Chapter 49
"Do you believe me? If I had said yes to Real Madrid last year, I'd have turned you into mincemeat this season!"
In the temporary office at the Calderón Stadium, Mourinho, having had a few drinks, finally let loose, venting his frustrations at Yang Hao. Clearly, he was still holding a grudge.
"I believe you, I do," Yang Hao said seriously, nodding as he refilled both their glasses.
"Come on, José, let's have another!"
Clink! Their glasses collided, and Yang Hao downed his drink in one go, shaking his empty glass at Mourinho with a sly look that seemed to say, I'm done, up to you now.
Mourinho glanced at Yang Hao, then at his own glass. Damn it! Why is my glass so full?
Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath and drank it all.
The wine was good—very good, in fact. But drinking it like this? It felt like a complete waste.
Fine wine is meant to be savored, not guzzled. Do you even know anything about wine?
"Honestly, José," Yang Hao said with an earnest expression, "when it comes to drinking, I can't match you, nor do I know much about wine. But for this occasion, I specially asked someone to pick this bottle. They said it's top-notch. What do you think?"
Mourinho had no words.
The man openly admitted he knew nothing about wine—how could Mourinho even argue with him?
Damn it, he's already said everything. What else can I even say?
"It's great wine, truly great."
"Good! Then let's have another!" Yang Hao exclaimed, filling both glasses again. He grabbed his own and clinked it against Mourinho's glass with a loud clang that seemed to shatter Mourinho's already fragile resolve.
I can't take this anymore!
"Wait, wait! Let me catch my breath first," Mourinho quickly protested, stopping Yang Hao from drinking again.
Even the thought of drinking more made him feel lightheaded.
Damn it! Losing on the pitch was bad enough, but now he was losing at drinking too. This was unbearable.
Earlier, Mourinho had planned to leave immediately after the press conference. But Yang Hao had ambushed him outside the media room and insisted—insisted—that he join him for drinks.
"Fine, let's take a break," Yang Hao relented, seeming considerate as he shifted the conversation. "Speaking of last year, why didn't you accept Real Madrid's offer?"
At the mention of this, Mourinho perked up slightly.
"Last year, after we won the domestic treble, a lot of teams came knocking on my door."
Yang Hao nodded—he had heard about this.
"You know, Porto and the Portuguese league are small-time. We never dared to dream big in the Champions League. In modern European football, whoever has the money wins, right?"
Yang Hao nodded again.
But Mourinho quickly realized his mistake—he'd momentarily forgotten about Yang Hao and Atlético.
"Of course, you and Atlético are the exceptions. Honestly, you don't know this, but I've spoken to many coaches and club owners, and their evaluation of you is..." Mourinho gave a thumbs-up.
"Not at all, not at all," Yang Hao replied humbly, though he couldn't hide the pride welling up inside.
Being praised and recognized by peers was undeniably satisfying.
"To me, you're a phenomenon. At the Elite Coaches Summit in September, do you know what happened? Over 20 of Europe's top managers gathered together, and all we talked about was how you keep finding these incredible players and how you develop them!"
Yang Hao was taken aback.
That kind of serious event, and they were discussing something so trivial?
"In the end, none of us had any answers. And since you never show up at these things, we couldn't get to know you better. But everyone agrees—your results with Atlético command universal respect, even from me."
"Thank you," Yang Hao said modestly.
"But other than Atlético, tell me, what successful club in Europe isn't built on money?"
Mourinho paused for a moment before continuing.
"Take us, for example. During the winter break, we spent €2.5 million on Carlos Alberto. He's been decent, but inconsistent. If—just if—I had the money, I'd have gone after your Deco instead. Reliable, efficient, consistent—and expensive. But if I had the money, why not, right?"
Yang Hao nodded along, acknowledging the logic, but slyly reached for his glass again, clinking it with Mourinho's before downing it in one gulp.
"Stop drinking! Let me finish what I'm saying!" Mourinho tried to stop him but was a moment too late.
"It's fine, it's fine. I'm just a bit thirsty," Yang Hao said casually.
Thirsty? Mourinho almost burst into tears. If I ever drink with you again, I'm a dog!
Yang Hao watched Mourinho's face and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Serves you right for eyeing my Deco!
"Actually, I almost said yes to Real Madrid last year," Mourinho admitted. "But I made one phone call—to Bobby Robson. He knows me better than anyone, and I trust him completely. I asked for his advice."
"He told me, 'José, you still have plenty of time. You should really think about why you want to leave Porto and why you want to coach Real Madrid.'"
"He described it like this: every club is like a walled city. If you don't know why you're leaving one city, don't rush into another. It means you're not ready."
"He spent 14 years at Ipswich. At that time, I'd only been at Porto for 14 months."
"We had just won the domestic treble, and the club president decided to take a shot at the Champions League. For a club like ours, that meant trying to get out of the group stage—at most, reaching the Round of 16."
"To do that, we kept many key players, which was a huge risk for Porto. Bobby told me I'd had a great first season and that if I stayed, I'd gain more experience and learn even more."
Mourinho hesitated, then picked up his glass and downed it in one go, grimacing as he swallowed. Drinking like this ruins even the finest wine.
"At the start of the season, we never expected to reach the quarterfinals or the semifinals. You saw what happened in the group stage—Real Madrid humiliated us. At that point, I truly regretted turning them down."
"But I remembered Bobby's words. Over the winter break, I thought deeply about the team's issues and analyzed them thoroughly. With the president's support, we spent heavily to sign Carlos Alberto."
"When we played Manchester United, I was stunned. Even I couldn't believe it—we actually beat them. Those two matches gave us an enormous confidence boost."
"It was the first time we realized we could compete with Europe's elite clubs. We weren't as bad as we thought."
"Then we faced Monaco, and now here we are in the semifinals against you."
Mourinho clearly didn't want to dwell on the current match.
It was obvious to everyone that losing 2–0 at the Calderón made a comeback in Portugal highly unlikely.
Yang Hao's strategies were consistently precise, effective, and ruthless. He rarely suffered catastrophic defeats.
Mourinho knew the odds.
"I've made up my mind," Mourinho said with a mischievous grin. "Next season, I'm coming to one of Europe's top four leagues. When I do, I'm coming for you!"
"Alright." Yang Hao smiled slightly, picked up the glass in front of him, clinked it with Mourinho's, and downed it in one go.
It was only then that Mourinho realized, without even noticing, that his glass had been refilled again.
What the... are you drinking wine or water?
"I really can't drink any more."
"I know. This is the last one. Take your time, no rush."
"Fine. After this one, I'm leaving."
"What's the hurry? It's not every day we get to meet. Let's chat a bit more."
"Chatting is fine... Hey! Why did you refill my glass again? Wasn't this supposed to be the last one?"
"Look, there's only a little left in the bottle. It'd be a shame to waste it."
"Take it home and drink it yourself."
"That's ridiculous. I bought this bottle just for you. Come on, let's finish it. I'll go first."
"Damn it. So your drinking tolerance is this good?"
"No, no, I'm already drunk. I'm just pretending to be sober."
"I don't believe you."
"Really. Come on, no more talking. Let's finish this one—it's the last bit. We'll split it."
"..."
When Mourinho finally left the Calderón Stadium, he wasn't drunk—at least he didn't think so—but his steps were noticeably wobbly.
Looking back at the Calderón as he walked away, he suddenly felt as though the stadium, crouching by the main road, was like a giant man-eating beast. He never wanted to set foot here again.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, had escorted Mourinho downstairs, only returning once the Portuguese coach had gotten into his car.
From their conversation, it seemed Mourinho had already struck a deal with Chelsea.
Chelsea had been eyeing Atlético's players for a long time, with frequent rumors about their transfer wishlist—including several of Yang Hao's stars.
If Mourinho did take charge of Chelsea, they would undoubtedly become a major rival in the future.
After putting in so much effort to nurture talents like Adriano, Aurelio, and Cambiasso, only to see them end up benefitting Inter Milan, Yang Hao had now developed another crop of players. Who knew which club would profit next?
Yang Hao looked up at the Calderón Stadium and then toward the old Mahou brewery site in the distance. A familiar feeling—like a real estate buyer's instinct—welled up inside him.
No matter what, he was determined to elevate Atlético to the pinnacle.
Whether in La Liga, the Champions League, or even globally, Atlético would march to the front of the pack.
Why should nobility and glory belong only to a select few?
If anyone wanted to poach Atlético's players, they could—but they'd have to pay a heavy price.
Atlético's 2–0 home victory over Porto was met with jubilation in the Spanish media.
Outlets such as Marca and El País heaped praise on Atlético, asserting that their home win over Porto meant one foot was already in the Champions League final.
Having already secured the Copa del Rey and virtually clinched the La Liga title, only the Champions League remained to complete a historic treble—the first in Spanish football history. Yang Hao and his Atlético would be immortalized in the annals of the sport.
However, after defeating Porto, Atlético returned to La Liga for the 34th round.
For this match, Yang Hao fielded an entirely rotated lineup, even deploying a midfield trio of Iniesta, Modric, and Mascherano. In defense, Ramos partnered with Pepe again.
Up front, the trident of Robben, Villa, and Ribéry led the attack.
Clearly, Yang Hao's focus was on giving his young players valuable match experience.
And the youngsters didn't disappoint, putting up a fierce fight away to Espanyol.
Among them, David Villa—nicknamed El Guaje—had the most fun.
In most matches, Yang Hao played Villa on the right wing, but with Torres injured, Villa took on the role of center forward.
The result?
His teammates fed him chance after chance, and he devoured them all.
With headers and strikes, Villa netted three goals, securing a hat-trick.
Despite his heroics, the final score was 3–4.
Espanyol struck first, Atlético responded with two goals, but Espanyol equalized early in the second half. Atlético regained the lead with another goal, only for Espanyol to score twice in the closing stages to seal the win.
In the final half-hour, Yang Hao used all three substitutions, bringing on David Silva, Messi, and Gabi.
Yang Hao didn't mind the loss.
At the post-match press conference, he praised the performance of his young players.
"Espanyol gave it their all in this match—they're fighting to avoid relegation, so they didn't hold back against us," Yang Hao explained.
"But precisely because of this, matches like these are incredibly valuable for our young players' development."
Yang Hao expressed confidence that Atlético's youth would form the core of the team's future.
"This match gave them a clear understanding of the intensity and ruthlessness of La Liga competition. It also highlighted their weaknesses, pushing them to keep improving."
As for the loss, Yang Hao remained unconcerned.
He had the luxury of such confidence.
Sometimes, fortune truly seemed to favor the bold.
Atlético's match against Espanyol was the first of Round 34. Yang Hao, prepared for rivals to close the gap, was ready for the consequences.
Instead, what happened?
Real Madrid lost 1–2 at home to Barcelona, while Valencia drew 1–1 away to Athletic Bilbao.
In the end, Atlético remained top of the league with 81 points after 34 matches (25 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses).
Valencia, in second, gained just one point, reaching 68 points.
Real Madrid sat third with 63 points, only one point ahead of fourth-placed Barcelona (62 points).
With their current form, Real Madrid even risked being overtaken by Barcelona, who had staged a remarkable second-half comeback this season.
Deportivo La Coruña, in fifth, had 59 points, just four behind Real Madrid.
Given Real Madrid's recent struggles, their position was precarious.
With only four rounds remaining, Atlético's loss unexpectedly secured them the La Liga title early.
Yang Hao couldn't believe his luck.
Announcing the news to his players, he generously declared that the remaining four matches would be used for training and fine-tuning.
However, he emphasized the importance of the home game against Celta Vigo.
"Road games are one thing, but we can't mess around at home."
Tens of thousands of fans bought tickets to watch the game—letting them see their team lose at home? That's asking for trouble.
In La Liga's 35th round, Atlético hosted Celta Vigo, and within the first five minutes, they had already scored twice.
The goals came from Torres in the 1st minute and Villa in the 5th.
Celta managed to pull one back, but in the 38th minute, Atlético won a free kick in the attacking third. Iniesta took the set piece, and Pepe outmuscled his marker in the box to score with a powerful header, extending Atlético's lead to 3–1.
In the second half, starting in the 60th minute, Yang Hao made substitutions. However, in the 78th minute, Celta capitalized on an error by Ramos to score another goal.
The match ended with a narrow 3–2 victory for Atlético.
Yang Hao was not entirely satisfied with the result, especially due to the mistakes made by Ramos and Pepe during the match.
While he chastised them for their errors, he also made sure to provide encouragement where it was due.
In the 62nd minute, Messi replaced Villa. From the last two games, it was evident that Messi struggled with the physicality of La Liga.
His ball control was exceptional, and his dribbling and ability to beat defenders were impressive, but his lack of physical strength, particularly in the upper body, was a clear disadvantage.
The simplest example was how easily he could be bumped or shoved off the ball.
Of course, this was to be expected.
Messi had only recently stopped taking growth hormone injections and was still undergoing physical conditioning. Much of his development would take time; there was no shortcut.
Yang Hao likened the situation to how Ferguson handled Cristiano Ronaldo, letting his teammates tackle him aggressively during training.
That approach worked for Ronaldo because he was already physically gifted. At Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo's physicality could rival the best center-backs in the team.
Messi, however, was far more delicate—especially at this stage.
This young talent needed careful nurturing.
If Yang Hao's memory served him right, Messi only began making substitute appearances for Barcelona's first team the following season.
By bringing him into the spotlight early, Yang Hao was taking a calculated risk.
It came with both advantages and disadvantages, and the key lay in how Yang Hao managed and protected his young players.
For Yang Hao, the priority was always the long-term development of his players.
If something benefited their growth in the long run, he fully supported it.
The final few games of this season, for instance, were a perfect opportunity.
Aside from home matches, there was no real pressure to secure results. This allowed the young players to play freely and showcase their skills, while the quality of the opponents ensured meaningful experience.
Looking ahead to next season, Yang Hao planned to gradually increase the playing time of Messi and other youngsters.
However, their appearances would mainly be limited to less intense matches or cup competitions. Their primary stage would still be the Segunda División.
In both his past and present lives, Barcelona B had always competed in the third tier (Segunda División B). But now, Messi was representing Atlético's B team in the Segunda División—a step up in both development and competition.
Last season, Atlético's B team performed well in the Segunda, maintaining a mid-table position while playing an aggressive, attacking style of football.
Under Manolo Jiménez, whose coaching philosophy aligned closely with Yang Hao's, and with a shared emphasis throughout the youth teams on attacking football, passing combinations, and high pressing, Atlético had developed a unique tactical identity.
This style was deeply ingrained throughout the club.
Unlike Barcelona's rigid adherence to their tactical philosophy, Atlético's approach was more flexible and adaptive, allowing players to adjust better to various situations.
Thanks to Atlético B's platform in the Segunda, even with age restrictions imposed by Yang Hao, the club continued to scout and recruit talented young players from across Spain and Europe.
This was precisely how Yang Hao envisioned the role of Atlético's B team.
Their primary mission was to develop players—not to achieve results.
As long as they maintained stability and avoided relegation, results were secondary.
In recent years, Atlético's youth academy had experienced a surge in talent, producing players like Messi, David Silva, Torres, Gabi, and Kaká. These young stars led the B team to impressive performances in the Segunda.
As this generation of players rose through the ranks, Atlético's revenue increased. With modest investments in the B team each year, alongside carefully selected young talent, the team's position in the Segunda could be sustained.
This created a virtuous cycle, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the first team.
May 4th, Estádio do Dragão, Porto, Portugal.
It was the second leg of the Champions League semifinal, with Atlético visiting Porto.
After two weeks of preparation, both teams returned in top form.
However, Atlético had made a few changes.
Baraja and Lucio were both absent.
Baraja was sitting out due to accumulating two yellow cards—one more would have resulted in suspension for the final. After careful consideration, Yang Hao decided to rest him and start Kaká in his place.
Lucio, meanwhile, had received his third yellow card in the first leg against Porto, resulting in a one-match suspension.
But Atlético's absences paled in comparison to Porto's troubles.
Mourinho's defensive tactics had led to several key players in Porto's midfield and defense accumulating suspensions throughout the Champions League campaign.
Players like Jorge Costa, Costinha, and Maniche had all served suspensions during the group stage.
Remarkably, Pedro Mendes was Porto's cleanest player, having yet to receive a single yellow card—a rare feat in Mourinho's combative system.
Paul Ferreira had played every match up until now, only receiving one yellow card against Atlético, while Valente's sole booking came against Monaco.
Under Champions League rules, three yellow cards across group and knockout stages result in a suspension. Afterward, every two yellow cards incur another suspension.
This rule had caught up with Porto.
Jorge Costa, Maniche, and Costinha all faced suspensions for the second leg due to their bookings in prior matches.
With three key defenders out, Mourinho's aggressive defensive style had clearly taken its toll.
Additionally, five more Porto players were one booking away from suspension—meaning even if they reached the final, they might not be able to play.
Mourinho had no choice but to stick with a 4-4-2 formation and focus on deep defense and counterattacks. Without three of his primary defensive players, what other options did he have?
This was where Atlético's superior squad depth made all the difference.
The match began much like the first leg, with both teams locked in a tense and physical struggle.
Despite missing three key players, Mourinho's defensive tactics remained tight and disciplined.
Atlético held a slight advantage but struggled to break through Porto's resolute defense. Porto's players, meanwhile, engaged in constant minor fouls and disruptive tactics, making the match especially frustrating.
Atlético created numerous attacking opportunities, repeatedly trying to penetrate the box. However, it wasn't until the 33rd minute that they managed to carve out a clear chance.
On the right wing, Joaquín controlled Xabi Alonso's diagonal pass, shook off Valente, and delivered a cross to the far post.
Drogba outmuscled Ricardo Costa to head the ball back into the center, where Kaká met it with a volley.
The timing wasn't perfect, though, and Kaká's shot from just outside the six-yard box went narrowly wide, brushing past the right post.
Kaká held his head in frustration, visibly disappointed, but Yang Hao shouted from the sidelines, urging him to stay confident.
In the 43rd minute, Atlético came close again. Drogba headed the ball down, and Reyes broke through on the counter. However, the linesman raised his flag for offside, nullifying the effort.
Atlético dominated possession in the first half with 62%, but clear-cut chances were scarce.
The best opportunity had been Kaká's miss, leaving the Brazilian midfielder visibly frustrated. During halftime, he apologized to his teammates, but Yang Hao quickly diffused the tension.
The second half began with Atlético ramping up the pressure.
Deco sent the ball wide to the left, where Reyes powered past Paulo Ferreira and crossed to the near post. Drogba's close-range header rattled the left post, another missed chance.
Finally, in the 61st minute, Atlético struck.
Xabi Alonso intercepted a pass in midfield and quickly fed the ball to Kaká, who had his back to the attacking direction. Kaká flicked the ball to Deco before turning and sprinting forward.
Deco anticipated the move perfectly, passing back to Kaká, who accelerated rapidly, surging past Pedro Mendes. Sprinting into the final third, Kaká skipped past Tiago and threaded a precise through ball behind Ferreira and center-back Pedro Emanuel.
Reyes, like a bolt of lightning, darted past Ferreira, caught up with Kaká's pass, and delivered a deft chipped cross from the left side of the box.
The ball landed near the center of the six-yard box.
Drogba broke free from his marker, surged forward, and dove to meet the ball with a thunderous header, beating Baía and slamming it into Porto's net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
Drogba spun around in celebration, sprinting to the corner flag before dropping to his knees, carving two signature tracks into the grass. He turned to the broadcast cameras, shouting with uncontainable excitement.
The entire Atlético squad rushed over, mobbing Drogba in celebration.
1–0! Aggregate score: 3–0!
On the touchline, Mourinho couldn't hide his disappointment. He turned and walked back to the bench, visibly dejected.
That goal was the final nail in Porto's coffin.
For the rest of the match, Porto failed to show the quality needed to compete with Atlético, relying instead on their defensive organization to keep the score respectable.
Porto struggled to pose any meaningful threat to Atlético's goal.
With the away goal advantage firmly in hand, Atlético maintained control while Porto's fighting spirit waned.
Both managers made substitutions as the game progressed. Yang Hao focused on like-for-like changes to maintain balance, while Mourinho's substitutions aimed to bolster the attack.
However, Porto never managed to breach Atlético's defense.
The second leg ended 1–0 in favor of Atlético, sealing a 3–0 aggregate victory and propelling them into the Champions League final.
As the match concluded at Porto's Estádio do Dragão, all of Spain erupted in celebration.
Fans across the country cheered Atlético's advancement to the final.
Just the day before, Deportivo La Coruña had been eliminated by Inter Milan, losing 4–2 on aggregate after consecutive 2–1 defeats. Héctor Cúper's team reached the Champions League final for the second time.
This marked Cúper's fourth Champions League final in five seasons since the turn of the century, solidifying the Argentine manager's reputation despite his fiery temperament.
The Spanish media placed high expectations on Atlético.
El País published an immediate analysis, praising the interplay between Deco and Kaká in midfield that set up Reyes' brilliant assist for Drogba's header.
"That passage of play dashed Porto's dreams of reaching the final and claiming the Champions League title," the paper wrote.
It pointed out how Porto's second-leg weaknesses were even more apparent than in the first, with the absence of three key players forcing Mourinho to prioritize defense.
"But even with those adjustments, they couldn't stop Atlético's attack."
Meanwhile, Marca highlighted Mourinho's defensive discipline, noting how his compact formations had stifled teams like Manchester United and Monaco earlier in the competition.
"Their counterattacks were lethal, with McCarthy and Derlei both shining this season," it reported.
"But against Atlético, Porto's defense crumbled."
The publication lauded Deco's performance, describing the Brazilian playmaker's passing, organization, and control as "decisive."
"Mourinho himself praised Deco after the match, even claiming that he is no less talented than Zidane."
"This is undoubtedly high praise and a strong endorsement for the Brazilian midfielder."
Marca also noted that Atlético was returning to the Champions League final for the first time in two years.
"Yang Hao's ambitious team has its sights set on the treble!"
However, the paper warned that Cúper's Inter Milan was also chasing a treble.
Inter had already secured the Serie A title and reached the Coppa Italia final. A victory in that match, followed by a win against Atlético in the Champions League final, would crown them treble winners.
"Both teams are heading to the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen with the goal of making history. They have been the two most impressive teams in European football this season."
Marca identified stopping Adriano as a key challenge for Yang Hao in the final.
"Adriano is a superstar nurtured by Yang Hao, but in the Champions League final, he will undoubtedly become Yang Hao's biggest threat."
The report also mentioned Cambiasso and Aurelio, two players who had shone brightly in Serie A and would pose significant challenges for Atlético.
"This clash of titans has all the makings of a classic encounter!"
Beyond the media, the Spanish government also expressed its excitement for the Champions League final.
The Spanish royal family has announced that King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía will travel to Germany to support Atlético in the Champions League final.
Crown Prince Felipe, an honorary president of Atlético, will also attend, accompanied by his fiancée to cheer on the team.
Additionally, Spain's newly elected Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has confirmed that he will personally be present to support Atlético.
Madrid's mayor, regional officials, and various members of parliament have also voiced their support for Atlético, with many planning to make the trip to Germany.
Beyond politics, the excitement has spread across all sectors of Spanish society, with prominent figures in business and culture eagerly anticipating the final.
If Atlético triumphs, it will mark the first treble in Spanish football history.
Returning to Spain from Portugal, Atlético received a hero's welcome from their fans.
Supporters of Los Colchoneros greeted the team with rapturous applause and cheers, celebrating their victorious return from the Dragão. Even travelers at Madrid's airport stopped to watch, and upon hearing it was Atlético, many joined in the cheers.
Atlético has now firmly established itself as a globally influential football powerhouse.
However, Yang Hao repeatedly reminded his players to stay grounded, urging them to maintain focus and prepare calmly for the final.
Simultaneously, Yang Hao instructed his coaching staff to initiate preparations for peak physical fitness ahead of the final.
With the match against Porto on May 4 and the final scheduled for May 26, Atlético had three full weeks to prepare.
While Inter Milan had already secured the Serie A title, they still had the Coppa Italia final to play on May 12, followed by their league's final round on May 16.
By contrast, Atlético had already clinched La Liga, freeing the team to fully concentrate on the Champions League final.
Yang Hao issued a clear directive to his staff:
"Ensure that every player heading into the Champions League final is in their best possible condition!"
"This is our most important match of the season—there can be no mistakes!"
This marked the first time Yang Hao had delivered such an emphatic message, emphasizing the significance of the final to the players.
Fortunately, this wasn't Atlético's first Champions League final. Many players had participated in the final two years prior, giving them a foundational level of experience.
For the remaining three La Liga matches, Yang Hao handed full responsibility to the substitutes and younger players.
May 8, away to Racing Santander.
Just days after their return from Porto, Atlético traveled to Santander and twice took the lead, only for Racing to equalize each time. The match ended in a 2–2 draw.
Yang Hao stuck to his standard approach, alternating between substitutes and youth players in the lineup.
This round of La Liga proved disastrous for other top teams.
Barcelona lost 0–1 away to relegation-threatened Celta Vigo, Real Madrid fell 2–3 at home to Mallorca, and Deportivo La Coruña lost 0–2 away to Espanyol. Only Valencia emerged victorious, defeating Sevilla 2–0 away.
One week later: La Liga Round 37.
Deportivo crushed Celta Vigo 3–0 at home, pushing the Galician side further into the relegation zone.
Atlético narrowly defeated Zaragoza 1–0 at home, with Sergio Ramos scoring his first La Liga goal for Atlético.
In the second half, Messi came on as a substitute and, in the 77th minute, drew a foul from Zaragoza's left-back Toledo, who was sent off with his second yellow card.
Later, in the 86th minute, Robben provoked a straight red card for Zaragoza's right-back Cuartero.
Despite their numerical advantage, Atlético managed only the solitary goal, securing a narrow victory.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid suffered another shock defeat, losing 1–2 away to Murcia.
Luis García scored in the second minute, and Real conceded a penalty shortly after. By the half-hour mark, they were down 2–0.
Adding to their woes, Beckham was sent off with a straight red card in the 35th minute.
Guti scored a consolation goal late in the match, but Real Madrid still lost 1–2.
Barcelona, on the other hand, secured a 1–0 home victory over Racing Santander thanks to a goal from Ronaldinho.
As a result, Atlético maintained their lead at the top of the table. Valencia remained in second place, while Barcelona climbed to third with 68 points. Deportivo overtook Real Madrid for fourth place, reaching 65 points compared to Real's 63.
Real Madrid had fallen out of the Champions League qualification zone!
This development caused a massive shock across Spain.
Few could have imagined that Real Madrid's star-studded squad would collapse to the point of failing to secure a Champions League spot.
It served as a sobering reminder that football is a team sport—no amount of individual brilliance can compensate for a lack of unity.
When morale falters, even the strongest squad becomes unmanageable.
Atlético, meanwhile, lifted the La Liga trophy at the Calderón in front of their fans, igniting widespread media discussion.
Historically, Real Madrid had always overshadowed Atlético in terms of achievements, honors, and overall strength.
Yet now, Atlético's plans for a new stadium were well underway, the team had reached the Champions League final, and they were poised to claim Spain's first treble.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, languished in the shadow of their rival's success, falling out of the Champions League zone.
The contrast was stark, and the turn of events left many astonished.
La Liga's final round: All 10 matches played simultaneously.
Atlético ended their season with a thrilling 5–3 victory over Athletic Bilbao away at San Mamés.
Fernando Torres delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring four goals—a póker.
One of his goals, in the 83rd minute, came from a Messi assist.
Valencia lost 0–1 at home to Albacete, while Deportivo secured a 1–0 away win against Racing Santander.
Real Madrid, however, suffered a humiliating 1–4 defeat at home to Real Sociedad.
Within the first 30 minutes, Madrid conceded three goals and completely crumbled.
By the season's end, the four Spanish representatives for next season's Champions League were confirmed—Real Madrid was not among them.
The entire football world was stunned.
The once-glorious Galácticos had sunk.
The 2003/04 La Liga season has finally come to a close.
The biggest headline wasn't Atlético's triumph but rather the shocking collapse of the star-studded Galácticos, who failed to secure a top-four finish.
It's hard to overstate the irony. Despite boasting the most luxurious squad in the world, packed with global superstars, Real Madrid didn't even qualify for the Champions League.
The day after La Liga ended, Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff published an article in his exclusive column, arguing that this season was defined by the middle class overthrowing the old guard of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In his piece, Cruyff wrote that while many had predicted the season would belong to Beckham or Ronaldinho, in the end, it was Atlético and Yang Hao who stole the show.
Cruyff observed that Spanish football had long dismissed Atlético, but Yang Hao had changed that perception.
"Since Yang Hao's arrival, Atlético has become a benchmark both on and off the pitch."
"Yang Hao is doing something extraordinary. He's creating a new model, proving to Spanish clubs that you don't need to recklessly sign superstars like Real Madrid or Barcelona to win titles."
"Teamwork and cohesion—these are the keys to why Atlético, Valencia, and Deportivo finished in the top four, while Barcelona had to settle for third and Real Madrid fell out of the top four altogether."
In the article, Cruyff criticized Real Madrid's Zidanes y Pavones policy, declaring it officially dead.
"This strategy of building a team is fundamentally flawed. It sacrifices balance for spectacle."
Cruyff recalled a theory Yang Hao once shared: a well-structured team should resemble an hourglass, with superstars and newcomers at the narrow ends and a majority of solid, reliable players in the middle.
"I completely agree with this view. But Real Madrid's policy is the opposite—they rely only on stars and youngsters, eliminating the crucial stabilizing core in the middle."
"The result is clear: Real Madrid has run out of steam and collapsed in the final stretch for two consecutive seasons."
"This is the price of destroying the middle class!"
Cruyff didn't shy away from discussing Barcelona's shortcomings, noting that the team lost its way in the first half of the season. However, he commended their adjustments before and after the winter break.
"Rijkaard is a coach worth trusting. He has found a tactical system that works for Barcelona. Now, the challenge is to strengthen and refine the squad to match that system."
Cruyff expressed optimism about Barcelona's future while praising Valencia for their excellent balance under Benítez.
"Valencia may lack creativity compared to Atlético, but their efficiency speaks for itself. To finish second in such a strong season for Atlético, ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona, is a testament to their quality and Benítez's leadership."
Cruyff also acknowledged Villarreal, though he avoided discussing their star player, Riquelme—a sore spot for Barcelona fans.
He lauded Villarreal's strong performances in La Liga and the UEFA Cup, calling their achievements commendable.
As for Atlético, having won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Cruyff devoted significant attention to Yang Hao's team. He warned, however, that the Champions League final against Héctor Cúper's Inter Milan would be incredibly challenging.
"Both teams are vying for the treble, and Cúper is well-versed in La Liga and brings extensive Champions League final experience."
"Atlético's creativity remains their biggest strength and Inter's biggest weakness. How Yang Hao capitalizes on this advantage will be a true test of his tactical acumen."
Besides Cruyff, Spanish media outlets also published their season reviews.
Marca highlighted the emergence of young talent across La Liga, calling it the defining theme of recent seasons.
"This trend has been especially evident at Atlético, where young players take center stage year after year."
"This season saw Torres solidify his position, winning the Pichichi Trophy ahead of Ronaldo. Kaká, after breaking out last season, has made stunning progress and now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with midfield maestro Deco."
"Reyes, Robben, Iniesta... and Cech, who outshone young goalkeepers like Casillas and Valdés to claim the Zamora Trophy. The Czech goalkeeper has cemented his place as Atlético's undisputed No. 1."
Marca noted that under Yang Hao, Atlético consistently produces standout young players.
Beyond the established stars, emerging talents like Ramos, Messi, David Silva, and Modrić have impressed in the B team and made occasional appearances for the senior squad.
Ramos scored his first La Liga goal this season, while Messi set a Champions League record as its youngest-ever scorer.
"These players are clearly Yang Hao's priority for development and represent the future of Atlético."
The report predicted that this crop of Atlético youngsters would captivate not only Spain but all of Europe.
Beyond Atlético, La Liga saw other standout performances this season.
Sevilla's Júlio Baptista, nicknamed "The Beast," had an extraordinary campaign at just 22 years old. After scoring 20 goals last season, he emerged as one of La Liga's most versatile and effective midfielders.
"His stamina, technical skill, and physical strength make him a dominant force. Since moving further forward, he's become one of the league's most complete players."
Catalan media reported that Barcelona had already initiated talks with Sevilla to sign Baptista, although Real Madrid also showed interest.
Having earned a spot on Brazil's national team, Baptista has reportedly been endorsed by Ronaldinho and Belletti, who have urged Barcelona to secure his services.
Looking ahead, Marca highlighted the ambitious plans of La Liga president Antonio Pont, who aims to make La Liga the world's most attractive league within five years.
Starting in 2004, La Liga will upgrade its broadcasting infrastructure and scheduling to enhance its global appeal. Plans include accommodating international time zones and scheduling some key matches at midday.
Pont also hinted at hosting the Spanish Super Cup abroad and organizing preseason tournaments for La Liga teams worldwide as part of a globalization campaign.
"By 2009, we may see La Liga surpass Serie A to become the most prestigious league in football!"
Marca described the upcoming Champions League final as a showdown between La Liga and Serie A for the title of the world's best league.
Following La Liga's conclusion, Real Madrid wasted no time making major announcements.
First, head coach Carlos Queiroz was sacked and replaced by club legend Camacho.
The decision sparked heated debate, as Camacho has long clashed with club president Florentino Pérez.
Camacho was an outspoken critic of Pérez's Galácticos strategy, frequently opposing his high-profile signings and publicly disagreeing over decisions such as the handling of Morientes.
Camacho Takes Over Real Madrid Amid Crisis
Camacho has stepped into the role of Real Madrid's head coach during a turbulent time for the club.
According to AS, Florentino Pérez personally called Camacho to convince him to take the job. The reasoning was clear: Real Madrid's dressing room required a strong leader to restore order, and Camacho, with his exceptional influence within the club, was seen as the perfect candidate.
Known for his fiery temper and no-nonsense attitude, Camacho wasted no time asserting his authority, declaring he would run the team with an iron fist.
In an interview, he stated, "It doesn't matter who it is—if a player is out of form, they won't play!"
Camacho also expressed frustration over the issues in the dressing room last season, saying it was not the Real Madrid he remembered.
However, many of Real Madrid's stars were puzzled by Camacho's remarks, with some openly expressing dissatisfaction.
Ronaldo was one of the first to speak out, saying, "The Real Madrid dressing room has always been peaceful, and there are no undisciplined players. There's no need for an iron-fist approach—what the team needs is good results on the pitch."
The Brazilian striker also praised former coaches Vicente del Bosque and Carlos Queiroz, calling Del Bosque the best coach he had worked with and describing Queiroz as a good man who lacked a bit of luck.
"They both earned the players' respect," Ronaldo said.
Given Ronaldo's status as Real Madrid's standout performer last season, the media interpreted his comments as a subtle warning to Camacho.
Baldano Resigns Amid Real Madrid Shakeup
The second major news from Real Madrid was the resignation of sporting director Jorge Valdano.
Valdano, once a key figure in Pérez's Galácticos project, had played a pivotal role in the club's early success. However, two consecutive trophyless seasons—culminating in the club's failure to secure a top-four finish—shook Pérez's presidency.
To appease fans and critics, someone had to take the fall, and Valdano was the obvious choice.
With Valdano's departure, a significant power shift began within the club.
Emilio Butragueño, a club legend and vice president, was appointed interim general manager to handle day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, transfer and contract negotiations were delegated to José Ángel Sánchez, the head of the marketing department.
Sánchez, a close ally of Pérez, had been instrumental in Real Madrid's global brand expansion. He was also behind the signing of David Beckham and had been spotted negotiating with Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon.
This signaled Pérez's continued commitment to the Galácticos strategy.
Raúl Criticizes Real Madrid's Squad Planning
The third major development was an interview with team captain Raúl in AS, where he criticized Real Madrid's team-building strategy.
Raúl admitted that the 2003/04 season was the worst of his career, saying, "My performance wasn't satisfactory, but I never stopped working hard."
He identified squad depth as the team's biggest issue.
"This is the second consecutive season where our performances collapsed in the latter stages. Over such a long campaign, we only had 12 players who could consistently play at the required level. The gap in quality between our starters and the bench is too wide, and that's why we came up empty-handed."
Raúl argued that the club's high expectations—from both fans and the media—required more balanced squad planning.
"The team's roster needs to be more rationally assembled if we want to remain competitive."
The captain also criticized the term Galácticos, saying it had brought the team more harm than good.
"It's a label that has hurt our squad and the club. It's not a term that should exist in football."
Reports later suggested that Pérez was unhappy with Raúl's comments.
Real Madrid Dominates Headlines Despite Decline
Even as La Liga concluded and attention turned to the Champions League final, Real Madrid remained a focal point for global media and fans.
Despite missing out on Champions League qualification and enduring repeated disappointments, the presence of superstars ensured that every move Real Madrid made commanded attention.
Every decision at the club had the potential to cause ripples across European football.
Pérez Under Pressure
After the final La Liga match, Florentino Pérez took a three-day break from work, avoiding the Santiago Bernabéu.
When he returned, Butragueño and Sánchez briefed him on the club's latest developments.
"Carlos Martínez and Vázquez spent two days in Rome," Sánchez reported.
"Yesterday, at 11 a.m., Roma's board approved the sale of Samuel and Emerson. By 2 p.m., Roma's general manager Baldini had arrived at the hotel to negotiate with our team for over 10 hours."
"We initially offered €18 million, but Roma rejected it and proposed including Morientes in the deal…"
At this point, Pérez looked up sharply at Sánchez, who immediately clarified, "We refused."
The mention of Morientes struck a nerve. The striker's transfer—and his subsequent role in eliminating Real Madrid from the Champions League—had become a source of immense frustration for Pérez.
Unlike other players like Eto'o, Cambiasso, or Munitis, Morientes was seen as a homegrown hero, deeply loved by fans.
Pérez's decision to offload him to make room for superstars backfired spectacularly when Morientes played a key role in knocking Real Madrid out of the tournament.
This failure became a rallying cry for Pérez's critics, with presidential candidate Carlos González using it to attack him.
Although González was unlikely to win the upcoming July election, the controversy tarnished Pérez's reputation.
Real Madrid Outmaneuvers Chelsea for Samuel
Sánchez continued, "After prolonged negotiations, we reached an agreement on a transfer fee of €25 million."
"Chelsea entered the race and offered €30 million, along with a net annual salary of €4.5 million for Samuel. Despite their higher bid, the Argentine chose us."
Pérez nodded. While Chelsea's spending power was acknowledged, they were widely dismissed as nouveau riche.
"Many players still see joining Real Madrid as a way to enhance their careers," Sánchez explained.
Pleased with Sánchez's performance, Pérez gave him a nod of approval.
"I spoke with the CEO of Mediterráneo Savings Bank yesterday over a round of golf," Pérez said. "They've agreed to provide us with a low-interest loan. Calculate how much transfer budget we'll have after securing it."
Butragueño was taken aback. "Are you planning another major signing?"
The question was warranted. Rumors linked Real Madrid with Sevilla's Júlio Baptista, but he wasn't seen as an urgent need for the squad.
"Which world-class players on the market fit our needs right now?" Pérez countered.
With Ronaldo leading the attack, players like Shevchenko or Henry were unlikely targets. Any additional forward signing risked sparking rebellion from Raúl.
Raúl Forced to Step Aside for Ronaldo—Could Joaquín Be Next?
Real Madrid captain Raúl had already been pushed to make way for Ronaldo. Introducing another superstar forward would only exacerbate the tension.
"Are you suggesting... Joaquín?" José Ángel Sánchez immediately deduced, his eyes lighting up.
Florentino Pérez nodded. "Figo is aging. We need a replacement for the right wing."
"Atlético won't agree to this," Butragueño said, shaking his head.
"They don't need to agree."
"His release clause?" Butragueño looked stunned. "€80 million!"
That was Joaquín's release clause, and rumors suggested Atlético were in the middle of negotiations to extend his contract.
José Ángel Sánchez nodded, chiming in, "It's certainly a hefty sum, but it would weaken Atlético."
"Exactly," Pérez affirmed. "With Atlético's current strength, if we don't do something now, what will we do next year or the year after?"
Florentino fixed his gaze on Butragueño. "Do you believe we can beat them as things stand?"
Butragueño was silent.
"From a business perspective," Sánchez interjected, "Joaquín will still only be 23 in July. Yes, €80 million is steep, but we could at least try to negotiate with Atlético first."
"There's no need to negotiate with them!" Florentino cut him off. "Joaquín is the best Spanish right winger today and perfectly suits our tactical needs. With the quality he's shown, he'll remain a top player for the next 10 years. Is €80 million really that outrageous?"
"Besides, high-profile signings have always been our hallmark, haven't they?"
Sánchez nodded. The higher the transfer fee, the greater the media impact, which in turn elevated Real Madrid's global brand.
Still, spending €80 million on Joaquín seemed excessive.
Yet if it succeeded, it could mirror the seismic effect of signing Figo in 2000—another raid on a bitter rival.
"Reports say Chelsea are also targeting Atlético," Sánchez added. "Mourinho, who is set to take over as their manager, wants Deco, Drogba, Carvalho, Reyes, and Joaquín."
"Also, Carvalho recently switched his agent to Jorge Mendes."
Florentino pondered this before speaking. "Precisely. If we secure Joaquín now, it would deal a significant blow to Atlético while simultaneously strengthening our squad. Tell me, is this deal worth it or not?"
Looking back, Pérez thought of the record-breaking fee they paid to snatch Figo from Barcelona. Was it worth it?
"Absolutely," he thought to himself. "The joy of poaching from a rival is unmatched!"
"This is madness," Butragueño murmured, still uneasy.
"Zidane didn't cost this much. And now we're considering spending this on a 23-year-old Spanish winger? From a financial and tactical perspective, it might make sense, but is Joaquín really worth such a price?"
He couldn't help but recall the cautionary tale of Anelka, another record-breaking transfer who failed to deliver. With the current state of Real Madrid's dressing room, could Joaquín even integrate successfully?
"I still have my reservations," Butragueño admitted.
"As long as you're not opposed," Pérez replied, his mind already made up.
Florentino was acutely aware of the precariousness of his presidency. If he couldn't stabilize his position, what difference would it make whether Real Madrid spent money or not?
His direct involvement in bringing Camacho back as head coach underscored the urgency he felt. Signing Joaquín was another calculated move to win over the fans and secure his presidency.
What came next could be dealt with later.
Atlético Prepares for Inter: Breaking Down the Opponent
During this time, Yang Hao and his coaching staff were tirelessly analyzing Inter Milan.
Inter had undergone significant upgrades this season compared to the last.
Their goalkeeper, Toldo, was still among the world's best.
Their defense featured Aurelio, Nesta, Córdoba, and Zanetti.
Materazzi had spent much of the season sidelined with injuries, leaving the central defensive duties to Nesta and Córdoba.
This pairing was intriguing. Córdoba, standing only 1.73 meters tall, was compact but aggressive, with blistering speed and exceptional one-on-one skills. Nesta, by contrast, was more of a sweeper, providing cover and support.
Over the course of the season, the duo had developed remarkable chemistry, so much so that even after Materazzi returned, he couldn't reclaim his spot.
Both Aurelio and Zanetti were versatile, excelling in both defense and attack.
The biggest transformation was in Inter's midfield and forward lines.
Héctor Cúper retained his 4-4-2 formation but moved away from the diamond midfield he used at Mallorca and Valencia, instead deploying a double-pivot system. The wide midfielders were pushed further up the field, creating a flatter, more advanced setup.
This resulted in a shallow bowl-shaped defensive structure, with the fullbacks and wingers pressing high on the flanks.
The midfield featured Kily González, Zanetti, Cambiasso, and van der Meyde.
The partnership between Zanetti and Cambiasso in the double pivot was nothing short of brilliant, displaying impeccable coordination. Stanković and Emre were reliable substitutes when needed.
Up front, Inter parted ways with Vieri and fully entrusted Adriano, who responded by scoring a staggering 27 Serie A goals and establishing himself as one of Europe's premier strikers.
Cúper made another bold decision by pairing Adriano with 19-year-old Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins.
This move proved crucial. While Adriano provided power and presence, Martins' blistering speed injected dynamism into Inter's attack, making their counterattacks lethal.
Their most iconic performance came in the Champions League group stage, where they dismantled Arsenal 3–0 at Highbury, shocking the football world.
Argentine forward Julio Cruz served as a reliable rotation option for Adriano and Martins.
On the flanks, Kily González and van der Meyde thrived with support from overlapping fullbacks Aurelio and Zanetti, creating a high-tempo, fluid style of play despite Inter's defensive reputation.
Arsène Wenger summed it up best after the Highbury defeat: "Inter overwhelmed us with their relentless pace and devastating counters."
Cúper posed a daunting challenge for any opponent: how to break through Inter's defensive structure—ranked third in Serie A with only 26 goals conceded—without falling victim to their rapid counterattacks.
This defensive prowess was backed by an explosive attack, as Inter scored 74 league goals—seven more than Juventus—while losing only two Serie A matches all season.
No matter the angle, Cúper's Inter were among the most fearsome teams in this year's Champions League.
During an Atlético coaching meeting, Yang Hao chuckled wryly.
"So, what do we do about this? Last summer, we didn't sell Deco to Inter, and now look at what Cúper's done with his team!"
The room erupted into nervous laughter, the daunting challenge ahead clear to all.
Cúper's Tactical Mastery: A Thorny Turtle Shell
This is where Héctor Cúper's tactical brilliance truly shines. When life gives him lemons—or denies him Deco—he adjusts, innovates, and crafts a new approach.
How effective was it? Well, Inter is chasing the treble. You tell me.
"Our midfield will be relatively weaker in certain areas, especially around the double pivot," suggested Juanma Lillo. "Cambiasso is like a playmaking machine. We need to disrupt him."
Mendiola quickly built on Lillo's observation. "They'll likely lean more on the flanks, initiating attacks through Aurelio or even Zanetti on the right."
"Then our wingers must press forward and hold off their fullbacks," another coach added.
"But if the wingers push up, the backline is exposed. A single long pass, and Martins will be tearing through behind us. None of our defenders can catch him, let alone with Adriano charging forward too."
"If we don't push forward, we'll struggle to contain Inter effectively. They'll certainly play a defensive counter-attacking game. Cúper is like an old turtle—one covered in spikes. He retracts into his shell and dares us to take a swing."
"Ha! Good analogy," someone laughed. "Though Cúper himself calls it 'sexy Inter.'"
"Sexy, my foot. It's still defensive counter-attacking football."
"We can't obsess over whether their tactics are aesthetically pleasing or effective," said another coach. "The priority is figuring out how to crack their turtle shell. I believe we have to take the risk and push up. We can't just sit back like Inter and aim for a dull 0–0 draw, right?"
"Big matches don't end in obscurity. Even if it's 0–0, it's better than losing."
"Yes, pushing forward is risky, but we can't let Cambiasso organize comfortably. We all know his abilities—he can't be allowed that freedom."
The meeting erupted into a brainstorming session. Voices overlapped as ideas clashed, exposing every conceivable problem and potential solution.
Parralés, seated to the side, diligently noted every meaningful contribution. These notes would later be compiled into a comprehensive summary, shared with the coaching staff for further review and reflection.
Yang Hao, for his part, mostly stayed silent as the meeting progressed.
He knew full well that at this level—where two of the world's best teams collide—both attack and defense operate at an extraordinary standard.
By the time you reach a Champions League final, it's no surprise that either team could feasibly lift the trophy.
Inter's strengths were undeniable, but they also had their weaknesses. Córdoba's height, for instance. If Atlético could deliver the ball above his reach and have Drogba challenge him in the air, a goal could follow.
The problem? How many such opportunities could Atlético realistically create in 90 minutes?
One?
And even then, who could guarantee the perfect finish?
Every goal in football carries an element of fortune.
Martins was another concern—a player capable of flipping and cartwheeling across the pitch, lightning-fast on his feet. But Adriano was the real headache.
Inter's most effective tactic was to let Martins unsettle defensive lines, only for Adriano to break through decisively.
Everyone knew it. No one could stop it.
If Atlético pressed forward, they risked exposure. If they sat back, they surrendered control.
Such is the nature of a Champions League final.
Yang Hao imagined Cúper facing the same dilemma. He must also be worrying: if Inter retreated too deeply, could they hold off Atlético's relentless attack?
Could they contain Drogba and Torres?
What about the dynamic duo of Reyes and Joaquín on the flanks, or the pinpoint long passes from Xabi Alonso?
And let's not forget Evra and Maicon's overlapping runs, or Lucio's aerial threat during set pieces.
It's mutual. The difficulties Atlético faced mirrored those of Inter—if not more so for the Italian side.
This is what makes a Champions League final so special.
It's also why managers like Guardiola often made surprising tactical adjustments in such games.
Everyone was searching for that elusive solution—something that minimized risk while maximizing the chance of victory.
But by the time you reach a Champions League final, there's no foolproof strategy left.
If there were, the teams you faced wouldn't have made it this far.
In the end, every critical decision falls squarely on the manager's shoulders.
No one else can bear that responsibility.
The Calm Before the Storm
This year's Champions League final was set to take place at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
On the day before the match, Atlético Madrid flew from Madrid to Düsseldorf aboard a private Emirates Airlines charter plane. Waiting for them at Düsseldorf Airport was a team bus, ready to transport the squad to their accommodations.
Yang Hao always held high standards for the team's lodging, especially for events of this magnitude.
Given the significance of the Champions League final, Atlético had ample preparation time.
Gelsenkirchen isn't a large city, and its accommodations were less than ideal. Although there was a four-star hotel near the stadium, the feedback from Atlético's advance team was less than favorable. The bustling atmosphere surrounding the final would make it impossible for players to rest properly.
Ultimately, Atlético settled on a luxury castle-turned-hotel near the Ruhr River, located along the A52 highway between Düsseldorf and Essen.
The castle boasted a rich history and had been converted into a hotel in the 1950s. While its facilities weren't entirely modern—it lacked a fitness center—it offered a golf course and a serene environment.
However, with only 36 rooms available, the castle couldn't accommodate the entire squad. Atlético had to reserve a nearby country inn to house the rest of the team's staff.
Club employees, sponsors, invited guests, and players' families were lodged in a luxury hotel in central Gelsenkirchen.
This arrangement ensured the players had the best possible environment for rest and focus.
After checking into their rooms and settling in, the team headed to the Veltins-Arena for a familiarization training session.
As per UEFA regulations, the session was open to the media, offering little room for tactical preparation.
Having played in Dortmund during the 2001 UEFA Cup final, the team was relatively familiar with German conditions. The players adapted quickly, showing no signs of discomfort.
Following the session, Yang Hao attended UEFA's pre-match press conference. His comments followed the usual script: praising Inter, applauding Cúper, and highlighting standout players like Adriano, Aurelio, and Cambiasso.
The only notable moment came when Yang Hao ran into Jupp Heynckes after the press conference.
The two had crossed paths in La Liga before, and Yang Hao greatly respected Heynckes' later achievements. Currently managing Schalke 04, Heynckes had come to wish him luck.
"Cúper's a different animal now," Heynckes warned. "His first Champions League final against Real Madrid taught him some hard lessons. He's as solid as a rock now—be careful."
Yang Hao nodded, offering a confident yet enigmatic smile. He revealed nothing of his tactical plans.
At this stage, there was little advice anyone could give.
Victory and defeat would come down to execution on the night.
In football, as in life, nothing is certain.
"Don't worry," Yang Hao assured him. "We've been preparing for this for a long time."
With both Atlético and Inter chasing the treble, neither side would back down.
This was destined to be a titanic battle.
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