Chapter 59
The moment Messi scored, Yang Hao threw his arms wide open and burst into laughter.
This was the impact of a key player. This was the Messi he had always envisioned—young yet daring, unafraid to take the ball, make breakthroughs, and attempt things others couldn't or wouldn't dare to. That was Messi.
"This kid is constantly improving and always surprising us," Juanma Lillo said with a chuckle.
Yang Hao nodded in agreement.
Even a draw in this match would have been acceptable to him. That was why he had brought on Di María in the second half—to give him some valuable experience. It was part of a promise Yang Hao had made to Di María when signing him.
But now, with Messi's goal, everything was even better.
There was something uniquely gratifying about watching players he had nurtured grow and improve game after game.
"Juanma, about the matter I mentioned to you earlier—I think it's time."
Juanma Lillo was momentarily surprised but quickly realized Yang Hao was referring to the number 10 jersey.
If you examined Atlético's roster, you'd notice something peculiar: there was no player wearing the number 10 this season.
Previously, the jersey had belonged to Deco, and everyone had accepted it. As Atlético's recognized midfield core, Deco's ownership of the number 10 shirt was unquestioned.
But when Deco transferred to Chelsea last summer, speculation swirled over who would inherit it.
Most assumed it would go to Kaká, the natural successor as the team's new midfield linchpin. But Kaká smiled and expressed his preference for the number 22 jersey.
Kaká's response wasn't random. Yang Hao had privately discussed the matter with him.
Yang Hao had asked him directly: "What would you think if the number 10 jersey went to Messi?"
Kaká had pondered for a moment before smiling. "I wouldn't mind."
Kaká wore 22 at Atlético, a number that had become his trademark, as his birthday fell on the 22nd.
Some thought Iniesta might take the 10, but when the team roster was finalized, it became clear the number would remain vacant.
Some likely guessed the reason, but no one dwelled on it.
The story faded into the background until Kaká and Torres were interviewed together. A reporter asked about the jersey, and the two shared a knowing look before laughing.
"Someone will wear the number 10," Torres said, "but he's not ready yet."
At that moment, the whole squad knew exactly who it was meant for.
The media and fans could only speculate, but it was not a topic that garnered much attention.
After all, while jersey numbers carry significance, they don't define a player's importance. Kaká wearing 22 didn't make him any less of a midfield general. Iniesta, who started with the 24, now wore 8—a gesture of trust from Yang Hao. Torres owned the 9, and Drogba the 15, with little debate.
Atlético's locker room atmosphere was harmonious, with most players coming from the academy and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
Under these circumstances, the number on a shirt mattered less than the relationships on the pitch.
But for Yang Hao, the number 10 held special meaning.
It was Maradona's number.
Standing on the sideline, Yang Hao watched as Messi celebrated his goal with his teammates. Surrounded and embraced by his squad, Messi was the picture of joy. Yang Hao couldn't help but smile.
"Messi, are you ready?"
A 1-0 away win against Numancia wasn't headline-worthy.
If Atlético had lost, like Real Madrid did earlier, that would have been news.
The morning after the match, following a light recovery training session, Messi was called to Yang Hao's office by Paralés.
Messi, casually playing Pro Evolution Soccer with his teammates, thought little of it. Yang Hao often called players in for conversations, and everyone was used to it.
But today felt different.
The moment Messi entered and saw the jersey on the desk, emblazoned with the number 10, he felt a weight settle over his heart.
For every Argentinian, this number carried unparalleled significance.
No one had to tell him. Messi wasn't naive—he had known all along.
The coach had been waiting for him.
No, the entire team had been waiting for him—to be ready to take on this responsibility.
"Boss," Messi said quietly, though his eyes never left the jersey on the desk.
Atlético's red-and-white striped shirt wasn't the same as Argentina's blue-and-white, but the number 10 emblazoned on it was identical.
Above the number was no name yet—its new owner was still undecided.
"What do you feel when you see it?" Yang Hao asked with a smile.
Messi didn't smile back. His face was serious, almost reverent.
"For us Argentinians, it's the most special number."
His gaze seemed glued to the jersey.
"Tell me more," Yang Hao encouraged, leaning back in his chair.
"From a young age, we grow up with football and with stories of Diego Maradona. We all dream of being like him, of becoming a hero for our country."
"No one can be Maradona," Messi continued. "Not in the past, not now, not ever. He's unique. But our dreams remain the same. We try to imitate what he did on the pitch, just to get a little closer to him, even if only by a fraction."
He glanced at Yang Hao and smiled faintly. "Seeing this jersey reminds me of Diego."
Yang Hao couldn't fully empathize with the deep reverence Argentinians had for Maradona. As a fan, he respected Maradona's greatness but didn't idolize him. For Argentinians, however, Maradona and Pelé were football's sacred totems.
Yet from Messi's demeanor, Yang Hao could sense the profound emotions Maradona evoked in his compatriots.
"Now, I'll ask you seriously, Lionel: are you ready to wear it?"
Messi didn't respond immediately. He raised his head to meet Yang Hao's gaze, then lowered it again to stare at the jersey.
No one knew what he was thinking at that moment except himself.
"Before you decide, there's something you need to know."
Messi looked up again at the man he respected almost as much as his own father.
"For most, this jersey may not seem like a big deal. But for a team like ours, wearing it means carrying greater responsibility, facing more pressure, and giving even more effort."
"I want to make this clear: if you choose to wear it, you must be prepared. Don't aim to be the next Maradona."
"You can see him as an idol, as a goal to strive for, but never aim to become him. Instead, do everything you can to surpass him and become your own person!"
"Make it so that, in the future, when Argentinians see this jersey, they think not of Maradona and his follower Messi, but of Maradona and Messi!"
Yang Hao's words were heavy, but he felt they were necessary.
Anyone who aimed to become Maradona would forever live in his shadow. Countless "Maradona II" players had failed to break through their limitations.
Yang Hao hoped that Messi would not only match the heights of his past life but exceed them, becoming even greater.
Messi didn't respond immediately.
Sitting across from him, Yang Hao could sense the Argentinian's emotional turmoil and patiently waited.
After over a minute of silence, Messi, with his long hair hanging loose, looked up at Yang Hao.
"Boss, can I tell you a story?"
Surrounded by rows of Soviet-style concrete buildings was the small pitch of Grandoli Club.
This field was everything to Grandoli.
Children aged seven to twelve gathered here to play football. No one taught them proper techniques—because in Argentina, playing football was as natural as breathing. They simply played, no instruction needed.
On the field, young players chased a battered ball under the watchful eye of Salvador Aparicio, their coach and referee. Aparicio, in his sixties, found it exhausting to keep up with the children.
The seven-a-side match currently underway was one player short, as a child had skipped practice.
The group of six players protested after conceding a goal, claiming the uneven numbers were unfair. But there were no substitutes available. The only spectators were an elderly woman watching her grandson and a small boy kicking a ball against the wall nearby.
The boy was tiny, no older than four or five.
As Aparicio hesitated, the elderly woman pointed to the boy behind her and shouted, "Let him play."
"He's too young, ma'am. Playing with these older kids, he could get hurt," Aparicio replied.
"He's brave. Let him play. He'll become the greatest footballer in the world one day, and this is where his journey should begin."
"Alright, but if you see him cry or get scared, please take him off the field," Aparicio said.
And so, the five-year-old boy, significantly smaller than his peers, stepped onto a football pitch for the first time.
What happened next was like something out of a cliché novel.
Within minutes, Aparicio was cheering from the sidelines, and the elderly woman was clapping non-stop.
Years later, the boy would forget his first match and his first goals, as he had played in so many matches and scored countless goals since then.
But his grandmother remembered. She told him the story repeatedly.
"In that match, you scored two goals. You were the best player on the pitch," she would say.
"Listen to me, Leo. One day, you'll become the best footballer in the world."
"She was my grandmother," Messi said, his lips quivering slightly as he fought back his emotions.
"The first fan who ever watched me play."
Messi paused, his voice thick with emotion.
"After that, she always came to watch my matches. But later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She slowly lost all her memories, even forgetting who I was."
"When I was ten years old, she passed away."
Yang Hao sat in silence.
It was a poignant story.
Behind every child, there are countless loved ones who nurture and care for them. Behind every family, there are stories like this—fragments of memory that shape who we are.
For Yang Hao, this story was deeply human and relatable.
He didn't rush to speak, instead waiting for Messi to regain his composure.
"Thank you, Boss," Messi said earnestly, his voice steady once more.
"I promise you, I will never, ever let you down."
His tone was firm, resolute.
Yang Hao smiled and picked up the number 10 jersey, holding it out to Messi.
That afternoon, before training, the coaching staff announced updates to the team's registered numbers, which had to be finalized by February 1.
With Marchena's departure, his spot was given to Thiago Silva. However, Silva was still recovering from injury, leaving Atlético with just 24 active players.
The big surprise was Messi being assigned the number 10 jersey.
What shocked everyone wasn't that Messi had received the number—it was the timing.
He was only 17 years old.
Still, Ramos was the first to applaud, followed by Kaká and the rest of the team.
Everyone had known it would eventually be Messi.
Yang Hao addressed the squad, reiterating the team's goals: winning the treble. He emphasized the need for every player to give their best to achieve that target.
The Copa del Rey seemed the most attainable trophy, as Sevilla, Real Betis, and Athletic Bilbao were the only strong teams left in the final eight, and Atlético held the upper hand against all of them.
Yang Hao was confident.
The league was trickier. Although Atlético had a six-point lead, this season's Barcelona was more formidable than last season's Real Madrid. Yang Hao aimed to maintain their lead.
As for the Champions League, the objective was clear: the title. But it would be a long journey, tackled match by match.
Their next opponent was Manchester United—a tough and dangerous team.
Atlético's defense was a concern. Pepe and Ramos were not yet consistent enough to be a reliable pairing.
Still, Yang Hao believed it was worth the gamble.
La Liga, Round 21
Atlético hosted Albacete at the Calderón Stadium.
In just seven minutes, Villa opened the scoring for Atlético.
By the 19th minute, Torres had doubled the lead.
Kaká and Lucio each added a goal, sealing a dominant 4-0 victory for Atlético.
The match held special significance for the team.
By halftime, Atlético had secured a commanding 4-0 lead against Albacete, prompting Yang Hao to substitute Messi into the game during the break.
For the first time, the young Argentine stepped onto the Calderón pitch wearing the iconic number 10 jersey, representing the team's midfield core.
Though fans had learned about this in advance through reports from club journalists, seeing Messi actually take the field in the number 10 jersey sent waves of excitement through the stadium.
Messi's talent was already undeniable. Even clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona were envious of him. Now, his debut as Atlético's number 10 signified the dawn of a new era for the club.
He was set to become one of the team's most pivotal players, joining the ranks of Torres, Kaká, Xabi Alonso, and Villa.
Later that day, Barcelona achieved a 4-0 away victory over Sevilla, with second-half goals from Eto'o, Baptista, Ronaldinho, and Giuly.
This match highlighted Barcelona's offensive depth, as multiple players contributed to the scoring.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 away win against Numancia, and Valencia drew 2-2 at home with Athletic Bilbao.
Looking at the standings, the only team posing a real threat to Atlético was Barcelona.
The day after the Albacete match, unexpected news emerged from the United States.
Apple's co-founder Steve Jobs announced that the company had officially notified the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of plans to propose a 2-for-1 stock split at the shareholders' meeting in late February.
The announcement caused an immediate stir on the stock market, sending Apple's stock price soaring.
In just two days, the price jumped from $68 to $74, sparking a buying frenzy across the U.S. financial market.
Some analysts, including The Wall Street Journal, speculated that Apple's stock could reach $90 before the split, and post-split shares might stabilize at $45.
Yang Hao, who owned three million shares of Apple, would see his holdings double to six million shares, with a total value exceeding $270 million.
He had purchased the stock for $180 million in December. If the market predictions were correct, Yang Hao stood to make a nearly $100 million profit in just two months—a staggering return.
Critics who had previously mocked Yang Hao's investment as foolish were forced to eat their words.
The media quickly shifted their narrative, with some hailing Yang Hao as a "stock market genius."
However, this rapid success attracted the attention of the SEC, which launched an investigation into Yang Hao's trades, suspecting possible insider information due to the impeccable timing of his investment.
On February 1, Atlético defeated Numancia 2-0 at home, securing a 3-0 aggregate victory to advance to the Copa del Rey semifinals.
The other semifinalists were Osasuna, Real Betis, and Athletic Bilbao. Atlético was drawn against Osasuna—a familiar rival.
After the Numancia match, Yang Hao flew to the U.S. to meet with the SEC regarding the investigation.
Yang Hao's legal team had prepared extensive documentation proving he had no prior knowledge of Apple's stock split decision and no connections with anyone at the company.
"I invested in Apple because I admire Steve Jobs' vision," Yang Hao explained during questioning. "I firmly believe he will create revolutionary products again, and that's my sole reason for investing."
Yang Hao also vowed not to sell his shares during the price surge.
"I'm willing to make a written commitment to hold these shares for at least 10 years."
His promise, combined with supporting statements from Apple and Microsoft, cleared Yang Hao of any wrongdoing.
Although the investigation had drawn media attention, the confirmation of Yang Hao's innocence only enhanced his reputation. The SEC's verification of his trades lent credibility to the "stock market genius" moniker bestowed upon him.
When interviewed by U.S. reporters, Yang Hao downplayed his involvement in the financial world.
"I have no interest in trading stocks, nor will I give investment advice to anyone," he stated. "I'm just a football coach."
The candid admission disappointed many hopeful investors, who lamented that Yang Hao, a potential stock market prodigy, was "wasted on football."
During his trip to the U.S., Yang Hao took the opportunity to revisit the Los Angeles nightclub where he had made headlines previously.
Though he hoped for a stroke of luck, perhaps even meeting another intriguing woman, fate dealt him an extraordinary hand—Scarlett Johansson herself.
Before Yang Hao could muster the courage to approach her, she noticed him and walked over first.
"You've been asking about me, haven't you?" she said with a playful smile.
Yang Hao nodded with a grin. "Yes, I need a little favor."
"Go on."
"I have a friend who said he'd love to drink your bathwater."
Scarlett burst into laughter, her voice rich and melodic.
"A close friend?"
"Very," Yang Hao replied earnestly.
"Well, isn't that a coincidence? I have a friend who's a big fan of yours. So… what should we do about that?"
Yang Hao, ever quick-witted, proposed, "I think we're both the type to go the extra mile for our friends. Why don't you grant your friend's wish, and I'll grant mine? Deal?"
"Deal," Scarlett said with a mischievous smile.
Two hours later, in a Sunset Boulevard hotel, Yang Hao helped Scarlett take a bath.
Bathwater?
Ridiculous. What sane person would drink that?
The next day, the newfound pair of kindred spirits flew back to Madrid together.
Scarlett moved her belongings into Yang Hao's home and made her public debut as a supporter of Atlético. She donned the team's jersey and cheered from the stands at the Camp Nou during Atlético's away match against Barcelona.
As Yang Hao stood in the players' tunnel, preparing for the match, he glanced back at the stands and spotted Scarlett. For a moment, a melody from a favorite band of his past life played in his mind:
"Love, you're far greater than I imagined."
Though Yang Hao missed the pre-match press conference, handled by Juanma Lillo, he spoke to reporters shortly before kickoff.
"We'll play an attacking game," he declared. "In Atlético's dictionary, there's no such thing as parking the bus."
His words proved true.
From the opening whistle, Atlético launched a swift attack. A long ball from the defensive line found Torres on the left edge of the penalty area.
Torres headed the ball toward Villa, who managed to flick it past Belletti with a delicate lob to Kaká.
Kaká, with his back to goal, didn't take a touch. Instead, he volleyed the ball with his heel toward the left side of Barcelona's penalty box, where Torres had continued his run.
Torres evaded Puyol's challenge, controlled the ball with his chest, and calmly slotted it past Valdés with his left foot.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"Only 46 seconds into the match, Atlético takes the lead at the Camp Nou!"
"A brilliant goal from Torres!"
"At this moment, many Barcelona fans in the stands haven't even found their seats yet, and Atlético has already scored!"
"This is unbelievably quick!"
"Barcelona's start to this match can only be described as a nightmare."
"Truly unexpected."
"We can see how well Atlético executed this play. Kaká's audacious first-time backheel pass was perfectly timed, and Torres' calm finish was exemplary."
"1-0!"
Yang Hao stood on the sideline, clapping for Torres' goal, genuinely surprised by this opening.
He hadn't expected the match to start like this.
He even felt a twinge of sympathy for Barcelona.
This game was being broadcast worldwide, with La Liga having meticulously prepared for weeks. And yet, less than a minute into the match, Barcelona conceded a goal. It was a disaster.
Could it be that Barça's players were too nervous?
After conceding, Barcelona immediately launched a counterattack.
This was the Camp Nou, and losing at home was unacceptable.
Since Atlético's victory over Barça earlier in the season, many teams had tried to emulate Atlético's approach, causing Barcelona plenty of headaches. Most of these teams adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, packing five players into midfield to neutralize Barça's passing game by overwhelming them in numbers and frequently engaging in physical challenges, especially against key players like Xavi.
When Barcelona's midfield was disrupted and Ronaldinho marked out of the game, their attack often stagnated.
Against weaker teams, Barça still had an effective solution: high pressing. Eto'o, Giuly, and even Ronaldinho would aggressively press opponents in their defensive third.
But this approach was less effective against Atlético.
Atlético's defenders were highly skilled at passing and receiving the ball. Whenever Barcelona pressed high, Atlético's backline always found a way to break free and quickly transition to attack, creating threats deep in Barça's half.
Van Bronckhorst's left flank was particularly vulnerable.
Barcelona struggled against this style.
Controlling possession? They didn't have the advantage.
Tonight, Barcelona fielded a midfield trio of Xavi, Márquez, and Baptista, with Ronaldinho occasionally dropping deeper. Yet even with these players, they couldn't dominate possession.
Atlético's midfield—Kaká, Baraja, and Xabi Alonso—was simply stronger.
Baraja played deeper, closer to the backline alongside Xabi Alonso, largely due to Ronaldinho's presence. Nominally, Atlético's formation was still a 4-3-3, but in practice, it resembled a 4-2-3-1.
Kaká pressed Xavi relentlessly, making the Barcelona maestro's life difficult.
Whether it was in technical skill or physicality, Kaká had the edge. His superior speed only added to Xavi's woes, as these were not his strengths.
Baptista, by contrast, found more space and attempted several long-range shots, but Čech was unfazed.
As the media often said, "No one can score from outside the box against Čech!"
However, Atlético's defensive setup demanded constant concentration from their players. Any lapse in focus could hand Barcelona a chance.
In the 23rd minute, Ronaldinho's brilliant, almost magical pass created a one-on-one opportunity for Eto'o.
The Cameroonian striker faced Čech alone, but Pepe's timely recovery forced Eto'o into a tight angle. His shot was easily saved by the towering goalkeeper.
The ensuing corner kick posed no threat, with Čech confidently punching the ball clear. Márquez attempted a speculative long shot, but it sailed high.
On the sidelines, Rijkaard threw his hands over his head in frustration, clearly unhappy with his team's decision-making.
"I've told them repeatedly: control, pass, break through, and press. Why can't they remember?" Rijkaard muttered as he returned to the home bench, visibly angry with the match's progression.
Everyone knew how formidable Atlético was. This was no secret.
But conceding a goal within the first minute? How were they supposed to recover from that?
Rijkaard couldn't imagine anyone deliberately giving Atlético a one-goal advantage from the start.
That would be suicide.
Yet here they were.
"It's not that the players don't want to control the ball," assistant coach Ten Cate said with a helpless shrug. "They simply can't."
"What do you mean?" Rijkaard asked, turning to his assistant.
"The problem has been clear for a while now. Haven't you noticed?"
Ten Cate listed examples: Valencia, Real Sociedad, Levante, Villarreal, and Celtic in the Champions League.
"All these teams have adopted a similar strategy against us. They focus on shutting down Xavi and doubling up on Ronaldinho. When they succeed, our midfield stops functioning."
"These teams don't have Atlético's firepower or star players, but they commit numbers to the midfield, sacrifice some offensive play, and pounce on our mistakes to launch quick counterattacks."
Ten Cate's expression turned grim. "We don't have a reliable answer to this tactic."
Rijkaard let out a long sigh.
He was painfully aware of the issue.
Last summer, he had pushed hard for the signing of Rafael van der Vaart, but Rosell refused. During the winter transfer window, he made another strong case for the Dutch midfielder, but again Rosell denied him, citing budget constraints.
Instead, Rosell asked Rijkaard if Baptista wasn't good enough.
What could Rijkaard say?
Claim Baptista was inadequate? The Brazilian's stats said otherwise—he was the team's second-highest scorer.
But was Baptista truly the right fit for Barcelona? Did he complement their style?
"Honestly, Frank," Ten Cate continued, "against teams like Atlético, our best chance is to play quickly. The forwards need to make more off-the-ball runs, and we need to rely on horizontal switches of play—long, cross-field passes to stretch their defense and create gaps."
"But we're not good at that," Ten Cate admitted with a shake of his head. "Look at Atlético. Their passing is quick and varied. They combine long passes, short passes, horizontal switches, and diagonal balls seamlessly. We rarely attempt long passes, let alone execute them effectively."
Rijkaard was deeply frustrated.
Long passes? Yes, Barcelona rarely used them because of Johan Cruyff's philosophy emphasizing possession. Cruyff had once boldly declared to the media that Barça would rather forgo results than sacrifice beautiful football.
For Barcelona, "beautiful football" meant controlling the ball. To some extent, Rijkaard had no choice in the matter.
"If we had signed Deco last year, the situation would be entirely different," Rijkaard sighed helplessly.
Ten Cate glanced at the "Black Swan," opening his mouth to respond but ultimately held back.
What was the point of lamenting now?
Even if Atlético had been willing to sell Deco to Barcelona—which they clearly weren't—could Barça have afforded the €60 million asking price?
Laporta had frequently criticized Atlético, claiming they sold Deco to Chelsea for money and caused Spanish talent to flow abroad.
But the reality?
At the time, Barcelona couldn't match Atlético's asking price.
Forget Deco—Rafael van der Vaart was struggling at Ajax and both he and the club were open to a transfer. His price was modest, around €10 million.
Yet Barcelona hesitated, claiming they lacked the budget.
For a club of Barcelona's stature, €10 million was barely enough for a backup player.
Buying a prodigious talent like van der Vaart for €10 million—was that too expensive?
As the match progressed, the game became more of a stalemate.
Unlike the open-ended Madrid derby, both teams played more cautiously.
Barcelona's cohesion was better than Real Madrid's, while Atlético had replaced Iniesta with Baraja, leading to a more measured contest.
Despite this, both sides created chances but failed to convert.
In the 39th minute, Atlético finally broke through.
After intercepting the ball in midfield, Xabi Alonso delivered a precise diagonal pass to the right flank, where Robben capitalized on the space left behind by Van Bronckhorst's forward run.
Robben sprinted to catch the pass, surging deep into Barcelona's half along the right wing. Upon reaching the penalty area, he faced Oleguer, executed his signature dribble cut inside, and effortlessly bypassed him.
Now at the top-right edge of the penalty arc, Robben delivered a diagonal pass with his left foot.
The ball slid past Puyol in the center and rolled toward the left side of the box.
Villa arrived at the far post and, with a precise left-footed shot, sent the ball into the far corner of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Atlético scores again!"
"David Villa!"
"In the 39th minute, Villa converts Robben's diagonal pass to double Atlético's lead!"
"Robben's dribble and cut inside were absolutely brilliant—it's becoming his signature move. Some media outlets have even labeled Robben's right-wing cuts as the nightmare of La Liga's left-backs."
"Tonight, though, it wasn't Van Bronckhorst suffering this nightmare, but Oleguer!"
"2-0!"
"Barcelona is in real trouble now!"
The first half ended with Atlético leading 2-0.
At the start of the second half, Barcelona launched a fierce offensive.
In the 53rd minute, Ronaldinho carried the ball into Atlético's penalty area. Having already bypassed Lucio, he was tripped by Pepe while the defender attempted a tackle.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty.
Yang Hao protested on the sidelines, insisting it was a deliberate attempt to draw a foul.
The referee ignored him.
It was a typical situation: a player with Ronaldinho's technical skill could often make such decisions seem ambiguous.
The scenario mirrored Messi's play against Numancia—his dribble served two purposes. If he could beat the defender, great. If not, he could force a foul and win a penalty.
It wasn't outright diving, but Yang Hao seized the opportunity to put pressure on the referee, knowing that earning the official's sympathy was always a valuable tactic.
Ronaldinho calmly converted the penalty, narrowing the scoreline to 2-1.
But just three minutes later, Atlético nearly struck again.
Torres latched onto a clever through ball from Kaká inside the box, coming within inches of shooting. However, Valdés rushed off his line to smother the ball, denying Atlético a clear chance.
The game continued as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging attacks but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities.
In the 60th minute, Yang Hao substituted Messi for Villa, moving Robben to the left flank.
In the 87th minute, Atlético dealt the decisive blow.
Kaká, breaking through the middle, carried the ball into Barcelona's final third. Spotting Messi's run, he delivered a precise diagonal pass.
Messi controlled the ball expertly, shaking off Van Bronckhorst in the process.
As he slalomed into the box, he faced Puyol. With a feint and sudden change of direction, Messi accelerated straight toward the goal.
Puyol, quick to react, turned to chase him.
As Messi reached the penalty area with Torres waiting for a pass in the middle, Puyol realized he couldn't allow Messi to advance further. He lunged in with a sliding tackle.
But Messi was too fast. Puyol's mistimed challenge caught Messi, bringing him down inside the box.
The referee blew his whistle immediately, pointing to the spot and booking Puyol with a yellow card.
As Messi got to his feet, a deafening chorus of boos erupted from the Camp Nou stands. Some fans even hurled white objects toward the pitch in protest.
The scene reminded Messi of his early days in Madrid when Barcelona fans had thrown water bottles at Yang Hao in this very stadium.
Years had passed, but Barcelona's behavior hadn't changed.
It's a clear penalty—what's there to boo?
Standing up, Messi noticed Torres and Kaká discussing something near the edge of the penalty arc.
As Messi looked over, the two turned their gazes toward him.
"Leo, you take this one," Kaká said, walking up to Messi with a grin and gently nudging him toward the penalty spot.
Torres waved him over with a smile as well.
The entire Atlético team watched, smiling and encouraging Messi.
At first, no one quite understood why Messi seemed to dislike Barcelona so much. In the locker room, whenever Barça came up in conversation, his reaction was always cold.
Messi himself had explained that he had no issue with the players—he even admired Ronaldinho and Xavi—but he simply didn't like the club.
When Ramos brought it up later, he mentioned that Messi's disdain stemmed from the time when Barcelona fans threw water bottles at Yang Hao.
That was all?
Yes.
Sometimes, all it takes is something that simple for someone to dislike a club.
Yang Hao, standing on the sidelines, shook his head with a wry smile. "These kids are getting bolder."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Juanma Lillo chuckled in response.
How could it not be? The camaraderie in Atlético's locker room was remarkable—a testament to the atmosphere Yang Hao had carefully nurtured over the years.
The biggest difference between Atlético and Real Madrid was in their approach to building a team. Atlético developed its own superstars through hard work, while Madrid relied on purchasing ready-made stars at astronomical prices.
This fundamental difference greatly influenced the locker room dynamics.
For instance, at Real Madrid, a gesture like Torres and Kaká giving Messi the penalty would have been unlikely.
Meanwhile, Atlético players surrounded Messi, reassuring him and telling him not to feel nervous.
"Do you think the kid will be nervous?" Lillo asked.
Yang Hao shook his head. "No."
After a pause, he added, "He'll enjoy it."
"Enjoy it?"
Yang Hao grinned. "Sounds strange, doesn't it?"
Lillo glanced at Ronaldinho on Barcelona's side, then back at Messi. On second thought, it wasn't that strange after all.
"He told me that even when he was five, stepping onto a football pitch for the first time, he never felt nervous or pressured. Instead, he felt excitement and joy," Yang Hao said with a smile.
To some, this might sound pretentious, but Yang Hao understood it perfectly.
It was like someone deeply passionate about video games and naturally gifted at them—why would they feel nervous playing?
Of course, Messi never felt nervous playing football. But when it came to video games, his nerves got the better of him.
As Ramos often joked, "All his skill points are in his feet and brain—his hands are absolutely useless."
While Yang Hao and Lillo chatted, Messi had already placed the ball on the spot. Slowly, he took a few steps back.
Valdés bounced on the goal line, waving his arms and staying active until Messi prepared to take his shot. Then he stopped, watching Messi like a hawk.
Messi began his run-up, but halfway through, he deliberately slowed down. Valdés dove prematurely, and Messi calmly sent the ball into the opposite corner.
The net rippled.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"MESSI!!"
"LIONEL MESSI!"
"The 17-year-old Argentine prodigy!"
"This is Messi's first goal against Barcelona—a clean, confident penalty."
"And let's not forget, Messi is wearing Atlético's iconic number 10 jersey, which had remained vacant for over six months. This reflects the immense expectations the club has for him."
"Clearly, Yang Hao is placing significant trust in this young talent, and Messi has already begun repaying that trust. After winning the penalty himself, he steps up to convert it seamlessly."
Messi's celebration, however, shocked everyone.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he sprinted toward the sidelines, pointing skyward in tribute to his late grandmother. Then, he clenched his fists and let out a primal scream near the stands.
The Camp Nou crowd erupted in anger, booing Messi relentlessly. Some fans hurled tissues and other items toward the pitch, but none of this dampened the joy of Atlético's players, who celebrated exuberantly nearby.
3-1!
A Complete Defeat!
This was the consensus among Spanish and European media after the Camp Nou clash.
Barcelona had been thoroughly outplayed by Atlético.
Both the match itself and the result laid bare Barça's flaws.
Mundo Deportivo noted that Barcelona struggled to answer a fundamental question under pressure from Atlético: what kind of football should they be playing?
Cruyff described Barcelona's style as a "mishmash."
They had lost their traditional edge in possession, lacked sharp attacking play, and had a porous defense. Beyond moments of brilliance from Ronaldinho, the team's stars failed to perform.
Cruyff went as far as to say, "The best players in La Liga are all at Atlético!"
His remark sparked heated debate among Barcelona's ranks.
Atlético's dominance had reached a point where Barcelona seemed powerless against them. This match highlighted the gap—especially when a 17-year-old Messi came on as a substitute and delivered such a performance.
It was almost absurd.
At just 22, Kaká had already cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in world football. Players like Torres, Robben, and Drogba were similarly regarded as some of the best.
On top of that, Atlético was producing a steady stream of new talent.
Ramos was being groomed as a key defender. Modrić and David Silva were also breaking into the first team this season. These players were already recognized as top prospects in world football.
And Messi? He was universally acknowledged as a generational talent.
Given time, once these players reached full maturity, what could the rest of La Liga do to compete with Atlético?
Praise for Messi and the Atlético System
Marca published glowing praise for Messi's performance and Atlético's dominant 3-1 victory.
Using Messi as a focal point, the article revisited Yang Hao's youth development overhaul in 2000.
In recent years, Atlético's B team had consistently been a mid-to-upper-tier side in the Segunda División. While never strong enough to achieve promotion, they were comfortably safe from relegation, allowing them to focus on developing young talent.
Since Yang Hao's commitment to youth development, Atlético had tightened spending in other areas but poured substantial resources into their academy. In just four to five years, the results were evident.
The most obvious metric was performance.
Atlético's youth teams received countless invitations to tournaments worldwide—from UEFA and FIFA to interleague exchanges. They consistently excelled in these events.
Marca concluded that Atlético's impressive results were a testament to the strength of their youth academy.
More importantly, in recent years, Atlético has scoured Spain and Europe for promising young talent.
"Yang Hao has built a global scouting network for Atlético, enabling the club to keep tabs on emerging talent worldwide," remarked Marca.
Following their victory over Barcelona, Atlético extended their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points.
But their dominance wasn't confined to the league table. In youth development, scouting, and nurturing future stars, Atlético was similarly far ahead.
"This places immense pressure on every La Liga club, particularly Real Madrid and Barcelona,"Marca added.
"After five years of meticulous work by Yang Hao, Atlético hasn't just solidified its place among La Liga's elite—they've become the strongest and most promising team of the big three."
In contrast, the struggles at Real Madrid and Barcelona only underscored Atlético's excellence.
Three days after the Barcelona match, Atlético faced Osasuna in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals.
Atlético players held little fondness for Osasuna, particularly Pablo García.
The Uruguayan midfielder seemed fueled by a personal vendetta against Atlético ever since Yang Hao had refused to bring him back to the club. Every time he played Atlético, he approached the match as though supercharged.
Osasuna, under Javier Aguirre's leadership, employed a hyper-aggressive style of play, frequently resorting to fouls. Their approach made them a headache for not just Atlético but also Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Pablo García, however, had carved out a name for himself. As a defensive midfielder, he led La Liga in yellow cards by a wide margin.
Just how bad was it?
Through 22 rounds of La Liga, García had played 18 matches, earning 15 yellow cards and one red card.
In the Copa del Rey, he had appeared in two matches—both against Sevilla—and collected yellow cards in both.
Despite his notorious disciplinary record, rumors swirled that Real Madrid had their eyes on him, drawn by his combative playing style, which aligned with their current needs.
Faced with Osasuna again, Atlético's players didn't voice their frustrations publicly, but their determination to teach Osasuna, and Pablo García in particular, a lesson was palpable.
The match began with Atlético pressing aggressively from the start.
In just the third minute, Kaká broke through midfield with a sudden burst of speed, bypassing Pablo García's zone. At the edge of the box, he feinted past central defender Josetxo, drove into the right side of the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful strike to beat Osasuna's goalkeeper.
1-0!
Kaká celebrated exuberantly, running back toward his teammates while letting out a loud cheer as he passed Pablo García, who clenched his teeth in frustration, powerless to stop him.
The gulf in class between the two teams was undeniable.
With the lead secured, Atlético maintained their relentless assault.
In the 12th minute, Robben earned a free kick near the right flank after being fouled by an Osasuna defender.
Baraja took the free kick quickly, finding Robben on the right. The Dutchman advanced down the wing, cut inside near the edge of the penalty area, and evaded his marker before firing a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner of the net.
2-0!
With two quick goals, Atlético appeared unstoppable, fully seizing control of the match's tempo.
Later, Pablo García fouled Kaká during a defensive effort, earning yet another yellow card—the third consecutive Copa del Rey match in which he was booked.
So far this season, García had racked up 18 yellow cards and one red across 21 matches, cementing his reputation as a card magnet.
Despite his reckless approach, García's energy on the pitch was unrelenting. He ran tirelessly, contested every ball, and fought hard.
But deep down, he knew why he hated Atlético so much—or, more accurately, why he hated himself.
How could someone hate themselves? The only way was to project that resentment onto someone or something else.
For García, that target was Atlético and Yang Hao.
Every time he faced Atlético, seeing Baraja reminded him of their days as teammates.
Seeing Xabi Alonso stirred the thought: That could have been my position.
During Atlético's darkest days, Yang Hao had pleaded with García to stay and help the team rebuild. But the allure of AC Milan's offer was too strong. Who wouldn't be tempted?
On one side was a financially struggling Atlético, and on the other was AC Milan, one of Serie A's giants during the era of the Little World Cup. Most would have made the same choice.
Who could have predicted that his move to Serie A would be a complete failure, offering him no opportunities?
And who could have imagined that after his departure, Atlético would ascend to become one of Europe's elite clubs?
Every time he read about Atlético's success or saw them in the news, García couldn't help but think: What if I had stayed?
But every time those thoughts surfaced, he was consumed by regret, guilt, and frustration.
Over time, García discovered that hatred was the only way to numb these feelings.
So he hated Atlético. He hated Yang Hao.
And as he watched Atlético's relentless attacks and goals during the match, the flames of anger in his chest burned even hotter.
In the 38th minute, Kaká once again broke through the defense, delivering a precise through ball to Torres. The striker controlled the ball between two defenders, surged into the left side of the box, and slotted it past the keeper.
3-0!
The second half began, and just six minutes in, Torres intercepted a careless pass from Osasuna defender Cruchaga, drove into the right side of the box, and scored again.
4-0!
The Atlético striker completed his brace, and the barrage of goals further infuriated the home crowd.
By the 56th minute, tensions boiled over. Kaká, attempting another run forward, was cynically fouled by Pablo García, who delivered a vicious kick from behind.
The Brazilian tumbled to the ground, blood visible on his sock, sending shockwaves through the pitch.
Pablo García was immediately shown a straight red card.
Fortunately, Atlético's medical staff determined that Kaká's injury was superficial—a scrape caused by García's studs. Yang Hao immediately substituted him off, bringing on Modrić.
Shortly after, Messi replaced Robben.
The changes, particularly Messi's introduction, turned the match into a nightmare for Osasuna.
In the 65th minute, Messi's dribble drew a foul from Cruchaga, earning the defender a yellow card.
In the 79th minute, Messi latched onto a clever pass from Modrić, skipped past Cruchaga into the penalty area, and was pulled down from behind. The referee awarded a second yellow card, sending Cruchaga off with a red.
11 vs. 9!
A penalty was awarded, but this time, Messi stepped aside, allowing Baraja to take it.
The captain converted calmly, further extending Atlético's lead.
5-0!
As the first half neared its conclusion, Atlético's defense conceded a goal.
At the start of the second half, Atlético came out swinging, scoring three goals in quick succession.
Toward the end of the match, substitute Messi, assisted by Iniesta, found the net again.
Since donning the iconic number 10 jersey, the 17-year-old's performances had noticeably improved.
However, he wasn't quite ready to become a first-team regular yet—his physical condition still needed development.
The match ended with Atlético securing a resounding 5-0 victory over Levante at home.
After the match, Spanish media widely discussed the game, especially focusing on the referee's strict officiating.
Some argued that the first yellow card could have been avoided.
This sparked debate over a broader issue—if officiating standards remained this strict, smaller teams playing against the likes of Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona might as well forfeit instead of playing.
The discussion around how to set and apply fair officiating standards was destined to be a long-term conversation.
Yang Hao acknowledged this perspective.
"A single tree doesn't make spring; it takes a whole garden in bloom to create true beauty."
However, his actions weren't intended to blow things out of proportion but to prompt La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation to pay closer attention.
In recent years, the overly aggressive defensive tactics of many La Liga teams had become a serious issue. Without intervention, the problem could spiral further out of control.
Three days later, Atlético hosted Osasuna in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals, playing out a 1-1 draw to progress to the final with a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Having secured a 6-0 win in the first leg, Yang Hao fielded a full rotation lineup for the second leg, allowing his key players to rest. The draw was seen as a gentlemanly agreement.
Messi continued his strong form, delivering another solid performance.
In the other semifinal, Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao played to a 0-0 draw in both legs, even extending into extra time without a single goal.
In the penalty shootout, Real Betis triumphed over the Basque Lions to secure their place in the final.
This year's Copa del Rey final had already been scheduled to take place at the Calderón, a decision made long in advance.
Atlético fans were thrilled at the prospect of seeing their team lift the trophy on home soil.
However, in La Liga's 24th round, Atlético suffered a 2-3 away defeat to Villarreal.
With a midweek trip to Old Trafford for a Champions League knockout match looming, Yang Hao heavily rotated his squad for this fixture.
Despite Torres scoring twice in the first half to give Atlético a strong start, Villarreal mounted a fierce comeback in the second half. Mistakes from Pepe and Ramos allowed the home side to score three unanswered goals, securing the win.
This match once again highlighted the fragility of Atlético's defense without Lucio—Pepe and Ramos were still unreliable.
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao reaffirmed his stance, saying, "We still won't sign a new center-back this summer!"
Addressing the Atlético fans, he added, "I believe that in the future, you will all feel proud of the center-backs we currently have."
"I have always believed they can become the best in the world. But we need to give them more time, patience, and support."
For Atlético fans, Yang Hao was like a totemic figure.
If he asked for support, they gave it without question.
Even the media, under the influence of Atlético's PR team, softened their criticism, at least refraining from harshly attacking the team.
And truthfully, Atlético had only lost two matches all season—an impressive record.
After the defeat to Villarreal, Yang Hao gave the team two days to rest in Madrid before they departed for Manchester.
In late February, Manchester was still snowy and cold—a stark contrast to the milder weather in Madrid. Many viewed the frigid conditions as a challenge for Atlético.
The Champions League Round of 16 clash between Atlético and Manchester United was undoubtedly the most anticipated fixture of the round.
The showdown between Yang Hao and Sir Alex Ferguson never lacked drama.
However, Yang Hao was surprised by the narrative leading up to the match. Most media outlets—British ones included—framed the game as a duel between Kaká and Rooney.
Cristiano Ronaldo's name barely came up.
The focus on Rooney stemmed from his incredible form.
With Van Nistelrooy sidelined for three months due to injury, Rooney had carried Manchester United's attack, becoming their talisman. As an English player, he naturally drew more attention.
Additionally, Ferguson's 4-2-3-1 system was improving with each match. In this formation, Rooney was undeniably the focal point.
On Atlético's side, Yang Hao's decision to rotate heavily against Villarreal showed how much importance he placed on the match against United.
But the defensive frailty of Atlético's center-backs remained a glaring vulnerability.
At the pre-match press conference, Ferguson confidently stated that Atlético's backline wouldn't be able to withstand Manchester United's attack.
"Rooney thrives in high-stakes matches!" he declared.
In contrast, Yang Hao downplayed Rooney's threat.
"Honestly, I'm more concerned about Cristiano Ronaldo than Rooney."
"I've admired Cristiano for many years. I believe he has the potential to become a world-class superstar. It's unfortunate that, for various reasons, he didn't end up joining Atlético."
Yang Hao emphasized that Ronaldo was the most dangerous player in United's squad.
Realizing his words might stir unnecessary controversy, he quickly added, "Oh, and Rooney is very dangerous too."
When British media relayed these comments, Ronaldo thanked Yang Hao during a pre-match interview.
"I know he contacted me several times in the past. I still have his number, but I'm a Manchester United player now."
Rooney, however, was less amused.
Speaking to the British press, he said, "I'll prove him wrong with my goals."
The clash at the Theatre of Dreams captivated football fans worldwide.
Adding to the spectacle, Scarlett Johansson was spotted in the stands wearing an Atlético jersey, drawing audible groans from English fans.
Already a rising star, Johansson had a substantial fanbase in the UK.
Manchester United supporters bemoaned their club's failure to win her over, lamenting how a British team had let an American celebrity align herself with a Spanish club.
But moments like these were just part of the colorful tapestry of football.
In the match, Ferguson stuck with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: Van der Sar.
Defenders: Heinze, Wes Brown, Ferdinand, and Gary Neville.
Midfield: Roy Keane and Fortune as the double pivots, with Giggs, Scholes, and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of them.
Forward: Rooney.
This lineup represented Manchester United's current strongest eleven. Recently recovered Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha started on the bench.
What truly caught everyone's attention, however, was Yang Hao's starting XI:
Atlético also deployed a 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper: Čech.
Defenders: Evra, Pepe, Lucio, and Maicon.
Midfield: Marcos Senna in a holding role, with Iniesta and Kaká in central positions.
Forwards: Ribéry, Drogba, and Robben.
Yang Hao's lineup surprised everyone.
In the much-celebrated Madrid Derby earlier that year, it had become clear to the world that while Atlético's offensive prowess was unparalleled, their defense remained a significant vulnerability.
Following that match, Yang Hao had been cautious in his team selections, rarely starting both Iniesta and Kaká together in high-stakes games.
This time, however, he returned to a more attacking setup, even compensating for the absence of the injured Xabi Alonso by fielding Marcos Senna as the holding midfielder.
The Brazilian had proven himself over the years at Atlético and, after being naturalized, had become a key figure in Luis Aragonés' Spanish national team.
Aragonés, in fact, had openly hinted at wanting to recruit both Pepe and Messi for Spain, citing Pepe's improvement this season and Joaquín's inconsistencies on the wing.
In this match, Yang Hao's aggressive lineup clearly signaled his intent: attack.
As expected, from the kickoff, Atlético pressed high and immediately pushed the action into Manchester United's half.
United attempted a series of back-passes, eventually moving the ball to Gary Neville on the right.
However, Ribéry quickly closed him down, forcing Neville to launch a long pass upfield.
Rooney and Pepe leapt for the aerial duel, but Pepe, with his dominant presence, won the ball.
Marcos Senna collected the second ball and swiftly passed it to Iniesta.
Avoiding United's pressing, Atlético executed a sequence of rapid passes near midfield. As Kaká attempted to accelerate past his marker, Roy Keane brought him down with a tactical foul.
This earned Atlético a free kick from a considerable distance in the center of the pitch.
The match began at a blistering pace, with neither side showing any intention of sitting back.
Both teams seemed eager to impose their attacking rhythm.
United's double-pivot midfield saw Keane tasked with shadowing Kaká, while Fortune was primarily assigned to handle Iniesta.
Clearly, Ferguson was wary of Atlético's midfield.
Three minutes in, Atlético created their first real chance.
Iniesta advanced to the edge of the left side of the penalty area and delivered a diagonal pass to Kaká, positioned near the right edge of the box.
Under pressure from Keane, Kaká controlled the ball, shielded it, and passed back to Maicon, who was overlapping at pace.
Maicon whipped a cross into the box targeting Drogba, but Van der Sar made a decisive move off his line, leaping to pluck the ball from the air.
Gasps echoed around Old Trafford.
Had Van der Sar hesitated even slightly, Drogba would almost certainly have scored.
The Ivorian's dominance in the box was a constant threat.
"Both teams are playing an open game with no hint of caution," the commentator observed.
"Atlético is clearly intent on scoring an away goal, while Manchester United isn't backing down either."
"Ferguson mentioned before the match that Atlético's Achilles' heel is their defense. Now we'll see which side breaks through first."
Yang Hao watched the game intently from the touchline.
It was evident to him that Roy Keane was no longer the player he once was. At 34, his ability to keep up with Kaká's speed and rhythm was waning.
This was apparent within the first five minutes, as Keane committed two fouls on Kaká.
While Keane's reputation as a hardman often painted him as a brute, he was, in fact, highly intelligent and experienced, knowing how to operate within the referee's tolerance.
His fouls were calculated—deliberately disrupting play without earning a booking—and always positioned far enough from goal to avoid gifting Atlético a dangerous free kick.
Keane's tactics were understandable. If Kaká were allowed to gather momentum, he would become unstoppable.
Despite Keane's efforts, Atlético's superior technical ability in midfield was evident. Their precise passing and ball retention allowed them to dominate possession and continuously probe United's defense.
In the 7th minute, Ribéry dribbled in from the left wing and unleashed a curling shot with his right foot aimed at the far post.
Van der Sar dived at full stretch but couldn't reach it.
The ball struck the post and ricocheted out, eliciting another collective gasp from the Old Trafford crowd.
"Atlético's attack is relentless, and United's defense looks shaky," the commentator noted.
"Ribéry's cut inside and curling effort was particularly dangerous."
"The Frenchman has been earning rave reviews, with even Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane—his club's archrival—publicly praising him as one of the most impressive talents in France's new generation."
"This is Atlético's greatest strength. Under Yang Hao, the team has assembled a squad brimming with young, talented stars, striking fear into Europe's top clubs."
"The question now is whether Manchester United can withstand Atlético's onslaught tonight."
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