Chapter 36 - Chapter 35

Chapter 35

"Mr. Yang Hao, I'm sorry, but I have to include tonight's yellow card and its context in the match report. You really need to be more mindful about staying inside the technical area."

The match had ended, and Atlético secured a 1-0 victory over Roma thanks to Drogba's goal. Afterward, the fourth official, Rubes, approached Yang Hao to address the incident and remind him of UEFA's regulations.

In his excitement after Drogba's late goal, Yang Hao had sprinted out of the technical area, earning himself a yellow card from referee Michael. The fourth official intended to report it in his post-match summary.

"I'm sorry, I was just too excited. The tension had been building up for too long," Yang Hao admitted.

"Tension or not, you can't leave the technical area."

"I know, but I really couldn't help it."

"Well, you have to control yourself."

"It's so hard! Think about it. The entire match, Capello was like a turtle—hiding in his shell, refusing to come out. We attacked relentlessly, and they just kept defending like crazy."

Rubes sighed. "You've been in football for years and watched so many matches. I'll admit, their tactics were... conservative. The game wasn't exactly thrilling."

"Exactly! It was unbearably dull, wasn't it?" Yang Hao pressed, grinning slyly.

Realizing his near-slip, Rubes quickly corrected himself. "Well, tactical approaches can't be labeled as 'dull' or 'conservative.' Everyone has the right to defend. But we're not here to debate tactics—I'm reminding you about the technical area."

"Understood. I'll be careful next time," Yang Hao said cheerfully, not too bothered. "By the way, Rubes, does UEFA have a rule about yellow cards accumulating to a suspension?"

"Of course. Three yellows lead to a suspension, just like with players."

"I mean, for coaches."

"Same rule applies—three yellow cards, and you miss the next match," Rubes confirmed authoritatively.

"Oh," Yang Hao nodded. "Good to know."

"You're not planning on being the first coach to rack up three yellows in a season, are you?"

"Not at all," Yang Hao chuckled. "I was just curious. It's rare, right?"

"Well, you should be careful. Don't become the first example," Rubes warned him.

Yang Hao was known among referees for his professionalism. While he occasionally raised concerns, his criticisms were typically constructive and backed by solid reasoning. Many referees respected him for his composure, which made Rubes' tone more friendly than reprimanding.

"Thanks. If you ever officiate at the Calderón, drinks are on me," Yang Hao quipped before parting ways with the fourth official.

Rubes chuckled as he watched Yang Hao walk away.

"What did the fourth official say to you?" asked Juanma Lillo as Yang Hao returned to the dugout.

"Just a reminder that I'll get a suspension if I rack up three yellow cards."

"Oh, I figured as much," Lillo replied nonchalantly.

Yang Hao grinned mischievously. "I'm starting to think you don't bother stopping me when I lose my temper on purpose."

"How could I stop you?" Lillo protested, sounding exasperated.

"You've been plotting against me from day one, haven't you? Letting me get suspended so you can take my place as Atlético's head coach. It's a coup!"

Lillo, not the most argumentative person, was at a loss for words and looked ready to explode. When the surrounding staff burst into laughter, he huffed, "Get lost!"

When Yang Hao didn't move, Lillo added, "Fine, I'll leave!" With that, he walked off, laughing to himself as Pep Guardiola approached.

Between the two, Guardiola was the quieter and more endearing presence. At least Pep didn't tease everyone constantly.

"It's disappointing. We failed to capitalize on the chances we created," Fabio Capello said at the post-match press conference.

The Roma coach attributed his team's defeat to bad luck, pointing out that they had good opportunities early in the game but couldn't convert.

"Everyone fought hard, ran tirelessly, and did their best. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side tonight," Capello lamented.

Yang Hao, naturally, didn't agree. When reporters relayed Capello's comments, he shot back.

"Hold on a second. How many chances did Roma really create all match?"

He even started counting on his fingers. "Let's be generous and include the half-chances. Can we count them all on one hand?" Yang held up five fingers, drawing laughter from the press.

Although Yang Hao was in a jovial mood after the win, he still had grievances about the match. He found Roma's ultra-defensive tactics frustrating and felt the game lacked the excitement expected from a Champions League stage.

"I don't know how to describe how I felt watching that match. I'm sure fans worldwide shared my frustration. We wanted to see a thrilling, technically rich contest."

Yang even coined a term for Roma's performance: "Classic Italian Offensive Impotence Syndrome."

"They seem completely powerless in attack because they pour all their energy into defense," he quipped.

Still, Yang Hao ended on a positive note. "Despite everything, I'm thrilled with the outcome. Drogba saved this disappointing Champions League match!"

Not only was Yang Hao dissatisfied with the match against Roma, but nearly all media outlets—apart from the Italian press—were deeply critical of the game's flow.

Capello's Roma was simply too defensive. Scoring just two goals across six group-stage matches was one thing, but now, in the second group stage and at home, couldn't they have mustered some attacking ambition?

Spanish, French, German, and British outlets all expressed frustration at Capello's ultra-conservative tactics. They agreed the match was a dull spectacle.

"Had Atlético not brought on the Ivorian striker Drogba in the final twenty minutes to break the deadlock and revitalize their attack, this would likely have been a goalless draw," lamented L'Équipe. The French paper also criticized Italian conservatism, claiming it was ruining the entertainment value of the Champions League.

"If a team like this makes it to the final, it would be an unthinkable disaster," they added.

The Times of London echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Italy's defensive style was increasingly out of place in modern football.

"The days of the 'mini-World Cup' [Serie A's golden era] are over, and Italian football's once-dazzling stars are fading fast."

Recent years had seen La Liga's strength rise significantly. During the Champions League's second-stage group draw, three of the four top-seeded teams were from Spain. If not for Manchester United representing the Premier League, the results could have been even more lopsided.

Even more striking was Atlético's growing dominance. Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, and Deportivo La Coruña were now regulars in the knockout stages—and often the finals—of the Champions League.

The Times analyzed this trend, noting that La Liga teams had consistently appeared in the Champions League final for several years, with Real Madrid now the top favorite. They concluded that the rest of Europe needed to take note: La Liga was entering a golden era.

One key reason for La Liga's appeal, the paper argued, was the aesthetically pleasing style of football on display. Even when playing defensively, Spanish teams managed to imbue their games with technical flair.

"Every team can execute fluid passing combinations, making even routine matches highly watchable. This is the hallmark of La Liga," The Times stated.

Moreover, La Liga's fierce competition added intrigue.

"Imagine Arsenal or Manchester United facing relegation in the Premier League. Picture Juventus or AC Milan in a similar situation in Serie A. It's unthinkable," they wrote. "Yet something like this is happening in Spain."

"With Atlético's meteoric rise, La Liga is becoming increasingly competitive. Every season brims with suspense and unpredictability."

Turning inward, The Times reflected on the Premier League's predictability, where the title race often boiled down to Manchester United or Arsenal.

After their win over Roma, Atlético immediately returned to Madrid.

Following a brief rest, the team set off again—this time aboard a sponsor-provided Emirates Airlines jet—to Tokyo, Japan, to compete in the 2002 Toyota Cup. Their opponent would be South American champions Olimpia of Paraguay.

Frankly, Olimpia wasn't a particularly strong side. However, the Toyota Cup was an annual obligation for Champions League winners, forcing Atlético to participate and pushing their La Liga Round 12 match to a later date.

As a fan in his previous life, Yang Hao had fond memories of the Toyota Cup. But as a coach, he saw the event differently.

"Frankly, this tournament is a waste of time," he admitted privately. "It offers little prize money, minimal prestige, and requires a long, exhausting trip for a game with little competitive value."

By comparison, the FIFA Club World Cup—despite its criticisms—at least offered substantial prize money. Meanwhile, Toyota had profited enormously from the event over the years, but the teams gained little beyond tradition.

Still, Atlético wasn't traveling to Tokyo just for the match. Their marketing department had been busy leveraging the team's summer tour of Asia, the Toyota Cup itself, and the club's current status as La Liga leaders to promote the Atlético brand in Japan.

The results were impressive. Upon arrival in Tokyo, hundreds of Japanese fans greeted the team at the airport. Many were fans who had attended Atlético's summer training sessions and games, and they had since organized a local supporters' club.

Atlético players arrived in matching suits, with Yang Hao leading the group. To his surprise, he saw a banner written in Chinese: Welcome, Mr. Yang Hao, to Japan!

Stunned for a moment, Yang Hao muttered, "Wow."

Luckily, his sunglasses hid any awkwardness. When he noticed the banner was held by female fans, he relaxed.

"Damn," he thought, "Japan is way too dangerous for a guy like me. Let's finish the match and get out of here quickly."

Reports indicated that some fans had even traveled from other parts of Asia or the United States to see the game. Groups of over 100 had arrived from some regions, a testament to Atlético's growing influence.

The team stayed at the Tokyo Bay International Hotel, provided by the event organizers. The schedule allowed for rest, but in the afternoon, the players participated in a Toyota-sponsored promotional event—a standard pre-match activity.

As an Asian head coach for a European team, Yang Hao naturally drew significant attention during the event.

When the topic of the tournament's MVP receiving a free Toyota came up, Yang Hao joked, "I'm so envious! Coaches don't get perks like that."

Then he turned to a Toyota executive and asked, "How much does one of your cars cost?"

"Could I buy one for 100,000?" he added.

The executive, misunderstanding, assumed he meant euros and said no. Yang Hao clarified, "No, not euros—yuan, my country's currency. 100,000 yuan."

When told that wasn't possible, Yang Hao quipped, "Wow, you're too fancy for me. I can't afford that."

The Toyota executives laughed heartily, and the event ended on a light-hearted and cheerful note.

December 3, Yokohama International Stadium.

In the Toyota Cup match against Olimpia, Atlético faced an unexpectedly aggressive opponent.

The Paraguayan side started strong, launching early attacks that caught Atlético off guard.

"Considering the obvious gap in quality, their boldness is surprising," Yang Hao noted. Moments later, he figured it out.

It wasn't necessarily the coach's strategy; rather, it was likely the players' individual motivations.

This wasn't uncommon in the Toyota Cup. Many South American players viewed the tournament as an opportunity to attract European clubs, leading them to focus on individual performances at the expense of team tactics.

Atlético, meanwhile, played a calm and controlled game. Within just five minutes, they established dominance. From there, they launched steady attacks, controlling both the rhythm and possession.

The match itself was uneventful. Atlético's superiority was evident, and Olimpia struggled to resist. Goals came in succession, and Atlético ultimately secured a comfortable 3-0 victory to claim the Toyota Cup.

Diego Forlán, who scored twice, was named the best player and received a prestigious Toyota car as a prize.

However, only Yang Hao and the Atlético players knew they hadn't exerted their full effort. The match felt more like a performance than a competition. Atlético used the Toyota Cup as a platform to further expand their brand across Japan, Korea, and the wider Asian market.

The trophy itself wasn't particularly meaningful, but the accompanying media coverage was invaluable. Journalists traveling with the team published glowing articles, praising Atlético's achievement and lauding their strength.

This confirmed something Andrew Barrasco had often emphasized to Yang Hao: building good relationships with the media was essential.

"Sometimes, it's nice to be complimented," Yang Hao thought with a chuckle.

After returning from Japan with the Toyota Cup, Atlético presented the trophy to their fans at the Calderón before their Round 13 La Liga match against Valladolid.

The match followed a delay of Round 12 due to Atlético's participation in the Toyota Cup. In the interim, Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 3-0, temporarily taking the league's top spot. Atlético dropped to second.

Despite this, spirits remained high within the team and among the fans. Over 50,000 supporters gathered to celebrate the club's first Toyota Cup victory—a landmark achievement in Atlético's history.

In the subsequent match, Atlético defeated Valladolid 1-0 thanks to a goal from Fernando Torres. Meanwhile, Real Madrid crushed Mallorca 5-1 away from home.

By the end of the round, Real Madrid retained a two-point lead at the top of the table. Atlético, with one game in hand, sat in second place.

Three days later, Atlético hosted Ajax at the Calderón for their second match in the Champions League second group stage.

Yang Hao, who had recently been cautioned about a potential yellow-card suspension, found that this same rule played to his advantage.

Ajax's star midfielder Tomáš Galásek was suspended after accumulating yellow cards in their previous match against Manchester United.

Visiting Madrid, Ronald Koeman fielded an aggressive lineup, clearly intending to fight for a result:

Goalkeeper: Stekelenburg

Defense: Maxwell, Chivu, Heitinga, Trabelsi

Midfield: De Jong (holding), Pienaar, Sneijder

Forwards: Van der Vaart, Ibrahimović, Van der Meyde

The starting lineup featured two 18-year-olds: Nigel de Jong and Wesley Sneijder. Yang Hao admired Koeman's boldness in promoting young talent and Ajax's focus on youth development.

But admiration aside, once the match began, there was no room for mercy.

Ajax started strongly, pressing high and challenging Atlético's midfield. Yang Hao countered with his own 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: Čech

Defense: Evra, Pochettino, Lucio, Maicon

Midfield: Xabi Alonso (holding), Deco, Simeone

Forwards: Reyes, Forlán, Joaquín

Ajax sought to disrupt Atlético's midfield control, but the home side methodically asserted dominance. As the game progressed, Atlético's superior midfield took charge, forcing Ajax to pay for their aggressive start.

In the 11th minute, after intercepting a pass in midfield, Xabi Alonso launched a precise long ball down the right wing.

Joaquín raced forward, reached the ball, and seamlessly carried it into the box. Facing Maxwell, he executed a smooth feint before cutting to the byline and delivering a sharp cross into the six-yard box.

Diego Forlán charged forward and slotted the ball home with a composed finish.

1-0!

The goal did little to dampen Ajax's enthusiasm. Instead, it spurred their young players to attack with even more intensity, particularly down the flanks.

Trabelsi and Van der Meyde combined on the right, while Maxwell and Van der Vaart created opportunities on the left. Ajax persistently tested Atlético's defense.

Before the match, Yang Hao had instructed Lucio to closely mark Ibrahimović, with Pochettino providing additional support. Their objective was clear: neutralize the towering Swedish striker.

Time and again, Ajax sought Ibrahimović as their focal point. However, Lucio's defensive prowess and Pochettino's positioning thwarted their efforts.

In the 23rd minute, the pair successfully dispossessed Ibrahimović, sparking a rapid counterattack.

Evra surged forward on the left flank, combining with Reyes before the latter carried the ball to the edge of the box. Reyes delivered a low pass toward Deco, but Heitinga intervened, deflecting the ball to the edge of the penalty area.

The deflection, however, left the ball in Atlético's control.

Xabi Alonso, arriving late from midfield, chested the ball down, took a single touch forward, and unleashed a ferocious strike from 25 meters out.

The shot, blisteringly fast and precise, left Stekelenburg no chance. By the time the Ajax goalkeeper reacted, the ball had already nestled into the back of the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

"WHAT A STRIKE!"

"XABI ALONSO! A STUNNING LONG-RANGE GOAL IN THE 23RD MINUTE!"

"Atlético doubles their lead, 2-0!"

The crowd erupted in celebration as commentators praised the match's thrilling, open-ended play.

"Both teams are prioritizing offense, creating an exhilarating match to watch," one commentator noted.

"However, Ajax is clearly outmatched in this style of play," another added. "After all, they're up against Atlético Madrid, last season's Champions League winners."

Though Atlético had lost Adriano in the summer transfer window, their overall strength remained formidable.

Now, the question was whether Ajax would continue their aggressive approach or opt for a more conservative strategy.

Standing on the sidelines, Yang Hao observed with curiosity, wondering what Koeman's next move would be.

Ronald Koeman was never considered a particularly aggressive coach. Among Dutch managers, he was known for his preference for balance—that's how Yang Hao remembered him in 2023. However, on this particular night, facing Atlético and trailing 2–0, Koeman chose to continue attacking.

Compared to their reckless opening push, Ajax seemed more composed after falling behind. Their game became slightly more measured, yet it remained entertaining.

Atlético maintained control, dictating the tempo, while Ajax refused to retreat. The youthful energy of the Dutch side shone through as they fearlessly pressed forward, embodying the spirit of players unafraid of formidable opponents.

In the 49th minute of the second half, Ajax launched a high-intensity offensive effort early on, earning a corner kick. However, Lucio headed the ball clear, and Xabi Alonso swiftly sent it to the left flank.

Reyes sprinted down the wing, covering ground at breakneck speed. Charging into the left side of the box, he drew defenders like Heitinga into his orbit. Then, in a sudden move, Reyes pulled the ball back.

Deco arrived at full stride, striking a clean, precise shot that pierced Ajax's net.

3–0!

The match continued with opportunities for both sides. In the 55th minute, Atlético thought they had scored again when Diego Forlán headed the ball into the net, but the referee ruled it offside.

Ultimately, Atlético secured a 3–0 victory at home, earning their second consecutive win in the group stage.

Post-Match Results

Atlético's 3–0 win over Ajax was complemented by Manchester United's 2–0 victory against Roma at Old Trafford.

The Red Wolves suffered two consecutive losses, and Capello admitted afterward that their chances of progressing were slim. Ajax, with one draw, sat third in the group, while Manchester United, with four points, held second place. Atlético, with two wins and six points, topped the group.

The European press erupted in coverage following the match.

It became evident that Atlético was performing at a higher level this season. Whether it was their hard-fought victory against Roma or their commanding display against Ajax, the improvement was clear.

Gazzetta dello Sport balanced its criticism of Capello with praise for Yang Hao, acknowledging the growth of Atlético compared to the previous season.

"Their progress is not limited to the players' individual development," the article read, "but also extends to Yang Hao's tactical decisions."

The publication highlighted the Ajax match as a prime example of Atlético's composure and maturity.

"Many media outlets had compared Atlético and Ajax before the match, but the reality is that Atlético's squad is slightly older and significantly stronger overall," it added.

Even Ajax coach Ronald Koeman conceded:

"We were far from matching Atlético's quality during our visit to Madrid."

This win gave Atlético a strong foothold in their quest to qualify for the knockout rounds. However, their next two games against Manchester United would be critical in deciding their fate.

Three Days Later: La Liga Round 14

Atlético faced Alavés away from home. The demanding schedule finally began to take its toll on the squad.

After enduring the grueling journey to Japan for the Toyota Cup, followed by Champions League and league matches, fatigue had clearly set in. Even with Yang Hao's rotation policy, the strain of competing on multiple fronts was evident.

In the 11th minute, Alavés capitalized on a lapse in Atlético's defense to score the opening goal. Though Kaká equalized shortly after, the team conceded again in the second half.

The match ended in a 2–1 defeat, marking Atlético's first loss of the La Liga season.

Until this point, Atlético had achieved an extraordinary record of 12 wins and 1 draw from 13 matches.

As Marca put it:

"It would be unfair to demand anything more from this young Atlético squad. Yang Hao and his players have already delivered their very best."

El País added:

"Atlético has completely defied preseason predictions. After selling six key players over the summer, who would have believed they could lead La Liga for so long?"

Meanwhile, Real Madrid triumphed 4–1 at home against Recreativo de Huelva.

By the end of the round, Real Madrid sat atop the table with 39 points, having lost just one match in 14 rounds—a remarkable feat. Atlético, with a game in hand, remained second with 34 points, followed by Real Sociedad with 32 points and Valencia with 28 points.

Real Sociedad's Grit and Barcelona's Plummet

Real Sociedad's recent performances surprised Yang Hao. While their form had dipped as expected, they showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

For example, in their match against Mallorca, Samuel Eto'o scored early for the islanders. Yet, in the dying moments of the game, Real Sociedad staged a dramatic comeback, scoring twice in six minutes to win 2–1.

Yang Hao wasn't sure whether to praise Sociedad's fighting spirit or criticize Mallorca coach Luis Aragonés for his team's complacency.

Meanwhile, in a match dubbed a "relegation battle," Barcelona suffered a humiliating 0–3 defeat to Sevilla at the Camp Nou.

Sevilla's victory lifted them out of the relegation zone on goal difference, leaving Barcelona in 18th place, tied on 14 points with Sevilla but trailing in goals.

The football world—Spain, Europe, and beyond—was left stunned.

While many had speculated about Barcelona's potential relegation battle, few believed it could actually happen. Yet here it was: a star-studded Barça side mired in the relegation zone.

Even Yang Hao found it difficult to process.

"This season's Barça is starting to look like Atlético from the 1999/2000 season," he mused.

In his previous life, he vaguely remembered that Barça had flirted with the relegation zone during this season, but they never actually fell into it.

Could his influence be a factor? After all, Yang Hao had poached Andrés Iniesta from Barcelona's academy.

"But Iniesta didn't play much this season in my previous life, so that shouldn't be the reason," he thought.

"Maybe it's the added competition from Atlético's rise?"

Both possibilities seemed plausible.

Yang Hao couldn't deny that his "butterfly effect" was causing increasingly significant changes.

The thought of Barcelona potentially being relegated filled him with mischievous anticipation. "That would be... fun," he chuckled to himself.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's fans and the Catalan media directed their fury at coach Louis van Gaal and club president Joan Gaspart, blaming their incompetence for the team's collapse.

Midweek La Liga: Round 12 Make-Up Match

Atlético traveled to face Osasuna in their rescheduled Round 12 La Liga match.

The match began with Atlético on the offensive, but Osasuna showed immense resilience, especially in their defense. Former Atlético midfielder Pablo García was particularly combative in the middle of the pitch.

After struggling in Serie A, García had once hoped to return to Atlético, but Yang Hao rejected the idea. With players like Marcos Senna and Diego Simeone in the squad, there was simply no room for him. Perhaps that was why he played with extra determination against his former club.

Diego Forlán opened the scoring for Atlético in the 31st minute, but Osasuna equalized in the 66th minute. The match ended in a 1–1 draw.

With the draw, Atlético remained 4 points behind Real Madrid. However, the spotlight shifted away from the league standings as Barcelona announced the dismissal of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal prior to the match.

Former Barcelona coach Carles Rexach returned to oversee training sessions, while assistant coach De la Cruz was appointed interim manager until a permanent replacement could be found.

Candidates rumored to be under consideration included former Atlético coach Radomir Antic, Barcelona B manager Quim Costa, and former AC Milan boss Alberto Zaccheroni. Catalan media even speculated about Yang Hao as a potential candidate.

Interestingly, Barça fans didn't strongly oppose the idea this time. To them, while Yang Hao might be disliked, if he could rescue the team from the relegation zone, they would accept him.

Atlético, however, quickly issued a statement denying any possibility of Yang Hao joining Barcelona.

Weekend: La Liga Round 15

A well-rested Real Madrid thrashed Málaga 5–0 on the road. Meanwhile, Atlético hosted Racing Santander at the Calderón.

After conceding a goal in the 42nd minute, Atlético equalized early in the second half with a 51st-minute goal from Deco. Later, Reyes scored in the 74th minute, completing a 2–1 comeback victory.

Compared to Real Madrid's dominant performance, Atlético's win was far more hard-fought.

Barcelona, rejuvenated after van Gaal's dismissal, secured an emphatic 4–0 away victory against Mallorca. Patrick Kluivert scored a hat-trick, and the result felt like rain after a long drought for the Blaugrana.

The win lifted Barça out of the relegation zone, moving them to 15th place.

Catalan media and fans erupted with praise, claiming van Gaal's dismissal was long overdue. The Dutchman, they said, had overstayed his welcome, driving Barcelona into the relegation zone.

Some suggested the team's struggles stemmed from a fractured dressing room that had grown tired of van Gaal's leadership. With him gone, the players were finally motivated to perform.

Winter Break

After Round 15, La Liga paused for the holiday season.

Because this year's winter break began earlier, Atlético couldn't schedule their usual winter training camp. Following their December 22nd match, the league went on hold, and Atlético resumed training on December 27th, after Christmas.

On January 4th, 2003, Atlético traveled south to face Villarreal. Fernando Torres scored twice, leading the team to a 3–2 away victory.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, dominated Valencia at home with a 4–1 win, showcasing their unparalleled dominance.

With only one loss in 16 rounds, Madrid's form was extraordinary, drawing praise from fans and pundits alike.

Barcelona also continued their resurgence, defeating Recreativo de Huelva 3–0 at home. Afterward, the club officially announced Radomir Antic as their new head coach.

Copa del Rey: Round of 16, First Leg

Three days later, Atlético hosted Xerez in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16.

Fielding a strong lineup, Atlético cruised to a 3–0 victory, effectively securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

Real Madrid, not to be outdone, delivered a 4–0 home win, maintaining their impressive form.

Weekend: La Liga Round 16

Atlético hosted Deportivo La Coruña at the Calderón.

Reyes gave Atlético an early lead in the 1st minute, but Roy Makaay equalized for Deportivo shortly after.

Targeting Deportivo's defensive vulnerabilities, Atlético employed aggressive high pressing, causing significant trouble for Javier Irureta's team.

In the 57th minute, Fernando Torres restored Atlético's lead, making it 2–1. Then, David Villa sealed the win in the 79th minute, ensuring a 3–1 victory for the home side.

Real Madrid, however, continued their relentless form, defeating Celta Vigo 2–0 on the road to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

Barcelona, on the other hand, were held to a 0–0 draw away at Málaga, bringing their winning streak under Antic to a halt.

Copa del Rey: Round of 16, Second Leg

Three days later, Atlético traveled to Xerez for the second leg. To conserve energy for the upcoming derby against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, Yang Hao rotated the squad entirely, starting 11 different players.

Despite the changes, Atlético secured a 1–0 victory, with David Villa scoring the lone goal.

Real Madrid also rested key players, drawing their second-leg match but advancing to the quarterfinals alongside Atlético.

The Madrid Derby

The highly anticipated Madrid Derby now loomed on the horizon.

Trailing Real Madrid by 4 points, Atlético faced a must-win scenario. A victory would cut the gap to just 1 point, reigniting the title race and injecting suspense into La Liga's championship battle.

Conversely, if Atlético lost, Real Madrid would pull further ahead, leaving little doubt about the eventual champions.

For Atlético, there was no margin for error—this was a battle with everything at stake.

January 19th, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

La Liga Round 18. Atlético Madrid faced Real Madrid in an intense clash.

The atmosphere in the stands was electric, but Real Madrid fans were growing restless.

"This stoppage time is way too long!"

Referee Arturo Ibáñez had added 5 minutes, which the home crowd found outrageous.

"Doesn't he realize this is the Bernabéu?"

On the sidelines, Yang Hao stood at the edge of the visitor's technical area, barely containing his anxiety. He paced relentlessly, shouting instructions to his players, urging them to press forward for one last attack.

His mood matched the sudden chill of Madrid's cold snap—frigid and tense.

But watching his players fight so valiantly on the pitch, especially defenders like Lucio and Carvalho pushing forward to join the attack, filled Yang Hao with a warm sense of pride.

"Press up! Keep attacking! There's no time left!"

He heard team captain Baraja shouting encouragement, and every player on the pitch was throwing caution to the wind. They were no longer concerned about defending.

It wasn't that they didn't want to defend; it was that there was simply no time.

Thankfully, in Atlético's goal stood a player who had been the team's best performer of the night—Petr Čech.

The usually reserved Czech keeper had become a vocal leader, shouting at his teammates to keep pushing until the final whistle.

At the far end of the stadium, the scoreboard displayed the scoreline: 2–1 in favor of Real Madrid.

The sudden cold snap had lowered temperatures, but the Bernabéu was packed to capacity.

With Atlético's meteoric rise, this Madrid Derby had become much more than just a local rivalry.

It was a title decider, a rematch of last season's Champions League final, a clash of stars, a showcase of cutting-edge tactics—it had everything a football fan could want.

The media had hyped it to the extreme, and La Liga's promotional efforts had ensured worldwide attention.

The VIP section was filled with notable figures: club legends, political and business elites, Spanish and international celebrities. Many weren't even Real Madrid fans; they had come just to witness this spectacle.

The excitement inside the Bernabéu was palpable. The fans' energy and the intensity on the pitch raised the temperature several degrees higher than the freezing weather outside.

First Half: A Furious Exchange

At kickoff, Real Madrid, brimming with stars, immediately launched wave after wave of attacks.

With Claude Makélélé and Patrick Vieira anchoring the midfield, all the forwards and both fullbacks surged forward.

First shot: Zinedine Zidane.

Second shot: Vieira.

Third shot: ...

The home fans celebrated each attack like a festival, cheering wildly as Real Madrid pressed Atlético deep into their half.

But Atlético were no pushovers.

In the 10th minute, Atlético launched a lightning-fast counterattack.

Xabi Alonso delivered a precise diagonal long pass into space behind the defense.

Reyes sprinted past Michel Salgado and, despite Fabio Cannavaro's desperate attempt to clear the ball with a diving tackle, Reyes fearlessly headed the ball down and stormed into the box.

From near the byline, he sent a low cross into the middle, where Fernando Torres arrived to slot it home.

1–0!

It was Atlético's first attack, their first shot, and their first goal.

Real Madrid responded with even greater intensity, pressing forward relentlessly.

Just 3 minutes later, Atlético struck again with another counterattack. Deco played a piercing through ball, and Torres burst past the defense, leaving Hierro trailing. Cannavaro, in a last-ditch effort, tackled Torres from behind.

The referee showed only a yellow card, enraging Atlético players and igniting tempers on both sides.

While Real Madrid's individual brilliance shone through, Atlético's disciplined team pressing kept the midfield battle fiercely contested.

Faced with Ronaldo and Raúl's attacking duo, Yang Hao ordered his defenders to drop deep, denying space for Madrid's forwards to exploit.

However, Real Madrid's relentless attacks finally paid off in the 33rd minute.

Carvalho intercepted the ball from Raúl but failed to clear it properly under pressure. The loose ball fell to Luís Figo, who drove forward before passing to Zidane.

From the edge of the box, the French maestro unleashed a sublime curling shot into the top corner.

World-class!

Xabi Alonso had worked tirelessly, but on this occasion, he couldn't close Zidane down in time.

As halftime approached, Real Madrid surged forward again.

Roberto Carlos, receiving the ball on the left, managed to bulldoze past Maicon, even after appearing to overrun it. He crossed the ball into the box despite being on the verge of losing balance.

Ronaldo's point-blank shot was heroically saved by Čech, but the rebound fell to Raúl, who calmly volleyed it into the net.

2–1!

Halftime: A Rallying Cry

In the locker room, Yang Hao praised his players for going toe-to-toe with Real Madrid's galaxy of stars.

"You've already shown you can match them blow for blow. But I believe we can do even better—we can beat them at the Bernabéu!"

"Just like we've done before!"

Second Half: A Battle of Willpower

At the start of the second half, Atlético came out firing.

In the 47th and 49th minutes, they created two clear scoring chances, only to be denied by Iker Casillas' phenomenal reflexes.

Inspired by Čech's earlier saves, Casillas produced his own masterclass, standing tall in goal to thwart Atlético's relentless pressure.

In the 56th and 59th minutes, Atlético forced more shooting opportunities, but the Madrid defense held firm.

Real Madrid counterattacked in the 62nd minute, with Ronaldo showcasing his trademark brilliance. Picking up the ball 30 meters out on the left flank, he surged forward, weaving past defenders before threading a perfect pass to Raúl.

Raúl's shot was once again saved by Čech, who earned applause from even the Bernabéu faithful for his heroic performance.

Moments later, a slick combination between Roberto Carlos and Zidane set up Ronaldo for a one-on-one with Čech. The Brazilian attempted to round the keeper, but Čech stood his ground and denied him.

The match had become a dazzling display of attacking football.

Real Madrid's stars dazzled with their technical skills and fluid combinations, while Atlético relied on their cohesion and indomitable fighting spirit to stay in the game.

The final minutes saw Atlético pushing forward with everything they had, while Real Madrid relied on counterattacks to threaten a decisive third goal.

As the referee's whistle loomed, the question hung in the cold Madrid air: Could Atlético find one last moment of magic to salvage a draw? Or would Real Madrid hold on to reaffirm their supremacy?

The battle raged on under the Bernabéu lights, with the entire football world watching.

In matches like this, time always seems to fly. Before anyone realized it, the game had entered stoppage time.

Neither side had managed to find the net again.

In the VIP section, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez sat beside King Juan Carlos, frequently glancing at the scoreboard.

It read 94 minutes.

He exhaled heavily, finally allowing himself to relax.

2–1. Victory was within reach.

"Atlético has really become a tough opponent," Pérez admitted. Even he had to acknowledge the formidable threat Atlético now posed.

Far more dangerous than Barcelona.

Once the eternal nemesis of Real Madrid, Barça had shockingly dropped into the relegation zone earlier this season.

And yet, it was Atlético, under Yang Hao's leadership, that had risen to become the club's biggest headache.

"Yang Hao is quite capable," Juan Carlos remarked with a grin, playfully teasing Pérez.

It had become a running joke in football circles. Years ago, Pérez had famously dismissed Yang Hao as a fraud, inadvertently pushing him into Atlético's arms. Now, under Yang Hao's guidance, Atlético had transformed into a serious rival. The story was often retold before every Madrid Derby, much to Pérez's annoyance.

"I'm used to it," Pérez said, brushing off the ribbing.

"Maybe so," he replied. "But if Yang Hao were managing Real Madrid, do you think we'd have this kind of squad?"

Juan Carlos laughed, nodding in agreement.

"Indeed. Yang Hao may suit Atlético, but he wouldn't be able to handle Real Madrid."

This, they both understood, was the essence of Real Madrid's ethos.

For Los Blancos, winning wasn't enough. It wasn't just about trophies—it was about beauty, artistry, and playing football that enchanted the world.

Yang Hao's teams, while often brilliant in attack and visually pleasing, still occasionally relied on defensive pragmatism. For Real Madrid's fan base, that would be unacceptable.

"A 2–1 win. Seven points clear. Surely, there's no suspense left this season?" Juan Carlos asked.

"We still have the Champions League and the Copa del Rey," Pérez responded confidently. "With a squad like ours, not winning all three would be a waste."

"Well said. This team certainly has the capability."

Pérez glanced at the scoreboard once more, frowning slightly.

"Still, Arturo Ibáñez is being a bit too impartial here. Five minutes of stoppage time? And now we're down to the final seconds, and he still hasn't blown the whistle."

Ibáñez was from Cantavieja, a small town straddling Valencia, Aragon, and Catalonia.

"He's always been rigid like that," Juan Carlos said with a chuckle.

The two men watched as Atlético launched yet another attack.

The entire team had pushed forward, leaving no one back to defend. This would be their final gamble.

No one could recall how many times they'd tried this tonight. Atlético had been relentless.

Ibáñez had his whistle at the ready, poised to blow at the first stoppage.

"Let them have these last few seconds," Juan Carlos said with a smile. He could already envision Real Madrid's triumph.

A win over Atlético would extend their lead to seven points, virtually guaranteeing the title.

Pérez smiled and nodded, feeling the same.

Xabi Alonso was exhausted.

Every breath was labored, but as the team surged forward, he forced himself to keep running.

There was no time left.

He couldn't stop thinking about the first goal they conceded.

Alonso knew he was partially to blame.

That goal had ignited Real Madrid's momentum. If he had stayed composed instead of retreating too far back, Zidane wouldn't have had the space to shoot.

But he had been too concerned about Ronaldo and Raúl.

Real Madrid's players were too individually gifted, especially their attackers. Alonso didn't trust a 2v2 situation.

Still, those were just excuses.

He had made a mistake.

No one blamed him, though. His teammates had gone out of their way to comfort him, and Yang Hao had even praised him at halftime.

But Alonso couldn't let it go.

Facing a team like Real Madrid was always difficult, especially for someone like him, tasked with holding the midfield together.

He was constantly battling Zidane, Figo, and even Vieira's surging runs. It was exhausting, mentally and physically.

Yet Alonso knew his teammates were just as fatigued.

Playing against Real Madrid wasn't supposed to be easy.

Want an easy game? Surrender. Give up.

But no one on Atlético would surrender.

And neither would Alonso.

Growing up supporting Real Sociedad, Alonso had learned to never back down.

It was that same spirit that kept Real Sociedad fighting through adversity to maintain third place in La Liga this season.

Atlético were in second place.

Yang Hao had said it before the match: "If we can take down Real Madrid tonight, we can turn this season around!"

That belief drove everyone forward.

Lucio was advancing with the ball.

The Brazilian defender had exceptional speed and technical ability, which allowed him to contribute to the attack.

Xabi Alonso pushed up further, ready to support.

Baraja moved to offer a passing option, drawing Real Madrid's defense toward the right flank.

Alonso scanned the field.

Real Madrid's defense had already shifted to cover the right side. It looked like a trap—a pocket waiting to swallow them.

He glanced at the referee, who had the whistle in his mouth, ready to blow the final whistle as soon as play stopped.

"Over there!" Alonso shouted, pointing to the left wing.

At this point, he didn't care if Real Madrid's players overheard him.

Lucio trusted Alonso's instincts. Yang Hao often called Alonso the team's "on-field commander."

Without hesitation, the Brazilian launched a long pass to the left flank.

Xabi Alonso turned and sprinted forward.

He barely had any strength left, but this would be the last attack of the match.

With no reservations, he summoned every ounce of his remaining energy, pushing himself to join the attack.

This was his chance to atone for the earlier mistake that had cost his team.

No one had blamed him—but he blamed himself.

José Antonio Reyes had already been substituted, utterly drained. On the left flank now stood Didier Drogba, who had come off the bench.

The Ivorian positioned himself near the 30-yard mark on the left side of Real Madrid's half. He anticipated the ball's trajectory, using his body to shield it from Salgado.

Who to pass to?

Drogba scanned the field and saw that Fernando Torres was still in the center. But Torres, too, was visibly exhausted.

"Here!" Kaka called out, pointing to an open space as he sprinted forward.

Drogba's eyes lit up.

Deco had been subbed off earlier due to cramps, leaving Kaka as the key attacking midfielder. Quick-thinking and with energy to spare, the Brazilian was ready to seize the moment.

Using his powerful frame, Drogba held off Salgado. The defender, worn out himself, couldn't mount a meaningful challenge. Drogba simply nudged the ball with his head, redirecting it to the left channel.

Kaka charged in, intercepting the ball ahead of Vieira. With a deft touch from his right foot, he took the ball forward and burst into open space.

His Brazilian flair shone through at that critical moment. Though he'd knocked the ball ahead, he quickly caught up and cut across with his left foot.

Vieira lunged but missed.

Simultaneously, Fernando Torres, positioned near the penalty arc, suddenly halted his forward run and cut laterally.

His movement disrupted the defensive structure, threading himself between the lines of Cannavaro and Hierro on one side and Makélélé on the other.

All eyes were on Torres.

The coordination between Torres, Kaka, and David Villa was something ingrained since their time dominating the Segunda División. Their seamless understanding left Real Madrid's defenders scrambling.

Hierro and Makélélé instinctively shadowed Torres, assuming he'd receive the pass.

Instead, Kaka delivered a crisp horizontal pass to the middle.

The ball bypassed Torres entirely, streaking toward the penalty arc.

Makélélé realized the danger too late. He halted abruptly and spun toward the arc.

That's when he saw it: a red-and-white blur charging in from deep.

The figure seemed to have a complete understanding of the field's dynamics, knowing exactly where each defender and the ball would be.

Xabi Alonso.

He calmly received the pass at the arc, cushioning the ball into his path.

His touch was perfect—controlled and precise.

If time could freeze at that moment, the scene would show Makélélé, Cannavaro, and Roberto Carlos all sprinting toward Alonso.

At the same time, Iker Casillas, momentarily distracted by Torres' movement, was repositioning himself back to the center of the goal.

Before any of them could reach him, Alonso pounced on the ball, steadying himself with outstretched arms to maintain balance.

Planting his left foot firmly, he unleashed a powerful strike with his right.

The ball rocketed forward like a bolt of lightning, streaking toward the top-left corner of the net.

The Bernabéu erupted in a collective gasp.

Casillas, who had initially shifted to the right, adjusted back toward the left, but it was too late. Alonso's shot was too fast, too accurate.

All he could do was watch, frozen, as the ball smashed into the net.

GOAL!

For a moment, the Bernabéu fell deathly silent.

Every single Real Madrid supporter was left stunned, staring at the scene in disbelief.

Then the silence shattered into chaos.

"IT'S IN?!?!"

"Oh my God, it's in!!"

"Atlético scored!!!"

"2–2!!!"

"Xabi Alonso! In the dying seconds, he's scored a stunning equalizer for Atlético!!!"

"Alonso redeems himself at the death!"

The commentators were losing their minds.

Alonso, after a moment of stunned disbelief, turned and broke into a sprint. He didn't even know where the energy came from—he just ran.

He felt a wetness in his eyes. Was it sweat? Or tears?

It didn't matter.

He kept running, shouting at the top of his lungs, venting every ounce of emotion.

Then he felt someone leap onto his back, screaming just as loudly.

It wasn't a player.

It was Yang Hao, his coach.

Laughing and crying, Alonso reached back and carried Yang Hao on his shoulders, running along the sidelines as they both bellowed in celebration.

They were soon swarmed by the entire Atlético squad, burying them in a jubilant huddle.

"2–2!"

"It's a draw!"

"What an incredible Madrid Derby!"

"Atlético have shown unbelievable resilience, refusing to give up even in the final seconds, pressing on with relentless determination."

"Xabi Alonso's stunning strike has saved the match for Atlético!"

"He's erased the memory of his earlier mistake with a moment of pure brilliance."

"This match has had everything fans dream of—drama, intensity, and a fairytale finish."

"This is one of the best La Liga games in years!"

"This Madrid Derby has lived up to its legendary reputation!"

As the celebrations settled down, Alonso finally let Yang Hao down.

The coach grinned and gave him a big hug, high-fiving and embracing the other players.

But Alonso, now composed, glanced curiously at Yang Hao.

"Boss, didn't you say you made a resolution to stay in the technical area and not celebrate on the pitch?"

The surrounding players erupted into laughter, all turning their attention to Yang Hao.

Still giddy from the goal, Yang Hao waved it off.

"It's fine, it's fine! We get five warnings in La Liga!"

The entire team burst out laughing again.

As they made their way back toward the bench, they noticed referee Arturo Ibáñez standing grim-faced, whistle in hand, signaling for Yang Hao to approach.

On the night of January 19th, at Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, La Liga's 18th round featured Atlético Madrid visiting Real Madrid.

In the stands, Real Madrid fans were restless. This stoppage time is way too long! Arturo Ibáñez's officiating tonight has been nothing short of abysmal. He added a whopping five minutes of stoppage time. Doesn't he know this is the Bernabéu?

Yang Hao stood at the edge of the visitors' technical area, unable to conceal his anxiety. He repeatedly gestured for his team to press forward, to keep attacking. His emotions matched the cold snap sweeping through Madrid—a biting chill. But as he looked at his players fighting with everything they had, especially defenders like Lucio and Carvalho pushing forward to join the attack, he felt a warm surge of pride.

"Push up! Keep attacking, we're out of time!" Yang Hao heard captain Baraja's shout. Everyone was playing as if their lives depended on it.

By now, they couldn't care less about defending their goal. It wasn't that they didn't want to defend; there simply wasn't time. Besides, Peter Čech, who had been the best player tonight, was standing tall in Atlético's goal.

On the Bernabéu scoreboard, the score read: 2-1.

Cold winds swept across the stadium, and the temperature plummeted. Yet the Bernabéu was packed to capacity. With Atlético Madrid's rapid rise, this Madrid derby had become a game packed with intrigue. Title contention, a rematch of last season's Champions League final, local rivalry, a clash of stars, and a battle of tactical ideologies—all the elements that attract football fans were present in this match.

Before the game, the media had hyped it relentlessly. Coupled with La Liga's aggressive promotion, this high-profile clash had drawn global attention.

The VIP seats in the Bernabéu's presidential box were filled with luminaries. Club legends, political and business elites, and celebrities from Spain, Europe, and even around the world were not all necessarily Real Madrid supporters. But they had all come for this match.

It was the hottest ticket in town, akin to a social event in 2023. With so many classic elements, this game was a magnet for excitement. The fervor inside the stadium even seemed to make the temperature rise a few degrees, thanks to the fans' enthusiasm and the intensity of the clash on the pitch.

At kickoff, Real Madrid's galaxy of stars sounded the horn of attack. Apart from Makelele and Vieira holding the midfield, all their forwards and fullbacks surged forward.

The first shot came from Zidane. The second from Vieira. The third…

Real Madrid fans celebrated like it was a festival, ecstatically cheering as their team pressed Atlético hard.

But Atlético Madrid was no pushover.

In the 10th minute, a lightning-quick counterattack saw Xabi Alonso send a precise diagonal long ball over the top. Reyes, darting at full speed, slipped behind Salgado. Facing Cannavaro's desperate clearance attempt, Reyes fearlessly dove for the ball with his head, connecting with the long pass and breaking into Real Madrid's penalty area. Near the byline, he delivered a low cross.

Fernando Torres charged in and calmly tapped the ball into the net!

It was Atlético's first foray into the attack, their first shot, and their first goal.

Real Madrid retaliated fiercely, launching wave after wave of attacks. Just three minutes later, another Atlético counterattack unfolded, this time from Deco's through ball. Torres surged past Hierro, and just as he looked certain to score, Cannavaro brought him down with a clumsy challenge.

Surprisingly, the referee showed only a yellow card instead of red, igniting fury among Atlético players. Tensions escalated dramatically.

While Atlético's players were not as individually talented as Real Madrid's stars, their cohesive team play controlled the midfield. Their aggressive pressing caused Real Madrid no end of trouble.

Against the attacking duo of Ronaldo and Raúl, Yang Hao opted for a more compact defensive strategy, denying Real Madrid space to operate.

But Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of an equalizer finally bore fruit in the 33rd minute. Carvalho, attempting to clear Raúl's ball, failed to clear it far enough under pressure. Figo intercepted and passed to Zidane.

The French maestro, positioned at the top of the box, struck a sublime curling shot into the top corner.

It was a masterpiece!

Xabi Alonso had been slightly out of position, giving Zidane the space he needed to execute the shot.

Just before halftime, Real Madrid struck again. Roberto Carlos, charging down the left flank, muscled past Maicon, somehow keeping the ball in play near the byline. His cutback found Ronaldo, whose close-range shot was brilliantly saved by Čech.

But the rebound fell kindly to Raúl, who volleyed home from close range.

2-1.

At halftime, Yang Hao lauded his team's performance, telling them they had done exceptionally well to stand toe-to-toe with Real Madrid's galaxy of stars.

"But I believe we can do even better. We can beat them here at the Bernabéu! Just like we've done before!"

The second half saw Atlético come out firing. In the 47th and 49th minutes, they created two golden opportunities, both denied by an inspired Casillas.

Real Madrid's counterattacks remained deadly, particularly Ronaldo's electrifying runs. But Čech matched him save for save, keeping Atlético in the game.

As the clock ticked toward full-time, Atlético threw everything forward. Yang Hao yelled incessantly from the sideline, urging his players to press higher, to fight for the last chance.

In the 95th minute, Xabi Alonso, pushing forward with every ounce of strength he had left, found himself in space at the top of the box. Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Kaká, he controlled the ball with precision, glanced up, and unleashed a thunderous strike.

The ball flew like a missile, smashing into the top corner.

2-2.

The Bernabéu fell silent, its 70,000 fans stunned into disbelief.

Xabi Alonso sprinted to the sideline, roaring in celebration. His teammates and even Yang Hao leaped onto him in a jubilant pile.

It was the equalizer that felt like a victory.

The referee blew the final whistle moments later.

Real Madrid fans were visibly dejected, while Atlético's players celebrated ecstatically.

For Atlético, this was more than just a draw—it was a statement.

When Atlético Madrid drew 2-2 with Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, La Liga's 18th round came to a close.

Another key match this round was Barcelona hosting Valencia at the Camp Nou. If the Madrid Derby sparked widespread discussion and praise throughout Spain and Europe, the clash in Barcelona instead caused shock, but for all the wrong reasons: disappointment, mockery, and criticism.

Barcelona suffered a humiliating 4-2 defeat at home to Valencia.

At first glance, it might not seem so bad. But consider this: in the 42nd minute, Valencia's goalkeeper Cañizares was sent off with a red card.

For nearly an hour, Barcelona played with a one-man advantage.

Before Cañizares' dismissal, Valencia was leading 2-1. By the end of the match, it was 4-2, with Barcelona trailing by two goals.

To make matters worse, Kluivert's goal came in the dying moments of the game.

How could Barcelona fans accept this?

It was unimaginable that Barça could perform so poorly at home.

When Antic took over as manager, there was a glimmer of hope that things would improve. But against Valencia, the team reverted to its dismal form.

After Round 17, Barcelona had climbed to ninth place in the standings. But this loss to Valencia dropped them back to 13th.

This led to another barrage of criticism directed at Barcelona's leadership, particularly President Joan Gaspart, from Catalan media and fans.

Opposition groups, led by the Blue Elephant fan association and Laporta, began organizing a campaign to pressure Gaspart into resigning and calling for new presidential elections this summer.

Three days later, the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals took place.

Atlético Madrid traveled to face Recreativo de Huelva in what became a La Liga domestic battle.

After the grueling Madrid Derby, Atlético made significant rotations in their lineup. Ultimately, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Recreativo, failing to secure an advantage.

Back in La Liga for Round 19, both Atlético and Real Madrid showed signs of wear and tear from their recent battles.

Atlético hosted Real Sociedad and managed only a 1-1 draw. Real Madrid, visiting Athletic Bilbao, also drew 1-1.

The four-point gap between the two teams remained unchanged.

Meanwhile, Barcelona suffered another blow, losing 2-0 away to Celta Vigo. Their league ranking dropped further to 16th, just one point above 18th-place Racing Santander.

It was clear to everyone that Barcelona was teetering on the edge of relegation, struggling to stay afloat.

Real Madrid's draw allowed them to secure the unofficial "winter champion" title as La Liga reached its halfway point.

Real Madrid's galaxy of stars expressed satisfaction with their position in interviews, vowing to maintain their momentum in the second half of the season and aim for a historic treble.

AS magazine echoed this sentiment, hyping up the possibility of Real Madrid achieving what no team in La Liga history had done before: winning the treble.

"If any team can do it, it's this star-studded Real Madrid!"

Midweek saw the return leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

Atlético Madrid hosted Recreativo de Huelva and edged out a 1-0 victory thanks to Diego Forlán's goal, advancing to the semifinals with a 1-0 aggregate score.

Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruña, and Mallorca also progressed to the semifinals.

The semifinal draw paired Atlético with Mallorca, while Real Madrid faced Deportivo in what promised to be another fierce battle.

February 1st, Estadio Vicente Calderón

In La Liga's 20th round, Atlético hosted Barcelona.

Yang Hao once again faced his predecessor, Radomir Antic, who had boldly declared pre-match that he would defeat Atlético at the Calderón.

Antic's primary mission was to revitalize Barcelona's underperforming stars, including Riquelme and Mendieta.

But just six minutes into the match, Baraja's long-range effort forced a spill from goalkeeper Bonano, and Torres pounced to score the opener for Atlético.

1-0!

Atlético continued to dominate, creating chance after chance.

In midfield, their high-pressing strategy targeted Riquelme, nullifying him as a playmaker. Deco's close marking of Xavi further neutralized Barcelona's midfield, leaving their game plan in tatters.

Barcelona didn't manage their first shot on target until the 27th minute, when Riquelme set up Mendieta for a speculative effort from distance.

It was clear how dire Barça's situation was.

Meanwhile, Atlético's wingers were wreaking havoc.

On the left, Reyes cut through defenders Puyol and Christanval like they weren't there, though his shot went wide. On the right, Joaquín relentlessly tore through Reiziger, turning him inside out.

One team surged with confidence; the other floundered.

In the 39th minute, a combination on the right between Joaquín and Maicon saw Torres chest the ball down, bulldoze past Frank de Boer, and fire home his second goal of the match.

2-0!

In the second half, Atlético's assault intensified while Barcelona crumbled under pressure.

In the 55th minute, Rochenback fouled Reyes and was shown a yellow card. Instead of cooling off, he argued incessantly with the referee and was shown a second yellow, reducing Barça to ten men.

At this point, the result was a foregone conclusion.

In the 67th minute, Evra overlapped down the left flank, whipped in a cross, and Torres rose above De Boer to head home for his hat-trick.

3-0!

The Calderón erupted as the home fans celebrated wildly.

Atlético didn't let up.

Three minutes later, from a corner, Lucio headed in another goal.

4-0!

In the 81st minute, Deco's perfectly weighted through ball released Reyes, who beat the offside trap and coolly slotted home a fifth.

5-0!

Finally, in the 88th minute, Barcelona's defense, now utterly demoralized, made a calamitous error. Substitute Drogba intercepted a poor pass, played a give-and-go with Joaquín, and smashed in the sixth goal.

6-0!

The Ivorian roared in triumph in Barcelona's penalty area, basking in his revenge.

On the sideline, Yang Hao couldn't have been happier.

Another Calderón massacre!

And it wasn't just about the scoreline. Given Barcelona's broken morale and Atlético's red-hot form, even more goals wouldn't have been surprising.

Yang Hao relished the sight of Drogba's emphatic goal against Barcelona.

One word: satisfying.

When referee Omar blew the final whistle, Yang Hao raised both fists high in triumph. The Vicente Calderón Stadium erupted with thunderous cheers. On the pitch, Atlético's players celebrated wildly.

6-0. This was undoubtedly Atlético's biggest victory over Barcelona in history.

Had Barça not been mired in their historic decline, Atlético likely wouldn't have had such an opportunity to humiliate them with such a scoreline.

For Yang Hao, this was sheer ecstasy. If he could somehow return to 2023, he'd revel in bragging about this massacre on fan forums like Hupu, simply for the satisfaction of having crushed Barcelona multiple times.

Yang Hao immediately walked over to the visitors' technical area, extending his hand to Antic. From afar, he could see the bitter expression on Antic's face.

Truth be told, since Yang Hao's arrival, he hadn't had a good impression of Antic. It wasn't surprising—Antic was his predecessor, a proud and stubborn man who often made veiled criticisms of Yang Hao in the media. Who wouldn't find that irritating?

Yet, for some reason, seeing him tonight stirred a different feeling in Yang Hao.

Yang Hao suddenly recalled that in his past life, Antic had passed away due to pancreatic cancer. He couldn't quite remember the exact year. What stuck with him was that Antic had been out of European football's top tier for a long time before his death.

His brief stint as Barcelona's interim coach wasn't due to any remarkable ability, but rather because Barça had no better options at the time. After coaching Barcelona for half a season, he was unceremoniously shown the door.

Later, he had a brief spell rescuing Celta Vigo from relegation. But by 2004, Antic had essentially been phased out of Europe's elite football scene, largely due to his outdated tactics and management style.

Shaking hands with Antic now, Yang Hao felt as though he was looking at a reflection of his own past life.

As a football novelist, Yang Hao had written for years, witnessing readers come and go. He had also felt the creeping sensation of being left behind.

But what could he do? This was the inevitable result of change.

Who could stay at the forefront of the times forever?

In the last years before his time travel, Yang Hao had felt much like Antic probably did now: discouraged and isolated.

But he had decided to make one last push, pouring all his energy into writing a new book, hoping to reignite his passion for creation and find a path that suited both himself and the market.

Then, fate took a twist, and he found himself here.

From a certain perspective, Yang Hao could empathize with Antic. That feeling of watching yourself be gradually phased out, abandoned by everyone around you—it was truly painful and despairing.

In that moment, Yang Hao found that he didn't dislike Antic as much as before. Call it shared struggles or respect for the departed; either way, it didn't matter anymore.

Besides, with his current success and stature, stooping to clash with Antic would be beneath him.

"Keep your head up. Everyone knows you've done your best," Yang Hao said as he shook Antic's hand, offering words of comfort.

Antic was stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing or seeing. Had he misheard?

Their relationship had always been frosty. Why was Yang Hao suddenly being so... kind?

But when Antic saw the genuine smile on Yang Hao's face, he felt a warmth spread through his chest.

"Thank you," Antic replied.

After a pause, he added, "Honestly, I've always wanted to say this—you're the perfect coach for this Atlético team. Your achievements have earned everyone's respect."

This time, it was Yang Hao's turn to be surprised.

He hadn't expected such high praise from Antic.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries before parting ways. Yang Hao knew that after tonight, Antic's situation would only grow more difficult.

Atlético's 6-0 thrashing of Barcelona was a ruthless blow to their already fragile state, pushing them once again to the brink of relegation.

After 20 rounds, Barcelona had plummeted to 17th in La Liga, tied on points with Espanyol but trailing on goal difference to their city rivals.

18th-placed Racing Santander had 20 points—just one less than Barcelona.

In other words, Barça was one misstep away from falling back into the relegation zone.

Catalan media and fans were livid.

How could this be happening? They'd already changed managers, yet there was no improvement.

Could it be true? Could Barcelona really be relegated this season?

The harsh reality was that they might.

After the match against Barcelona, Atlético drew 1-1 with Mallorca in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Luis Aragonés's team threw everything they had into the match, trying to neutralize Atlético at the Calderón.

But in La Liga's 21st round that weekend, Atlético defeated Sevilla 2-0 on the road, maintaining their pressure on Real Madrid.

The Galácticos, meanwhile, crushed Real Betis 4-1 at home, keeping the La Liga title race as intense as ever.

Barcelona could only manage a 2-2 draw at home against Athletic Bilbao, while Espanyol drew 0-0 away to Real Sociedad. But Racing Santander pulled off a 2-0 home win over Alavés.

With that result, Racing escaped the relegation zone.

Barcelona, however, was pushed back in, dropping to 18th in La Liga.

Even at this point, no one truly believed Barcelona would be relegated. After all, their squad still had its stars and undeniable talent. How could such a team be relegated?

Surely, the root cause lay in internal conflicts that had irreparably disrupted the team's cohesion.

Joan Laporta, chairman of the Blue Elephant fan association, publicly denounced President Joan Gaspart, going so far as to claim, "If Gaspart doesn't step down, Barcelona is guaranteed to be relegated this season."

Club legend Johan Cruyff also spoke out, stating that the problem couldn't be solved by merely hiring a new coach or signing players. The real issue lay with the club's management.

Unless the management problem was addressed, Cruyff warned, Barcelona would never rise again.

All attention turned to Gaspart. Even the two media outlets traditionally aligned with him found it difficult to defend him this time, as fan outrage reached a boiling point.

No one could accept a club like Barcelona languishing in the relegation zone—especially for the second time this season.

Despite Antic taking responsibility for the humiliation at the Calderón, everyone knew the problem wasn't solely his. Whether or not Antic was competent, the rot had set in long before his arrival.

During the draw against Athletic Bilbao, chants of "Gaspart Out!" echoed throughout the Camp Nou. After the match, many fans refused to leave, staging a sit-in protest.

The following day, another large crowd gathered outside the stadium to voice their anger.

Someone needed to be held accountable for the club's current plight.

One protester summed it up with biting sarcasm:

"Be brave, Joan—you're about to turn Barça into the first Champions League winner to play in the Segunda!"

When an increasing number of Barcelona fans gathered at Camp Nou, Gaspart could no longer withstand the pressure.

That same afternoon, at the Camp Nou stadium, he tearfully apologized to Barça fans and announced his resignation as the club's president.

Following his departure, Vice President Enrique Martínez would temporarily assume the role of interim president until the summer elections, when the reins of power would officially be handed over to a newly elected leader.

This decision sent shockwaves through Spanish football.

"Gaspart is now truly isolated," someone remarked during a meeting at the Calderón. That afternoon, Atlético players were given a rare day off after the intense schedule. However, Yang Hao remained busy, attending a high-level strategy meeting at the stadium.

During this meeting, he heard about the intense behind-the-scenes maneuvers, infighting, and power plays that led to Gaspart's ousting.

Miguel Gil shared a surprisingly favorable opinion of Gaspart. He felt that Gaspart's abilities were not inherently lacking but that Barcelona's deeply entrenched factionalism had made it impossible for him to act effectively. "And to top it off," Miguel said, "he had the misfortune of presiding over an incredibly tough period."

Indeed, European football—and perhaps global football—was going through a rough patch.

Some might disagree, but it was the reality.

Before the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the media conglomerate Kirch Group declared bankruptcy, nearly derailing the World Cup's broadcast rights. Kirch Group also held the broadcasting rights to many domestic leagues, and its collapse dealt a heavy blow to European football.

Take the Bundesliga, for example—the league's decline can be traced back to this very moment.

Meanwhile, the bursting of the dot-com bubble in the U.S. triggered a global economic downturn. Even Real Madrid went two years without securing a sponsor for their shirt's front—a stark indicator of how other clubs were faring financially.

Amid this bleak backdrop, Atlético stood out as a beacon of success in La Liga.

But what about Barcelona?

Many have wondered: Why did Barça let Rivaldo go to AC Milan on a free transfer?

This was a player who had just helped Brazil win the World Cup alongside the legendary 3Rs (Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho). How could such a player leave for nothing?

The reason was simple: Rivaldo refused to accept Gaspart's request for a pay cut.

Gaspart had inherited a club burdened with skyrocketing player wages, dwindling revenues due to economic malaise, and the financial blow of two consecutive seasons without Champions League participation. Barça was now deeply in debt.

Gaspart resorted to a traditional cost-cutting measure—salary reductions.

Years later, even Joan Laporta, during his second presidency, would draw inspiration from these austerity measures to address Barça's financial woes.

But at the time, Laporta was using this crisis as ammunition to bring down Gaspart.

Rivaldo's departure on a free transfer was emblematic of the situation. Earning €13 million annually, Rivaldo outright rejected the proposed salary cut.

Meanwhile, most of the remaining players, including Kluivert, grudgingly accepted a 50% pay reduction. But this created a toxic atmosphere within the squad.

This explained Barça's abysmal performance that season.

When everyone—from players to staff to coaches—is forced to work under such strained circumstances, how could results possibly improve?

Some might still ask: Even without Champions League money, how did Barça's finances get this bad?

Was Gaspart simply incompetent?

To put it bluntly, Gaspart was both a victim of the circumstances and his own overreaching ambition.

When Real Madrid sold their old training ground, the influx of cash allowed Florentino Pérez to launch his Galáctico project, starting with the signing of Figo. Tensions between the two clubs reached a boiling point, and Gaspart declared open war on Real Madrid.

Florentino bought superstars; Gaspart followed suit. Florentino built a new training ground; Gaspart decided Barça needed one too.

In 1987, former Barça president Núñez purchased land five kilometers west of Camp Nou with plans to build a new training facility. However, financial constraints prevented the project from moving forward.

Gaspart, eager to prove his worth and escape Núñez's shadow, pushed forward with the project in 2002.

While revenues plummeted due to economic recession and Champions League absences, player wages soared, and the training ground became a money pit.

Soon, Gaspart found himself mimicking other clubs by cutting wages—a decision that backfired spectacularly.

Thus, Gaspart earned the dubious distinction of being remembered as Barça's most successful vice president but its worst-ever president.

"Honestly, there's no need to feel sorry for Gaspart," Enrique Cerezo chimed in. "Even if he steps down as Barça president, the football federation will have a spot waiting for him. He won't suffer."

These were seasoned businessmen—none of them were easily swayed by public displays of "tragedy."

"I've heard Barça's cash flow is on the verge of drying up," noted Fernando Vázquez, shifting the focus to Barça's dire financial state.

"Not surprising," replied Carlos Leo. "Look at their current brand image. Do you know how much they charge for a friendly?"

"How much?" Yang Hao asked, intrigued by the gossip.

"The official price is €200,000."

"What?" Yang Hao was stunned.

Barcelona—only €200,000?

"That's less than Valencia, Deportivo, or even maybe Celta Vigo."

Yang Hao wasn't certain of these clubs' exact fees but assumed the figures were in the same ballpark.

"It gets worse. That's the listed price, but they'll negotiate down."

"Lower than €200,000?"

"Last summer, they accepted €120,000 for one match."

Yang Hao was floored.

€120,000 for a Barça friendly? That's roughly 1.2 million yuan—less than the appearance fee for many domestic celebrities.

"They've completely tarnished the club's image," Carlos Leo remarked, shaking his head.

"Do you think Barça can ever recover?" Fernando Vázquez asked.

Andrew Barrasco, head of PR, responded, "No doubt."

Yang Hao nodded in agreement. "Barça's creditworthiness still makes it easy for them to secure loans."

In his previous life, Barcelona's revival began with Laporta's presidency. He relied on loans to aggressively pursue players in the transfer market, building a competitive team that ultimately became the Dream Team II.

However, their debts continued to grow.

"And yet, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Barça's overall revenue is still decent; they'll surely surpass €100 million this year without much trouble," said Carlos Leo with a smile.

The gaps were clear, though. Real Madrid and Manchester United had already surpassed €250 million annually, while Barcelona's revenue barely exceeded €100 million—less than Atlético Madrid's, which had benefited greatly from Yang Hao leading the team to Champions League glory.

"The key lies in whether Barça's new management can regain control. If they can't, then it's over for them," added Andrew Barrasco.

Yang Hao recalled reading about this in reports during his previous life.

Fans tend to focus on on-field results or marquee signings, but these are merely symptoms of what happens behind the scenes.

For instance, take Barcelona as an example. Gaspart's departure marked the beginning of a turbulent era under Laporta's presidency. The club saw peaks with the Dream Team II, lows after its decline, and another peak with the Dream Team III.

Most people overlooked the critical role of management in these shifts.

In Yang Hao's previous life, Laporta barely had the personal clout to win the 2003 presidential election. This was why he hadn't dared to challenge Gaspart directly before—despite already having the support of Johan Cruyff, Barça's spiritual leader.

While Cruyff was brilliant in football matters, his expertise didn't extend to club operations. Negotiating transfers? Forget it.

Thus, over the years, Laporta quietly assembled a team of experts in preparation for his eventual rise to power.

When Laporta became president in 2003, he surrounded himself with three key vice presidents: Ferrán Soriano, Sandro Rosell, and Marc Ingla.

Soriano managed finances and ensured Barça could spend freely in the transfer market while maintaining salary controls. His success later made him a prime candidate to lead Manchester City.

Rosell, a former Nike executive with vast connections in football, excelled in transfer negotiations.

Ingla, in charge of marketing, was instrumental in rebuilding Barcelona's brand and driving a revenue explosion in subsequent years.

On the sporting side, Cruyff's influence played a critical role. His protégé, Txiki Begiristain, served as technical director, overseeing player acquisitions.

After taking charge, this "four swordsmen" team revamped the squad by signing key players such as Ronaldinho and Rafael Márquez, ushering in a new era for Barça.

The coaching duo of Rijkaard and Ten Cate was installed, but midway through the 2003/04 season, Rijkaard faced dismissal after poor results.

At this juncture, the four swordsmen were divided: Rosell wanted to bring in Luiz Felipe Scolari, leveraging his strong ties in Brazil. However, Laporta and Cruyff pushed to retain Rijkaard.

As fans know, Rijkaard stayed. With the addition of Edgar Davids in January 2004, Barça's fortunes soared, paving the way for the Dream Team II.

At the time, the management's conflicts were still manageable. Coupled with the decline of Real Madrid's Galácticos and the lack of strong competition in La Liga, Barça's success continued to grow.

But by 2006, the dynamics changed.

As results improved and revenues surged, Laporta received widespread acclaim and sought to consolidate power. Having initially delegated authority to win the presidency, he now wanted it back.

Everyone knew that member-owned clubs like Barcelona operated as presidential autocracies.

But Laporta wasn't a natural leader. His attempt to centralize power created irreparable rifts.

The discord at the board level spilled into the dressing room.

For example, Ronaldinho's brother famously criticized Barça's management for failing to protect the Brazilian star, hindering his focus on football.

Ronaldinho's lifestyle was well-known—he loved nightclubs and parties. Wherever he traveled for friendlies, he'd hit the local nightlife.

In the past, Barça shielded him, suppressing negative media coverage. Fans remained unaware, so minor dips in form were rarely scrutinized.

But once management stopped protecting him, every misstep became a scandal.

Fans blamed poor performances on Ronaldinho's partying, turning him into a scapegoat—especially after defeats. As the team's highest-paid player, he bore the brunt of criticism.

This lack of protection wasn't coincidental—Ronaldinho had been brought in by Rosell, a direct rival to Laporta in the power struggle.

These internal divisions meant stories that should have been contained within the club leaked to the press, creating public scandals that destabilized the dressing room.

One infamous example from Yang Hao's past was when someone foolishly leaked Lionel Messi's contract details, turning them into a media circus.

These issues stemmed from poor management.

A successful team requires a stable and competent management structure. Without it, sustained success is impossible.

This was why Yang Hao pushed for sweeping reforms when he took over Atlético.

Had Atlético failed to reform its governance, today's success would have been unthinkable.

Imagine constant internal sabotage, leaked transfer plans, and destabilizing rumors. Yang Hao would have been too distracted to focus on coaching and preparing for opponents.

Reflecting on Barcelona's disarray, Yang Hao concluded the discussion with a firm warning:

"We must take this as a cautionary tale. Never let ourselves repeat Barça's mistakes—or the catastrophe we faced in 1999."

Everyone present nodded solemnly.

Both Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil had lived through Atlético's nightmare seasons in 1999 and 2000. They fully understood the weight of Yang Hao's words, recognizing them as both a caution and a reminder.

Yang Hao's trip to the Calderón wasn't just to discuss Barcelona's drama. He wasn't that idle.

If he had time to waste, wouldn't it be better to stay home and nap with his girlfriend?

The real purpose of this visit was a proposal from the marketing department: holding Atlético's summer training camp in the United States.

This was Carlos Leo's home turf, and the marketing director strongly believed that the massive North American sports market was ripe for Atlético to tap into. He suggested replicating the success of last summer's Asian tour to create a similar buzz across the Atlantic.

"This would significantly enhance our influence in North America, increase our commercial value, and boost revenue," Leo emphasized.

Knowing Yang Hao's personality, Leo came prepared. He presented a detailed plan covering the summer training schedule and travel itinerary, balancing the club's commercial interests with the team's preseason preparation needs.

Yang Hao read through the material and appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the proposal. The North American market was indeed too lucrative to ignore.

"Alright," Yang Hao nodded, "I'll review this and get back to you. Let's create a group chat later to coordinate. If everything checks out, we'll finalize it soon so you can start planning."

Everyone left the meeting satisfied.

This approach—quick interdepartmental collaboration via group chats—had become the norm at Atlético, significantly improving communication efficiency.

A preseason tour in the U.S. would undoubtedly be a pivotal move for the club.

As the formal discussions wrapped up, Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo exchanged a knowing smile. It was time for the final agenda item: contract renewal.

Atlético proposed offering Yang Hao a long-term extension with an annual salary increase to €7 million—making him one of the highest-paid managers in all of European football.

Currently, the highest-paid manager was Sven-Göran Eriksson, England's national team coach, earning €6 million annually.

Both Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo emphasized that Yang Hao's contributions to Atlético transcended financial value. However, after consulting with the club's department heads, they all agreed that a salary adjustment was the appropriate way to express their gratitude and recognition.

Since Yang Hao didn't have an agent and was also a shareholder in the club—often delegating contract matters to Carlos Leo—they decided to bring it up directly.

"With contract renewals, isn't it traditional for me to flirt with other clubs in interviews, put some pressure on you, and then have you reluctantly agree to a raise?" Yang Hao joked with a hearty laugh.

The room erupted in laughter.

"Why bother wasting time with those antics? Let's cut to the chase," Miguel Gil replied, clearly thrilled with Yang Hao's response.

Nobody understood better than Miguel Gil just how pivotal Yang Hao was to Atlético.

In fact, one could argue that Yang Hao was the most important figure in the entire organization, whether in terms of club operations or on-field success.

Without Yang Hao, Miguel Gil couldn't even imagine the state Atlético would be in today—probably still stuck in mediocrity.

After some lighthearted banter, Yang Hao shifted the conversation to the team's progress this season.

In La Liga, Atlético was currently four points behind Real Madrid.

"But I'm confident Real Madrid will slip up—especially during the crucial stretch where they have to juggle La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. With their current setup, it's impossible for them to avoid problems," Yang Hao predicted.

His confidence stemmed from two key issues he had previously highlighted: the tension between Real Madrid's superstars and their substitutes, and the tactical disconnect between their attack and defense.

The former was a long-term strategic issue, while the latter varied depending on the specifics of each match.

Yang Hao was certain Real Madrid's internal fractures would be exposed as the season's grueling schedule wore on—when fatigue, fluctuating form, and injuries took their toll. That would be Atlético's chance.

"Del Bosque is a good coach. He might seem passive, like he's just appeasing egos and befriending superstars, but he's actually a glue that holds the team together, patching up cracks as they appear," Yang Hao remarked.

In his previous life, a fan once said that Real Madrid's fractures wouldn't fully implode until Del Bosque was sacked.

While that was true, Yang Hao believed that if Atlético applied enough pressure and stayed close in the standings, even minor issues could tip the scales in their favor.

What Yang Hao didn't expect was that before Real Madrid's problems surfaced, Manchester United, Atlético's next opponent in the Champions League, had already imploded.

The weekend after Atlético's 3–0 win over Real Mallorca, Real Madrid edged past Osasuna 1–0, while Barcelona defeated Espanyol 2–0 in a critical relegation battle, temporarily climbing to 17th place.

As for Manchester United, they faced Arsenal in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

Knowing the stakes, Sir Alex Ferguson took the match very seriously. With the FA Cup being a single-elimination format, United's home advantage, and an upcoming Champions League clash with Atlético, Ferguson was determined to secure a win.

However, Manchester United played disastrously, losing 2–0 to Arsenal and crashing out of the FA Cup.

An infuriated Ferguson unleashed his infamous "hairdryer treatment" in the locker room, with David Beckham bearing the brunt of his wrath.

The two had long-standing tensions due to Beckham's off-field activities and his wife Victoria's influence, but their relationship had remained manageable—until now.

This time, Ferguson singled out Beckham as the scapegoat, berating him relentlessly.

Beckham, unwilling to back down, argued back.

Then, in a fit of rage, Ferguson kicked a stray boot on the floor, which hit Beckham squarely on the left eyebrow, leaving a gash that bled profusely.

What happened in the locker room might have remained a secret, but Beckham made sure it didn't.

Shortly afterward, Beckham revealed the wound to the media, publicly protesting Ferguson's actions. He even tied back his long hair to prominently display the injury.

The British press exploded.

With their trademark persistence, journalists dug up every detail of the incident, including Beckham's near-physical altercation with Ferguson.

The father-son dynamic between Ferguson and Beckham had finally, spectacularly, collapsed.

A clash between one of Europe's top managers and England's iconic superstar—what could be more headline-worthy?

Rumors were swirling that Beckham had decided to leave Manchester United this summer, causing panic among the club's management and fans. He wasn't just a footballer; he was England's biggest superstar and a magnet for sponsors.

In Atlético's coaching room, Yang Hao found himself at the center of attention.

"Yang, where are you getting your information? How are you more in the know than the British tabloids?" one of the coaches teased, as the team delved into the juicy details of the Ferguson-Beckham fallout.

After all, Ferguson was a managerial legend, and Beckham was a superstar among superstars.

To be honest, if Atlético had the financial means, Yang Hao would seriously consider signing Beckham. Imagine a forward line of Drogba and Torres, supported by Kaká and Xabi Alonso in midfield, Beckham commanding the right flank, and Robben blazing down the left.

Just thinking about it felt exhilarating.

But that was merely a dream. Beckham's wages alone were well beyond Atlético's budget, and even if they could afford him, the club wasn't yet equipped to handle the commercial and tactical implications of such a high-profile signing.

In fact, apart from Real Madrid, no other team at the time could have reaped the same benefits from signing Beckham—not in football terms and certainly not commercially. The partnership between Real Madrid and Beckham in Yang Hao's previous life was a perfect example of mutual success.

As for how Yang Hao knew so much about the Ferguson-Beckham drama? The answer was simple: he had read both of their autobiographies in his past life.

But in front of his colleagues, he played coy: "That's a secret I can't share."

"Ugh, stop being so mysterious!" his colleagues jeered.

After some light-hearted banter, the discussion shifted to more pressing matters: their upcoming Champions League clash against Manchester United.

Reports from Mendióroz's scouts had arrived, and once compiled, the information painted a clear picture: Nicky Butt had recovered from injury and had resumed training. Meanwhile, Juan Sebastián Verón would miss the game due to suspension, having accumulated three yellow cards during the group stage.

Verón's form had been a mixed bag this season. While his Premier League performances were underwhelming, he had shone brightly in the Champions League, starting seven of United's eight matches, playing the full 90 minutes in each, and contributing four goals and three assists—impressive numbers for a midfielder.

Nicky Butt, on the other hand, had been sidelined since October due to injury but was finally back in contention.

With Verón suspended, the lineup decision seemed obvious. All signs pointed to Butt partnering Roy Keane in midfield.

"Manchester United knows they need to dominate the midfield against us," Yang Hao observed.

Juanma Lillo analyzed United's likely starting formation, predicting their preferred 4-4-1-1 setup:

Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar

Defense: Sylvestre, Wes Brown, Ferdinand, Gary Neville

Midfield: Giggs, Roy Keane, Nicky Butt, Beckham

Attacking midfield: Scholes

Striker: Van Nistelrooy

Ferguson's shift to a lone striker system this season had unleashed the best in Scholes, who thrived in his advanced role behind Van Nistelrooy. The Dutchman, in turn, had flourished with the additional freedom up front.

"Van der Sar will be a problem," Yang Hao warned.

He knew the Dutch goalkeeper well, having managed him for two years.

"And he knows us very well," added goalkeeping coach Pedro Jaro.

Manchester United was indeed a formidable opponent, but Yang Hao sensed vulnerability. Roy Keane, the heartbeat of United's midfield, was already 31 years old, and the golden generation of United's "Class of '92" was approaching the twilight of their prime.

Ferguson was clearly aware of this and had been integrating younger players like Fletcher, O'Shea, and Wes Brown into the squad.

However, Ryan Giggs, one of the stalwarts of the team, had been in a slump since October. At 29, many speculated that his best days were behind him.

Despite these cracks, Yang Hao knew one thing for certain: at Old Trafford, Ferguson would not let Atlético control the game.

"In front of their home crowd, they'll try to dominate us from the first whistle, pressing aggressively to deny us any chance of dictating the tempo," he predicted.

Manchester United had always been a fierce competitor, especially at Old Trafford. Their recent FA Cup clash against Arsenal, which ended in fiery defeat, only added fuel to the fire.

Ferguson's frustration had spilled over into the locker room, culminating in the infamous "flying boot" incident that left Beckham with a gash above his eye.

Officially, Ferguson claimed it was an accident, but as Yang Hao quipped, "If it wasn't, maybe he should've stuck with playing football—his aim is impeccable."

The fallout from the incident had the potential to disrupt United's locker room. Many believed the rift between Ferguson and Beckham had reached a breaking point.

Juanma Lillo echoed this sentiment, "The 'flying boot' incident could destabilize their dressing room. Beckham and Ferguson seem to be at odds now."

Yang Hao, however, shook his head. "It won't."

"Why not?" his staff asked, surprised.

"Beckham is a consummate professional. He knows how to separate personal issues from his performance on the pitch. If anything, the incident will fuel his determination. He'll work even harder to prove Ferguson wrong."

For Yang Hao, the fallout was akin to a lovers' quarrel—an escalating spat where neither party was willing to back down, ultimately driving Beckham to seek a new chapter in Spain.

But for this match at Old Trafford, Yang Hao had no doubt: Beckham would be at his most dangerous.

"We can't afford to underestimate him."

END CHAPTER

Chapter of more than 14,000 words

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