Chapter 65
The TV series Bright Sword famously said that the first commander of a unit shapes the unit's character.
When fans describe Atlético Madrid, one word stands out: stability.
Even after losing Ricardo Carvalho and promoting younger defenders, leading to some defensive lapses, Atlético's performance remains consistently strong overall.
This reflects the personality of their manager, Yang Hao.
After the first two rounds of La Liga, Barcelona had already drawn one match, and Real Madrid had suffered a loss.
In their second match, Real Madrid—depleted by international duties and missing key players—squandered a 2–0 halftime lead to lose 3–2 to Celta Vigo, who even missed a penalty.
The defensive woes of Los Blancos left fans exasperated, echoing Fabio Cannavaro's earlier criticisms in his interview.
Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo still hadn't established a cohesive defensive system, and Real's second-half collapse highlighted their vulnerability.
Youngster Francisco Pavón bore much of the blame for the three goals conceded, drawing harsh criticism.
It seemed both Madrid clubs were in a similar predicament—Atlético with Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid with Pavón.
The key difference was that Ramos, though impulsive, had earned a spot in the national team, while Pavón languished.
Luis Aragonés, Spain's national coach, summed it up well in March when he called up Ramos:
"I trust Yang Hao's judgment. Ramos is a rare defender full of passion, and exactly what we need."
Aragonés even expressed openness to calling up Pepe, saying,
"He is the type of player our team needs, and his partnership with Ramos is excellent."
Pepe, unable to break into Brazil's national team and now holding Spanish citizenship, was also eager to play for Spain. His camaraderie with teammates like Ramos and Baraja played a significant role.
For Atlético, having Pepe in the Spanish squad would be a dream scenario.
Atlético's influence on the Spanish national team was becoming increasingly significant.
According to Marca, Aragonés planned to call up Pepe officially in October.
After two rounds of La Liga, only two teams boasted perfect records: Atlético Madrid and newly promoted Celta Vigo, much to everyone's surprise.
The ascendant Celta Vigo had burst onto the scene, claiming two wins to take an early lead in the standings.
But this was likely just a temporary phenomenon.
September 14: Champions League group stage, matchday one.
Atlético hosted Rapid Vienna at the Calderón.
Yang Hao fielded a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: ČechDefenders: Antonio López, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Dani AlvesMidfielders: Mascherano (DM), Kaká, ModrićForwards: Ribéry, Drogba, Messi
Right from the kickoff, Atlético launched a ferocious attack.
In the 4th minute, Dani Alves surged down the right and received a pass from Modrić. His cross found Drogba near the penalty spot, whose header narrowly missed the target.
The Calderón erupted in gasps of anticipation.
But Atlético pressed on.
Kaká was particularly lively. In the 4th minute, he attempted a direct midfield run, breaking through Rapid Vienna's midfield before being tackled by two defenders just outside the penalty box.
The referee waved play on, prompting a chorus of boos from the home crowd.
"Kaká," Yang Hao called out from the sideline, tapping his head to signal for composure.
He needed Kaká to stay focused and avoid losing his cool.
In his lineup decisions, Yang Hao had already done everything possible to support Kaká. Now, the Brazilian had to keep his emotions in check and seize the opportunities that came his way.
Kaká raised his hand in acknowledgment and jogged over to Drogba for a quick high-five.
"He's only human; even Kaká gets impatient," joked assistant coach Juanma Lillo.
"It's the allure of the prize," Yang Hao replied with a resigned smile.
The Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year were tantalizing prizes.
As a Brazilian, Kaká especially yearned for them. Winning would make him Atlético's first-ever recipient of such honors and solidify his place in Brazilian football history.
For any player, these were achievements too tempting to pass up.
Especially with Adriano already having won back-to-back Ballon d'Ors. A third consecutive win would make history.
For players at Adriano and Kaká's level, money was no longer the primary motivation.
At Atlético, Kaká's salary was lower than Adriano's, but his commercial endorsements compensated for the difference. He had financial security and could focus entirely on personal accolades.
After a shaky start, Kaká settled down for about ten minutes, focusing on distributing and transitioning the ball.
During this time, Messi on the right and Ribéry on the left stole the spotlight, tormenting Rapid Vienna's defenders with their dribbling and pace.
The disparity in quality between the teams was evident, with Rapid Vienna resorting to a deep, defensive block.
In the 16th minute, Ribéry launched another attack down the left, cutting into the box and sending a low cross across the face of the goal.
Drogba, inexplicably, missed an open goal, causing the Ivorian to pound the turf in frustration, much to Yang Hao's amusement.
But Atlético didn't let up.
Just five minutes later, Ribéry once again attacked from the left, cutting inside and laying the ball off to Kaká at the edge of the box.
Kaká drove forward and passed diagonally to the right, then quickly changed direction, sprinting into the box.
Drogba, recognizing the play, dragged defenders toward the near post, while Messi picked up Kaká's pass and lofted a delicate ball over the defense.
The ball arced gracefully over the defenders and landed in the left side of the penalty area, perfectly in Kaká's stride.
Kaká broke the offside trap, sprinted to meet Messi's lob, and skillfully controlled the ball with his left foot. With a sharp stop, he shifted the ball laterally with his right foot, evading the rushing goalkeeper before calmly sweeping it into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Kaká!"
"In the 21st minute, Kaká scores!"
"Atlético Madrid takes a 1–0 lead!"
The entire Calderón erupted in chants of Kaká's name.
The Brazilian celebrated with his signature gesture, raising both hands to the heavens in prayer as he sprinted down the pitch. Messi, Drogba, and Ribéry raced to him, joining in the jubilant celebration on the sidelines.
With the opening goal secured, Atlético found their rhythm, and Kaká's impatience melted away.
The match was firmly in Atlético's control, but Rapid Vienna, recognizing the odds were stacked against them, decided to play with dignity.
Surprisingly, the Austrian side showed great courage, engaging in an open attacking game against their formidable hosts. Their boldness even led to a chance inside Atlético's box.
At the critical moment, Thiago Silva made a decisive sliding tackle, preventing a shot and clearing the danger.
Atlético immediately launched a swift counterattack. Antonio López surged down the left flank, executing a brilliant nutmeg before driving into the box and delivering a sharp cross.
Drogba met the ball at the edge of the six-yard box, heading powerfully—but narrowly missing the target.
Rapid Vienna responded with an attack of their own, winning a corner. However, Pepe and Thiago Silva were rock solid, clearing the ball without issue.
Moments later, Kaká picked up the ball deep in Atlético's half. Slowing the tempo slightly, he waited for Drogba and the others to move forward before unleashing a precise long pass to spark the attack.
Drogba positioned himself expertly on the right side of the opposition's box, rising high to chest down Kaká's pass. Shielding the ball with his body, he laid it off to Dani Alves, who surged toward the byline.
Alves whipped a low cross into the box.
With Drogba drawing defenders to the right, Messi stationed himself near the penalty spot, reading the play. As Alves sent the ball across, Messi darted forward and executed a sliding volley, directing the ball into Rapid Vienna's net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"In the 33rd minute, Messi scores!"
"The 18-year-old sensation strikes again in the Champions League!"
"2–0!"
Messi's celebration was joyous as he sprinted to Alves, embracing him along with Drogba.
The Calderón roared with approval, well aware that Messi, alongside Kaká and Torres, represented the future of Atlético.
Kaká ran over, lifted the diminutive Argentine high into the air, grinning as he repeated a mantra he often used to inspire Messi:
"A small man in the world, but a giant on the pitch!"
The camaraderie among the players was evident as everyone came over to exchange high-fives with Messi, who beamed as he waved his arms triumphantly.
The Calderón erupted in jubilant chants.
As the first half neared its conclusion in the 42nd minute, Atlético struck again.
Drogba, positioned on the right, rose to meet a long ball from Pepe, heading it down to Messi, who quickly passed to Alves.
Alves played the ball into Modrić in the half-space on the right. With his back to the left flank, Modrić executed a deft drag-back and backheel pass, turning Alves's horizontal ball into a defense-splitting through pass.
The move was reminiscent of Kaká's stunning nutmeg three days earlier.
Positioned at the edge of the box, Kaká controlled Modrić's pass with a deft touch to his right, creating space before unleashing a thunderous strike.
The ball rocketed toward the goal like a cannonball, slicing through the air with lightning speed before slamming into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Kaká! It's Kaká again!!"
"What a strike!"
"A brace!"
"My God, just three days ago, he scored a hat-trick in 20 minutes in La Liga, and now he has two more goals in the Champions League!"
"3–0!"
Kaká's ecstatic celebration saw him sprinting down the pitch, fists raised high as he roared toward the Calderón faithful.
In the second half, Rapid Vienna, realizing the match was beyond salvaging, went all out in attack.
They managed to create a golden opportunity in the 55th minute. Forward Akwuegbu broke through on the right, finding himself one-on-one with Čech. However, Thiago Silva tracked back tirelessly, executing a last-ditch sliding tackle to block the shot.
As Silva rose to his feet, gasping for breath, he was met with rapturous applause from the Atlético supporters. The young Brazilian center-back was quickly becoming a fan favorite.
In the 54th minute, Atlético capitalized on Rapid Vienna's defensive vulnerability.
Alves intercepted a loose pass and charged forward, weaving through defenders. With Messi pulling wide to the right, Alves cut inside and threaded a pass into Drogba's feet.
The Ivorian striker used his physicality to hold off his marker, turning sharply before driving into the box and blasting the ball into the net.
4–0!
Despite the scoreline, Rapid Vienna kept pushing forward. However, Atlético's midfield enforcer Mascherano intercepted a pass in the 68th minute and immediately launched a counterattack.
Kaká received the ball on the left flank, using his blistering pace to surge past one defender. Approaching the 30-yard mark, he stopped abruptly, dragging the ball with his right foot to feint past another, before accelerating again in one fluid motion.
Now at the edge of the penalty area, Kaká faced the final defender. With a quick touch, he pushed the ball past the defender on one side and sprinted around the other to reclaim it.
Breaking into the box, Kaká found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Calmly, he slotted a low shot past the keeper into the bottom corner.
5–0!
Kaká completed his hat-trick, capping off another breathtaking performance.
"Hat-trick!!"
"Kaká has scored a hat-trick!!"
"My God, in the 63rd minute of the second half, Kaká completes his hat-trick!"
"That's two consecutive matches with a hat-trick!"
"This is simply unbelievable!"
"We are witnessing a Kaká who seems like a god descended upon the pitch!"
"Super Kaká is unstoppable on the field, capable of anything!"
"This is the first time in his career that he's scored a hat-trick in a Champions League match!"
Kaká ran toward the endline, shouting and celebrating his first-ever Champions League hat-trick with unrestrained joy.
Yang Hao immediately decided to substitute him, sending on David Silva in his place. Kaká received the instruction even as he was still celebrating, but he accepted it willingly, knowing full well that the weekend held an even bigger match: Atlético Madrid vs. Barcelona.
As Kaká walked off the pitch, the entire Calderón stadium stood in applause, cheering for him. Everyone paid tribute to his incredible performance.
Back-to-back hat-tricks—what could be more thrilling?
Shortly after Kaká was subbed off, Atlético launched another attack down the left flank. David Silva and Ribéry combined seamlessly before Silva overlapped, reaching the byline to deliver a low cross. Ribéry connected with the ball near the front post, but his shot was parried by the goalkeeper. Drogba was in the right spot, following up to tap in the rebound and extend the lead.
6–0!
The Ivorian striker had now scored a brace himself, further electrifying the crowd. The Calderón became a sea of celebration as Atlético continued to dominate.
At the final whistle, the 50,000 fans in attendance rose to their feet to celebrate the victory.
Meanwhile, in another Group B match, Arsenal managed only a 0–0 draw against Sparta Prague. The result surprised many, as the Gunners' attack struggled after the departures of Henry and Ashley Cole. Despite dominating the match, Arsenal's front line, led by van Persie, failed to capitalize on their chances.
Post-Match Press Conference
"It was a tough match, and we're very happy with the win," Yang Hao remarked with a smile as he addressed the media.
"This wasn't an easy game. Our opponents showed great courage despite playing away from home. They created some dangerous moments and gave us some trouble," he acknowledged.
Yang Hao credited Kaká and Drogba for securing the victory with their goals.
"Let's not forget Messi—he performed brilliantly tonight," Yang Hao added with a grin. "Although, to be honest, we could have converted even more chances."
When asked about Kaká, Yang Hao offered glowing praise. "He's a phenomenal player, deserving of every bit of admiration he receives."
With Kaká widely considered a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year, Yang Hao didn't hold back in his support.
"If I had a vote, I wouldn't hesitate to cast it for Kaká," he said firmly.
Yang Hao elaborated, "Right now, Kaká is solving all kinds of problems on the pitch. Every single player in our squad contributes, and Kaká is no exception. He understands the importance of teamwork and trusts his teammates, just as we all trust him."
"He deserves the best rewards!"
Regarding Messi, Yang Hao offered his usual mix of praise and caution. "He's only 18 years old. It's crucial that we don't overuse him. He's still growing and needs time to develop at his own pace. Overloading him with too many matches wouldn't be wise."
When asked what constituted "too many," Yang Hao explained, "It's hard to say precisely, but we carefully evaluate his physical condition."
Atlético has internal guidelines for managing young players like Messi. For an 18-year-old, around 30 matches per season is considered ideal—though not all would involve playing full 90-minute games.
Instead, younger players should focus on coming off the bench or playing in low-pressure situations. This approach gives them enough experience and challenges without overwhelming them, allowing for steady growth.
What's the biggest risk? Burnout.
Yang Hao reflected on cases from his prior experiences. "Look at clubs like Barcelona in my previous life—teenagers playing upwards of 50 matches a season. Add national team duties to that, and it's like running them into the ground."
Even with modern sports medicine in 2023, Yang Hao noted how many young talents at Barcelona fell victim to injuries. Names like Ansu Fati and Pedri came to mind. "And who knows who the next victim will be?"
Young players, he insisted, needed to be nurtured carefully and gradually.
Experts at the University of Madrid's medical school had advised Yang Hao that at Messi's age, parts of his body, like the cruciate ligament and meniscus, might not yet be fully developed. Overexertion could cause irreversible damage, leading to chronic injuries.
This measured approach had worked for both Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their early careers, where they gradually took on greater responsibilities.
Yang Hao pointed to the opposite case of Robben, whose early overuse led to persistent injuries throughout his career. Issues with the cruciate ligament and meniscus, once damaged, were impossible to fully recover from and could prematurely end a player's career.
"Player protection is my utmost priority," Yang Hao concluded, even if it meant occasionally frustrating his players.
Media Reactions
Kaká's dazzling display earned widespread acclaim, not only within Atlético but also across the football world. Atlético's PR and marketing departments sprang into action, promoting their star midfielder with the slogan: "Absolute Leader!"
This was the headline in Marca:
"This game was his masterpiece, delivering three points to Atlético in the group stage. Kaká was named Man of the Match, and rightfully so."
Kaká's three goals, the report continued, showcased his versatility and brilliance.
Meanwhile, L'Équipe hailed him as "Super Kaká," publishing an interview with Rapid Vienna's coach, Josef Hickersberger.
"Facing a team like Atlético is challenging enough," Hickersberger admitted, "but when they have a player like Kaká in such incredible form, it's impossible to stop them."
"He was like Superman out there. Our defense simply couldn't cope with him."
French media compare Kaká to Maradona, German press calls his goal "phenomenal"
In its coverage, L'Équipe highlighted Kaká's dazzling dribble past three defenders during the match, drawing comparisons to the legendary Diego Maradona. Meanwhile, Germany's Bild focused on Kaká's stunning long-range strike, describing it as a "phenomenal goal." The piece praised his seamless control and instant transition into a thunderous shot, emphasizing his exceptional skill.
After the match, Atlético Madrid arranged an exclusive interview for Kaká with German media. In the interview, Kaká confidently admitted that he was in top form and did not shy away from discussing his ambitions.
"I know I play for a great team and represent the Brazilian national team. This gives me an incredible opportunity to compete for honors like the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. As long as I keep helping Atlético and Brazil win games, I believe I can reach that level," Kaká said with determination.
When asked about his main competitors, Kaká mentioned Adriano and Ronaldinho. "If either of them wins, I wouldn't be surprised. We're all in this together as teammates in the national team," he explained.
Kaká shared that his friendship with Adriano stretches back many years. "We've played together since we were young, and we're great friends. I've shared my goals with him, and he has done the same. We wish each other the best."
When a journalist asked him to choose between winning the Champions League or the Ballon d'Or, Kaká couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"That reminds me of something our coach always says: 'Only the weak have to choose. Me? I want it all!'"
This quote resonated strongly with readers of Bild, where Kaká's interview received enthusiastic reactions. Fans celebrated his evolving persona: the once gentle and sunny figure now displayed a newfound ambition and hunger for success.
The journalist noted that despite Kaká's clear drive, his trademark warm smile and approachable demeanor remained unchanged throughout the interview.
"Atlético is clearly backing Kaká for the Ballon d'Or!"
At Barcelona's training ground, Frank Rijkaard and his assistant Henk ten Cate discussed the day's news, fresh off the press. The headlines surrounding Kaká and his recent performances dominated coverage.
"It's pretty obvious Atlético is throwing its full weight behind Kaká to campaign for the Ballon d'Or," Rijkaard remarked.
The media blitz was overwhelming, and both coaches, seasoned in the politics of football, knew this wasn't organic. It was part of a calculated, well-coordinated effort.
"It's only September, but the timing makes sense. After all, the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year are judged on a calendar year," Rijkaard added.
This year, without major international tournaments like the World Cup or Euros, the Champions League carried even greater weight in the awards' deliberations. Unfortunately for the English finalists, neither Liverpool nor Chelsea had an undeniable superstar.
"Gerrard, Lampard, Deco… they're all just a little shy of having that 'it' factor," Ten Cate noted.
Despite Steven Gerrard winning UEFA's Best Player award at the European gala, Kaká took home the Best Midfielder award—an awkward juxtaposition that highlighted the lack of standout performers.
"And let's not even mention Chelsea," Ten Cate scoffed. "No one wants to reward their antics after how they played against Atlético in the semifinals."
Looking at the current field, Kaká and Adriano were the clear frontrunners. Kaká's performances so far this year, coupled with his strong showing at the Confederations Cup, placed him slightly ahead. Now, with Atlético pushing hard and Kaká hitting form with consecutive hat-tricks, his case for the Ballon d'Or was stronger than ever.
"Two hat-tricks in a row," Ten Cate observed. "Kaká's timing is perfect. The headlines are rolling, the public is watching, and the world is paying attention."
Rijkaard nodded. In today's game, even undeniable talent needed a stage and the right amount of spotlight. "It's all about the narrative. If you don't promote, you risk being overlooked," he mused.
Barcelona's Tactical Dilemma Before Atlético Clash
Turning back to their own preparations, Rijkaard and Ten Cate dissected the challenges of their upcoming match against Atlético Madrid.
"How do we approach it?" Rijkaard asked.
"It's tricky," Ten Cate admitted after a pause. "Our front three isn't fully in sync yet. Against Werder Bremen, Henry didn't make much of an impact, and Eto'o struggled too. Ronaldinho was the only one who really stepped up."
Rijkaard agreed. The Henry-Eto'o-Dinho trio was still a work in progress. Eto'o, accustomed to playing centrally, was now adjusting to a role on the right flank. Meanwhile, Henry, newly arrived from Arsenal, needed time to integrate.
"Eto'o did provide the assist for Baptista's goal, so there's that," Ten Cate added.
"That's a positive," Rijkaard acknowledged.
"But our midfield raises questions. Baptista's form is solid, but should we start him over Rosický or Van der Vaart?"
That decision loomed large. Baptista's recent performances warranted a start, but choosing him over Rosický or Van der Vaart risked reverting to last season's less fluid setup.
"Then there's the defense," Ten Cate continued. "Belletti's form has been shaky. Against Atlético, who do you think Yang Hao will start on their left flank?"
"Villa, Ribéry, or Robben—none of them are easy matchups," Rijkaard replied.
Belletti, a former Atlético player, had been particularly vulnerable in recent matches. Werder Bremen had repeatedly targeted Barça's right flank, leaving the Brazilian exposed.
"Here's the crux of it," Ten Cate summarized. "If we play defensively, we won't hold them off."
Rijkaard's eyes lit up. "So, we go on the attack?"
"Exactly. Push forward, try to score early, and then dominate possession. Keep them chasing us," Ten Cate proposed.
Rijkaard recognized Ten Cate's subtle suggestion: starting Rosický or Van der Vaart in midfield would offer more attacking fluency.
"Do you think it'll work?" Rijkaard asked, seeking reassurance.
"We don't have a choice," Ten Cate said plainly. "Can we hold Atlético back? No. But if we press them aggressively, we might stand a chance."
The prospect of beating Atlético was daunting. Even Chelsea, with their immense squad depth, had been forced to play cautiously against them and still struggled.
With no clear path to victory, Barcelona had little choice but to gamble.
Rijkaard's Tactical Dilemma Ahead of Atlético Match
Frank Rijkaard knew all too well that Barcelona couldn't emulate José Mourinho's Chelsea-style defensive setup. Even putting aside potential media and fan backlash, could Barcelona's defense actually hold out like Chelsea's? The gap in defensive quality was simply too significant.
"Alright, we'll go with possession football. Let's start Van der Vaart alongside Xavi in midfield," Rijkaard finally decided.
This meant Rosický, Milito, and Giuly would remain on the bench.
"We're going to give Atlético a big surprise on their home turf," he said confidently.
The Logistics of Chasing the Ballon d'Or
After Atlético's victory over Rapid Vienna, Yang Hao found himself buried in a mountain of new responsibilities.
Having never personally orchestrated a campaign for the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year, Yang hadn't realized just how much went into the process. Media appearances surged, and mandatory events popped up on his calendar.
What happens if you don't show up? Simple: the opportunity goes to someone else. The media then reports on it, showing the world who's making waves while leaving you in the shadows.
Yang suddenly recalled how Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's award lists on their biographies seemed never-ending. "At the time, I thought those entries were overkill. Now, I realize they probably didn't even list everything," he thought to himself.
Every outlet, from reputable newspapers to niche media platforms, wanted to hand out awards. Atlético's public relations team meticulously prioritized these requests, selecting only those with significant influence or ties to voting panels for the Ballon d'Or.
For such entities, awards were presented in person—at their expense, of course. Why? Because awarding someone like Kaká elevated their credibility. A photo op with Kaká receiving an award made headlines and boosted their prestige.
As for less influential organizations, the policy was simple: send the award in the mail. The players didn't have time for every ceremony. And if it was from an outlet with minimal clout, Atlético wouldn't even bother.
This wasn't arrogance. With media requests flooding in, even a selective approach often resulted in scheduling backlogs.
However, some awards necessitated travel. For instance, attending UEFA ceremonies or FIFPro's World XI presentation in the Netherlands was non-negotiable.
FIFPro Awards: The Best XI of the Season
At the FIFPro ceremony, the following players were named in the World XI:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Patrice Evra, John Terry, Lúcio, CafuMidfielders: Ronaldinho, Frank Lampard, Claude Makélélé, KakáForwards: Fernando Torres, Adriano
These selections came as no surprise.
The highlight for Yang Hao, however, was the voting for the Best Young Player awards. This year, FIFPro introduced a new category: the Special Young Player Award, chosen by fans.
The results were fascinating:
Best Young Player: Lionel Messi (Atlético Madrid)Special Young Player Award: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
"Is this a joke?" Yang chuckled to himself. Was this some early foreshadowing of the future rivalry between Messi and Ronaldo?
Messi had edged out Wayne Rooney for the Best Young Player honor, a testament to his breakout season. The year before, Messi had placed in the top five for the Golden Boy award but was deemed too young to win. This time, his performance secured him the title.
For the main event, Best Player of the Year, Kaká beat Adriano and Ronaldinho to claim the top prize.
The Logistics of Winning an Award
FIFPro ensured all awardees were contacted in advance, confirming their attendance before finalizing arrangements. If Kaká hadn't attended, the trophy might have gone to Adriano or Ronaldinho instead.
Atlético spared no expense in celebrating Kaká's achievements. A private jet carried the winners, club executives, and a media entourage to the Netherlands, ensuring maximum fanfare.
After the ceremony, FIFPro's press release was disseminated worldwide. News outlets, from major publications to football blogs, reported on Kaká's triumph. With every headline, the momentum for Kaká's Ballon d'Or campaign grew stronger.
Building a Campaign for the Ballon d'Or
Competing for the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year wasn't just about skill. It required a carefully orchestrated campaign, leveraging time, money, and resources.
For Kaká, Atlético's comprehensive strategy was paying dividends. At the awards ceremony, he made sure to express his gratitude to the club, his teammates, and, most importantly, Yang Hao.
"I'm truly honored and grateful to be part of this incredible team. My teammates and coaches are the reason I'm standing here today," Kaká said during his acceptance speech.
Later, in interviews, he doubled down on his commitment to Atlético.
"I want to help this team achieve greatness. My priority is to win every possible trophy with Atlético," Kaká stated.
When asked about rumors of a transfer, Kaká firmly denied them.
"I'm incredibly happy at Atlético Madrid. I can't imagine playing for any other club," he declared.
"Spain's La Liga is the most exciting league in the world, and Atlético is the greatest club in my eyes. I hope to retire here."
Kaká's heartfelt words silenced speculation about a potential move, solidifying his bond with the club and its fans.
September 18, noon, Calderón Stadium, Madrid.
La Liga Round 3: Atlético Madrid vs. FC Barcelona.
As soon as the match began, Barcelona came out aggressively, launching a wave of frenzied attacks.
Both Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o attempted long-range shots from around 20 meters out, but neither managed to beat Petr Čech in goal.
Then, in the 3rd minute, Rafael van der Vaart, positioned on the left edge of the penalty area, received a pass from Xavi. With a deft turn, he shook off Rubén Baraja and delivered a surgical through ball with his left foot.
The ball sliced through Atlético's defense like a scalpel and landed perfectly in the left channel of the penalty area.
Ronaldinho, with his back to the goal, used his body to shield the ball from Lúcio. With a clever flick of his right foot, he lifted the ball to his left side, turned, and struck a powerful volley with his right foot.
Lúcio dived in to block, but he was just a fraction too late.
Gasps echoed around the Calderón.
But Petr Čech was equal to the task. He flung himself across the goal to parry the shot away.
The ball, however, stayed alive in the penalty area.
On the right side, Eto'o muscled past Patrice Evra, seized the ball, and held off Evra's relentless pressure. Feigning a move backward, Eto'o suddenly darted forward, reaching the byline and firing a low cross into the box.
Evra lunged to intercept but was just half a step too late.
In the middle, both Henry and Pepe charged toward the ball, but Henry got there first, poking it past Čech and into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"
"HENRY! HENRY!"
"Thierry Henry scores his first official goal for Barcelona!"
"Just three minutes in, Henry opens the scoring for Barça!"
Henry sprinted off the pitch in jubilation, shouting in celebration as Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and others chased after him to join the moment.
On the sideline, Rijkaard and his assistant, Henk ten Cate, erupted in cheers. The Dutch manager even let out a triumphant roar to the sky.
Finally!
After three long years of torment at Atlético's hands, Rijkaard had broken through their defenses just minutes into the match.
For him, this wasn't just a goal—it was catharsis.
"Tonight," Rijkaard thought, "I'll return all the suffering of the past three years to Yang Hao, with interest."
"This is the start of a new era. La Liga will belong to Barcelona, not Atlético."
Atlético Regroups
On the touchline, Yang Hao shook his head and started pacing back to his technical area.
"Barça's gutsy tonight," he remarked with a wry smile.
The signal was clear—despite leading, Barcelona wasn't letting up their attack.
"They're pushing hard," said assistant coach Juanma Lillo. "Van der Vaart and Xavi are linking well. We might not be able to dominate possession against them."
Yang Hao had fielded a midfield trio of Kaká, Baraja, and Xabi Alonso for this match. It was a pragmatic choice, given Barcelona's formidable attacking trio of Ronaldinho, Henry, and Eto'o.
"These three up front," Yang Hao had said before the match, "are just about uncontainable. If we can limit their chances, that's already a win."
But Yang Hao wasn't the type to park the bus like José Mourinho. He had no interest in defensive trench warfare; it wasn't his style.
Besides, Atlético's defense wasn't built for that kind of play. Even if they sat back, Barça would still find a way through.
Yang Hao had mentally prepared himself to concede—but not like this.
"To lose a goal so sloppily, so quickly," he muttered, "where's the ceremony in that?"
Calling Xabi Alonso over, Yang Hao signaled to him with hand gestures.
Before the match, Yang Hao had emphasized that Barça's right flank was a weak point, especially with Oleguer starting at right-back instead of Juliano Belletti.
Belletti's defensive lapses had been glaring in Barça's recent match against Werder Bremen. To compensate, Rijkaard had chosen the more defensive-minded Oleguer, but the trade-off was his lack of speed and agility.
"If Oleguer pushes forward," Yang Hao had told his players, "that's our opening."
Xabi Alonso nodded, understanding the message.
The Match Intensifies
Back on the pitch, Barcelona continued to press. Most of their attacks flowed through the left flank.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst sent a long ball into Atlético's penalty area, but Pepe headed it clear.
Atlético quickly transitioned into a counterattack.
On the left wing, Antonio López surged forward, executing a brilliant move to split a defender and drive toward the penalty area. From there, he sent a diagonal cross toward Didier Drogba at the edge of the six-yard box.
Drogba rose high for a header, but the ball skimmed just wide of the post.
The crowd groaned in unison.
Targeting Barça's Weak Link
As Barcelona continued to push, gaps began to appear in their formation, particularly on the right flank.
Oleguer's cautious positioning left a noticeable disconnect between him and Eto'o, creating opportunities for Atlético to exploit.
Recognizing this, Xabi Alonso began directing the play toward Barça's vulnerable side.
In the 15th minute, Atlético's first real chance came when Kaká drifted wide to receive a pass. Drawing two defenders, he released the ball to Antonio López, who delivered a low cross into the box.
The ball found Fernando Torres, but his shot was blocked by Carles Puyol at the last moment.
"Keep hitting that side!" Yang Hao shouted from the sideline.
His strategy was clear: keep testing Barça's right flank until it broke.
Yang Hao's tactical adjustments began to pay off as the match wore on. While Barça's initial dominance was evident, Atlético's resilience and sharp counterattacks kept them in contention. As the battle unfolded, the Calderón faithful could sense that the tides might soon turn.
Robben, breaking free down the right flank, managed to shake off Mexican defender Rafael Márquez and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from distance, only for Valdés to parry it away.
Despite conceding an early goal, Atlético Madrid quickly regained their composure and began to claw back control of the game. Both teams played openly, with the match unfolding at a rapid pace.
A Tactical Masterpiece in the 17th Minute
In the 17th minute, Eto'o, noticing that Oleguer hadn't pushed forward to support the attack, dropped back to receive a pass from Xavi. However, he failed to see Ribéry approaching stealthily from behind.
With Evra closing in from the front and Ribéry pressing from behind, Kaká intercepted the passing lane to Xavi.
The three Atlético players—Evra, Ribéry, and Kaká—formed a tight triangle on the left side of the halfway line, trapping Eto'o.
Evra cleanly stripped the ball from Eto'o's feet and immediately passed it to Ribéry. The Frenchman deftly turned away from Eto'o, carrying the ball laterally while Kaká began a full sprint forward from the center circle.
Eto'o and Xavi gave chase, trying to recover possession. Ribéry, recognizing Kaká's surging run, wasted no time and delivered a precise through ball before Eto'o and Xavi could close him down.
"Atlético's counterattack is now targeting their left flank," the commentator observed.
Kaká surged forward at top speed, while Barcelona's defense frantically scrambled to recover, particularly Oleguer. Eto'o, chasing hard, was right behind Kaká, who made large, powerful touches that seemed risky, as if he might lose control of the ball at any moment.
Oleguer, noticing the situation, saw his opportunity. With Eto'o closing in from behind and himself positioned directly in front of Kaká, Oleguer adjusted his trajectory, angling toward Kaká.
In his mind, Oleguer thought: This reckless Brazilian, pushing the ball so far ahead just for speed—what a fool. Watch me dispossess him and shut this down.
With this thought, Oleguer changed direction, moving diagonally to intercept Kaká's path. As Kaká pushed the ball forward with another big touch, Oleguer pounced, fully committed to stepping in and winning possession.
But just as Oleguer reached for the ball, Kaká shifted gears, accelerating even faster.
Oleguer was stunned.
It was a trap. Kaká had intentionally slowed down earlier to bait Oleguer into lunging for the ball. As soon as Oleguer committed, Kaká darted past him with an explosive burst of speed, nudging the ball further down the touchline and racing ahead.
Oleguer, completely caught off guard, faltered as Kaká left him in the dust.
The Calderón erupted in wild cheers.
This was the brilliance of Kaká: simple, direct, and devastatingly effective.
Speed and subtle changes in rhythm—these were his weapons.
Kaká reached the ball on the left side of the penalty area. Spotting Puyol closing in, he made another big touch, pushing the ball toward the byline. With incredible acceleration, he reached the ball just before it went out and, with his left foot, sent a perfectly lofted cross into the center of the box.
He knew Torres would be there.
It was an instinctive connection, born of mutual understanding.
Kaká's momentum carried him off the pitch, and he ended up bracing himself against the advertising boards to stop. Turning back, he saw Torres leaping in the center of the box.
The ball was already in the back of Valdés' net.
Atlético fans erupted in euphoria.
The referee's whistle confirmed the goal.
But Torres didn't wait—he sprinted off the pitch, heading straight for Kaká. The two embraced tightly on the sideline, celebrating together.
"Atlético equalizes!"
"In the 17th minute, Kaká delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, and Torres rose to head the ball home from the center of the six-yard box. It's 1–1!"
"Both teams are back on level terms."
"Let's take another look at this goal."
"Kaká's run down the left was brilliant, especially his raw pace and the way he completely outfoxed Oleguer. What a mistake by the Barcelona defender—didn't he wonder why Kaká seemed slower tonight? It was all a ruse!"
"Atlético's attack tore through Barcelona's defense, exploiting Oleguer's flank."
On the touchline, Yang Hao applauded vigorously for his team, his satisfaction evident.
Oleguer, despite being a defender with notable weaknesses, held a peculiar standing among Barcelona supporters. Though many fans recognized his shortcomings, they appreciated him for his off-field persona as a staunch Catalan nationalist.
Having joined Barcelona from Gramenet in 2001, Oleguer was never a La Masia graduate, but his political stance earned him popularity in Catalonia. Some speculated that his refusal to play for the Spanish national team, despite his eligibility, stemmed from his support for Catalan independence.
Future political ambitions aside, on the pitch, Oleguer's performances often drew criticism, and tonight's misstep was no exception.
Adjustments After the Equalizer
With the score tied at 1–1, the game resumed with renewed intensity.
Both teams pressed aggressively, creating and denying opportunities in equal measure.
After a brief tactical adjustment, the pace quickened again in the 25th minute.
Barcelona made the first move. Xavi intercepted a loose ball near the halfway line and passed it quickly to Henry.
The Frenchman, using his strength to shield the ball from Lúcio, attempted to drive forward. But Lúcio, ever reliable, blocked Henry's path and forced him into taking a long-range shot that Čech caught comfortably.
Atlético responded almost immediately.
Just two minutes later, Xabi Alonso launched a long diagonal pass to the left flank.
Ribéry controlled the ball with finesse and began to cut inside, facing Oleguer once more. As he reached the edge of the penalty area, he unleashed a powerful shot. Valdés, however, was equal to the effort, diving to make the save.
Barely a minute later, Atlético returned to the attack.
This time, Ribéry combined with Kaká on the left flank. Ribéry carried the ball laterally while Kaká darted diagonally toward the left wing, the pair executing a perfect crisscross run. Ribéry's clever backheel found Kaká at the corner of the penalty area.
Puyol, reading the danger, closed in quickly to confront Kaká. The two found themselves locked in a one-on-one duel near the edge of the box.
Kaká feigned an inward cut before suddenly twisting his body to head for the outside line, sprinting along the left edge of the penalty box, aiming to breach the area from the baseline.
However, Puyol, with his wealth of experience, immediately pivoted to stick close to Kaká.
Kaká's speed was incredible, but Puyol wasn't slow either.
As Kaká neared the baseline, seemingly about to run out of space, he performed a sudden stop, dragging the ball back with his left foot to attempt to leave Puyol behind.
Defending against a player of Kaká's caliber demanded everything Puyol had. Whether it was sprinting to close him down or executing other defensive maneuvers, he had to go all out just to barely keep up.
But going all out came with its risks. Against a sudden stop like Kaká's, Puyol was left vulnerable.
Caught off guard, Puyol lost his footing as he tried to match Kaká's abrupt deceleration, slipping and falling inside the penalty area.
Always a wily player, Puyol instinctively reached out as he fell. Although he avoided touching the ball, he managed to grab Kaká's jersey, yanking him off balance and causing him to stumble.
Kaká fell but immediately attempted to get up to recover the ball, which was still within arm's reach. Puyol, however, swiped at the ball with his hand before scrambling to his feet and clearing it out of play with a kick.
"Handball! Handball!"
Kaká raised both arms high, signaling to the referee.
Unfortunately for Atlético, the referee, positioned at some distance, had his view obstructed by Puyol's body and waved play on.
The match remained fiercely contested, with both teams attacking in a back-and-forth fashion.
The pace was relentless, and neither side held back, but genuine scoring opportunities were scarce.
In the 30th minute, Oleguer made a rare foray up the right flank, delivering a decent pass to Eto'o. The Cameroonian drove into the right side of the penalty area and fired a shot, but Čech was well-positioned to make the save.
Atlético responded with their own attack.
Xabi Alonso once again launched a long diagonal ball to the left flank, where Ribéry controlled it and outmaneuvered Oleguer. He cut the ball back to Torres, who shifted the ball laterally past Xavi before unleashing a powerful shot.
Unfortunately for Atlético, the effort was blocked by a sliding Rafael Márquez, deflecting off the Mexican defender's body.
As the match progressed, it became increasingly tight and evenly matched.
Possession stats stood at 53% to 47%, with neither team holding a decisive edge. Attempts on goal and attacking plays were also evenly distributed.
Barcelona's forward trio was still finding its rhythm, but Henry, in particular, seemed far more effective than in recent matches. His connections with Eto'o and Ronaldinho showed noticeable improvement.
43rd Minute: Atlético Strikes Again
Late in the first half, Atlético won the ball near the halfway line.
Xabi Alonso, surveying the field, sent another long pass out to the left flank.
For much of the first half, Atlético's strategy had been clear: relentlessly target Oleguer's side. Ribéry, in particular, focused his attacks on Barcelona's vulnerable right-back.
This time, Torres positioned himself as the central striker, with Kaká slightly deeper. Torres drifted toward the left side, drawing attention to himself, while Kaká cleverly adjusted his run, cutting diagonally toward the right side of the penalty area.
Raising his right hand, Kaká shouted, "Franck!"
Ribéry, dribbling near the top-left corner of the box, found himself pressured by both Oleguer and Edmílson, who worked together to close down his passing options.
Just then, Evra surged forward on the overlap down the left wing.
Ribéry held off the defenders long enough to pass the ball wide to Evra.
The French fullback swung in a precise left-footed cross, lofting the ball over the heads of Puyol and Márquez, whose attention was fixed on Torres at the near post.
The ball sailed to the far-right side of the six-yard box.
At that moment, Kaká arrived like a flash, perfectly timing his run to meet Evra's cross with a powerful header.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"43rd minute, Kaká does it again!"
"2–1!"
"Atlético Madrid has turned the game around!"
"Kaká has now scored in three consecutive matches!"
The Calderón exploded with jubilation. Over 50,000 Atlético fans erupted into ecstatic cheers.
Kaká raised both hands to the sky in his signature celebratory gesture, offering a prayer of thanks before turning to celebrate passionately with the crowd.
The Secret Behind Barcelona's Passing Game
In Yang Hao's past life as a writer, he had researched and written extensively about Barcelona and their distinct style of play.
Many had discussed how Barcelona's passing game drew heavily from Dutch football traditions. A key element of this system was triangular passing.
Triangular passing, at its core, involves three players forming a triangle to maintain possession and create options. While this concept wasn't unique to Barcelona—every team uses triangular passing to some extent—what set Barcelona apart was how they executed it.
Yang Hao had once read interviews with prominent European managers who noted a fascinating observation: Barcelona seemingly lacked a traditional defensive structure. Instead, their defensive strength lay in their possession game.
At first, Yang Hao found it puzzling. How could a team not have a dedicated defensive system?
The truth, he realized, was more nuanced. Barcelona didn't lack defensive principles; they simply prioritized possession above all else.
Everything Barcelona did on the pitch revolved around controlling the ball. Their players' movements were designed not just to advance the attack but to ensure they retained possession at all times.
This approach meant their famous triangular passing sequences weren't merely a tactical choice—they were a philosophy.
However, this obsession with possession came with inherent risks.
For instance, take this match as an example. If Xavi and Van der Vaart formed one triangle and needed Edmílson to step in as a third player, the defensive midfielder would abandon his position to support the possession play.
In most teams, this would be unthinkable. A holding midfielder's primary duty is to shield the defense, not to join passing triangles further up the pitch.
But Barcelona operated differently.
Edmílson was expected to step in and form another triangle, keeping possession alive.
What about the defensive duties of a holding midfielder?
Irrelevant. As long as Barça maintained control of the ball, whether or not the defensive midfielder was in position hardly mattered.
Do you see the point here?
Barça's entire tactical system existed to serve possession. Every move, every adjustment, was built around retaining the ball.
This is why other teams couldn't emulate it—even if they wanted to.
Philosophical differences aside, the risks were enormous. Attempting to replicate such a system often resulted in teams losing their defensive shape, becoming unbalanced, and turning into a chaotic mess.
Take Barça's struggles at the turn of the century, for example. The defensive disarray they faced back then was a direct consequence of prioritizing possession above all else.
Thinking about it now, doesn't Guardiola's version of Barça operate similarly?
The so-called "positional fluidity" is just another variation of this same principle.
However, it's worth noting that Rijkaard's current Barcelona wasn't yet the "purest" version of the club's footballing philosophy.
Players like Baptista had struggled to adapt to Barça's style in the past for this very reason.
Baptista's playing habits, tactical awareness, and footballing instincts—honed elsewhere—meant he couldn't fully integrate into a system designed to revolve around possession.
But Van der Vaart could.
After all, he came from the Netherlands, a country steeped in the same footballing ideals that influenced Barça.
Of course, Edmílson stepping up to join every triangle was merely a hypothetical example. He couldn't realistically be expected to abandon his defensive responsibilities entirely.
This is why the pivot, or "number 4" role, was so critical in Barcelona's tactical system.
Every other position could afford fluidity and even outright positional rotations—center-backs shifting out wide, full-backs tucking into midfield—but not the number 4. That role had to stay rooted, serving as the one stabilizing force amidst the tactical chaos.
This is also why Guardiola favored Busquets over Yaya Touré.
From Yang Hao's perspective, the number 4 in Barça's system was akin to an anchor, ensuring the team didn't drift away tactically.
In Atlético's setup, however, the number 4 acted more like a lighthouse, guiding players back into their defensive positions after pressing or attacking transitions.
Atlético's approach was far more structured, emphasizing swift recoveries to maintain their defensive shape.
So, how do you beat Barça?
The answer became evident.
Halftime Adjustments
At the break, Yang Hao addressed his players with measured calmness.
"There's a lot we could've done better in the first half," he began.
"For instance, we're still not transitioning from defense to attack quickly enough. When we regain the ball, we need to push forward faster."
"We don't need to focus on possession. Possession isn't our game. What we need is speed—pure, relentless speed. That's where our chances lie."
Yang Hao then turned to Ribéry and Kaká, the two players spearheading Atlético's left-sided attacks.
"For the second half, you'll continue targeting Oleguer. That's where we'll hurt them."
"Boss, what if they sub in Belletti?" Kaká asked, voicing a concern.
Yang Hao smirked. "I don't think Rijkaard will put in Belletti. Even though Belletti is quicker, his attacking tendencies would leave even more gaps for us to exploit. If he does, it won't matter."
Yang Hao turned to Ribéry. "Frank, do you fear him?"
"I'll destroy him!" Ribéry responded without hesitation.
The entire locker room burst into laughter.
"Alright then!" Yang Hao clapped his hands firmly.
"One more thing—don't concern yourselves with fighting for possession. Let them have the ball if they want it. Focus on pressing them as soon as they cross the halfway line. That's where we'll set up traps and force turnovers.
"When they feel the pressure, their formation will stretch to keep possession, creating weak spots. Once we win the ball, hit those spots immediately."
"Any questions?"
"No, Boss!"
Everything that needed to be said had already been covered before the game.
As the players were about to return to the pitch, Yang Hao pulled Maicon and Baraja aside for a quick word.
Both players had been tasked with the most demanding defensive roles.
Maicon had spent the entire first half staying back to counter Ronaldinho and Van Bronckhorst, while Baraja had been keeping tabs on Ronaldinho and Van der Vaart in midfield.
Their responsibilities were immense.
"Keep pushing in the second half. We can win this!" Yang Hao encouraged.
Second Half: Atlético Strikes Back
Atlético came out firing after the break.
In the 47th minute, as Barcelona advanced past midfield, Atlético's press intensified.
Torres intercepted Edmílson's pass and quickly played the ball to the left.
Ribéry used his pace to blow past Oleguer, darting into the left side of the penalty box to receive Torres' pass. However, just as Ribéry was about to shoot, Puyol slid in to block the attempt, conceding a corner.
From the ensuing set piece, Lúcio's header rattled the crossbar, drawing gasps from the crowd and leaving Barcelona visibly shaken.
Rijkaard immediately recognized the tactical adjustments Yang Hao had made.
The tempo was still fast, but Atlético's pressing was now concentrated around the midfield line rather than higher up.
Whenever Barça advanced past midfield, Atlético pounced. Upon regaining possession, they launched lightning-quick counters.
This was classic Atlético football.
Yet, Atlético occasionally pressed higher as well.
In the 53rd minute, Torres charged down Víctor Valdés as the Barcelona keeper scrambled to collect a back pass, forcing him to dive onto the ball and smother it to prevent disaster.
Two minutes later, Rijkaard made his first substitution.
Giuly came on for Edmílson.
Yang Hao raised an eyebrow—he hadn't anticipated this move.
With the substitution, Giuly took over as the right winger, Eto'o moved to the center, and Henry shifted to the left. Ronaldinho transitioned into a central role, supported by Van der Vaart, while Xavi dropped deeper into the pivot position.
The change restructured Barça's lineup and added a new attacking dynamic.
Standing on the touchline, Yang Hao observed Ronaldinho's movements closely.
The Brazilian's intent was clear—he was determined to make an impact. Competing for the Ballon d'Or against Kaká and Adriano, Ronaldinho was desperate to prove himself in this high-stakes encounter.
And he was willing to fight for it.
Ronaldinho's intensity showed when he fouled Lúcio while attempting a high press, earning himself a yellow card.
Lúcio, never one to back down, retaliated with a few choice words, leading to a brief but heated exchange between the two Brazilian internationals.
It was a sign of just how tense and fiercely competitive this match had become.
At the 59th minute, Ribéry once again launched a fierce assault down the left flank against Oleguer, creating a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, no one in the center arrived in time to finish.
Shortly after, Evra picked up a pass from Ribéry on the left wing and delivered a well-placed cross. Torres rose in the middle to meet it with a header, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
If the first half had been evenly matched and tightly contested, the second half showed a clear shift. Barça dominated possession more, but Atlético created the majority of threatening opportunities. It seemed as if both teams were focusing on different priorities.
In the 65th minute, Van Bronckhorst overlapped on the left and combined with Ronaldinho.
As Baraja, Maicon, and Xabi Alonso formed a defensive wall on the edge of the penalty area, Ronaldinho attempted a pass, but Baraja executed a perfectly-timed sliding tackle to intercept the ball.
Baraja quickly passed to Kaká, who immediately surged forward, no need to switch gears.
Xavi gave chase but couldn't keep up with Kaká's speed.
Crossing the halfway line, Kaká sent the ball out to the right flank.
For most of the match, Atlético had concentrated their attacks on the left, targeting Oleguer. This time, they suddenly switched to the right.
Robben, sprinting at full pace, reached the edge of Barça's penalty area on the right. Facing off against Marquez, he feigned heading towards the byline before pulling the ball back with a quick cut inside.
The deft move left the Mexican defender trailing, allowing Robben to charge towards the right edge of the penalty arc. From there, he unleashed a curling shot that flew directly into the top left corner of the net.
Valdés could only watch.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Minute 65, Robben scores again!"
"3-1!"
"This was a lightning-fast counterattack from Atlético."
"Kaká's run was electrifying. Xavi simply couldn't catch him."
"And look at Robben's right-wing movement—quick feet, a couple of feints, and excellent close control to break free from Marquez, cutting inside to unleash a phenomenal strike."
"It was a masterclass in counterattacking football."
"This is what Atlético excels at—direct and deadly attacks. They've simplified their play in the second half but made it even more dangerous."
"This adjustment by Yang Hao during halftime is paying off big time."
"3-1! Things are looking very bleak for Barça now."
"Only 20 minutes remain. Will Rijkaard make any bold moves to change the game?"
Rijkaard Avoids Further Risks
Rijkaard's earlier substitution of Edmílson had already disrupted Barça's midfield and defensive stability.
After conceding the third goal, in the 68th minute, Rijkaard made his second substitution, bringing on Rosický for Henry.
This change appeared more like an experiment.
With Henry subbed off, Ronaldinho shifted to the left flank, and Rosický joined Van der Vaart and Xavi in midfield.
The resulting midfield trio, composed entirely of technical playmakers, was intriguing but not particularly effective in such a high-pressure match.
Yang Hao immediately responded by making his own substitution.
In the 70th minute, Messi replaced Robben.
The Argentine youngster was greeted by raucous applause from the Atlético faithful. As his performances improved, Messi had grown increasingly beloved by the fans.
After all, who wouldn't love a young, exceptionally talented prospect from the club's own academy?
With Ronaldinho now on the left, Barça relied heavily on his individual brilliance.
He managed to draw several fouls near Atlético's penalty area, earning dangerous free-kick opportunities. However, none of these chances translated into goals.
On the other hand, Messi injected fresh energy into Atlético's attack.
In the 78th minute, Messi's dribbling run down the right flank saw him outpace multiple defenders.
Cutting inside near the top right corner of the penalty area, he played a perfectly-weighted through ball to Torres, who had made a diagonal run to the right side of the penalty spot.
Torres struck the ball cleanly, but Valdés made a spectacular save to deny him.
Both sides made further substitutions in the final minutes, but neither team was able to add to the scoreline.
Full-Time: Atlético 3–1 Barcelona
When the referee blew the final whistle, the 50,000 fans at the Calderón rose to their feet to applaud their team's heroic performance.
The loudest cheers were reserved for Kaká.
In the stands, many Atlético fans held up placards spelling out "Ballon d'Or" alongside Kaká's name. The massive Tifo was both a gift and a show of encouragement for their superstar.
Accompanied by team captain Baraja, Kaká led the entire Atlético squad in a lap of gratitude, acknowledging the fans in every section of the stadium.
"Congratulations to Atlético!"
"This was a thrilling contest, fiercely competitive from start to finish."
"Despite suffering an early setback, Atlético turned the game around with goals from Kaká, Torres, and Robben, securing a 3-1 victory over Barcelona."
"And congratulations to Kaká. In this showdown against Ronaldinho, widely hailed as a 'Ballon d'Or Battle,' he emerged victorious."
"Tonight, Kaká delivered a truly outstanding performance, showing his hunger for goals and his desire to win."
"It's becoming increasingly clear that Kaká is the leading contender for this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards."
After the final whistle, Yang Hao approached Rijkaard and Ten Cate at the visitors' bench for a quick handshake.
Their relationship was purely professional, and the exchange was brief. After a few words of courtesy, Yang Hao turned and walked away.
A Strong Start for Atlético
With this win, Atlético secured three consecutive victories to start the new season, maintaining their position at the top of the La Liga table.
Barcelona, meanwhile, dropped to ninth place with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid edged Espanyol 1-0 away from home, climbing to fifth place with six points.
This round saw both Madrid clubs emerge victorious in their respective matches against Barcelona teams—a symbolic triumph for the capital city.
Atlético remains the only team in La Liga with a perfect record of three wins.
Next Challenges
However, the real tests were just beginning.
After facing a midweek La Liga fixture in round four and another league match in round five, Atlético would travel to Highbury to take on Arsenal.
This would be another high-profile clash.
As Yang Hao had told Kaká earlier, performing well in marquee matchups carries far more weight than winning multiple ordinary games.
To bolster Kaká's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or, beating Arsenal was crucial.
More importantly, Arsenal posed the greatest threat to Atlético's ambitions of finishing first in their Champions League group.
Although the Gunners had lost Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole, they remained a formidable side.
With Van Persie stepping up in Henry's place and Clichy filling Cole's void on the left flank, Arsène Wenger had made calculated adjustments to keep his team competitive.
Yang Hao couldn't afford to underestimate such a methodical and resourceful opponent.
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