Chapter 36 part 2
Aragonés, worried Yang Hao wouldn't believe him, continued, "You'll see tomorrow—all the media will be praising you."
Aragonés understood the nature of the Spanish press better than Yang Hao did.
"Honestly, the referee was a bit biased tonight," Yang Hao said helplessly.
Aragonés smiled but didn't respond.
The controversy centered on Drogba's disallowed goal—whether or not he had fouled Poli. Without match footage, no one could say for certain.
Aragonés had heard from his assistants that the broadcast replay showed Drogba didn't foul Poli.
But how could he openly admit that?
It wouldn't be fair to Mallorca's players. What would they think?
"Oh, we worked hard for 90 minutes, the referee validated our victory, and now our coach's comments wipe away all our credit?"
That's impossible.
As an experienced coach, Aragonés knew better than to do something so foolish.
"Good luck in the final against Real Madrid!" Yang Hao said, offering encouragement.
In the other semifinal, Real Madrid drew 2-2 away but won 2-1 at home against Deportivo La Coruña, advancing to the final with a 4-3 aggregate score.
This year's Copa del Rey final would feature Real Madrid against Real Mallorca—a clash of two "Royal" teams, which added a bit of flair to the matchup.
The final would take place at the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche.
"Don't worry, I know how to deal with Real Madrid," Aragonés said confidently.
Yang Hao almost pointed out that Aragonés hadn't fared well against Real Madrid in the league.
But on second thought, he decided not to dampen Aragonés's fighting spirit.
...
As Aragonés predicted, the Spanish media lamented Atlético's elimination, criticizing Mallorca's "anti-football" tactics. Aragonés's team played an ultra-defensive game, with some outlets even describing it as "parking the bus."
"He practically parked all 11 players in front of the goal," one article quipped.
Atlético, meanwhile, received widespread praise for their proactive and superior performance.
Referee Mejuto faced harsh criticism from both the media and fans for his officiating errors.
The most controversial moment was Drogba's disallowed goal, as Poli had actually tripped over himself.
Even Mejuto admitted after watching the match footage that he had made a mistake. He even called Yang Hao to apologize.
But the result of the match couldn't be changed.
Yang Hao, trying to find humor in the situation, commented, "Mistakes are part of football."
...
March 8, La Liga Round 25
At the Bernabéu, Real Madrid crushed Racing Santander 4-1, securing another dominant victory.
Atlético, on the other hand, faced Rafa Benítez's Valencia away.
In a grueling match lasting over an hour, Atlético and Valencia were evenly matched.
The home team, the Bat Army, fought fiercely, while Atlético took the initiative as the visitors. Both sides refused to back down, making the game thrilling and intense.
It wasn't until the 72nd minute that Atlético finally broke the deadlock. Drogba headed the ball down to Joaquín, who charged into the box and struck decisively, beating the Valencia goalkeeper.
1-0!
Atlético continued attacking, but Benítez made bold substitutions, bringing on Kalu and Juan Sánchez in an attempt to mount a desperate counteroffensive.
At the time, Valencia was locked in a fierce battle with Deportivo La Coruña and Real Sociedad for a top-four spot in the league.
Real Sociedad had recently hit a rough patch, dropping to fourth place, while Valencia sat in fifth.
The three teams were neck and neck in points, and who would secure a Champions League spot remained uncertain.
Determined to win, Benítez went all out against Atlético, even forcing Yang Hao to switch to a more defensive strategy.
Ultimately, Atlético held on for a 1-0 victory, maintaining pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the table.
...
Three Days Later: Champions League Second Stage, Matchday 5
Atlético Madrid hosted Roma in a crucial encounter.
For Roma, it was a must-win game. They were two points behind Manchester United and one behind Ajax.
If they failed to defeat Atlético at the Calderón, their chances of advancing from the group would be gone.
This pressure forced Fabio Capello's team to abandon their usual conservative tactics and adopt a more aggressive approach.
However, Atlético Madrid was well-prepared for this. Yang Hao employed a strategy of sitting back and inviting Roma to attack.
In the opening stages, Capello's side hesitated to commit fully to the attack. After being caught on the counter several times, they quickly retreated into a more cautious setup.
Yang Hao fielded a rotated lineup with several substitutes and played with patience, seemingly toying with Roma.
It wasn't until the second half, particularly after the 70th minute, that Capello could no longer sit still. He made multiple substitutions to bolster Roma's attack.
Yang Hao, however, stuck to his defensive counterattacking plan, effectively giving Capello a taste of his own medicine.
This tactic left Capello fuming.
He was used to frustrating opponents with defensive play, but now the tables had turned, and he found himself on the receiving end of the same treatment.
By the 79th minute, Atlético executed a brilliant counterattack. Marcos Senna delivered a perfect ball behind the defense, and David Villa broke through, scoring a one-on-one goal against Roma's goalkeeper.
The goal shattered Roma's morale and dashed their hopes of turning the match around.
In the final ten minutes, Roma seemed deflated and disengaged, knowing their chances of advancing were all but gone.
The match fizzled out, and Atlético secured a 1-0 victory thanks to Villa's goal.
In the other group match, Manchester United also won 1-0 against Ajax, with Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring the decisive goal off a David Beckham assist.
After this round, Atlético topped the group and advanced, with Manchester United following in second place.
...
La Liga Round 26
Due to their midweek Champions League commitments, Real Madrid faced a tough away game against Villarreal.
The Galácticos struggled throughout the match and were largely on the defensive.
If not for the double pivot of Vieira and Makelele, along with the solid central defensive pairing of Cannavaro and Helguera, Villarreal could have torn Real Madrid apart at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Despite being under siege, Real Madrid held firm until the final moments.
At 0-0, Vieira rose to head home a decisive goal from a corner, breaking the deadlock and securing a narrow 1-0 win for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid, also balancing European and domestic commitments, comfortably won 2-0 at home against Celta Vigo.
...
Three Days Later
Atlético traveled to the Netherlands with a rotated lineup and drew 1-1 with Ajax, with Drogba scoring Atlético's goal.
Real Madrid also advanced as group winners in their Champions League group.
Notably, after all second-stage group matches concluded, all four group winners were from La Liga.
This remarkable achievement sent shockwaves throughout European football.
While it was no secret that La Liga was dominant, few could have anticipated such comprehensive superiority.
The Spanish media celebrated the accomplishment as if it were a national holiday.
Even more surprising was that three of the four group runners-up were Serie A teams: AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus. The fourth runner-up was Manchester United.
This further stunned the European football world.
After a lackluster previous season, Serie A had rebounded strongly, with all four of its representatives reaching the Round of 16 and three making the quarterfinals. However, their collective inability to top their groups suggested that Serie A still lagged behind the surging strength of La Liga.
The Champions League draw produced the following matchups:
Atlético Madrid vs. AC Milan
Real Madrid vs. Manchester United
Valencia vs. Juventus
Inter Milan vs. Deportivo La Coruña
One intriguing note was the injury absence of Adriano during the fourth and fifth matchdays, which derailed Inter Milan's form and led to two defeats, relegating them to second place in their group.
Otherwise, Inter's three consecutive wins earlier in the campaign suggested they had the potential to finish top.
Despite this setback, Inter Milan remained one of the tournament favorites, with their odds of winning only slightly behind Real Madrid and just ahead of Atlético Madrid.
...
La Liga Round 27
After resting players in the Champions League, Yang Hao fielded his strongest lineup for Atlético Madrid's away match against Rayo Vallecano.
Just ten minutes into the game, Joaquín opened the scoring for Atlético.
Shortly after, Rubén Baraja added a second with a stunning long-range strike.
In the second half, Diego Forlán and Fernando Torres each found the net, sealing a dominant 4-0 away victory for Atlético Madrid.
The following evening, after training and once the players had dispersed, Yang Hao and his coaching staff stayed in the office to watch the round's marquee match: Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña.
Before the match, a major event took place in Spain's sporting world.
The Spanish Royal Family held a ceremony at the Royal Palace of El Pardo to award medals and national sports honors to outstanding athletes of 2002. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia presented the awards.
Real Madrid had three honorees: captain Fernando Hierro and coach Vicente del Bosque received gold medals, while Roberto Carlos earned a special award for Latin American players.
Barcelona also saw Luís Enrique receive a gold medal.
Atlético Madrid, however, was completely overlooked.
This starkly reflected how Atlético was still regarded by the Spanish monarchy, government, and fans as a "poor underdog." Despite winning the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Cup, the stereotypes about Atlético hadn't changed.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, despite having flirted with relegation twice this season, still saw Luís Enrique honored.
Similarly, Atlético's stars, like captain Baraja and right winger Joaquín—both instrumental for Spain at the World Cup—were ignored.
This omission drew widespread criticism from the media.
Yang Hao, too, felt his players were unfairly treated, but he knew there was no point in complaining.
This frustration hung over him as he watched Real Madrid's match against Deportivo.
The game started at a blistering pace.
Javier Irureta's Deportivo, despite rotating players, played courageously and aggressively against Real Madrid, as they always did.
Within just over a minute of kickoff, Deportivo created a dangerous chance.
What followed was an intense back-and-forth battle.
...
Real Madrid vs. Deportivo La Coruña: The Decisive Blow
Real Madrid's players were clearly not in top form.
In the 9th minute, Ronaldo found himself with a one-on-one opportunity but delivered a weak shot that Molina easily saved.
Both teams continued to create chances after that, with Deportivo relying more on long shots, clearly struggling to find a way through Real Madrid's defense.
It wasn't until just before halftime that Salgado sent in a cross from the right. Ronaldo laid the ball off in front of the goal, and Zidane, unmarked, calmly slotted it home.
1-0!
At halftime, Javier Irureta substituted Valerón in, aiming to bolster Deportivo's attack in the second half.
Sure enough, Valerón's presence immediately made Deportivo's offense more threatening. His passing and playmaking brought balance to the midfield, rivaling even Zidane on the opposite side.
Deportivo launched wave after wave of attacks. By the 55th minute, Irureta introduced Luque and Pandiani to further enhance their offense.
With more than 30 minutes still to play, Irureta had already used up all his substitutions, underscoring his determination to win this match.
Deportivo, battling for a top-four finish in the league, were leaving everything on the pitch.
As Deportivo's pressure mounted, Real Madrid began to show signs of fatigue around the 60-minute mark. Del Bosque was forced to replace Zidane with Guti in the 65th minute.
However, just three minutes later, Pandiani unleashed a powerful long-range shot that forced Casillas into a spectacular save, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
Shortly after, Makaay attempted a fierce strike of his own, only to see it sail over the bar.
In the 78th minute, Valerón delivered a precise pass to Makaay on the left side of the box. Makaay sent a low cross into the center, where Pandiani, rushing in ahead of Casillas, poked the ball into the net.
1-1!
Inside the Bernabéu, the home fans let out collective sighs of disappointment.
But in front of the television, Yang Hao, Juanma Lillo, and the rest of the Atlético coaching staff jumped out of their seats in celebration.
"Irureta, well done!"
"Come on, Depor!"
At that moment, Yang Hao and his assistants were firmly on Deportivo's side, cheering, "Tonight, we're all Deportivo fans!"
"Take down Real Madrid!"
Real Madrid realized the gravity of the situation.
A 1-1 draw was far from acceptable for them.
If the match ended in a tie, their lead over Atlético in the league would shrink from four points to just two—something neither Del Bosque nor Real Madrid could afford.
As a result, they threw everything into the attack.
Raúl's movements in the box, Guti's long shots, Figo's free kicks—Real Madrid relentlessly tested Deportivo's defense.
Yet no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get past Molina in Deportivo's goal.
Time ticked away, second by second.
For Yang Hao and Atlético, even a draw would have been an acceptable result. After all, there was still La Liga's 37th round—a decisive home game against Real Madrid.
That match would be the ultimate showdown.
But just when it seemed the game would end in a draw, Deportivo's left-back Capdevila made a surging run down the wing and combined with Fran.
Fran carried the ball into the middle of the pitch, where he was fouled by Vieira, earning Deportivo a free kick about 20 meters from goal.
It was an excellent position for a free kick, and the clock had already reached the 89th minute.
The match was about to enter stoppage time.
On the broadcast, Valerón was seen stepping in to calm down both Tristán and Fran, signaling that he would take the free kick himself.
"It looks like Valerón is stepping up to take this direct free kick," the commentator noted.
"Deportivo's other players are retreating, leaving Valerón alone at the spot."
In the Atlético coaching office, everyone was glued to the screen, holding their breath.
At that moment, Parales broke the silence. "I feel like Juan is taking this free kick for us."
Nobody responded.
The office was eerily quiet.
Did Yang Hao share this feeling?
He did.
As the camera focused on Valerón approaching the ball, Yang Hao caught something in his eyes—an unspoken message.
He didn't say it out loud, but he understood.
This Spaniard, known for his high moral standards, seemed intent on helping Atlético in the most acceptable way within the bounds of sportsmanship—repaying Yang Hao's faith in him.
Valerón took a quick run-up and struck the ball cleanly.
The shot soared over the wall with a sharp curve and dipped rapidly toward the goal.
Although Casillas had guessed the direction correctly, the ball was too fast, hitting the net with a crisp finality.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"VALERÓN!"
"At the critical moment, Valerón scores a stunning direct free kick for Deportivo La Coruña!"
"2-1!"
"Deportivo La Coruña has delivered a last-minute blow to Real Madrid with Valerón's free kick!"
The Atlético coaching office erupted into cheers.
When Yang Hao saw Valerón burst out in celebration after scoring, sprinting to the corner flag, pointing to the camera, tapping his chest, and then turning back to rejoice with his teammates...
At that moment, Yang Hao felt deeply moved.
He understood Valerón's message: This goal is for you, for Atlético!
Even now, many Atlético fans still harbor resentment toward Valerón, blaming him for leaving during the club's most challenging times. They wondered why he couldn't stay like Baraja did.
But tonight, Valerón's goal might just change their perception of him.
Even though he no longer wore Atlético's colors, as long as it didn't violate his professional ethics, he was willing to contribute in any way he could to help Atlético—including taking down Real Madrid.
Yang Hao had his own philosophy, much like the famous saying from his hometown: "To win, you must fight."
In life and work, one must strive for excellence and never give up.
He never faulted Valerón for leaving. The Spaniard had made the decision any ambitious player would in that situation—it was as simple as that.
Baraja's choice to stay was commendable, but that didn't mean Valerón's decision was wrong.
There was no need for such judgment.
If Atlético's values depended on such comparisons, what right did they have to demand Valerón stay in the first place?
Of course, Yang Hao respected and understood the simple emotions and value judgments of Atlético fans.
This was why he had maintained a good private relationship with Valerón over the years. In fact, it was Valerón who had "introduced" David Silva to Atlético.
And now, Valerón had contributed in a crucial moment, helping Atlético once again!
When the match ended and Yang Hao's assistants erupted in celebration, Yang Hao took out his phone and sent Valerón a text message thanking him for his goal.
Valerón replied almost instantly, saying he was just doing what a professional should.
"I'll treat you to dinner the next time you're in Madrid," Yang Hao replied.
"Alright."
And that was it—no further messages.
"Friendship between gentlemen is as light as water," as the saying goes, and this was a perfect example.
"The group chats are going crazy," Parales shouted excitedly.
"Every single one is exploding. It looks like everyone at the club and all the fans were watching the Real Madrid match tonight."
"Let me see."
"It's true—everyone's so hyped tonight!"
"Mr. Miguel Gil says he's treating everyone to dinner!"
"Which group? Screenshot it, quick!"
"Ha-ha…"
After putting down his phone, Yang Hao felt the infectious energy of his assistants, their excitement practically overflowing.
"Everyone," Yang Hao said, clapping his hands to get their attention.
The room immediately fell silent.
La Liga matches often kicked off late, which fit the Spanish lifestyle.
But in a suburban area like Majadahonda, the night was quiet and peaceful at this hour.
"Real Madrid lost," Yang Hao said.
Everyone nodded eagerly, murmuring excitedly until Yang Hao raised a hand to signal calm.
"We're now just one point behind Real Madrid. This is an incredible opportunity for us."
"As I've said before, Real Madrid would make mistakes in the second half of the season. And now, as their mistakes pile up, their vulnerabilities are becoming more and more apparent."
Everyone nodded again in agreement.
"However," Yang Hao continued, his tone calm and measured, "I need to pour some cold water on this moment."
The room grew quiet as Yang Hao maintained his composure, clearly not letting the excitement cloud his judgment.
"Real Madrid has their problems, but so do we. At this stage, while their journey is tough, ours won't be any easier."
The coaches nodded solemnly.
Atlético's form had also been inconsistent.
The grueling months of March and April were the most critical part of the season. What team could guarantee they'd get through unscathed?
It was impossible.
From August to the end of March, how many hidden injuries had accumulated? How many issues had already surfaced?
Would the minor injuries players carried finally become major ones under the intense pressure of the remaining matches?
"So, this is the key period where we'll fight Real Madrid head-on. It's about who can endure, who has fewer problems, and who can maintain better consistency."
"That's why," Yang Hao said, his gaze sweeping over his assistants, his expression serious and heavy, "this is our greatest test. I need every one of you to give 120% effort, to stay focused, and to execute every task perfectly."
"I'll say it again: They will make more mistakes, and if we hold our ground, the championship will be ours!"
Yang Hao's speech was met with enthusiastic applause from his assistants.
The Flaws of the Galácticos Strategy
Why was Real Madrid's star-studded Galácticos strategy inherently problematic?
Yang Hao had thought it was mainly due to the aging roster.
While that was a major factor, Yang Hao, with his growing coaching experience, recognized another serious issue: it created rifts within the locker room.
Stars naturally demanded special treatment.
For instance, Florentino Pérez recently revealed that Ronaldo called him after scoring a hat-trick.
Why could Ronaldo call the club president?
Sure, Zidane could too, maybe even Figo—but what about the rest of the players?
These privileges manifested in countless ways.
Even among the stars, things weren't as harmonious as they seemed.
Colleagues often competed, so why should stars be any different?
Wouldn't they have conflicts?
Why was one player benched while another started?
Why did people think one star was more important than another?
Zidane was the face of Juventus and France, Figo represented Barcelona and Portugal, Ronaldo was Inter Milan and Brazil's icon, and then there were Raúl, Vieira, Makelele, Carlos, Cannavaro...
So many superstars in one locker room—how could there not be tensions?
Even if, hypothetically, they worked perfectly together, who would start, and who would sit on the bench?
If you rotate, who gets rotated first?
The result? All the stars play, leaving no room for substitutes.
How could the substitutes be expected to deliver peak performance when they rarely got minutes during the season?
Unless they were divine beings, that's just unrealistic.
These issues were glaringly obvious.
And Yang Hao wasn't the only one who noticed—others saw it too.
During the winter transfer window, rumors of Solari wanting to leave had already surfaced.
Though Real Madrid quickly suppressed the rumors, why would the Argentine left-sided player want to leave?
Because he wasn't getting enough playing time.
Summer Exodus and Real Madrid's Weakening Depth
Players like Munitis, who had already sought a transfer in the summer, ended up being loaned to Racing Santander. Savio went to Bordeaux in Ligue 1, and Geremi was sent to Middlesbrough.
As these solid, dependable players left one by one, Real Madrid's squad depth inevitably suffered.
No one at Real Madrid was oblivious to these issues. Both Valdano and Del Bosque were highly accomplished coaches, well aware of the pitfalls of their approach.
Florentino Pérez probably knew, too.
But when faced with a choice between football and business, he chose the latter.
Perhaps he thought he could manage that delicate balance and maintain some equilibrium.
But now, Yang Hao believed Pérez had started to see the cracks in his strategy.
What was most ironic was that it was only March, yet the media and fans were already buzzing about which superstar Real Madrid would sign in the summer. Florentino had no way back.
In Yang Hao's memory, the most balanced Real Madrid squad came around 2015.
That era's Real Madrid boasted not only top stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale but also a midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos. The defense featured Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal, and Marcelo.
And the bench?
Players like Morata, Chicharito, Jesé, James Rodríguez, Isco, Asensio, Marcos Llorente, Khedira, Illarramendi, Kovacic, Coentrao, Danilo, Varane, and Nacho formed a deep and talented squad.
That roster didn't just have younger stars; it was also deeper, younger overall, and more balanced.
Clearly, that was the best version of Real Madrid.
In contrast, the current squad, while packed with superstars, lacked the balance and rational structure of 2015.
Still, Yang Hao felt it necessary to be fair to Florentino Pérez.
In 2003, Real Madrid's finances weren't as robust as they were in 2015. The club simply couldn't afford such a deep squad.
As the saying goes: economic foundation determines the superstructure.
But if money was an issue, why sign so many superstars?
This was the core of Florentino's miscalculation.
...
The Morning After the Loss
When the Atlético players returned to Majadahonda in the morning, their faces were lit with excitement and anticipation—they had all heard about Real Madrid's defeat.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid-friendly outlets, especially AS, were mourning the loss as if it were a national tragedy.
Before training, Yang Hao gathered his players and delivered a speech to rally them, emphasizing the opportunity at hand.
"Real Madrid's mistakes are Atlético's chances!"
"I know it's tough for everyone at this stage, but I believe each of us is filled with a burning desire to win, to become champions."
"Our opponents will continue to make mistakes, and now, our task is simple: make sure we don't make any!"
"If we stay focused and avoid errors, we'll claim victory in the end!"
"Trust me—no matter how many challenges or difficulties we face on the road to the title, the moment we lift that trophy, it will all be worth it a thousand times over!"
"Let's go, Atlético warriors!" Yang Hao exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air.
"Let's go!" the players shouted back in unison.
...
La Liga Round 28
After their loss to Deportivo, Real Madrid managed a 3-1 home victory against Rayo Vallecano.
At the post-match press conference, Del Bosque reiterated that "Real Madrid has no problems."
But was that true?
It didn't take Yang Hao's analysis or media reports to see the truth—the fans' reactions told the story.
Within nine minutes of kickoff, Real Madrid had conceded a goal. Despite relentless attacks, they couldn't break down Rayo Vallecano's defensive wall for most of the match.
What was the turning point?
When Ronaldo and Makelele were substituted for Morientes and Portillo.
Morientes provided a much-needed aerial threat, and Portillo delivered the decisive blow.
Still, Real Madrid's three goals came in the 85th, 88th, and 90th minutes.
In other words, they had to fight tooth and nail until the final whistle, nearly exhausting their resources, before Morientes scored twice and Portillo added another to secure a 3-1 comeback.
Meanwhile, Atlético also had a tough time.
As Yang Hao had predicted, March and April were grueling for everyone. Anyone claiming otherwise would end up with empty hands.
In the 83rd minute, Diego Forlán's goal gave Atlético a 1-0 away win against Athletic Bilbao.
...
La Liga Round 29
Real Madrid traveled to face Real Sociedad.
Just two minutes in, Kovacevic scored for the home side.
With Cannavaro absent, Real Madrid started with Hierro and Helguera as their central defensive pairing, which immediately faltered.
Real Madrid controlled possession and launched continuous attacks.
In the 32nd minute, Zidane assisted Ronaldo to equalize.
The game then became a stalemate.
Northern Spanish teams often played aggressively against Madrid and Barcelona, and Real Sociedad was no exception.
It wasn't until the 83rd minute that substitute Portillo found the net, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 victory.
Dramatic comebacks might be thrilling, but they were also a red flag.
Meanwhile, Atlético secured a dominant 3-0 home win against Espanyol, keeping the pressure on Real Madrid.
...
La Liga Round 30
Real Madrid hosted Barcelona at the Bernabéu and won 2-0.
Although Barcelona's form had improved recently—they climbed out of the relegation zone to 12th place—their squad's quality and overall condition still lagged far behind Real Madrid.
Moreover, Barcelona's refusal to play conservatively at the Bernabéu cost them dearly.
Despite his best efforts, Radomir Antić couldn't bridge the gap.
Atlético narrowly defeated Real Betis 2-1 in an intense away match.
With consecutive midweek and weekend fixtures, player fatigue was mounting.
...
La Liga Round 31
Atlético played first, hosting Osasuna.
With the Champions League quarterfinal first leg looming next Wednesday, Yang Hao rotated his squad for this match.
Osasuna, meanwhile, sat in 17th place and were fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation.
The game's lone goal came in the 44th minute of the first half, when Marcos Senna unleashed a sudden long-range strike to secure a 1-0 victory for Atlético.
...
A Fierce Contest: Atlético Madrid vs. AC Milan
Atlético Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, keeping their momentum alive.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid traveled to Seville to face Sevilla.
Despite the first half ending in a 1-1 draw, Zidane's second-half goal and Morientes's impact off the bench sealed a 3-1 win for Los Blancos. Zidane's two assists and one goal were crucial in the victory.
The duel between the Madrid rivals captured the attention of all of Spain and the world. Neither side was willing to relent.
In this battle for supremacy, the first to falter would lose their shot at the title.
...
The past 16 days saw Atlético Madrid play five grueling La Liga matches, a taxing stretch that tested the team's stamina and depth.
April 8, Champions League Quarterfinal, First Leg
Atlético Madrid visited the San Siro to face AC Milan.
From the start, Atlético played with confidence and aggression, taking the initiative against the home side.
AC Milan, employing their signature 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, focused on a tight defensive strategy, looking to counterattack.
Yang Hao's strategy was clear: with the away goals rule in effect, his team aimed to score on the road.
Carlo Ancelotti, aware of Atlético's intentions, relied on his team's defensive discipline while preparing to capitalize on counterattacks.
Yang Hao, familiar with the intricacies of the 4-3-2-1 system, focused on exploiting the wings, with Torres as the central attacking focal point.
In the 7th minute, Atlético launched their first threat from the right. Maicon delivered a cross, and Deco penetrated the right flank of the box before cutting the ball across.
With AC Milan's penalty area packed with players, Torres managed to get a shot off, but Costacurta blocked it, resulting in a corner—the first shot of the match.
Atlético continued their high press, maintaining pressure on AC Milan.
Four minutes later, Baraja intercepted the ball in the attacking third and sent a through pass between Costacurta and Maldini. Torres attempted to latch onto it but was slowed by Milan's defenders, allowing Dida to collect the ball.
Deco and Reyes combined beautifully on the left flank shortly after, but Reyes's shot narrowly missed the target.
AC Milan's first attacking move came in the 16th minute, attempting to send the ball into Atlético's penalty area.
However, Shevchenko, unlike Pippo Inzaghi, wasn't "born offside" and found himself flagged for being ahead of the last defender.
As Atlético maintained control, AC Milan sought opportunities to counterattack, creating an intriguing dynamic.
By the 23rd minute, Atlético had firmly established dominance, pushing AC Milan back into their defensive third. Milan's penalty area descended into chaos, with Atlético firing three consecutive blocked shots before Deco's opportunistic strike hit the left post.
The ball ricocheted back into play and was clawed away by Dida, sparking controversy.
"Did the ball cross the line?"
Atlético's players erupted in protest, with Torres closest to the action, adamantly claiming the ball had crossed the line before Dida saved it.
AC Milan's players, meanwhile, argued otherwise, asserting that Dida's save was legitimate.
Yang Hao shook his head in exasperation, suddenly wishing for VAR.
"Any news from the broadcast team?" Yang Hao asked.
"None. They're reviewing multiple angles, but none provide a definitive view."
Yang Hao sighed.
Such incidents were inevitable every season. The technology of the time, combined with the limited number of camera angles, made determining certain situations nearly impossible.
After consulting with his assistant referee, the match official ruled that the ball had not crossed the line.
This decision visibly affected Atlético's players, but Yang Hao, ever the motivator, urged them to stay composed.
However, in the 29th minute, AC Milan capitalized on a counterattack. Rui Costa delivered a precise through ball, and Rivaldo, using his individual brilliance, broke down the left wing before crossing.
Shevchenko rose highest in the box and headed the ball into the net, giving AC Milan a 1-0 lead.
Unfazed, Yang Hao adjusted his team's tactics, directing them to simplify their play and attack more directly.
In first-half stoppage time, Xabi Alonso, under defensive pressure, passed to Baraja, who delivered a diagonal ball behind AC Milan's backline.
Reyes used his pace to outmaneuver Simic, dribbled into the penalty area, and feinted past Costacurta near the byline before cutting the ball across.
Torres arrived just in time to tap the ball into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Atlético equalizes!"
"Torres!"
"At the critical moment, this young Atlético forward scores a crucial goal to level the match!"
The first half ended in a 1-1 stalemate, with Atlético showing no signs of caution despite playing away from home.
...
Second Half
After the break, AC Milan began to control possession, but Atlético continued to create the more dangerous chances.
In the 51st minute, Xabi Alonso delivered a diagonal long pass to Joaquín on the right.
Faced with a one-on-one against Kaladze, Joaquín decisively dribbled past the Milan defender and crossed into the box.
Torres surged toward the near post, but Dida rushed off his line, while Maldini attempted a clearance.
Amid the chaos, none of the three reached the ball, which looped toward the far post.
Reyes, arriving just in time, volleyed the ball past Costacurta and into the net with his left foot.
"Turnaround!!!"
"Unbelievable! Six minutes into the second half, Reyes scores to give Atlético a 2-1 lead over AC Milan!"
As Atlético celebrated wildly, Ancelotti realized the danger and made immediate changes.
He substituted Ambrosini for Inzaghi, abandoning the 4-3-2-1 for a 4-2-2-2 formation.
For the next 15 minutes, this tactical shift yielded little success. Ancelotti then replaced Rui Costa with Seedorf, transitioning to a 4-3-1-2 system, with Shevchenko and Inzaghi up front and Rivaldo playing behind them.
By the 75th minute, Ancelotti threw caution to the wind, replacing Simic with Tomasson, switching to a three-defender, three-forward setup.
This all-out approach paid off in the 78th minute.
Rivaldo drove the ball through Atlético's midfield and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area.
The ball deflected off Lucio's leg, bouncing high into the air. In the ensuing chaos inside Atlético's crowded penalty box, Tomasson, on the field for just three minutes, pounced on the loose ball and volleyed it into the net.
2-2. The match was level again.
In the 91st minute of stoppage time, just when it seemed the match would end in a 2-2 draw and Atlético Madrid's players were completely drained, Pirlo launched a long ball forward.
The man "born on the offside line" executed a perfect run, broke through Atlético's defensive line, and chipped the ball into the net.
3-2!
...
Post-Match Reaction
"Toward the end of the game, honestly, I was feeling very frustrated," Carlo Ancelotti admitted during the post-match press conference. He described the victory as a combination of tactics, luck, and courage.
"We've always known that Atlético is one of the strongest teams in Europe this season. I kept telling my players how dangerous this match would be at home, and if we couldn't secure a win here, things would only get tougher in Madrid."
Ancelotti acknowledged Atlético's aggressive first-half tactics.
"From the start, it was clear that Atlético wanted to secure the match in the first half. They played with incredible decisiveness and courage," he said.
He attributed Atlético's approach to their congested schedule, noting that the Spanish side had been playing back-to-back matches, while AC Milan had the luxury of playing four fewer league games.
"Our domestic schedule is lighter than La Liga's," Ancelotti said with a broad smile, highlighting the physical edge his team had going into the match.
He also praised his players for their resilience.
"We fought until the very last moment, and we were rewarded for it. Luck was on our side in what was a very tough match."
As for Atlético, Ancelotti was effusive in his praise: "They are never an easy opponent. Their possession and defensive organization surpass ours. They are a very talented young team."
However, he added, "But they still lack experience. In some matches, experience can be the decisive factor in determining the outcome."
Media Reactions
The Italian media largely supported Ancelotti's assessment. La Gazzetta dello Sport praised his bold decision-making at the San Siro, noting his risk in fielding four forwards, including Rivaldo, in an uncharacteristically aggressive approach.
"Willpower, focus, and determination saw AC Milan go from laughter to tears and back to laughter again."
The Spanish media, on the other hand, were more sympathetic to Atlético. They criticized the team's misfortune, arguing that the 3-2 loss was not a fair reflection of their performance. Many noted that Atlético could have left the San Siro with a 2-1 victory instead.
Yang Hao's Press Conference
At his post-match press conference, Yang Hao expressed pride in his team's performance despite the loss.
"I don't consider this a defeat. On the contrary, we scored two crucial away goals and outperformed our opponents for much of the match."
He admitted that Atlético made mistakes at the end, but he emphasized that it was understandable given the circumstances.
"Our schedule has been extraordinarily demanding in recent weeks," Yang Hao said. "Of course, that's not an excuse—other teams face similar challenges. But it has been a significant test for us.
"I'm confident that when we return to Madrid, we will turn the tide and advance!"
Yang Hao also reiterated his team's commitment to competing on all fronts.
"La Liga and the Champions League—we'll fight until the very end!"
His players echoed his determination.
Captain Baraja stated that the loss at the San Siro only strengthened their resolve to overturn the result at home.
"This loss has made us more determined to mount a comeback in Madrid," Baraja said.
Torres, speaking to the media after the match, called on his teammates to stay confident.
"We'll dismantle their defensive wall at the Calderón!" he declared.
Other players also expressed their fighting spirit, surprising the Spanish media, who had expected a demoralized Atlético after the defeat. Instead, the team remained resolute, confident in their ability to beat AC Milan at home.
...
La Liga Round 32
The heavy schedule of Champions League matches took a toll on all participating teams during this round of La Liga.
Valencia, fresh off a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan at the San Siro, fell 2-1 to Racing Santander.
Inter, led by a decisive goal from Adriano, now had their sights set on advancing to the Champions League semifinals—and potentially winning both Serie A and the Champions League. Massimo Moratti even promised substantial rewards to motivate his players.
At the Bernabéu, Real Madrid hosted Real Mallorca.
Ronaldo scored in the 10th minute to give Madrid an early lead, but the match soon became a showcase for Mallorca's energy and determination.
Luis Aragonés's side treated the game as a dress rehearsal for the Copa del Rey final, using their superior fitness and form to relentlessly attack Real Madrid.
For much of the match, Del Bosque's side had to adopt a defensive posture.
Despite their efforts, Samuel Eto'o equalized for Mallorca in the 72nd minute.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Upon hearing the result, Atlético Madrid's players and staff were filled with ambition. Yang Hao reminded his team before their match:
"If we win today, we'll take the top spot!"
But perhaps this added pressure backfired.
Yang Hao fielded his strongest lineup against Real Valladolid, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Atlético struggled to find the back of the net.
The players were clearly pushing themselves to the limit, as evidenced by the six yellow cards they accumulated.
In the 74th minute, David Aganzo broke away on a counterattack and scored for Valladolid, sealing a shocking 1-0 victory over Atlético.
...
Yang Hao Takes Responsibility
"I take full responsibility for this loss," Yang Hao said during the post-match press conference, addressing the media under the glare of countless flashbulbs.
He explained that he couldn't fault his players, who had given everything on the pitch.
As Ancelotti had pointed out earlier, Atlético's squad was young, and mistakes were inevitable in critical moments.
"This loss is a lesson—a painful but necessary one for our growth," Yang Hao said.
Reflecting on his decisions, he admitted, "I should have rotated the squad, but my desire to win got the better of me. I didn't fully consider my players' physical and mental state. They gave it their all, and I'm proud of them."
Only Those Inside Atlético Truly Understood the Truth
Yang Hao didn't reveal the full picture in the post-match press conference. He chose to shoulder all the blame himself to shield his players from criticism by the media and fans.
This was what a responsible manager ought to do.
"Mr. Yang Hao, you once claimed that Real Madrid would falter, but now…"
The journalist from AS who stood up to ask this question couldn't hide his mocking grin.
"…it seems that it's Atlético who are crumbling instead. Don't you find this laughable? Do you really believe Atlético has the strength to compete with Real Madrid for the title?"
Yang Hao took a deep breath, steadied himself, and smiled back. "Actually, from the moment you raised your hand, and from your opening words, I already guessed you were from AS."
The room erupted into laughter.
The feud between Yang Hao, Atlético, and AS was no secret. The Real Madrid-aligned newspaper seemed to delight in trying to humiliate Yang Hao and Atlético whenever they could.
But Yang Hao didn't flinch.
A loss was a loss.
As he had told his players in the locker room: If you can't handle losing, you'll never learn how to win.
Losing wasn't the problem—it was making excuses or avoiding responsibility that was unacceptable.
"I'd like to remind you, Mr. AS," Yang Hao said, deliberately referring to the journalist by the paper's name.
"Although we lost, the point difference is still just two. With six rounds left in La Liga, do you think Real Madrid has already won?"
Yang Hao laughed again.
"Of course, I'd love to see Real Madrid start celebrating their victory and the title now. It would be like popping champagne at halftime in the locker room."
"I believe this loss won't break us. On the contrary, it will make us stronger, more mature, braver, and more determined!"
"My players are still young. Even if we lose everything this season, we can afford it.
"Because next season, the season after that, and beyond, we will only get stronger!"
Yang Hao's gaze turned sharp as he looked at the AS reporter.
"Congratulations, Mr. AS. You finally got your chance to ridicule and attack me. But I can promise you, the collapse you're hoping for at Atlético won't happen.
"Your mockery and attacks will only make us stronger.
"Even now, I'll repeat what I've said before: We will win.
"This season's La Liga title is ours to take!"
...
The Locker Room Response
When Yang Hao's bold statements from the press conference reached the players in the locker room, they stopped whatever they were doing and returned to their seats, reflecting in silence.
Cech buried his head in his hands, lamenting his inability to save the crucial goal.
Torres's eyes were red, regretting his lackluster performance despite promising Yang Hao before the match that he would deliver and help the team overtake Real Madrid.
Kaká leaned back against his locker, his head tilted upward to hide the tears welling in his eyes after missing a clear scoring chance.
One by one, the players felt the weight of their mistakes and the sting of their failure.
Deep down, they all knew the truth: the tactics were not the issue. Atlético had dominated Valladolid, a team far from formidable.
So why had they lost?
The problem was with the players—specifically, their mentality.
It was a repeat of Real Madrid's infamous loss in last season's Copa del Rey final, a failure born from the pressure of expectations.
Now, Atlético had fallen into the same trap.
Their manager had taken all the blame to protect them.
They understood this.
Now, what were they going to do about it?
"I don't know what the rest of you are thinking," Torres said, breaking the silence as he stood up.
"But for me, I can't stand hiding under the boss's wing like a coward. We need to fight back. We need to prove ourselves again!"
"That's right." Kaká rose, wiping his eyes. "The boss shielded us from all the attacks. Now it's time for us to take responsibility. We need to answer the doubters with victories and performances that silence those mocking us!"
"The boss is right—the league isn't over yet," Xabi Alonso added, calm as ever.
"We're only two points behind Real Madrid. If we win every match from here, we'll have the chance to turn it around in the 37th round. That's what the boss wants us to do."
"I'm in," Drogba said, standing as well. "I refuse to let this season end in such humiliation. I won't stand by while they tear the boss apart!"
"Exactly! It's always the boss protecting us. We're not kids anymore. It's time to step up!" Cech declared as he joined the others.
Assistant coach Juanma Lillo and the rest of the staff watched in awe as the players rallied themselves.
Despite back-to-back defeats, which had left the team vulnerable to media ridicule and even whispers of a potential collapse, the squad was now united and determined.
The AS journalist might have gloated about Atlético's supposed meltdown, but this scene in the locker room proved otherwise.
Juanma Lillo suddenly understood Yang Hao's strategy.
Media attacks wouldn't shake the team. What mattered was the players' mindset.
By taking all the responsibility, Yang Hao had ignited something within his squad.
The harsher the criticism aimed at Yang Hao, the stronger the players' resolve would grow.
They would channel their frustration into their performances, fighting to protect the man who had always protected them.
This was Yang Hao's message:
Only by learning to lose can you truly learn to win.
END CHAPTER
Chapter of more than 15,000 words in 2 parts
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