at the edge of the penalty area, skillfully used the outside of his right foot to evade a defender, and played a precise through ball.
Kaka burst forward, sprinted into the box, and finished with a low strike into the net.
1-0!
At that moment, the tie was effectively over.
Right before halftime, Torres drifted outside the penalty area to receive a pass and laid it off to Messi on the right. The Argentinian surged forward with the ball, executing a brilliant chip into the center of the box. Torres met it with a powerful header, scoring Atlético's second goal.
In the second half, just four minutes in, Messi struck again. Once more breaking down the right flank, he beat his marker, cut inside, and delivered a diagonal cross to the far post. Robben arrived to volley it home.
3-0!
Slomka had no choice but to make immediate substitutions.
As the commentators put it, this match once again proved a fundamental rule: Don't try to out-attack Atlético!
Atlético ultimately triumphed 3-0, advancing to the Champions League quarterfinals with a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Following Atlético's progress, results from other Round of 16 ties rolled in.
Barcelona comfortably dispatched Celtic with a 4-1 aggregate score.Sevilla defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1 over two legs.Real Madrid edged past Roma with consecutive 2-1 victories, advancing 4-2 on aggregate.
Interestingly, Real Madrid had developed a habit of drawing Roma in recent seasons.
Liverpool also advanced by defeating AC Milan 2-0 away from home, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
This created a remarkable and unusual Champions League quarterfinal lineup:
Four teams from La LigaThree teams from the Premier LeagueOne team from Serie A
The Bundesliga, however, was completely wiped out. With Bayern Munich failing to qualify, German teams lacked competitiveness in Europe this season.
This left the quarterfinal draw shrouded in suspense.
The results set up a blockbuster showdown between La Liga and the Premier League:
Atlético Madrid vs. LiverpoolReal Madrid vs. Manchester UnitedBarcelona vs. ChelseaSevilla vs. Inter Milan
When the draw was announced, fans erupted online, marveling at UEFA's apparent knack for creating drama.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester United—Wenger against Ferguson—was a headline-grabbing match-up.
Barcelona vs. Chelsea saw Mourinho returning to Stamford Bridge, another story guaranteed to dominate headlines.
Atlético Madrid vs. Liverpool promised a clash of opposites: offense versus defense.
Sevilla vs. Inter Milan was considered the least exciting of the four ties. Inter had relied heavily on Adriano's presence up front to drag them into the last eight.
At present, Inter's attack relied almost entirely on Adriano and Aurelio, their defense on Nesta, and their playmaking on Cambiasso. Oh, and they also had Julio César in goal.
Sevilla, while lacking a superstar like Adriano, had thrived under Juande Ramos's exceptional leadership, particularly in Europe.
La Liga's intense competitiveness this season was evident, with the league boasting four quarterfinalists in the Champions League. Yet Sevilla wasn't even in the top six domestically, highlighting the fierce competition.
What set Sevilla apart was their ability to develop talent. The club was known for purchasing young, semi-developed players for around €10 million and turning them into €30 million stars.
Once their squad hit peak form, they became a formidable force.
That weekend, in La Liga's 27th round, Atlético faced Zaragoza away.
Despite playing away, Atlético dominated with their attacking style, relentlessly pressing Zaragoza and paying little mind to their own defense.
In the 17th minute, Torres assisted Kaka for the opening goal.
Just four minutes later, Torres scored one of his own.
By the 31st minute, Torres struck again, this time finishing from an incisive Iniesta through ball.
Atlético ended the first half leading 5-1, utterly dismantling Zaragoza.
In the second half, they added two more goals, completing a 7-1 thrashing of Zaragoza on their home turf.
Zaragoza's issues were glaring. After selling players like Diego Milito and Gabriel Milito, they failed to adequately reinforce their squad, leaving their attack toothless and their defense fragile.
While Ayala had been brought in to replace Gabriel Milito, his advanced age left Zaragoza's defense lacking.
Their midfield and wingers—featuring Gabi, Luccin, Juanfran, and former Real Madrid right-back Diogo—performed reasonably well. But against Atlético, their defense simply couldn't hold.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 home victory over Espanyol, while Barcelona suffered a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Villarreal.
Manuel Pellegrini's "Yellow Submarine" had a knack for rising to the occasion against strong opponents. Agüero, in particular, shone with two brilliant goals at the Camp Nou.
Three days later, Villarreal traveled to the Emirates Stadium and managed a 1-1 draw against Atlético in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
After a 2-3 loss in the first leg away from home, Atlético Madrid launched an aggressive attack at home but suffered a defensive error that allowed Agüero to seize the opportunity and score.
Atlético equalized before halftime but failed to find the net again. With a 3-4 aggregate score, Atlético was eliminated from the Copa del Rey final.
In the other semifinal, Valencia comfortably knocked out Racing Santander to secure their place in the final.
Interestingly, the final was set to be held at the Mestalla Stadium, making it a Valencian derby between Valencia and Villarreal. The "Bats" versus the "Yellow Submarine" promised another blockbuster showdown.
On a side note, Spanish teams also performed spectacularly in this season's UEFA Cup.
Villarreal had defeated Zenit St. Petersburg—the side led by Arshavin that had won the competition in Yang Hao's previous life—with a 3-0 aggregate victory in the Round of 32.
Valencia, Deportivo La Coruña, and Getafe all advanced to the Round of 16 and performed well.
In England, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton also reached the UEFA Cup Round of 16.
The growing rivalry between La Liga and the Premier League was becoming increasingly evident.
Observers also noticed that La Liga and the Premier League were not only competing but also siphoning top-tier players from Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1.
The French publication L'Équipe commented that leagues ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th were the real losers in the escalating battle between Spain and England. As La Liga and the Premier League grew wealthier, other leagues found it harder to retain their star players.
There were even signs that Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 were becoming de facto talent pipelines for La Liga and the Premier League.
Unlike the Premier League, La Liga consistently performed well in European competitions, partly due to its winter break.
March 15, La Liga Round 28
Real Madrid suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Deportivo La Coruña. Deschamps' team claimed the victory thanks to a goal from Van Nistelrooy.
With no UEFA Cup matches to worry about, Super Depor had enjoyed a full week of rest, while Wenger's Real Madrid, fresh off a grueling Champions League battle with Roma, fell short on the road.
Valencia narrowly defeated Sevilla 2-1 at home, while Barcelona was held to a 2-2 draw away to Almería in a surprising result engineered by Unai Emery's side.
In that match, young Bojan started for Barcelona and scored the opening goal, putting in a strong performance. Throughout the season, Bojan had gradually made his mark in Barcelona's lineup with commendable displays.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, secured a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Levante. Torres scored twice, and Robben netted the opening goal. The "Colchoneros" extended their unbeaten streak to 61 matches.
After completing Round 28, Atlético finally got a breather.
The day after a recovery training session and team meeting, Yang Hao announced that the players would have a one-day break. He also promised another rest day later in the week, giving the team two days off in total.
The news was a massive relief for the players, who collectively sighed with exhaustion.
From January to now, Atlético had been playing two matches per week, either competing domestically or dealing with international fixtures, leaving no time for proper rest.
It had been nearly three months of relentless pressure.
Yang Hao himself often felt overwhelmed.
Atlético's rotation system was relatively strong, but the relentless schedule was punishing even for them. Smaller teams like Getafe, who had impressed last season and earned a spot in the UEFA Cup, found their performance plummeting this year due to the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
While the players and coaching staff took a well-deserved break, Yang Hao found himself unable to relax.
He had many other matters to attend to. Over the past months, his focus had been entirely on the team and their matches, leaving him largely detached from the broader world.
Yet, the world was undergoing seismic changes.
Since the beginning of 2008, the ripple effects of the subprime mortgage crisis had begun spreading globally.
On January 22, the Federal Reserve announced an emergency rate cut of 75 basis points—the largest reduction since 1980.
On January 30, they cut rates by another 50 basis points.
In February, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared that further cuts were imminent.
And just days ago, the Fed announced yet another 75 basis point cut.
Every day, the U.S. government rolled out new policies in a desperate attempt to stabilize the economy.
It was clear the situation had become alarmingly severe.
In Yang Hao's previous life, he hadn't noticed much of an impact, likely due to his status as an ordinary individual.
But now?
The crisis hit home most acutely in the form of his investments.
Yang Hao held 30 million shares of Apple stock, most of which he had acquired at $50 per share, with 6 million shares purchased even earlier.
At its peak in late 2007, Apple's stock price had reached $202 per share, stabilizing around $200.
Now?
In just over two months, the price had plummeted to $120.
This meant that Yang Hao's assets, once valued at $6 billion at their peak, had dropped to $3.6 billion—a staggering $2.4 billion loss.
To put that in perspective, Yang Hao joked with Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil, "Don't talk to me about football, new stadiums, or skyscrapers. I've lost enough money to fund your entire construction project!"
It was absurd.
The whole situation felt like a wild rollercoaster ride. If Yang Hao hadn't known the future, he might have gone insane.
Losing $2.4 billion was no small matter.
"Come on, you bought in at $50. You've still made a killing," Cerezo and Miguel Gil retorted, their envy thinly veiled.
It was infuriating.
Yang Hao had it all—wealth, fame, women.
Adrián Pérez had reportedly called Yang Hao multiple times, urging him to sell. "The market is terrible right now," he warned. "Everyone is saying a collapse is imminent."
"Even the most optimistic investors on Wall Street are losing hope," Carlos Leo added.
"Exactly! We don't understand stocks, but when you make money, cash out! Losing $2.4 billion is just a lesson learned, right? Haha…"
Yang Hao rolled his eyes at the group.
Easy for them to say. It wasn't their money, and they were treating $2.4 billion like pocket change!
"I don't believe in bad luck! I'm doubling down on Apple. I'm going to make back that $2.4 billion!" Yang Hao declared stubbornly.
"Listen to me, Yang. Even the most optimistic experts in the U.S. are saying it doesn't look good," someone cautioned.
"If those so-called experts were always right, they'd be Warren Buffett by now. What are they doing playing at being 'experts'?" Yang Hao retorted.
"But the market is in a freefall…"
"Carlos, listen to me. I'm investing in Apple because I believe in its long-term potential. You've all tried the phones I gave you, haven't you?"
Apple had just released its first generation of phones. While not perfect—slightly unpolished and a little rough—the potential was evident, and it was already sweet enough to taste success.
"I'll say this: it's going to disrupt the entire mobile phone industry. It will absolutely replace Nokia. In a few years, it'll become the dominant force in the mobile industry. I'll bet my reputation—and my life—on it!"
Yang Hao's confidence left the others at a loss for words.
But the thought of $2.4 billion in losses still lingered...
Regardless, Yang Hao had made up his mind: he would hold on to Apple stock for the next decade or longer.
Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Carlos Leo didn't know how to respond. Sometimes, they just couldn't comprehend Yang Hao's decisions.
It was like when he first invested in Apple—twice. Back then, Wall Street mocked him. But now?
Despite the recent $2.4 billion loss, Yang Hao was still up tens of billions overall. What right did those so-called investment experts have to laugh at him?
"I'll only say this once: trust me. Invest in Apple while it's at rock-bottom prices. You can't go wrong," Yang Hao urged them to buy in.
But everyone shook their heads vigorously.
"After this kind of drop? Buy more?"
Speaking of wealth, Atlético Madrid had become a veritable factory for producing football superstars.
Just a few days ago, France Football published a report ranking the world's highest-earning football players.
Of course, they couldn't access exact figures and relied on estimates instead.
Kaka was ranked first with €35 million in earnings.Beckham, who had lost his starting role at Real Madrid but retained immense commercial value, earned €31 million.Ronaldinho followed with €24 million.Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were fast risers, earning €23 million and €20 million respectively.
When Yang Hao saw the rankings, he tossed the list aside immediately.
Why? Because it was wrong.
The estimates for Atlético players were far too low. Yang Hao didn't know about players at other clubs, but the figures for his team were way off.
For example, Kaka's earnings weren't €35 million—they were over €40 million. In fact, Atlético hadn't calculated the exact amount because some revenue streams, such as deals in Asia, were structured to minimize taxes, making them hard to track precisely.
But one thing was certain: Kaka's earnings were well above €40 million.
Fernando Vázquez had told Yang Hao that Kaka's commercial value would soar even further after 2008. Carlos Leo predicted that Kaka's annual income could surpass €50 million.
It was an astonishing number.
Kaka's immense appeal was a combination of good looks, skill, and accolades.
Think about it: a player born in football's heartland, as handsome as Beckham, and who had already won three consecutive Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards by a young age. His commercial value was unparalleled.
This was 2008. Imagine if it were 2023—his value would be through the roof!
Torres was ranked lower on the list, but his actual earnings were also high, likely exceeding €30 million in 2007—comparable to Beckham.
Why? Because he was handsome.
This was an era that valued good looks.
Yang Hao himself earned more from commercial deals than his coaching contract with Atlético.
Messi's commercial value had also grown rapidly, especially since 2007. With Atlético's backing, his annual income was estimated to have surpassed €30 million.
Other players, like Xabi Alonso, also earned over €15 million annually.
If commercial earnings were included, Atlético could place multiple players in Europe's top ten earners. Few clubs could rival their commercial reach.
The reason was simple: in most industries, the leader takes the lion's share of revenue. Atlético's recent dominance, from last season's treble to their current unbeaten streak, had cemented their status as a global football powerhouse.
Their success boosted the commercial value of their players.
Take Drogba, for instance. While the Ivorian didn't have the looks of a movie star, he still secured lucrative contracts in the U.S. and remained highly marketable. Why? His personality and appeal resonated with certain audiences.
Brands from Africa and the Middle East sought him out for endorsements, and his annual income exceeded €15 million.
Essentially, anyone associated with Atlético was reaping financial rewards.
The players earned well, and Atlético's revenues soared as a result.
Real Madrid remained the revenue leader, but Atlético was rapidly closing the gap, with annual growth accelerating.
Yang Hao's visit to Atlético's headquarters this time was mainly to handle player contract renewals, a continuation of ongoing negotiations.
After securing extensions with several key stars, renewals for the rest of the squad were expected to proceed smoothly.
Another agenda item was Yang Hao's own contract.
Currently, he earned €15 million annually. The club felt it was only fair to raise his salary in line with the players' increases. Yang Hao agreed, and his new contract was set at €20 million per year.
With additional bonuses and perks, his earnings were quite substantial.
The most troublesome matter, however, was the financial strain on MSM Group.
MSM wasn't a massive conglomerate. Over the years, their sponsorships of Real Madrid, Atlético, and La Liga, along with aggressive globalization and acquisitions, had stretched their resources thin.
For example, MSM sponsored official La Liga awards like the Golden Boot and Player of the Year, as well as Atlético's internal awards.
The benefits were clear. MSM dominated the beer market in Madrid, becoming the go-to brand in bars and nightclubs.
Their growth had mirrored La Liga's globalization efforts in recent years.
But now, the subprime mortgage crisis was tightening their cash flow.
This was something Yang Hao had long worried about.
Previously, he had asked Enrique Cerezo if MSM might be affected by the crisis. At the time, Cerezo had assured him it wouldn't.
But now, it seemed the effects were just delayed, not avoided.
Yang Hao stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of the headquarters building, watching the construction of the basements for two towers, the phase that consumed the most time. Once they emerged above ground, the pace of construction would accelerate significantly.
"What's their position now?" Yang Hao turned and asked.
"I've talked to them. Their position is clear: if we're willing to take over, they'll prioritize us. Otherwise, they'll look for external financing," came the reply.
"MSM Group has already been seeking external investment," Andrew Velasco explained, frustration evident in his tone. As someone in media, he was privy to certain behind-the-scenes details. "They don't have the financial strength themselves. If they did, they wouldn't have collaborated with us in the first place. The city government has approached them multiple times for urban redevelopment, but nothing's materialized."
"MSM Group's finances are already strained. The U.S. institutions that had promised to invest have backed out because of the subprime mortgage crisis—they can't even protect themselves. And domestic Spanish institutions have already loaned MSM a significant amount, so it's unlikely they'll secure more funding," Velasco added.
Yang Hao nodded, gaining a clearer understanding of the situation.
"What's your take?" he asked.
"I think we should consider taking it over," Carlos Leo suggested, true to his aggressive nature. "I had a third-party assessment done. In this prime location, the rental yield is quite high. Multinational corporations and institutions are particularly keen to set up offices here."
"But if we take over, it will strain our finances. I've had estimates run: we'd need to allocate about €100 million annually from the club," said Fernando Vázquez, Atlético's financial chief.
"How much can the bank lend us?" Carlos Leo asked.
"I don't know yet, so I'm working with the worst-case scenario," Vázquez replied.
"Then we should secure bank loans," Carlos Leo insisted. "Interest rates are low right now. With our current strength, it's entirely feasible." He then shifted gears: "In fact, I'm even considering buying MSM's headquarters outright. That way, the entire area would be under our control. No more negotiating with them for events and promotions."
"I agree," Andrew Velasco chimed in. "But I suggest we hold off a bit. MSM is under financial pressure, and we shouldn't show too much interest. Let them hit the wall first."
"To be honest, the market is so bad right now. The real estate bubble has burst, and these two towers could easily turn into abandoned projects. Who would dare invest? And if someone does, it'll be because they're waiting to swoop in for a bargain."
"Exactly," Vázquez agreed. "Instead of letting someone else grab the opportunity, we should take it ourselves. When we partnered with MSM initially, they didn't hold back on their demands. For instance, we paid an extra €100 million just to acquire the land in the middle, among other costs."
The discussion concluded that the current climate wasn't the right time to act.
If Atlético were to step in now, MSM might not appreciate the gesture. They could even interpret it as the club taking advantage of their difficulties. Instead, it was better to let them face external challenges first.
"Frankly, given the current situation, we're still paying for the Twin Towers' construction as agreed to keep the project moving. MSM Group should be grateful. If construction were to stop, their cash flow would become even tighter," Velasco pointed out.
If Atlético wanted to play dirty, they could declare a lack of funds, let the project stall, and step in later to clean up the mess. That was the essence of bottom-feeding.
However, Atlético's image and reputation mattered, so underhanded tactics were off the table. Waiting for MSM Group to come begging was the best course of action.
"Let's do it this way, then," Yang Hao decided decisively.
If everyone thought it was feasible, they would move forward.
Carlos Leo's point was well taken: with low-interest loans available, not leveraging them to seize opportunities would be foolish. Moreover, Yang Hao knew from past experience that office rental prices in Madrid would recover quickly, especially in a prime capital city location.
It was a deal worth making.
Switching topics, Enrique Cerezo shared another update: América Móvil, a Mexican telecommunications giant, was exploring opportunities in Spain.
"When did this happen?" Yang Hao asked.
"Not long ago. Reportedly, they're interested in sponsorship deals, but some sources suggest they're eyeing acquisitions. They seem focused on Madrid-based teams like Leganés, Getafe, and Rayo Vallecano."
Madrid's outskirts were home to several satellite cities, including Leganés, Getafe, and Fuenlabrada.
Among them, Getafe and Leganés were in the southwestern suburbs of Madrid. Yang Hao had once calculated that the distance from Getafe's Coliseum Alfonso Pérez to Atlético's Emirates Stadium was about 12 kilometers—relatively far.
As a result, matches between Atlético or Real Madrid and Getafe weren't typically considered Madrid derbies. At most, the media referred to them as "Community of Madrid derbies," akin to Valencia vs. Villarreal being called the "Valencian Community derby."
Rayo Vallecano, on the other hand, was located within Madrid city limits. However, their limited strength made them less competitive.
"Isn't Rayo Vallecano currently in the third division?" Yang Hao asked.
"Yes, they're third in their group in Segunda B. Worse off than Castilla or Deportivo B," Velasco replied.
La Liga and Segunda were unified leagues, but Segunda B was divided into four groups. Many clubs were desperate to climb into Segunda and eventually La Liga.
Rayo Vallecano was a peculiar club. It operated as a family business, with its current president, María Teresa Rivero, being a 72-year-old woman.
Teresa's husband, José Mateos, had purchased Rayo in 1991 when the club was in Segunda and drowning in debt.
By January 1994, halfway through the season, José had to step down due to financial difficulties, and Teresa was pushed into the role despite knowing nothing about football.
Yet, under her leadership and with the help of her second son, Rayo performed decently, even earning promotion to La Liga at one point and playing the role of giant-killers.
What stood out most about Rayo, however, was their women's team.
Thanks to Teresa, Rayo's women's team became a prominent force in Spanish football. At one point, they even signed Ronaldo's ex-wife, Milene, bringing significant attention to the club.
This led to Spanish commentator Doracavi mocking Teresa, saying, "She doesn't understand football; all she knows is having children," a jab at her being La Liga's first female president and the mother of 13.
In the early 2000s, when Atlético was promoted to La Liga, Teresa had been trying to sell Rayo for €75 million, but there were no takers.
The reason was simple: even at their peak, Rayo's attendance was poor. Their Vallecas Stadium held just 14,500 people, and its facilities were subpar. Their limited matchday revenue capped their potential.
As someone aware of future events, Yang Hao couldn't help but notice something intriguing.
The site of the abandoned La Peineta Stadium redevelopment project, in Madrid's eastern suburbs, was just 6-7 kilometers northeast of Vallecas.
If someone acquired Rayo, negotiated with the city government to take over the La Peineta project, and invested in building a new stadium, it could be a fascinating development.
Imagine Atlético in the city's south, Real Madrid in the north, and a third team emerging in the east. A triangle rivalry within Madrid.
However, Yang Hao dismissed the idea as idle speculation.
Rayo was stuck in the third tier and struggling to gain promotion, let alone dream of reaching La Liga.
After a week of rest, Atlético Madrid faced Sevilla in the 29th round of La Liga.
In the 18th minute of the first half, Messi scored for Atlético, with an assist from Robben on the left. In the second half, Marcelo set up Torres for another goal. Sevilla pulled one back in the 77th minute through Capel.
Atlético emerged victorious with a 2-1 win away from home.
In the 52nd minute, Kaka was substituted due to an injury caused by a collision with an opposing player. The injury wasn't serious, and he was expected to be sidelined for about two weeks. Such injuries are difficult to avoid in football.
During the midweek, the Spanish national team held a training camp to prepare for a friendly against Italy in Elche.
With the European Championship approaching, teams were ramping up their preparations. Yang Hao's approach to friendlies was always strategic.
For example, playing against England was a way to test how Spain's possession-based game could handle the pressure of England's long-ball, physical style. England's current midfield, with Lampard and Gerrard failing to form a cohesive partnership, struggled against Spain's midfield dominance.
Italy, however, posed a different challenge.
Italy's coach, Roberto Donadoni, had implemented a 4-3-3 system in an attempt to modernize the team tactically. However, the squad was still reliant on aging players such as Cannavaro, Materazzi, Panucci, Zambrotta, and Grosso. With Nesta sidelined due to injury, the midfield featured Perrotta, Pirlo, and De Rossi.
Italy was caught in a transitional phase, struggling to integrate younger talent into the squad. Among the younger players, De Rossi and Aquilani stood out. De Rossi was a key player for Roma, while Aquilani was Valencia's midfield maestro. However, Aquilani couldn't yet challenge Pirlo's role in the national team.
This created a dilemma for Italy: fielding both Pirlo and Aquilani left the midfield vulnerable defensively, making Perrotta essential.
Yang Hao had already settled on Spain's main lineup and was now testing whether the team's tactics would hold up in tournament conditions. The match against Italy was particularly useful for evaluating Spain's ability to break down a well-organized defensive side.
At Atlético, Messi was the go-to player for breaking through stubborn defenses. Against Italy, Yang Hao wanted to see if Spain's intricate passing and movement could effectively unlock a rigid defense. Additionally, facing Luca Toni, a classic target man, would be a critical test for Spain's defensive line.
In the first half, Yang Hao deployed a midfield of Marcos Senna as the anchor, with David Silva, Fabregas, Xavi, and Iniesta supporting Villa as the lone striker in a 4-1-4-1 formation. This mirrored the system Luis Aragonés had used in Yang Hao's previous timeline.
However, the results were disappointing.
While Spain dominated possession, they struggled to convert it into meaningful attacking opportunities. Italy didn't contest the midfield, instead focusing on maintaining a compact defensive shape.
"Here's the problem," Yang Hao said to Juanma Lillo and Guardiola on the sidelines. "Possession alone isn't enough. No matter how much we pull them around or switch the play, as long as their defensive shape holds, it's incredibly difficult to break through."
"Iniesta cannot play on the flank," Lillo added.
Moving Iniesta away from the wing meant Fabregas had to be sacrificed. Yang Hao's lineup choices weren't just tactical but also a way to show players and the media the rationale behind his decisions.
"We should go back to a 4-3-3. David Silva can exploit the half-spaces, especially when combining with Iniesta—they have great chemistry. And Antonio López's overlaps on the left will be a key weapon," Yang Hao suggested.
This marked a significant departure from Aragonés' approach in the previous timeline.
After excelling at Atlético, Antonio López had moved to Valencia, where he thrived under Ancelotti's guidance and trust. He was now one of La Liga's best-performing left-backs, surpassing Capdevila in attacking contributions.
With this adjustment, Spain's tactical approach became clear.
David Silva would operate on the left, with Iniesta and Xavi in central midfield. Against weaker opponents, Xabi Alonso could be introduced to dictate the tempo and dismantle the opposition with incisive passing. Against stronger teams, Senna's defensive stability was invaluable.
Spain's defensive line, bolstered by Pepe's addition, had become far more reliable than it had been under Aragonés. Pepe, Puyol, and Ramos formed a solid defensive trio that Yang Hao trusted, complemented by Casillas in goal and Antonio López at left-back.
After making these adjustments in the second half, Antonio López surged forward from the left flank to assist Torres for the winning goal. Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Italy.
Barring injuries, Yang Hao's European Championship squad was essentially finalized.
Regarding Johan Cruyff's portrayal:
This isn't an intentional exaggeration. Cruyff's columns could indeed be divisive. While his critiques were often insightful, his tone wasn't always well-received, which strained his relationship with Barcelona's management. In this context, his strong opposition to Mourinho's footballing philosophy naturally led to even harsher criticisms.
After the international break, La Liga resumed with Matchday 30 as Atlético Madrid faced Villarreal away.
With many players returning from international duty and a crucial Champions League quarterfinal match coming up on Wednesday, Yang Hao rotated heavily for this game.
Atlético started strongly, completely dominating the first half.
In the 13th minute, Messi opened the scoring.
By the 25th minute, Torres had doubled the lead.
It looked like the game was heading toward a comfortable victory.
However, in the second half, especially after the 60th minute, Yang Hao substituted Messi and Kaka. This decision proved costly.
In the 76th minute, Atlético conceded from a corner kick. Just three minutes later, Agüero struck again to level the score.
Despite relentless attacking efforts, Atlético couldn't find another goal and had to settle for a 2-2 draw at El Madrigal.
The result extended Atlético's unbeaten streak to 63 matches.
Yang Hao refrained from blaming the players but made it clear where the issues lay.
"At certain moments, we made mistakes in midfield," he explained. "At Atlético, the midfield's role is to move the ball through positioning and passing, delivering it to the forwards to create chances in the final third."
"In the first half, our positioning was precise, and our pressing in the attacking third was excellent. We moved the ball quickly, and the opposition struggled to match our tempo," he continued. "But in the second half, all of that disappeared."
The primary issue, Yang Hao noted, was fatigue.
"Our players were tired, and their movement off the ball decreased significantly in the second half. This led to our lines being stretched apart. Even if it was just for 10 minutes, Villarreal is a very capable team, and they seized their opportunities."
Yang Hao's diagnosis was clear: the drop in intensity due to fatigue created gaps that Villarreal exploited. This was a normal occurrence, especially with many players having traveled for international matches midweek.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Barcelona defeated Real Betis 2-1 away, while Real Madrid beat Sevilla 3-1 at home. Deportivo La Coruña also pulled off a 3-1 comeback victory over Murcia.
All three matches were challenging, with the international break taking its toll on the teams.
April 1, Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
In the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, Atlético Madrid faced Liverpool.
The home side started aggressively, pressing high from the opening whistle. Rafael Benítez deployed his signature 4-2-3-1 formation with Gerrard and Lucas Leiva as the double pivots. Up front, the towering Peter Crouch led the attack, immediately putting pressure on Atlético's defense.
Iniesta, under pressure, sent the ball to the right flank, finding Alves. The Brazilian launched a long ball toward Drogba, but Škrtel intercepted and cleared it.
The ball remained in Liverpool's half, and Atlético's second wave of attackers quickly reclaimed possession.
The "Colchoneros" exuded intensity and attacking intent from the start, particularly in the final third.
Just two minutes into the match, Iniesta delivered a pass from outside the penalty area to Drogba inside the box. Unexpectedly, Drogba, instead of controlling the ball, used his heel to flick it toward the left side of the goal.
Robben received the ball on the left, burst past Carragher along the byline, and attempted to dribble past him into the box. However, the Dutchman was tightly marked and forced into a difficult left-footed shot that hit the side netting.
Atlético's early offensive pressure forced Liverpool to retreat and focus on defense.
"As Mourinho said before, no team facing Atlético can ignore their defense," remarked the commentator.
"Not even Liverpool," he continued. "Benítez likely planned to attack early, but Atlético's pressure forced them to sit back. Even if Liverpool didn't want to defend, they have no choice now."
"However, Liverpool must be careful not to drop too deep. Against Atlético, sitting back too far makes defending much harder."
"Atlético's players possess extraordinary individual skill. If players like Messi, Kaka, Drogba, Iniesta, or Robben are given space in the box, they can create chances out of nothing."
"Currently, Atlético seems to be focusing their attacks on the left flank, with Robben taking on Carragher. Meanwhile, Messi on the right hasn't fully gotten into the game yet, which might be a deliberate ploy from Atlético."
"Atlético's attack is highly unpredictable, making it a nightmare for any team to defend against."
As the commentator finished, Atlético launched another attack down the left flank. A cross was cleared by Hyypiä, but the ball fell to the edge of the box, where Xabi Alonso controlled it with his chest and sent a diagonal pass to the right edge of the area.
At this moment, most of Atlético's forwards were retreating from the box, including Kaka, who dropped back to a position level with Messi.
Messi, facing the left with his back to the right sideline, cushioned Alonso's pass with his left foot and played it back to Kaka, who had stopped his run to shield the ball from Gerrard. Without taking a touch, Kaka returned the ball to Messi and spun away, dragging Gerrard with him toward the right side of the box.
Messi, now at the edge of the box, stopped the ball as Riise approached, with Lucas Leiva providing cover. Recognizing the danger, both defenders closed in quickly.
Feigning a pass to Kaka, Messi instead used the outside of his left foot to cut inside at blistering speed, leaving Riise behind.
After taking two touches inside, Messi pushed the ball with the inside of his left foot, threading it past Lucas Leiva toward the right side of the penalty spot.
Iniesta, arriving from deep, latched onto the pass, controlled it with his left foot, and struck with his right.
"Messi's brilliant pass…"
"Iniesta has a chance…"
"GOAL!!!"
"Atlético scores within the first six minutes at Anfield!"
"Once again, Yang Hao's signature early attacking approach pays off. Six minutes in, Atlético takes the lead!"
"Liverpool's defense simply can't hold up against Atlético's sharp passing and the seamless off-the-ball movement of their players."
"Just six minutes in, their goal is breached!"
"1-0!"
"Atlético scores a crucial away goal!"
After Iniesta's goal, he sprinted to the sideline in celebration, but Messi, Kaka, and Drogba quickly caught up to him, surrounding him as they celebrated together.
Yang Hao clapped enthusiastically from the sideline.
This was a quintessential Atlético goal: precise passing combined with quick interchanges to stretch the defense and create openings.
It also underscored Yang Hao's earlier point about the importance of movement off the ball.
However, there were lingering concerns.
As seen in the Villarreal game, lapses in focus or fatigue could lead to a string of conceded goals. While "The Lucky Trio" (Tiago Silva, Evra, and Ramos) were solid defensively, their presence sometimes coincided with unexpected mistakes. With Tiago Silva still recovering from injury, Evra was just returning to fitness.
Atlético's early goal gave them an ideal start, but Liverpool responded with a sense of urgency.
Playing at Anfield in the high-stakes Champions League quarterfinals, conceding in the sixth minute left the Reds scrambling for a way back into the match.
They began attacking aggressively, attempting to capitalize on Crouch's aerial prowess up front. Meanwhile, Kuyt relentlessly pressured Evra on Atlético's left flank.
But Liverpool's overcommitted attacks left them exposed at the back. While their high-tempo Premier League-style approach momentarily unsettled Atlético, the Spanish side adjusted and capitalized on the counterattack.
In the 14th minute, Atlético intercepted the ball near their penalty area. Xabi Alonso launched a pinpoint long pass to the left wing, where Robben sprinted to meet it.
The Dutch winger advanced rapidly down the flank, carrying the ball into Liverpool's penalty area. Carragher managed to close him down near the byline, forcing Robben to stop and backtrack to the edge of the box.
With his left foot, Robben delivered a high, diagonal cross to the edge of the penalty arc on the opposite side.
By this time, Drogba and Kaka had already pushed into the box, but Messi, trailing behind, arrived just in time.
Facing Robben's pass, Gerrard rushed toward Messi, but the Argentine deftly flicked the ball over Gerrard with his right foot.
Liverpool's defenders, caught off guard, were unprepared for Messi's audacious move. By the time he collected the ball again near the penalty arc, he was unmarked.
Messi controlled the ball with his left foot as Škrtel and Lucas Leiva closed in. Calmly, he nudged the ball left, slipping between the two defenders and creating a clear path to the goal.
Without hesitation, Messi unleashed a curling left-footed strike. The ball arced gracefully, bounced once in front of the goal, and rocketed into the bottom-left corner of the net.
"GOAL!!!"
"Messi!!!"
"What a screamer!"
"A stunning curling shot from the edge of the box—world-class!"
"Messi doubles Atlético's lead!"
"2-0!"
"Liverpool, desperate to equalize after conceding early, left themselves wide open, and Atlético punished them on the counterattack."
"This counter was brilliantly executed by Atlético. Robben's decision-making was spot-on—rather than forcing a pass into the crowded box to Drogba or Kaka, he found Messi instead. That element of surprise made all the difference."
"And Messi's finish was simply sublime!"
"Look at the replay—his first touch to lift the ball over Gerrard, the control, and the curling strike. The ball seems to obey his every command!"
"Fourteen minutes in, and Atlético have scored twice!"
"Liverpool are in serious trouble now."
"They urgently need to stabilize and focus on not conceding further. If they continue to press recklessly, Atlético could exploit more defensive gaps."
"Benítez might need to consider switching to a more conservative approach with counterattacking tactics."
"Liverpool are pressing forward."
"After conceding twice, the Reds are throwing caution to the wind, desperate to claw back into the game."
"But Atlético, now two goals ahead, seem to be playing without pressure. That's a concerning sign for Liverpool."
"Let's see this play—Gerrard has the ball."
"He sends it into the box, looking for Crouch."
"Ramos blocks Crouch, and Neuer charges out to claim the ball."
"Solid defensive organization from Atlético there."
"Ramos and Neuer coordinated well, with the goalkeeper showing decisive timing in his intervention."
"Now Neuer quickly distributes the ball."
"Wow, what a throw from Neuer! That's a massive distance."
"The ball finds Iniesta in midfield."
"Atlético are launching a swift counterattack. Liverpool must recover quickly!"
"Iniesta passes to the left wing, finding Robben."
"Robben takes on Carragher…"
"Brilliant! A textbook nutmeg!"
"Robben's speed is electric!"
"But Liverpool are recovering quickly. Hyypiä steps up to defend."
"Robben slows down, looking for an option in the half-space."
"Evra has overlapped down the left flank!"
"There's an opportunity on the wing."
"Robben sends it wide to the byline."
"Evra bursts forward, delivering a cross from the left side of the box…"
"In the middle—Drogba!"
"GOAL!!!!"
"Drogba!!!"
"In the 21st minute, Drogba scores with a powerful header!"
"Atlético's counterattack was exceptionally threatening, and Drogba capitalized on the opportunity with an unstoppable header to score their third goal!"
"3-0!"
"Just 21 minutes in, Liverpool are collapsing like a house of cards!"
"Three goals conceded, two of them coming from Atlético's lethal counterattacks."
"As we've emphasized before, you absolutely cannot give Atlético too much space to counterattack. Liverpool did so twice, and Atlético punished them both times."
"Atlético's efficiency is outstanding, driven by a lineup of world-class players with incredible individual skills."
"However, it must also be said that Liverpool's defensive performance tonight has been deeply disappointing, particularly in the midfield, where they've failed to intercept effectively."
"In just 21 minutes, this match hasn't looked like a contest between two European heavyweights. The difference in quality between Atlético and Liverpool is evident—they're not on the same level."
"That said, Atlético are in phenomenal form tonight."
At this point, the result was already apparent to everyone.
Atlético's trademark opening blitzkrieg yielded one goal, while Liverpool's attempts to fight back handed Atlético two devastating counterattacking opportunities. Yang Hao's team clinically converted both.
When Drogba headed in the third goal, Anfield fell into an eerie silence.
The fans could sense it: Liverpool were simply outmatched by Atlético's overall quality. While competitive in the Premier League, Liverpool struggled to cope with the dominance of a La Liga powerhouse.
With a three-goal lead, Yang Hao instructed his players to slow the tempo, focusing on short passing and maintaining control of possession to exploit Atlético's midfield strengths.
Liverpool found themselves in a precarious dilemma.
They wanted to press forward, but doing so left them vulnerable to Atlético's counterattacks. However, sitting back wasn't an option either—they were trailing by three goals.
To make matters worse, they had lost control of the ball entirely. Without pressing high, they had no chance of winning it back.
Rafael Benítez, known as a tactical genius, was visibly anxious on the sidelines, repeatedly rubbing his face as he assessed the situation.
Liverpool were utterly passive.
Benítez understood all too well that Atlético's passing game allowed them to dictate the tempo. With control firmly in Atlético's hands, they could play however they wanted.
Liverpool, on the other hand, had been devoid of options from the very start.
The Anfield faithful were equally stunned—how could Liverpool crumble so spectacularly in just 21 minutes?
The answer lay in Benítez's initial game plan.
Aware of Atlético's strength, he had prepared a defensive approach. However, simply sitting back and defending wasn't Liverpool's style, especially at Anfield. So, Benítez decided to open aggressively, hoping to catch Atlético off guard and possibly score an early goal to disrupt their rhythm.
But things didn't go as planned.
Before Liverpool could fully press forward, Atlético struck first. After conceding, Liverpool's players became unsettled, disrupting their flow. They pushed forward again, desperately seeking an equalizer—only to concede two more goals in quick succession.
This was the crux of Liverpool's woes.
Benítez could see the problem clearly, but he had no easy solution.
Pressing forward risked conceding even more. Sitting back was a slow death, especially with Atlético dominating possession. And there was always the lingering uncertainty—what else could go wrong if this continued?
Despite being a tactical mastermind, Benítez faced an uphill battle. Compared to Yang Hao's previous experiences with Liverpool, this version of the team was missing key players like Xabi Alonso, Mascherano, and Arbeloa.
Still, under Benítez's meticulous system, Liverpool retained a strong sense of structure, particularly in defense.
After falling behind 3-0, Benítez adjusted his approach, prioritizing defensive stability. The game slowed into a stalemate.
It wasn't until the final 10 minutes of the first half that Liverpool mustered a serious offensive push.
Benítez had calculated this move carefully, aiming to mount a concentrated attack late in the half and ideally carry a goal into halftime.
Yang Hao, holding a comfortable three-goal lead, wasn't fazed by Liverpool's resurgence. Even at Anfield, he felt confident enough to engage in a tactical battle.
However, he remained wary of his defensive "Lucky Trio"—Evra, Ramos, and Neuer. They were reliable, but occasionally prone to surprising lapses. Who knew what kind of "gift" they might deliver next?
For the final 10 minutes, the two teams traded blows in an intense back-and-forth.
Liverpool pushed hard, with Crouch, Kuyt, and Babel all attempting shots, though most came from long range.
The most dangerous moments came from two long-range strikes by Gerrard, one of which was a rocket aimed at the top-right corner.
But Neuer, fully alert, made a spectacular diving save, deflecting Gerrard's effort out for a corner.
The first half ended with Atlético leading 3-0.
In the dressing room, Yang Hao repeatedly emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, especially against Liverpool.
"At 3-0, this is the most dangerous scoreline in the world!"
His statement left the Atlético players scratching their heads.
What was he talking about? Why would a 3-0 lead be dangerous?
Was there some secret they didn't know about?
Perhaps the boss was just trying to keep them focused.
After all, who in their right mind would blow a three-goal lead at halftime? That would be… well, unimaginable.
To start the second half, Yang Hao instructed his team to continue pressing aggressively.
Benítez, seemingly anticipating this, ordered his team to sit deep and defend.
The result was another stalemate, with neither side creating significant chances early in the half.
Atlético created several shooting opportunities but struggled to find clear-cut chances as Messi, Kaka, and Iniesta were tightly marked each time they touched the ball.
When Benítez's team focused solely on defending, breaking through his defensive setup was no small feat. Over the years, Benítez had accumulated a wealth of experience in dealing with such scenarios.
For example, against Atlético's fluid attacking combinations and exceptional passing, he knew full well that pressing hard would yield little in terms of winning possession. Instead, his approach relied on organized defending, emphasizing positional discipline.
He demanded his players occupy the right spaces defensively, using cohesive and systematic movement to counteract Atlético's attempts to pull their defense apart.
This strategy worked exceptionally well for the first 30 minutes of the second half.
Despite trailing by three goals, Liverpool's well-structured defensive efforts prevented Atlético from creating significant threats.
At the 70th minute, Benítez began making substitutions, bringing on Yossi Benayoun and Tim Cahill to bolster the attack. Liverpool aimed to create scoring opportunities in the final stretch of the match.
The Reds' late-game offensive push did put Atlético under considerable pressure.
In response, Yang Hao used his final substitution in the 78th minute, bringing on Javier Mascherano for Iniesta. This adjustment introduced a double pivot in midfield, with Mascherano partnering Xabi Alonso in a 4-2-3-1 formation to stabilize the defense.
However, in the 87th minute, Liverpool managed to capitalize on an opportunity.
From a corner kick, Sami Hyypiä rose near the penalty spot and directed a bizarre header toward the far post. The ball struck the inside of the right post and ricocheted into Atlético's net, making it 1-3.
Yang Hao could only shake his head in exasperation.
"Those three guys really bring their own 'conceding aura.' They're incredible," he muttered, referring to Ramos, Pepe, and Neuer.
Juanma Lillo and Guardiola exchanged wry smiles.
To be fair, the trio—Ramos, Pepe, and Neuer—had performed admirably throughout the second half of the season, especially after Thiago Silva's injury.
But given Atlético's commitment to high-octane attacking football, combined with the intensity of Champions League quarterfinals and a fiercely competitive La Liga campaign, it was nearly impossible to avoid conceding goals.
It was no secret that Atlético's defensive line often boiled down to just two center-backs and a goalkeeper—an incredibly daring setup.
Globally, no other team played like this.
This audacious approach was only sustainable thanks to Atlético's dominant midfield control and relentless attacking firepower.
That said, this style inevitably left gaps for opponents to exploit, particularly with quick through balls targeting the space behind their defense.
If there were any weaknesses in Atlético's armor, they would be their defending on set pieces and the lack of a reliable free-kick taker. Yang Hao was diligently nurturing Messi's free-kick abilities, but it would take time.
Atlético secured a 3-1 victory at Anfield, a result that garnered widespread attention across the British media and among fans.
Losing so decisively at home left little doubt about the likely outcome. It was widely acknowledged that Liverpool had a slim chance of overturning the deficit in Madrid.
At the post-match press conference, Benítez remained defiant, claiming that his team could turn the tide at the Emirates Stadium. However, few believed him.
Atlético, for their part, refrained from overconfidence. Yang Hao kept his comments measured, stating that there was still a second leg to play and that it was too early to make predictions.
In the night's other Champions League match, Barcelona defeated Chelsea 4-2 at Camp Nou in an electrifying contest.
José Antonio Reyes opened the scoring for Chelsea, showing remarkable determination as he fought to secure a place in Spain's European Championship squad.
Ronaldinho, meanwhile, won a free kick in the attacking third. From the ensuing set piece, Xavi assisted Bruno Alves, whose header leveled the score.
Later, Diego Milito set up Samuel Eto'o for another goal, giving Barcelona the lead.
After halftime, Reyes continued to shine, providing an assist for Nicolas Anelka to equalize once more.
However, in the closing stages, Ronaldinho took over the match. He first assisted Xavi for a goal before scoring one himself to seal the victory.
The Brazilian maestro orchestrated a stunning comeback, securing a 4-2 win for Barcelona.
On the flight back to Madrid, Yang Hao watched a recording of Barcelona's match.
He noticed that José Mourinho had adjusted his tactics.
Unlike Yang Hao's previous timeline, Thiago Motta hadn't left Barcelona this season. Though plagued by injuries, Motta had recently returned to action and was now a key player under Mourinho.
Furthermore, Mourinho had fully severed ties with Johan Cruyff.
Yang Hao had a sense that Mourinho no longer wanted to compromise or adapt to others' expectations—least of all Barcelona's traditions.
Last summer, in a bid to land the Barcelona job, Mourinho promised to implement a more attacking style, ensuring stars like Ronaldinho, Henry, and Eto'o could play together.
The result was a disjointed campaign, with Barcelona struggling to find cohesion in midfield and attack.
Following a loss to Atlético, Mourinho seemed to abandon his earlier promises, shifting to a 4-3-3 formation.
The backline remained largely unchanged, but the midfield and attack saw significant tweaks.
Thiago Motta anchored the midfield, with Mohamed Diarra and Xavi supporting him. Sometimes Julio Baptista, Tomáš Rosický, or Rafael van der Vaart were slotted into the mix.
This setup added physicality and intensity to Barcelona's midfield, with Diarra providing defensive solidity while Xavi orchestrated attacks. Motta's passing ability also played a crucial role in stabilizing the defense and initiating plays.
Up front, Ronaldinho, Diego Milito, and Eto'o formed a fearsome trio.
Notably, Henry was rotated out of the starting lineup, with Ronaldinho, Henry, and Eto'o taking turns.
This adjustment contributed significantly to Barcelona's 4-2 comeback against Chelsea.
Another evident improvement was the defense. The backline of Abidal, Puyol, Bruno Alves, and Zambrotta had grown increasingly solid under Mourinho's guidance.
Although Chelsea managed to score twice, Barcelona's overall defensive performance showed marked improvement.
Watching this match, Yang Hao couldn't shake a sense of familiarity.
It felt as though he was witnessing a Barcelona iteration of the Inter Milan team Mourinho would later craft in Yang Hao's original timeline.
Overall, the resemblance was striking.
"We'll face Mourinho's Barcelona in the semifinals," Yang Hao said with a frown.
Mourinho had clearly molded this Barcelona team into a formidable side. Although their 4–2 victory wasn't a complete blowout, Barça's performance was solid and efficient.
In stark contrast, the other match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabéu was a nail-biter.
Wenger's team narrowly defeated United 2–1 at home in a highly intense contest. Cristiano Ronaldo, facing his former club, was electric throughout. In the 25th minute, he unleashed a long-range strike to beat Van der Sar, giving Real Madrid the lead.
However, Ribéry and Rooney combined to equalize for United shortly thereafter.
Real Madrid dominated possession from then on, but Manchester United's defense was resolute. The duo of Vidic and Ferdinand at center-back, supported by Marcos Senna and Carrick in midfield, made United's defensive structure incredibly tough to break down.
It wasn't until the dying moments of the match that Real Madrid capitalized on a corner kick. David Beckham's precise delivery found Ronaldo, who rose above everyone to head the ball into the net, sealing a dramatic 2–1 victory.
Meanwhile, Sevilla fought valiantly against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Despite falling behind twice, they managed to level the score on both occasions. However, Adriano's thunderous strike in the 87th minute gave Inter a 3–2 victory.
The results caused ripples throughout European football.
Atlético Madrid seemed virtually assured of a semifinal spot. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid secured home victories, but their ties retained an element of suspense. Sevilla, despite their 2–3 loss, still had a chance to overturn the deficit at home, bolstered by two crucial away goals.
This season's Champions League continued to showcase La Liga's strength. Even Sevilla, not considered among Spain's elite, proved they could hold their own against a powerhouse like Inter.
Such performances brought back memories of Villarreal's fairytale run in previous years. If Villarreal could emerge as a dark horse, why couldn't Sevilla pull off a similar feat?
After returning to Madrid from Liverpool, Atlético took a brief respite before hosting Unai Emery's Almería.
Before the match, Emery expressed his admiration for Yang Hao, emphasizing that his team approached the game with a mindset of learning. However, his players seemed unprepared for the storm awaiting them.
Within two minutes, Marcelo, starting in place of Evra, found himself in a shooting position on the left side of the box and scored the opening goal for Atlético.
Four minutes later, Torres broke into the penalty area only to be brought down from behind by Almería defender Pulido. The referee wasted no time in awarding a red card and a penalty.
Despite the early stage of the match and Atlético already leading by a goal, there was no room for debate about the decision. Even Emery refrained from protesting.
Torres calmly converted the penalty to make it 2–0.
With Almería down to 10 men after just six minutes, facing Atlético Madrid became an exercise in damage control.
Things went from bad to worse for Almería. In the 27th and 39th minutes, midfielder Juanito received two yellow cards and was sent off, leaving Almería with nine players.
(Note: This Juanito was not the center-back from the national team whom Yang Hao had called up earlier.)
The match ended in an 8–1 demolition by Atlético.
Remarkably, Atlético showed mercy. After scoring their eighth goal in the 71st minute, they largely stopped pushing forward, opting instead to control the tempo.
Had they continued attacking, the scoreline could have become truly outrageous. Yet Almería had not provoked Atlético in any way, and the leaders chose to respect their opponents by refraining from unnecessary humiliation.
Post-match, Yang Hao publicly defended Emery, stating that the two red cards fundamentally altered the course of the game.
"Honestly, it's difficult for a coach to completely control what happens on the pitch. Fouls and other unforeseen events often occur, disrupting a coach's plans," he said.
Yang Hao praised Emery's managerial skills, highlighting Almería's impressive performances throughout the season.
"This match was an outlier," he concluded.
Yang Hao's defense of Emery was a rare show of sportsmanship, earning widespread praise in the Spanish media. Rather than piling on criticism, journalists noted Emery's unfortunate luck. Losing two players in the first half made the heavy defeat inevitable.
Privately, Emery expressed his deep gratitude for Yang Hao's words. He knew the result might have been embarrassing even without the red cards, given how overwhelmed his team appeared in the early stages.
In other matches, Real Madrid drew 1–1 away to Mallorca, while Barcelona were held to a 0–0 stalemate at home against Getafe.
Both clubs had made significant rotations in their lineups, clearly prioritizing the upcoming Champions League matches over the league.
Meanwhile, Atlético extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to an astonishing 64 games. With the league title all but secured, Real Madrid and Barcelona had shifted their focus to European glory.
Three days later, Atlético hosted Liverpool in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Trailing 1–3 from the first leg, Liverpool needed at least three goals to stand a chance of advancing.
As expected, the Reds launched an all-out assault from the start. Benítez meticulously planned an aggressive opening to unsettle Atlético and potentially turn the tie around.
But in the 23rd minute, Kaka stepped up in a pivotal moment. Receiving the ball deep in Atlético's half, he embarked on a surging run through Liverpool's midfield. Near the 30-meter mark, he played a perfectly weighted through ball.
Messi timed his run to perfection, beating the offside trap and racing into the right side of the penalty area. After controlling the pass, Messi feinted to cut inside past Skrtel but found no opening. In a flash, he shifted direction, darting outside and firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
1–0 for Atlético.
That goal would prove decisive.
Despite relentless attacks from Liverpool, Atlético's counterattacks continued to pose significant threats. Drogba came agonizingly close to scoring when his close-range effort struck the post.
As the game wore on, Atlético's dominance in possession and control over the tempo extinguished Liverpool's hopes. Even late substitutions by Benítez failed to shift the momentum.
When the final whistle blew, Atlético emerged 1–0 winners on the night, completing a 4–1 aggregate victory to advance to the semifinals.
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