Chapter 57
"Hey, Miguel, why are you bringing me Marchena's written transfer request?"
Yang Hao sat in his office and called Miguel Gil, pretending not to know.
In truth, he understood Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo's mindset.
Marchena was a Spanish international, a valuable asset for any league or club.
But therein lay the problem.
Given the current state of La Liga, it was unrealistic to expect an extraordinary price for him.
After all, most La Liga clubs were still struggling financially.
The Premier League wasn't much better off, either. This was 2004, not 2014.
Under these circumstances, neither Cerezo nor Miguel Gil wanted to let go of Marchena. Who wouldn't want an international player in their squad?
However, Yang Hao prioritized the team's overall situation.
At first, Yang Hao had no intention of pushing Marchena out. But with things having escalated this far, even as head coach, there was no turning back.
After explaining his reasoning to Miguel Gil, the Atlético CEO reluctantly agreed, though Yang Hao could sense a tinge of regret in his voice.
To appease him, Yang Hao decided to paint a bigger picture.
That morning, after the team's training session, Cerezo and Miguel Gil arrived at Majadahonda. They avoided the players and went straight to Yang Hao's office.
The three key figures of Atlético convened, and Yang Hao reaffirmed his stance: Marchena had to go.
This was non-negotiable.
Cerezo and Miguel Gil had already agreed on their way over—they would fully support Yang Hao's decision.
Yang Hao set Marchena's price at €20 million, with no discounts.
For a Spanish international, the price wasn't outrageous. The real issue was that very few La Liga clubs could afford it.
Even if Barcelona wanted him, Joan Laporta would likely have to mortgage something else for the future.
That's because Barcelona, at the moment, was broke.
This was the crux of Yang Hao's pitch to Cerezo and Miguel Gil.
"Right now, we're not just looking to outperform Barcelona on the pitch. From a business perspective, in the next two to three years, our primary competition will be Barcelona," Yang Hao declared.
Both Cerezo and Miguel Gil were taken aback.
"Are you saying we should ignore Real Madrid?"
But as Cerezo mulled it over, he began to grasp Yang Hao's reasoning.
Real Madrid was already trapped in their Galácticos strategy. Their struggles this season made that evident. Why else would Camacho have walked away?
"Why do I say that Barcelona should be our next target?" Yang Hao explained. "Because they're broke."
How broke was Barcelona?
To fund signings, Laporta had sold off all the club's future international match revenue—including Champions League earnings—for several years.
It was a textbook example of mortgaging the future to cover the present.
In Yang Hao's past life, Barcelona engaged in similar financial gymnastics, but not to this extreme.
How did Barcelona turn their fortunes around back then?
It was thanks to the Dream Team II and Ronaldinho. Their resurgence in commercial success was built on the foundation of sporting achievements, which skyrocketed after Dream Team II's dominance and Lionel Messi's emergence.
But without success on the pitch, commercial growth would have been impossible. Fans worldwide are drawn to winners.
Even Ronaldinho—despite his unremarkable looks—won over countless fans with his peak performances. Who dared say football was all about appearances?
At least Atlético's Drogba had a commanding physique, beastly strength, and an imposing presence.
Ronaldinho? He won over fans purely with his skills, to the point that people forgot his appearance.
What if Barcelona's rise under Dream Team II never happened?
In professional football, only championships matter.
If Dream Team II's dynasty could be thwarted, Barcelona's trajectory could be disrupted.
Without Dream Team II, would Barcelona still be Barcelona?
Even if they worked tirelessly to develop players or expand their market, how far could they go without the foundation of success?
Deco was at Chelsea. Iniesta was at Atlético. Messi was at Atlético.
Who would Barcelona rely on?
Yang Hao had heard that Barcelona was eyeing Rafael van der Vaart from Ajax, but resistance was strong.
The reason was simple: Sandro Rosell, who was close to the Brazilian contingent, opposed the revival of Johan Cruyff's Dutch legacy.
According to Yang Hao, if Atlético could strategically suppress Barcelona, the Catalans wouldn't be able to build a competitive team because they lacked financial resources.
This was a golden opportunity for Atlético.
Why was Yang Hao so adamant about not selling Deco to Barcelona?
He didn't want to see the formation of a strong Dream Team II.
If Barcelona couldn't establish a dynasty, and Real Madrid's Galácticos project was destined to fail as their stars aged, the entire La Liga landscape would shift.
Atlético would reign supreme.
"They often say we lack the heritage of Real Madrid and Barcelona, and even now, they still say it."
Yang Hao was referring to media and fans who, despite Atlético's recent successes, continued to see them as less prestigious than Spain's two giants.
Real Madrid's legacy was unparalleled: two five-year La Liga dynasties and a five-year European Cup streak, not to mention their three consecutive Champions League titles.
Barcelona's record was impressive too, with a four-year La Liga streak under Cruyff's Dream Team I, which nearly matched Real Madrid's five-year dominance.
In contrast, Atlético had 12 La Liga titles compared to Barcelona's 16.
However, in Europe, Atlético had two Champions League titles, while Barcelona only had one.
If there was a "low-hanging fruit," Barcelona was the ideal target.
"They say winning three consecutive league titles defines an era, a dynasty. We're just one title away from creating Atlético's first dynasty," Yang Hao concluded.
His words resonated.
The prospect of building Atlético's dynasty was undeniably compelling.
Real Madrid had their legendary streaks. Barcelona had their Dream Team.
What about Atlético?
Atlético's Domination Plan and La Liga's Challenges
Last season's treble was undoubtedly impressive, but some critics refused to acknowledge it.
According to them, Atlético Madrid lacked true dominance.
"Fine. This season, let's win another La Liga title to achieve a three-peat. That should prove our dominance, right?"
"And don't forget, we still have the Intercontinental Cup in December. If we win that, we'll complete the grand slam!"
Yang Hao's strategy was simple: defeat Barcelona on the pitch and cut off their revival efforts.
This approach not only weakened their rivals but also strengthened Atlético itself.
Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil were thrilled with the vision Yang Hao outlined. As La Liga leaders, Atlético was in prime position to achieve these goals.
If they couldn't feel confident now, when could they?
"Antonio Pont is preparing to launch his second major initiative," said Enrique Cerezo.
As chairman of La Liga's board of directors, Cerezo often dealt with Antonio Pont, the league's CEO, and was always the first to know about Pont's plans.
"He wants to reform the financial structures of all clubs, establishing a series of rules to ensure sustainable and healthy development for both La Liga and the Segunda División."
La Liga differs significantly from the Premier League in how broadcasting rights are distributed. Unlike in England, where the lower leagues don't receive a share of the top league's broadcast revenue, Spain's Segunda División has 22 votes in the league's governance structure, two more than La Liga.
As a result, part of La Liga's broadcast income is allocated to Segunda División clubs. Furthermore, Segunda División matches are also broadcast, albeit for minimal fees, mostly within Spain.
Of course, this is only a temporary situation. If La Liga successfully expands its global reach, Segunda División rights might also gain international value.
"This doesn't affect us much, does it?" Yang Hao asked.
Miguel Gil nodded. "Not really. Our finances are healthy, though the new stadium project is bound to strain us a bit."
A project of that magnitude inevitably comes with financial burdens.
"We've discussed several options, including bringing in external investors," Cerezo added, catching Yang Hao's attention.
"External investors?"
"Yes. Right now, of the 20 La Liga teams, all but us are in debt—even Real Sociedad isn't exempt. Many clubs are struggling to make ends meet."
Yang Hao was well aware of this situation. "The same goes for other leagues, including the Premier League."
Despite the perception of the Premier League as swimming in capital during Yang Hao's time, the financial reality in 2004 wasn't much better than La Liga's. Everton, for instance, had to sell Rooney to Manchester United just to clear their bank debts.
"A German sports market research firm conducted a study showing that European football's overall financial situation is bleak, though there are significant differences between leagues," Cerezo explained.
"For example, this season, Bundesliga clubs sold 88.8 million euros' worth of front-of-shirt sponsorships, Serie A sold 62.3 million, and the Premier League sold 58.2 million. La Liga? Only 30.5 million."
"In Germany, Borussia Dortmund's front-of-shirt deal alone is worth 10 million euros. Even newly promoted Mainz can sell theirs for 1.8 million. Meanwhile, several La Liga teams don't even have sponsors—Real Madrid only recently stopped 'going shirtless.' It's absurd."
"The German economy is far stronger than Spain's," Yang Hao pointed out the core issue.
"True, but doesn't that also highlight how poorly we've developed our commercial potential? Even if we're behind, there are plenty of Spanish brands and businesses to work with."
"If local sponsors aren't enough, we can expand internationally."
Yang Hao didn't deny the point. La Liga's commercial operations were indeed abysmal, as evidenced by Barcelona's situation.
If even Barça struggled, other teams must be in worse shape.
"Pont believes reform is necessary, starting with globalization and creating international revenue channels. The next step is to attract foreign investors, like Abramovich."
"That's a tough ask, at least in the short term," Yang Hao replied.
"Abramovich didn't buy Chelsea just to own a club. He had other motives."
"Investors don't want the clubs themselves. They're buying entry tickets to a premier league platform with high broadcast revenue, a global fan base, and strong influence."
"Currently, La Liga is on par with the Premier League but lags behind Serie A. However, Serie A's Achilles' heel is its stadiums, which are mostly publicly owned, coupled with a chaotic football environment. It's hard to see foreign investors being interested in Serie A."
"The Premier League, on the other hand, excels in these areas. We're behind them, and the Bundesliga's 50+1 rule effectively blocks foreign investment."
Realistically, the Premier League is La Liga's most formidable competitor.
"As I've said before, if we turn La Liga into the world's most influential, entertaining, and commercially valuable league, foreign investors will naturally flock to us. We won't even have to try."
"But until then, we need to focus on our fundamentals."
Cerezo understood Yang Hao's point. Ultimately, success depends on internal strength.
If La Liga itself is in shambles, how can it attract investors? No one is going to throw money into a failing project.
Even the Middle Eastern billionaires aren't foolish—they know how to make their money work.
Yang Hao had a sense that Atlético was riding, and even leading, a wave of globalization and commercialization in La Liga. This elevated the club's standing in Spanish football.
Enrique Cerezo becoming chairman of La Liga was a reflection of this progress. The league's future would depend on its development over the coming years.
Truthfully, Yang Hao was tempted to lend Florentino Pérez a hand.
At least he could expedite the creation of "Galácticos II." The star power would significantly boost the league's visibility.
As for Barcelona? There was no hope for that miserly club.
Of course, this was just a joke. Without the lessons of Galácticos I, Florentino wasn't likely to change.
After the meeting, the three main stakeholders went to dinner together, enjoying a rare chance to dine as a group.
Afterward, Yang Hao mentioned visiting Thiago Silva, prompting Cerezo and Miguel Gil to join him.
Earlier that morning, Yang Hao had received two documents on his desk: a written transfer request from Marchena and Thiago Silva's latest sputum test results.
The test confirmed a negative result, meaning Silva was no longer contagious after nearly two months of hospital treatment. However, full recovery would take more time, requiring continued care.
Yang Hao's visit, accompanied by Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil, took Thiago Silva's family by surprise, leaving them a bit flustered. It wasn't until Yang Hao brought up Thiago Silva's latest sputum test results that they understood the purpose of the visit.
Thiago Silva's condition was progressing well. According to him, he had spent the past two months recovering at home, occasionally practicing simple drills in the garden with his girlfriend or engaging in light physical training.
Due to the nutritional care required during his recovery, he had gained a little weight, though it wasn't noticeable at first glance.
Yang Hao emphasized that he should focus entirely on his recovery, ensuring his tuberculosis was fully cured. He would only be allowed to report back to Majadahonda with an official medical certificate permitting him to return to professional football.
"Without a doctor's approval, nothing else matters!"
Both Cerezo and Miguel echoed this sentiment. Thiago Silva had become something of a mascot for Atlético Madrid—a figure to be protected and nurtured with utmost care.
Thiago Silva had no choice but to agree, while his family, especially his parents, were deeply moved by how the club treated him with such genuine concern.
His parents even decided to have a serious talk with their son, urging him not to let down such responsible and caring employers.
Thiago Silva mentioned to Yang Hao that he had been studying the footage and defensive highlight reels provided by the club and had learned a lot. He requested additional material and the opportunity to consult with the defensive coaches to clarify some concepts.
Yang Hao readily shared the coaches' contact information with him.
After spending about half an hour at Thiago Silva's home, the three decided to take a spontaneous detour to Yang Hao's "new home."
The location was only about a five-minute drive away.
The land had essentially been gifted to Yang Hao, who then hired Herzog to design a bespoke luxury residence. The Swiss architect, now officially Yang Hao's client, was enthusiastic about the project.
Construction plans were still in the design phase, but Yang Hao was in no rush.
However, he did urge progress on the commercial apartment complex near Calderón Stadium.
Cerezo was optimistic about the development. Preliminary market research had yielded very positive results, thanks to strong municipal support, a prime location, and the club's ambitious new stadium and surrounding commercial projects. The site was attracting significant interest.
Nonetheless, Yang Hao cautioned them not to celebrate prematurely. He didn't want to end up like Wenger with the financial constraints Arsenal faced during their Emirates Stadium project.
November 21, La Liga Round 12: Atlético Madrid vs. Numancia
Atlético rotated their squad again, with Yang Hao starting young defenders Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
The duo caused several nervous moments for goalkeeper Petr Čech in the first half, forcing the Czech shot-stopper into a number of critical saves.
Yang Hao couldn't help but acknowledge the old saying: "Weak teams produce great goalkeepers."
When Ramos and Pepe weren't entirely reliable, Čech's brilliance shone even brighter.
Not everything was negative, though.
In the 52nd minute of the second half, Pepe redeemed himself with a goal from a corner kick. Later, in the 78th minute, Fernando Torres scored to seal a 2–0 victory at home.
The standout match of the round, however, was the Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou.
Barcelona triumphed 3–0 in a dominant display.
In the first half, goals from Samuel Eto'o and Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave the hosts a 2–0 lead. In the second half, Ronaldinho added a third, with both he and Eto'o contributing a goal and an assist each.
Despite fielding a full-strength squad and even bringing on Michael Owen in the second half, Real Madrid failed to find any cohesion.
When a team fails to function as a unit, having more stars often leads to more disarray.
La Liga Round 13: Atlético Madrid and Barcelona Victories
A week later, Atlético traveled to face Espanyol and secured a 2–1 victory.
Barcelona also won their match, defeating Getafe 2–1 away.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, reeling from their Clásico defeat, thrashed Levante 5–0 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This summed up Real Madrid's current predicament. They struggled in high-intensity matches but excelled in demolishing weaker opponents.
La Liga Round 15: Atlético's Early Match for Toyota Cup Preparation
Due to their upcoming Toyota Cup commitments, Atlético's 15th-round match was rescheduled to midweek between Rounds 13 and 14.
They played Athletic Bilbao to a 1–1 draw at San Mamés.
La Liga Round 14: Atlético Madrid vs. Osasuna
Back at home, Atlético faced Osasuna.
In the first half, Fernando Torres and David Villa each scored, giving Atlético a commanding lead.
However, just before halftime, a defensive lapse allowed Osasuna forward Valdo to pull one back.
In the second half, Kaká added another goal for Atlético, but in the 74th minute, the defense faltered again, conceding another.
Osasuna launched a relentless offensive to equalize.
In the 88th minute, Pepe and Valdo both went down during a clash. Osasuna midfielder Pablo García angrily confronted Pepe, leading to a brief scuffle.
Both García and Pepe, already on yellow cards, received second yellows and were sent off.
Atlético narrowly escaped with a 3–2 victory at home.
Media Criticism and Yang Hao's Response
Despite the win, the Spanish press lambasted Atlético's defense. Both Pepe and Ramos were criticized as unreliable center-backs.
In the locker room, Yang Hao reprimanded Pepe for his unnecessary second yellow card, emphasizing that the situation could have been avoided.
However, in public, Yang Hao defended his player, insisting that Pepe had acted in self-defense.
"Let's be honest," Yang Hao told reporters, "we all know the truth. Some players seem to play particularly recklessly when facing Atlético."
His remarks were a thinly veiled accusation against Pablo García, suggesting that his actions deliberately targeted Atlético.
Because he had previously refused to welcome Pablo García back to the team, the departure of the Uruguayan midfielder ended up being a particularly foolish move, costing him a chance to reach the pinnacle of his career.
Yang Hao once again reiterated that Atlético Madrid would not be signing any center-backs during the winter transfer window. Following their match against Osasuna, the club officially announced the sale of starting center-back Carlos Marchena to Valencia for €20 million.
This decision sparked intense controversy in the media.
One Spanish tabloid went so far as to label Yang Hao a "dictator."
"After winning the treble, Yang Hao's ego has clearly inflated. He believes that everything he does is correct and is running Atlético Madrid as a one-man show."
"Now, he has an unshakable faith in obedient players like Pepe and Sergio Ramos, no matter how poorly they perform. No one within the team dares to point out the problems."
"With this kind of approach, Atlético Madrid is destined for failure!"
However, major outlets like Marca and El País, as well as even some Catalan media, refrained from piling on.
Everyone who knew the situation understood that Marchena could no longer stay at Atlético, and leaving was the best outcome. Selling him to a Spanish club instead of sending him to Russia was already a gesture of goodwill towards local fans.
As for Yang Hao placing his trust in Ramos and Pepe, it wasn't particularly controversial. Developing young players is a natural part of football.
After all, wasn't Carles Puyol once promoted by Louis van Gaal, despite being heavily criticized at the time? And look at him now.
Moreover, Atlético Madrid was still sitting at the top of the league.
So what if Yang Hao chose to back his young players?
Even Johan Cruyff, writing in his column, cautioned Barcelona: "From the current situation, it's evident that Atlético could hit their stride in the second half of the season. If these two young center-backs grow rapidly, Atlético's midfield and attack could make them utterly dominant."
Cruyff implied that Barcelona needed to overtake Atlético in the standings as quickly as possible. If Atlético stabilized their defense, the chance to surpass them would vanish.
Final Round of the Champions League Group Stage: Atlético Madrid vs. Roma
Having already secured the top spot in their group, Yang Hao fielded an entirely rotated squad for their match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The match was played behind closed doors, with no fans in attendance.
In the 9th minute, David Villa scored the opening goal after receiving a pinpoint pass from Andrés Iniesta. Villa, playing as the central striker, put in a stellar performance right from the start.
The defensive pairing of Ramos and Pepe once again faced heavy pressure, with Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano, Marco Delvecchio, and Mancini taking turns testing them throughout the first half.
Lionel Messi did not start this game but came on as a substitute in the 55th minute, a decision made to protect the young Argentine.
Five minutes after Messi's introduction, his movement on the right wing pulled defenders away, allowing Arjen Robben to break free on the left. Robben combined with Villa to score Atlético's second goal, making it 2–0.
Messi's true moment came in the 82nd minute. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he dribbled past Alberto Aquilani and Simone Perrotta, cutting inside before delivering a precise left-footed cross to the left side of the box. Robben controlled the ball and slotted it home for his second goal of the match.
Final score: Atlético Madrid 3–0 Roma.
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 at home, securing second place in the group behind Atlético.
Champions League Knockout Stage Draw
With most group-stage qualifiers coming from the top four leagues, the knockout stages were set for intense battles. Of the 16 teams, only PSV Eindhoven, Monaco, Lyon, and Porto hailed from outside those leagues.
This setup turned the Champions League knockout rounds into a series of heavyweight clashes.
Atlético Madrid drew Manchester United in the Round of 16, setting up an epic showdown between two titans.
Preparation for the Final Toyota Cup
After their match in Rome, Atlético Madrid didn't return to Madrid. Instead, they flew directly to Tokyo to participate in the final edition of the Toyota Cup.
With FIFA announcing that the Club World Cup would replace the Toyota Cup starting next year, this marked the end of an era. Fans worldwide lamented the passing of a tournament that had given them countless cherished memories.
This winter, Atlético's commercial schedule included two major campaigns. In addition to a 10-day winter training camp in Dubai after Christmas, the club embarked on a high-profile trip to Japan for the Toyota Cup.
The trip was divided into two groups. Yang Hao and the team flew from Rome to Tokyo a day early, while Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Carlos Leo led a second group from Madrid, which included representatives from La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation.
A Marketing Goldmine in Asia
Even before the Toyota Cup began, Atlético Madrid launched a promotional campaign across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on the tournament and their pursuit of a historic "Sextuple."
This was unprecedented in football history.
Combined with Atlético's previous visits to Japan and South Korea, the club had already generated a significant buzz in East Asia.
Japanese media described the event as "a historic occasion for world football, a moment that fans across the globe will remember forever."
The frenzy surrounding Atlético's stars overshadowed the Toyota Cup itself. Their opponent, Colombian side Once Caldas, was simply no match for Atlético's caliber.
From the moment Atlético landed in Tokyo, every move they made drew massive crowds of fans.
Although much of Atlético's recent focus had been on expanding in North America, the club had also signed sponsorship deals in Asia. Upon arrival, the team participated in two sponsor-organized events, both drawing huge turnouts.
When Antonio Ponte and his delegation from La Liga arrived at the team's hotel, they were astonished to see the throngs of fans waiting in the cold outside.
Even Ponte, who was well aware of Atlético's growing global presence, hadn't anticipated the sheer scale of their popularity in Asia.
And the surprises didn't stop there.
As the team prepared for the Toyota Cup, Carlos Leo and his commercial team were busy sealing deals. Before the match even kicked off, Atlético had secured three major sponsorships, each worth at least €3 million annually.
The demand was so overwhelming that Leo's team barely had time to catch their breath.
Antonio Ponte and the La Liga executives finally grasped the scale of Atlético's marketing machine.
"The Toyota Cup itself is secondary," Yang Hao explained. "What truly matters is leveraging the tournament to promote Atlético's brand and commercial value in Asia, forging partnerships that will yield long-term benefits. That is the real treasure trove."
Enrique Cerezo took on the role of a business magnate during his interactions with Antonio Ponte and the La Liga Board of Directors, leaving Yang Hao and Miguel Gil stifling their laughter on the sidelines.
"I think you're right," Miguel Gil whispered to Yang Hao. "As long as someone has no shame, there's nothing they won't dare to say or do."
However, Atlético Madrid's achievements were indisputable.
Whether it was La Liga executives, Spanish Football Federation officials, or the representatives of other La Liga clubs on the board, all were envious as they watched Atlético Madrid close deals in Japan.
While these executives in Spain were fighting tooth and nail over shirt sponsorships worth €100,000 to €800,000, Atlético was casually signing deals in Japan worth €3 million apiece.
Envious? Absolutely.
What could they do?
Go global and compete.
"We can't afford to just stay confined to Spain anymore," Antonio Ponte urged. "We must step up our efforts and push forward with our global expansion plans."
This was the core purpose of Ponte's trip.
He wanted the La Liga board members to see the world with their own eyes. They also planned to visit other countries and regions in Asia, assessing market environments and fan enthusiasm firsthand. These insights would play a crucial role in shaping La Liga's global strategy.
In Tokyo, decisions were being made left and right.
Adjust match schedules?
Done! We'll play at noon to cater to Asian fans.Hold the Spanish Super Cup abroad?
Absolutely!The Copa del Rey final?
Why not?
"When we get back, we'll talk to the fans and explain things. Surely, we can work something out, right?"
Hearing about the Premier League's policies and initiatives in Asia only amplified the urgency for La Liga to act.
If they didn't, the Premier League would scoop up all the rewards, leaving La Liga with nothing but scraps.
Previously, it was easy to blame a few dominant clubs for monopolizing profits, leaving others with nothing. But now? With the new centralized broadcasting deals, La Liga's success benefited everyone.
Take the Toyota Cup, for example. It was broadcast in 138 countries and regions worldwide.
For a club like Atlético Madrid, the brand exposure and influence of such a global event were immeasurable.
While other clubs couldn't replicate Atlético's level of success—largely due to their on-pitch results—the market was vast. Even securing a small slice would make a big difference.
"It's time to channel the spirit of Columbus during the Age of Exploration," Ponte declared. "There's nothing we can't achieve."
Following Atlético Madrid's recommendation, Ponte and the Football Federation's leadership met with representatives from the Japanese Football Association and Japan's Ministry of Sports. They discussed cooperation in football development, particularly in youth training.
This was another way to cultivate the market.
If Japanese players joined La Liga or trained there, local fans would pay more attention to Spanish football.
Initially, many feared the final Toyota Cup might feel lackluster, but Atlético Madrid's presence sparked a full-blown Atlético Madrid frenzy in Japan.
Marca published two or three articles daily about Atlético's activities in Japan, including reports of a major Japanese corporation sponsoring a three-match tour next summer. Each match would bring in an appearance fee of €6.5 million.
This figure was comparable to Real Madrid's earnings from their two-match Japanese tour earlier in the year, which brought in €15 million total.
Through various channels, Yang Hao discovered that Real Madrid had actually played three matches in Asia—earning €7.5 million each in Japan and South Korea, but only €6.5 million in his home country.
By contrast, Atlético Madrid's earnings in the United States were only €3.5 million per match, which seemed paltry.
But this was simply the market rate in the U.S.; even Real Madrid would likely fetch a similar figure there.
Of course, appearance fees for La Liga-organized preseason tournaments were even lower, as those were focused on promoting the league's broadcasting rights.
According to Marca, Atlético had already secured their spot for a lucrative summer tour of Asia. La Liga was expected to accommodate this in their scheduling, allowing Atlético to dominate the Asian preseason circuit, while Real Madrid and Barcelona focused on North America.
Beyond financial gains, Atlético also emphasized cultural goodwill.
During a training break, Yang Hao led the team to visit Japanese students affected by a recent earthquake, bringing gifts such as footballs, jerseys, and autographs.
What about the actual match?
Leave that to the players.
At the Yokohama International Stadium, Atlético Madrid swept aside Once Caldas 4–0 in a commanding performance that demonstrated the superiority of both La Liga and European football.
The team's star-studded lineup showcased its talent, with each of Atlético's standout players scoring a goal, as if it had all been prearranged.
Even with minimal effort, Atlético left fans awestruck.
The South American champions looked like helpless children against the Spanish juggernaut.
Oh, and Yang Hao subbed in Lionel Messi in the second half, giving the young Argentine 30 minutes of action—and a Toyota Cup winner's medal.
Amidst Japan's freezing winter winds and the fervor of local fans, Atlético Madrid clinched the Toyota Cup, completing football's first-ever sextuple and achieving the ultimate grand slam.
This historic triumph earned Atlético Madrid worldwide acclaim.
In just three days, Antonio Ponte's experience in Tokyo left him awestruck.
He had always heard about Atlético Madrid's rising prominence in world football and the vast potential of the Asian football market. But it wasn't until he set foot in Japan that he truly understood what "vast" and "prominent" meant.
Everywhere Atlético went, they were greeted by swarms of enthusiastic fans. It was said that during and after their visit, Atlético jerseys sold out in Nike stores across Japan.
Ponte even read a news report about a Japanese fan who bought over ten jerseys at once, each featuring a different player's name and number.
Incredible!
Were the Japanese all this wealthy?
Well, apparently, it wasn't just Japan. South Korea was reportedly the same, and this enthusiasm was spreading across the entire Asian region.
"Actually, Atlético isn't even the best yet," said José Astiazarán, the vice chairman of the La Liga Board of Directors and president of Athletic Bilbao. "But they're the fastest-growing club in European football and have firmly joined the ranks of elite teams."
"Yes, Atlético's management in recent years has been exceptional," Ponte agreed.
"All thanks to Yang Hao," added Javier Tebas, another vice chairman of the board.
Ponte nodded. "Yes, ultimately, football clubs live and die by results."
"It's not just the results. Atlético's current success is largely Yang Hao's doing."
"What?" Ponte looked surprised.
He had little interaction with Yang Hao, mostly dealing with Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil.
"You didn't know?" Tebas looked equally surprised. "You've been in office for over a year now and never heard about it?"
Ponte admitted he hadn't. He wouldn't pry into the internal affairs of individual clubs unless it became relevant to his work.
Tebas, who had always been slightly skeptical of Cerezo's presidency, decided to spill everything.
"Remember when Atlético almost got relegated? That was back when Jesus Gil was still alive."
"Yes, I know about that."
"Back then, everyone thought Atlético was doomed. Then Yang Hao appeared—he was basically Real Madrid's castoff. You must have heard about that part, right?"
Ponte motioned for him to continue, curious now.
Tebas launched into a brief summary of the events that followed, including rumors and speculation about the behind-the-scenes decisions.
"From what we've learned, almost everything was orchestrated by Yang Hao. Without him, neither Cerezo nor Miguel Gil could have pulled it off, let alone initiated the new stadium project. They simply didn't have the guts."
Ponte listened intently, stunned.
"So, for years, Atlético's biggest fear has been Yang Hao leaving. They've offered him shares, a hefty salary—whatever he wanted. And let's not forget, he's delivered results."
That Yang Hao held shares in Atlético was no secret within football circles. But Ponte hadn't realized how integral he was to the club's transformation.
"Is this all true, or just speculation?"
"It's true. And here's something even more interesting: you know how much they're promoting Messi now, right? Well, some Argentine media have hinted that when Atlético signed Messi, the club initially hesitated because of the costs involved in treating his medical condition."
"What happened then?"
"Apparently, Yang Hao believed in him so much that he personally financed the deal and paid for Messi's treatment out of his own pocket. To this day, rumor has it that Messi's actual rights aren't entirely held by Atlético."
"That's impossible. Third-party ownership is prohibited…"
Ponte stopped mid-sentence. He realized there were countless ways to circumvent those regulations—especially for a club like Atlético.
Astiazarán coughed lightly, steering the conversation away from such speculative territory.
"Regardless of the details, Yang Hao and Atlético are inseparable now. He owns shares, delivers results, and the club won't let him leave. Meanwhile, Cerezo and Miguel Gil have also contributed significantly to this transformation."
Ponte nodded. That was a fair assessment.
"I met Yang Hao at a gathering recently, and he complained to me about referees."
"Oh? What did he say?" Even Astiazarán perked up at this.
"He said our referees are too lenient and lack technical expertise. He suggested they should focus more on protecting technical players and ensuring La Liga's unique style shines through."
"La Liga's unique style?" Tebas looked puzzled.
"Cerezo mentioned before that La Liga's hallmark is its flowing possession-based football. The teams play with flair, avoiding overly defensive tactics. The issue is that the tempo can be slow at times, and there are too many reckless fouls due to weak officiating."
La Liga was renowned for its technical and attacking football. However, its defensive style—rooted in Latin traditions—often involved excessive fouls and rough challenges.
Unlike the Premier League, where physicality is celebrated, most fans worldwide dislike such crude tactics.
Yang Hao had proposed improving referees' technical skills to regulate the game better, enhance the league's image, and attract global audiences.
Ponte had initially placed this suggestion low on his priority list, but after hearing about Yang Hao's impact, he began reconsidering.
Atlético Madrid returned to Madrid with their sextuple title in tow.
While this homecoming wasn't as frenzied as August's celebration, fans were still ecstatic.
Thousands gathered at the airport and along the team bus's route, cheering their heroes. At the Calderón, over ten thousand fans congregated, causing a traffic jam on the M-30 highway.
The police had to intervene, prompting Atlético to wrap up the celebrations quickly and promise a grand trophy presentation before their next La Liga home game.
Yang Hao felt a bit awkward about all the attention.
Because the opponent in the 16th round was Deportivo La Coruña.
Currently ranked 8th in La Liga, this team was no longer the force they once were but still had plenty of ability to cause problems.
The last thing Yang Hao wanted was a repeat of the disastrous scene from Real Madrid's centenary celebrations in his previous life.
To prepare for this match, Yang Hao meticulously crafted a strategy, ultimately leading Atlético Madrid to a cautious 1–0 victory at home. Antonio López scored the game's only goal.
To be fair, this match was indeed played quite conservatively.
Yang Hao couldn't afford to be overly aggressive. Celebrating the display of six championship trophies while risking a slip-up against Deportivo would have been a disaster.
Especially given how unreliable Ramos and Pepe had been recently.
Yang Hao opted for a safer tactical approach. Though not entirely defensive, the strategy emphasized ball control and stability, avoiding unnecessary risks.
Meanwhile, Barcelona drew 1–1 at home against Valencia in this round.
After 16 matches, Atlético Madrid remained at the top of La Liga, extending their lead over Barcelona to three points.
Three days later, in the 17th round of La Liga:
Before the match, Yang Hao learned that Adriano had once again been crowned FIFA World Player of the Year this year.
While he was happy for Adriano, he also felt a bit sorry for Deco.
That's life.
On December 13, during France Football's Ballon d'Or ceremony, the European Golden Ball was also awarded to Adriano.
Yang Hao had anticipated this result and suspected Deco might also lose out on the FIFA World Player award.
And he did.
In both awards, Deco finished second, losing to Adriano.
It was an awkward situation.
Did these France Football journalists even understand football?
Yang Hao thought they certainly did, but Deco had fallen foul of several factors:
First, his appearance didn't work in his favor—this was still a world that cared about looks.
Second, Deco had transferred to Chelsea.
At this time, Chelsea wasn't just disliked across Europe—they were downright loathed. Fans and the media alike viewed Chelsea as the epitome of a nouveau riche club.
Deco's transfer to Chelsea undoubtedly damaged his reputation.
Additionally, Chelsea wasn't yet adept at building star power.
As for FIFA's World Player of the Year award, it was even more about fame and image. Deco's chances there were slimmer, so Adriano easily took the honor.
The Brazilian striker, riding high, claimed both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year for a second consecutive year. He was undeniably on top of the world and considered the best player of the era.
It's worth noting that the Ballon d'Or's top three were Adriano, Deco, and Shevchenko—Ronaldinho didn't even make the list.
Later, Catalan media speculated that before the voting, Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi personally called France Football to lobby for Shevchenko's inclusion.
Was this a conspiracy theory? No one could say.
In the FIFA World Player of the Year voting, the top three were Adriano, Deco, and Ronaldinho.
Within Atlético, Kaká ranked 5th, Torres 9th, Drogba 12th, and Lucio 18th—higher than Zagorakis, who had led Greece to the European Championship. This made Lucio the highest-ranking defender on the list, underscoring his exceptional performances last season.
Baraja and Xabi Alonso ranked 26th and 28th, respectively.
Atlético had six players in the top 30, not counting Deco, Joaquín, and Reyes, who had since transferred.
One curious omission was Carvalho, UEFA's Best Defender last season, who failed to make the top 30. In contrast, Lucio not only made the list but ranked quite high—a development Yang Hao hadn't anticipated.
This might have been due to Atlético's prominence during the latter half of the season when they won five titles.
Goalkeeper Petr Čech also made the list but only received four votes, ranking 35th, behind Gianluigi Buffon.
Buffon, widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, received 19 votes and ranked 21st overall.
This further demonstrated that the FIFA World Player of the Year award was heavily influenced by reputation.
Otherwise, how could a team like Juventus, which underperformed, garner more attention than Atlético?
Among the younger generation, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo also made the top 30, but their rankings were outside the top 20.
From this list, it was clear that Atlético's stars were steadily rising.
In the top 30, Real Madrid had the most entries with seven players, followed by Atlético with six.
When the rankings were published, the football world was abuzz.
Spain's Marca newspaper noted that after 17 rounds of La Liga, the league would enter its winter break. The first match after the break, scheduled for January 9, would be the Madrid Derby at the Calderón.
This match would feature 13 players from the FIFA World Player of the Year top 30, promising a star-studded clash for fans worldwide.
Marca reported that the derby instantly became the focal point of global football, with broadcasters worldwide scrambling to secure rights to air the game.
La Liga seized the opportunity to market the match as a premier event. Antonio Ponte, speaking to the media, announced:
"This will be the first time in La Liga history that a match is broadcast live to every country and region worldwide."
"We estimate that fans from over 180 countries and regions will simultaneously watch this spectacular showdown in La Liga."
The media dubbed it the most expensive Madrid Derby in history.
Pre-match hype aside, La Liga's 17th round went ahead as scheduled.
Despite playing away, Atlético launched the first attack. Shortly after kickoff, Robben almost scored, narrowly missing the target.
Later, Torres received a pass from Villa but fired over the bar.
Atlético continued to press relentlessly until the 44th minute, when Robben, instead of cutting inside, drove to the byline on the right and sent a low cross into the box. Torres was there to slot it home. 1–0!
Since joining Atlético, Robben had improved his weaker right foot, which now posed a significant threat despite not matching his dominant left.
In the second half, Atlético maintained their momentum.
In the 65th minute, Yang Hao brought on Messi to replace Robben.
At just three minutes into the match, Messi received a pass from Maicon on the right wing. He suddenly accelerated, cut inside with the ball, and struck a left-footed shot. The unexpected shot forced the goalkeeper into a fumble, and Villa quickly followed up to score on the rebound.
2-0!
After that, Messi attempted two shots of his own but unfortunately didn't find the net.
In the end, Atlético Madrid secured a 2–0 victory against Real Betis on the road.
Meanwhile, at Camp Nou, Barcelona defeated Levante 2–1. At the Bernabéu, Real Madrid suffered a shocking 0–1 loss to Sevilla.
After 17 rounds in La Liga, Atlético Madrid's performance could only be described as rock solid.
Their record: 14 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. This impressive tally of 44 points firmly positioned them atop the La Liga standings.
Barcelona, with 41 points, trailed closely behind. Real Madrid, in third, had only 32 points, tied with Valencia, who held fourth place.
With a 10-point gap now separating Real Madrid from the top two teams, their chances of catching up seemed increasingly slim.
With the conclusion of the 17th round, La Liga paused for the Christmas break and winter hiatus.
The Spanish media wasted no time discussing Atlético Madrid's remarkable performance.
Many found it incredible that, after selling four key players last summer and raking in massive transfer fees, Atlético still managed to sit at the top of the league.
And what about Real Madrid, who spent a fortune signing Joaquín?
They remained in third place.
Even AS had to admit that, given Atlético's current form, Real Madrid's chances of turning the tide were slim to none.
Despite boasting a roster full of superstars, the lack of cohesion in Real Madrid's dressing room had become a source of immense frustration for their fans.
On paper, they had the talent and strength.
But on the pitch? Even the brightest stars were meaningless if they couldn't perform as a team.
Joaquín's arrival had pushed Figo out of his position, prompting the Portuguese star to vent his frustration publicly. In response, Real Madrid scrambled to appease him, reinstating him over Joaquín.
But Figo's performances didn't justify the move.
This constant reshuffling bred resentment and discord among the players.
On the very day the 17th round concluded, Real Madrid announced the appointment of Arrigo Sacchi as the club's new director of football. Sacchi was given full authority over first-team operations and dressing room management.
Sacchi's first task? Bringing order to the dressing room, particularly among the superstars.
His second priority was hiring a world-class coach, with AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti rumored to be the top candidate.
A smaller item on the agenda was the pursuit of Santos' 20-year-old prodigy, Robinho, dubbed the "New Pelé."
AS described Sacchi's arrival as the dawn of a "new era," believing the legendary coach would inject much-needed stability into the club.
They also issued a stern warning to Real Madrid's superstars:
"Your easy days are over!"
However, the dressing room stars appeared unfazed.
When asked about Sacchi, Ronaldo coolly responded, "Why is Sacchi here?"
Upon learning of Sacchi's role as director of football, Ronaldo remained indifferent. "I don't understand much about administrative roles, and I have no reason not to welcome him. He was a great coach, but I don't know how he'll perform as a director."
Figo echoed this sentiment: "I will respect his work because I respect all managers."
Roberto Carlos, on the other hand, was dismissive. "For Real Madrid, victories and points matter more than a director of football."
After the annual Christmas celebrations and a grand Christmas dinner, the Atlético squad disbanded for the holidays to reunite with their families.
The day after the break began, shocking news emerged from the United States, grabbing the attention of football fans worldwide:
Yang Hao and Jessica Alba had broken up.
According to an American entertainment magazine, Alba had moved out of Yang Hao's Madrid home and returned to Hollywood permanently.
The reason? Alba had recently taken on multiple film projects in the U.S., and the long-distance nature of their relationship had become unsustainable. After mutual agreement, they decided to part ways amicably.
European media were thrilled by the news.
They had waited impatiently for this "hammer to fall" and finally got what they wanted.
Speculation ran wild.
Spanish outlets claimed Yang Hao had fallen for a Spanish actress.
French tabloids alleged infidelity on Yang Hao's part.
Theories abounded.
But just three days later, American paparazzi captured Yang Hao meeting world-famous model Alessandra Ambrosio outside a luxury hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The two appeared close, chatting and laughing as they walked into the hotel together.
The revelation caused an uproar.
"Old flames rekindled!"
Paparazzi wasted no time digging deeper. They uncovered that Yang Hao was in the U.S. not only to attend a Nike event but also to finalize the sale of his European social media platform, Line, to Microsoft.
The deal reportedly netted Yang Hao $180 million, solidifying his status as a billionaire.
However, the story took an unexpected turn just before Christmas. Yang Hao visited Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, south of San Francisco, where he was personally welcomed by Steve Jobs.
American media revealed that Yang Hao had reinvested the entire $180 million from the Microsoft sale into Apple stock. At the current price of $60 per share, Yang Hao acquired 3 million shares.
Jobs even gave Yang Hao a personal tour of Apple's offices and presented him with a series of Apple products as gifts.
Yang Hao's investment sparked heated debate.
Apple had been struggling, a well-known fact. Although its foray into the music player market had boosted its stock price in recent years, the company was far from its former glory.
Many criticized Yang Hao's decision to buy Apple shares at this time, labeling it foolish.
"Maybe he's the world's best football coach, but when it comes to investing, he's a complete rookie."
Some Wall Street analysts also chimed in with unsolicited advice, eager to capitalize on the buzz.
Yet, what truly caught the media's attention wasn't Yang Hao's investment—it was the young woman accompanying him during his Apple visit.
She wasn't Alessandra Ambrosio but a youthful, radiant girl.
After digging deeper, American outlets identified her as Amber Heard, a 19-year-old actress with a modest Hollywood resume, having appeared in only two or three minor TV shows.
Yang Hao was already 30 years old, yet he managed to connect with a 19-year-old beauty. This was... well...
Admittedly, the girl's figure was incredibly mature for her age.
Unsurprisingly, Yang Hao's new "relationship" sparked a frenzy of attention in both the U.S. and Europe, for one simple reason: the age gap was significant.
Yang Hao, however, didn't seem to care. He openly walked the streets of Los Angeles, hand-in-hand with Amber Heard, and when cornered by relentless media, he continued as if they weren't even there, treating them like air.
The paparazzi, seemingly understanding the unwritten rules, didn't block his path but instead trailed alongside, snapping photos non-stop.
That is, until Yang Hao returned to Europe alone just a few days later.
It turned out the whirlwind romance was already over.
"I can't believe you went through with it!"
Back at the Calderón, Miguel Gil pointed at Yang Hao with an exaggerated expression of indignation.
Though his tone was accusatory, the envy and jealousy on his face were unmistakable.
After all, that girl was stunning—beautiful and with a figure that could make anyone green with envy.
"Wait, did you really break up again?" Enrique Cerezo, ever the film producer, couldn't resist indulging in a bit of gossip.
"Break up? Come on, you need to be in a relationship first to call it a breakup," Yang Hao replied, exasperated.
"Not in a relationship? Then what were you doing with her during your time in the U.S.?"
"Nothing much. We met at a nightclub, she said she wanted to learn Spanish, so I taught her."
"And just like that, you taught her all the way to the bedroom?" Miguel Gil interrupted, unable to hold back anymore.
This was outrageous!
If there were such perks for teaching Spanish, why hadn't anyone told him sooner?
Spanish was his native language!
Why did Yang Hao, the self-taught Spanish speaker, get all the luck?
"Watch your mouth, Miguel. Don't slander me—I'm a gentleman," Yang Hao retorted with a serious face.
Miguel Gil opened his mouth but couldn't find the words to respond.
Cerezo, meanwhile, was laughing so hard on the side that he nearly fell out of his chair.
As someone steeped in the entertainment industry, he could tell exactly what Yang Hao had been up to.
Truthfully, Yang Hao felt a little wronged.
He had initially gone to that nightclub after hearing rumors that Scarlett Johansson frequented it.
He had even rehearsed his opening line:
"Hello, Scarlett? Oh, it's such a pleasure to meet you. Can I ask a favor? A close friend of mine really wants to drink your bathwater."
But fate had other plans.
Scarlett Johansson never showed up. Instead, Amber Heard approached him first.
She was undeniably gorgeous, but given her reputation, Yang Hao knew better than to get involved deeply. A brief encounter was all he allowed himself.
Still, there was one unforgettable moment: he had her cosplay Mai Shiranui for him. That memory was… exceptional.
"You should settle down with a good girl already. These gossip headlines are endless," Cerezo advised, half-jokingly.
Yang Hao merely smiled, fully enjoying his current carefree lifestyle.
Settle down?
Was he crazy?
Sacrificing the forest for one tree was not Yang Hao's style.
"By the way, how's the preparation for our Middle East trip coming along?" Yang Hao deftly changed the subject.
"Everything's ready. Our team is already in Dubai," Miguel Gil replied.
Yang Hao nodded.
For this Middle East training camp, Atlético Madrid's first team—with the exception of the recently transferred Marchena—was traveling with a full squad of 24 players.
As for the remaining roster spot, Yang Hao didn't plan to fill it during the transfer window. It was reserved for Thiago Silva, awaiting his full recovery.
Both Cerezo and Miguel Gil supported this decision. After all, Atlético's first team was brimming with talent.
"I hear Real Madrid just hired a new coach, Wanderley Luxemburgo from Brazil. What's your take on that?" Cerezo asked curiously.
Yang Hao smirked and pointed at a headline on Mundo Deportivo sitting on Cerezo's desk.
"Another passing guest."
Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged knowing smiles.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Luxemburgo had also been appointed as Real Madrid's coach. Yang Hao had initially thought that with the passage of time, some things might change. But here they were—history repeating itself.
Upon closer analysis, Yang Hao realized the explanation was simple.
Luxemburgo's agent was Juan Figer, a Brazilian football powerhouse.
While Figer's influence had waned over the years—especially after agents like Jorge Mendes branched out independently—he still held considerable sway in Brazil.
Notably, one of the players under Figer's management was Robinho.
According to Yang Hao's sources, Luxemburgo's appointment at Real Madrid was largely thanks to Figer's strong recommendation.
As a Brazilian coach, Luxemburgo was expected to work well with Real Madrid's Brazilian stars while simultaneously helping the club secure the highly sought-after Robinho, dubbed the "New Pelé."
That was the real reason Luxemburgo ended up at Real Madrid—it was all about securing Robinho.
So how good was Robinho?
Many believed he was Brazil's most gifted player in years, a talent comparable to Ronaldo in his prime.
This was enough to make Robinho the hottest commodity in football, akin to Neymar during his move to Barcelona.
Some even regarded Robinho as a symbol of the revival of Brazilian samba football.
Even Pelé himself had publicly praised the young talent.
With a prodigy like this, it was no surprise Real Madrid was desperate to sign him.
Incidentally, before the winter break, Real Madrid had also attempted to negotiate with Inter Milan for Adriano.
However, before Inter could respond, Adriano made it clear through the media: if he ever returned to La Liga, it would only be to play under Yang Hao at Atlético Madrid.
This statement shocked everyone.
Atlético fans, on the other hand, couldn't help but applaud Adriano for his loyalty.
"Luxemburgo's arrival changes nothing. Relax—our show goes on as always. Trust me," Yang Hao said with unwavering confidence.
In fact, many journalists, including AS deputy editor Tomás Roncero, expressed disappointment in Real Madrid's decision.
Roncero wrote in his column that Luxemburgo's appointment betrayed Real Madrid's traditions.
"In the past, Real Madrid sought not only the world's best players but also the best coaches.
What about now?"
As Pellegrini had previously mentioned to Yang Hao, Argentine coaches and players tend to adapt more easily to European football. On the other hand, successful Brazilian coaches in Europe were rare.
The main issue was that Brazilian football tactics often didn't align well with the European style of play, leading to adaptation challenges.
Nonetheless, Luxemburgo couldn't wait to take on his new role. He even publicly stated that coaching Real Madrid was not only an affirmation of Brazilian football and coaches but also a great personal honor.
Luxemburgo's first match in charge would be the Madrid Derby—a monumental challenge right out of the gate. But he seemed eager to embrace it.
Shortly after Christmas, aside from Real Madrid's appointment of Luxemburgo, another major development rocked Spanish football.
Valencia sold all the land within and surrounding the Mestalla Stadium to the Valencia City Council for a jaw-dropping €320 million.
This news left Yang Hao, Enrique Cerezo, and Miguel Gil utterly astonished—especially Yang Hao.
"My goodness, €320 million? That's insane!"
When Atlético was planning to sell the Calderón Stadium, Yang Hao had set the asking price at €250 million—and that was in the capital, Madrid.
Even so, the Madrid City Council balked at the price.
Was Valencia City Council buying land?
No, this was practically a gift to Valencia CF.
Don't believe it?
According to the contract signed by Valencia Mayor Rita Barberá and club president Juan Soler, the city purchased the Mestalla for €320 million and, in return, provided Valencia with a free 90,000-square-meter plot on the outskirts of the city to build a new 70,000-capacity stadium.
Valencia promised to complete the new stadium by 2008, in time for the 2008/09 season. The Mestalla would then be retired.
The Valencia City Council's support for the club was extraordinary.
No wonder—they had debts totaling €200 million.
Wait, wasn't it €180 million before?
How did it rise?
Soler had taken out an additional €20 million loan to outbid Deportivo for Spanish international center-back Marchena.
Soler's plan was clear: with the €320 million from the city council, the club could pay off its debts in one go, use the remaining €120 million to fund the new stadium, and cover any shortfall with another loan.
The new stadium would increase matchday capacity by 15,000 seats, while also adding luxury boxes and commercial spaces to generate significantly more revenue.
Soler declared this project a new beginning for Valencia.
Mayor Barberá expressed equal confidence.
Seeing Soler, Barberá, Spanish Football Federation President Ángel Villar, local media, and fans all brimming with optimism, Yang Hao could only offer his silent congratulations.
"Bravo, Valencia! I applaud your courage."
While Spanish media buzzed about Valencia's new stadium plans, even comparing it to Atlético's project, Yang Hao and the Atlético delegation embarked on their journey to the Middle East.
Yang Hao made no public comments on the Valencia deal.
It was their celebration, after all, and it would be unkind to rain on their parade.
Upon arriving in Dubai, Atlético received a warm welcome from Middle Eastern fans. The reception this time was elevated to new heights, with the team accommodated at the luxurious Burj Al Arab.
Despite the commercial nature of the trip, Atlético stuck to their training regimen.
During the first week, the players were put through grueling drills that left them exhausted. However, with the Madrid Derby looming upon their return, the final three days in Dubai focused on recovery, adjustments, and tactical drills.
Yang Hao emphasized fluid movement and interchanging positions among the attacking players to further energize the team's offensive play.
He also dedicated two training sessions to studying Real Madrid's weaknesses.
The current Real Madrid squad showed clear signs of aging, especially among their star players, who struggled with mobility.
Yang Hao's game plan was straightforward: play with high intensity to wear down Real Madrid's stamina.
This would be the foundation.
Coupled with targeted tactics, he aimed to deliver a "special welcome gift" to Luxemburgo in his first Madrid Derby.
The main challenge lay in Atlético's defense, particularly with Ramos and Pepe.
The duo worked hard and gave their all, but their skill levels were still lacking.
This was understandable—after all, no coach could transform young center-backs into reliable defenders in just half a season.
There was, however, a silver lining for Atlético: Real Madrid's Walter Samuel and Michel Salgado were both suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Unfortunately, Atlético captain Rubén Baraja would also miss the match for the same reason.
Thus, Yang Hao and his coaching staff continued strategizing meticulously for the showdown against Real Madrid.
During their time in Dubai, Atlético participated in two events organized by their sponsor Emirates Airlines: one commercial and one charitable.
Such events were part of their contractual obligations, but also opportunities to further develop the Middle Eastern market—a veritable goldmine.
In addition, Atlético played a friendly match against the UAE national team, winning 4–2.
However, the team's performance wasn't ideal due to fatigue from recent fitness training and persistent defensive issues with Ramos and Pepe.
Yang Hao had instructed his players to ease up during the second half to avoid embarrassing their hosts.
Initially, the plan was to concede just one goal, but they ended up allowing two.
After the friendly, the team rested in Dubai for another day before returning to Madrid to prepare for the derby.
Thanks to the Spanish Football Federation's heavy promotion, the Madrid Derby attracted simultaneous broadcasts in 189 countries and regions, surpassing even the UEFA Champions League final in terms of global reach.
Even the U.S. planned to air the match live, dubbing it "the most expensive and luxurious football match in history."
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