Chapter 69
As 2005 turned into 2006, the Spanish news cycle was dominated by Deportivo La Coruña.
After his initial public statement on the day of the takeover, explaining his motivation to save his hometown club and expressing his belief in the global potential of La Liga, Amancio Ortega largely disappeared from public view. Yet, the news about him and Deportivo continued to pour in.
Ortega, approaching his 70th birthday, was notoriously private. Even when his company went public, he merely released a photograph of himself. Local media in La Coruña claimed he had a greater fondness for Deportivo's women's team than its men's squad—not because of any scandalous preferences, but because Zara, his flagship brand, specialized in women's fashion.
There was even a rumor that Ortega decided to buy Deportivo simply to prevent its women's team from disbanding. While such claims were impossible to verify, Ortega's decisive actions upon taking control of the club shocked everyone.
Restructuring Deportivo
On the very day he finalized the purchase, Ortega fired Deportivo's entire executive team, replacing them with his own appointees. This move sent shockwaves through Spanish football.
Many questioned whether Ortega had lost his mind. Insiders revealed that Ortega was disgusted by the previous administration's mismanagement, which had reduced a European powerhouse to its current sorry state. Determined to clean house, he sought to transform Deportivo's culture and rebuild the club from the ground up.
Ortega also enlisted his longtime friend and La Coruña native, Luis Suárez Miramontes—the first Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or—to take a leadership role at the club. Suárez, whose career peaked at Barcelona and Inter Milan, enjoyed immense respect across European football. Previously serving as an advisor to Massimo Moratti at Inter, Suárez shared Ortega's desire to restore Deportivo to its former glory.
In an interview at Riazor Stadium, Suárez and Deportivo's new executive team outlined their vision for the club's future.
"Debt isn't the issue," Suárez explained. "The real problem is cash flow."
Deportivo's financial woes would be addressed through restructuring, with confidence that these measures would resolve the crisis.
As Suárez put it, "What seemed insurmountable to Lendoiro and the previous administration is, to us, a manageable challenge."
A New Philosophy
Deportivo's new CEO shared a revealing statistic:
"Our city has a population of just 220,000. The average attendance at Riazor is over 20,000, meaning one in ten residents comes to our games. That's our ceiling."
Unlike metropolises like Madrid or Barcelona, La Coruña lacked the population base to support ambitions on par with Spain's biggest clubs. The team's strategy would thus focus on two pillars: global expansion alongside La Liga's initiatives and local development.
Internationally, Deportivo would benefit from the trailblazing efforts of clubs like Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Domestically, the club aimed to improve its infrastructure and fan experience, drawing in supporters from the surrounding metropolitan area of over one million people.
Despite this pragmatic approach, Suárez emphasized that Deportivo remained ambitious.
"Our goal is to become a serious contender for European qualification behind the big three of La Liga."
Head coach Joaquín Caparrós retained the club's full backing. While winter signings were planned, Suárez insisted they would be cost-effective, in line with Deportivo's historical values.
A Bold Transfer Window
Deportivo's subsequent moves stunned Spanish football. Ortega's team completed a series of shrewd, low-cost signings:
Raúl Meireles from Porto for €3.5 million.Diego from Porto for €6 million.Steven Pienaar from Ajax for €1 million, as his contract would expire in June.Hedwiges Maduro from Ajax for €1.5 million.Álvaro Arbeloa from Real Madrid for €1.3 million.Antonio Valencia from Villarreal for €1.8 million.Felipe Melo from Racing Santander for €2 million.Juan from Bayer Leverkusen for €6.5 million.
These signings revitalized the squad while reducing its average age. Deportivo's roster now boasted talents like Andrade, Coloccini, Scaloni, Duscher, Valerón, and Tristán alongside its new arrivals.
Media reports revealed Ortega's no-nonsense directive: all players had six months to prove themselves or face being cut at season's end.
"From now on, Deportivo doesn't pay salaries to dead weight," one executive stated bluntly.
Calculated Spending
Despite acquiring eight players, Deportivo spent just over €20 million. The club's revamped approach was efficient, calculated, and undoubtedly guided by an expert hand.
Yang Hao couldn't believe that Ortega had orchestrated this transformation alone. While Luis Suárez's involvement added credibility, it was clear that someone with deep expertise in football operations was steering the ship.
The Return to Madrid
After wrapping up Atlético's Dubai training camp, Yang Hao learned more details about Deportivo's behind-the-scenes maneuvering upon his return to Spain.
It became apparent that Ortega's entry into football was no ordinary story. It wasn't just about saving his hometown club—it signaled a seismic shift in La Liga's landscape.
With a billionaire at the helm and a rejuvenated squad, Deportivo was poised to reclaim its place among Spain's elite. For Yang Hao and Atlético, this was one more formidable rival to contend with in their quest for glory.
"Guess Who?"
In the office at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, Miguel Gil spoke mysteriously to Yang Hao, trying to keep him in suspense.
Those around them couldn't help but chuckle.
"Jorge Mendes!" Miguel finally revealed.
Yang Hao's face lit up with a knowing expression—it was exactly what he had expected.
It made perfect sense. A major player like Amancio Ortega couldn't have orchestrated such a meticulous operation without a top-tier operator behind the scenes.
"They must have been planning this for a while," Yang guessed.
Enrique Cerezo nodded. "Apparently, it started months ago. That old fox hid it well."
For someone like Ortega—a traditionalist, advanced in years, who had risen from humble beginnings to become a global tycoon—his sharp and clear-eyed approach to Deportivo's restructuring was anything but surprising.
Deportivo's new direction was clear: to aim for European competition, even the Champions League, just below the "big three" of La Liga.
"With Ortega backing them, less than €200 million in debt can be easily restructured. Heck, the banks might even be happy to lend them more," remarked financial expert Fernando Vázquez.
Such was the difference in stature. Ortega didn't need to handle the details himself; even a minor representative from his side could effortlessly resolve the issues that had plagued Lendoiro for years.
"This man's strategic vision is incredible," remarked Carlos Leo, chuckling. "With his brand's global expansion, buying Deportivo not only wins over locals and Spaniards, but also taps into La Liga's growing global momentum.
"If it were me, I'd slap the Zara logo on Deportivo's jerseys next. It's like moving money from one pocket to the other—free advertising!"
Yang Hao laughed at the idea. And yet, it wasn't far-fetched.
A Chaotic Landscape
Yang Hao felt overwhelmed by the whirlwind of developments. European football—especially in Spain—was in absolute chaos.
Dimitar Berbatov was excelling at Valencia. Vincent Kompany had joined Sevilla. Mikel Arteta had stayed at Real Sociedad.
And to top it all off, Didier Deschamps was now managing Real Madrid.
The sheer unpredictability of it all made Yang Hao want to curse. With the current state of things, he wouldn't even be surprised if Arsène Wenger ended up managing Madrid by the summer!
"It's too messy! This has gone beyond what I imagined," Yang exclaimed.
"Judging by Deportivo's signings and new direction, they'll likely return to being a top-tier La Liga team in two years—at least on par with Valencia or Sevilla," Yang predicted.
The key would be how quickly Joaquín Caparrós could integrate the new players.
Caparrós was a respected Spanish coach. If he succeeded in revitalizing Deportivo, it could elevate his career to new heights. If not, he'd likely be shown the door just as quickly as Ortega had dismissed the old board.
With a dramatic entrance, Ortega had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with. That was what it meant to be a true powerhouse.
"Deportivo's moves won't affect us immediately, but we can't underestimate them," Yang warned the group.
Atlético's Current Position
Atlético was in an enviable position. As long as they didn't make mistakes, the league title was theirs to lose.
Their dominance mirrored Barcelona's during the early 2010s in Yang Hao's previous life.
For Barcelona to claim the title now, Atlético would have to slip up. For Real Madrid to stand a chance, both Atlético and Barça would need to falter.
By this measure, Deportivo's impact on Atlético was minimal for the current season. They were more likely to challenge clubs like Valencia, Sevilla, and Athletic Bilbao before truly threatening the big three.
This dynamic might change next season, but for now, Deportivo's emergence was more of a long-term concern than an immediate one.
For La Liga as a whole, however, Ortega's arrival was undoubtedly a positive development. It injected fresh energy and made the league even more competitive.
For Yang Hao, it was another sign that La Liga was racing toward becoming the world's top football league.
Return from Dubai
Back from Dubai, Atlético's first game was the Copa del Rey Round of 16 first leg on January 4.
They hosted Real Zaragoza at the Calderón.
The team faced a small challenge: Didier Drogba was away for the Africa Cup of Nations, and Kaká was on honeymoon—a leave Yang Hao had personally approved.
With Valencia awaiting in the league on January 8, Yang opted for heavy squad rotation.
The reshuffled lineup saw Sergio Ramos and Pepe paired in central defense, but they struggled against Diego Milito, who provided a headed assist for Cani's opening goal.
David Villa equalized for Atlético with a well-taken shot, but Milito struck again to restore Zaragoza's lead.
Atlético only managed to level the score in the 61st minute, courtesy of a David Silva goal.
The match ended 2–2.
A League Battle Against Valencia
On January 8, in the 18th round of La Liga, Atlético hosted Valencia.
Without Kaká, Yang Hao deployed a midfield trio of Andrés Iniesta, Rubén Baraja, and Xabi Alonso. Up front, Franck Ribéry, Fernando Torres, and Lionel Messi formed the attacking trident.
Atlético started strong, leveraging their home advantage to put Valencia under relentless pressure.
Carlos Marchena, returning to the Calderón, was particularly motivated, eager to prove his worth in front of Yang Hao.
After over half an hour of deadlock, Messi finally broke through in the 33rd minute. Drawing defenders with a dribble, he passed to Dani Alves on the right. Alves delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Torres volleyed it past Santiago Cañizares to open the scoring.
Valencia resorted to defensive tactics, holding on until the 69th minute. Iniesta released Messi down the right flank, and the Argentine drove into the box before squaring the ball to the back post, where Ribéry smashed it home.
The match ended 2–0 in Atlético's favor, with goals from Torres and Ribéry.
A Warning Sign for Barça
Meanwhile, Barcelona won their away match against Espanyol, edging a 2–1 victory thanks to goals from Rafael van der Vaart and Samuel Eto'o.
However, the game exposed Barça's defensive frailties. Espanyol's captain, Raúl Tamudo, frequently found gaps in their backline. Both Belletti on the right and Giovanni van Bronckhorst on the left struggled defensively.
While their attacking prowess remained formidable, Barça's defensive vulnerabilities posed a significant concern moving forward.
Yang Hao, observing their performance, couldn't help but think:
If they don't address these issues, they're bound to face trouble.
In this round of La Liga, Real Madrid secured a 1–0 away victory over Villarreal thanks to a goal by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
This marked Didier Deschamps' first La Liga match as Real Madrid's head coach.
During the match, Deschamps implemented noticeable adjustments, particularly in defense. He paired Fabio Cannavaro with Jonathan Woodgate at center-back. Woodgate's physicality, aerial ability, and positional sense complemented Cannavaro, who played a deeper role. This pairing worked well, though Woodgate's injury history remained a concern.
On the flanks, Deschamps utilized Cicinho on the right and Ashley Cole on the left, having already sold Álvaro Arbeloa to Deportivo La Coruña.
The most significant changes came in midfield, where Deschamps deployed a 4-1-4-1 formation.
Patrick Vieira operated as a lone defensive midfielder, with Zinedine Zidane, Michael Essien, David Beckham, and Joaquín forming a line of four in front of him. Van Nistelrooy played as the lone striker.
Villarreal, under Manuel Pellegrini, was known for its South American flair and attack-focused philosophy, with Juan Román Riquelme as the linchpin in midfield. Deschamps, however, successfully neutralized Riquelme, leaving the Argentine playmaker with no room to maneuver.
While Deschamps' tactical adjustments added defensive solidity, Real Madrid's performance lacked aesthetic appeal. Most of their attacking chances came from the full-backs and Joaquín, creating opportunities for Van Nistelrooy. The flashy, fluid possession style of past seasons was nowhere to be seen.
Still, after two underwhelming seasons, even an ugly win against a team like Villarreal was a significant improvement. For now, Real Madrid couldn't afford to be picky about style.
Deportivo's Revival
Meanwhile, Deportivo La Coruña, riding the momentum of its overhaul, secured a 2–1 away victory against Athletic Bilbao. This win saw Deportivo rise to 6th place in the table.
Copa del Rey: Atlético Exits
On January 11, in the second leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Atlético faced Real Zaragoza away.
With a rotated squad, Atlético took an early lead through an Arjen Robben goal. However, after a hard-fought 70 minutes, Zaragoza's Diego Milito equalized in the 77th minute, slotting one past Palop.
The match ended 1–1, and with the aggregate score tied at 3–3, Zaragoza advanced on away goals. Atlético's Copa del Rey journey ended in the Round of 16.
The day after the match, Kaká rushed back to Madrid, heading home briefly before reporting to training in Majadahonda by midday. Seeing Kaká's eagerness, Yang Hao couldn't help but feel pleased.
La Liga, Round 19: Atlético Thrashes Betis
On January 14, Atlético traveled to face Real Betis. Although Kaká had returned, Yang Hao decided not to include him in the squad, explaining that the team's preparations during the winter break had been carefully planned.
He emphasized to Kaká that the Copa del Rey elimination was within acceptable limits, and his priority should be regaining full fitness and preparing for the critical second half of the season, including the Champions League knockout stages.
In the match, Rubén Baraja opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a powerful strike from a Xabi Alonso pass. Despite his age, the Atlético captain continued to deliver strong performances.
Betis equalized when Assunção's free-kick set up Juanito to score. However, just before halftime, Robben drew a foul in the penalty area and converted the subsequent spot-kick himself to restore Atlético's lead.
In the second half, Andrés Iniesta provided a diagonal pass in the 58th minute, allowing Robben to break into the box and score with a low shot, making it 3–1.
Then, in the 77th minute, Robben completed his hat-trick. After receiving a pass from Fernando Torres at the edge of the penalty area, he moved laterally before unleashing a shot into the net.
In the dying minutes, Torres provided another assist, this time to David Villa, who came on as a substitute for Franck Ribéry. Villa's goal sealed a dominant 5–1 victory for Atlético.
This emphatic win helped dispel the gloom of their Copa del Rey exit.
Yang Hao's Perspective
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance.
"We can't expect to win every match or every trophy—that's unrealistic," he said. "But I'm proud of my players. They've given their all and performed exceptionally well."
Other La Liga Matches
In this round, Deportivo defeated Alavés 2–0 at home. Barcelona secured a 2–1 comeback victory against Athletic Bilbao, with Fernando Llorente scoring early for the Basque side. Ronaldinho equalized with a penalty before Thierry Henry netted the winner.
However, the most surprising result came at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4–2.
Zidane's Hat-Trick
Zinedine Zidane delivered a vintage performance, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist. His brilliance orchestrated the victory, earning him rapturous applause from the Bernabéu faithful.
Deschamps adopted a different approach from the previous match, employing a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Michael Ballack and Patrick Vieira formed a double pivot in midfield, with Zidane playing ahead of them. Robinho and Joaquín operated on the wings, and Van Nistelrooy led the attack.
Ballack scored the opening goal, while Zidane ran the show, guiding Real Madrid to a convincing win.
Deschamps' tactical flexibility drew praise. In the away match against Villarreal, he had employed a conservative approach, while at home against Sevilla, he opted for a more attacking setup.
The Top Five
Following this round of matches, the La Liga top five were as follows:
Atlético MadridBarcelonaReal MadridValenciaDeportivo La Coruña
In the 20th round of La Liga, Atlético Madrid continued to fine-tune the squad's fitness and form, defeating Real Zaragoza 2–0 away thanks to goals from Arjen Robben and Fernando Torres. This victory demonstrated that Atlético's earlier Copa del Rey elimination stemmed more from a lack of focus on the competition than a lack of ability.
Real Madrid, despite conceding an early goal, rallied at home to defeat Cádiz 3–1, with goals from Ashley Cole, David Beckham, and Robinho. Didier Deschamps has now overseen three consecutive La Liga victories since taking charge, making it five wins in all competitions, including the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona secured a 2–0 home win over Alavés, while Deportivo La Coruña drew 2–2 at home with Mallorca. Valencia defeated Real Betis 2–0 away, illustrating how competitive La Liga has become.
La Liga Round 21
On January 28, Atlético hosted Deportivo La Coruña in the 21st round's marquee match, broadcast worldwide. Before the game, Deportivo shocked everyone with a bold move.
They announced the termination of their sponsorship deal with Fadesa, a mid-sized Spanish company that had been sponsoring the team since 2001 with contracts renewed every two years. Following Amancio Ortega's acquisition of Deportivo, he sought to end the agreement, and after a month of negotiations, the parties reached a resolution.
Deportivo then announced a new sponsorship deal with Zara. Before traveling to Madrid for the match, the players' kits were updated with Zara's logo and prominent branding.
On the pitch, Deportivo employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Atlético responded with their usual 4-3-3. Atlético, still managing player fitness and form, faced a highly aggressive Deportivo, consistent with Joaquín Caparrós' coaching philosophy.
In the 32nd minute, Robben scored with a sharp right-wing run into the box to give Atlético the lead. However, just after the second half began, a defensive error by Sergio Ramos allowed Diego Tristán to equalize for Deportivo.
Antonio López, starting in place of the injured Patrice Evra, restored Atlético's lead, only for Joan Capdevila to equalize again with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 57th minute.
Finally, in the 82nd minute, Fernando Torres scored the decisive goal to secure a 3–2 victory for Atlético.
The match was fiercely contested, with Deportivo playing with noticeable intensity and determination. Reports suggested that Deportivo had recently cleared all outstanding wages and bonuses while demanding full commitment from their players moving forward.
Barcelona edged Mallorca 1–0 away, while Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 2–1 away.
La Liga Round 22
In the 22nd round, Real Madrid hosted Espanyol and delivered a resounding 4–0 victory, with Zinedine Zidane scoring twice. Deschamps' revamped Madrid has become an unstoppable force, with his tactical adjustments bringing stability and results.
Deportivo, however, suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Valencia.
Meanwhile, the highlight of the round was Atlético Madrid's visit to Camp Nou to face Barcelona.
Tactical Duel: Rijkaard vs. Yang Hao
Before the match, Frank Rijkaard surprised everyone with a significant tactical shift, abandoning Barcelona's usual 4-3-3 formation in favor of a 4-3-1-2 diamond:
Goalkeeper: Víctor ValdésDefenders: Sylvinho, Carles Puyol, Oleguer, and GabriMidfield: Rafael van der Vaart, Rafael Márquez, and Xavi as a defensive trio, with Ronaldinho playing as an attacking midfielder.Forwards: Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o
Yang Hao stuck with Atlético's standard 4-3-3:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Antonio López, Thiago Silva, Lúcio, and MaiconMidfield: Xabi Alonso in the holding role, Andrés Iniesta and Rubén Baraja ahead of himForwards: David Villa, Fernando Torres, and Arjen Robben
Kaká and Lionel Messi started on the bench for Atlético.
The Match
Barcelona sought to utilize Ronaldinho as their playmaking focal point, pushing the tempo early. Within the first four minutes, they created a threat from a corner kick.
Recognizing the need for better midfield coverage, Yang Hao adjusted, asking Baraja to drop deeper and support Xabi Alonso, successfully containing Ronaldinho's influence.
In the 13th minute, Atlético counterattacked after winning the ball in midfield. Iniesta delivered a precise diagonal pass to Robben, who drove forward, bypassed Sylvinho, and played a through ball to Torres, who scored—only for the goal to be disallowed for offside.
By the 20th minute, Atlético's left flank—led by Antonio López and Villa—began to dominate. Despite Rijkaard's adjustments, Barcelona struggled to contain them. In the 21st minute, Villa narrowly missed after beating Gabri and Oleguer, only for Valdés to make a crucial save.
In the 31st minute, Robben showcased his individual brilliance, dribbling past two defenders and unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that Valdés parried away.
Atlético Takes Control
Atlético's relentless pressure finally bore fruit. (Match details continue from this point.)
In the 38th minute, Baraja made a forward run to receive a pass from Iniesta before delivering a delicate lob to the right side of the penalty area. Robben charged in at full speed, heading the ball toward the center. Torres shook off Puyol and Oleguer and volleyed the ball into Barcelona's net from close range.
"Goal!!!!"
"Torres!"
"In the 38th minute, Torres scores the crucial opener for Atlético Madrid!"
"1–0!"
"This is Atlético's first goal of the night!"
The entire Camp Nou fell into silence. Disappointment was written all over the faces of countless Barcelona fans.
For the past few years, Barcelona had consistently struggled to secure victories against Atlético, and it seemed this season was no exception.
Rijkaard, standing on the sidelines, shook his head repeatedly before letting out a quiet sigh as he walked back to the bench.
On paper, Barcelona undoubtedly had the quality to match Atlético. But on the pitch, Atlético's players showed not only immense confidence but also seamless cohesion, honed through years of operating under the same tactical system.
Even without Kaká, Baraja ensured Atlético's midfield remained functional and effective. The 30-year-old veteran delivered an outstanding performance, excelling both offensively and defensively.
It was precisely this confidence in his squad that allowed Yang Hao to continue resting Kaká for this game.
"If we keep playing like this, we'll lose the second half too!" said assistant coach Henk ten Cate as Rijkaard returned to the bench.
Rijkaard nodded slightly, fully aware of the strength of Atlético. His side lacked solutions.
"We need to take the risk and fight back!" Ten Cate urged.
Rijkaard, taken aback by the assertiveness of his assistant, stared at him.
Ten Cate, known for his no-nonsense attitude, was the enforcer of the coaching duo. While Rijkaard played the good cop, Ten Cate's stern approach kept the dressing room in check. Their dynamic complemented each other well.
"You mean…" Rijkaard began hesitantly.
"Take the gamble in the second half and fight them head-on!" Ten Cate insisted.
The idea seemed too risky to Rijkaard. "But if it doesn't work, we…"
"We lose anyway," Ten Cate interrupted. "What's the difference? We're already trailing by a goal. With our defense, we won't hold Atlético off. If we want a chance, it has to be by matching their attack."
Rijkaard pondered.
As the first half drew to a close, Atlético began applying relentless pressure, dominating possession and pushing Barcelona deep into their own half.
Torres, Villa, Antonio López, and Robben constantly threatened the Barcelona defense, taking repeated shots on goal. At one point, Robben was brought down in the box by Puyol, but the referee waved play on, sparing Barcelona from conceding a penalty.
Rijkaard exhaled in relief but also reached a resolution in his heart.
Maybe Ten Cate was right. Enough holding back.
If Atlético was going to play aggressively, Barcelona needed to respond with even greater intensity to have any hope of victory. Playing cautiously and defensively would only ensure defeat.
Halftime Adjustments
During the halftime break, Rijkaard made a bold substitution.
He replaced Oleguer, who had performed poorly, with Giuly. Marquez dropped into the backline to partner Puyol, and Barcelona reverted to a 4-3-3 formation:
Midfield: Xavi sitting deep, with Van der Vaart and Ronaldinho positioned further forward.Attack: Henry, Eto'o, and Giuly as a front three.
Yang Hao was taken aback by the change. In his memory, Rijkaard had never taken such a high-risk approach before. The restructured formation essentially left Barcelona's midfield exposed, signaling an intent to go all-in on attack.
Recognizing the danger, Yang Hao immediately walked to the touchline and instructed his players to stay focused and vigilant.
The second half began with Barcelona launching an aggressive offensive, applying high pressing in Atlético's half.
In the 54th minute, Ronaldinho received a pass near the edge of the box, turned swiftly, and lifted a pinpoint lob over Baraja. Henry charged onto the ball on the left side and unleashed a ferocious strike, but Čech made a spectacular diving save.
However, as the rebound fell into the box, Eto'o was in the right place at the right time to slot it into the net.
1–1!
Camp Nou erupted.
Rijkaard, overwhelmed with excitement, rushed out of the technical area, cheering loudly and losing himself in the moment. The roar of nearly 100,000 Barcelona fans filled the stadium.
For Rijkaard, this was a transformative moment. Known for his reserved nature and cautious strategies, this gamble felt like a revelation. He had dared to take a risk, and it had paid off. The rush of reward from his bravery was electrifying.
On the opposite sideline, Yang Hao shook his head in exasperation.
"What can I say?" he muttered to himself. "Even a cornered rabbit fights back."
Rijkaard, pushed to his limit, had no choice but to take this gamble, and now the match was wide open.
Yang Hao's Countermove
If Barcelona wanted a shootout, Atlético would oblige.
Yang Hao quickly turned to his bench and signaled for Messi to begin warming up.
Messi, fueled by a personal vendetta against Barcelona, always brought an extra edge when facing his former club. Yang Hao had full confidence in his young star to make an impact.
Kaká might be Atlético's first Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner.
But Messi was their first Golden Boy.
"Go, Messi. Show Barcelona what you're capable of!"
"They're leaving gaps in their defensive positioning. Look for opportunities to dribble through them."
Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch, fully aware of the task Yang Hao had entrusted to him. Positioned on the right flank and drifting into the right half-space, the entire right side of Atlético's attack was now his to command, especially with Kaká absent.
Barcelona, however, had fortified this area. Whether it was Sylvinho or the deep-dropping Xavi, they were quick to close down Messi whenever he received the ball, creating significant challenges for the young Argentine.
One such moment earlier in the game saw Messi cut inside after dribbling past Sylvinho, only to be fouled by Xavi charging forward.
From the 60th minute when Messi came on, 13 minutes had already passed, and he was yet to find a way to penetrate Barcelona's defense. Frustration began to creep in.
As he attempted to dribble past Sylvinho again, Messi was physically blocked by the Brazilian, prompting him to shove Sylvinho aside in irritation.
The referee blew his whistle, signaling for calm between the two players.
"Leo."
The Atlético attack in the second half was heading towards the goal on the side of the coaches' technical areas. Hearing Yang Hao call out to him, Messi turned and saw his coach gesturing with a calm-down signal.
"Don't rush. Take your time. Trust yourself, OK?"
Messi nodded firmly.
He saw Yang Hao motioning for him to drop slightly deeper. The Barcelona coaching staff, including Rijkaard and Ten Cate, watched closely, making it difficult to shout out instructions directly.
Unlike Rijkaard, who liked to whistle to get his players' attention and then gesture, Yang Hao avoided such habits. He simply called his players by name and used clear hand signals.
Messi took a deep breath, steadying himself.
Atlético continued probing Barcelona's defense with ground passes and intricate play, aiming to penetrate through their lines. Without Kaká, Iniesta took on the task of pushing forward but was forced to retreat under pressure from Barcelona's midfield.
Messi, seeing this, also retreated into midfield to support.
As Xabi Alonso dropped deep into Atlético's half to receive the ball, he turned and scanned the field, spotting Messi raising his hand near the midfield line.
Xabi Alonso quickly passed the ball to him but immediately regretted it.
Sylvinho was already closing in on Messi at full speed.
"Careful, Leo!" Xabi Alonso shouted, gesturing for Messi to pass back. Behind him, Lucio was stepping forward to offer support.
Messi, just past the halfway line, positioned himself slightly to the left to receive the ball. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Sylvinho charging in.
In an instant, Messi made a split-second decision.
If he controlled the ball here, Sylvinho would immediately dispossess him or at least pin him down, forcing him into a defensive duel and halting any forward progress.
Instinctively, Messi stepped back to create a small pocket of space to control the ball.
As the ball reached him, Messi executed a subtle move, tilting his body towards Sylvinho and feigning intent to dribble down the touchline. His head and hand gestures all pointed to an outward movement, causing Sylvinho to shift his weight instinctively.
But Messi's first touch with his right foot brought the ball toward his left.
Sylvinho reacted quickly, stretching out his leg to intercept.
Messi, however, anticipated this. With a deft touch from his left foot, he nudged the ball past Sylvinho, changing direction and leaving the Brazilian completely fooled.
The sequence was so seamless—two touches combined with a convincing fake—that Sylvinho was utterly outmaneuvered.
Still, the veteran defender wasn't about to let Messi escape so easily.
As Messi accelerated, Sylvinho resorted to tugging at his jersey and sticking out a leg, attempting to halt the young Argentine. The brief contact caused Messi to stumble, but he recovered his balance almost instantly, pushing the ball forward again with his left foot and surging past Sylvinho.
Van der Vaart immediately rushed over to intercept.
The Dutchman had a positional advantage, stepping in to block Messi's path.
Messi reacted with lightning speed, poking the ball through Van der Vaart's legs and darting around him to reclaim it.
A collective gasp erupted from the Camp Nou crowd.
Many fans hadn't fully grasped what had just unfolded. In a matter of seconds, Messi had outclassed Sylvinho and Van der Vaart with jaw-dropping skill.
By the time the stunned spectators processed what had happened, Messi was already charging forward with the ball at his feet.
Sylvinho and Van der Vaart gave chase, but Messi's close control and pace rendered their efforts futile. The ball seemed glued to his feet.
Ahead, Barcelona's defensive line braced itself.
Xavi had dropped between the two center-backs, with Puyol stepping out to confront Messi directly.
Sylvinho shadowed Messi's right side, attempting to force him into Barcelona's defensive trap.
Still, Messi pressed on. Stopping now would only result in him being surrounded.
Reaching the edge of the penalty area, Messi maintained his speed, heading straight for Puyol.
The Barcelona captain carefully tracked Messi's movements, analyzing each touch and step to time his challenge perfectly.
However, as Puyol calculated his move, Messi was calculating his.
This type of calculation doesn't require conscious analysis. It's an instinct honed over years of playing football, a subconscious reaction born from experience.
When Puyol felt confident about intercepting Messi's dribble, Sylvinho's instincts told him something slightly different. The Brazilian noticed that Messi seemed just a bit slower—a fleeting realization.
For most of the chase, Sylvinho had been unable to catch Messi. But now, he suddenly found himself slightly ahead of the Argentine.
There was only one explanation: Messi had slowed down.
Perhaps it was due to the long sprint; fatigue might have set in.
The moment Sylvinho thought he had gained an edge, he decided it was time to make his move.
Both Puyol and Sylvinho stepped in simultaneously, each confident they could dispossess Messi.
But just as both Barcelona defenders committed to their tackles, Messi unexpectedly accelerated.
It was a fraction of a second, but it was enough. Messi moved faster than either defender had anticipated, arriving in the critical zone ahead of their tackles.
Before their legs could even connect with the ball, Messi's left foot nudged it sideways, while his body shifted slightly toward the center of the pitch.
Puyol and Sylvinho, unable to stop their momentum, collided into each other.
Xavi, tracking back from midfield, was shocked and instinctively launched into a sliding tackle. There was no way he could allow Messi to break into the penalty area.
But as Xavi went to ground, Messi deftly flicked the ball with his left foot, dodging the challenge. With his right foot, he pushed the ball forward, bursting into the penalty area.
All of this happened in a flash.
Barcelona's impenetrable defensive wall had crumbled in an instant, completely dismantled by Messi.
As Messi entered the penalty area with the ball, Víctor Valdés made the split-second decision to rush out from goal.
By now, Messi wasn't thinking about anything else. The only thing in his mind was the Barcelona goalkeeper standing between him and glory.
He knew this was it—a one-on-one, the final obstacle.
With quick, controlled steps, Messi closed in on Valdés. Feinting with his left shoulder, he appeared to shift the ball to his right, as though preparing to cut centrally.
The movement baited Valdés into going to ground, stretching out his leg in an attempt to block the shot.
Messi instantly switched the ball to his right foot, sidestepping the goalkeeper and continuing his charge forward.
Óscar López, racing back across the penalty area, made a desperate sliding tackle to block the shot.
But Messi's response was faster. He struck the ball with his right foot, sending a rising shot over López.
The ball zipped through the air, spinning as it found its way into Barcelona's net.
Messi's momentum carried him past the byline, his face a mix of exhilaration and determination.
"Messi! Messi! Messi!!!"
"GOAL!!!!"
"Wow! Wow!!"
"Messi!!! Messi!!!"
"Oh my God, Messi!"
"He single-handedly dribbled past five Barcelona defenders and scored for Atlético to retake the lead!"
"This is absolutely unbelievable!!!"
Messi charged off the pitch in celebration, trailed by his ecstatic Atlético teammates.
It was a goal no one could have foreseen.
The Camp Nou erupted—not in boos, but in sheer disbelief and awe.
No one had bothered to count how many players Messi had beaten. Everyone was consumed by a singular thought: Messi is incredible!
"At this moment, Messi is channeling the spirit of Maradona!!"
"Messi! The great Messi!"
"He has inherited the best of Maradona's legacy! Starting from near the halfway line, he dribbled past five Barcelona defenders, carving a path straight through their defense!"
"He beat five players—and that doesn't even include López at the end!"
"Sylvinho, Van der Vaart, Puyol, Xavi, Valdés…"
"Five Barcelona defenders couldn't stop Messi!"
"Rijkaard has every reason to despair. His players couldn't do anything against Messi's brilliance!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Let's relive the entire sequence one more time."
"A couple of touches to get past Sylvinho, then Van der Vaart…"
"My God, this is a goal fit for royalty!"
"In just under 12 seconds, Messi covered 57 meters, made 13 touches, and beat five players."
"This is Messi!"
"A goal reminiscent of Maradona's masterpiece at the World Cup. Tonight, Messi is possessed by the soul of Maradona!"
"I'm at a loss for words to describe what I'm feeling right now."
"All I can do is bow in reverence!"
Around the stadium, Barcelona fans—shocked moments earlier—were now applauding in admiration.
Even as rivals, they couldn't help but acknowledge the magnificence of what they had just witnessed.
Rijkaard threw up his hands in surrender, as though conceding defeat to Messi's genius.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, leaped out of the technical area, punching the air in pure exhilaration.
As his managerial career progressed, Yang Hao had learned to temper his emotions. But tonight's goal was different.
On the Atlético bench, Kaká and the substitutes erupted in cheers, spilling onto the pitch in celebration.
This wasn't just a goal—it was a masterpiece.
In that moment, Yang Hao was struck by a profound realization:
This version of Messi is even better than the one from my past life.
Pulling off a solo goal like this required more than just extraordinary technique. It demanded physical strength to withstand challenges, incredible stamina, and unyielding resilience.
During the entire sequence, Messi faced constant pulling, shoving, and body checks from defenders. Without top-tier physical conditioning, it would have been impossible to maintain control.
And the endurance required?
Anyone who's sprinted 50 meters at full tilt knows the burning exhaustion that follows. Arms and legs grow sluggish; precision falters.
Yet Messi—despite it all—completed the move with perfection.
This is why many players, after a long run or dribbling through several defenders, end up with a weak final shot or miss entirely.
It's not that they don't want to finish well—it's that they physically can't. At that critical moment, they simply don't have the stamina to complete the action.
But from Messi's execution earlier, even after running 57 meters, his touch remained precise and his shot decisive. This alone demonstrates how robust his physical conditioning is.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Messi achieved a similar feat only in 2007, and that was against a weaker side like Getafe.
But now, in 2006, Messi has already done it—against Barcelona!
This is the Messi that Yang Hao has cultivated!
He's stronger and more refined than the Messi from Yang Hao's past life.
Especially since beginning physical enhancement training under Ortega and Roca a few years ago, Messi's discipline far surpasses that of his peers.
This dazzling display of dribbling past five defenders may seem like a sudden burst of brilliance, but it's the culmination of years—indeed, over a decade—of dedication and development.
It was a breakout performance, broadcast live to the entire world!
Yang Hao could already imagine the reaction. By tomorrow morning—or even before the match ended—social media and every football fan across the globe would be abuzz.
This was undoubtedly a performance worthy of a football king!
"Leo."
As play resumed, Yang Hao called out to Messi from the sideline, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Well done!"
Messi smiled back. For him, nothing felt better than receiving praise from his coach.
Yang Hao also gestured for Messi to push further forward.
Barcelona, now down another goal, was showing signs of morale breaking—perfect for Atlético to press their advantage and seal the game.
Messi acknowledged the instruction with a signal of his own.
In the 81st minute, Atlético regained possession in midfield. Xabi Alonso passed the ball to Iniesta.
Iniesta drove forward, skillfully evading Xavi's challenge, and upon reaching the edge of the box, sent a diagonal pass toward Messi.
Messi, positioned in the right channel, received the ball under pressure from Puyol. With a quick feint suggesting a run toward the right flank, Messi suddenly cut inside, dragging the ball to his left foot and unleashing a curling shot.
The ball arced beautifully into the top left corner of the net.
3–1!
"GOAL!!!!"
"It's Messi again!"
"A brace for the Argentine magician!"
"Since coming on as a substitute, Messi has been nothing short of spectacular," the commentator exclaimed.
"You can see Barcelona's defenders have almost lost the will to stop him."
"Just now, Puyol was deceived so easily by Messi's feint."
After scoring, Messi sprinted toward the stands in celebration, his joy palpable.
Yet as fans assumed Messi's show-stopping performance was over and Barcelona resigned themselves to defending against Atlético's onslaught, Messi struck again in the 88th minute.
Breaking down the right wing, Messi outpaced Sylvinho and cut inside.
Barcelona's defensive line had pulled back, crowding the edge of the box. Puyol, Xavi, and Van der Vaart were all stationed there, ready to intercept.
Undeterred, Messi surged toward the trio, undaunted by their numbers.
Just when it seemed he was about to dribble through them again, Messi shocked everyone with a perfectly weighted diagonal pass.
The ball slipped neatly between Puyol and Xavi, landing at Fernando Torres' feet in the center of the box.
With his back to goal, Torres controlled the ball, spun sharply, and fired with his left foot.
The shot was swift and decisive, beating Valdés for Atlético's fourth goal of the night.
4–1!
Torres sprinted to the sidelines in jubilation, motioning for Messi to join him.
The entire Atlético squad rushed in to celebrate, forming a tight huddle on the sidelines.
"There's no doubt about it—he's an out-and-out genius!"
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao openly praised Messi.
"That goal was a masterpiece. It's reminiscent of Maradona's iconic World Cup goal, but I don't think Messi is the next Maradona because no one can be."
"Maradona is a legend, a totem that inspires us all. But Messi isn't the next Maradona—he's Lionel Messi!"
Yang Hao didn't hold back his admiration, expressing his belief that Messi would go on to become one of football's all-time greats, as long as he remained committed.
"He was born to play football. I'm confident he'll continue to deliver more magical moments like this."
Even as an opponent, Barcelona's manager, Rijkaard, couldn't help but acknowledge Messi's brilliance, though his focus was on his team's defensive errors.
"Atlético has so many outstanding players, including Kaká, who didn't even play tonight. Then there's Robben and Ribéry—they're all top-tier talents. Before the match, I told my players that they had to foul Atlético's stars before they gained momentum."
Rijkaard shrugged helplessly.
"I know some might criticize me for saying this, but we had no choice. It was the only way to stop them."
The Dutchman admitted that Barcelona's defense lacked aggression.
"Van der Vaart and Xavi were too polite. They should have fouled Messi before he picked up speed. But they didn't, and Messi punished us for it."
"That said, Messi is an extraordinary talent. His potential is limitless. I think his goal tonight might even have been quicker than Maradona's World Cup masterpiece—but I can't say I like it."
"After all, it was scored against us," Rijkaard added with a bittersweet smile.
As Yang Hao had predicted, Messi's dazzling display in this globally broadcast match set the football world ablaze.
Fans everywhere were in awe.
The goal went viral almost instantly, dominating headlines and social media.
Spanish newspaper Marca featured Messi on its front page with the bold headline: "Messidona!"
Spain's most influential sports publication lavished praise on Messi, describing his two goals and assist as a performance that completely dictated the match.
"He may have scored one of the most spectacular goals in football history!"
"Even Camp Nou's fans gave him a standing ovation after the match."
Meanwhile, AS dubbed the night as "Messi's Night."
The pro-Real Madrid outlet couldn't hide its envy, declaring that in a single evening, the world had found its most likely heir to the throne of football's next king: Lionel Messi.
"He paid tribute to his predecessor by replicating Maradona's iconic goal!"
Even rival publications like Diario Sport and Mundo Deportivo couldn't help but surrender to the brilliance of Messi's extraordinary goal.
"At Camp Nou, Messi evoked the spirit of Maradona with a goal that commands reverence from everyone who witnessed it!"
Argentina's largest sports newspaper, Olé, also heaped immense praise on Messi's goal, predicting it would go down in football history.
Olé noted that over the years, Argentina had seen numerous "New Maradonas" emerge, but none had ever come as close as Messi to perfectly replicating Maradona's brilliance—especially on a world-class stage like this, against Barcelona.
Beyond the media frenzy, European football legends also voiced their admiration.
Former Real Madrid sporting director and Argentine great Jorge Valdano, speaking immediately after the match, highlighted how Messi's and Maradona's goals reflected the footballing ethos of their respective eras.
"Maradona's goal had more pauses and bursts of acceleration, while Messi's was a seamless display of speed and direction changes. His goal combined dribbling, technique, creativity, and ambition—it encapsulated everything football is about!"
Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque also praised Messi, saying, "That goal was a masterpiece, blending speed, dribbling, patience, and a superb finish. Only players with exceptional technical ability could achieve something like that."
"And in the major leagues—especially in a high-level clash like Atlético versus Barça—only Messi could have pulled it off!"
Even Txiki Begiristain, Barcelona's technical director and a fierce rival, couldn't hold back his admiration.
"At that moment, every fan in the stadium rose to their feet!"
"He truly is an extraordinary talent."
Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to the 1986 World Cup victory, also spoke to the media about Messi's performance.
"I saw Messi's goal, and his performance was outstanding," said Bilardo.
"He has all the attributes to become a superstar—speed, technique, agility. We all have high expectations for him."
"But I agree with Atlético's coach, Yang Hao, in saying that Messi shouldn't aim to be the next Maradona. He should strive to be the first Messi."
"We're all waiting for the day when he lifts the World Cup for Argentina."
Argentina's highest-rated television program dedicated an episode to Messi's goal, even traveling to Buenos Aires to interview football legend Diego Maradona.
Maradona revealed he had watched the match live.
"I already know who will replace me as the icon of Argentine football," said Maradona.
"His name is Lionel Messi."
Just how impactful was Messi's goal?
Atlético's new media team, recently reinforced with younger, more creative hires, had already edited and uploaded a video of the goal to YouTube and other social media platforms before the match even ended.
They used multiple angles and varying speeds to break down and replay Messi's dribble and finish, giving fans worldwide a chance to witness the sheer magic.
As global news outlets picked up on Messi's replication of Maradona's goal, the video quickly went viral. In less than 24 hours, it amassed over 5 million views, making it the fastest-growing video in YouTube's history at that point.
Atlético wasted no time capitalizing on the moment, releasing another video that juxtaposed Messi's goal with Maradona's legendary strike, inviting fans to draw their own comparisons and decide who was better.
This second video also went viral, quickly dominating the internet. A survey revealed that 70% of viewers thought Messi's goal was faster, more visually stunning, and ultimately superior.
In just a few short hours, these two viral hits not only brought a flood of new followers to Atlético's digital platforms but also caused a significant spike in YouTube traffic, dramatically increasing its user base.
The buzz extended beyond the internet and into the real world.
The day after the match, Spain's national broadcaster contacted Atlético's media relations team to request an exclusive interview with Messi, which Yang Hao promptly approved.
That same day, Atlético's marketing department informed Yang Hao that multiple sponsors had reached out, eager to sign Messi as their brand ambassador. Among them were global giants like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.
After consulting with Messi and his family, Atlético ultimately chose PepsiCo, which offered a lucrative €1.5 million annual deal for a two-year contract.
In the following days, additional sponsorship offers poured in, with companies lining up to associate themselves with Messi's rising star. This prompted Atlético's marketing department to recognize the enormous commercial potential Messi represented.
With his first endorsement payment, Messi immediately bought a plot of land near Yang Hao's neighborhood, where he planned to build a villa for his entire family to live in.
Messi wasn't the only one investing in property nearby—Kaká, Torres, and Iniesta had all purchased homes in or near Yang Hao's neighborhood, close to Atlético's training ground in Majadahonda.
Even Real Madrid stars like Raúl and Iker Casillas lived in the area.
Interestingly, Messi became the first among Atlético's younger players to purchase property, even if it was just land.
Sergio Ramos, not wanting to be left out, publicly declared his own intentions:
"I may not be a football king, but I can at least live next to one!"
"Alright, I give up. I surrender. I'm done betting."
With Atlético only playing once a week, Yang Hao gave the team and coaching staff a rare day off. That evening, Miguel Gil invited Yang Hao out for drinks, visibly frustrated.
The buzz surrounding Messi's performance had reached fever pitch, and his market value had skyrocketed.
"As it stands, Messi's worth is easily over €100 million. How much more, though, is anyone's guess," Miguel Gil lamented.
Even Atlético's financial officer, Fernando Vázquez, had warned Miguel that Messi's €150 million release clause might no longer be sufficient, suggesting it was time to increase it.
Reluctantly, Miguel agreed. Messi's exceptional performance—and that of Ángel Di María—made it imperative.
"Alright, Yang, just name your price. How much do you want?" Miguel finally conceded, fully resigned to Yang's unparalleled eye for talent.
"And remember, you once said, 'loser pays half.'"
"Oh, quit your whining!" Yang laughed.
"First, you talk about fairness, and now you're playing the pity card?"
Miguel could only laugh sheepishly, throwing up his hands in exasperation.
"I swear, I'll never bet against you again. It's too humiliating!"
Having lost two high-stakes wagers to Yang Hao already, Miguel was ready to cut his losses.
"Give me 35% more of the club's shares, and I'll transfer full ownership of Messi and Di María to Atlético. That's fair, isn't it?" Yang proposed after careful consideration.
Setting aside the new stadium and real estate project, Atlético Madrid's current market value alone made Yang Hao's request seem like a bargain. Clearly, he was holding back out of goodwill.
Miguel Gil could sense Yang Hao's intentions: he wasn't trying to take over Atlético entirely, just to secure control of the club. For Yang Hao, 55% ownership was enough.
"It's fair," Miguel said decisively. "I'll discuss it with Enrique, but Messi needs to renew his contract as soon as possible. If someone poaches him, we'll be in real trouble."
In truth, Miguel understood that Yang Hao was Atlético's core strength. Without Yang Hao, neither he nor Enrique Cerezo could manage the club successfully. If it came down to it, it would be them, not Yang Hao, who would have to leave.
Luckily, their partnership with Yang Hao—both professionally and personally—was solid. As Atlético grew stronger, everyone involved benefited.
In just six short years, Atlético had gone from near-bankruptcy, with stocks worth next to nothing, to becoming one of the most dominant teams in world football. Once the new stadium was completed, the club's valuation could easily exceed €1 billion.
What better investment could there be?
Before meeting Yang Hao, Miguel had already spoken to Enrique Cerezo.
"Enrique will keep 10% of the shares, you'll have 55%, and I'll take 35%. We'll keep working together."
Yang Hao had no objections.
As for any internal dealings between Miguel and Enrique, that was none of Yang Hao's concern. His only priority was securing 55% ownership to take charge of the club's decision-making.
Atlético soon made an official announcement: the club would begin contract renewal talks with Messi.
Yang Hao met privately with Messi and his father Jorge to explain the situation, including his transfer of ownership of Messi and Ángel Di María to Atlético.
"For years, your registration was under Atlético, but I held your ownership rights. Now they're officially with Atlético, and since I'm a majority shareholder, nothing changes for you."
Messi and his family were thrilled.
"Leo, keep doing your best," Yang Hao said with encouragement. "I believe you're just getting started. One day, you'll stand shoulder to shoulder with Maradona!"
Inspired by Yang Hao's words, Messi beamed with determination. Soon after, Messi and Atlético announced a contract extension. His salary jumped to €5 million per year—a staggering amount for an 18-year-old.
But the biggest shock was Messi's new release clause: €300 million.
This was unprecedented.
Even within Atlético, people were taken aback. The previous clause of €150 million was already seen as sky-high, and increasing it to €300 million seemed excessive.
When questioned about it, Yang Hao explained confidently:
"What happens if one day a billionaire comes along and slaps down €200 million? What will you do then?"
This prompted laughter all around.
"That's impossible!"
"Come on, Yang, the highest transfer fee in history is Joaquín's €80 million. €200 million? Where's this fairy-tale billionaire coming from?"
"Yang, I respect you in every other way, but this time, you're exaggerating."
Yang Hao smirked. "You've clearly never met a real billionaire."
In truth, even €300 million didn't feel secure to Yang Hao, but legal and regulatory constraints made it difficult to go higher without increasing Messi's salary even further. At €5 million per year, Messi was already earning more than Robben and Ribéry, whose salaries were €4 million.
Yang Hao suggested that the club review their contracts at the end of the season as well. It was the nature of young talent: as they improved, frequent renewals were inevitable.
Just as Barcelona had repeatedly extended Ronaldinho's contract from 2003 to 2006, Atlético would need to adjust to its rising stars' demands.
The club's financial team needed to keep up, finding ways to increase revenue to sustain the team's growth. Otherwise, they risked crossing the 50% debt threshold, forcing Yang Hao to make tough cuts.
February 12th, La Liga Round 23: Atlético hosted Real Sociedad and secured a 1–0 win thanks to Kaká's goal.
This was Kaká's first match since returning from the winter break, coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, reeling from their defeat to Atlético, lost 0–1 to Valencia, with Berbatov scoring the decisive goal.
Real Madrid, under Didier Deschamps, continued their resurgence with a 2–0 away win against Athletic Bilbao. The team's defense had noticeably improved, a testament to Deschamps' coaching skills.
With this victory, Real Madrid overtook Barcelona to climb to second place in the league standings, trailing only Atlético.
February 19th, La Liga Round 24:
Real Madrid triumphed 3–0 at home against Alavés, with another convincing performance under Deschamps.
Barcelona, playing at home, defeated Real Betis 4–1, thanks to hat-tricks from Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho.
Atlético faced Getafe away, winning 3–0 with goals from Kaká, Messi, and Torres.
The "Big Three" of La Liga—Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona—continued to dominate the standings.
After defeating Getafe, Atlético returned to Madrid for a brief rest before departing for London.
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