Chapter 66
To the north of London, northeast of Watford, just south of the M25 motorway, lie two football training facilities.
Separated only by a road connecting to the M25, the eastern side belongs to Championship club Watford, while the western side hosts the renowned Colney Training Centre of Arsenal, funded by Wenger using the proceeds from selling Anelka.
At this moment, Arsène Wenger is lounging in a single-seater sofa in his office, casually crossing his legs while watching a replay of a match on the TV.
La Liga Round 3: Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona.
He's lost count of how many times he's watched it.
Yet each time, he's completely engrossed, intensely focused, always able to extract new details from the game.
Hanging on the coat rack behind him are two of Wenger's favorite outfits.
One is the black suit he's wearing today, and the other is his winter favorite: a long overcoat from Nike that extends below the knee.
Now in his advanced years, Wenger can't stay in one posture for too long, frequently adjusting his seating position, though his concentration on the match remains unwavering.
This is no casual pastime—he's studying the game meticulously to uncover more clues to defeating Atlético Madrid in the upcoming Champions League group-stage match.
For Arsenal, advancing from the group is non-negotiable, ideally as group winners.
This is a bank-mandated condition.
Failure to progress would cost the club millions, which would spell disaster.
To fund the construction of their new stadium and secure financing, Arsenal had agreed to numerous conditions with the bank—some of which included keeping Wenger as manager. Wenger himself had signed various contracts binding him closely to the club.
Now, everyone associated with Arsenal was working toward the shared goal of supporting their new stadium.
Wenger's memory is famously sharp, so he rarely takes physical notes. Instead, after finishing sections of the match, he grabs his phone and jots down thoughts in a group chat with his coaching staff.
This software, which Yang Hao introduced, has proven incredibly useful.
"Cut me a video compilation of Drogba's plays, and have Philippe come see me."
Upon receiving Wenger's message, his assistants set to work.
Philippe Senderos—Wenger's most valued young center-back this season, just 20 years old—has already delivered some outstanding performances.
In the Community Shield against Chelsea, it was Senderos' exceptional display that neutralized Chelsea's Christian Vieri, securing the title for Arsenal.
In the Premier League Round 2 fixture, Senderos again excelled, helping Arsenal earn a 0-0 draw away at Chelsea by keeping their attack at bay.
Senderos has become something of a media darling, with pundits labeling him a "defensive prodigy." Wenger himself publicly lauded Senderos, declaring him Arsenal's heir to Tony Adams—a future defensive stalwart.
While Sol Campbell was already 31, the Swiss prodigy, alongside Kolo Touré, represented Arsenal's defensive future.
Wenger harbored a tinge of regret.
Kevin Hofland, another defender Wenger had high hopes for, struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Otherwise, Arsenal's backline could have seamlessly integrated experienced veterans with promising youth.
At midfield, however, the balance was perfect.
Gilberto Silva, Mark van Bommel, Flamini, and Fabregas created a blend of age and experience that ensured Arsenal's competitiveness.
Arsenal's main issue now lay in the forward line.
The departure of Ashley Cole to Real Madrid was less problematic; Gaël Clichy was a solid young replacement, and Lauren's versatility allowed him to cover both full-back positions effectively.
But the forward line… replacing Thierry Henry had fallen to Robin van Persie.
Van Persie's performances, however, remained inconsistent, leaving Wenger uneasy.
Lost in thought, Wenger was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," he said.
The door opened, revealing Philippe Senderos, his clean-shaven head gleaming under the light, greeting Wenger with a wide smile.
"Boss, you wanted to see me?"
Wenger squinted slightly, returning Senderos' smile with an approving nod.
He truly admired the young Swiss defender, particularly the self-confidence that seemed to radiate from him.
At 20, this confidence, paired with his physicality and aggressive playing style, made Senderos a perfect fit for the Premier League.
"Come, have a seat," Wenger said, gesturing toward the sofa beside him.
Senderos, enjoying a meteoric rise in his career, was basking in the spotlight following his stellar performances. Freezing Vieri in two consecutive matches had cemented his reputation.
The media hailed him as part of Arsenal's youthful core trio.
Robin van Persie: the Dutch forward.
Cesc Fabregas: the Spanish midfield maestro.
Philippe Senderos: the Swiss defensive prodigy.
Pundits believed these three would form the backbone of Arsenal for the next decade.
Senderos himself was brimming with self-belief.
Just two days prior, he had partnered with captain Sol Campbell to shut out Everton at Highbury, denying Tim Cahill and Marcus Bent any opportunities, and helping Arsenal to a 2-0 victory.
With Campbell scoring both goals, Senderos received his fair share of accolades.
"Have you watched this match?" Wenger asked, gesturing at the TV.
Senderos glanced at the screen, recognizing the Atlético vs. Barça match, and nodded. "I saw the highlights."
"I've asked them to cut a video for you. Watch it carefully when it's ready," Wenger instructed.
"Atlético's?"
"Drogba."
Senderos immediately understood. "He's definitely a tough opponent."
"Afraid?" Wenger asked, adopting a subtle tone of provocation.
Senderos chuckled. "Afraid? Boss, I shut down Vieri, and I'll shut down Drogba too. Just wait—at Highbury, I'll lock down Atlético's attack, just like I did against Everton."
Senderos exuded unshakable confidence, something Wenger valued deeply.
"Vieri is past his prime, but Drogba is 27, at his peak. Be cautious," Wenger reminded, his tone light yet supportive.
Senderos nodded resolutely. "Don't worry, boss!"
"If you can contain Drogba, the next challenge will be Adriano. Keep pushing yourself—you've got what it takes!" Wenger encouraged.
At the mention of Adriano—the world's best striker—Senderos' eyes lit up.
Adriano was the gold standard for strikers, a nightmare for defenders.
Senderos had never regarded Vieri or Drogba as insurmountable challenges; his ultimate goal was to one day neutralize Adriano.
"I'm ready, boss. Watch me make Drogba tremble at Highbury!" Senderos declared with conviction as he stood up, his 1.89-meter frame towering confidently.
Wenger smiled. "Good. Now prepare well—show me what you've got!"
Three days after the match against Barcelona, Atlético Madrid faced Real Sociedad away in Round 4 of La Liga.
In this round, Real Madrid crushed Athletic Bilbao 4-0 at home, while Barcelona drew 2-2 against Valencia at the Camp Nou.
Sometimes, Yang Hao found football incredibly perplexing.
For over 80 minutes, Atlético played excellently—composed and dominant. They controlled possession, dictated the pace, and suppressed their opponents, even with a heavily rotated squad.
But then, things shifted after the 80th minute.
At that point, Atlético was leading 3-0, thanks to goals from Drogba, Kaká, and Villa. Real Sociedad had substituted their midfielder Xabi Prieto for forward Gari Uranga in the 74th minute, forming a three-striker lineup of Uranga, Nihat, and Kovacevic.
Meanwhile, Yang Hao had used two substitutions to bring on younger players, giving them experience.
The result? In the 82nd and 89th minutes, Nihat and Kovacevic each scored, bringing the score to 3-2.
The oddity lay in the fact that both goals were tied to Ramos.
Yang Hao couldn't shake the sense that something was amiss.
Was Ramos cursed with some sort of "victim complex"?
How else could you explain Thiago Silva being unaffected while Ramos ended up looking out of his depth?
What was even stranger was that Ramos had performed well for the first 80 minutes of the match.
After the game, Yang Hao immediately sought to console Ramos.
"Don't worry about it. Defenders are forged by the challenges they face."
Ramos nodded, though his expression betrayed some frustration. "That's true, boss. But… you sound like you're enjoying this a little too much."
Yang Hao chuckled. "Am I that obvious?"
"You laughed out loud!" Ramos responded, clearly exasperated.
Abandoning all pretense, Yang Hao burst into laughter.
"Listen, Ramos, we won 3-2. Mistakes happen. The important thing is to learn and grow from them. You'll get used to the pressure eventually."
Ramos wanted to protest—"Get used to it? Are you serious?"—but he kept his thoughts to himself. Deep down, he knew Yang Hao's intentions were good.
The coach's lighthearted approach was meant to tell him:
"It's fine. We won, and I don't care about the goals we conceded."
But Ramos cared.
He cared a lot.
"You've said I can become the best center-back in the world," Ramos thought to himself, "but I keep messing up. Every time I do, those media vultures and rival fans mock you. I can't stand it!"
"I'll prove myself. I'll repay your faith. I'll make sure everyone who ridiculed you eats their words!"
He swore it to himself.
La Liga Round 5
On the weekend, Atlético Madrid hosted Getafe, rotating their lineup to conserve energy for the midweek Champions League match. Ramos started and played the full 90 minutes.
The result? A narrow 1-0 win, courtesy of a Torres goal.
Elsewhere, Barcelona thrashed Real Betis 4-1 away, and Real Madrid dismantled Alavés 3-0 on the road.
Unlike Atlético, Arsenal had no midweek commitments. However, in Round 7 of the Premier League, the Gunners played to a 0-0 draw against West Ham United. While their attack faltered, the defensive pairing of Senderos and Sol Campbell looked rock-solid.
"Didier, how familiar are you with Arsenal?" Yang Hao asked Drogba in his office at Majadahonda.
Drogba chuckled awkwardly. "To be honest, boss… I actually quite like Arsenal."
"Really?"
"Yeah, my idol is Thierry Henry."
"What?"
"That's not so strange, is it?"
"You don't think you two have completely different styles?"
"Well, back then, I didn't know anything about 'style.' I just admired his speed. I'm fast too, and, let's be honest, better-looking. My technique isn't that far off either…"
Yang Hao nodded seriously, at a loss for words.
Drogba, your self-awareness is something else.
"In France, Arsenal's really popular," Drogba explained. "Wenger, Henry, Pires, Vieira—there are so many French players at Arsenal. They have a huge fanbase in France, and I was just one of them."
"Great. Your mission is to destroy Arsenal this time!"
Drogba looked a little surprised.
Yang Hao handed him a dossier. "Here's everything you need to know about Senderos and Campbell. Study it well. One's a veteran, the other's a kid—I'm confident you can handle them."
In his previous life, Yang Hao recalled how Drogba terrorized Senderos, reducing the Swiss defender to a shadow of his former self.
"Handle them," Yang Hao emphasized. "I know you can do it!"
Drogba grinned, standing up and waving a USB drive in his hand.
"Relax, boss. I'll make you proud!"
Yang Hao chuckled as he watched Drogba leave, musing to himself:
The Drogba of this era is even stronger than in my past life.
"If the old Drogba could dismantle Arsenal and traumatize Senderos, what will this Drogba do now?"
He sighed dramatically.
"Senderos, it's not me being cruel—it's just that a world ravaged by the Beast isn't suitable for you. Maybe find an exit route while you can."
September 27, Highbury Stadium
UEFA Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 2: Arsenal vs. Atlético Madrid
As both teams took their positions on the pitch, the 38,000 Arsenal fans in attendance, along with 2,000 traveling Atlético supporters, created an electric atmosphere.
Everyone knew this match would likely decide the group's top spot. The stakes couldn't be higher.
Arsenal's lineup:
Goalkeeper: LehmannDefense: Lauren, Campbell, Senderos, TouréMidfield: Van Bommel, Fabregas; Pires, Hleb, LjungbergForward: Van Persie
This was Arsenal's restructured core following the departures of Henry and Ashley Cole.
Atlético Madrid's lineup:
Goalkeeper: ČechDefense: Evra, Thiago Silva, Lúcio, Maicon
Midfield: Mascherano as a defensive midfielder, Kaká and Baraja in central midfield.
Forwards: Ribéry, Drogba, and Robben.
Yang Hao made a key change to his starting lineup, swapping Xabi Alonso for Mascherano. This was mainly to counter Arsenal's attacking midfield, particularly Hleb.
Known as a dribbling maestro during his time in the Bundesliga, Hleb had exceptional individual skills. Yang Hao was concerned that Xabi Alonso might struggle to handle Hleb one-on-one. Mascherano, with his superior defensive abilities, was better suited for the task.
While Mascherano wasn't as accomplished as Xabi Alonso in playmaking and passing, he was no slouch either. In Yang Hao's previous life, FIFA had praised Mascherano as an excellent midfield orchestrator.
Mascherano's statistics, both then and now, were remarkable. His defensive work was elite, and his passing accuracy consistently exceeded 85%, even during his time at Liverpool. At Barcelona, it often exceeded 90%.
One memorable game stood out in Yang Hao's mind—Liverpool against Chelsea. Mascherano not only posted incredible defensive stats but also completed 68 passes, the most on the pitch, misplacing only eight. This performance came during a period when Liverpool was on a downward trajectory.
Later, for Argentina's national team, Mascherano thrived as a midfield conductor, further solidifying his reputation.
Yang Hao had even read in Guardiola's autobiography that Barcelona initially signed Mascherano for his midfield prowess rather than to convert him into a center-back. At the time, Real Madrid was also vying for Mascherano.
Barcelona's famous "number 4" role often demanded versatility, with midfielders occasionally slotting into central defense. Players like Busquets, Yaya Touré, and Mascherano were routinely shifted to center-back when needed.
It was only because of Barcelona's lack of center-backs, combined with Busquets's dominance in midfield, that Mascherano had to play as a defender to secure game time.
Even then, he wasn't always a first-choice center-back and frequently came off the bench. Guardiola had expressed regret in his autobiography, lamenting that Mascherano had left a starting role at Liverpool only to find himself rotating at Barcelona.
For Yang Hao, however, Mascherano's strongest position was undeniably as a defensive midfielder. It was this conviction that allowed Yang Hao to confidently sell Marcos Senna, knowing Mascherano could take on the mantle.
As Yang Hao mulled over these thoughts, Atlético's players, led by captain Baraja, huddled together on the pitch. Shouting their rallying cry, they broke apart and spread out into their positions.
With the referee's whistle, this highly anticipated Champions League group-stage match officially began.
Atlético Madrid launched an aggressive start.
With Baraja controlling midfield, Kaká was given more freedom to push forward.
Just minutes into the game, a through ball from Baraja led to an offside call, with both Kaká and Drogba caught ahead of Arsenal's defensive line.
Amusingly, Kaká pointed at Drogba, blaming him for the offside, while Drogba gestured back, accusing Kaká. They laughed it off, exchanged a high-five, and jogged back to their positions.
Atlético's front three—Ribéry and Robben stretching the flanks wide and Kaká supporting Drogba centrally—made their tactical intentions clear: they were here to conquer Highbury.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, had his eyes firmly on the battle between Drogba and Senderos.
On this night, Senderos was tasked with stepping forward to mark Drogba, while Campbell, now older, anchored the defense deeper.
4th Minute: The First Duel
Ribéry sent a diagonal pass from midfield toward Drogba.
Senderos engaged Drogba in his first direct physical battle with the Ivorian.
Drogba shielded the ball with his powerful frame, keeping Senderos firmly behind him.
Senderos pushed and shoved, trying to muscle his way past Drogba, but it was like running into a brick wall.
As the ball sailed toward them, Senderos stretched a leg from behind, hoping to clear it. At that exact moment, Drogba leaned back into him.
Senderos felt an overwhelming force pressing down on him—a strength so immense that it felt like a mountain had descended. With one leg off the ground, he lost his balance and almost fell.
Meanwhile, Drogba calmly trapped the ball on his chest and nudged it sideways.
Kaká, who had been charging forward, picked up the loose ball, flicked it ahead, and sprinted after it.
Alarmed, Senderos scrambled to recover, but Kaká was already too far ahead.
At the edge of the box, Kaká attempted to pass to Robben on the right, but Campbell surged forward to intercept the ball with a crucial tackle.
The ball rolled into Arsenal's right-back Lauren, who cleared it safely.
The Arsenal fans erupted in applause.
Senderos nodded toward Campbell. Though he privately viewed the veteran as past his prime, he had to admit that in critical moments, Campbell was still reliable.
"Be careful. Don't try to outmuscle him!" Campbell yelled.
Senderos replied defensively, "I wasn't in position."
Campbell glanced at the younger defender but said no more.
The Second Duel
Later, in Arsenal's defensive third, Senderos once again clashed with Drogba.
This time, Senderos tried to position himself better, but Drogba used his arm to block him out, the strength in his forearm like steel.
With a sweep of his arm, Drogba brushed Senderos aside, creating space to control a long pass with his left foot before laying it off to a teammate.
Atlético advanced into Arsenal's half, but the move didn't result in a clear chance.
"I told you—just block him from turning. Don't try to steal the ball from him!" Campbell reminded Senderos again.
This was Drogba.
Anyone familiar with his playing style knew he was a terrifying presence—his physicality was almost impossible to contain.
Challenging him for the ball was a fool's errand.
Senderos glanced at Campbell but said nothing, jogging back to his position.
Atlético's Aggressive Start
Atlético dominated the early stages of the game, their attacks flowing seamlessly into Arsenal's half.
Drogba's ability to pin the center-backs created space for Atlético's wingers and attacking midfielders to exploit. Once in Arsenal's half, Atlético's quality ensured they consistently posed a threat.
This relentless pressure unsettled Arsène Wenger, who shouted instructions from the touchline, imploring his players to press higher.
"Mark Kaká, Sébastien! Cesc, support him!" Wenger barked.
As Wenger glanced toward Atlético's dugout, his eyes fell on Yang Hao. He couldn't decide whether he should admire the young coach or feel frustrated by his tactics.
"Is it admiration I feel? Or resentment?"
"Because he saw it clearly: tonight, Yang Hao had designed the tactics around Kaká.
Ribéry and Robben stayed wide, leaving the middle open. Drogba acted as the focal point, and Kaká's late runs into the box were the strategy.
This approach maximized Kaká's potential and highlighted his strengths.
Atlético Madrid was fully committed to helping Kaká win the Ballon d'Or, and no one was holding back.
But to be fair to Wenger, he was slightly mistaken about Yang Hao's intentions. While there was indeed an emphasis on Kaká, the primary motivation behind Yang Hao's confidence was Drogba's ability to dominate Senderos.
His objective was simple: secure a victory, preferably a convincing one.
Yang Hao had always believed that anyone capable of winning the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year wasn't undeserving.
Their achievements weren't merely a result of teams tailoring tactics for them or allocating significant resources. All of that was built on the foundation of extraordinary individual talent.
That talent was the "1," while everything else—the tactics, resources, and support—were the "0s." Without that "1," no amount of support mattered.
Thus, Yang Hao's stance was clear. If Kaká wanted to chase the Ballon d'Or, the club would support him, and the coach would back him.
But to win it, Kaká would need to deliver his best performances, unleash his strongest fighting spirit, and prove to the world that he truly was the best player on the planet.
11th Minute:
Receiving a pass from Mascherano, Kaká controlled the ball and, in the same motion, turned to evade Fàbregas. With a sudden burst of acceleration, he left the young Spaniard in his wake.
The crowd erupted in applause for Kaká's dazzling move.
With the ball at his feet, he surged past the halfway line.
Drogba held his position at the front, forcing Arsenal's defense to retreat deeper and deeper.
Kaká shifted the ball to the left, finding Ribéry.
Ribéry dribbled diagonally into the left side of the penalty area. Faced with Kolo Touré retreating and Campbell stepping up, the Frenchman threaded a pass between the two defenders.
In the box, Drogba positioned himself near the penalty spot, using his imposing frame to hold off Senderos.
The Swiss defender strained every muscle to push forward, but Drogba stood like a mountain, unshakable.
When Ribéry's pass reached him, Drogba redirected the ball with a deft touch, changing it from a cross into a layoff.
Senderos, who was facing away from the goal, turned to see Kaká sprinting forward at full speed.
Panic flashed across his face. He tried to rush out, but Drogba's massive frame blocked his path.
Kaká, just a few meters ahead, struck the ball cleanly on the run.
The shot soared into the top left corner of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Atlético Madrid!!!!"
"In the 11th minute, Atlético Madrid takes the lead!"
"A brilliant late run and strike from Kaká!"
"Right at the edge of Arsenal's penalty area, in front of their defenders, Kaká delivers a stunning long-range shot to make it 1–0!"
"That's yet another goal for Kaká this season!"
"This is why he's considered the best player in the world right now—the brilliance of Kaká from Brazil!"
The cheers and gasps from the Highbury crowd were deafening.
In the penalty area, Senderos stood frozen, watching Drogba and Kaká run off to celebrate. His eyes were filled with confusion, and he seemed utterly lost.
He had wanted to stop them but had been powerless to do so.
Drogba was terrifying.
Just standing there, his presence was suffocating for Senderos.
16th Minute:
Arsenal registered their first shot of the game when Ljungberg crossed from the right into the box. Van Persie controlled the ball, sidestepped Thiago Silva, and shot—wide.
Atlético quickly responded with another opportunity.
It was a similar play to before, but this time Robben delivered a diagonal ball from the right. Drogba shielded Senderos and laid it off to Kaká.
However, Kaká's shot was blocked by Campbell, who had read the play perfectly.
The Arsenal captain shouted and clapped his hands, rallying his teammates.
"You're dazed, aren't you?" Campbell barked at Senderos.
The Swiss defender shook his head vigorously and refocused on the game.
But Atlético came charging again.
The visitors dominated possession and dictated the tempo. Arsenal's midfield struggled to contain Atlético, while their backline found itself under constant pressure.
Despite fielding a trio of attacking midfielders—Pires, Hleb, and Ljungberg—Arsenal couldn't create meaningful chances. The three were frequently forced to track back and defend.
24th Minute:
Atlético launched an attack down the right flank.
Maicon surged past Pires and crossed the halfway line, sending a pass to Robben before Van Bommel could intervene.
The Dutch winger faced Lauren one-on-one. With a subtle feint, Robben cut inside, evading the defender.
Lauren, known for his ability to use both feet effectively, had been tasked with containing Robben's left-footed shots. But Robben zigzagged horizontally across the field, unable to find an opening, and passed the ball back to Kaká.
Senderos, still fixated on Robben, relaxed slightly when he saw the pass.
But then a chilling realization struck him.
Where's Drogba?
Damn it! Where is he?!
For a brief moment, Senderos was overcome with despair.
Kaká received the ball, shielding it from the advancing Fàbregas. With a deft touch, he chipped it over the Arsenal defense into the right side of the penalty area.
Drogba appeared like a freight train, unmarked.
He chest-controlled the ball and unleashed a thunderous volley into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"2–0!!!!"
"In the 24th minute, Atlético Madrid doubles their lead!"
"Didier Drogba with the finish!"
"Arsenal's young defender Senderos completely lost focus during that defensive play, failing to track Drogba in time and leaving the Ivorian striker with a clear one-on-one opportunity.
That was a terrible mistake!
Senderos has been performing well this season, but tonight, against Drogba, he's made several critical errors.
The repeated mistakes shattered Arsenal's confidence. Both the backline and the midfield showed visible signs of disarray.
Over the past two years, Arsenal's financial difficulties had forced them to continually sell key players. This summer, they reluctantly offloaded Henry and Ashley Cole, which significantly weakened the squad's overall quality.
Morale had already been fragile, and now, trailing 2–0 at home within the first 30 minutes, the team was dealt a devastating blow.
Arsenal tried valiantly to create opportunities but found it increasingly difficult.
Fàbregas was tied up dealing with Kaká, Pires lacked pace, Hleb was centrally positioned but struggled against Mascherano, and Ljungberg was tightly marked by Evra on the right flank.
As for van Persie…
With Arsenal struggling to generate meaningful attacks, Atlético struck again in the 41st minute.
Lucio intercepted van Persie's dribble just outside the penalty area and surged forward with the ball, catching Arsenal's defense off guard.
Van Bommel rushed forward to challenge him, but Lucio unleashed a long-range pass before being closed down.
Drogba, stationed near the center circle, made his move. Before the ball reached him, he delivered a shoulder nudge to Senderos, taking full advantage of his physical dominance. After securing the space, Drogba elegantly trapped the ball with his left foot and laid it off toward the left flank.
Kaká, sprinting at full speed, picked up the ball and slashed diagonally past Senderos, racing into the space behind him.
Once Kaká reached full stride, he was nearly unstoppable.
Campbell, recognizing the danger, stepped up to intercept. But Kaká had already anticipated this, kicking the ball beyond Campbell and sprinting past him in a breathtaking "man-and-ball separation" move.
"A spectacular solo play by Kaká! He's broken through the center!"
"He's one-on-one with Lehmann!"
As Kaká entered the penalty area from the right side, Lehmann rushed out to close the angle. Kaká slightly slowed down, feinted as if moving toward the byline, then deftly cut the ball back to evade the keeper. With Lehmann out of the picture, Kaká calmly pushed the ball into the empty net with his left foot.
3–0!
Kaká erupted in celebration, sprinting to the corner of the stands occupied by Atlético's traveling fans. Arms wide open, he basked in their adoration.
"A brace for Kaká!"
"He's done it again—two goals in one match!"
"This performance from Atlético Madrid has stunned everyone."
"Even Wenger must be at a loss, unable to believe his team is being utterly dominated at home."
"But this is Atlético!"
"This is Kaká!"
"And the spotlight, yet again, falls on Senderos. Wenger's proclaimed 'next Tony Adams' is being completely outclassed by Drogba."
"Unable to contain Drogba, Senderos has allowed the Ivorian striker to dictate play in the final third, enabling Kaká's brilliance."
"Two goals and an assist—and that's just the first half!"
The first half ended with Atlético Madrid leading 3–0.
No one knows exactly what kind of storm Arsenal weathered in the dressing room during halftime.
But when the second half resumed, the Gunners showed little improvement.
Senderos, in particular, remained helpless against Drogba.
The Swiss defender's greatest strength—physicality—was rendered ineffective. Against Drogba, he was completely outmatched in every aspect: strength, movement, and technique.
By this point, Senderos was utterly dejected.
If given the choice, he would have gladly switched defensive assignments with Campbell to avoid marking Drogba.
But Campbell, at 31, lacked the stamina and physicality to handle Drogba either.
Arsenal's most threatening moment came in the 49th minute.
Baraja committed a foul in midfield, and Fàbregas quickly took the free kick, finding Hleb, who slipped a through ball into van Persie. From the left side of the box, van Persie unleashed a shot, only for Čech to make a spectacular diving save.
The Czech goalkeeper's heroics kept Atlético's clean sheet intact.
Moments later, Atlético responded with an even more menacing attack.
Robben cut inside from the left flank and sent a through ball to Drogba, who once again used his body to overpower Senderos. Breaking free on the right side of the penalty area, Drogba's powerful shot grazed Lehmann's fingertips before striking the crossbar.
The near-miss sent waves of anxiety through the Highbury crowd.
In the 57th minute, Kaká orchestrated another brilliant move.
Driving down the left channel, Kaká outpaced Fàbregas before executing a slick one-two with Baraja to evade van Bommel. He then delivered a pass to Drogba, positioned just outside the penalty area.
Drogba, once again shielding Senderos, controlled the ball and spun left to release a perfectly weighted through ball into the box.
Kaká, already sprinting at full speed, beat Campbell to the ball, cutting between the Arsenal defenders to take possession.
Campbell, desperate to avoid fouling, pulled up sharply to avoid colliding with Kaká.
With composure, Kaká adjusted his footing and struck a low shot. The ball slid under Lehmann's outstretched body and nestled into the back of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"HAT-TRICK!"
"Another hat-trick from Kaká!"
"This is his third hat-trick of the season!"
"Kaká is unstoppable right now!"
"His combination of lightning speed and masterful technique has left the Arsenal defense utterly helpless!"
"At this rate, there's no question—Kaká deserves this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year!"
Kaká celebrated by embracing his teammates on the sidelines, his face radiating determination.
The Brazilian maestro knew that both his coach, Yang Hao, and Atlético Madrid had done everything in their power to support him.
Now, it was up to him to deliver.
Kaká would prove to everyone that he deserved the Ballon d'Or.
Atlético Madrid is unstoppable!
After the match at Highbury, The Times couldn't help but express its lament. The reputable outlet declared that the 4–0 scoreline had completely exposed the gap between Arsenal and Europe's elite.
Yang Hao's team delivered a mesmerizing display of attacking football, showcasing their artistry to the entire Premier League.
"The 'Atlético Phobia' is spreading across European football!" remarked The Times.
The Guardian ran the headline "Dream Team Atlético", stating that the Spanish side had given English football a masterclass at Highbury.
The report noted that while Arsenal has often been celebrated as one of England's most attractive teams, Wenger's squad was thoroughly dismantled by Atlético and humiliated at home, even failing to score a single goal.
"Surely, no one can doubt Atlético's strength now. They have all the ingredients to define an era."
The piece praised Atlético's balance across all facets of the game and highlighted their exceptional team spirit.
"As a coach, Yang Hao has not only built a well-structured and balanced squad, but he has also created a cohesive and united dressing room culture. He deserves enormous credit for this achievement."
The article also reflected on the current struggles of the Premier League, particularly Mourinho's Chelsea, whose results, though impressive, often face criticism for their playing style.
"Despite Chelsea's success under Mourinho, Stamford Bridge fans are not fully satisfied with the team's style of play. Perhaps Chelsea needs to reconsider why their football fails to resonate with supporters."
The Sun reported that Arsenal's crushing defeat was no surprise, emphasizing the dominance of Atlético's victory.
"Yang Hao's bold and aggressive tactics at Highbury paid off. Atlético outperformed Arsenal in every department, from possession to creating goal-scoring opportunities."
The article spotlighted Kaká's brilliance, noting that he had secured his third hat-trick of the season.
"With his extraordinary and efficient performances, the Brazilian is proving to everyone that he has the ability to dominate this era!"
The outlet even revealed that after the match, when Atlético players went to thank their traveling fans, some Arsenal supporters in the stadium joined in the applause, with a few chanting "Ballon d'Or."
"Even Arsenal fans acknowledge Kaká!"
L'Équipe emphasized Kaká's stunning display but also credited Drogba's immense tactical value.
"The Ivorian, as Yang Hao described, is nothing short of a terrifying beast!"
Across Spain and online platforms, the buzz was even greater.
Atlético's media department went all-in before and after each game, leveraging their full arsenal of resources.
Offline, they maintained close ties with traditional media outlets, continuously feeding stories. Online, they expanded their efforts to promote Kaká and the team's other stars, aiming to maximize their global reach.
Kaká's sensational performances made it easy to build momentum.
The day after Atlético's resounding 4–0 victory over Arsenal, the club's new media team uploaded a highlight reel of Kaká's performance to YouTube. The video, featuring Kaká's brilliance alongside Adidas branding, became the fastest clip in YouTube's history to surpass one million views, sparking widespread discussion among fans.
Currently, the platform's most-watched clip was Kaká's assist to Messi in a prior match, a moment that left countless viewers in awe and fueled heated online debates.
Atlético was determined to leverage both traditional and new media to its fullest extent. The club poured enormous resources into promoting Kaká, aiming to create their first-ever Ballon d'Or winner.
After returning from London, Yang Hao conducted a recovery training session with the team before heading to the Calderón for a meeting.
Every time Yang Hao visited the stadium, he couldn't help but glance at the construction site for Atlético's new stadium. Progress was accelerating now that the groundwork was complete, and each visit filled Yang Hao with anticipation.
The new stadium represented the final piece of the puzzle in establishing Atlético as a global powerhouse.
Once the team moved in, matchday revenues were bound to soar.
The meeting agenda was packed, reflecting Yang Hao's busy schedule and the team's numerous pending decisions.
One key topic was whether to head to the Middle East again during the winter break.
Main sponsor Emirates had long advocated for Atlético to hold winter training sessions in Dubai, arguing that it would boost their brand and enhance Dubai's global profile.
Emirates even gifted Yang Hao a luxury villa in the prestigious Palm Jumeirah, asking only that he lend his name and presence for promotional purposes.
Yang Hao approved the idea, seeing the benefits for the club's development in the Middle Eastern market.
Additionally, with the Africa Cup of Nations set to begin in January, Drogba would be absent for the tournament. A Dubai training camp before the competition would be an ideal opportunity for the team to regroup.
"My suggestion is to invite another La Liga team for a friendly match in Dubai," Yang Hao proposed.
The idea of competing against another Spanish side, rather than local teams, was well-received by Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil.
Another significant topic of discussion was Kaká.
The media and marketing departments reported that Kaká was currently the leading contender for the Ballon d'Or.
Although Adriano had started the season strongly at Inter, his form had slightly dipped, compounded by the decline of Inter and Serie A as a whole.
Yang Hao, with his knowledge of the past, couldn't help but think: You haven't seen anything yet. Serie A's real crisis is just around the corner.
Nevertheless, Atlético remained cautious.
Traditionally, the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year had been dominated by players from established European giants. A club like Atlético, despite its recent success, still needed to exert tremendous effort to break into this exclusive circle.
Years ago, Adriano might not have won either award had he stayed at Atlético. The club lacked both the resources and the influence necessary to sway voters or rally media support.
But now, Atlético was a different beast entirely.
The club's on-field success had bolstered its reputation, and it had become a major force across traditional and digital media.
In particular, Atlético had taken a commanding lead in the realm of new media. On platforms like YouTube, Atlético's follower count was unmatched, making them the undisputed kings of digital engagement.
"We're not just building Kaká's case for the Ballon d'Or," a media executive explained.
"We're also using his campaign to refine our promotional strategies, especially in online spaces. For example, the recent videos and ads we created for Kaká received tremendous feedback."
"We plan to extend this approach to other players like Torres, Drogba, and Xabi Alonso. And don't forget Messi—he's already showing extraordinary potential."
Andrew Velasco told Yang Hao, "This year's Golden Boy award is in the bag."
Yang Hao had anticipated this. He had steadily been increasing Messi's game time, balancing his development responsibly.
For example, Messi started the league match following the midweek Arsenal game where Robben started. Alternating between the two allowed Messi to grow without overburdening him.
"By promoting our players, we're also promoting Atlético. Some sponsors are already showing interest in our online campaigns as they explore transitioning into new media," Velasco explained.
Yang Hao nodded, recognizing the untapped potential of this market.
So far, Atlético had been riding the wave of globalization and the internet boom with remarkable success, carving out a significant presence.
Both Andrew Velasco and Carlos Leo agreed that the campaign surrounding Kaká, regardless of its ultimate outcome, was immensely beneficial to Atlético.
"Of course, if we succeed, Atlético will have its first-ever Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner, which could propel the club to unprecedented heights."
Yang Hao was pleased with how the team was operating.
Since the club's structural reforms, the workforce at Calderón had expanded, and new working groups had formed, but efficiency remained high, especially compared to more traditional clubs.
Yang Hao had come to the meeting not only to receive updates but also to address a pressing matter: contract renewals.
"I think we should extend Kaká's contract as soon as possible," he stated.
The room fell silent. This was a delicate subject.
Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged glances, eventually nodding in agreement.
"We've been discussing this," Miguel Gil said. "Our initial plan was to wait until January to announce the renewal, whether Kaká wins or not. But the timing is tricky because we're unsure of how the dressing room dynamics might be affected."
The club had been juggling a packed schedule with two games a week, leaving Yang Hao little time to address off-field matters.
"If we plan to renew regardless of the Ballon d'Or outcome, I suggest doing it in October," Yang Hao proposed.
With the Ballon d'Or announced in late November and the FIFA World Player of the Year in December, extending Kaká's contract in October would send a strong message about how much Atlético valued him.
"Two issues," CFO Fernando Vázquez chimed in.
Yang Hao gestured for him to continue.
"First, Kaká will undoubtedly become our highest-paid player. How much should we offer? Second, how do we handle the contracts of other key players like Torres?"
This was indeed a sensitive topic.
Torres was not only a homegrown talent but also Atlético's iconic star. Though Kaká had essentially become a product of Atlético's academy, his Brazilian origins meant navigating a delicate balance.
"Baraja is already 30 years old. By the time his current contract expires, he'll be 33. I don't think there's a need to offer him a raise—it wouldn't make sense," Yang Hao said.
The others agreed. Baraja's salary was already substantial, and extending his deal without reason would seem excessive.
"As for Torres, we should place him in the same tier as Kaká. However, since his current salary is slightly lower than Kaká's, his new deal could reflect that difference."
Equal tiers didn't necessarily mean identical salaries. Factors like commercial income varied significantly and made perfect parity impossible.
"We should also consider renewals for Drogba, Xabi Alonso, and Ramos," Yang Hao added after a pause.
The room agreed. A new wave of contract renewals would soon follow, raising the team's overall salary structure.
"Fernando," Yang Hao turned to the CFO, "ensure that total salaries remain below 50% of the club's revenue."
This percentage was a healthy benchmark Yang Hao insisted on maintaining. Atlético's wage bill had grown alongside its rapid revenue increase, but the club had also shed some high earners, keeping payroll relatively stable.
Now, with Kaká poised to renew, it was time to offer him a first-tier contract in line with his performance.
"Of course, first-tier doesn't mean the highest salary in the world," Yang Hao clarified.
Fernando presented comparative salary data.
In August 2005, Manchester United renewed Cristiano Ronaldo's contract, offering a weekly wage of £45,000 (approximately €4 million annually).That same year, Barcelona extended Ronaldinho's contract, raising his annual salary to €8.5 million and including a €150 million release clause. Ronaldinho's was currently the highest salary in Europe.
In contrast, Real Madrid capped their stars' salaries at around €6.5 million annually.
However, there was a catch:
Real Madrid retained 50% of most players' image rights, including Beckham's, meaning their commercial revenue was split.
Barcelona, on the other hand, allowed Ronaldinho to keep 100% of his image rights.
Atlético's standard practice was to split image rights 50/50 with players.
"My recommendation is to align with Real Madrid's standards while amplifying commercial opportunities for Kaká," Yang Hao suggested.
This would mean offering Kaká a €6.5 million salary—comparable to Real Madrid's top players like Ronaldo, Zidane, and Raul—while leveraging the club's commercial expertise to secure additional income through endorsements.
"Several brands are already in contact with us. Adidas has even hinted that if Kaká wins the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, they're willing to renegotiate his sponsorship deal," Carlos Leo added.
He continued with a smile, "Kaká's clean-cut image, high marketability, and lack of off-field scandals make him a rare gem."
By the end of the meeting, the framework for Kaká's renewal was set, along with plans to gradually restructure salaries for other players.
The consensus was clear: securing Kaká's future at Atlético was not just a priority—it was an investment in the club's growing legacy.
"So, we can aim to make him, along with players like Torres and Xabi Alonso, into our own Beckhams."
"If Kaká and Torres can each secure annual commercial earnings of over €15 million, their overall income will rank among the very top in global football."
Player sponsorship deals differ significantly from club sponsorships. Nike might sign a 7–8 year deal with Atlético, but player contracts typically last 1–3 years, often with built-in clauses.
This benefits both parties. For players in their prime, shorter contracts allow renegotiations to reflect their rising value. Meanwhile, sponsors use these terms to motivate players, avoiding complacency after signing long-term deals.
Yang Hao recalled Flamini, who sat on Arsenal's bench during their recent match.
Many praised Flamini for his investments and business savvy, but Yang Hao saw him differently.
"Players like him are the last ones I'd invest in."
Why?
"He only performs well in contract years, giving his all to secure the next deal. Once it's signed, he slacks off. Let's not sugarcoat it—players like this lack basic professionalism."
Yang Hao swiftly made his decision.
"Let's do it."
He then remembered something else highlighting Serie A's decline.
Adriano had won back-to-back Ballon d'Ors and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, yet his salary at Inter Milan?
€6 million pre-tax—Serie A's top salary at the time.
In recent years, Serie A clubs, including Juventus, had been cutting wages. Even stars like Buffon, Del Piero, and Zambrotta accepted pay reductions when renewing their contracts.
This trend underscored Serie A's bleak financial state.
Yang Hao had other matters to attend to in Majadahonda and left the meeting after concluding his agenda.
Once Yang Hao was gone, Enrique Cerezo gave Miguel Gil a subtle nod. The two quietly gathered several key department heads for a private discussion.
Their secretive behavior puzzled Carlos Leo and the others.
"Why wait for Yang Hao to leave? Are they planning something behind his back?"
The department heads exchanged wary glances.
Political maneuvering like this could spell trouble. Barça's infighting, for instance, only subsided after Joan Laporta intervened.
"Why wasn't this discussed earlier?" Carlos Leo, head of marketing and close to Yang Hao, spoke up directly.
"Exactly. What's going on?" added Fernando Vázquez from finance.
"Without Yang Hao, how can we decide anything?" asked Andrew Velasco from PR.
The three major departments—marketing, finance, and PR—voiced their concerns.
Cerezo and Miguel Gil exchanged helpless looks.
"Fine, I'll be the bad guy," Miguel Gil said.
While he avoided the spotlight publicly, Miguel Gil was deeply involved in Atlético's day-to-day operations. He viewed the club as his family's legacy and took his role as caretaker seriously.
"We wanted to discuss something—how much is Chelsea paying Mourinho?"
Everyone froze.
So that's what this was about.
The earlier suspicions seemed misplaced.
Still, this moment made one thing clear: Yang Hao's influence within Atlético had reached unparalleled heights.
Any hint of a scheme against him would have been swiftly opposed.
"Mourinho's salary rose to €11 million after winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season," Velasco answered.
"That high?" Cerezo was surprised.
Velasco nodded. "Roughly double Ferguson's salary."
"What about La Liga?"
"Our club offers the highest salary in Spain, followed by Rijkaard at Barça with €3.5 million."
Yang Hao's salary was leagues ahead domestically, but it paled in comparison to Mourinho's.
Cerezo got to the point:
"We've renewed player contracts, but isn't it time to extend the manager's contract too?"
The room fell silent.
How were they supposed to respond? Employees recommending a raise for their boss wasn't exactly standard practice.
"Speak freely, it's fine," Miguel Gil encouraged.
But the hesitation persisted.
Finally, Toni Muñoz, a club legend and now a senior administrator, broke the silence.
"I'll say it—Yang Hao is the backbone of this team. If anyone deserves a raise, it's him."
"How much?"
"He shouldn't earn less than Mourinho," Muñoz said with a laugh, breaking the tension.
Everyone chuckled in agreement.
Later that day, after training, Miguel Gil visited Yang Hao in his office at Majadahonda.
"€15 million? Are you all out of your minds? Since when did Atlético have this kind of money?" Yang Hao exclaimed.
Miguel Gil quickly ushered him to sit down.
"Calm down. Remember, Atlético is yours too."
After Yang Hao settled, Miguel Gil explained:
"It's a unanimous decision, mainly because of Mourinho's salary."
"Mourinho has an oil tycoon backing him. You're running a farm, my guy."
Miguel Gil laughed. "But your value to Atlético is far greater than Mourinho's to Chelsea. Honestly, €15 million feels like we're underpaying you."
Yang Hao's main concern wasn't the money.
Who doesn't like a bigger paycheck? But there was a bigger issue:
"We're renewing player contracts and raising salaries across the board. Won't this cross the line?"
That was Yang Hao's real worry.
Miguel Gil appreciated Yang Hao's perspective. His dedication to the club's long-term health was rare. Many others would have eagerly pocketed the raise without a second thought.
"The players' contracts come first," Yang Hao reiterated. "I'm fine with a smaller salary if it keeps everything balanced."
Miguel Gil smiled. "Don't worry. The club's success is a shared priority."
Yang Hao shook his head with a smirk. "You guys spoil me too much."
"I had the finance team calculate everything—it's no problem. Also, we're planning to give raises to the administrative staff, including Enrique and me, as well as the department heads."
"It won't exceed the cap?"
"It won't. Our revenue growth this year has been remarkable. Those three friendly matches in Japan brought in €20 million alone, and commercial revenue continues to break records. If Kaká really manages to win the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, I guarantee we'll soar even higher this year!"
Yang Hao had no objections.
"To be honest, Yang, whether it's me, Enrique, or anyone else, we all understand your importance to this club. Recently, I've been standing by my office window, staring at the construction site for our new stadium, and I keep asking myself: Is that really going to be our new stadium?"
"It feels like a dream. Can you imagine that feeling?"
"Five years ago, we were on the brink of bankruptcy. My father was jailed, and we nearly lost control of Atlético. Now, we've transformed into one of the world's top clubs. We generate over €200 million in annual revenue, and we're building one of the most magnificent football stadiums in the world."
"We're negotiating with corporate giants like MSM, chatting with top sponsors like Nike and Adidas as equals…"
"Sometimes, Yang, it all feels unreal, like a dream because it's happened so fast!"
Miguel Gil had lived through every step of this journey but still found it surreal because he knew this transformation wasn't his doing.
At most, he was a messenger carrying out Yang Hao's vision.
"You should spend more time learning from Enrique," Yang Hao teased. "Look at him—he's thriving in high society, while you're hiding out on your farm all day."
Miguel Gil laughed. "Don't think I'm idle on the farm. Quite the opposite—business is booming. I'm even planning to expand. At this rate, I might dedicate myself entirely to farming in a few years. That's my real passion. You know I've never truly enjoyed running a football club."
Yang Hao nodded in understanding.
Back when the elder Gil went bankrupt, Miguel had been the one advocating for selling Atlético.
Who would've thought back then that Atlético would reach today's heights?
"By the way, Yang, have you ever calculated how much money you have now?"
Yang Hao frowned thoughtfully before shaking his head. "Not really."
"What's Apple's stock price now?"
"In the 50s, I think."
"That means you have over $300 million. Why not just buy my shares in Atlético?"
"Get lost!" Yang Hao joked with mock irritation.
That was his safety net.
"Why would I sell my Apple stock to buy a football club that barely makes money? Do you think I'm an idiot?"
In European football, clubs rarely turn a profit.
Even with Yang Hao's foresight, turning consistent profits in football was becoming increasingly difficult.
He'd noticed something he'd overlooked in his past life while writing novels: the role of management structures.
Atlético had grown significantly, with a large administrative team. Even with Yang Hao's authority, he had to consider the implications of every decision.
For instance, if he proposed selling Kaká and Torres to raise funds, how would the executives react?
Once or twice, they might agree. But a third time? They'd likely oppose him.
Why?
Because Atlético wasn't short on money anymore.
Selling star players when the club was financially stable? That's not how elite clubs operate.
If Yang Hao insisted, it could lead to turmoil, even resignations among the management team.
With their current skills and reputation, they wouldn't struggle to find opportunities elsewhere.
Yang Hao mused that writing novels had been far simpler. Fiction allowed idealized solutions, whereas real-life management required navigating countless variables.
The same logic applied to acquiring Miguel Gil's shares.
As a foreign investor, Yang Hao faced legal and cultural barriers that Spanish nationals didn't.
"Let me remind you, Mr. Gil, some of those shares in your hands might not even be yours. Don't get too eager to sell—we still have agreements in place." Yang Hao grinned.
Miguel Gil winced as he remembered.
"I swear, I'll never bet with you again. That was absurd!"
Thinking about Lionel Messi's skyrocketing value made Miguel grimace.
Since the 2005 U-20 World Cup, Messi's worth had been rising like a rocket.
Who knew how high it would climb in the two years before the new stadium was completed?
Still, Miguel wasn't too bothered.
In his view, the Gil family had already won.
Five years ago, Atlético was bankrupt and drowning in debt. To have reached this point was nothing short of miraculous.
"I've been thinking—once the time is right, I'll step back. I'll reserve a VIP suite in the new stadium to watch games when I feel like it. The rest of the time, I'll focus on my farm."
Sometimes, Yang Hao found Miguel Gil to be remarkably easygoing, the polar opposite of his father, Jesús Gil.
It was no wonder the elder Gil had been so critical of him.
Three days after defeating Arsenal, Atlético faced Málaga in La Liga's sixth round.
On the first matchday, Barça drew 2–2 at home against Zaragoza.
Diego Milito scored twice, while Ronaldinho and Eto'o each netted one for Barcelona.
The goals came in the second half, with Zaragoza striking first before Barça equalized.
The second matchday saw Real Madrid crush Mallorca 4–0 at home.
Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, and Ruud van Nistelrooy all scored, with Carlos bagging a brace.
This season, Carlos seemed revitalized, possibly due to the arrival of Ashley Cole.
Luxemburgo's rotation strategy was also showing results.
Atlético's match was scheduled for the evening, an away game against Málaga.
Once again, Yang Hao rotated his squad, with Messi starting in place of Robben.
During the pre-match press conference, when asked by Dutch media, Yang Hao expressed his confidence in Robben, saying, "I believe that competing with Messi will motivate Robben to unlock his full potential."
Interestingly, Málaga's head coach Antonio Tapia boldly declared before the match that his team would go toe-to-toe with Atlético.
Barely three minutes into the game, Torres came close to scoring with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area that just missed the target.
Tactically, Yang Hao granted Messi considerable freedom, allowing him to move not only along the right flank but also into the right half-space and even centrally, a clear show of trust in the young player.
Messi soon justified that trust. During one attack, as he dribbled inward from the right, he was fouled by Málaga's Anderson Silva, earning Atlético a free kick about 20 meters from the goal. Xabi Alonso took the set piece but failed to convert it into a scoring opportunity.
Gradually, Atlético established control over the game, crafting attacking chances.
In the 18th minute, Kaká unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box, but Málaga, deploying a five-man defensive line, showed their respect for Atlético's attacking prowess.
Then, in the 20th minute, Kaká drove the ball past midfield and passed it to Messi on the right.
Messi, upon receiving the ball, briefly hesitated as if assessing his options. Seeing Brazilian midfielder Anderson Silva charging toward him, he nudged the ball forward and burst into an explosive sprint, heading directly toward Málaga defender Baha El Barakase.
By this point, Messi was surrounded. Barakase and former Real Madrid center-back César Sanz stood side by side in front of him, with Nacho returning to help, and Anderson Silva close behind. Four defenders formed a circle around Messi.
Despite this, the Argentine showed no fear, dribbling directly into their midst.
Barakase and Sanz were visibly stunned.
"With this many defenders, he still dares to dribble?"
As Messi entered Barakase's zone, he suddenly stopped, pivoted his body to the left with a deft left-footed touch, and used the outside of his foot to push the ball through Anderson Silva's legs.
In a blink, Messi slipped between Anderson Silva and Nacho like an eel, retrieved the ball behind them, and surged forward.
The crowd at La Rosaleda Stadium erupted in gasps of disbelief.
Even Yang Hao, watching from the touchline, felt chills as he leaped up and cheered.
"Incredible!"
After regaining possession, Messi unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike.
As the ball rocketed toward the goal, center-back César Navas lunged in an attempt to block it. He extended his arm slightly but retracted it immediately, seemingly out of reflex.
However, the referee spotted the handball.
Whistle!
Penalty!
The referee pointed to the spot and issued Navas a yellow card.
The crowd erupted in deafening boos, but no one could deny it was a fair call.
With Atlético's primary penalty taker unavailable, Torres gestured for Messi to take the kick, but Messi declined. Kaká also passed on the opportunity, leaving it to team captain Rubén Baraja.
Baraja stepped up confidently and converted the penalty.
1–0!
Just seven minutes later, it was Messi again, receiving another pass from Kaká on the right.
This time, he burst forward, dribbled past Nacho, and charged at Barakase. After forcing his way past Barakase, Messi cut inside, eluded Sanz with a clever feint, and dodged Anderson Silva's challenge before unleashing a powerful shot.
Though Málaga's goalkeeper Ruano made a diving save, preventing the goal, Messi's display of skill was mesmerizing.
In just seven minutes, Messi dazzled with two runs through multiple defenders, evoking memories of Maradona's genius.
Despite Messi's brilliance, Málaga tightened their marking on him, leaving gaps elsewhere on the pitch.
In the 30th minute, Kaká intercepted a pass in midfield and launched a counterattack, using his speed to bypass three defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner of the net.
2–0!
Málaga's resilience began to crumble as Atlético took full control of the match.
Early in the second half, in the 52nd minute, Iniesta and Kaká combined with a one-two pass. Iniesta's through ball found David Villa cutting in from the left. Villa's low shot beat Ruano, making it 3–0!
In the 66th minute, Atlético surged forward again. Iniesta and Kaká positioned themselves just outside Málaga's penalty area. Iniesta lofted a delicate pass into the box, where Torres used his body to shield the ball and nodded it toward his right.
Kaká dashed into the box, connected with Torres's header, and volleyed it into the back of the net.
4–0!
Atlético were unstoppable. Their scintillating performance even drew applause from Málaga's home crowd.
Watching his teammates score freely, Messi grew increasingly eager to find the net himself. However, his impatience led to a mistake—while attempting to dribble past multiple defenders, he lost the ball and was fouled.
Sensing Messi's frustration, Kaká called out to him during a break in play.
"Leo!"
Messi jogged over quickly.
"Next time, wait just outside the right edge of the box. I'll draw their defenders and pass to you."
After a pause, Kaká asked with a smile, "You think you can beat that Barakase guy?"
"No problem!" Messi replied confidently, as if the Málaga defender were nothing more than a training cone to him.
"Good. Then it's settled."
Kaká patted Messi's shoulder encouragingly before jogging back.
Messi, filled with gratitude, nodded and focused on the next opportunity.
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