Chapter 81
In modern football, where tactics are more holistic than ever, the "weakest link theory" often determines a team's floor. The weakest part of a team will ultimately define its vulnerability, especially in high-stakes clashes.
Previously, Atlético Madrid's weakest link was their central defense. Now, Real Madrid's Achilles' heel is their right-back.
Michel Salgado, even at his peak, wasn't considered world-class. Rumors long suggested that his prolonged stay at Real Madrid owed much to his connection with former president Lorenzo Sanz—his father-in-law.
During the Galácticos era, when the squad was filled with superstars in attack, Salgado's defensive abilities often drew criticism. Eventually, his position was usurped by the newly arrived Brazilian Cicinho.
Now in his 30s, few thought Salgado would retain his place in the squad. But a severe injury sidelined Cicinho, leaving Salgado as the primary option.
Heading into the Madrid Derby, analysts, pundits, and even casual fans highlighted Salgado as a significant liability for Real Madrid's defense.
Salgado was clearly the weakest link on the field.
All predictions pointed toward Yang Hao exploiting this vulnerability. Sure enough, Arjen Robben was stationed on the left flank, relentlessly attacking Salgado.
In one-on-one situations, Salgado was no match for Robben. This forced Real Madrid's other defenders, like Walter Samuel or Michael Essien, to drift toward the right side to help.
Atlético, meanwhile, concentrated their forces on the same flank. Andrés Iniesta, Fernando Torres, and even Patrice Evra advanced, creating a scenario where almost all of Atlético's offensive resources were targeting Real Madrid's right side.
This defensive overload left Real Madrid with a nearly unsolvable problem.
Robben's speed constantly forced Salgado to retreat. When Essien or Samuel moved closer to assist, Atlético's overlapping fullback, Evra, became an even bigger threat.
To further complicate matters, Kaká began drifting toward the left-center area, drawing attention from Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, and even Michael Ballack, leaving even less defensive cover for Salgado.
Real Madrid had no choice but to tighten their defensive structure on the right side to avoid being torn apart. But this compactness left the opposite flank dangerously exposed.
Observers watching from the stands or on television could easily recognize Atlético's strategy—horizontal switches.
When a defense collapses inward to protect one side, quick cross-field passes can create wide-open opportunities on the opposite flank.
With Lionel Messi lurking on the right wing, Yang Hao's intent was clear: stretch Real Madrid's defense until it broke.
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A Tactical Masterclass
Before the match, Yang Hao had instructed Messi and Robben to keep the width of the pitch as wide as possible during attacks.
In the 17th minute, the plan came to life.
Atlético had possession in Real Madrid's final third. Xabi Alonso stood centrally, directing traffic with a clear view of the attack.
On the left flank, Evra pushed high, drawing Salgado's attention. Robben, positioned closer to the half-space, attempted to pull Salgado out of position. The right-back hesitated—if he moved too centrally, Evra would be free to attack the wing.
Meanwhile, Iniesta loitered nearby, waiting for a pass.
Real Madrid's defensive line tightened on the left side. Their backline, along with Ballack, Essien, and Pirlo, focused on Atlético's movement in that area. Ashley Cole and Ballack kept an eye on the space just outside the penalty box.
However, to anyone watching live in the stadium, the right side of Real Madrid's defense was glaringly empty.
And Messi? The Argentine genius strolled nonchalantly on the right wing, occasionally glancing toward the ball as if uninvolved in the play.
Was he truly uninvolved?
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The moment arrived. Xabi Alonso passed forward to Iniesta, who deftly redirected the ball toward Robben without stopping it.
Robben received the ball with his back to goal, taking a step toward the center to occupy Essien and Pirlo.
Torres, meanwhile, positioned himself next to Cannavaro, ready to spring forward. Ashley Cole edged closer to Cannavaro for support, leaving space behind him.
Kaká hovered nearby, giving Robben a passing option. As Robben flicked the ball back to Kaká, the Brazilian controlled it with his right foot and prepared to surge forward.
The movement caused Ballack, Cannavaro, and Pirlo to converge on Kaká.
Suddenly, Messi raised his hand on the far side, calling for the ball.
At the same time, Torres shouted Kaká's name and darted into the box, pulling Real Madrid's defenders out of position.
Kaká, seemingly unfazed by the pressure, instinctively delivered a diagonal pass toward the right side of the penalty area.
The ball soared across the field and landed perfectly at Messi's feet.
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The Argentine star, now completely unmarked, took one touch to control the ball and began advancing toward the six-yard box.
Ashley Cole turned and sprinted back, desperately trying to intercept.
"Kaká delivers a diagonal pass!"
"There's an opportunity!"
"Real Madrid's left side is completely exposed!"
"Messi has it—he's through on goal!"
"GOAL!!!!"
"MESSI! MESSI!"
"In the 17th minute, Atlético takes the lead against Real Madrid!"
"Messi beats Casillas with a calm right-footed finish!"
"This is Atlético Madrid at its finest!"
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Messi's goal was the result of flawless team coordination and tactical execution. Yang Hao's plan was simple but devastatingly effective: exploit Salgado's weakness to create defensive overloads and isolate Messi on the far side.
Real Madrid's defense, already stretched thin, had no answers for such precise movement and passing.
In the dugout, Wenger watched the play unfold and frowned deeply.
"This can't be it," he thought.
Was this really the extent of Yang Hao's strategy?
No, Wenger knew there was more to come.
Something about Atlético's relentless focus on Salgado felt like a deliberate decoy—a setup for an even more devastating blow.
Yang Hao wasn't the type to rely on just one trick.
And that realization sent a chill down Wenger's spine.
"We were just discussing how Atlético had been focusing their attacks on the left flank since the opening whistle, while the right flank seemed less active."
"But in the blink of an eye, Atlético's right side produced a goal!"
"If they don't attack, it's fine. But when they do, it's lethal!"
After scoring, Messi turned around and sprinted out of the pitch, arms spread wide in celebration. The entire Calderón Stadium erupted, chanting his name in unison. Overcome with emotion, the Argentine shouted in joy as Kaká and his teammates rushed to embrace him tightly.
"That was Messi's first shot of the game, and he made the most of it with a clinical finish!"
"1-0!"
"It's clear this was Atlético's strategy all along."
"Yang Hao loves exploiting defensive weaknesses through quick switches in play."
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Arsène Wenger stood near the visitors' dugout, watching Atlético's players celebrating wildly on the sidelines. He shook his head in frustration.
The expression on the Frenchman's face seemed to say: "I knew it!"
Wenger had suspected all along that Yang Hao wouldn't simply rely on attacking down the left flank. In fact, he believed that the right side had been Atlético's hidden ace from the beginning.
But what could he do with that knowledge?
In the scenario that had just unfolded, Atlético had too many attacking options.
If Ashley Cole and Ballack had drifted slightly to the right to mark Messi earlier, Kaká wouldn't have passed to him; he would have attacked directly. Torres, too, wouldn't have made that distracting offside run—it was purely to disorganize Real Madrid's defense.
If Cole and Ballack hadn't adjusted their positioning in time, Kaká and Torres would have exploited the gap themselves.
And what about Pirlo and Essien? Could they have ignored the play on the left? No.
With Robben, Iniesta, and Evra combining in tight spaces, even a 3v3 defense wouldn't have been enough to neutralize them—especially with Salgado as a glaring weak point.
Atlético's individual talent was overwhelming, but what made them truly terrifying was their chemistry and tactical cohesion.
In such situations, even the smallest defensive gap could be ruthlessly exploited.
Wenger let out a long, frustrated sigh.
Was there no way to stop them?
In theory, there was: adopt Chelsea's approach—drop deep and park the bus.
However, this was far easier said than done. Elite teams rarely resorted to such defensive tactics because they were not only unattractive but also placed the team on the back foot.
For Real Madrid, such a strategy was particularly unfeasible. Trailing Atlético by four points in the league standings, they desperately needed to win this match. Anything less would leave them in an even more precarious position.
Everyone knew that Real Madrid would need to press forward and play for three points in this derby. Wenger had already approached the match cautiously.
Yet despite surviving Atlético's opening waves, his side couldn't withstand their sustained pressure.
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In the VIP stands at Calderón Stadium, luminaries from Spanish football gathered. Among them were RFEF president Ángel María Villar, La Liga CEO Antonio Pont, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo, CEO Miguel Gil, and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
Joining them as special guests were Sheikh Mansour and Mubarak of the Abu Dhabi consortium, who were accompanied by other prominent figures.
When Messi coolly slotted the ball past Iker Casillas, Sheikh Mansour was the first to leap to his feet, clapping enthusiastically.
"What a beautiful goal! Honestly, Atlético's football is absolutely spectacular!" Mansour exclaimed, laughing in admiration.
Noticing Pérez's strained expression, Mansour softened his tone, adding, "Real Madrid as well—such a high standard. Wenger's coaching is outstanding, and this match still holds plenty of suspense."
Only then did Pérez's face relax, his embarrassment easing.
The other dignitaries joined in with polite praise. There was no denying it—Atlético Madrid had become the crown jewel of La Liga.
Under Yang Hao's management, the team didn't just play attacking, attractive football; they also delivered results.
"I really admire Yang Hao. To be honest, I'd love to bring him to coach our new team," Mansour suddenly remarked.
Both Cerezo and Miguel Gil were startled by this comment, their expressions betraying their alarm.
"Over our dead bodies!" they thought.
Before they could interject, Mansour laughed heartily, waving off their concerns.
"Don't worry, Enrique, Miguel. We're friends—I'm just joking!"
Then, with a wistful tone, he added, "But I must find a manager like Yang Hao to lead our team. Just imagine it: Valencia, Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona—four teams playing the most beautiful football in the world. The thought alone is thrilling!"
Valencia, with its large population, coastal location, and strong economy, undoubtedly had the foundation to rival Spain's big three clubs.
Moreover, Valencia's current squad wasn't lacking in quality, and Sheikh Mansour's resources could elevate them to new heights.
Noticing Cerezo's unease, Pont stepped in to steer the conversation. He began explaining La Liga's investment regulations, including its financial health monitoring—an internal framework akin to UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules but slightly more lenient.
"Don't worry," Mansour replied nonchalantly. "We'll comply fully with the regulations."
For someone like him, these constraints were minor obstacles. It was just a matter of hiring a few more accountants or tweaking the way funds were injected into the club.
"Actually, you already have some excellent players," Miguel Gil chimed in, trying to shift focus.
He genuinely feared that Mansour might try to poach Yang Hao—or worse, Atlético's top players—once he completed his takeover of Valencia.
"Yang Hao has told me before that he believes Anderson, Nani, and Berbatov could form an attacking trio as strong as any in Europe."
"Really?" Mansour beamed, clearly pleased by the compliment.
For Mansour, receiving Yang Hao's recognition was more valuable than anything else.
"Absolutely," Miguel Gil confirmed.
Although this was true, Gil omitted certain details.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Anderson had been considered one of Europe's brightest talents, even earning comparisons to Ronaldinho. The young midfielder possessed undeniable technical skill and physical prowess.
However, Anderson's career later spiraled due to injuries, tactical mismanagement, and—most infamously—his love for fast food, which led to significant weight gain.
While players like Eden Hazard achieved world-class status despite similar tendencies, Anderson ultimately failed to fulfill his immense potential.
This time, however, with Mansour's investment and a different trajectory, who knew what heights Valencia could reach?
Yang Hao's original words were: if Anderson, Nani, and Berbatov develop well, Valencia's attacking power will rival any team in Europe—except Atlético.
But Miguel Gil wisely left out that last part when talking to Sheikh Mansour.
Hearing this, Mansour burst into laughter and glanced at Subirats, who gave a subtle nod in agreement. This only strengthened Mansour's conviction that acquiring Valencia was the right move.
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"Evra surges forward with the ball, entering the final third. He passes to Iniesta."
"Real Madrid is pressing hard on the left side of the penalty area."
"Robben lays it off to Torres, who passes it back."
"Xabi Alonso switches the ball to the right side."
"It's the right side again!"
"Messi is charging forward. He controls the ball, feints, and shoots with his left foot!"
"It's in!!!"
"Messi!"
"A brace for Messi!"
"In the 28th minute, Messi scores again!"
"It's 2-0!"
"Once again, Atlético attacked heavily down the left before switching suddenly to the right, leaving Messi one-on-one for a calm chip into the net."
"Casillas was completely deceived by Messi's feint before the shot."
"The entire build-up leading to the goal was almost identical to the first."
"Real Madrid's defense has been broken down again using the same attacking routine."
"Clearly, Real Madrid needs to bolster their defense on the left side and, above all, find a way to neutralize Messi."
"Whenever Atlético focuses their attacks on Real Madrid's right side, the left often gets exposed."
The entire Calderón Stadium erupted into wild celebration. Fans jumped from their seats, chanting Messi's name in unison.
Messi sprinted off the pitch in excitement. On the sideline, he turned back, motioning for his teammates to join him in celebrating.
Messi knew his two goals weren't just a testament to his skill—they were a result of his teammates' support and clever interplay, creating unmarked spaces for him to exploit.
Kaká, Torres, and the others rushed over, embracing him near the sideline as the crowd roared.
Messi's efficiency that night was remarkable: two goals from three shots—a masterclass in finishing.
On the touchline, Yang Hao clapped in approval, his satisfaction evident.
Glancing over at Wenger, he caught the Frenchman looking visibly frustrated. When their eyes met, Wenger wore an exaggeratedly pitiful expression before deliberately turning away.
Yang Hao couldn't help but feel a wave of schadenfreude.
"This is just the beginning," he thought gleefully. "There's still plenty of time left in this game."
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With Messi's second goal giving Atlético a 2-0 lead, the team's confidence soared. The players were more proactive and fluid in their play.
Once they found their rhythm, the game was firmly in Atlético's control, while Real Madrid struggled to get into theirs.
In the 35th minute, Real Madrid attempted a counterattack after intercepting the ball in their defensive third.
Atlético swiftly retreated to defend. Iniesta harried Essien, forcing him to pass backward to Pirlo.
As Pirlo prepared to switch the ball to Ballack, Torres surged forward from behind, putting him under pressure.
Pirlo passed to Ballack, but Messi suddenly darted forward, leaping to intercept the ball with a header. He brought it under control and dribbled horizontally toward the center.
Pirlo and Essien both rushed to challenge him, but Messi, despite being jostled, managed to keep the ball at his feet and advanced to the edge of the penalty area.
Just as he was brought down, Iniesta stepped in, collecting the loose ball and threading a quick through-pass—not to the heavily marked Torres but to Robben on the left side of the box.
Salgado attempted a sliding tackle to block the pass, but he missed completely.
Robben burst into the box, now one-on-one with Casillas.
What followed was almost routine for the Dutch winger. A composed shot into the near corner, and the ball nestled in the net.
"It's 3-0!"
"My goodness, three goals in the first half!"
"Atlético is unstoppable tonight!"
"Real Madrid's defense is in shambles."
"First it was Messi on the left, now Salgado's failed interception leads to another goal. Real Madrid's backline just can't cope!"
"3-0! Atlético has built a commanding lead!"
"Real Madrid is in serious trouble now!"
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Real Madrid's morale took a heavy hit.
Conceding three goals in such quick succession left them reeling, and Atlético showed no mercy.
Just three minutes after Robben's goal, Atlético launched another attack down the left flank.
Robben, dribbling past Salgado, nearly caused the right-back to lose his footing. Reaching the edge of the penalty area, Robben cut the ball back into the box.
Torres, with his back to Samuel, controlled the ball, spun, and fired a left-footed shot that narrowly missed the target.
It was a let-off for Real Madrid, but Atlético wasn't done.
In the 43rd minute, just before halftime, another left-sided attack drew Real Madrid's defense out of position.
The ball was played back to the center, where Kaká collected it just outside the right edge of the penalty area.
The Brazilian passed to Messi, who deftly controlled the ball, cut inside past Ashley Cole, and drew the attention of both Cole and Ballack.
Sensing an opportunity, Messi slipped a perfectly weighted through ball between the two defenders into the right side of the box.
Kaká, having anticipated the pass, darted forward and collected the ball.
"Kaká's onside!"
"Cannavaro is coming over, but Kaká stays calm."
"A sudden stop, then a burst of acceleration to the byline—he crosses!"
"Torres!!!"
"GOAL!!!"
"4-0!!!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"Atlético has gone completely berserk!"
"4-0!"
"Kaká's assist sets up Torres for another goal. It's 4-0!"
"In the 43rd minute, Atlético extends their lead to four goals!"
"This is the unstoppable force of Atlético's attack."
"Messi handled that play brilliantly. His cut inside drew the attention of both Ballack and Ashley Cole, leaving them unable to track Kaká's run."
"That through ball was perfectly weighted, and Kaká's movement was incredibly smart. He started running in a straight line, then suddenly cut behind Ashley Cole, leaving Cannavaro in a very awkward position defensively."
"All we can say is that Atlético's individual players are just that strong!"
"4-0. Atlético essentially has the game in the bag."
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"It's not time to pop the champagne just yet, guys!"
During halftime, Yang Hao grinned as he addressed his Atlético players.
"A 4-0 lead still isn't safe!"
After finishing his sentence, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, and the players joined in, knowing their coach was clearly joking.
"Second half, Real Madrid might try to tighten up their defense, but that's okay. Our tactics are already working," Yang Hao continued.
"If they want to stabilize their defense, they'll have to sacrifice some of their offense."
"So let's stick with the same rhythm and strategy from the first half. Be patient, control the game."
The players nodded in agreement.
Yang Hao then turned his attention to Messi. "Leo."
Messi, bent over tying his shoelaces, looked up immediately, his expression akin to a student caught daydreaming in class. "Boss, I'm listening! You said to stay patient and control the ball!"
The entire room erupted in laughter at his earnestness.
Yang Hao chuckled as well. "I was going to say, push harder and score one more."
Messi blinked in surprise before realizing what his coach meant. He'd already scored twice—another goal would make it a hat trick.
A hat trick in the Madrid Derby? Messi's excitement was palpable as the magnitude of the moment dawned on him. After all, this was one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the football world.
Messi nodded vigorously, then gestured toward his laces. "I'll tie these first!" he quipped before leaning back down, drawing another round of laughter.
Despite the tactical framework enabling Messi's success so far, his ability to seize critical opportunities with calm precision was vital. Another player might not have capitalized on those chances so effectively.
Of course, had he missed, he would've faced an earful from Yang Hao.
"Alright, everyone, let's keep this up. We go out there, finish the job, send Real Madrid packing, and claim the league title. Got it?"
"Got it!" the players responded in unison, brimming with confidence.
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At halftime, Arsène Wenger made a substitution, bringing on Vieira for Pirlo.
It was a substitution borne out of necessity.
Since joining Real Madrid, Pirlo had been impressive, orchestrating the midfield with poise. However, in this high-stakes derby, his defensive vulnerabilities were glaring. Against the relentless assaults of Iniesta, Kaká, and Messi, Pirlo simply couldn't keep up defensively.
With Vieira on, Real Madrid had to shift to a more defensive approach. Their forward trio was forced to track back, and the team essentially parked the bus.
Wenger had little choice. Atlético dominated the game at home, boasting superior form and cohesion. Unless Real Madrid played defensively, they risked conceding even more goals.
In fact, given Atlético's quality and Real Madrid's waning stamina, a second half like the first could easily see another four or five goals for the hosts—an unthinkable humiliation.
That said, 4-0 at halftime was already a massive blow.
"This game has laid bare the gulf in class between Atlético and Real Madrid," the commentator observed.
"You can see how Atlético controls the game, forcing Real Madrid to react instead of imposing their own rhythm."
"Of course, let's not forget that this is Wenger's first season at Real Madrid, while Yang Hao has been at Atlético for nearly seven years, building one of the most polished teams in Europe."
"In such a context, expecting Wenger to beat Atlético outright may be unrealistic."
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The game resumed with Yang Hao making his first substitution in the 70th minute, while Real Madrid made theirs earlier in the 65th, swapping Ballack for youngster De la Red.
It was a like-for-like change. Ballack, hampered by age and limited mobility, struggled to keep up with Atlético's fast tempo. De la Red, a 21-year-old promoted from Real Madrid's academy, was a promising talent who had been catching Wenger's eye.
Yang Hao replaced Robben with David Silva. Robben, who had played superbly, scored a goal, and terrorized Real Madrid's defense on the left, made way for Silva to help Atlético maintain possession in the final third.
With Silva joining Iniesta, Kaká, Messi, Xabi Alonso, Evra, and Dani Alves, Atlético transitioned into a more possession-oriented style.
In the 78th minute, Iniesta shrugged off Essien's desperate attempts to hold him back, driving forward with the ball to the edge of the penalty area before passing to Torres.
Real Madrid's defense was fully set, with their four defenders forming a compact line near the penalty spot and their three midfielders positioned just outside the box.
David Silva received a pass on the left flank, charged into Real Madrid's half, and exchanged a neat one-two with Iniesta in tight quarters, slicing through Real Madrid's defense.
The diminutive duo completed a brilliant give-and-go amidst towering defenders, with Silva chasing down Iniesta's deft pass.
Salgado scrambled to Silva's left, trying to block him, while Casillas positioned himself near the near post, covering most of Silva's angles.
Silva's options seemed limited, but the situation was about to change dramatically.
The young Spanish forward had no choice but to shoot with his right foot. The distance was too close, and Casillas managed to block the shot with both hands but failed to hold onto the ball. The ball dropped directly in front of the six-yard box.
Torres and the two center-backs had already overshot the play. Kaká was closest and could have struck the ball with his right foot, but he saw Messi charging in and stepped aside.
Messi sprinted forward and, with his left foot, unleashed a blistering volley. The ball flew into Real Madrid's net with incredible speed.
"It's in again!!!"
"5-0!!!"
"Messi has completed a hat trick!!!"
"My God, this young Argentinian is absolutely unbelievable!"
"In tonight's Madrid Derby, Messi has achieved a hat trick!"
"5-0!"
"Real Madrid is falling apart completely!"
The commentators marveled at Atlético's build-up:
"Let's take another look at Atlético's attacking coordination, particularly the interplay between David Silva and Iniesta."
"It's safe to say that such exquisite, small-space passing can only be seen in La Liga, and specifically at Atlético Madrid."
"Two diminutive players, using clever movement and exceptional footwork, carved open a scoring opportunity in the densest of defenses."
"This created the chance for Messi to capitalize on the rebound."
"Apart from La Liga or Atlético, perhaps only Spain's national team could produce such a goal."
"And coincidentally, both teams are coached by Yang Hao!"
"This is Atlético's attacking football at its finest!"
After completing his hat trick, Messi was overjoyed.
The young Argentinian dashed off the pitch, racing straight toward the home team's technical area and leaping into Yang Hao's arms, lifting his coach off the ground.
"Boss, a hat trick!"
"It's a hat trick!"
"I scored a hat trick in the Derby!"
Other Atlético players quickly joined the celebration, crowding around the pair and pulling them into a collective embrace.
Yang Hao hugged Messi and high-fived his players one by one. Their performance had been nothing short of outstanding.
That night, Atlético's players executed Yang Hao's game plan perfectly. Their composure, tactical discipline, and individual brilliance were on full display.
This was all part of a plan meticulously crafted by Yang Hao and his coaching staff.
The team's current form was expected to last through the remainder of the season, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
However, Yang Hao knew consistency alone wouldn't guarantee victory in every match. The key was to take each game as it came.
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"These youngsters are becoming impossible to contain!"
After the players returned to the pitch, Juanma Lillo joked with Yang Hao.
Yang Hao nodded. "How could they be contained? Just look at David Silva and Messi—they're unstoppable."
Both players had been exceptional, their talent evident to all.
Now, Yang Hao had to consider giving them more game time and opportunities to develop further.
The same applied to Luka Modrić, who also needed more minutes in high-pressure matches to refine his skills.
"Controlling the tempo of the game, for instance, is something young players rarely master," Yang Hao noted. "Modrić will need more exposure to high-level matches to grow into that role."
Juanma Lillo nodded in agreement.
"It's a bit of a headache, though," Yang Hao admitted with a wry smile.
Juanma laughed. "No kidding. The better they play, the harder it gets to manage their minutes. Balancing everything will be a challenge."
Yang Hao shrugged. "Don't worry, I'll figure it out."
This was the kind of problem every coach dreamed of—too much talent to juggle.
Regardless, a 5-0 victory over Real Madrid, featuring a Messi hat trick, was cause for celebration.
Yet Yang Hao noticed something others might have overlooked:
Kaká had an open shot on goal in that last sequence but chose to step aside for Messi.
Perhaps two consecutive years of winning everything there was to win had softened Kaká's competitive edge, allowing him to focus on supporting his teammates.
Yang Hao had also observed a slight relaxation in Kaká's intensity during training sessions recently—not a lack of discipline but a natural easing after years of relentless self-expectation.
This was understandable. Kaká had pushed himself hard for success, and now, having achieved it, he was finally allowing himself to breathe.
Even so, Kaká remained one of the best players in the world.
As Yang Hao reflected, it was rare for a player to sustain the obsessive work ethic of someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo's ability to push himself for over a decade without pause was extraordinary.
Some critics labeled it a persona, but Yang Hao thought differently.
"If someone can maintain that 'persona' for ten years, is it really a persona anymore?"
For all the comparisons and debates, Ronaldo's unrelenting dedication was a testament to his greatness.
Kaká, by contrast, was less intense but no less brilliant. Yang Hao found this perfectly fine. As long as Kaká stayed fit and motivated, he would remain a top-tier player.
Reflecting on the challenges and sacrifices that defined football's biggest stars, Yang Hao couldn't help but admire them all.
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As Yang Hao mused, the referee blew the final whistle.
With a hat trick from Messi, plus goals from Robben and Torres, Atlético Madrid demolished Real Madrid 5-0 at the Calderón.
The result sent shockwaves through European football.
Before the game even ended, fans and media around the world were already in a frenzy.
Who could have predicted that Atlético would deliver such a lopsided scoreline in one of the most prestigious matches in world football?
But this was Atlético Madrid.
This was Yang Hao.
Messi! Messi! Messi!
The day after the Madrid Derby, Spain's Marca newspaper featured a cover photo of Lionel Messi celebrating his goal, accompanied by the headline "Messi" repeated three times. The excitement was palpable.
In the article, Marca proclaimed Messi as the hero of Atlético Madrid's dominant victory over Real Madrid at the Calderón.
"The Argentine youngster, with his hat trick, left the entire world in awe!"
At just 19 years old, Messi achieving a hat trick in a Madrid Derby was nothing short of astonishing. Marca argued that the Argentine had proven himself indispensable on Atlético's right flank and was rapidly becoming one of the team's most crucial players.
"He's already on par with Kaká!"
In the post-match player ratings, Marca awarded Messi a perfect 10, the highest score of the match and the only player to receive full marks.
Every time Messi touched the ball, he created danger, making him the player Real Madrid's defense feared the most.
"In this Derby at the Calderón, Messi was like a magician. Take Robben's goal, for example. It was one of the finest goals of the night."
"In the stadium, many couldn't even see how Messi managed to dribble out of such a dense crowd of defenders, but he delivered the ball perfectly to Iniesta, who set up Robben to score."
Beyond Messi, other Atlético players received high praise, including Kaká and Iniesta, who both scored 9s. Messi's perfect 10 for his hat trick was well-deserved.
Marca also devoted separate articles to Kaká, Iniesta, and substitute David Silva.
In Kaká's feature, the focus was on his selfless play, particularly his pass to Messi and his decision to step aside during Messi's hat trick opportunity.
"Kaká's self-sacrifice facilitated Messi's brilliance."
The newspaper provided a detailed analysis of Kaká's performance. He completed 59 passes—the third most on the team behind Xabi Alonso and Iniesta—and made five key passes, the highest on the pitch. Kaká's willingness to attempt risky, forward passes resulted in 11 turnovers, but it also showcased his determination to unlock the defense.
The Brazilian was fouled nine times, further illustrating his impact as the most dangerous player on the field.
In comparison, Messi's involvement was less extensive: 33 passes, two key passes, and fouled four times. The data showed that Kaká contributed more to the team's midfield dynamics and overall strategy.
"We didn't even see Kaká's trademark speed and bursts of power, leaving us wondering if this was really Kaká."
However, Marca concluded that Kaká's willingness to sacrifice for the team underscored the collective spirit that Yang Hao had instilled in Atlético.
"With Iniesta and Kaká controlling the midfield and Robben and David Silva attacking the left flank, Real Madrid's defense was forced to concentrate on Salgado's side."
"Ultimately, Messi's right flank was left wide open, allowing the Argentine to shine with a hat trick!"
The article emphasized that this victory was not just Messi's triumph but also Yang Hao's and the team's collective success.
"Yang Hao's emphasis on teamwork is evident. When a world-class player like Kaká sacrifices himself for the greater good, it shows how deeply Yang Hao's philosophy has permeated Atlético."
The paper also criticized Real Madrid's Michel Salgado, describing him as the weak link in their defense.
"Salgado's shortcomings left Madrid's backline in disarray, repeatedly making him a bystander in Atlético's goals."
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The Madrid Derby not only captured Europe's attention but also drew global media interest.
Argentina's Olé newspaper interviewed Messi immediately after the match and published a glowing headline the next morning: "Maradona Descends on the Calderón."
In the article, Olé heaped praise on Messi, hailing his hat trick in the 5-0 thrashing of Real Madrid as another legendary moment following his dribble past five defenders against Barcelona last season.
Messi was satisfied with his performance but remained humble:
"This wasn't just my effort; it was a team achievement."
"Our preparation for the match was meticulous, and we studied our opponents thoroughly."
He pointed out one key improvement in Atlético this season:
"We're running more as a team."
"We've become more mature and cohesive. Our movement and passing have created more opportunities. I ran over 10 kilometers in this match."
Messi highlighted the clarity of his role on the team:
"Before the game, the coach told us to focus on our specific responsibilities. My job was to hold my position."
"My teammates delivered the ball to me, and once I had it, my task was to create scoring chances or take shots. That was my role tonight."
Smiling, Messi acknowledged how rare hat tricks were for him since he wasn't the central striker:
"But tonight, I got to showcase another side of Messi."
Looking ahead, Messi expressed satisfaction with his progress but noted there was much more to learn:
"On the field, I'm always the smallest, but I have my advantages—speed, agility, flexibility, and technique. These are invaluable to me."
"At Atlético, I've always felt respected and supported by my teammates. They've helped and encouraged me endlessly."
"Ramos taught me not to fear opponents. Kaká looks after me like an older brother. From Torres, I've learned responsibility and courage. And there are many more…"
"Both on and off the field, I'm still learning and growing. I'm only 19—my career is just beginning."
When asked about Atlético's goals for the season, Messi replied cautiously:
"It's hard to say, but we feel great as a team. Everyone is motivated, and we've been performing well in the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, and La Liga. Many of us believe we can win the treble."
"Sure, we've done it before, but who would say no to doing it again?" he joked.
Olé concluded that Messi was thriving at Atlético and poised to usher in a new footballing era.
"Soon, we may see Messi crowned as the Ballon d'Or winner or FIFA World Player of the Year."
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While Atlético basked in praise, Real Madrid faced criticism, even from traditionally supportive outlets like AS.
However, Arsène Wenger was spared most of the blame.
Many recognized that Real Madrid wasn't weak—Atlético was simply superior.
Wenger had done all he could, but the Derby revealed glaring issues within his team.
First, Pirlo's recent arrival at Real Madrid meant his chemistry with teammates was still lacking.
On the other hand, right-back Michel Salgado was a glaring weak link for the team.
The 31-year-old veteran became a liability for Real Madrid's defense in this match. Even AS suggested, "It's time for Real Madrid to seriously consider signing Philipp Lahm this summer."
Beyond this, AS claimed that Real Madrid was living in Atlético's shadow.
Why?
The publication argued that in recent years, it had become evident that Atlético had made significant strides compared to their Madrid rivals.
In Yang Hao's early years at Atlético, he often deployed highly defensive strategies against Real Madrid, relying on solid defensive counterattacks to defeat them. However, as Atlético grew stronger—particularly with the rise of players like Kaká—the team gained the confidence and firepower to embrace an attacking philosophy.
As Atlético's dominance increased, Real Madrid faced a persistent and demoralizing problem: every time they went head-to-head with Atlético in attacking duels, they suffered catastrophic defeats.
Conversely, managers like Deschamps, who had opted for a more defensive counterattacking strategy, saw better results against Atlético.
In the latest Derby at the Calderón, Wenger chose to engage Atlético in open play, a bold but ultimately disastrous decision.
AS suggested that Real Madrid should adopt a more pragmatic approach against Atlético instead of persisting with offensive strategies, which were increasingly unrealistic:
"When facing attacking combinations like Robben, Torres, Drogba, Iniesta, Kaká, Messi, and Villa, even the best defenses in the world struggle. Real Madrid is no exception."
"Under such circumstances, does it make sense to continue attacking Atlético?"
AS further observed that Real Madrid's historical dominance over Atlético fostered a deeply ingrained mindset that still colored expectations today. Many still believed Real Madrid should always dominate Atlético.
"Few are willing to open their eyes and acknowledge the reality: since the 21st century began, Atlético has been La Liga's best and most successful club. In terms of results and overall strength, we clearly trail behind."
"Yet, the vast majority of Real Madrid fans refuse to admit or accept this fact!"
This refusal to adapt or acknowledge the shift in power dynamics often left Real Madrid chasing impossible expectations during each Derby—and frequently falling short.
In the aftermath of the 5–0 defeat, AS quoted Real Madrid's sporting director, Arrigo Sacchi:
"At our current level, we'd be strong contenders in any league in the world. But in La Liga, it's different. Here, competing is incredibly hard."
"Because Atlético is here."
The publication described Sacchi's comments as tinged with resignation, regret, and an air of tragedy:
"Real Madrid cannot leave La Liga, and they cannot escape Atlético. Figuring out how to defeat Atlético has become a recurring challenge for the players, coaches, and even the club's management."
"In the past, people used to say that the only thing that could stop Real Madrid was time."
"But now, even time struggles to stop Atlético."
"Their players are still so young. Even Kaká, who has already helped them secure back-to-back trebles, is only 24 years old."
________________________________________
After the Madrid Derby, Atlético Madrid basked in widespread acclaim.
Three days later, they faced Osasuna away in the second leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
Twenty-year-old Luis Suárez, who started the match, scored the game's only goal, helping Atlético secure victory.
Yang Hao had always been fond of Suárez—not only for his remarkable talent but also for his fiery personality.
Suárez was not the type of forward who earned compliments from opponents. Quite the opposite: defenders universally despised him for his relentless aggression.
While players like Torres and Drogba also had aggressive styles, Suárez stood out with his superior speed, technical skill, and overall individual ability. His versatility and large coverage area made him a unique threat.
In some ways, Suárez resembled Edinson Cavani, albeit faster and more technically gifted.
He was the type of player who transformed into a demon on the pitch. Off the field, however, he was polite, well-mannered, and deeply committed to training.
Yang Hao's only concern was Suárez's tendency to bite opponents.
To address this, Yang Hao discreetly consulted the team's psychologist. When he casually mentioned that Suárez might have such inclinations, the psychologist revealed a sobering truth:
"All humans have a latent tendency to bite. It's a natural response to extreme anger and an instinctive way to release emotions."
The psychologist explained that while biting wasn't inherently abnormal, it violated sportsmanship and required careful emotional management in competitive environments.
Yang Hao requested additional monitoring to prevent any incidents, knowing such behavior could damage Suárez's reputation. If Atlético intended to develop him into a key player, avoiding such scandals was paramount.
With their victory, Atlético advanced to the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they would face Sevilla. The other semifinal would see Deschamps' Deportivo La Coruña clash with Barcelona.
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Back in La Liga, Atlético continued their blistering form in Round 25.
Sevilla stunned Barcelona with a 2–1 home victory. Ronaldinho opened the scoring for Barça in the 14th minute, but Sevilla, despite being reduced to 10 men in the 29th minute, launched a remarkable comeback with two counterattacking goals.
Injuries played a part in Barcelona's struggles, but their defensive issues were even more glaring.
Yang Hao had long questioned Barça's decision to sign Lilian Thuram, particularly as a center-back. Thuram's age aside, his suitability for Barcelona's high-pressing, possession-heavy style was dubious.
Although Barcelona's original target had been Gianluca Zambrotta, Juventus insisted on a package deal, leaving the Catalan club to reluctantly take Thuram as well.
The results were evident: Thuram struggled to adapt.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured a 2–0 home win over Getafe.
As for Atlético, with a midweek Champions League match against Roma looming, Yang Hao opted for squad rotation in their away fixture against Recreativo de Huelva.
Fernando Torres shone with a brace, while David Villa and Antonio López each added a goal, sealing a dominant 4–0 victory for Atlético.
March 6th, UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg.
Atlético Madrid hosted Roma at the Calderón.
After a 3–1 defeat in the first leg, the question lingered: how would Roma approach the return leg?
Historically, overturning a 3–1 first-leg home loss in the second leg away was almost unheard of. The odds of a comeback were nearly zero, leaving only a sliver of theoretical hope.
Different teams and managers choose different approaches in such situations.
Luciano Spalletti's decision was, as always, unconventional—un-Italian even. He opted to go on the offensive right from the start at the Calderón.
From the opening whistle, Roma attacked aggressively, with Pizarro, Totti, and Vučinić attempting long shots from outside the box. But most of their efforts missed the target.
Atlético, on the other hand, took an uncharacteristically cautious approach at home.
Yang Hao had predicted Spalletti's strategy beforehand but wasn't entirely certain. To him, Spalletti seemed like the type to take risks rather than play it safe.
As a precaution, Yang Hao instructed his players to adopt a conservative strategy at the start. He emphasized maintaining ball possession and controlling the pace through precise passing to wear down Roma's energy and disrupt their momentum.
Roma's opening flurry of attacks yielded no results, largely thanks to Atlético's disciplined tactical approach.
Then, in the 10th minute, Roma ventured into Atlético's defensive zone once again, trying to thread a pass into the box.
Lucio, reading the play perfectly, intercepted the ball and passed it to Dani Alves, who quickly relayed it to Kaká positioned in open space outside the penalty area.
Those who thought Kaká had grown complacent after winning consecutive trebles, or that his form had dipped, were sorely mistaken.
If anything, Kaká had become smarter on the pitch.
When the opportunity presented itself, as it did now, he seized it without hesitation.
The moment Kaká received the ball, he glanced forward, tapped the ball ahead, and surged forward at full speed.
The entire Calderón roared to life!
"Kaká is surging forward!"
"Atlético's counterattack!"
"Finally, we're witnessing Kaká's trademark runs again!"
But this time, just past the halfway line, Kaká opted for a diagonal pass to the left.
Arjen Robben controlled the ball and drove forward, quickly advancing to Roma's 30-meter zone.
By then, Roma's defensive line had fully retreated, with Panucci directly in Robben's path.
Robben considered his options briefly and decided against taking on Panucci one-on-one. Instead, he passed centrally to an unmarked Kaká.
Kaká, now stationed about 25 meters from the goal in the middle of the pitch, noticed Pizarro lagging behind and De Rossi shifting toward Robben.
With Didier Drogba and Lionel Messi both near the edge of the box, Kaká took a quick look at Roma goalkeeper Doni's positioning.
When the pass reached him, Kaká took a single touch to set up the ball, then immediately unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot.
The strike required almost no adjustment, catching the defenders and goalkeeper off guard.
Doni dove to his side, but he was too late.
The ball rocketed into the back of the net.
"Goal!!!"
"Kaká!!"
"What a screamer!"
"In the 10th minute, Kaká unleashes a thunderous strike from long range to open the scoring!"
"This was Atlético's first shot on goal, and Kaká makes it count with a world-class finish to pierce Roma's defense."
"1–0!"
Kaká turned and sprinted toward the corner, raising his arms high above his head in a prayerful gesture.
Atlético players swarmed him in celebration.
On the sideline, Yang Hao clapped enthusiastically, laughing out loud.
"This guy's gotten lazier—but also smarter."
Juanma Lillo and the rest of the coaching staff joined in the laughter. Only Yang Hao could "complain" about a player like Kaká.
A player of Kaká's caliber would be treated like a precious gem at any other club.
Sure, he might be slightly less relentless than before. If he previously gave 100% effort, perhaps now it was 90%—or even 95%.
By comparison, most top professionals typically put in 80% effort, which is already considered highly disciplined.
"Honestly, Spalletti is either very brave or very stubborn," Lillo commented. "To attack like this after losing 3–1 at home? That's bold."
Yang Hao smirked. The world of professional football has always had its share of gamblers.
Everyone dreams of a heroic comeback—turning the impossible into reality.
Letting Spalletti quietly accept elimination without a fight? That would go against his nature—and Yang Hao could understand that.
Still, Italian football wasn't what it used to be. Post-Calciopoli, Serie A had lost much of its competitive edge. While Roma sat second in Serie A, their overall strength wasn't particularly impressive.
That Spalletti would take such a risky approach, despite the odds being stacked against him, only left Yang Hao thinking one thing:
"He's handing us the game on a silver platter."
Of course, Spalletti likely felt aggrieved by such criticism.
"If I push forward and lose, they call it foolish. If I sit back and lose, they say I'm cowardly. So what am I supposed to do?"
"Is being weaker than the opponent a crime?"
Yang Hao chuckled to himself, guessing Spalletti's inner turmoil.
No matter.
Yang Hao strode to the touchline and waved his arm.
"Keep going, boys. Keep pressing. Let's end this!"
________________________________________
After Atlético's opening goal, Roma surprisingly refused to retreat, continuing to attack and press high up the pitch.
This caught everyone off guard, including Yang Hao.
But only six minutes later, Atlético created another golden opportunity.
Messi, receiving a pass from Kaká on the right flank, carried the ball laterally across the pitch. He attempted a shot from the left side of the arc, but De Rossi blocked it. However, the ball deflected straight back to Messi.
The Argentine continued moving horizontally before threading a precise through ball to the left side of the box. Robben sprinted forward and chipped a delicate cross into the center. Didier Drogba rose to meet it, delivering a powerful header into the net.
"GOAL!!!"
"Six minutes later, Atlético strikes again!"
"Drogba with a magnificent header!"
"2–0!"
The entire Calderón erupted once more. Thousands of Atlético fans leapt from their seats, celebrating wildly.
No one had expected Atlético to take a two-goal lead within just 16 minutes, making the aggregate score 5–1.
Surely now, Roma would start playing more conservatively, right?
Not at all. To everyone's disbelief, Roma continued pressing forward.
In the 19th minute, Atlético unleashed another devastating counterattack.
Xabi Alonso delivered a piercing through ball to Drogba, who, with his back to goal, turned and released a diagonal pass.
Robben stormed down the left flank, accelerating into Roma's 30-meter zone. With a clever touch, he knocked the ball past Panucci and raced to the end line, where he delivered a sharp cross into the box.
Messi arrived just in time, diving forward to meet the ball and sliding it into the net with a clinical finish.
"3–0!!!"
"Messi scores!"
The Calderón exploded in celebration, the fans elated as if it were a festival.
It seemed inconceivable how the match had turned into such a rout. Roma's defense looked nonexistent, allowing Atlético to run riot.
By the 26th minute, Atlético intercepted the ball near the halfway line.
Xabi Alonso read Roma's pass and quickly redirected it to Dani Alves on the right. The Brazilian sent a lofted diagonal ball to Messi.
Stopping the ball near the right edge of the penalty area, Messi produced a brilliantly imaginative lobbed pass over the Roma defenders, landing it perfectly behind the defensive line.
Drogba, using his strength to muscle past Chivu, latched onto the ball and struck a sublime first-time volley into the net.
4–0!
The Ivorian striker sprinted off in celebration, sliding on his knees before saluting the crowd.
From the sideline, Yang Hao noticed Drogba's celebration and burst out laughing.
"Three stripes!"
"This guy's leveled up!"
The backstory was a long-standing joke. Yang Hao once teased Drogba that wearing "three stripes" could help secure sponsorship deals with Adidas. Drogba, initially believing it, had run with the idea, only later realizing Yang Hao had been pulling his leg.
Now, it seemed Drogba had truly embodied the joke, pulling off one of his signature performances.
________________________________________
At this point, the outcome of the match was beyond doubt.
The only remaining questions were: how many goals could Atlético score? And when would Roma finally decide to defend properly?
The answer to the latter came after Roma conceded the fourth goal. They began to focus more on defense.
But in the 34th minute, Roma conceded yet again—this time from a corner.
Lucio soared above the defenders and delivered a bullet header into the net.
5–0!
8–1 on aggregate!
The scoreline had become absurd. Even Yang Hao thought it was enough.
The first half ended 5–0, and during the halftime break, Yang Hao gave his team simple instructions:
"Just enjoy yourselves in the second half. Keep an eye on their counterattacks, though."
His caution stemmed from a suspicion that Spalletti and Roma would push hard for a consolation goal.
As the second half began, Yang Hao's prediction proved correct.
Roma came out aggressively, determined to salvage some pride. Just a minute and a half into the half, they earned a free kick outside Atlético's 30-meter area. Totti stepped up to take it but failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Roma continued pressing forward, but in the 48th minute, Atlético caught them on the break.
Drogba won an aerial duel and passed the ball to Messi on the right. Messi attempted to switch play to Robben on the left, but Mexès intercepted.
The ball fell to Kaká at the top of the penalty arc.
Chesting it down, Kaká took a quick touch to set himself up before unleashing another ferocious strike—almost identical in position and angle to his first goal.
Once again, the ball thundered past Doni, leaving the Roma keeper helpless.
6–0!
Yang Hao seized the opportunity to make substitutions. Luka Modrić replaced Kaká, with the focus now shifting to controlling possession and slowing the tempo.
At the 60-minute mark, Yang Hao brought on Luis Suárez for Messi.
Barely a minute after coming on, Suárez found himself with an opportunity at the edge of the six-yard box, thanks to a perfectly timed pass from Iniesta. Without hesitation, the Uruguayan slotted the ball into the net.
7–0!
Yang Hao could only laugh at how easily Suárez adapted.
Then, in the 81st minute, Evra intercepted the ball in midfield and launched a quick counter. The Frenchman passed to Suárez on the right, who drove forward, outpaced Chivu, and delivered a precise low cross into the box.
Evra, sprinting like a seasoned forward, met the ball with a calm finish into an empty net.
8–0!
At that moment, Yang Hao looked at Evra and couldn't help but marvel: "He's basically a striker now!"
It was then that Yang Hao realized he might have gone too far.
He genuinely hadn't intended to humiliate Spalletti and Roma.
But the sheer gulf in quality between the two sides made the result inevitable.
"What can I say?" Yang Hao mused. "Sometimes, strength speaks for itself."
Atlético Madrid utterly demolished Roma at home with a staggering 8-0 victory, winning the tie 11-1 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals.
This result sent shockwaves through European football.
Just days earlier, Atlético had crushed Real Madrid 5-0 in the Madrid Derby, and now they had obliterated Roma with an even more humiliating scoreline.
Italian Media's Outcry
In Italy, the media landscape was in disarray after Roma's catastrophic defeat.
The Turin-based La Stampa wrote:
"An 8-0 humiliation at the Calderón has brought shame to all of Italy!"
They argued that this disgraceful result signified how far Serie A had fallen from its former glory during the "Little World Cup" era.
La Repubblica, from Rome, ran a piece titled "What Happened?" questioning how Roma could suffer such a collapse.
"The Giallorossi opened their gates wide and invited Atlético to score time and again. Neither the goalkeeper, the defenders, nor even Spalletti on the touchline had any answers to stop the onslaught."
The report highlighted the stark contrast between the optimism in Rome before the match and the humiliating reality in Madrid. Prior to the game, Spalletti and his players had expressed hopes of a miraculous comeback, but they ended up being trampled underfoot, conceding eight goals.
Former Gazzetta dello Sport editor and lifelong Roma fan Cannavò, now a columnist, wrote about the misplaced optimism in Rome before the match:
"I tried to explain to friends and fellow fans that we were up against the strongest team in world football today: Atlético Madrid. They had just defeated Real Madrid 5-0 in the Madrid Derby and were in phenomenal form."
"But no one listened. Many in Italy, especially in Rome, rarely watch La Liga. They dislike its flashy, technical football, dismissing it as superficial and lacking substance."
Cannavò described the bravado of Roma fans in Madrid before the game, even getting into confrontations with local police while boasting they would witness Atlético's downfall.
"In the end, Roma suffered a historic 8-0 defeat," he concluded.
Praise for Atlético
Marca praised Atlético's total domination, calling the victory a testament to their status as Europe's strongest team.
L'Équipe in France asked a simple yet pressing question: "Who can stop Atlético?"
The French publication lauded Atlético's incredible form across La Liga and the Champions League.
"Their dominance is reflected in the odds set by Europe's top bookmakers—they are clear favorites, with a legitimate chance to become the first team to defend the Champions League title since the competition's rebranding."
"With their dream attack, Atlético strikes fear into every team in Europe."
L'Équipe predicted that Atlético might create another historic moment by becoming back-to-back champions.
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Italian Football's Further Struggles
If Roma's collapse was expected, Inter Milan's shock elimination by Valencia left the football world stunned.
Despite boasting a superstar like Adriano, Inter failed to score across 180 minutes in Valencia. After a 2-2 draw at home, their 0-0 stalemate in Spain saw them eliminated on away goals.
Valencia, buoyed by recent takeover rumors, has been in scintillating form, excelling in both La Liga and the Champions League. Their unexpected triumph over Inter highlighted the frailties of Italian clubs.
Inter coach Héctor Cúper, under immense pressure, expressed his disappointment in the post-match interview:
"Perhaps I am no longer the right man for this job."
This marked the first time Cúper publicly hinted at stepping down, a significant moment for the coach who had previously led Inter to Champions League glory. The club's struggles, however, have left both Cúper and Inter president Massimo Moratti disheartened.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid advanced by defeating Arsenal 2-0 at home, thanks to goals from Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona, despite recent struggles, triumphed over Liverpool with a 1-0 away win followed by a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.
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La Liga's Dominance
The Champions League quarterfinal draw featured four Spanish teams: Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, claiming half of the eight spots.
This dominance reignited discussions about La Liga's strength, with some fearing another all-Spanish semifinal lineup, as seen in previous seasons.
While conspiracy theories about UEFA manipulating draws persist, this time many were hoping for intervention to avoid La Liga's continued monopoly. The suggestion was to ensure Spanish teams faced each other early, limiting their progression to the latter stages.
Such discussions underscored a sense of insecurity among Europe's other leagues when confronting Spain's elite.
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Quarterfinal Matchups
The draw eventually produced the following fixtures:
Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United Valencia vs. Barcelona Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich Chelsea vs. AC Milan
If Atlético advances, they will face either Chelsea or AC Milan in the semifinals.
The anticipation surrounding these matchups was immense, with Atlético Madrid seen as the team to beat. Many wondered: could Manchester United halt their momentum, or would Yang Hao's team march one step closer to another historic season?
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