Chapter 58
LaLiga CEO Antonio Pont declared this match to be the most luxurious game in LaLiga history—not just because of the star-studded rosters, but also because of the resources poured into its production.
This match shattered numerous LaLiga records.
For example, it was broadcast to over 50 broadcasters worldwide, reaching nearly 190 countries simultaneously. This was unprecedented not only in LaLiga but also in European football as a whole.
Previously, LaLiga had initiated an overhaul of its broadcast system, incorporating cutting-edge technology, adding new camera angles, and recruiting top talent for every aspect of production.
For this game, no expense was spared. The newly renovated Calderón Stadium featured 25 broadcast cameras, two of which were dedicated solely to capturing the stars' movements—something never done before.
To enhance the viewing experience and improve audio quality, microphones were installed throughout the stands, creating a more immersive atmosphere for fans watching at home.
The production team, including directors and technical experts, was a handpicked elite crew. The effort extended to every detail: the stadium lighting, the quality of the pitch, and even the air quality were meticulously managed.
It was reported that more than 200 staff members were involved solely in the broadcasting and multimedia aspects, making this one of the most ambitious productions in football history.
When Yang Hao entered the Calderón Stadium, a Steadicam operator immediately trained their lens on him. Yang Hao, long accustomed to such attention, strode calmly across the pitch.
After inspecting the home team's dugout, he glanced at the visitors' area and noticed that Luxemburgo and his staff had already arrived. He walked over without hesitation.
As the host, he was obligated to greet his opponent before and after the match.
"Hello, Vanderlei, welcome to the Calderón!"
"Hello, Yang, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Although Luxemburgo was much older than Yang Hao, he didn't dare act superior.
The Brazilian, dressed sharply in a black jacket and a light blue shirt with subtle black stripes, looked spirited.
Since they had no prior connection and a considerable age gap, their conversation was brief and cordial. After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Hao returned to his team's bench.
By this time, both teams were already lined up on the pitch.
Real Madrid had the kickoff.
Atlético Madrid started in their usual 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: ČechDefense: Evra, Pepe, Lúcio, MaiconMidfield: Xabi Alonso (holding), Iniesta, KakáAttack: Villa (left), Torres (center), Robben (right)
This lineup represented Atlético's most potent attacking trio, with Villa on the left and Robben on the right.
Real Madrid opted for a 4-4-2 diamond, a formation Luxemburgo had perfected in Brazil:
Goalkeeper: CasillasDefense: Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Helguera, ArbeloaMidfield: Zidane (left), Joaquín (right), Vieira (holding), Raúl (advanced)Attack: Ronaldo, Owen
Pre-match speculation revolved around how Luxemburgo would balance positions among stars like Figo and Joaquín. To everyone's surprise, he implemented a rotation strategy, starting Vieira to bolster midfield defense against Atlético's firepower.
Figo and Beckham sat on the bench, likely to be used as impact substitutes.
Yang Hao had his own tactical adjustments ready in response.
"This guy seems to be copying Cúper," remarked Juanma Lillo.
Héctor Cúper had once stunned European football with his diamond 4-4-2 formation during his time at Mallorca. Now, another South American coach was attempting to emulate his success in LaLiga.
The referee's whistle blew, and Ronaldo quickly passed the ball to Owen, who relayed it to Raúl.
Raúl shifted the ball to the right, where Joaquín received it near the midfield line. As he advanced, Villa pressed him, forcing Joaquín to pass to Arbeloa, who had overlapped on the wing.
Joaquín sprinted forward as Arbeloa lobbed the ball down the flank. Joaquín chased it but Evra intercepted it with a header.
Arbeloa attempted to recover possession, but Evra closed him down quickly and poked the ball out for a throw-in.
The Calderón erupted in applause, thrilled with Evra's defensive effort right at the start.
Arbeloa took the throw-in, targeting Vieira, who controlled it on his chest but struggled with his first touch. Iniesta pressed him immediately, forcing Vieira to retreat toward the right wing.
The physically imposing Frenchman shielded the ball effectively, leaving Iniesta with no chance to win it. Vieira eventually sent a long pass forward to Owen, who had shifted wide.
Here, Real Madrid's individual brilliance came into play.
Owen collected the ball and charged down the flank, even as Atlético's defense scrambled to cover. Despite facing three defenders, Owen pressed forward confidently.
When no better option presented itself, he passed back to Joaquín, who crossed it to Zidane in midfield.
Zidane quickly switched play to the left flank, where Roberto Carlos controlled the ball and delivered a diagonal pass into the box aimed at Ronaldo.
Lúcio read the play perfectly and headed the ball clear.
Madrid retained possession on the edge of the box, with Raúl trying to recycle the attack, but Pepe intercepted his pass, clearing the danger.
The sequence ended with Atlético weathering Madrid's early storm.
Not even one minute had passed.
Yang Hao observed the match from the sidelines. Within two minutes, he had a clear grasp of Madrid's game plan.
It was evident in sequences like the next:
Ronaldo dropped deep to receive a pass from Zidane, turned, and drove forward. As he entered Atlético's defensive third, Xabi Alonso dispossessed him cleanly.
Joaquín regained possession, cutting inside from the right to deliver a dangerous cross into the box.
Madrid's strategy was clear: rely on individual brilliance and overloads to break through Atlético's defense.
Raúl made a late run into the box, looking for a header, but Čech confidently rushed out and collected the ball.
Yang Hao couldn't help but acknowledge that Real Madrid's players had superior individual ability. However, as he'd pointed out earlier, their overall formation was loose, with large gaps between players. This setup allowed them to showcase their individual skills, but it lacked the structure of a cohesive system.
Additionally, player positioning was fluid. It wasn't unusual to see them swap roles frequently.
"Joaquín and Zidane aren't strictly playing as wingers or central midfielders in this match. Sometimes they're in the center, sometimes out wide," observed Juanma Lillo.
Yang Hao nodded. He had noticed the same thing. When these two moved centrally or into the half-spaces, Madrid's fullbacks pushed high up the field. In these moments, their backline was left with just Vieira, Helguera, and Cannavaro holding the fort.
Yang Hao also observed frequent position switches between Ronaldo and Owen.
For example, in the 5th minute, Zidane and Roberto Carlos combined on the left flank. Carlos delivered a long cross—not aimed at Owen or Raúl in the center but instead to the right side of the penalty area.
Ronaldo appeared there, controlled the ball on his chest, and burst past Pepe with a sudden move to the byline. His cross was floated back toward the center.
Both Raúl and Owen had rushed to the near post, but Zidane silently arrived at the far post.
Fortunately, Maicon was alert and challenged Zidane as they both leapt for the ball. The two bald heads collided midair, and both players went down.
Medical staff from both sides rushed onto the pitch, but thankfully, neither player was seriously injured.
Watching this, Yang Hao found the situation absurd.
In 2023, football fans would rave about "positional fluidity" as though it were some groundbreaking tactic. Yet, here in January 2005, Real Madrid was already deploying such a style.
Their star players, leveraging their immense individual talent, roamed freely, disregarding formations and tactics. They played wherever they felt like it, unconcerned with coordination or positional discipline.
By the 6th minute, Atlético Madrid was clearly on the back foot.
To be fair, if Atlético was struggling like this, other teams would have been completely overrun by now.
So, was this vaunted "positional fluidity" truly revolutionary and effective, or was it just a byproduct of star-studded chaos?
Yang Hao didn't dwell on the question. He walked to the sideline to give instructions to his players.
"Keep passing and moving," he urged.
"They like to spread their formation wide? Fine."
"They have world-class players? So do we."
In the 8th minute, Atlético launched an attack down the left.
Villa passed to Evra, who sprinted toward the byline and sent in a cross aimed at Torres.
The idea was to exploit Torres's height to challenge Helguera and Cannavaro. However, Helguera got there first and cleared the ball with a header.
The ball fell to Xabi Alonso, but Madrid's forwards immediately began pressing him. To evade the press, Xabi Alonso passed back to Pepe, who returned it to Čech.
Every pass was a one-touch effort.
Čech, after controlling the ball near the edge of his penalty area, dribbled two steps to the right before delivering a diagonal pass to Maicon on the right flank.
Atlético used this sequence to stretch Real Madrid's formation, shifting them from side to side.
When Maicon received the ball, Madrid's midfield had pushed up. Zidane closed in on Maicon from the right, prompting Vieira to follow as well, wary of a forward run.
Generally, if Zidane failed to win the ball in these situations, he wouldn't track back. He only pressed momentarily.
With Vieira drawn in, Kaká was left unmarked. Recognizing the opportunity, Kaká sprinted forward, raising his hand to call for the ball.
Maicon had anticipated this. The moment Kaká made his move, Maicon delivered a precise diagonal pass.
The ball zipped past Zidane and Vieira, landing in the space behind Vieira.
Kaká, like a flash of lightning, surged forward into the gap between Cannavaro and Roberto Carlos, chasing down Maicon's pass.
However, Kaká didn't attempt to control the ball.
Spotting Cannavaro rushing toward him, Kaká knew that stopping the ball would allow the Italian defender to close him down. That would kill the attack.
Instead, Kaká, confident in his pace and skill, flicked the ball past Cannavaro and accelerated again.
Cannavaro, caught off guard, lunged to intercept, but Kaká slipped past him effortlessly.
By the time Cannavaro turned around, Kaká was already far ahead.
Kaká reached the ball near the right side of the penalty area and slowed down slightly.
Inside the box, Atlético had created a 2-on-1 situation.
The Calderón erupted in thunderous cheers.
Yang Hao, standing on the sidelines, was visibly tense.
As Elguera approached to block him, Kaká unselfishly laid off a simple horizontal pass.
Torres was perfectly positioned to tap the ball into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"In the 10th minute, Atlético takes the lead against Real Madrid!"
"The goal came from Torres!"
"This was a razor-sharp counterattack. Atlético tore through Madrid's defense with Maicon's pinpoint pass and Kaká's electric pace and movement."
"Let's look at the replay. Madrid's defensive gaps are massive."
"Vieira, as the lone defensive midfielder, couldn't cover such a large area, leaving the half-spaces completely exposed."
"Maicon's pass was brilliantly timed. This was clearly a pre-planned move by Atlético."
"Roberto Carlos was dragged wide by Robben, creating a significant gap between him and Cannavaro."
"In the 10th minute, Kaká assists Torres for the opening goal!"
"This match is shaping up to be a spectacular spectacle."
"From the opening whistle until now, it's been non-stop action, with both teams exchanging quick passes and looking to create chances. Neither side has slowed the tempo for even a moment."
"The technical quality of both teams is outstanding, with impeccable passing and ball control."
"This is the pinnacle of modern football."
Atlético's early goal boosted their morale, but Real Madrid was far from discouraged. They began pressing higher and intensifying their attacks.
Vieira, in particular, increased his physicality, often targeting Kaká in an attempt to neutralize his impact.
Meanwhile, Madrid's frustration began to show as their players grew increasingly impatient.
In one heated moment, Iniesta was shoved to the ground by a frustrated Vieira during a challenge. However, the referee refrained from issuing a yellow card, offering only a warning and allowing play to continue.
By the 19th minute, Atlético Madrid delivered another stunning display of teamwork. Xabi Alonso launched a long pass to Torres on the right edge of the penalty area. Torres controlled it with his chest and laid it off for Robben, who was making a diagonal run inward. Torres immediately turned and darted into the box.
Robben carried the ball on a horizontal run, shaking off Roberto Carlos. Spotting Vieira out of position, he sent a lofted pass to the top-left corner of the penalty area.
Kaká, sprinting diagonally into the space, chested the ball down just ahead of Helguera and deftly flicked it over Cannavaro's head. Torres, who had continued his run, met the ball with a header, directing it toward the right side of the penalty area in a seamless aerial sequence.
Cannavaro reacted quickly and gave chase, but Torres was faster. Realizing his angle to shoot was narrowing, Torres opted for a sharp horizontal pass across the face of goal.
While Kaká couldn't reach it, Villa arrived perfectly on time at the far post, tapping the ball into an almost undefended net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Atlético scores again! What a goal!"
"2–0!"
"David Villa finishes with a composed strike from close range!"
"This match is an open spectacle, with Real Madrid showing no signs of caution despite being the visiting side. They keep pushing forward, looking for opportunities."
"However, Real Madrid's defensive gaps are glaring. Atlético has created several dangerous chances already."
"Real Madrid now faces the dual challenge of tightening their defense while finding a way to score. The clock is ticking!"
It didn't take long for Real Madrid to respond.
In the 26th minute, Ronaldo dropped deep to receive a pass but was fouled by Evra as he tried to turn. Joaquín stepped up to take the free kick and delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post.
While players like Vieira and Cannavaro attacked the near post, Zidane lurked at the far post, marked by Pepe. Ronaldo disrupted the marking by getting involved, causing Pepe to lose track of Zidane.
The Frenchman capitalized on the confusion, heading the ball home from close range. At such a short distance, even a goalkeeper of Čech's caliber couldn't make the save.
1–2.
Moments later, another Real Madrid attack from the right side created danger, earning a corner kick. Helguera's subsequent header narrowly missed, sailing just over the crossbar.
The back-and-forth exchanges between the two teams made for an enthralling spectacle.
In the 33rd minute, Atlético responded with their own attacking sequence. Villa, unable to find an opening on the left flank, retreated out of the penalty area and passed to the onrushing Iniesta.
Iniesta skillfully maneuvered around Vieira, creating space. At that moment, Evra made a sharp overlapping run behind Vieira.
Iniesta delivered a perfectly timed through ball, threading it past Vieira into the left side of the box. Evra caught up with the pass and sent a low cross into the box.
Torres lunged for the ball at the near post but narrowly missed connecting. Just as Real Madrid's defenders began to relax, a red-and-white blur stormed in at the far post.
Kaká met the ball with his right foot, slotting it just inside the right post and past a helpless Casillas.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Kaká!!!"
"Tonight's Madrid Derby is a celebration of attacking football!"
"With goals from Torres, Villa, Zidane, and now Kaká, both teams are delivering their best performances."
"This match is a masterclass in quick transitions and fluid attacking play. The passing precision, movement off the ball, and clinical finishing are all top-notch."
"Unbelievable! In just 36 minutes, the score is 3–1, with four goals already!"
"This is the pinnacle of world football!"
"This is the Madrid Derby!"
Despite conceding again, Real Madrid continued their offensive push.
Joaquín, operating down the right flank, dribbled past multiple defenders before delivering a low cross near the goalmouth. However, none of the three Real Madrid forwards managed to get a shot off, as Lucio cleared the ball out of the penalty area.
From about 30 meters out, Vieira arrived late to fire a thunderous shot from distance. The strike was powerful and well-placed, but Čech reacted with lightning speed, diving to his right and palming the ball over the crossbar.
The Calderón erupted in gasps and applause.
Had that shot gone in, the game's momentum would have shifted again.
Atlético quickly countered with their own attack. Robben carried the ball forward and cut inside from the right, curling a left-footed shot toward the far corner.
Cannavaro stepped in at the last moment, deflecting the shot.
Kaká, arriving late, tried a follow-up volley but sent it just over the bar.
A minute later, Maicon's overlapping run set up another Atlético chance. He delivered a cross to Villa at the far post, whose fierce volley was expertly caught by Casillas.
The crowd roared with excitement as both teams continued trading chances in a relentless, high-octane showdown.
"This match should be the flagship event for La Liga!"
From the VIP section of the Calderón, La Liga CEO Antonio Pont was ecstatic.
Although he considered himself a casual football fan, even he couldn't help but feel the adrenaline from such a thrilling spectacle.
The pace of the game was lightning-fast, the passing smooth and precise, and the attacking sequences were brilliantly executed.
While Atlético held a slight edge in terms of chances created, Real Madrid's performance was equally commendable.
This was football at its finest.
"To be honest, we need more games like tonight's. With matches like this, we'll have more confidence in expanding to the global market," Antonio Pont said with a smile.
If even he, not the most passionate football fan, found the game thrilling, then football fans worldwide must be thoroughly entertained.
Executives from Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid sat together for a pre-match meal, hosted by Atlético. While the Atlético officials were visibly delighted, Florentino Pérez's mood was less cheerful.
The match was undoubtedly exciting, but the problem was that Real Madrid was trailing. For a coach like Luxemburgo, making his debut in such an open attacking battle at the Calderón against Atlético, one of the most lethal attacking teams in Europe, seemed reckless.
Doesn't he know how dangerous Atlético's firepower is?
If La Liga wants to expand globally, fine—but Real Madrid should be the ones winning and attacking!
As Florentino stewed in frustration, another Atlético attack unfolded on the pitch. Evra crossed from the left toward the back post, where Torres and Cannavaro competed for the ball. Cannavaro managed to head it away, but it nearly became an own goal, the ball grazing the right post and going out for a corner.
Atlético's pressure continued. Robben cut inside from the right and passed to the edge of the box. Iniesta, back to goal, performed a signature La Croqueta to evade Vieira and laid the ball back for Robben, who struck a fierce left-footed shot that sailed over the bar.
Florentino grew visibly tense.
"Surely they won't score again?" he muttered, dreading the prospect.
If Atlético scored a fourth before halftime, what hope would there be in the second half?
On the pitch, Real Madrid's attack faltered, and Atlético seized the opportunity. Kaká intercepted a pass and sprinted forward. As Villa and Torres dragged defenders away with their movement, Kaká slipped a diagonal pass through to Villa, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Casillas.
Torres pounced on the rebound, but Casillas produced another heroic save, parrying it away before Cannavaro cleared the danger with a desperate clearance.
The counterattack was swift and dangerous. Ronaldo, stationed near the halfway line, controlled the ball, spun around Pepe, and surged forward alone.
The stadium erupted in gasps and shouts, with Florentino on edge, clenching his fists tightly.
Ronaldo, storming forward, passed horizontally to an unmarked Owen, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
2–3!
There were still two minutes left in the first half.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao stood with his arms crossed, a mix of surprise and frustration etched on his face.
He hadn't anticipated the game unfolding this way, especially the latest goal. While Pepe's error was part of the problem, Ronaldo's brilliance was undeniable.
That turn and spin to escape Pepe was sheer genius, leaving the defender helpless.
Yang Hao couldn't even find it in himself to criticize Pepe. What could he say? Blame him for failing to mark Ronaldo?
Even in his current form, Ronaldo remained one of the hardest players in the world to contain.
"Some things never change," Yang Hao muttered.
"I hate matches like this," he added, shaking his head.
Juanma Lillo chuckled knowingly. He understood Yang Hao well.
If given a choice, Yang Hao would always prefer a calm, controlled victory over a wild, high-stakes spectacle like tonight's. While Atlético held the lead, the frenetic pace and unpredictability of the match left little room for comfort.
"Zidane needs to be shut down," Yang Hao decided.
"Have Iniesta shadow him."
Zidane's movements were fluid and unpredictable. While nominally positioned on the left, he frequently drifted centrally, sometimes even to the right or the flanks.
Real Madrid's strategy had devolved into a free-form, instinctive style. Players moved wherever they pleased, abandoning rigid formations.
It was a level of positional fluidity that felt almost improvised, in stark contrast to the structured approaches of coaches like Guardiola in Yang Hao's future memories.
Yet this approach came with significant trade-offs. Real Madrid's defense was porous, with glaring vulnerabilities. Their offense, however, was electrifying, driven by the sheer brilliance of their star players.
The second half began with Real Madrid on the front foot, pressing aggressively.
Atlético responded in kind.
In the 48th minute, Maicon delivered a cross from the right, aimed not at Torres in the box but at the edge of the area. Torres retreated, controlled the ball with the inside of his right foot, and immediately laid it off to his right.
Robben surged forward, meeting Torres's pass with a left-footed strike. The ball curled gracefully through the air, arching into the top-left corner of the net beyond Casillas's reach.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"ROBBEN! ROBBEN!!"
"Atlético strikes again!"
"4–2!"
"My goodness, this is unbelievable!"
"This match has been nothing short of sensational! After five goals in the first half, the second half starts with yet another!"
"Both teams are fully committed to attacking, seemingly disregarding defense entirely."
"This is the Madrid Derby!"
"The atmosphere in the Calderón is electric, with Atlético's players performing at an extraordinary level."
"Now let's see how Real Madrid responds!"
Real Madrid had little time to regroup before Atlético adjusted their strategy.
In the second half, Iniesta began shadowing Zidane closely. Wherever Zidane moved, Iniesta followed, cutting off his influence.
One moment encapsulated this approach perfectly.
In the 54th minute, Zidane attempted to receive the ball in midfield, but Iniesta was immediately upon him, disrupting his rhythm and forcing a hurried pass that Atlético intercepted.
Iniesta's relentless tracking neutralized Zidane's creative spark, shifting the balance further in Atlético's favor.
Meanwhile, Atlético continued their offensive onslaught, seeking to widen their lead even further.
When Zidane received a pass on the left flank, Iniesta immediately closed in on him.
After nearly an hour of high-intensity, fast-paced football, Zidane was visibly fatigued. He held onto the ball, trying to use his rhythm to shake off Iniesta or wait for a teammate to come forward for support.
The result?
Three seconds later, no one was there to offer assistance.
Iniesta, younger and more energetic, with quicker feet and a smaller frame, seized the opportunity. His nimble movements allowed him to get close and decisively tackle the ball away.
Not only did he successfully intercept the ball, but he also sent Zidane stumbling to the ground. However, the referee signaled no foul.
Iniesta quickly advanced with the ball down the middle, first passing to Kaká, who laid it off to the left flank.
Iniesta outpaced Joaquín, controlling the ball, spinning around, and pulling off another signature La Croqueta to escape Joaquín's attempt to recover possession. He then sent a horizontal pass to the right side.
Robben controlled the ball, cut inside, and unleashed a left-footed curling shot.
It missed.
...
Despite not scoring, Yang Hao applauded his team. He noticed how the synergy between Iniesta and Kaká was improving with every match.
Under Yang Hao's coaching, Kaká no longer relied solely on his trademark surging runs as he had during his AC Milan days. Now, as Atlético's midfield linchpin, Kaká was equally adept at penetrating with the ball or setting up his teammates.
How Kaká chose to act depended entirely on his reading of the game, making him even more unpredictable and threatening to opponents.
Opposing teams, uncertain whether Kaká would dribble or pass, often let their guard down. When that happened, the Brazilian star struck decisively.
For example, in the 61st minute:
Joaquín advanced past the halfway line but was pressured by Xabi Alonso and Evra. Attempting a pass to Ronaldo, he was intercepted by Lucio, who poked the ball away.
Xabi Alonso picked up the loose ball, took a moment to assess his options, and delivered a precise long pass to Atlético's attacking third.
The ball's trajectory landed perfectly in the 30-meter zone, where Torres was already sprinting forward. Beating Helguera to the spot, Torres controlled the ball with his head, nudging it into the space ahead of him.
At the same moment, Kaká burst forward with blistering speed, surging past Cannavaro. He reached the ball, controlled it with a deft header, and sprinted into the penalty area.
Faced with Casillas, Kaká executed a feint, creating an angle before calmly slotting the ball into the net.
5–2!
As Kaká turned and sprinted toward the sidelines in celebration, the entire stadium erupted in deafening cheers and applause.
Yang Hao joined in, applauding enthusiastically to celebrate Kaká's brace.
...
With Atlético's fifth goal, Real Madrid prepared to make changes.
Beckham replaced Joaquín, and Figo came on for Owen, as Luxemburgo made back-to-back substitutions.
After the adjustments, Real Madrid's formation shifted toward a 4-2-3-1. However, their players continued to roam freely, as disorganized as before.
Nominally structured, but in practice, chaotic.
Even Vieira, their defensive anchor, frequently pushed forward to join the attack, leaving the center-backs exposed.
In the 65th minute, Yang Hao substituted Messi for Robben, while Iniesta continued shadowing Zidane.
Yang Hao noted how effective this strategy was, especially as Zidane grew increasingly frustrated.
Whenever Zidane received the ball, Iniesta was on him. When Zidane passed the ball, Iniesta shadowed his movement.
Zidane's exasperation was palpable. The young Spaniard clung to him like a relentless shadow.
In one instance, during a quick Real Madrid counterattack, Zidane controlled the ball only for Iniesta to immediately block him off with his back. Zidane shoved him aside in frustration, but Iniesta simply stepped back, smiled, and resumed tailing him.
Yang Hao laughed heartily from the sidelines.
Shortly after, he substituted Mascherano for Kaká.
With this change, Mascherano and Xabi Alonso formed a double pivot, while Iniesta moved up to the No. 10 role, pairing with Messi.
The two technically gifted midfielders began orchestrating brilliant plays near Real Madrid's penalty area, creating wave after wave of danger.
On one occasion, Messi and Iniesta exchanged a clever one-two in a tight space before Messi cut into the right side of the penalty box and took a shot.
Unfortunately, his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved by Casillas.
Then, in the 84th minute, Real Madrid launched a counterattack.
Beckham delivered a long pass, and Ronaldo, who had been strolling through much of the match, suddenly sprang to life.
With a burst of speed, Ronaldo latched onto Beckham's pass, controlled the ball with exquisite precision, and drove into Atlético's penalty area.
Cech rushed out to close him down, but Ronaldo's trademark "Elastico" move left the keeper flailing as he coolly slotted the ball into the net.
3–5!
However, just four minutes later, Atlético responded with another stunning combination.
Mascherano intercepted a pass, and Iniesta and Messi worked a slick one-two on the right side of the box. Messi advanced toward the goal line before cutting the ball back.
Iniesta arrived on cue and slotted the ball home with his left foot.
6–3!
The stadium erupted.
Fans at the Calderón, as well as those watching on screens worldwide, were left in awe.
Nine goals!
A jaw-dropping nine goals in one match.
Even Yang Hao found it hard to believe.
This Madrid Derby was nothing short of madness.
With the outcome now certain, the atmosphere turned celebratory. Fans began standing to applaud.
For the final three minutes, the stadium echoed with applause from over 50,000 fans, a rare tribute to both teams.
The ovation wasn't solely for Atlético's players but also for Real Madrid's stars.
Football this thrilling, this extraordinary, required the brilliance of both sides.
Even Yang Hao joined in the applause.
Of course, his applause came with a caveat—his team had won 6–3.
Had Atlético lost, he certainly wouldn't be clapping.
A good football match brings joy to everyone, even to those who lose.
Despite the fierce rivalries between fans of opposing teams, where emotions often boil over, players and coaches know how to recognize quality. They carry an internal scale that measures what is good and what is not.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the intensity on the field between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid players dissipated. Players exchanged handshakes and embraces, leaving behind the tension that characterized the match.
Vieira approached Iniesta to shake hands and chat, while Zidane passed by, ruffling Iniesta's hair before offering a friendly greeting. Both players had fiercely competed for 90 minutes and even clashed at times, but after the match, cooler heads prevailed.
This was true for most of the players on the field.
Every player on tonight's pitch was among the best in the world, fostering mutual respect. With so many factors influencing a match's outcome, players on both sides could accept the results as long as they gave their all.
If they lost, it meant they were outplayed. They would find reasons, make adjustments, and try harder next time. Winning, however, didn't guarantee joy.
Take Yang Hao, for example. Despite winning, conceding three goals left him anything but pleased. As Juanma Lillo jokingly put it, "With your Virgo-level perfectionism, you're practically torturing yourself."
What could be done? A 6-0 victory would've been better than 6-3, right?
Yang Hao chuckled, fully aware of this. They won beautifully, but he always aspired for more—ideally, no goals conceded.
Real Madrid players quickly left the pitch. Stars like Raúl and Zidane exchanged brief waves with Yang Hao before disappearing into the players' tunnel. Yang Hao remained on the sidelines to welcome Atlético's triumphant players as they returned.
One by one, the players shook hands and embraced him. Captain Baraja and other substitutes joined from the stands, celebrating joyfully on the pitch and thanking fans in the stands.
Tonight, Atlético's performance was extraordinary.
"Atlético's performance didn't surprise me today because this is their true strength," Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo remarked during the post-match press conference, offering high praise for the match.
"They started strong, scoring two quick goals that put us on the back foot. We created some chances but failed to capitalize on them, allowing Atlético to widen the gap as the match progressed."
Luxemburgo acknowledged there wasn't a significant difference in the teams' abilities. Instead, he pointed out the key difference: "Atlético's players are younger, fitter, and, as a coach, I understand the pressure my players felt."
"We are Real Madrid, a team full of the world's best stars. When we trail in a match, the pressure we face is far greater than that of other teams."
"But I must say, this pressure is normal. We are Real Madrid. In every game, in every competition, our only goal is to win."
Although disappointed with the loss, Luxemburgo acknowledged Atlético's excellent performance. "It's only the 18th round. Saying Atlético will win the title prematurely is too early. We'll keep working hard to catch up."
"When I walked into the dressing room just now, I saw my players encouraging each other. We're already preparing to win our next game, which is crucial for us."
"Madrid derbies are among the most entertaining matches in world football. When we return to the Bernabéu, we have every reason to believe we'll perform better than we did tonight."
Yang Hao agreed with Luxemburgo's analysis. The opening phase, especially Atlético's two-goal lead, set the tone for the match, with Atlético controlling the rest of the game. However, Yang Hao dismissed the idea that Atlético was close to securing the league title, let alone a treble.
"A single match changes nothing. What we need is to win game after game," Yang Hao emphasized.
Kaká was named Man of the Match, a choice Yang Hao wholeheartedly supported.
"I'm thrilled my players delivered such a perfect performance, and Kaká was the most decisive player. But we must not overlook Torres, Villa, and everyone else. Every player contributed."
"Still, Kaká truly stands out and becomes more exceptional with every game."
While Torres scored many goals and performed brilliantly, Kaká's contributions on the pitch were undeniably more pivotal.
This sentiment was widely recognized. Football fans could easily tell who performed better simply by watching the game.
Fortunately, this wasn't an issue for Atlético.
Players like Torres, Villa, and Kaká weren't the type to prioritize individual glory over the team. They understood that the team's cohesion was key to Atlético's competitiveness. In contrast, Real Madrid was the perfect cautionary tale of individual ambitions harming collective unity.
Besides, Atlético didn't have Real Madrid's financial resources to sign so many superstars.
Meanwhile, a major upset occurred in another 18th-round match. Barcelona suffered a 0-3 defeat at Villarreal's Estadio de la Cerámica under Manuel Pellegrini. This result shocked European football.
Because this match preceded the Madrid derby, Yang Hao already knew the result.
Riquelme's two assists and a goal earned widespread praise as a "revenge game" against Barcelona. However, Yang Hao refrained from rubbing salt in the wound, simply stating, "Wins and losses are normal."
Pellegrini's teams often carried a distinct Latin style, with defensive tactics that countered Barcelona's possession-based play. This led to entertaining encounters, with Pellegrini's squads consistently troubling Barça.
With Barcelona's loss and Atlético's victory in the Madrid derby, the points gap between the two teams widened to six.
Even so, Yang Hao reiterated his stance: it was too early to discuss the championship.
"We need to fight game by game. That's Atlético's style!"
How best to describe this Madrid derby?
Yang Hao thought it could be summed up as going viral.
Utterly and completely viral.
A 6-3 scoreline is incredibly rare in football, especially in a derby between Atlético and Real Madrid, considered among the highest-level rivalries in the sport. It was almost absurd.
Was it because the teams didn't play well?
Not at all.
Fans and media who watched the match universally agreed that both teams, well-prepared after the winter break, delivered an exceptionally high level of football.
The absence of players like Baraja, Samuel, and Salgado impacted the game, but their replacements performed admirably.
Iniesta was one of the standout players, while Elguera and Arbeloa had decent outings without any glaring mistakes.
So, why the high scoreline?
Most agreed it was precisely because both teams played at such a high level.
Throughout the match, stars from both teams, including Zidane and Ronaldo, showcased a newfound fighting spirit. Even Joaquín, who was rumored to have disagreements with Figo, played remarkably well.
The players weren't the problem.
Match statistics showed Atlético had 31 shots compared to Real Madrid's 17, a significant disparity.
However, Atlético had only 16 shots on target, while Real Madrid had 9, reflecting their higher efficiency—thanks to their counterattacking style and the clinical finishing of Ronaldo and Owen.
In possession, Atlético dominated with 56% to Real Madrid's 44%. Atlético launched 136 attacks to Real Madrid's 119, and both teams committed 21 fouls, receiving two yellow cards each.
The match was fluid, with excellent passing and movement showcasing the players' quality. Describing it as a game filled with pure talent wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Both teams avoided chaotic moments, focusing entirely on creating opportunities.
As Marca noted, "If you want to explain why this match ended in such a high-scoring result of 6-3, the answer lies in the tactical styles of both teams. They committed fully to attacking football, but their defensive performance left much to be desired."
Marca pointed out that Atlético's defensive shortcomings were not new. Throughout this season, the number of goals they've conceded has steadily increased. Yang Hao even clashed with center-back Marchena and sold him to Valencia, now placing his hopes on developing Ramos and Pepe.
As for Real Madrid, their defensive frailty was a given.
Even with world-class center-backs like Cannavaro and Samuel, Real Madrid's defense has never exuded stability.
When both teams insisted on playing attacking football, the match naturally evolved into what we saw.
Nonetheless, Marca considered it the best match of the season for both teams.
"With this victory, Atlético has once again proven its strength as La Liga's reigning power, while Real Madrid, despite the loss, can hold their heads high."
The pro-Real Madrid newspaper AS also offered rare praise for Atlético while applauding Real Madrid's evolution.
"In Luxemburgo's first match in charge, although it ended in a crushing defeat, we saw promising changes."
AS interviewed several former Real Madrid coaches after the game, including Fabio Capello, who offered high praise.
Capello, who watched the match, called it "one of the most spectacular displays of football in the world today," with both teams showcasing exceptional quality.
However, Capello noted the fundamental difference between Atlético and Real Madrid.
"Real Madrid possesses a unique characteristic that no other team has: the decisive energy of its superstars."
"The sheer number of superstars in their lineup makes their attack unpredictable. Any one of them can change the game in an instant. This is a strength that no team can ignore."
"Atlético also has several outstanding superstars, but Yang Hao has blended them into a cohesive unit, making them more structured, orderly, and ultimately more stable."
Capello admitted it's hard to say which model is better. Real Madrid's superstar strategy is unparalleled, imitated by no other team, while Atlético's system relies heavily on having a coach like Yang Hao.
The New York Times, the most influential newspaper in the United States, headlined its coverage of the match: "A Night of Stars in Madrid."
The report described the match as an unimaginable spectacle, where the brilliance of the world's top superstars created an epic drama worthy of a Hollywood film.
"In this dazzling offensive storm, the stars were both the protagonists and the supporting cast."
"We witnessed a display of attacking football that epitomized Spanish style, with nearly every superstar contributing and showcasing their best qualities."
"This match is destined to become a classic cherished by countless fans!"
The New York Times also noted that Atlético's recent tour in the United States had ignited local fans' passion for football. This Madrid derby further shattered the stereotype of European football as dull, conservative, and pragmatic.
"Never in my life did I imagine falling in love with football after watching this game!"
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times, which had recently covered Yang Hao's rumored romantic relationships in the U.S., published an extensive report on the match. It even featured a photograph of Yang Hao on the sidelines, exuding charm, elegance, and composure as he directed the team.
The paper praised Yang Hao's ability to command his team and secure victories, calling it "awe-inspiring."
"He is already the best football manager in the world and one of the most recognizable figures in sports. This is beyond dispute!"
However, the paper also revealed that Hollywood actresses like Amber Heard, buoyed by Yang Hao's growing fame, have begun eyeing him as a romantic interest. Reports even claim there's now a black market for information on Yang Hao's whereabouts, with some actresses flying to Madrid in the hopes of meeting him.
"Let's wish this victorious Atlético coach good luck!"
Brazil's O Estado de São Paulo titled its coverage: "Tonight, the Madrid Derby Brings Samba Passion."
The report highlighted how the participation of several Brazilian superstars showcased the charm and passion of Brazilian football.
"From Kaká repeatedly breaking down Real Madrid's defense to Ronaldo's ghost-like attacks on Atlético's goal, from Carlos, Maicon, and Lucio performing at their peak..."
"Fans around the world felt the magic of Brazilian football!"
"This was not only the highest level of football on display but also a feast of Samba passion!"
France's Le Monde quoted former French coach Aimé Jacquet, who called the game a masterpiece.
"For 90 minutes, every corner of the Calderón Stadium brimmed with the brilliance of artists and the ferocity of warriors!"
Jacquet believed the match would be etched in European football history.
"Until tonight, I'm sure no one could imagine football could be played this beautifully."
"When you gather this many superstars on one pitch, what they deliver is nothing short of an offensive spectacle."
"I can no longer imagine what else they could achieve."
"This is the pure essence of football's charm!"
Overnight, accolades poured in for Madrid from all corners of the world.
Atlético, the winners, undoubtedly reaped the most praise, but Real Madrid also emerged with their reputation enhanced.
Two city rivals with entirely different philosophies, both among the best teams in the world, delivered a match that would be celebrated anywhere on the planet.
After such a magnificent football feast, the final score was secondary.
The next morning, Yang Hao received a call from Andrew Barrasco, Atlético's head of public relations.
According to Atlético and La Liga's media monitoring, the match had sparked massive global discussion.
"Previously, football conversations mostly stayed within fan communities or forums. Now, this game has broken into mainstream consciousness."
Notable publications like the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Le Monde ran extensive coverage, highlighting the game's impact and global reach.
"La Liga says this match has laid a solid foundation for our globalization strategy!"
"Our next step is to create more matches with worldwide appeal. That includes El Clásico and clashes between Atlético and Barcelona, which will receive special attention."
Atlético's rising profile delighted Andrew Barrasco, a veteran of Spanish media who now found himself in high demand. Colleagues who once mocked his move to Atlético were now eager to curry favor.
With Atlético's growing influence, Barrasco noted they now held the upper hand in dealings with the media.
Barrasco also informed Yang Hao that, based on public feedback, Kaká was currently Atlético's most popular player.
Yang Hao wasn't surprised.
Kaká's performances had been outstanding, but his good looks were an undeniable factor.
"I think we could capitalize on this," Barrasco suggested.
Currently, Kaká ranked between 5th and 7th in the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year standings. A focused campaign could easily push him into the top three—or even higher.
Considering the competition, Real Madrid's superstars were past their prime, and Kaká's main rivals were Adriano from Inter Milan and Ronaldinho from Barcelona.
Inter Milan's peak wouldn't last much longer. Players like Van der Meyde had already faded, and Kily González, at 30, was nearing the end of his career.
Reports indicated that Figo, once friendly with Joaquín at Real Madrid, was now in conflict over a starting position, prompting the club to consider selling him—possibly to Inter.
Aging stars like Kily González and Figo wouldn't provide much support for Adriano. Additionally, Inter's president Moratti, after years of heavy spending, needed to tighten his budget. While Inter might continue to dominate Serie A, their competitiveness in the Champions League remained uncertain.
As for Barcelona, without Deco, without Iniesta, and without Messi... what was there for Yang Hao to fear?
"We, Atlético, are now wearing the badge of a footballing giant, but we've also faced considerable doubt. It's time for us to establish our own superstar lineup," Yang Hao declared.
Andrew Barrasco immediately perked up, responding, "Carlos and I think the same way, and we've already laid out a plan."
He then briefly outlined an extensive strategy. Though it was impossible to cover every detail over the phone, the core idea was to build Atlético's own lineup of superstars, spearheaded by Kaká, followed by Torres, Villa, Robben, Xabi Alonso, and others.
Previously, Kaká and Torres were often marketed as a twin-star duo, but with a two-year age gap between them and Kaká now showing a more mature and dazzling form, it was only logical to place him at the forefront. With the Madrid derby gaining global attention, this was a natural moment to promote their players.
"We can even coordinate with La Liga and start next season by aligning with the league's broadcast rights strategy to push our brand globally!"
Yang Hao agreed on the spot and promised to discuss the idea with his players.
In football, no one becomes an idol by luck. Players who look good but lack substance rarely last more than a few matches. Success comes from performance.
Take Beckham, for instance. In Yang Hao's previous life, many had dismissed him as a pretty face, but by the first half of 2007, he had silenced every critic.
Football has always been a world where the strong earn respect.
Yang Hao had previously said that Real Madrid's biggest problem was its reliance on the superstar model, which left the team without a "middle class."
Without a middle class, the team lacked stability.
At their peak, they could play a breathtaking attacking game like the one at the Calderón Stadium against Atlético. At their low point, they could be completely helpless in a 0-0 draw away against a second-division team.
It was a curious phenomenon.
After their exhausting clash with Atlético, Luxemburgo was forced to rotate the squad for the Copa del Rey match three days later.
Except for Owen, none of the players from the derby were included in the matchday squad.
Luxemburgo underestimated his opponent, believing that second-division Valladolid was no match for Real Madrid.
To his surprise, Valladolid deployed a five-defender system at home, neutralizing Real Madrid and securing a result.
Fortunately, there was still the return leg at the Bernabéu.
Atlético faced Emery's Rocca Athletic away. Yang Hao made wholesale changes, fielding an entirely different starting XI, including Messi, Ribéry, Drogba, David Silva, Modric, and Marcos Senna, maintaining the team's aggressive playing style.
It wasn't just necessity—it was a broader trend.
For instance, Athletic Bilbao lost 1-2 away to a third-division team.
Sevilla lost 1-2 at home to second-division Recreativo de Huelva.
Numancia fell 0-1 to Elche, Real Betis drew 0-0 at home with third-division Mirandés, and Getafe lost 0-2 in a La Liga battle against Osasuna.
Yang Hao genuinely couldn't understand what was happening in La Liga this season.
Were they not taking their domestic cup competition seriously?
If word spread, wouldn't it make a laughingstock of Spanish football?
People might think La Liga was out of players!
With no choice but to carry the banner for La Liga, Yang Hao led Atlético to a 4-0 away victory over Rocca Athletic, effectively securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
After the match, Emery approached Yang Hao to shake hands, and the two had a brief conversation on the sidelines.
While Yang Hao didn't know much about Emery's coaching abilities, based on past impressions, he assumed Emery had some substance. Complimenting Rocca's tactical approach, Yang Hao unintentionally sparked Emery's enthusiasm, leading to a discussion of tactics.
Yang Hao shared some of his own ideas and advice, which Emery greatly appreciated, seeing Yang Hao as a kindred spirit.
It made sense.
Yang Hao was currently the most renowned coach in world football, while Emery was a rookie leading a small, third-division team. For Yang Hao to listen to his tactical ideas and offer advice was an incredible gesture.
Emery returned the favor by praising Yang Hao during a media interview after the match.
"He gave me a lot of invaluable advice that has been a tremendous help!"
Yang Hao graciously accepted the praise and endorsed Emery's future.
"I believe he will become an excellent coach. He has the potential!"
The media ran with the story, portraying Yang Hao as humble and supportive of emerging talent.
Yang Hao found the whole situation amusing, feeling like he'd been used by the media to generate buzz.
Over the weekend, La Liga's 19th round kicked off.
Atlético visited Getafe for another Madrid derby. With goals from Kaká and Torres, Atlético secured a 2-0 away victory.
What delighted Yang Hao most was that the defense had kept two consecutive clean sheets. In the post-match locker room, he heaped praise on the backline.
Meanwhile, Barcelona edged out Real Sociedad 1-0 at home, while Real Madrid staged a 3-1 comeback victory over Zaragoza.
However, Real Madrid's performance was nerve-wracking, with Ronaldo's penalty decision sparking controversy post-match.
On January 17, in the second leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Atlético hosted Rocca Athletic and secured another decisive 3-0 win.
To show his gratitude for the first-leg hospitality, Yang Hao invited Emery for drinks after the match. Emery, flattered, couldn't stop praising Yang Hao to everyone he met.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, drew 1-1 at home with Valladolid.
This match drew plenty of criticism because Valladolid had fielded a reserve lineup.
Real Madrid struggled to score in the first half. During halftime, Luxemburgo substituted three players at once, bringing on Raúl, Ronaldo, and Zidane. With these superstars on the field, Real Madrid appeared to have the advantage.
Owen scored in the 65th minute, but Valladolid equalized in the 77th.
The 1-1 result meant Real Madrid was eliminated due to the 0-0 draw in the first leg.
After the match, Luxemburgo faced intense scrutiny from the Spanish media for the first time.
Critics attacked his decision to make three substitutions at halftime, labeling it reckless and questioning its logic.
Marca argued, "No experienced coach would make such a rash move. What if the game had gone into extra time? What if someone had gotten injured?"
Carlos defended Luxemburgo, but his own poor performance invited criticism.
His justification—that Luxemburgo was worried about young players buckling under pressure—only worsened the situation.
Even AS, typically a Real Madrid mouthpiece, criticized Carlos for scapegoating younger players.
This was seen as unfair.
Winning meant the superstars took credit; losing meant blaming the younger players?
The criticism from AS underscored the chaos at Real Madrid.
The newspaper revealed that Luxemburgo was still unfamiliar with the team and its opponents, including Valladolid.
Director of Football Arrigo Sacchi was uninvolved in tactics and training, focusing only on high-level planning.
Florentino Pérez had hoped Ramón would stay on to support Luxemburgo, but Ramón had yet to confirm his commitment.
As a result, Real Madrid's situation remained a mess.
After being knocked out of the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid announced the signing of Robinho from Santos for €24 million, dubbed "the new Pelé." Florentino Pérez hailed Robinho as "the most talented Brazilian forward of the post-Ronaldo era."
This high-profile announcement quickly quelled public outcry.
In the subsequent Copa del Rey quarterfinal draw, Atlético Madrid was paired with Numancia.
La Liga, Round 20
Barcelona defeated Racing Santander 3-0 at home with goals from Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Baptista.
As this match was played a day before Atlético's, Yang Hao watched the broadcast live. Baptista's abilities were indeed impressive, playing a key role in Barça's tactical setup with his surging runs into the attack.
His strength in aerial duels and physical battles significantly enhanced Barcelona's front line. This season, he's become Barça's second-highest scorer, trailing only Eto'o.
But there's a catch.
Baptista's technical skills didn't blend seamlessly with Barça's other players. At times, he seemed clumsy, and his frequent mistakes disrupted the team's flow.
Rijkaard appeared caught in a dilemma. A significant investment was made in Baptista, and his contributions and goals were undeniable.
But using Baptista came at the cost of weakening Barça's midfield ball control.
Against weaker teams, Baptista was highly effective, as was evident against Racing.
But how would Barça fare in high-stakes clashes or in the Champions League? Without strong midfield control, could this lineup withstand pressure from elite opponents?
It was a question worth watching closely.
In other matches, Valencia lost 1-3 to Villarreal away, Atlético edged Malaga 1-0 on the road, and Real Madrid secured a 3-1 home win over Mallorca.
January 24, Copa del Rey Quarterfinals, First Leg
Atlético faced Numancia away.
By the 73rd minute, the score remained 0-0. Numancia had set up a solid defensive wall, determined to keep Atlético out of their penalty area.
Their 5-4-1 formation reflected this defensive mentality.
As the game progressed, Numancia grew more confident. Keeping a clean sheet against Atlético would be a major achievement for any La Liga team, especially against this season's formidable Atlético side.
On the pitch, Messi pinched his nose and scanned the defense, focusing on Numancia's positioning.
The defenders weren't exceptionally skilled, but they had sheer numbers on their side.
Neither David Silva nor Modrić could break through after repeated attempts. Even aerial balls aimed at Drogba failed to yield results.
Messi shared his teammates' determination: they couldn't settle for a draw.
Despite fielding a reserve lineup, the young players were eager to prove themselves. The coach's decision to sub in Di María on the left wing underscored this intent.
Atlético dominated possession, but cracking Numancia's dual defensive lines remained a challenge. At times, as many as nine players camped near their penalty area.
Messi glanced at the box and made up his mind.
"Luka," Messi called out to Modrić.
Modrić turned at the sound of his name.
With just a glance, Messi pointed toward the box. Nothing else was said.
But Modrić understood.
After years of playing together, particularly in small-sided indoor matches, the players had developed exceptional chemistry. Often, a simple gesture or glance was enough to communicate.
Messi ran back and signaled Ramos for the ball.
Ramos quickly delivered a direct pass to Messi's feet.
A defender closed in immediately, but Messi dropped his right shoulder upon controlling the ball, feinting a move to one side. With a subtle touch with the outside of his left foot, he spun away to the other side, leaving the defender behind.
He was through!
Accelerating with the ball, Messi sent a lofted pass toward the top of the box, where Modrić awaited.
With his back to goal, Modrić flicked the ball to his right and turned, controlling it with his chest.
As the ball dropped, Messi darted forward. Modrić passed it across to him seamlessly.
These indoor-style combinations, honed through countless hours of play, were second nature to them.
Messi surged forward, breaking through the first defensive line and entering the penalty area.
At this moment, if you froze the frame, you'd see four defenders converging on Messi: two directly ahead and two closing in from the sides.
Drogba, positioned offside due to the defenders pressing Messi, wasn't an option for a pass.
Messi didn't pass. Instead, he boldly carried the ball into the heart of the defense.
He had already calculated his move.
As he entered the crowded box, he momentarily paused.
Dropping his left shoulder slightly, he feigned a lateral dribble to the left, causing the defenders to shift their weight.
This was classic Messi: using his low center of gravity and deceptive movements to unbalance opponents, exposing gaps in what seemed like an impenetrable defense.
Sure enough, a narrow opening appeared between the two center-backs.
Messi sprang forward, threading through the gap with the ball seemingly glued to his feet.
The defenders, caught off balance, had no choice: foul him or let him pass.
But this was the penalty area.
Messi burst through the blockade, emerging with the ball near the corner of the six-yard box.
Before the defenders could recover, he unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot.
The ball rocketed into Numancia's net.
Messi spread his arms wide, roaring in celebration as he dashed toward the stands.
He knew he had done it.
The coach was right.
He could do it.
If he wanted to.
Because...
He was Lionel Messi.
"YES!!!"