Chapter 36
"Remember, Patrice—anyone who looks handsome, apart from me, well, and our teammates, is just a soft target. Don't hesitate. Go for them!"
The evening of February 19th, Old Trafford, Manchester.
As Patrice Evra faced David Beckham up close for the first time, Yang Hao's words from the pre-match briefing echoed in his mind.
Hmm, he is pretty handsome. A pretty boy, really.
With that bandage on his face? It looks like a miniature version of…well, something for women.
Evra took in Beckham's clean-cut features, towering frame, and the knowledge that he was the world's highest-paid footballer.
Damn, that's just too much!
Good looks? Fine. Tall? Sure. Filthy rich? Now you're pushing it. A celebrity wife? No way!
The only person allowed to have all of that and be admired is our boss! Everyone else? Nope! Time to take him down a peg!
So, when Beckham received the ball and turned, Evra lunged in with a ruthless scissor tackle, sending both man and oncoming/rolling ball tumbling into the mud.
Evra, satisfied, walked away as Beckham sat on the ground, his pristine look now sullied with mud and grass.
Not bad. Didn't spit near that spot earlier. Oh wait, maybe I did...
The Frenchman felt a petty, inexplicable joy.
Boss was right. This guy is just a poser.
As Beckham stood up, bewildered, he looked at Evra, annoyed.
What the hell? First minute, and you're pulling this?
And that look in your eyes…envy? Really?
Brushing his iconic golden locks back into place, Beckham smirked. Jealous of my good looks, huh?
Can't help it, can you?
Gary Neville threw in a quick pass. Beckham took it, only for Evra to press him instantly, sticking close like glue, refusing to give an inch.
Beckham shielded the ball, then passed to Paul Scholes, who immediately slipped behind Evra to exploit the space.
But Evra didn't care. He spun around and dashed after Scholes, catching up just as the midfielder reached the edge of the penalty area. Scholes attempted a cross, but Evra slid in perfectly, deflecting the ball out for a corner.
Beckham, watching this unfold, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Wow, this guy's fast. Really fast.
And relentless, too.
The Manchester United crowd roared in approval. A corner kick so early? With Beckham's precision, it might as well be a penalty.
Jogging over to take the corner, Beckham lined up the ball, his every move scrutinized by the defenders and attackers jostling in the box.
When the whistle blew, Beckham delivered one of his trademark curling crosses, a perfect trajectory dropping into the danger zone.
Rio Ferdinand leapt, drawing defenders' attention, while Wes Brown charged in for the kill.
A collective gasp rippled through Old Trafford.
But Petr Čech—unfazed, unshaken—sprang up and snatched the ball out of midair. Even as he fell to the ground, he held it firmly, extinguishing the threat.
Groans of disappointment echoed around the stadium as United scrambled back to defend.
Čech got up quickly and threw the ball wide to Evra on the left.
Evra controlled it smoothly, advancing two paces before Beckham closed in. Without hesitation, Evra passed to Xabi Alonso, who gestured for his teammates to slow down and take control.
"This left-back is impressive," Ferguson noted, observing Evra.
Compared to Fabio Aurelio last season, Evra was far more direct. Though his ball control wasn't as polished, his speed and tenacity made up for it. His aggressiveness? A bonus.
"That's the type of defender I like," Ferguson said, his voice tinged with approval.
"Seems like he has something against David," Carlos Queiroz joked.
Ferguson chuckled, catching Queiroz's real intention: to nudge him toward reconciling with Beckham.
But reconciliation wasn't that simple. Not after what happened.
That boy hasn't apologized yet. Not one word. And the hair—always tied back, deliberately showing off that scar on his forehead.
What is this? A silent protest?
Ferguson changed the subject. "Their goalkeeper. He's young, but very solid."
Queiroz sighed internally. It was no secret that the rift between Ferguson and Beckham had the entire club walking on eggshells.
Even more bizarre? They weren't speaking to each other.
When Ferguson had something to say, he told Queiroz, who relayed the message to Beckham. Similarly, Beckham relied on teammates to communicate with the boss.
Tactical meetings in the dressing room were farcical. Ferguson would look at Queiroz while giving instructions about Beckham, pretending he wasn't there. Beckham, seated a few feet away, acted indifferent but clearly listened.
The whole squad was amused by the absurdity of it all.
Why not just hash it out already?
Historically, it was always Beckham who caved first, appeasing Ferguson's alpha-dog instincts.
But this time, Beckham refused to budge.
Many believed it stemmed from Ferguson's harsh comments about Victoria during the infamous dressing room tirade.
If this wasn't a football club, it could have been the set of a family drama.
Back on the pitch, the game raged on.
Evra continued to hound Beckham, disrupting his rhythm and forcing him into tight spaces.
Meanwhile, Ferguson's eyes darted between Evra and Čech.
They're worth keeping an eye on, he thought.
For now, though, his focus returned to the match. Old Trafford demanded victory, and Ferguson was determined to deliver, personal drama be damned.
"Tonight, Atlético wants to control possession again."
As Ferguson saw Xabi Alonso signaling his teammates to stabilize the pace and dominate the ball, he immediately understood Yang Hao's intentions.
It's the strength of Spanish teams.
"Where the hell does Yang Hao find all these players?" Ferguson asked, genuinely puzzled. "He doesn't seem like the kind of guy with a vast network. Does he have some backdoor we don't know about?"
The game on the pitch was uneventful. United aimed for an aggressive start, while Atlético focused on keeping control and calming the tempo. Both sides were locked in a midfield tug-of-war, with no clear advantage yet.
"This is a question many in La Liga are asking," replied Queiroz, who was well-versed in the Spanish football scene. "I've heard it countless times. Nobody knows."
"So, what does he do in his spare time?"
"Chasing women."
"Excuse me?"
"Yep, or so they say. According to the Spanish press, other than football, his favorite pastime is flirting with women. Not long ago, they were even complaining that he hadn't switched girlfriends in a while, so they had nothing new to write about."
Ferguson nearly dropped his glasses. "You're telling me that works?!"
"I'm telling you, this guy looks innocent, but he's wild."
"That's true!" Ferguson agreed wholeheartedly.
He thought back to the time Yang Hao polished off his prized stash of Scotch.
Damn it. If he weren't out partying so much, how could he have built up that kind of tolerance?
Oh, right—note to self: Don't let him drink tonight.
There's a box of limited-edition Scotch sitting in my office, and I haven't even opened it yet. If that rascal finds it and gulps it down like tap water, I might actually lose my mind.
"I swear, good-looking men are never reliable," Ferguson muttered, half to himself.
Queiroz caught the underlying jab—it wasn't just about Yang Hao; Beckham was clearly in the crosshairs too.
What could he say? Better to focus on roasting Yang Hao instead.
"I heard that once, he came to London for a sponsorship event, and rumors spread that he'd be visiting a certain nightclub. Want to know what happened next?"
"What?"
"Women from all over the world flew in just to cram themselves into that nightclub."
"No way," Ferguson muttered. He might be older, but he was still a man, and some things were universal.
Where's my invite? What nerve, not calling me!
"Don't get the wrong idea. He didn't invite them."
"Then how…?"
"They came of their own accord. All hoping to catch his attention, to latch onto him and gain instant fame."
"So, did he cheat on his girlfriend?"
"Actually, no. To his credit, he didn't even go to the nightclub that night—it was all a false rumor."
"That poor nightclub owner must've gotten torn apart by those women," Ferguson laughed. "Serves them right. If you're going to piggyback off someone's fame, at least make sure they actually show up!"
"People say that if Yang Hao shows up at a nightclub, it's a sign he's single again," Queiroz joked.
This reputation was well-known across the Iberian Peninsula.
"Well then, how does he find time to scout players?"
"That's the million-dollar question. Nobody has a clue." Queiroz threw up his hands.
Ferguson chuckled darkly. "We'll see. One of these days, I'll get him drunk. By the end of the night, I'll know everything from his scouting process to the color of his girlfriend's underwear."
At that moment, a shift on the pitch drew their attention.
Beckham suddenly pushed forward, receiving a return pass from Scholes near the edge of Atlético's penalty area. He let fly a powerful shot from the right side of the box.
Though the ball sailed slightly over the crossbar, it earned thunderous applause from Old Trafford.
Evra, caught out of position, glared at Beckham in frustration for exploiting the opening.
Ferguson grinned. "See? I keep telling him to push up more! Push up, push up! But no, he just sits back and passes all day long. What's the point?"
"If he played with more aggression, his career would hit another level."
Beneath Ferguson's words was a mix of admiration and frustration—a sense of untapped potential left unrealized.
The recent fallout with Beckham had stemmed, in part, from a disagreement in the match against Arsenal. Ferguson had demanded more aggressive forward play to suppress Ashley Cole. Beckham had refused, sticking to his usual style.
Queiroz, understanding the delicate dynamics, stayed silent.
On Manchester's right flank, Beckham preferred passing, while Gary Neville handled the overlapping runs. It worked well as a system, but Ferguson clearly wanted more dynamism from his star.
Queiroz knew Ferguson had his reasons, but human relationships were rarely so straightforward.
Two minutes later, in the 21st minute, Atlético launched a blistering counterattack.
Deco dropped back to receive the ball and shielded it, passing to an open Xabi Alonso.
Xabi, with one touch to control, launched a long pass behind United's defensive line.
Like arrows released from a bow, Atlético's attackers streaked forward.
Fernando Torres surged ahead, reaching the ball at the edge of the penalty area, cutting inside to the right.
United's defenders, including Rio Ferdinand, chased desperately.
As they closed in, Torres displayed brilliant footwork, stopping suddenly before firing a shot.
Van der Sar, ever-reliable, made a superb save, deflecting the ball.
But before United fans could cheer for their goalkeeper's heroics, José Antonio Reyes darted in. Beating Gary Neville to the rebound, he calmly tapped the ball past Van der Sar into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Atlético scores!!!"
"A goal from the young Spaniard Reyes! Atlético breaks the deadlock!"
"1-0!"
"Atlético has started very well tonight, controlling possession and creating chances from time to time."
"This counterattack was executed decisively."
"As we've mentioned before, Atlético's counterattacks rely heavily on Xabi Alonso, Deco, and Baraja's passes, combined with the pace and individual skills of the attacking trident up front."
"Manchester United's defenders just couldn't keep up with Atlético's speed."
Ferguson spat out the chewing gum he'd been working on—it had lost all flavor. He felt like he might actually be sick.
He had repeatedly warned his players before the game: Atlético's playstyle was predictable but deadly effective. Why? Because their transitions from defense to attack were incredibly fast.
The key lies in Xabi Alonso's long balls and the pace and individual ability of their front three.
Yet the players still made a mistake, giving Atlético the opportunity to strike.
After conceding, United launched a fierce counterattack, eager to equalize quickly.
But the more anxious they became, the more gaps appeared in their setup.
Just three minutes later, another long ball from Atlético's defense caused trouble.
This time, it wasn't Xabi Alonso but Baraja who delivered a precise pass. Joaquín controlled the ball down the right flank, effortlessly leaving Sylvestre behind. He sprinted down the wing, avoided Roy Keane's defensive efforts, and sent a cross into the box.
Even with Ferdinand tightly marking him, Torres managed to dive forward, meeting the ball with a header powered by sheer momentum.
But Van der Sar was ready and caught the ball cleanly.
"What are you doing? Why are you rushing?!" Ferguson bellowed from the touchline.
"Calm down, steady the tempo, and attack patiently. Do none of you understand this simple concept?"
"You're all grown men and can't even show a bit of composure!"
Ferguson's legendary "hairdryer treatment" was in full effect, his rage spreading across the technical area. Even Queiroz stayed quiet, unwilling to provoke him further.
This match was becoming a mess.
Reyes' goal seemed to have put Atlético firmly in control of the game.
United's struggles stemmed from multiple factors.
The team's signature style, "two-winged attack," wasn't working tonight. On the left, Giggs was having a poor game. Under Maicon's relentless pressure, the Welshman had been invisible for most of the first half. At 29, his pace and physicality were starting to decline, and it was clear he needed time to adjust.
On the right, Beckham was being constantly harassed by Evra. Every time Beckham touched the ball, Evra was on him, applying tight man-marking. Even when Gary Neville tried overlapping runs, Evra simply tracked him, while Reyes and Deco dropped back to cover any gaps.
In short, Beckham never had a moment's peace.
Scholes was also closely marked, leaving United's midfield unable to establish control.
Atlético's strategy was clear: use their technical superiority and passing game to sap United's energy. If possession was lost, their priority was to deny Van Nistelrooy access to the ball.
In midfield battles, United was losing outright.
"We could exploit Atlético's defensive pattern on the left side to create an attacking opportunity," Queiroz suggested.
Evra's focus on marking Beckham meant that Atlético's defense had to adjust and switch coverage whenever Gary Neville pushed forward. Such switches required perfect timing and coordination, something no team could execute flawlessly.
With enough pressure, United was bound to find an opening.
Ferguson understood Queiroz's point, but adjustments of this scale couldn't be made on the fly. They would have to wait until halftime to reorganize.
In the meantime, he moved to the touchline to signal his players to remain calm, focus on defense, and wait for opportunities.
As the game resumed, Ferguson and Queiroz kept their eyes glued to the pitch.
When United focused on defense and played patiently, their backline was solid. With additions like Ferdinand and Van der Sar, United had addressed significant defensive vulnerabilities. Wes Brown's return from injury had further stabilized the backline.
Atlético continued to use their possession game to create chances, but they couldn't convert them.
The closest came in the 34th minute when a quick counterattack saw Reyes slip behind Gary Neville. He received a pass and attempted a diagonal run into the penalty area, only to be taken down just outside the box by Neville's sliding challenge.
The referee showed Neville a yellow card, and the resulting free kick led to Lucio's header, which failed to find the net.
Another opportunity arose in the 41st minute when Deco broke into the penalty area, only to be brought down by Roy Keane from the side. The referee waved play on, refusing to award a penalty.
As the first half drew to a close, Atlético ramped up their pressure.
Yang Hao knew Ferguson would make adjustments at halftime. To maintain the upper hand, it was critical to extend their lead before the break.
In stoppage time, Deco and Baraja combined brilliantly in a one-two exchange to bypass Keane. Baraja advanced the ball to the edge of United's penalty area but, under close marking from Butt, passed it out wide to Joaquín.
Joaquín received the ball, cut inside to beat Sylvestre, and evaded Butt's recovery attempt before delivering a low cross.
Baraja, arriving from deep, struck a thunderous shot from the edge of the box.
Van der Sar made an acrobatic save, parrying the ball away.
But the rebound fell into the path of Torres. With defenders scrambling, Torres contorted his body and struck the ball mid-air into United's net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"In stoppage time, Atlético scores again!!"
"Torres!"
"Atlético's 'Golden Boy' finds the net with an incredible, almost indescribable strike!"
"2-0!"
"United has struggled throughout the first half, especially in midfield, where they've been thoroughly outplayed."
"Atlético's midfield dominance is evident, and United's trademark wing play has been neutralized."
"Ferguson has to make changes now."
...
Yang Hao was thoroughly satisfied with his team's performance so far.
At halftime, he praised his players for their efforts and urged them to push for more goals in the second half.
He wouldn't mind making Ferguson suffer a little more.
But as the second half began, Manchester United's luck seemed to take a turn for the worse.
In the 51st minute, Joaquín executed a stunning dribble down the right flank, repeatedly switching speeds and directions. He managed to break past Silvestre before the French defender attempted a tackle, resulting in both players crashing to the ground.
The entire Old Trafford erupted in boos, as if Joaquín had committed some heinous foul.
"My player was fouled! We're the victims here!" Yang Hao yelled from the sideline, directing his protest at the Danish referee Nielsen.
The referee nodded in acknowledgment, signaling that he had seen the incident and wouldn't unfairly penalize Atlético.
The United medical team quickly rushed onto the pitch and diagnosed Silvestre with a twisted ankle. Ferguson had no choice but to substitute him, bringing on the young John O'Shea.
To Yang Hao's surprise, O'Shea played with unexpected vigor, repeatedly charging down the left flank and making strong runs.
"Wait a minute," Yang Hao muttered, narrowing his eyes. "When did O'Shea become this good? Is this his twin brother?"
However, Atlético soon responded, exploiting the space left behind by O'Shea's forward runs.
In the 58th minute, Joaquín again surged forward on the right, delivering a cross into the box during a counterattack. Torres, charging at full speed, tried to connect near the goal but collided with Wes Brown inside the penalty area.
The referee refrained from awarding a penalty, much to Yang Hao's dismay.
"Leading by two goals doesn't mean we shouldn't get a penalty!" Yang Hao yelled from the sideline, his protests unabated.
Meanwhile, Ferguson barked at O'Shea, instructing him to focus on defense.
United then began shifting their attack to the right flank. Yang Hao quickly sensed the change and warned his players about United's tactical adjustment.
However, in the 65th minute, the vulnerability in Atlético's defensive adjustments was exposed. Beckham and Neville combined effectively, with Beckham breaking free of Evra's challenge to deliver a pinpoint cross from the right side of the box.
Van Nistelrooy, positioned near the penalty spot, used his body to shield Carvalho and unleashed a sublime first-time volley, sending the ball rocketing into Atlético's net.
1-2.
This marked Van Nistelrooy's sixth consecutive goal in the Champions League this season, bringing his tally to nine goals in the competition. Including the qualifiers, he had now scored in seven straight matches with 11 goals.
Yang Hao recognized the need for immediate action and substituted Simeone for Deco.
He knew that if United continued to play this way, it wouldn't take long for them to score an equalizer.
While removing Deco slightly diminished Atlético's attacking prowess, it bolstered their defensive stability.
...
As Yang Hao anticipated, the change helped Atlético regain their footing in midfield. The game once again entered a stalemate.
Simeone focused on shielding the left side, particularly supporting Evra in containing Beckham.
Despite their past history, Simeone and Beckham kept their interactions professional during the match. Though there were a few physical clashes, they refrained from escalating tensions.
Yang Hao's adjustment successfully stemmed United's momentum, stifling their midfield once more.
On the sideline, Ferguson was livid, stomping the ground in frustration. "That damn Yang Hao reacts too quickly! He doesn't give us any time to breathe!"
In the 80th minute, Ferguson made another change, replacing Scholes with Solskjær to intensify United's attack. The intention was clear: push for an equalizer or even a comeback.
However, Atlético maintained their defensive discipline and continued to threaten on the counterattack. With Xabi Alonso dictating play and Kaka providing fresh energy off the bench, Atlético's attacking pace remained relentless.
United's defense was constantly under siege, unable to push forward without risk.
Ultimately, at Old Trafford, Atlético held firm and secured a 2-1 victory.
Ferguson was furious.
Reports later revealed that the legendary Red Devils manager unleashed a full-blown tirade in the locker room, lambasting his players for failing to secure a win. Losing at home to Atlético placed United at a disadvantage in the battle for the top spot in the group, a situation Ferguson deemed unacceptable.
During the post-match press conference, Ferguson openly criticized Atlético's defensive tactics, accusing them of multiple fouls. He also suggested that the referee showed favoritism toward the visiting side, pointing out several contentious decisions that went against United.
Hearing Ferguson's grievances during his own press conference, Yang Hao was flabbergasted.
"Wait, since when can you twist the truth like this?" he quipped. "Just because this is your home ground doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!"
Yang Hao countered Ferguson's accusations, claiming that the referee had actually favored United and denied Atlético at least two penalties.
"In fact, I believe we should have scored at least four goals in this match," Yang Hao remarked with a smirk. "Unfortunately, we only managed two."
"We all know Manchester United enjoys special treatment here at Old Trafford," he added sarcastically.
The media covering the event burst into laughter. With both managers claiming to be victims of unfair officiating, the journalists couldn't help but wonder: who was the referee really biased toward?
...
"Alright, enough of this bickering. Let's have a drink," Ferguson said later that evening, inviting Yang Hao to his office at Old Trafford.
The Scotsman had prepared a selection of fine Bordeaux wines, hoping to get Yang Hao drunk and pry into his secrets—specifically how he managed to scout such incredible players.
Yang Hao took a sip, smacked his lips, and frowned.
"This wine... has no depth. Are you sure it's from France?"
Ferguson, sipping the same wine, thought it tasted excellent.
"Do you even know how to drink wine?" Ferguson shot back, clearly annoyed.
Yang Hao shrugged. "I don't know... Wenger's wine was much better when I visited Highbury. You know, he is French, so he knows his stuff."
Ferguson's face darkened instantly. Wenger—that man—was his nemesis.
"Let me tell you something," Ferguson growled. "I've drunk with Wenger plenty of times, and he's never brought out anything decent. You must've gotten lucky."
"Oh?" Yang Hao feigned surprise. "Well, I must be honored then, considering he gave me his best."
Ferguson's expression was as black as thunderclouds.
"Fine. You wait. I'll show you what real wine tastes like."
As Ferguson walked to the cabinet, he pulled out a box of fine wine. It had just arrived a few days prior, and he hadn't even opened it yet.
After carefully unpacking the box, Ferguson hesitated. He glanced back at Yang Hao, who didn't seem to be paying attention. Quickly, he took out one bottle. Just as he was about to put the box back, Yang Hao suddenly appeared behind him.
"Well, well, looks like you've been hiding some good stuff. Let me see that," Yang Hao said, crouching down to grab the entire box in one swift motion.
Startled, Ferguson blurted, "Careful! That's a limited edition—"
As soon as the words escaped his mouth, Ferguson realized his mistake. Damn it, he thought. Why couldn't I keep quiet?
"Oh, really? Let me take a closer look."
Yang Hao carried the box to the table. When Ferguson tried to subtly hide the bottle he had just taken out, Yang Hao, with natural ease, snatched it as well.
"Wow, even though I don't know the brand, judging by the bottle, this must be expensive," Yang Hao said with admiration, eyeing the bottle.
Ferguson felt his heart ache as if it were being stabbed.
"You're too kind, Sir Alex. Come on, let's have a drink together."
Before Ferguson could protest, Yang Hao expertly uncorked the wine, let it breathe for a moment, and poured himself a glass. He started chatting as he drank, showing none of the restraint of someone unfamiliar with wine.
One bottle was finished in no time.
Seeing Yang Hao empty the bottle, Ferguson's heartache intensified. He couldn't hold back anymore. "Don't drink too much—you still need to get back to the hotel."
"Don't worry, it's rare to have wine this good. I can't let this kind gesture go to waste. Another couple of glasses won't hurt."
"That's not what I meant—"
"I know, but Sir Alex, this wine is too precious. If I don't drink it now, I won't get another chance."
Ferguson pretended not to understand the hint in Yang Hao's words and kept trying to dissuade him. Young man, fine wine is great, but don't overdo it.
"Don't worry," Yang Hao replied with a grin. "I always drink until I'm drunk, but I never make mistakes. Tomorrow, when I sober up, I'll still be myself."
As the conversation continued, Yang Hao polished off another bottle.
Ferguson was close to tears. This wine was a rare, carefully chosen gift from a friend, and he hadn't even tasted it yet. Now, Yang Hao had downed two bottles.
Seeing no other choice, Ferguson gritted his teeth and relented.
"Alright, Yang, enough drinking for now. If you like it so much, I'll let you take two bottles with you. Deal?"
Ferguson's heart ached as he made the offer, but at least he could save the remaining bottles.
"Really?"
"Of course. I'm hosting you, after all," Ferguson replied, resigned.
"In that case, I won't hold back," Yang Hao said, laughing. "But two bottles aren't enough, and carrying them is inconvenient. I'll just take the whole box."
"The whole box? Sure, just leave me the other two bott—wait! What are you doing?!"
Before Ferguson could react, Yang Hao deftly picked up the box of wine and made for the door, cheerfully thanking him as he went.
"Thank you, Sir Alex. Next week, when you come to Madrid, I'll treat you to a drink!"
Ferguson could only watch as Yang Hao walked out, carrying the entire box of precious wine. His heart bled as he muttered under his breath, "I said two bottles, not the whole damn box!"
"If I ever invite him for a drink again, I swear I'm a dog!" Ferguson fumed, nearly flipping the table in frustration.
No secrets uncovered, and now he was down a box of fine wine. To hell with it!
Ferguson's Treat!
Back at the hotel, Yang Hao gathered his staff, brought out the four remaining bottles, and ordered some food from the hotel restaurant. The celebration began.
"Ferguson's such a great guy. Even after losing, he treated us to drinks," one assistant remarked.
"Exactly! No wonder he's so well-liked in the football world. What a class act!"
"I've always said Ferguson has a generous spirit," added another.
"Honestly, after drinking his fine wine, it almost feels wrong to beat him next week in Madrid," someone joked.
"Shut up!" Yang Hao cut in, clearly annoyed. "Do you think Ferguson is that kind of person? He invited us because he respects us. Next week in Madrid, we need to perform even better to honor his goodwill."
The group nodded in agreement. No wonder Ferguson is so well-regarded!
Atlético's Victory Sparks Global Buzz
Atlético Madrid's 2-1 away win against Manchester United became a hot topic worldwide.
It marked their third consecutive victory in the second group stage of the Champions League, virtually securing their place in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Ajax defeated Roma 1-0 at home thanks to a goal from Rafael van der Vaart, adding intrigue to the group standings.
Atlético led the group with a perfect three wins.
Manchester United, with a win, a draw, and a loss, held four points and a slight edge over Ajax on goal difference. Ajax also had four points, but their inferior goal difference placed them third.
The biggest disappointment was Fabio Capello's Roma, sitting at the bottom with zero points after three straight losses.
But that wasn't the most embarrassing part.
In three group-stage matches, Roma hadn't scored a single goal.
From the six matches in the first group stage to the three in the second, Roma had managed just two goals across nine games.
This absurdly poor record became a laughingstock, with Italian media mocking Capello's team and speculating whether they were aiming to set the lowest scoring record in Champions League history.
Even British betting site William Hill got in on the action, offering odds on how many goals Roma would score in total this season.
With three games left and little hope of advancing, most bettors believed Roma wouldn't score more than two goals.
For Capello and Roma, it was a new level of humiliation.
Atlético's Rising Odds
In contrast, Atlético Madrid's Champions League title odds continued to improve, ranking third among the remaining 16 teams, behind only Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Both Madrid and Inter topped their respective groups. Inter, in particular, had delivered impressive victories, including a 4-1 win over Newcastle and a 3-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen.
Adriano, carrying his Atlético form to Inter, looked like a strong contender for both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
However, Real Madrid faced challenges, with Yang Hao's predictions about their struggles gradually coming true.
Real Madrid lost!
On a rainy night at the San Siro, the once invincible Real Madrid finally fell.
They lost 0-1 to AC Milan in an away game.
Not only did Real Madrid lose, but their overall performance throughout the match was poor.
Carlo Ancelotti employed his signature 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation for this game:
Goalkeeper: Dida
Defenders: Kaladze, Maldini, Costacurta, and Simic
Midfielders: Seedorf, Pirlo, and Gattuso playing deeper, with Rui Costa and Rivaldo further up
Forward: Shevchenko
This lineup marked Ancelotti's tailored four "No. 10s" midfield for AC Milan this season.
Throughout the match, AC Milan's midfield dominated completely. They even began mimicking La Liga's passing and possession style, showcasing a "returning fire with fire" strategy.
In the first half, Real Madrid only had two notable moments of brilliance.
At the 26th minute, Zidane delivered a precise through ball, with Ronaldo shooting at a sharp angle with his left foot, only for Dida to save it.
Two minutes later, Zidane controlled the ball at the edge of the penalty area, sidestepped Pirlo, and took a long-range shot.
The strike was of excellent quality, but Dida managed to tip it over the crossbar with one hand.
Apart from these instances, Real Madrid struggled to penetrate AC Milan's defensive stronghold for most of the match, let alone break into their penalty area. Their attacks lacked genuine threat.
Much of their offense came through long-range efforts.
Carlos attempted three long shots in the first half alone, which reflected Real Madrid's dire situation.
At the 40th minute, Rui Costa received a pass in his own half and delivered a 60-meter through ball. Shevchenko slipped between Cannavaro and Hierro, creating a one-on-one opportunity.
Facing Casillas, the Ukrainian striker coolly slotted the ball into the net. 1-0!
In the second half, the rain intensified, and AC Milan's dominance became even more pronounced.
They deliberately maintained a high-tempo game throughout the second half, making it difficult for Real Madrid to adjust.
Toward the end of the match, Carlos delivered a corner kick, Zidane headed the ball across the goal, and Raúl finished with a header.
However, the referee ruled Raúl offside during his header.
Ultimately, AC Milan secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, thanks to Shevchenko's goal.
...
Real Madrid's match took place a day later than Atlético Madrid's game.
Yang Hao, along with his assistants, watched the live broadcast while analyzing the match statistics, which made it even more satisfying.
Possession: AC Milan 54%, Real Madrid 46%.
Shots on goal: 13 for AC Milan, 9 for Real Madrid.
In terms of attacking data, AC Milan outperformed Real Madrid.
To some extent, this match validated Yang Hao's earlier predictions.
As the season progresses and the games pile up, Real Madrid's players are increasingly tested.
Especially their star players—maintaining peak form for an extended period is unrealistic. Once their performance fluctuates, the team's results will inevitably be affected, leading to defeats and dropped points.
This match against AC Milan was a prime example.
"After three group stage matches, both Real Madrid and AC Milan have two wins and one loss. They're tied on points, but Real Madrid tops the group on goal difference. Next Wednesday, Real Madrid will host AC Milan at the Bernabéu."
Currently, it seems likely that both Real Madrid and AC Milan will advance from this group.
Borussia Dortmund and Lokomotiv Moscow are unlikely to threaten these two giants.
The key lies in determining who will finish as group leaders, and the upcoming battle at the Bernabéu will be crucial.
"Now, more than ever, I'm certain that Real Madrid will encounter problems as the season unfolds," Yang Hao stated firmly.
He had no doubt that Real Madrid's current form wouldn't sustain success across all three competitions, especially with their underperforming bench players.
After all, their star players aren't young anymore.
Yet, Yang Hao wasn't clairvoyant—he couldn't predict exactly when Real Madrid would falter.
He could even be wrong.
Take Real Sociedad, for example. Previously, he thought they showed signs of running out of steam.
Looking at it now, it's true—they've been dropping points consecutively and slipping in the standings.
But what about January?
Real Madrid's situation mirrors this.
Yang Hao's belief that they will face issues stems from his evaluation of their squad composition, lineup, and rotation strategy. This approach isn't sustainable across three competitions.
Who was the first treble winner in La Liga?
Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.
Barcelona has historically had a thin squad. However, Guardiola's training made every player incredibly fit, and Barcelona's average age at the time was much younger than the current Real Madrid team.
Coupled with their increasingly mature and stable possession style, Barcelona endured the immense physical toll. Real Madrid, on the other hand, isn't in the same position.
Yang Hao's current stance is similar to Ferguson's in the Premier League when analyzing Arsenal.
Arsenal's tactics demanded high physical output, leading Ferguson to consistently predict their second-half collapse, no matter how well they played in the first half.
Was Ferguson right?
Most of the time, yes.
Arsenal's performance often dipped after the winter break, especially in March and April—a well-known trend.
Still, Arsenal managed to secure several Premier League titles, even achieving an unbeaten season.
Why?
Because while Yang Hao and Ferguson could pinpoint the issues with Real Madrid and Arsenal, this was merely judgment.
Both Vicente del Bosque and Arsène Wenger were well aware of their teams' conditions and worked tirelessly to mitigate potential disasters.
These outcomes are beyond anyone's control.
Thus, all Yang Hao could do was continuously instill one belief in his team and players:
Real Madrid will make mistakes. They will drop points.
Historically, many teams aiming for a treble have ended up empty-handed.
Yang Hao didn't know whether Real Madrid could win trophies this season or how many they might win.
His only goal was to lead Atlético Madrid to maintain relentless pressure on Real Madrid.
Only then, when Real Madrid faltered, Atlético would have a chance.
Otherwise, even if Real Madrid lost, Atlético would still gain nothing.
...
Reality continued to affirm Yang Hao's analysis and predictions.
After returning from Milan, Real Madrid secured a 3-1 home victory over Valladolid in La Liga's 23rd round.
Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, cruised to a 3-0 away win against Recreativo Huelva, maintaining pressure on Real Madrid.
Barcelona, on the other hand, began to emerge from their slump, crushing Real Betis 4-0 at home.
No one was truly surprised. After all, no one seriously believed Barcelona would face relegation.
Once they addressed their internal issues and reorganized, avoiding relegation was a matter of time.
This situation resembled the year Yang Hao led Atlético to avoid relegation.
However, this season's turmoil left lasting damage for Barcelona.
At the very least, it cost them a president, an entire management team, and head coach Louis van Gaal.
...
Three Days Later at the Bernabéu
Real Madrid faced AC Milan once again.
Just 12 minutes into the match, Ronaldo assisted Raúl for the opening goal.
From then on, Real Madrid dominated AC Milan, launching wave after wave of attacks.
Especially in the second half, Raúl and Guti each scored a goal.
Rivaldo managed to pull one back for AC Milan in the 81st minute, but ultimately, the Rossoneri fell 1-3 at the Bernabéu.
This is exactly what Yang Hao had mentioned.
The magic of football lies in its sheer unpredictability.
While you're calculating your opponent's moves, they're doing the same to you.
The same tactics, the same lineup, even the starting players remained unchanged.
Yet, the venue switched from the San Siro in Milan to the Bernabéu in Madrid.
And the scoreline flipped from 0-1 to 3-1.
Even Real Madrid's performance on the pitch was worlds apart from their previous encounter.
All of Spain sang praises for Real Madrid, especially their stars.
Aside from Figo, who has been in lackluster form this season, players like Ronaldo, Raúl, Carlos, and Zidane all contributed goals or assists in this match.
The double defensive midfield of Makelele and Vieira ensured stability until the final whistle.
While Real Madrid still slightly lagged in possession, they created far more opportunities.
Yang Hao wasn't surprised, though he felt a bit disappointed.
Still, he firmly believed that Real Madrid would make more mistakes and drop points again, just like their 0-1 loss at the San Siro.
He repeatedly reminded his assistants and players to remain patient and never give up.
...
Yang Hao wasn't the only one who miscalculated—so did countless fans who placed bets on William Hill, as well as the majority of media reporters before the match. They all assumed Capello's Roma would struggle to score.
But who could've expected that in the fourth round of the group stage, back at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma secured a 1-0 victory against Ajax, courtesy of a decisive strike from Totti?
More surprising was the timing of the goal—it came in just the second minute.
In other words, Roma's first attack and their first shot on goal resulted in a score.
Didn't this completely overturn everyone's expectations?
It was almost as if Capello was playing a prank on the world.
When everyone expected them to score, they couldn't net a single goal.
But when everyone was convinced they wouldn't score, they opened the match with a goal.
What was the issue?
The problem was that after scoring in the second minute, Roma spent the remaining 88 minutes defending.
This was almost absurd, wasn't it?
You're a powerhouse in Serie A, for heaven's sake—couldn't you show some ambition?
And at home, no less.
Yang Hao felt that if a La Liga team adopted such an extreme defensive strategy, their fans would tear them apart.
But in Italy, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, the Giallorossi fans embraced it with delight.
For them, a 1-0 victory was the best scoreline.
As long as they didn't concede, they were satisfied.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid hosted Manchester United.
Even though Atlético had won their previous three matches, United went all out in this game.
Before the fourth round, United and Ajax were tied on points, making their chances of advancing uncertain. They had no choice but to fight tooth and nail against Atlético.
At the Calderón, United seemed willing to risk it all.
Yang Hao was equally cautious, leaving no room for complacency, but Atlético stuck to their defensive counterattacking approach.
During the match, Atlético struck first.
From a swift counterattack in midfield, Deco assisted Reyes, who bypassed Gary Neville and scored from the left side of the penalty area, giving Atlético the lead.
In the second half, however, Beckham delivered a pinpoint corner kick, and Wes Brown headed it in for United.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
After this round, Atlético led the group with 10 points, followed by United with 5, Ajax with 4, and Roma with 3.
Atlético had already secured advancement and were now heavy favorites to top the group.
...
March 1, La Liga Round 24
Real Madrid cruised to a 5-1 away victory over Alavés.
This match once again showcased the dominance of the Galácticos.
Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, while Raúl bagged a brace.
This performance solidified the burgeoning partnership between Ronaldo and Raúl as a lethal forward duo.
In the post-match press conference, Del Bosque praised Real Madrid's current squad, calling it the strongest Real Madrid side in history.
The Real Madrid manager also expressed confidence that his team could compete on all three fronts this season.
"I know our rivals are always chasing us, waiting for us to slip up," Del Bosque stated.
"But my players and I are absolutely certain and confident—we won't give them any chance."
Del Bosque revealed that he faced no pressure from the club but felt proud to coach such a powerful squad.
"As part of Real Madrid, I firmly believe we can overcome any obstacles and achieve results that will satisfy all our fans."
If Del Bosque's words were somewhat reserved, Florentino Pérez's remarks during an interview with AS were far more ambitious, directly calling out Yang Hao and Atlético Madrid.
"I don't know where the rumors started, but Yang Hao and his Atlético Madrid are chasing Real Madrid. They haven't given up hope, but I think it's all in vain."
"Our current form is excellent. After Ronaldo's hat-trick, he even called me to say he's in the best shape of his career and wants to win every trophy for Real Madrid."
Florentino laughed and added, "I know Ronaldo—his hunger for trophies is insatiable."
"When I convinced him to join Real Madrid, I promised him he would win titles here."
"I'm delighted that we can fulfill that promise this season!"
With their winning streak, confidence was sky-high across Real Madrid.
From the president to the coaching staff, players, and even the fans, everyone was determined to secure the treble this season.
What they lost last season, they were determined to reclaim this year.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid secured a 2-1 home win against Málaga, with Diego Forlán scoring twice.
It's worth mentioning that Manchester United lost 0-2 to Liverpool in the League Cup final, with Gerrard and Owen finding the net.
Anyone could see that Ferguson's team was struggling this season.
...
March 4, Evening
In the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, Atlético Madrid traveled to face Mallorca.
When referee Mejuto González blew the final whistle, Yang Hao sighed helplessly, disappointment written all over his face.
The scoreboard read 0-0, and with a 1-1 aggregate score, Mallorca advanced on away goals, knocking Atlético out.
In reality, Atlético had scored in this match—more than once.
In the first half, Deco found the net, but Torres had been in an offside position at the time.
...
Under the Old Offside Rules
This goal was disallowed due to the offside rule, and Yang Hao accepted it without complaint.
However, in the second half, Yang Hao brought on Drogba to strengthen Atlético's attacking power.
Real Mallorca played an ultra-defensive strategy, leaving only Samuel Eto'o up front for counterattacks.
Yang Hao, aware of Eto'o's speed and individual brilliance, remained cautious.
Even so, Atlético launched a relentless series of attacks.
In the final half hour, the partnership between Drogba and Torres turned into a siege on Mallorca's penalty area, leaving Luis Aragonés's team scrambling to hold their ground.
In the 83rd minute, Drogba scored with a header.
But referee Mejuto disallowed the goal, ruling that Drogba had fouled defender Poli before scoring.
Yang Hao protested fiercely on the sideline to the referee and the fourth official—this was already Atlético's second disallowed goal of the match.
Yet the referee stood by his decision, and the match ended 0-0.
Thanks to their airtight defense, Real Mallorca had only three shots in the entire match. But with the advantage of their away goal, they eliminated Atlético Madrid from the Copa del Rey, leaving the Colchoneros frustrated.
...
The stadium erupted in celebration.
Mallorca fans celebrated their team's advancement to the final as though it were a festival.
Historically, Real Mallorca has performed well in cup competitions, a tradition dating back to Hector Cúper's tenure.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, walked out of the away team's technical area. Spotting Joaquín, he extended his hand and gave the player a hug.
"It's okay. You played well, Joaquín. I'm proud of you."
Yang Hao comforted the dejected Joaquín.
As other players began leaving the pitch, Yang Hao approached them one by one, offering hugs and words of encouragement, praising their efforts.
Drogba can't always break down an opponent's defense, and Atlético can't win every match.
The players gave it their all, but Mallorca's defense was exceptionally organized, and their tactics overly conservative.
Luis Aragonés had essentially eliminated every possible gap for Atlético's offense.
After Yang Hao finished consoling his players, Aragonés approached him with a broad smile.
"Next time you're back in Madrid, watch your back!" Yang Hao joked, feigning a threat.
Aragonés laughed heartily and extended his hand for a handshake.
"To be honest, you're much harder to play against than Real Madrid," Aragonés said earnestly.
"Before this match, I didn't have much hope. You have Torres and Villa's speed, Forlán's finishing, Drogba's physicality and aerial dominance..."
He shook his head as he added, "Not to mention your midfielders' late runs and long-range shots. Frankly, you're the most threatening team in Spain in terms of attacking variety."
Yang Hao glared at him. "Is this supposed to be a consolation prize?"
"Come on, we played like this. Sure, we won, but we lost too."
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