Everyone was surprised to find that after Real Madrid, the Galácticos, had experienced stormy waves and entered calm waters, they suddenly broke out with amazing fighting power.
In the fifth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Anderlecht at home.
Gao Shen fielded a full substitute lineup. Except for goalkeeper Casillas, all ten outfield players were replaced.
As a result, even with a rotated squad, Real Madrid still defeated Anderlecht 3-1 at the Bernabéu.
The team's newly acclaimed young players once again performed impressively.
It is worth mentioning that after a post-match examination, Ronaldo, who was substituted last weekend due to injury, was found to have only a minor muscle strain. It was not serious and he just needed some rest.
This news made everyone at Real Madrid breathe a sigh of relief.
…
In the 15th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Valladolid at home.
Jesé and Benzema, who replaced Ronaldo, each scored a goal, while Di María netted a hat trick.
This was the first time the Argentine had scored a hat trick since joining Real Madrid.
He had previously delivered hat tricks of assists, but this was his first scoring hat trick.
The Spanish media once again praised Gao Shen's coaching ability.
He had previously declared that Di María could achieve 20 goals and 20 assists this season, a claim questioned by many. Even Marca and AS, who are close to Real Madrid, remained cautious. However, from Di María's red-hot form recently, it was clear he was truly thriving.
While Real Madrid defeated Valladolid 5-0, Atletico Madrid beat Elche 2-0 away, and Barcelona lost 0-1 to Athletic Bilbao away.
…
Due to participation in the Club World Cup, Real Madrid made some schedule adjustments.
The second leg of the Copa del Rey fourth round, away against Spanish third division side Olímpic Xàtiva, was brought forward.
Real Madrid still played with a rotated lineup, but they were too relaxed.
According to the Copa del Rey format, after the away match, the second leg would be at the Bernabéu. So Real Madrid players were not particularly focused on the away game, which led to a lazy performance.
Olímpic Xàtiva lacked the strength to threaten Real Madrid and did not even register a shot, but Madrid themselves played poorly.
This was an old problem for Real Madrid, who had often slipped against lower-level opponents in the Copa del Rey.
At halftime, Gao Shen lost his temper and scolded the complacent players.
Soon after the restart, Pogba lobbed a pass into the box, Isco controlled it and finished with a low shot to break the deadlock.
Later, Isco threaded a pass and Jesé scored from the left side of the area.
In the end, Real Madrid won 2-0 away.
Three days later, with the same squad, Real Madrid defeated Olímpic Xàtiva 3-0 at the Bernabéu.
In total, Madrid advanced 5-0 on aggregate.
But the happiest side was Olímpic Xàtiva.
Despite all their struggles, they finally got the chance to play at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid.
For a third-division club, this was a historic and glorious moment.
Real Madrid even prepared a special gift for Olímpic Xàtiva to congratulate them, and afterwards both teams took a group photo.
In the locker room after the match, Gao Shen asked his players to think carefully about their opponents and the meaning of such matches.
…
After the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid headed north to London to face Manchester United away.
The Premier League had completed 15 rounds, and the picture was becoming clear.
Manchester United sat 9th, with Moyes' team performing poorly and calls for his dismissal growing stronger.
His only hope of survival was United qualifying from the Champions League group stage, even if just as second place.
This season, United had shocked fans by losing almost every big match except against Arsenal.
Moyes even lost to his former club Everton at Old Trafford.
Unacceptable.
With two matches a week in the Premier League, United's recent form was dreadful, with one draw and two losses in their last three games, including home defeats to Everton and Newcastle.
Leeds United, last season's dark horse, were now 8th, one place above Manchester United.
But Pochettino's side had also stumbled recently. After beating United, they lost 0-2 to Arsenal away, 1-3 to Chelsea away, and drew 1-1 with Manchester City at home.
Outsiders criticized Leeds' form, but within the club, management and players believed it was normal.
Firstly, many of the defeats were away to strong opponents. Secondly, the team had performed excellently in the Europa League.
Drawn in the same group as Valencia, Leeds beat them 3-0 away and then went on a winning run.
After five rounds, Leeds had four wins and one loss, already securing progression.
Their only defeat was at home to Valencia, but having already clinched top spot, they rotated the squad to save energy for Manchester City, eventually drawing 1-1 with them.
Given the circumstances, staying 8th in the league while topping their Europa League group was already a strong achievement.
This was also thanks to their excellent squad depth. Players like Rabiot, Bruno Fernandes, Fabinho, Mané, Zaha, Mahrez, and Sterling had all contributed.
The standout was Vardy.
With Icardi transferred to Arsenal, Harry Kane became Leeds' main striker. Yet Vardy's performances grew better and better. Alongside Martial up front, Leeds' attack remained sharp.
Both Gao Shen and Leeds were delighted with Vardy's rise.
He could not yet challenge Kane and even had to compete with Martial, but for a player from humble beginnings, this was highly commendable.
After all, Martial's natural talent and physique far exceeded Vardy's.
Leeds showed patience and faith in him, and Vardy worked tirelessly to improve, making Gao Shen optimistic about his future.
Outsiders, unaware of the truth, were puzzled.
With Vardy's level, how could he survive at Leeds?
Some media even dug deep and put forward conspiracy theories, claiming Gao Shen refused to admit he misjudged Vardy and forced Leeds to keep him.
Leeds ignored the speculation.
Gao Shen refuted it on Twitter, declaring his belief that Vardy would surprise everyone.
"No matter what others say, I believe in you."
"Run, Jamie!"
Against Manchester United, Real Madrid fielded a rotated squad and drew 2-2 away.
In the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid finished with five wins and one draw, topping the group.
United finished second, Leverkusen third, and Anderlecht fourth.
…
After returning from Manchester, Real Madrid briefly rested before traveling away to face Osasuna.
With all main players back, Madrid displayed their attacking firepower.
It is well known that northern Spanish teams are tough to play against, and Osasuna are among the fiercest.
But just three minutes in, without Ronaldo, Madrid struck first.
Benzema assisted Di María for the opener.
Osasuna quickly equalized after a defensive mistake.
In the 16th minute, Benzema restored the lead.
In the second half, Madrid pressed relentlessly. Benzema, Jesé, and Džeko all found the net.
In the end, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 5-1.
It is worth noting that Isco, starting in Ronaldo's position on the left wing, struggled.
Gao Shen had wanted him to adapt to more positions, but Isco was tightly marked and repeatedly fouled.
After being substituted, he removed his socks and shin guards on the bench, revealing badly swollen legs from repeated kicks.
Gao Shen even went over to comfort him, a moment captured by live cameras and reporters.
Who says La Liga is all about artistry?
Damn it, La Liga teams often kick your players without mercy.
After the match, Gao Shen criticized Osasuna's rough play, saying it stifled technical football.
Osasuna center-back Arribas, who committed the most fouls, was eventually sent off, but Gao Shen believed it came too late. If the referee had not favored the home team, Arribas should have been dismissed in the first half.
Osasuna received seven yellow cards, while Real Madrid had two.
While Madrid battled to a tough away win, Barcelona edged Villarreal 2-1, and Atletico beat Valencia 3-0.
All three La Liga giants won.
But Madrid's momentum was undeniable.
Their stunning record of 16 straight wins drew the attention of the entire European football world.
Everyone believed this season's La Liga title was already in Gao Shen's grasp.
The real question now was, who could snipe Real Madrid?
Who could end their winning streak?
…
After facing Osasuna, Real Madrid returned to Madrid for a short rest before flying to Morocco to compete in the 2013 Club World Cup.
(To be continued.)
***
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