Chapter 86
"Philip, this is Atlético's football—the most dazzling, elegant attacking football in the world!"
In the VIP section of the Olympic Stadium, tucked away in an inconspicuous corner, Atlético's marketing director Carlos Leo was accompanying an elderly couple as they watched the highly anticipated Champions League final.
The couple, both wearing glasses, blended into the crowd with their understated attire. The man had a head of white hair, while the woman's was golden. They dressed casually, looking like the kind of retirees one might pass on any street without a second glance.
Even if this moment had been captured by the media, most would have struggled to identify them.
But Carlos Leo treated them with the utmost respect.
They were Philip Anschutz and his wife, visiting from the United States.
Philip Anschutz was a reclusive billionaire who appeared on the Forbes list every year but rarely in public. Few people knew of his ventures or the scope of his empire.
In the American sports industry, however, especially in the realms of the NBA and NFL, one company under his name was well-known: AEG—Anschutz Entertainment Group.
Born in 1939, Anschutz had made his fortune in oil and railroads before diversifying into telecommunications, real estate, and sports. In 1995, he became a shareholder in the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, invested in building the Staples Center, and eventually founded AEG by consolidating multiple ticketing companies.
Over the years, AEG expanded from venue management and ticketing to content production, sports marketing, and live entertainment, becoming a leader in arena operations.
Having already conquered the U.S. market, AEG had set its sights on Europe.
In 2002, the company acquired the operating rights to London's Millennium Dome for 25 years. The venue, previously shut down due to poor management, was transformed within five years under AEG's stewardship. With the addition of an O2 sponsorship and surrounding developments, the stadium became a bustling sports and entertainment complex, drawing widespread industry acclaim.
AEG had big ambitions for European football.
The company believed that stadiums in Europe's old cities, along with their surrounding facilities, could be revitalized. By creating integrated sports and entertainment complexes—combining events, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, family entertainment, dining, and accommodations—they foresaw immense growth potential.
And AEG had taken a particular interest in Atlético's location and the untapped potential of the Twin Towers project. They were eager to collaborate with the club.
But AEG wasn't alone.
Two of Germany's top venue management companies and AEG's American rival, Legends, were also eyeing Atlético's new stadium with great interest.
This time, Philip Anschutz himself had come to Madrid to survey the prospects. He had been invited to Athens to witness this marquee Champions League clash between Atlético and Real Madrid.
"Carlos, you know AEG's capabilities. We deeply value Atlético's global standing and influence among fans. It's no secret that stadium revenue for clubs like yours is vastly underestimated in European football. We want to help change that." Anschutz spoke slowly but with confidence.
To the unfamiliar, his self-assured tone might have come across as bordering on arrogance.
"We can bring the world's most advanced stadium management services and comprehensive sponsorship opportunities to your club. In the U.S., numerous basketball, football, and baseball franchises have partnered with us."
"Of course, Philip. I don't doubt it for a moment," Carlos Leo replied with a smile.
"But we are, first and foremost, a football club. Our priority is always our team and ensuring the best possible experience for our fans."
After a pause, Carlos added, "You know, in the past, several clubs handed over operational rights to their stadiums. While some generated millions in revenue annually, the cost was often severe—especially in terms of damage to the playing surface, which sparked enormous backlash from fans."
"There were even instances where clubs outsourced ticketing entirely, surrendering pricing control. The result? They lost the trust of their supporters, and when contractors faced financial difficulties, those partnerships crumbled."
The European football industry had long been experimenting with stadium development.
Germany's leading venue management companies had sought similar opportunities in the past, but numerous cases highlighted the risks involved.
For instance, in their pursuit of maximizing profits, some firms booked excessive non-football events, leading to severe pitch damage. When match day arrived, poor pitch conditions hampered games, angering fans.
These issues persisted even now.
"Those examples are valid, Carlos, but they were the result of smaller companies without the expertise we bring. We're professionals. We can generate tens of millions—potentially over €100 million annually—for your club," Anschutz emphasized.
"But wouldn't that require dozens of events every year?" Carlos asked, his tone polite yet pointed.
Carlos increasingly admired Yang Hao's foresight.
During the planning stages of Atlético's new stadium, Yang Hao had already anticipated many of these challenges. He consulted experts to evaluate commercial and event-related opportunities, ensuring these factors were integrated into the stadium's design.
For instance, Yang Hao had advocated for features like intelligent upgrades, though two major concessions had to be made.
First, the stadium couldn't feature a fully retractable roof due to structural constraints. Herzog, the lead architect, suggested that technological advancements might make this feasible in the future, but it wasn't viable at the time.
Second, Yang Hao had envisioned retractable turf—akin to a "folding table" mechanism—allowing the pitch to be stored underground for maintenance and events. However, this technology was still in its infancy, with no proven examples at the time. The cost would have been prohibitively high for Atlético, so this idea was shelved, though provisions were made for future upgrades.
AEG claimed that implementing retractable turf could enable over 100 annual events at Atlético's stadium, generating astronomical revenue. Even under current limitations, AEG was confident it could exceed €100 million in non-football event income within five years.
This was the crux of Atlético's negotiations with AEG.
The company had the expertise to back up its claims.
"You know, Philip, we cherish the hard-earned trust we've built with our fans. Hosting events at our stadium isn't just about revenue; it's also a reflection of our values. Every event implicitly carries our endorsement," Carlos said firmly.
"Yes, it brings us income, but it also demands greater caution."
"And, as I've said before, we are a football club first and foremost. Everything else comes second."
Carlos then gestured toward the pitch with pride.
On the field, Atlético—already leading by two goals—was relentlessly pressing for more opportunities.
"We have the world's best superstars, the best coach, the best stadium, and one of the most globally recognized sports brands. That is the value of Atlético!"
Carlos Leo's words were filled with genuine pride.
As a lifelong fan who had witnessed Atlético's journey from near bankruptcy to its current heights, he couldn't help but feel deeply connected to the club's remarkable transformation.
We're open to collaboration, Philip. We propose forming a joint venture to manage the operations of the Emirates Stadium. While prioritizing football matches, your team could oversee additional events, activities, and entertainment programs. For this, we offer 15% of the profits—but you must guarantee the company generates at least €50 million annually, with steady growth year by year."
AEG was shrewd. They preferred securing a long-term fixed fee for exclusive operating rights, ensuring maximum profitability, potentially through a 25-year agreement. Based on current market trends, their offer wasn't exceptionally high.
Another German company had proposed a revenue-sharing model with guaranteed minimums but also demanded a long-term contract.
Atlético, however, had a favorable view of AEG, particularly its expertise in managing venues in the U.S. The exceptional service in NBA arenas, among others, provided valuable lessons for European football.
As Yang Hao often emphasized, globalization and localization must go hand in hand, just as football and commerce must find balance. Stories of damaged pitches due to excessive non-football events were not uncommon.
In this arrangement, Atlético would delegate all non-football commercial operations to the new company, receiving 15% of the profits in return. For AEG, though this meant slimmer margins compared to independent operation, the opportunity to establish a flagship partnership was tempting.
AEG had a proven track record, as seen with London's O2 Arena, which had become a cash cow and was expected to continue yielding returns for years. Atlético recognized this potential.
"I must say, Carlos, you're an incredibly astute negotiator. I'll have my team follow up with you to discuss the finer details," Philip Anschutz said with a hearty laugh.
He agreed to the terms. After all, they needed a showcase project to solidify their European expansion, and Atlético's Emirates Stadium was the perfect candidate.
"No, Philip, I'm merely standing on the shoulders of giants," Carlos Leo replied humbly.
"Giants, indeed!" Philip chuckled, assuming Carlos referred to Atlético itself.
But Carlos's gaze fell on Yang Hao standing on the pitch.
In his eyes, Yang Hao was the true giant—a visionary who always seemed to anticipate trends and prepare accordingly. From fostering Middle Eastern partnerships to conquering North America and Asia, Yang Hao's initiatives had reshaped Atlético into a global force.
Over the past two years, countless clubs and corporations had tried to lure Carlos Leo away with lucrative offers. Yet he stayed put. He knew his accomplishments at Atlético were possible only because he stood on Yang Hao's shoulders.
A Historic Victory
As the match neared its end, Atlético's dominant performance culminated in their third UEFA Champions League title and their second Treble. They also became the first team in Champions League history to successfully defend their title, rewriting football history and elevating the club to unprecedented heights.
No one could predict how far Atlético would rise in the coming years—not even Carlos Leo.
But one thing was clear to everyone at the club: Yang Hao was irreplaceable.
He wasn't just the mastermind behind their footballing success but also the driving force of their commercial revolution.
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When referee Herbert Fandel blew the final whistle, Yang Hao raised his arms triumphantly on the sidelines.
Around him, Atlético staff and players erupted into celebration, storming onto the pitch in euphoria. The entire Olympic Stadium became a sea of red and white, echoing with the deafening cheers of Atlético fans.
Players embraced on the field, tears of joy streaming down their faces.
In the center circle, Kaka dropped to his knees, hands clasped in prayer, eyes lifted toward the heavens.
2-0.
Wenger's Real Madrid had failed to breach Atlético's defense. Despite numerous attempts from Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Joaquín, most of their efforts were long-range shots that posed little threat to Petr Čech.
Meanwhile, Atlético's calm, calculated approach paid dividends. Kaka's goal and assist sealed the victory, ensuring Atlético's place in history.
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"The match is over!"
"Congratulations to Atlético!"
"The Rojiblancos have become the first team to defend their Champions League title since the tournament's reformatting!"
"Tonight, here in Athens, we've witnessed history!"
"Not only has Atlético defended their Champions League crown, but they've also achieved a Treble for the second time in their history!"
"Let's not forget their historic feats: the Treble in 2003/04, a Grand Slam season, and now this incredible achievement."
"Atlético has once again proven their brilliance, displaying both stability and experience tonight."
"They controlled the game with patience and precision, exploiting Real Madrid's defensive gaps to secure two decisive goals."
"Let us congratulate Yang Hao and his players for an outstanding performance!"
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After celebrating briefly on the pitch, Atlético's players stealthily regrouped.
As Yang Hao turned to shake hands with Wenger and head back to the bench, the players swarmed him, hoisting their coach into the air.
Caught off guard, Yang Hao let out a startled yelp.
"Catch me! Don't drop me—I'm afraid of heights!"
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Post-Match Ceremony
"Congratulations, Yang."
"Thank you, Michel," Yang Hao replied as he ascended the podium to receive his medal.
Michel Platini, UEFA's president, warmly shook Yang Hao's hand before stepping aside for King Juan Carlos I of Spain to present the gold medal.
As a known Real Madrid fan, King Juan Carlos had just awarded the runners-up medals to Los Blancos.
Yang Hao couldn't resist the urge to tease him.
"So, Your Majesty, how are you feeling right now?"
But before he could blurt it out, another thought crossed his mind.
"When will we discuss the matter of a crown?" Yang Hao joked loudly, drawing laughter from those around him, including Queen Sofia and Crown Prince Felipe.
Everyone knew it was a lighthearted quip.
Yet, as Yang Hao stood on the podium, hoisting the Champions League trophy with his players, one thing was clear: Atlético was the undisputed king of European football.
Juan Carlos's earlier wager about the royal crown had somehow made its way into the media, and Yang Hao took this opportunity to playfully bring it up. Surely, that wasn't crossing the line, right?
Who was Juan Carlos?
A man so experienced in the art of diplomacy—and, by some accounts, in matters of personal indulgence—that he wouldn't be fazed by Yang Hao's casual quip.
"You might have to compete with quite a few others for that," Juan Carlos replied with a hearty laugh, extending his arms for an embrace.
Yang Hao, knowing better than to push his luck, stepped forward and hugged the king.
It seemed like the old man might have made similar wagers with others too. He was quite the sly one!
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A Royal Congratulations
"Hey, Yang, congratulations!"
Next in line was Crown Prince Felipe.
As Atlético's honorary president, Felipe had every reason to be overjoyed tonight. The better Atlético performed, the more prestige it brought to his title. He was, without a doubt, one of the happiest faces in the stadium.
Yang Hao lingered a little longer with Felipe, engaging in lighthearted conversation.
Further down the line were Spain's Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Madrid's Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, and other prominent figures from Spain's political and business elite.
Having a Madrid derby in the UEFA Champions League final was monumental for Spain, and Atlético's victory only underscored the shifting dynamics in Spanish football.
Atlético was no longer just a strong team. They now posed a legitimate challenge to the traditional dominance of Spain's "Big Three" clubs.
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A Captain's Moment
Rubén Baraja, Atlético's captain, was the last to ascend the podium.
At 32, Baraja's appearances had dwindled significantly this season. Yet whenever he was on the pitch, he gave everything he had, delivering solid performances. Many believed he would retire as a club legend once his time at Atlético was over.
Baraja himself had expressed that when the club no longer needed him, he would hang up his boots and never play for another team.
While his contributions on the field had diminished, his leadership in the dressing room remained invaluable. He was a steadying presence, always stepping up when the team or his teammates needed him most.
Baraja's reliability made Yang Hao's job of managing the dressing room significantly easier, and his teammates respected and adored him.
Yang Hao had deliberately substituted him into the match near the end, ensuring that it was Baraja who would lift the trophy—a gesture agreed upon by the team before the game.
When Baraja raised the Champions League trophy high above his head, the stadium erupted into a deafening roar.
The Atlético fans were in ecstasy, their chants echoing across the venue.
Yang Hao, meanwhile, stepped aside to chat briefly with Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil.
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Familiar Faces in the Crowd
Amid the celebrations, Yang Hao spotted Blake Lively smiling at him from afar. He returned the gesture with a wave before turning his attention to the team's collective photo session on the pitch.
Afterward, the players dispersed to celebrate in their own ways.
Some paraded the trophy along the track surrounding the field. Others were mobbed by journalists eager for interviews. Many shared the moment with their families.
Yang Hao preferred to stay out of the limelight during such moments, allowing the players to enjoy their well-earned glory. After a few perfunctory media interviews, he quietly stepped aside.
From across the field, Mendiador waved at him. Yang Hao immediately made his way over.
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A Future Star
"Hello, Ronald, Toni, Felix," Yang Hao greeted warmly upon seeing the Kroos family.
"Just the three of you?" he inquired.
"My wife is up in the stands," Ronald Kroos replied. "She asked me to pass along her congratulations and gratitude."
Yang Hao smiled brightly.
He vividly remembered traveling to Germany to persuade Toni Kroos to join Atlético. Though the Kroos family hadn't given an immediate answer, they also hadn't committed to any other club, including Bayern Munich.
Atlético patiently maintained contact, sending thoughtful gifts during holidays and festivals to keep the relationship warm. When the time came for Toni to decide, he chose Atlético.
Yang Hao was delighted. He personally invited the Kroos family to Madrid and even provided tickets and flights to the Champions League final. These gestures emphasized how much the club valued Toni.
"You were incredible, sir. I'm looking forward to my journey at Atlético," Toni Kroos said as he approached Yang Hao.
Yang Hao blinked in mild surprise at the young midfielder's mature response. Kroos seemed unusually composed for his age.
But that was a good thing.
Yang Hao held high hopes for Toni Kroos, much like his appreciation for Xabi Alonso, whose sublime diagonal pass had set up Atlético's second goal in the final.
He couldn't help but reflect on how Real Madrid's midfield had been outclassed in the match, largely due to Andrea Pirlo's absence.
If Pirlo had played, his pinpoint long passes—combined with Cristiano Ronaldo's and Joaquín's speed—would have posed a significant challenge for Atlético.
David Beckham's long passes were dangerous too, but his strengths were different. He excelled on the right flank, with his trademark diagonal balls and crosses.
Each player had their niche. Toni Kroos, however, was akin to a precision missile—a strategic weapon with his pinpoint accuracy.
What Yang Hao admired most about Kroos was his calm demeanor.
His poker face rarely betrayed any emotion—nerves, excitement, or frustration. He always appeared grounded and clear-headed.
Yet Yang Hao, with his knowledge from a previous life, understood that beneath Kroos's stoic exterior lay a rich well of emotion. The young German simply didn't wear his heart on his sleeve.
For Yang Hao, winning over a 17-year-old prodigy was a challenge he relished.
"Want to step onto the pitch and take a photo with the Champions League trophy?" he asked Kroos.
Toni's eyes lit up. "Can I?"
"Of course," Yang Hao replied with a grin. "But you have to promise me something first."
"What is it?" Kroos asked eagerly.
"Promise me you'll help us win a few more of these in the future!"
A few more?
Nearby, Mendiador nearly chuckled, thinking Yang Hao was humorously stringing the teenager along.
Before Ronald Kroos could intervene, Toni confidently responded, "I will—so long as Atlético stays this strong, I'll help you win many more."
This kid wasn't naive at all!
Yang Hao put an arm around Toni and his younger brother, Felix, leading them toward the field.
From a distance, he saw Luka Modrić parading the Champions League trophy, having just snatched it from a teammate.
"Luka!" Yang Hao called out.
Yang Hao gestured energetically to Luka Modrić, calling him over.
Unlike others who might run away faster the more you called, Modrić hurried over as soon as Yang Hao beckoned.
"Toni, this is Toni Kroos, and his younger brother, Felix," Yang Hao introduced them with a smile. "Trust me, Luka, he'll be your best partner in the future. But for now, let's get a photo together."
Yang Hao then called over a familiar journalist to take the picture.
Several German media members present quickly noticed Toni Kroos. This young talent, already somewhat famous in Germany, had nearly joined Bayern Munich before ultimately choosing Atlético.
For Bayern, it was undoubtedly a missed opportunity.
As reporters crowded to snap photos, Yang Hao knew this moment would make headlines in Germany the following day.
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Celebrations in Athens
After their jubilant celebrations at Athens' Olympic Stadium, the Atlético team returned to their hotel and continued partying well into the night.
This was, after all, a historic moment—the first time any team had successfully defended the Champions League title since the tournament's reformatting.
As soon as the match ended, the news of Atlético's triumph exploded across the internet, sparking intense discussion among fans and media worldwide. By the next morning, every major outlet was reporting on the victory.
Praise for Atlético
The media unanimously praised Atlético's historic achievement.
The team's back-to-back Champions League titles marked an unprecedented milestone, and the global spotlight quickly turned to two of their brightest stars: Kaká and Lionel Messi.
Kaká's Stellar Performance
Kaká had delivered a sensational performance in the final, contributing one goal and one assist, and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Almost every media outlet speculated that if Kaká maintained his current form, he would undoubtedly win the 2007 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
If so, it would mark his third consecutive win of both honors, placing him ahead of legends like Ronaldo and Zidane.
In a post-match interview, Kaká expressed his desire to clinch these accolades again:
"I'm still motivated and eager to improve. I believe I haven't yet reached my peak, and I'll prove to everyone that I can be even better."
For Kaká, winning the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2007 would be an extraordinary achievement, cementing his status as one of football's greats.
Messi's Magic Moment
Lionel Messi also earned high praise from all quarters, particularly for his sublime assist to Kaká.
That delicate lofted pass over the defense seemed effortless yet exuded creativity and vision. Fans flooded social media, calling Messi's pass "a work of art," marveling at how such a seemingly casual flick could be so brilliant.
Though Messi didn't dominate the final, largely due to Ashley Cole's relentless defending, he adapted by taking on a playmaking role. Every touch and run from Messi created danger, solidifying his status as one of the game's standout performers.
At just 19 years old, Messi's potential was unquestionable, and few doubted that he would eventually take the football world by storm.
Even Kaká himself predicted Messi's bright future during his post-match interview:
"The next Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner? It'll be Messi, without a doubt. His talent is something I truly envy."
Yang Hao echoed this sentiment in his own interview:
"Messi is still young. Yes, he's won two Champions League titles, but I'll continue to challenge him with higher expectations.
Right now, it's not yet his peak. He needs a little more time—maybe next year, maybe the year after. But I'm patient because I know he'll amaze the world."
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Financial Windfall
Analysts quickly crunched the numbers. With this Champions League victory, Atlético would receive over €40 million in prize money and broadcasting revenue from UEFA alone.
That figure didn't even include the revenue from hosting six home matches, which brought in a significant sum, or the sponsorship deals tied to the team's success.
A Singapore-based research firm, KRC, estimated that Atlético's total earnings from this Champions League campaign exceeded €100 million. This figure included commercial sponsorships, matchday revenue, and other related income streams.
Furthermore, KRC's report highlighted Atlético's growing influence in Asia. Over the past few years, as the team achieved greater success, their popularity in Asia skyrocketed.
According to the study, Atlético had even surpassed traditional giants like Real Madrid, Manchester United, AC Milan, and Inter Milan in terms of appeal among Asian fans. They were now considered the most commercially attractive European club in the region.
A Growing Rivalry
Several UK-based outlets, meanwhile, sounded the alarm about La Liga's growing dominance.
The Times warned that back-to-back all-Spanish Champions League finals signaled trouble for other European leagues, particularly the Premier League.
"We must take this threat seriously to prevent La Liga from poaching our market and fanbase," the Times cautioned, even using the word "plundering" to describe the situation.
The Independent pointed to the Premier League's new broadcasting rights deal for the 2007/08 season, which would see revenues soar from £1.13 billion to £1.706 billion over three years.
The newspaper predicted a retaliatory response from English clubs during the summer transfer window, forecasting a total expenditure of over £400 million, which would set the stage for a major battle in European football.
However, even before the Independent's warning could gain traction, the Sun broke shocking news.
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Mourinho to Barcelona?
Chelsea manager José Mourinho had resigned, with the club's board swiftly confirming his departure.
The official statement thanked Mourinho for his contributions, and shortly afterward, his agent, Jorge Mendes, revealed that the Portuguese coach was headed to Spain.
"Mourinho's dream has always been to manage Barcelona," Mendes said. "He spent many years working there, and now he's finally realized his ambition to lead the team at Camp Nou."
Mendes also disclosed that Mourinho's mission at Barcelona would be to rebuild the squad into a team capable of challenging Atlético and Real Madrid.
One of Mourinho's top priorities, according to Mendes, would be to revamp Barcelona's defense. He reportedly had his eyes on several Premier League stars, including Manchester United's Nemanja Vidić.
When everyone thought Jorge Mendes was joking, Manchester United's reaction was anything but lighthearted.
Sir Alex Ferguson immediately gave an interview to the media, openly blasting Mendes for his unrestrained remarks.
"He's the most detestable agent I've ever worked with. I would never allow him to set foot in Carrington!"
However, The Sun revealed that Nemanja Vidić was indeed on Mourinho's list of transfer targets for Barcelona. Of course, whether Barça could buy him depended on United's willingness to sell.
One thing was clear: with Carlo Ancelotti taking over at Valencia and José Mourinho now in charge of Barcelona, La Liga was becoming increasingly competitive and drawing more attention.
Not only were Real Madrid and Barcelona gearing up for aggressive moves in the transfer market, but Valencia's oil-rich owner was also poised to make a splash.
According to Marca, Valencia had no upper limit on their transfer budget this summer, with preparations already in full swing.
"There will definitely be some blockbuster signings!"
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A Triumphant Return
The afternoon following the Champions League final, an Emirates Airlines Airbus painted in Atlético Madrid's iconic red-and-white stripes, complete with a massive club crest, landed gently at Madrid's Barajas Airport.
Even before the plane touched down, the excitement among fans had reached fever pitch.
Atlético's treble-winning campaign and their status as the first club to defend the Champions League title in its modern era had left fans euphoric.
Nearly 10,000 supporters spontaneously gathered near the airport, causing significant disruptions to its operations.
As soon as the plane landed, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.
The players began to emerge from the terminal, with Sergio Ramos leading the way, holding the Champions League trophy above his head. He exuded uncontainable joy, while the rest of the team laughed and joked along the way.
The atmosphere was electric. Fans chanted players' names with relentless passion as the team boarded an open-top double-decker bus arranged by the club.
The bus slowly made its way out of the airport, and as players climbed onto the top deck, they were dressed in celebratory treble-winning T-shirts. All the trophies won during the season were prominently displayed at the front of the bus.
Each time Atlético wins a trophy, the club releases corresponding celebratory T-shirts, a cherished tradition among European teams. Fans, too, eagerly await these shirts, with many priding themselves on collecting them.
Along the parade route, fans wearing the treble-themed shirts interacted enthusiastically with the players.
The closer the bus got to the city center, the more fans appeared, slowing its progress. Eventually, both sides of the streets were packed with red-and-white-clad supporters, turning Madrid into a sea of Atlético's colors.
The celebration wasn't limited to Madrid's city center. Supporters from surrounding towns, other Spanish cities, and even abroad converged on the capital to cheer for the triumphant Atlético squad.
From the bus, the smiling players basked in the adoration, their victory parade resembling a hero's welcome.
The procession moved southward, reaching Neptune Fountain Square after nightfall. Darkness did nothing to dampen the fans' enthusiasm.
In fact, the closer they got to Neptune Square, the denser the crowd became, and the harder it was for the bus to move.
For fans in Spain, nightfall often signals the beginning of real celebrations. The country's vibrant nightlife culture ensures that festivities only escalate after sunset.
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A Grand Finale at the Emirates Stadium
After the celebration at Neptune Square, the bus made its way to the Emirates Stadium.
For the first time, the new stadium was opened to all Atlético fans to host the victory celebrations.
Meanwhile, Vicente Calderón Stadium's demolition was already underway, with three of its stands successfully brought down via controlled explosions.
Despite this, countless fans continued to gather near the Calderón, day and night, to celebrate the treble and reminisce about their beloved stadium.
Inside the Emirates Stadium, over 70,000 Atlético supporters experienced the new venue for the first time in the most fitting way possible—celebrating a historic triumph.
Amusingly, many of the seats in the stands were yet to be installed, and the grass on the pitch hadn't even been laid. Instead, a red carpet had been temporarily spread across the field to serve as a makeshift celebration stage.
None of this mattered to the fans. Their passion was undeterred.
When players like Rubén Baraja and Fernando Torres entered the stadium with the trophies in hand, the entire crowd erupted in deafening cheers.
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Behind the Scenes
Yang Hao wasn't on the open-top bus during the victory parade, knowing it would be a grueling experience. Instead, he let the players take center stage while he discreetly traveled by club vehicle back to the headquarters.
There, he received an update from Carlos Léon that a verbal agreement with AEG had been reached—a development that Yang Hao fully endorsed.
The new stadium offered numerous benefits. Matchday revenue was an obvious one, immediately visible upon its use.
But the stadium's operations on non-matchdays were equally crucial.
It was similar to how stadiums in other countries hosted concerts. Beyond concerts, venues could also be used for exhibitions, conferences, and other events. Even VIP areas could be rented out for private celebrations and gatherings.
With proper management, the revenue potential was immense.
After all, a year only has about 60 matchdays. The real question is how to maximize the remaining 300 days.
Europe, in this regard, has lagged behind. The United States is far ahead, with companies like AEG leading the way.
Atlético hopes to leverage AEG's expertise to increase the new stadium's utilization rate and boost club revenues.
Of course, this would all be done without compromising the football team's operations.
"A few days ago, La Liga held a closed-door meeting."
In Atlético Madrid's temporary office at the new headquarters, Yang Hao, Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and several department heads gathered to discuss the upcoming season and summer transfer plans.
Cerezo relayed updates from La Liga's discussions.
"Antonio Ponte shared the latest developments with us and provided some recommendations."
"Based on the current situation, it's difficult to compete with the Premier League in the domestic market here in Spain."
"The simplest metric? Sky TV, the Premier League's main broadcaster, has over eight million subscribers in England and Ireland, with numbers still growing. In contrast, the largest Spanish operators have a maximum of four million subscribers each."
"As far as potential goes, the Spanish market still has room to grow. La Liga has conducted surveys predicting an increase in paid TV subscriptions in the coming years, but these will still be split across several companies."
"Telefónica has also announced plans to enter the domestic market and establish its own paid TV network. They're expected to bid aggressively in the upcoming auction. But even so, our local market won't match the Premier League's anytime soon."
The disparity in subscriber numbers speaks for itself. TV providers won't blindly overbid. While competition between broadcasters will be fierce, there's no way they'll risk outrageous prices.
After all, what's the use of winning a bid if it bankrupts the company?
"Take Kirch Group in Germany, for example. They left nothing but a mess in their wake."
Spain's domestic market has its limitations. The key lies in developing it over the next few years, growing the base of paying subscribers.
If the market expands, broadcasters will be willing to invest more.
"No one's doing business to lose money."
"In recent years, La Liga has been focused on overseas markets, and the results are promising. For the upcoming auction early next year, La Liga hopes to surpass the Premier League in overseas broadcasting rights revenue."
"The Premier League's current overseas deals bring in around £200 million annually—about €300 million. La Liga's target is…"
Cerezo held up four fingers, clearly signifying €400 million.
"Is that even possible?" asked Andrés Velasco, the communications director, sounding surprised.
"Antonio Ponte seems confident. Over the years, they've been actively developing international partnerships. In the U.S., NBC and ESPN are set to bid against each other, which will make for fierce competition."
"In Mexico and South America, ESPN is determined to win. The competition there will also be intense."
"In the Middle East and North Africa, the Abu Dhabi Media Group is a strong contender."
"Isn't that the same Abu Dhabi group that bought Valencia?" financial director Fernando Vázquez asked.
"Yes, their media arm specializes in pay-TV."
Cerezo paused before continuing.
"In France and Northern Europe, Canal+ and Medge have both expressed interest and are expected to bid as well."
"According to Ponte, La Liga's broadcasting rights are in high demand, but we need to keep pushing."
In recent years, La Liga has committed to globalization.
If the overseas rights auction hits €400 million annually, each team would receive about €20 million.
For the league's top clubs, this might not seem like much, but for mid-table and lower-tier teams, it's a game-changer.
Such funds would significantly alleviate La Liga's widespread debt crisis.
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The Globalization Push
"For years, we've been integrating global marketing strategies and media products into our operations. This auction is crucial to determining whether La Liga's globalization strategy succeeds or fails."
After hearing Cerezo's update, Yang Hao and the others nodded in agreement.
If La Liga fails to hit its target, the league would face backlash from clubs questioning the effectiveness of the globalization push.
The stakes are high. La Liga has made considerable sacrifices for its global strategy.
Match times have been adjusted, with summer games moved to afternoons and winter matches scheduled at midday.
Clubs have invested heavily in pre-season tours abroad and have signed players from various regions to attract international fans.
Currently, La Liga boasts some of the biggest stars in football.
Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are home to world-class talent. Even Deportivo La Coruña has marquee players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Diego, and Felipe Melo.
And don't forget Valencia, Villarreal, Sevilla, and others, which also feature standout players.
The league is flourishing across the board.
In terms of management, La Liga boasts world-class coaches: Yang Hao, Arsène Wenger, Didier Deschamps, and Luis Aragonés. This summer, Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho have joined their ranks.
On the pitch, La Liga's dominance in Europe is clear. For two consecutive seasons, La Liga clubs have secured all Champions League final spots and claimed seven of eight semi-final slots.
Even in the Europa League, La Liga dominated, taking all four semi-final spots last season.
La Liga's rise is evident. The only reason it lags behind the Premier League is its late start.
The 2008 auction will set the course for La Liga's future.
However, there's cause for concern. The global economy is struggling, impacting broadcasting deals.
Serie A, for example, valued its overseas rights at €90 million but only managed to sell them for €40 million.
Bundesliga fared even worse, earning just €18 million per year from overseas rights between 2006 and 2009.
La Liga's results will undoubtedly surpass these, but the question is: by how much?
There's another overlooked issue. Fans' time and budgets for football are limited, as are broadcasters' resources.
If La Liga's appeal grows, it will inevitably cut into the Premier League's share.
This explains the Premier League's increasingly aggressive stance toward La Liga.
In the end, it's a competition. If one league rises, another must fall.
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La Liga's Strategic Adjustments
"La Liga suggests clubs target players from outside the league, especially high-caliber talent from Africa and Northern Europe," Cerezo explained.
"We dominate the South American and North American markets, but Asia is uncertain, and Northern Europe is a weak spot."
"Interestingly, a Canal+ survey found that in France, La Liga is more popular than Ligue 1. The most popular clubs among French fans are Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deportivo La Coruña, in that order."
Spanish Teams Scramble for Top Talent
The northern Spanish clubs, particularly Deportivo La Coruña, likely benefit from their proximity to France and Didier Deschamps' connections.
"I've heard that Deportivo plans to sell Portuguese center-back Andrade to Juventus for a hefty fee and then target a replacement. Deschamps has two candidates in mind: French international Philippe Mexès from Roma and Adil Rami from Lille."
"Before Mourinho officially joined Barcelona, the club had already decided to sign French international Éric Abidal from Lyon."
"Sevilla is actively targeting Ligue 1 players, including Seydou Keita from Lens and William Gallas from Chelsea. Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Chelsea's young midfielder Lassana Diarra, while Villarreal plans to bring in Alou Diarra from Lyon."
"Mourinho, meanwhile, has asked Barcelona to sign Mahamadou Diarra from Lyon and Portuguese winger Simão from Benfica."
The room erupted into confusion.
"Too many Diarras! Who's who?"
Yang Hao, however, was unfazed. Lassana Diarra, who later wore the No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid in a past life, was once touted as Makelele's successor. Wenger had high hopes for him. Unfortunately, Diarra's penchant for holding onto the ball and his ambition to be a playmaker derailed his progress. He was now struggling for game time at Chelsea.
As for Gallas, his relationship with Chelsea had soured due to being played out of position. With Carvalho and Terry firmly holding the starting center-back roles, Gallas was relegated to the flanks and had made it clear he wanted to leave. Ironically, Mourinho left Chelsea first.
Mourinho's desire for a physically dominant midfielder was no secret. The Portuguese manager believed Barcelona's defensive struggles stemmed not just from their backline but from a lack of physicality in midfield.
Mahamadou Diarra, who in Yang Hao's past life moved to Real Madrid, was now on Mourinho's radar for Barcelona. With Real Madrid boasting midfield powerhouses like Essien, Ballack, and Vieira, they didn't need Mahamadou Diarra, leaving an opening for Barcelona.
As for Simão… Mourinho's obsession with wingers like Quaresma was well-documented. While signing Quaresma was implausible given his past at Barcelona, Simão seemed a logical alternative.
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Mourinho's Tactical Plans
Mourinho was reportedly working to mend relationships with Barcelona's stars Ronaldinho, Henry, and Eto'o, signaling his intention to retain the trio. However, he also wanted a new striker, with Didier Drogba as his top choice.
Yang Hao, upon learning of this, responded simply: "No way!"
"From what I've gathered, Mourinho is also trying to bring in Nemanja Vidić," Yang Hao said with a smile.
Surprised gasps filled the room.
"Here's the kicker: Real Madrid is also interested in Vidić."
If the Manchester United defender became available, a bidding war between Real Madrid and Barcelona was inevitable.
Ferguson, upon hearing that Wenger was eyeing his star defender, reportedly flew into a rage, vowing to "knock Wenger out" the next time they met. Ferguson publicly declared that Vidić was "absolutely not for sale."
Mourinho, meanwhile, also sought to bolster Barcelona's attack by targeting Carlos Tevez, then at West Ham. Tevez was precisely the type of player Mourinho admired.
The Portuguese manager reportedly envisioned a 4-2-3-1 formation to strengthen Barcelona's defense.
If executed, the lineup could potentially include Henry, Ronaldinho, and Eto'o alongside a new striker, possibly achieving a formidable attack. However, this shift would force Xavi into a defensive midfield role, raising questions about Busquets' future.
The football world, particularly La Liga and Europe, was in chaos. Clubs were raiding players from Portugal, France, Germany, England, and, of course, South America.
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La Liga Clubs React
"Last season's relegations of Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad dealt a heavy blow to several clubs," remarked Enrique Cerezo.
Both teams were considered strong sides, yet a slight misstep led to their demotion. La Liga seemed as unpredictable as when Yang Hao first took over Atlético.
The stakes were now higher. If Antonio Ponte's projections held true, each team could soon earn an additional €20 million annually from broadcasting rights alone. Combined with domestic revenue sharing, mid- and lower-tier clubs could see annual revenues of €40-50 million—a monumental sum.
"I've heard even Athletic Bilbao is starting to feel the pressure," said Andrés Velasco, the media director, with a chuckle.
Yang Hao raised an eyebrow. "Are they considering relaxing their Basque-only policy?"
The room fell silent, then turned to Velasco in astonishment.
"How did you guess?"
"It's obvious. Sooner or later, they'll have no choice. With the current level of competition in La Liga, they risk relegation if they don't adapt."
The group mulled it over and found Yang Hao's reasoning plausible.
Reports indicated that Athletic Bilbao was now open to signing players who identified with Basque culture. This included players who grew up or trained in the Basque region, even if they were immigrants.
For a club as iconic and traditional as Athletic Bilbao, this shift was groundbreaking.
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Spain's National Team Prepares
While the league took a break, Yang Hao remained busy with Spain's national team.
In early June, Spain faced two European Championship qualifiers: Latvia on June 2 and Liechtenstein on June 6. Both opponents were minnows, offering little challenge despite being away matches.
Meanwhile, many South American internationals were called up for the Copa América, thinning Atlético's ranks.
Despite the packed schedule, Yang Hao managed Spain's training sessions with ease. With such a disparity in quality between Spain and their upcoming opponents, pressure was minimal.
By now, Yang Hao's Spanish national team lineup was mostly finalized:
Forwards: Villa, Torres, and Reyes
Midfielders: Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, and Xavi
Defense: Antonio López, Puyol, Pepe, and Ramos
Goalkeeper: Casillas
With this lineup, Spain played an away game at Skonto Stadium, dominating possession from the outset. They unleashed 28 shots and maintained 76% ball possession, effectively pinning their opponents in their own half. However, despite this overwhelming control, they only managed to score four goals, defeating their opponents 4–0.
Yang Hao was not satisfied with this efficiency.
Upon returning to Las Rozas Sports City in Madrid, he convened a meeting to review the match, analyzing the team's performance and identifying problems.
One point Yang Hao emphasized repeatedly was width in attack.
"We shouldn't have stopped at four goals. We should've scored more. Why did we only score four goals despite such overwhelming dominance?"
"First, it's because you didn't take the match seriously enough."
"I understand that you've all just come off a long and grueling season, and you're physically and mentally exhausted. But that's no excuse. A year from now, we'll be playing in the European Championship."
"But the biggest issue is that we failed to stretch the play. Our attacks were overly concentrated in the middle."
Yang Hao refrained from further elaborating, but the truth was that the players were not giving their all. The over-reliance on central attacks stemmed from a lack of effort and a desire to secure an easy win.
This attitude, while understandable, had to be criticized harshly. What if complacency led to a disastrous upset?
Yang Hao told the players they'd have the afternoon of the 3rd and the morning of the 4th off. Their next match was against Liechtenstein on the 6th. "I want to see a victory that truly reflects our strength!"
Yang Hao himself didn't expect that giving the team time off would lead to trouble.
By the time everyone returned to Las Rozas Sports City late the next morning, word had already spread. Yang Hao had summoned Sergio Ramos to his office, and his booming voice could be heard, leaving everyone on edge.
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A Heated Scolding
Smack!
Yang Hao slammed a stack of photos onto his desk, pointing at Ramos and then at the pictures.
"Take a look at these yourself!"
Ramos, initially confused, picked up the photos. The more he looked, the more his heart sank.
The images showed Ramos leaving an upscale bar in downtown Madrid with a blonde woman in his arms.
"Damn it! How did they even catch me?"
Yang Hao, hearing this response, rubbed his temples in frustration.
"You've got to be kidding me. I was careful! I swear I—"
"Are you stupid?" Yang Hao snapped, glaring at him.
Ramos, realizing he was in deep trouble, didn't dare argue further.
"How long have you known this woman?" Yang Hao asked.
"Since last night," Ramos admitted.
Yang Hao gave him a knowing look. "And what about Elizabeth?"
Ramos had been dating Elizabeth Reyes, a former Miss Spain from 2006, for several months. She had often accompanied Ramos to Atlético events.
"We broke up," Ramos said.
"When?"
"Recently. We just drifted apart, you know?"
Yang Hao was exasperated. "The woman from last night is the ex-wife of a famous bullfighter. Did you know that?"
"No… I didn't," Ramos replied sheepishly. "Last night, some friends came to see me. Since the team had the day off, I went out with them…"
"So, you got drunk?"
Ramos lowered his head further.
"Not only did you get drunk, but you were also caught on camera getting handsy with this woman in public. And look at these photos! You were even caught urinating on the street."
"And here's the kicker. The paparazzi even timed it—24 seconds! Impressive!"
Yang Hao couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.
The paparazzi's antics—documenting and timing such trivialities—left him speechless.
Romantic escapades and scandals among professional footballers were nothing new. Ramos wasn't the first, nor would he be the last. In fact, players like Kaká and Messi, known for their clean-cut images, were rare exceptions. Most young footballers had their fair share of "wild phases."
Yang Hao wasn't upset about Ramos dating or partying. What infuriated him was the recklessness of drinking excessively and getting caught on camera, potentially damaging his reputation.
"Boss, just punish me heavily," Ramos said after a long silence.
"Oh, don't worry, I will!" Yang Hao retorted.
For a moment, Yang Hao sympathized with Ferguson, recalling stories of the Scotsman's frustrations with Beckham's off-field distractions. The fear wasn't just the public scandal—it was the risk of a promising player going astray.
"Listen," Yang Hao continued, "I intercepted this report before it went public."
Ramos's face lit up. "Really?"
"Yes. It was from Spain's Channel 5, part of the 'Tomate' show. They have staff stationed outside every nightclub, waiting for players like you to slip up. Haven't I told you to avoid those places?"
Yang Hao felt a surge of frustration. He had warned his players numerous times about the dangers of certain hotspots in Madrid.
If anyone knew Madrid's nightlife, it was Yang Hao. Club owners would practically bribe him to visit their establishments. Yet his own player had gotten caught in a nightclub scandal, jeopardizing not only his image but also Yang Hao's.
"I told you about specific clubs to avoid. How could you forget?"
"I didn't remember all of them…" Ramos muttered.
"Here's what's going to happen," Yang Hao said firmly. "You'll write a self-reflection essay. And from now until preseason training begins, if I hear even a whisper of you visiting a nightclub, I'll deal with you personally."
Ramos nodded meekly. "Understood."
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Ramos left the office visibly relieved but chastened. Yang Hao, still annoyed, slumped into his chair.
Managing talent was never easy, but dealing with the drama of young stars often felt like herding cats.
When Ramos heard this, he grinned. "Thanks, boss. I've got it. I promise."
As he was about to leave, something crossed his mind, and he turned back. "Boss, do the reporters at Spain's Channel 5 really listen to you? They just dropped the story like that?"
"Get lost! Stop prying into my business," Yang Hao snapped.
Ramos left with a wide smile, but as soon as he turned away, the grin faded.
He knew deep down that Yang Hao must have paid a price to have the story killed. There was no way those paparazzi did it out of goodwill.
After all, Spain's Channel 5's Tomate show specialized in exposing celebrity scandals and had consistently high ratings. If they had aired the story, it wouldn't have hurt Ramos's career much, but the public criticism and scrutiny, especially from fans, would have been unavoidable.
By intercepting the story, Yang Hao had protected him.
Still, Ramos couldn't help but feel guilty. Yang Hao surely had to negotiate or make some trade-off, but what exactly, Ramos didn't know.
Reflecting on this, Ramos wished he could slap himself. So careless!
From behind, Yang Hao watched Ramos leave and sighed, shaking his head.
The kid was inexperienced, and being drunk had led to reckless behavior.
For a professional footballer, this wasn't a career-ending scandal. Clubs deal with issues like this all the time.
Not long ago, El Mundo had reported Cassano flirting with numerous women at a nightclub. Meanwhile, Ronaldinho at Barça was practically a regular at nightclubs, yet his exploits rarely made the news.
In comparison, this was Ramos's first incident, but Yang Hao couldn't ignore it.
It wasn't about having a girlfriend, drinking, or visiting nightclubs—it was about getting drunk and being caught urinating in public. And with paparazzi timing it down to the second, the story could have severely impacted Ramos's public image.
This was why Yang Hao intervened.
As for the price he paid? It was simple: Yang Hao promised the Tomate team that after Spain's match against Liechtenstein, he would take his girlfriend, Blake Lively, on vacation to Marbella in southern Spain.
"If you're that skilled, come take your best shot at getting pictures!" he had said.
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No Media Attention
The disciplinary action Yang Hao imposed on Ramos stayed within the national team.
The matter was quietly resolved in the locker room. Neither the fans nor the media had any inkling of Ramos's blunder.
In the match against Liechtenstein on the 6th, Spain dominated with a 7–0 victory. Ramos even scored a goal and put on a solid performance, earning praise from fans and the media alike.
With that, Yang Hao officially concluded all his duties for the 2006/07 season.
The media and fans were largely positive about Spain's recent matches. Since Yang Hao took over as head coach, the team had become more consistent in results and played increasingly exciting football, continuing their winning streak in the European Championship qualifiers.
As the league season wrapped up, various rankings and statistics were published.
Yang Hao took note of a ranking compiled by Sports Illustrated, listing the world's wealthiest footballers.
As he had predicted, Kaká surpassed David Beckham to become the world's highest-earning footballer, with an annual income of €27.7 million.
Beckham came in second with €20.2 million.
Unlike in Yang Hao's previous timeline, Beckham hadn't left La Liga and was still at Real Madrid. Florentino Pérez had no intention of letting his cash cow leave—a stark contrast to the approach of Calderón.
Fernando Torres ranked third, earning €15.75 million annually.
Also from Real Madrid, Ballack was fourth.
The fact that Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid occupied the top two spots on the list demonstrated that these two clubs were not only dominating on the pitch but also leading in player salaries.
Other players, like Ronaldinho and Henry at Barça and Shevchenko and Terry at Chelsea, also made the top ranks.
At this level, only a handful of clubs could afford such astronomical wages.
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Transfer Rumors in Marbella
Although the European transfer window had yet to officially open, news about potential moves reached Yang Hao during his vacation in Marbella.
After appointing Mourinho as head coach, Barcelona entered full-on "buy, buy, buy" mode.
They signed Éric Abidal from Lyon for €16 million and Mahamadou Diarra from the same club for €28 million. Before the window even opened, Barça had already spent €44 million—a heavy investment for a club with limited finances.
The surprises didn't stop there. Barça then announced the signing of Argentine forward Carlos Tévez from West Ham for a staggering €30 million.
At just 23 years old, Tévez had undeniable talent and potential, making him a hot commodity among Europe's elite clubs.
While €30 million was a high fee, it was seen as a fair price for a player of Tévez's caliber.
Barça then made an offer of €30 million for Nemanja Vidić from Manchester United. Mourinho was eager to bolster his defense with the Serbian center-back.
Considering United had signed Vidić for just €10.5 million in January 2006, the proposed fee represented a nearly threefold increase in just 18 months. From a financial perspective, it was an attractive proposition for United.
However, Manchester United swiftly rejected Barça's offer.
In a twist, Real Madrid entered the fray, with Wenger submitting a counteroffer of €35 million for Vidić.
Ferguson, furious, lashed out in the media, accusing Wenger of trying to poach his player.
"I'll never allow my players to join a team managed by Wenger!" Ferguson fumed.
Wenger responded with bemusement.
"I don't understand why they're handling the transfer this way," he said. "We've submitted a formal bid, as is customary. However, United refuses to negotiate."
Wenger couldn't hide his amusement, discovering how satisfying it was to antagonize Ferguson.
"Who knew stealing from Ferguson's squad and watching him fume publicly could feel so exhilarating?"
He couldn't help but reflect that the joys of poaching had been a revelation.
"Ah, life before this—it was all so dull!"
Poaching could be addicting.
Each time, the thrill would only grow.
"How to keep this excitement going?" Wenger mused, smiling mischievously. "Ah, slow and steady wins the race. Let's savor the fun."
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It wasn't just Ferguson who was irate with Wenger. Mourinho also had his grievances.
Barcelona's new head coach revealed to Mundo Deportivo that Real Madrid's bid for Vidić was pure interference.
"They're not really interested in Vidić; they just want to help Manchester United inflate the price."
In response, Mourinho raised Barcelona's bid to €40 million in a renewed attempt to sign the Serbian defender. However, Manchester United still refused.
Mourinho even personally called Ferguson, but it was futile. Ferguson steadfastly rejected the sale.
While Barcelona's pursuit of Vidić stalled, their efforts to secure a striker progressed surprisingly smoothly.
Barcelona announced the signing of Argentine striker Diego Milito from Real Zaragoza for €30 million.
Mourinho publicly welcomed Diego Milito to the team.
The Portuguese coach expressed confidence that Milito's addition would significantly enhance Barcelona's attacking prowess and benefit players like Henry, Ronaldinho, and Eto'o.
"He will be a vital part of our offensive lineup," Mourinho declared with satisfaction.
The deal went through swiftly due to Zaragoza's financial troubles, including a €28 million debt they urgently needed to address.
Diego Milito had scored 22 goals in La Liga the previous season, attracting widespread attention. Not only was he a prolific scorer, but his tactical utility as a center forward also stood out.
But Mourinho wasn't done yet.
Barcelona soon announced the signing of Portuguese winger Simão Sabrosa from Benfica for €20 million and Portuguese international center-back Bruno Alves from Porto for €22 million.
Not just Spanish football, but the entire European football scene was stunned by Barcelona's spree.
So far, they had signed:
Éric Abidal for €16 million. Mahamadou Diarra for €28 million. Carlos Tévez for €30 million. Diego Milito for €30 million. Simão for €20 million. Bruno Alves for €22 million.
Barcelona had already spent €146 million in the summer transfer window, leaving everyone shocked.
"When did they become so wealthy?"
While Barcelona's revenues had been strong in recent years, their hefty wage bill left little room for such spending.
Even after selling players like Giuly, Belletti, and Maxi López for €12 million in total, their net expenditure exceeded €100 million—a remarkable display of financial ambition.
Catalan media praised Barcelona's boldness, insisting that with such reinforcements, Mourinho's team was now fully capable of challenging Atlético Madrid's dominance in La Liga.
"We will completely overturn Atlético's rule over La Liga!"
But not everyone was convinced.
Johan Cruyff, Barcelona's honorary president, voiced his skepticism in an interview.
He criticized Mourinho's appointment and described Barcelona's transfer policy as chaotic, claiming the new signings didn't align with the club's traditional values.
"I can't even imagine what kind of football this Barcelona team will play," said Cruyff, expressing his despair.
Judging by Mourinho's transfer preferences, it was clear that he valued physicality and defensive solidity. This aligned with his usual coaching style.
Despite repeatedly promising not to play defensive football, his signings indicated a departure from Barcelona's characteristic possession-based, technical style.
As Joan Laporta, Barcelona's president, put it in an interview, "It's been far too long since we last won a title."
"For Barcelona right now, the hunger for trophies far outweighs the pursuit of tiki-taka."
Catalan media and fans largely agreed with Laporta's stance. For Barcelona, winning titles was the priority.
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Real Madrid's Calculated Strengthening
While Barcelona aggressively rebuilt their squad, Real Madrid focused on strategic reinforcements.
Mourinho wasn't entirely wrong: Wenger didn't necessarily need Vidić. With Chiellini and Kompany developing well, Cannavaro maintaining high performance, and Samuel adding depth, Real Madrid's center-back options were solid.
Having signed Yaya Touré and Lassana Diarra, Wenger's primary summer target was Bayern Munich's right-back Philipp Lahm.
In recent years, Bayern had been struggling in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League, leaving many players disillusioned. Ambitious players naturally sought exits from the faltering German giants.
When Real Madrid expressed interest in Lahm, the player himself refrained from commenting, but his agent was spotted in Madrid. German media speculated that discussions with Real Madrid were underway, though the agent denied the claims.
In June, Real Madrid officially made their move.
Given their strong relationship with Bayern, Real Madrid sent José Ángel Sánchez to Munich to negotiate with Uli Hoeneß.
According to Bild, Madrid's opening bid was €35 million, but Bayern refused.
Lahm's agent then hinted that playing in La Liga and joining Real Madrid was every footballer's dream.
He subtly added that Lahm wanted to compete in the Champions League and aim for titles.
Everyone knew Bayern had only finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season, missing out on Champions League qualification.
The message was clear: Lahm wanted to leave for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid soon upped their offer to €40 million.
Considering Lahm's market valuation was around €18 million at the time, this was an astronomical sum.
As AS put it, "If not to counter Atlético Madrid's dominance and bring them down, Real Madrid wouldn't have spent such a ridiculous amount."
But Real Madrid were willing to do whatever it took to compete with Atlético.
In the end, Bayern succumbed to the cash. For €40 million, Hoeneß agreed to the deal.
News of Lahm's transfer sent shockwaves through European football. It became the most expensive transfer of the summer so far.
Yang Hao was surprised when he heard the news of Lahm joining Real Madrid.
He hadn't expected Bayern to relent.
For a defender, €40 million was an exorbitant fee.
Last year, Maicon transferred to Inter Milan for a similar price.
Of course, Maicon was 25 years old at the time—two years older than Lahm—and had achieved far more in his career. Still, the valuations were comparable.
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A New Challenger in Valencia
As the news of Lahm's transfer reached Marbella, Atlético's office delivered another update.
The Abu Dhabi consortium, which had recently taken over Valencia, finally made a move.
Apart from signing Alberto Aquilani earlier, Valencia had been relatively quiet. But now, they were ready to act.