Chapter 93
November 17, Stade de Gerland, Lyon
In Champions League Group Stage Round 5, Atlético faced Lyon away.
Yang Hao was slightly disappointed not to see young star Karim Benzema in Lyon's starting lineup, replaced by Brazilian striker Fred. However, Atlético's approach remained unaffected.
The team played their own rhythm, focusing on exploiting Lionel Messi and Kaká's chemistry.
Within two minutes, Javier Mascherano intercepted the ball deep in Atlético's half. Kaká advanced with the ball into Lyon's final third, where he passed to Messi.
Messi maneuvered past Fabio Grosso before delivering a precise through ball to Didier Drogba, who darted into the right side of the box. Instead of shooting, Drogba crossed to Andrés Iniesta, who calmly slotted it home for 1–0.
Yang Hao and the coaching staff erupted into applause on the sideline.
"Unstoppable!" exclaimed Pep Guardiola.
"When Kaká and Messi combine, there's no stopping them," Yang Hao agreed.
The play highlighted their complementary skills. Kaká's strength lay in mid-to-long-range runs and breakthroughs, while Messi thrived in short bursts and quick changes of direction.
In this sequence, Mascherano's interception launched the attack. Kaká's drive into Lyon's half transitioned seamlessly into Messi's intricate play in the final third, creating space for Drogba to set up Iniesta's goal.
Such fluid interplay between two superstars, supported by teammates like Robben, Evra, Alves, Torres, and Iniesta, showcased Atlético's unprecedented attacking depth.
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If the first-half goal wasn't convincing enough, the second half solidified their dominance.
Atlético launched a swift counterattack after a defensive stop. Kaká carried the ball forward and passed to Messi, who drove into the penalty area. Lyon defender Sébastien Squillaci fouled Messi, conceding a clear penalty and earning a straight red card for denying a scoring opportunity.
Without hesitation, Drogba stepped up and converted the penalty in the 58th minute, making it 2–0.
Trailing by two goals, Lyon shifted to a defensive stance, while Atlético eased off, knowing both teams had already secured qualification.
The match ended 2–0, giving Atlético their fifth consecutive group-stage win.
Despite holding only 63.4% possession in the first 60 minutes, Atlético's dominance left Lyon with just one shot on target throughout the game.
Lyon coach Alain Perrin expressed his admiration in the post-match conference.
"We lost to the strongest team in the world."
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La Liga Round 14
Real Madrid defeated Racing Santander 3–1 at home, though former Madrid player Pedro Munitis scored for Santander, creating an awkward moment for the hosts.
Barcelona continued their strong form, securing a 2–0 victory over Getafe.
Valencia crushed Murcia 3–0 at home, with David Villa scoring twice and Lucio adding a goal.
Atlético traveled to Almería and ground out a hard-fought 1–0 win, with Kaká scoring the decisive goal.
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44 Unbeaten Matches
Following their victory over Almería, Spanish media turned their focus to Atlético's historic unbeaten streak.
With 44 games undefeated, Atlético had surpassed Arsenal's record, becoming the second-longest unbeaten streak in European top-flight history, trailing only AC Milan's 58 matches.
Earlier, Italian media had mocked Atlético's chances of surpassing Milan's legendary run, but now they were forced to reconsider.
"Atlético continues to defy expectations," wrote Marca, praising Kaká's crucial goal in Almería.
"AC Milan's streak ended at 58. Atlético is at 44 and still going strong."
Online, fans formed a "Colchoneros Army," vowing to champion Atlético's dominance both on and off the pitch.
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Copa del Rey Round of 32, First Leg
Three days after their league match, Atlético edged Granada 2–1 away.
Luis Suárez and Ángel Di María scored, with assists from Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, respectively.
Kroos, typically limited to Segunda División appearances, shone in his rare starting opportunity, impressing Yang Hao with his performance.
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Back in the international break, Spain prepared for matches against Sweden and Northern Ireland. Despite already securing Euro 2008 qualification, Yang Hao used the games to test younger players.
In a 3–0 win over Sweden, standout performances came from Joan Capdevila, who scored the opener and assisted twice, and Andrés Iniesta, who netted the second goal.
Four days later, Spain defeated Northern Ireland 2–0, with Xavi and Pepe scoring.
The media were amused by Atlético defenders Ramos and Pepe both finding the net during the international break.
"These two are a source of both love and frustration," wrote Marca, highlighting their unpredictability.
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Finally, the Ballon d'Or shortlist of 35 players was announced, marking the expanded global voting pool of 96 journalists.
Atlético led all clubs with nine players shortlisted, including Kaká, Messi, Torres, Drogba, and more.
While Kaká was a favorite to win, the main question remained whether Atlético could claim all top three spots, potentially edging out Cristiano Ronaldo for the honor.
Former Real Madrid players often excel when facing their old club.
Barcelona secured a narrow 1–0 away victory against Espanyol in the Catalan derby.
Atlético Madrid triumphed 2–0 away at Real Betis, with goals from Torres and Kaká.
Valencia dominated Athletic Bilbao with a 3–0 home victory, while Villarreal suffered a surprising 2–0 defeat away to Valladolid.
The "Yellow Submarine" has a recurring issue: they perform well against strong teams but often struggle against less formidable sides, especially those with well-organized defenses. Against Valladolid, both of their goals conceded came from counterattacks.
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After 14 La Liga rounds, Marca broke the news about the Ballon d'Or.
Kaká won the 2007 Ballon d'Or with an overwhelming margin, making it his third consecutive victory.
On the morning of December 2, Spanish media captured images of Kaká and Messi boarding a private jet to Paris, accompanied by Enrique Cerezo, Miguel Gil, and Carlos Leo.
This raised concerns about the lack of privacy in the Ballon d'Or process. Unlike FIFA's awards, which have more resources and fanfare, France Football's approach has struggled to keep results confidential. By November, insiders already knew the outcome.
Even Édouard Hernot's trip to Madrid for photoshoots drew no media attention, as journalists were uninterested in covering something they already knew.
While the early leaks didn't diminish public interest, they underscored a critical flaw in the process. France Football lacked the resources to host a grand ceremony or create suspense, making the Ballon d'Or increasingly awkward in comparison to FIFA's awards.
The bigger intrigue this year was the top-three finishers. Kaká and Messi were certain to make the podium, but speculation surrounded whether Cristiano Ronaldo, Torres, or Drogba would claim the final spot.
Ultimately, the official announcement confirmed Kaká's win, followed by Messi in second and Cristiano Ronaldo in third. Torres and Drogba placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
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For Yang Hao, the result was bittersweet.
Although Kaká and Messi dominated the vote, Drogba and Torres split votes, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to secure third place with a more consolidated tally.
Yang Hao suspected this was a deliberate move to prevent Atlético from sweeping the top three positions, a tactic often seen in award voting. While such manipulation was unsurprising, it was still disappointing.
Despite this, Cristiano Ronaldo's inclusion in the top three was justified. His stellar performances at Real Madrid, combined with the club's unparalleled star power and influence, made him a strong candidate.
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An Intriguing Pattern in the Ballon d'Or Voting
Of the top 10 finishers, eight were from La Liga, mostly from Atlético and Real Madrid, with the exception of Ronaldinho.
This reflected a broader trend: La Liga's dominance in global football.
Real Madrid, Atlético, and Barcelona hoarded the world's best players, with Valencia also emerging as a rising force. If Barcelona succeeded in signing Cesc Fàbregas from Arsenal, La Liga's stranglehold on global talent would only strengthen.
Marca commented that the Ballon d'Or rankings resembled a promotional brochure for La Liga, showcasing its star-studded rosters. Meanwhile, the Times lamented the Premier League's inability to keep pace.
Historically, the Premier League excelled commercially but lagged in European success and star power. The resurgence of Spanish clubs, particularly Real Madrid, Atlético, and Barcelona, created a talent vacuum, with Valencia adding another layer of competition.
Some European leagues even called on UEFA to impose stricter regulations on La Liga's recruitment practices.
However, as Marca pointed out:
Atlético primarily focuses on developing young talent and rarely engages in large-scale transfers, with Manuel Neuer being their most significant recent signing. Real Madrid and Barcelona, as membership clubs, have unparalleled financial power and revenue streams, legitimizing their spending. Valencia, under Abu Dhabi's ownership, significantly boosted its revenues through sponsorship deals like Etihad Airways.
While the financial might of Spanish clubs drew criticism, their dominance in European football was undeniable.
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December 4: Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 6
Atlético hosted Steaua Bucharest with a rotated lineup.
In the 8th minute, Marcelo assisted Ángel Di María for the opening goal.
Just before halftime, Luis Suárez doubled the lead.
Although Steaua pulled one back in the second half, Atlético secured a 2–1 victory.
Despite fielding a second-string lineup, the Emirates Stadium was packed, reflecting the fans' unwavering support.
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This result marked the end of the Champions League group stage, with Atlético advancing as group winners.
By now, Atlético's unbeaten run extended to 45 matches, sparking discussions about whether they could surpass AC Milan's legendary 58-match streak.
The debate over La Liga's supremacy and its growing influence continued to ripple across European football, with Atlético Madrid at the center of it all.
Before the match, Kaká presented his newly won third Ballon d'Or to the fans.
The crowd at the Estadio Metropolitano erupted in celebration. Kaká, Atlético Madrid's first-ever Ballon d'Or winner, had fulfilled a long-standing dream for the club's supporters.
No one had anticipated that Kaká's Ballon d'Or journey would evolve into a three-year streak, solidifying his status as a legend at the club.
Adding to the joy was the meteoric rise of Lionel Messi. At just 20 years old, the Argentine prodigy claimed second place in the Ballon d'Or rankings, earning the Silver Ball.
Atlético fans brimmed with pride and optimism, confident that Messi would soon reach the pinnacle of European football. His performances on the pitch were nothing short of extraordinary, fueling hopes that his name would dominate the top awards for years to come.
The Spanish media joined in the celebration, showering praise on Kaká, Messi, and Atlético Madrid.
In addition to Kaká and Messi, Atlético stars Torres, Drogba, and Iniesta also made it into the Ballon d'Or top ten, a testament to the club's immense strength and global stature.
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December 8, La Liga Round 15
Real Madrid secured a narrow 1–0 away victory over Athletic Bilbao, courtesy of Zlatan Ibrahimović's goal. Barcelona edged past Deportivo La Coruña with a 2–1 win, thanks to goals from Ronaldinho and Xavi. Atlético Madrid defeated Getafe 1–0 away, with Torres scoring the decisive goal.
The three Spanish powerhouses, commonly dubbed the "Spanish Super Trio," all secured victories. Valencia also claimed a 2–1 away win against Osasuna.
The standings remained relatively unchanged after 15 rounds.
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After La Liga Round 15, Atlético embarked on a journey to Asia.
Once again donning sharp suits, the "Atleti Gentleman Squad" arrived in Japan, sparking a frenzy among local fans. The crowd's enthusiasm reached fever pitch, especially for Kaká, fresh off his Ballon d'Or win, and Messi, the Silver Ball winner.
Atlético had begun crafting individualized personas for its players.
Kaká, with his dashing looks and graceful demeanor, embodied the archetypal heartthrob, combining star quality with world-class talent. Messi, shy and humble, exuded a boy-next-door charm, endearing himself to fans worldwide with his sublime dribbling and incredible flair on the pitch. Torres symbolized responsibility and leadership, while Drogba radiated strength and resilience. Xabi Alonso epitomized calm intelligence, Iniesta represented versatility and teamwork, and Sergio Ramos became a symbol of passion and rebellion.
The distinct personalities of Atlético's players appealed to a diverse fan base, with each star cultivating their own following.
In Japan, fans were so ecstatic they seemed ready to tear down barriers to get closer to their idols.
Coach Yang Hao couldn't help but feel slightly overlooked amid the chaos.
"I may be a bit older, but I've still got charm. I'm in my early thirties—prime time for a man's allure! How can they not appreciate this?" he joked.
Pep Guardiola quipped, "Don't worry, I heard your style is a big hit with middle-aged Japanese ladies."
Yang Hao shot him a sardonic smile. "Do you think you're funny?"
Guardiola and Juanma Lillo burst out laughing.
"Watching your players steal the spotlight must sting," Lillo teased.
Yang Hao could only shake his head in mock resignation.
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Behind the Scenes: The Growing Tension Around La Liga
Upon arriving at their hotel, Atlético's executives gathered Yang Hao for a strategic meeting.
Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo shared insights from a recent closed-door La Liga meeting. The agenda had been to review 2007 and prepare for 2008, particularly the upcoming TV rights auction.
The auction would determine broadcast rights for the next three seasons, drawing interest from across Europe and beyond. Success in this auction could solidify La Liga's claim as the world's premier football league, especially in overseas markets.
Among the topics discussed was a proposal to implement stricter financial regulations within La Liga.
"We're hearing a lot about this new 'squad spending cap,'" explained Cerezo.
"What does that mean?" Miguel Gil asked, puzzled.
Yang Hao immediately recognized the concept from his previous life: it was essentially a version of a salary cap, but more intricate.
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The La Liga Squad Spending Cap Explained
The core principle is spending within your means. Clubs can only spend what they've already earned.
Teams must submit annual budgets, which will be audited by a new financial oversight body. Based on revenue, debt, cash flow, and other financial metrics, the oversight body will set a spending cap for each club, including player wages and transfer amortizations. These caps will be publicly disclosed, allowing for transparency and accountability across the league.
One key difference from UEFA's Financial Fair Play is the preventative nature of this system. Clubs must secure revenues before committing to expenses, minimizing risks of financial instability.
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Implications of Stricter Regulations
The proposed system aimed to address growing concerns about financial disparities in La Liga, particularly as Spanish clubs attracted massive foreign investment.
For example, the ongoing acquisition of Espanyol by a Russian consortium had been delayed for months due to concerns over the club's debt.
"This is why La Liga wants to tighten financial regulations," Yang Hao remarked. "To prevent another financial crisis like the one that plagued Spanish football a few years ago."
Indeed, La Liga's precarious financial state in prior years had left many clubs on the brink of collapse. These reforms sought to usher in a new era of fiscal responsibility and sustainability for Spanish football.
Despite potential challenges, Yang Hao believed the spending cap could enhance La Liga's global reputation and competitiveness, provided it was implemented fairly and transparently.
Of the 20 La Liga clubs and 22 Segunda División clubs, only two are debt-free: Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad.
At one point, even Real Sociedad fell into debt. Only Atlético remained standing.
Over the past few years, Atlético has become the benchmark for financial management in La Liga. They spent billions building a new stadium and investing in real estate, yet their financial health remains impeccable.
Everyone knows that if Atlético hadn't repeatedly and vehemently advocated for the collective auctioning of La Liga's broadcasting rights, the league wouldn't be enjoying its current prosperity. Without this, numerous clubs would likely have gone bankrupt.
Even so, the majority of La Liga clubs are still deeply mired in debt.
In this situation, La Liga needed a long-term, sustainable financial policy to address the debt crisis affecting clubs in both divisions.
In Yang Hao's previous life, La Liga's economic oversight department wasn't established until 2013, and the salary cap came even later. But now?
Yang Hao had accelerated everything.
When La Liga began its reforms in the past, financial audits unearthed a slew of issues. Now, with these foundations in place, further upgrading financial oversight was a logical progression.
This approach aimed to control club debt and guide teams onto a path of sustainable growth. It would prevent situations like those seen with Valencia or worse.
As Yang Hao put it bluntly: Valencia might be thriving now, but what happens if the Abu Dhabi consortium decides to pull out one day?
While sovereign wealth funds often aim to enhance their nation's global image through investments like these, they're not immune to leaving if circumstances change.
Yang Hao also recalled a conversation with Antonio Ponte, who highlighted a widespread misconception. Many believe stricter regulation deters foreign investment, but the opposite is often true.
The stricter and more transparent the regulations, the more attractive the environment becomes for foreign investors. They prefer clear, fair, and predictable rules.
This rationale underpinned La Liga's introduction of the squad spending cap.
What is the Squad Spending Cap?
According to La Liga, the cap ensures clubs spend only what they earn. Clubs exceeding this limit would face consequences such as mandatory salary reductions or player sales in subsequent seasons.
This policy indirectly benefits the league's elite clubs.
For financially robust clubs like Real Madrid, Atlético, and Barcelona—whose revenues exceed €300 million—their higher earnings translate to a higher spending cap.
For smaller clubs, reliant on La Liga's broadcasting revenue distribution to survive, resistance to the cap would be futile.
Thus, the policy easily passed within La Liga and would take effect on a trial basis in January 2008, with full implementation in July.
A Critical Period for Atlético
"As it stands, we still need to work on improving our financial standing. The next two to three years will be crucial for us to increase our revenue streams," Enrique Cerezo said during the meeting.
"Spanish football has secured a sponsorship deal with Emirates for the Copa del Rey, which will significantly enhance the competition's appeal. At the very least, the prize money will now be substantial."
"Will we break €400 million this year?" Yang Hao asked.
"Definitely," Carlos Leo replied with a smile.
"We estimate commercial revenue will see another significant jump this year. We're expecting to hit around €450 million. Real Madrid will undoubtedly surpass €450 million as well, so we might still fall slightly behind them, but it will depend on the second half of the season."
Florentino Pérez's business acumen had been transformative for Real Madrid. With no interruptions like those caused by Ramón Calderón in Yang Hao's previous life, Pérez's leadership had driven Real Madrid's revenue to new heights.
The Role of Superstars
Many fans overestimate how quickly superstars can boost a club's commercial value. The impact is significant but rarely immediate.
For instance, when Adriano won back-to-back Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, Inter Milan's revenue, particularly from commercial sources, didn't see a dramatic surge.
Real Madrid and Barcelona, on the other hand, have always benefited from their historic status. Their global brand recognition and vast fanbases ensure stable commercial growth.
Atlético Madrid had made rapid strides in recent years, but building such a legacy takes time. Even so, the club's progress was commendable.
Yang Hao's goal for the next five years was clear: to surpass Real Madrid in global brand influence.
This strategy hinged on players like Kaká, Messi, and Torres.
These stars were not only the core of Atlético's success on the pitch but also pivotal to driving commercial revenue. The club's growth potential in this area remained enormous.
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La Liga's Fight for Global Market Share
"How is the league management viewing the broadcasting rights auction?" Yang Hao asked.
"They're optimistic, but nothing is certain until the last moment," Carlos Leo replied.
This auction would be a decisive battle for La Liga.
In Yang Hao's previous life, the Premier League hadn't necessarily outshone La Liga in terms of players or football quality. Yet, its global marketing strategy allowed it to dominate internationally.
The Premier League's success boiled down to its ability to market itself and monopolize resources.
Fans and broadcasters have finite budgets. Choosing one league often means neglecting another.
La Liga couldn't rely solely on its domestic market to compete with the Premier League. It had to establish a strong foothold in overseas markets to limit the Premier League's growth.
The next few years would determine whether La Liga could curb the Premier League's global advance.
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Atlético's Three Target Markets
Carlos Leo elaborated on the marketing department's plans:
"Studies show that football viewership is highest in Latin America, where over 70% of the population regularly watches the sport. However, their spending power isn't particularly strong.
"In countries like Thailand, football interest reaches 80%, but again, spending capacity is limited. These regions require long-term cultivation."
The focus would be on the Middle East, North America, and developed regions of Asia-Pacific.
The Middle East was a natural choice, given its passionate fanbase and significant wealth. Emirates, Atlético's primary sponsor, offered a strategic entry point. North America remained the world's most lucrative sports market. In Asia-Pacific, East Asia and Australia represented prime targets.
Atlético already held a dominant position in East Asia, thanks to repeated tours of Japan and South Korea in recent years.
Yang Hao nodded in agreement. "I'll reiterate what I've always said..."
Everyone immediately turned their attention to Yang Hao.
"What happens on the pitch, leave it to me. You all just excel in your own areas!" Yang Hao said with a smile, encouraging everyone.
At Atlético Madrid, just as players received top-tier salaries, so did key club employees. These were among the highest in the industry.
Other clubs had tried to poach Atlético staff before but to no avail.
The reason was simple. Atlético not only offered high salaries but also provided a fulfilling work environment.
As Carlos Leo had once said, "Working with Yang Hao always feels like every step we take lands at just the right moment!"
That sense of alignment felt almost magical, though it was hard to articulate.
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After Atlético arrived in Japan, they rested for three days before playing their first FIFA Club World Cup match.
Club World Cup Semifinal: Atlético Madrid vs. Urawa Red Diamonds
According to FIFA regulations, Atlético played the match with a full-strength lineup.
But in practice, Yang Hao instructed the players to take it easy, focus on ball control, and conserve energy for the final.
Atlético secured a 1–0 victory, with Kaká assisting Messi for the decisive goal.
Even the Japanese fans in attendance could see that the visiting Atlético team was deliberately saving their strength.
The reason was clear: the final opponent, Boca Juniors from Argentina, was no pushover.
This Boca squad featured several names Yang Hao was familiar with, including Martín Palermo, Rodrigo Palacio, and Éver Banega.
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December 16: Club World Cup Final, Atlético Madrid vs. Boca Juniors
Many fans anticipated Boca Juniors would give Atlético a hard time, much like they had challenged European teams in the past.
Yang Hao himself was a bit apprehensive.
He wasn't particularly familiar with this Boca team, especially given the unpredictable nature of South American football.
To start, Atlético approached the game cautiously. Unlike their usual aggressive, attack-heavy style in La Liga or Europe, they began with a slower pace, focusing on ball control and feeling out Boca's strengths.
Boca Juniors, despite being the underdog, took the initiative early on. They pressed hard, particularly targeting Atlético's two biggest stars, Kaká and Messi.
However, Kaká and Messi's increasing chemistry became evident. Staying close to each other on the pitch, they frequently exchanged passes and communicated effortlessly.
In the 20th minute, Kaká showcased his signature long-distance dribbling. Drawing four defenders toward him, he threaded a precise through ball through the crowd.
Messi, taking the baton, burst into the box from the right and fired a shot from 8 meters out, scoring Atlético's opening goal.
With the lead secured, Atlético began to dictate the tempo.
The match opened up, and Boca, forced to attack, became vulnerable.
Atlético, having gauged Boca's strategy, shifted gears. Once the Colchoneros hit their stride, Boca found themselves on the defensive.
Still, Boca wasn't without resistance. Their players frequently employed physical tactics, including fouls and sly moves.
For instance, Thiago Silva took an elbow to the nose from Palacio during a defensive play, causing a nosebleed and a temporary halt to the game.
Such incidents weren't isolated. South American teams were notorious for their "crafty" methods.
Seeing this, Atlético leaned into their possession game, wearing Boca down.
Just before halftime, Messi pressed high and capitalized on a poor clearance from defender Claudio Morel.
Stealing the ball, Messi slipped past Morel and delivered a well-timed pass into the box.
Kaká, making a diagonal run into the right side of the penalty area, collected the pass and sent a cross to the center, where Torres finished with ease.
2–0 at halftime.
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Second Half
Boca tried to stage an early comeback, pressing hard at the start of the second half.
But in the 51st minute, Atlético struck back with a lightning-fast counterattack.
Kaká took the ball and went on a dazzling run, beating two defenders before dribbling past a center-back. At the edge of the six-yard box, he fired a low shot through the goalkeeper's legs, extending Atlético's lead to 3–0.
This goal broke Boca's spirit.
In the 64th minute, Robben forced a corner kick with a brilliant run down the left flank.
From Xabi Alonso's corner delivery, Thiago Silva rose highest and headed the ball into the net, taking revenge for the earlier elbow incident. 4–0.
In the dying minutes of the match, Iniesta played a smart pass to Dani Alves on the right.
Alves combined with Messi for a slick one-two before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box.
Kaká met it with a powerful header, sealing the victory at 5–0.
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Atlético Madrid: World Champions
Atlético Madrid secured the Club World Cup with a commanding 5–0 win over Boca Juniors.
The Yokohama International Stadium erupted in celebration as fans witnessed yet another attacking masterclass from Atlético.
South America's champion, Boca Juniors, looked utterly outmatched against the European powerhouse.
Kaká was named Man of the Match, a fitting prelude to the upcoming FIFA awards ceremony.
After the game, the entire Atlético squad voiced unanimous support for Kaká.
"He's a phenomenal player, absolutely deserving of the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year!"
Kaká, visibly emotional, shared a personal milestone during his post-match interview.
"My wife, Caroline, is pregnant," he revealed. "I want to celebrate 2007, a perfect year, as I prepare to welcome my first child!"
Atlético Madrid conquered the world!
When Atlético clinched the Club World Cup title in Tokyo, the Spanish newspaper Marca featured the match on its front page, giving the team resounding praise.
Another Grand Slam!
In the history of Spanish football, there have been only two Grand Slam seasons—both achieved by Atlético Madrid. Both under the leadership of Yang Hao.
Yang Hao's Atlético has reached an unprecedented pinnacle.
As the best player of the Club World Cup, Kaká shone brilliantly, leading the Colchoneros to dismantle Boca Juniors' defense with a dominant performance in Yokohama.
Everyone witnessed the growing chemistry between Kaká and Messi.
Their interplay, especially in tight spaces, increasingly showcases a synergy that baffles defenders worldwide.
Boca Juniors' coach, Miguel Ángel Russo, expressed admiration for Atlético during the post-match interview.
"They have the best coach in the world, the best players, and they play the best football on the planet," he remarked.
"I have no doubt they can resolve any match at any moment. That's the biggest difference between us and Atlético."
Marca noted that such sincere respect from an opponent is the most authentic form of praise.
Kaká's Transformation
As Atlético's marquee star, Kaká's performances continue to impress.
Many fans have noticed a shift in his style. The explosive, lightning-fast Kaká of the past two years seems to have evolved into a more composed, elegant, and deadly player.
"His transformation came after advice from Yang Hao," Marca revealed.
"Yang Hao believed that Kaká's previous style, which relied heavily on speed and rapid directional changes, took a significant toll on his body. He encouraged Kaká to adapt his technical approach, reducing his dependence on long-distance sprints and frontal assaults on defensive lines."
"If the old Kaká was a sharp, unrestrained sword, the new Kaká is one sheathed—a blade of restraint and precision. He rarely shows his edge, but when he strikes, it is lethal."
The report also highlighted Kaká and Messi's growing partnership.
"This is not yet their final form," it claimed.
"With Kaká, Messi, and Iniesta orchestrating attacks alongside Alves, Drogba, and Torres, Atlético's entire midfield and forward line revolve around these players."
"Yang Hao's overhaul of Atlético continues this season," Marca added.
"Critics may point to Atlético's shaky defense, citing the frequent mistakes of the 'Three Clowns' (Ramos, Pepe, and Neuer), but perhaps they have overlooked a crucial point: Atlético's offense is becoming increasingly potent."
"Have they not noticed how often Atlético racks up big scores?"
"If so, they're finally seeing the truth."
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Widespread Acclaim
Other media outlets joined in praising Atlético's achievement.
France's France Football published an article congratulating Kaká on his Club World Cup victory shortly after his Ballon d'Or win.
Brazil's São Paulo Journal commended Kaká's performance and expressed well-wishes for his upcoming role as a father. The publication hoped he would end 2007 on a perfect note by securing the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Back in Spain, World Soccer Magazine announced its annual awards, with Kaká winning the World Player of the Year title by a landslide.
Following his win as Best Young Player last year, Messi rose to second place, while Cristiano Ronaldo secured third.
The rankings mirrored the Ballon d'Or results, affirming the award's credibility.
In the Best Coach category, Sir Alex Ferguson narrowly edged Yang Hao by a mere 0.8%.
Yang Hao was baffled. "What the hell?"
But upon realizing it was a British magazine…
"Fine. Makes sense," he thought.
Ferguson even called Yang Hao to gloat.
"This is one thing I've finally beaten you at!" he chuckled, inviting Yang Hao to Manchester for celebratory drinks.
"I'll treat you!"
Yang Hao's response was curt. "Do I look like I enjoy your company? Get lost."
He hung up as Ferguson's laughter echoed through the phone.
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A Historic Moment
With his World Player of the Year award within reach, Kaká was on the cusp of achieving a monumental Grand Slam in 2007.
While Yang Hao returned to Madrid to prepare for upcoming matches, Kaká, Messi, and Toni Kroos flew to Zurich alongside club president Enrique Cerezo and general manager Miguel Gil.
On the evening of December 17, the FIFA awards ceremony was held at the Zurich Opera House.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter delivered a speech reflecting on the past year's achievements and previewing 2008's events.
The awards ceremony began with the Best Players of the U-17 and U-20 World Cups, awarded to Atlético's Toni Kroos and Villarreal's Sergio Agüero, respectively.
Brazilian Bruna was recognized as the Best Player of the Beach Soccer World Cup.
Barcelona received the Fair Play Award for their collaboration with UNICEF, having pledged to donate $7.5 million over five years to the UN's AIDS program.
The FIFA Presidential Award went to the legendary Pelé.
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The World Player of the Year
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Sepp Blatter declared Kaká the winner, with Pelé personally presenting the trophy to him.
Visibly emotional, Kaká accepted the award and embraced his fellow Brazilian legend.
Winning the World Player of the Year for the third consecutive time, Kaká shared his heartfelt gratitude:
"Thank God for granting me such a tremendous honor. I must share this with all my friends because I could never have achieved this alone."
"I also want to share it with my wife, my family, and above all, God!"
As Kaká finished speaking, the audience erupted in applause.
At this moment, everyone clearly realized they were witnessing the creation of a new chapter in football history.
When Kaká won the FIFA World Player of the Year award, his accolades officially surpassed those of legends like Zidane and Ronaldo, making him the top footballer in the world.
Of course, Kaká himself humbly acknowledged he couldn't yet compare to those icons, let alone reach the heights of players like Maradona or Pelé. He remained clear-headed and insisted there was still much for him to learn.
"I must thank Atlético, the entire club, all my teammates, and Messi," Kaká said as he gestured toward Messi, prompting thunderous applause from the audience.
"I believe in you, Leo. You'll stand here soon as long as you keep working hard. Keep going!"
The applause grew even more enthusiastic.
Tonight's top three—Kaká, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo—matched the Ballon d'Or rankings exactly.
"I especially want to thank our coach. I've said this many times before, but I'll say it again: Boss, without you, there would be no Kaká as he is today. Thank you so much!" Kaká's voice choked with emotion as he continued.
"When I left Brazil, I never thought I'd have the chance to stand here, let alone three times."
"Ronaldo is not just a close friend but someone I deeply respect. He has always encouraged me. I'm still far from his level, and I'll keep working hard to improve."
"I also want to give a special thanks to Atlético's fans. Truly, you're the best fans I've ever seen. I will keep fighting for you!"
"And lastly, thank you, God, for giving me everything!"
Kaká bowed deeply, and as he stepped off the stage, Messi greeted him with a warm hug, followed by Toni Kroos. The three Atlético stars had all won awards, a testament to the club's incredible year.
Photographers eagerly requested a group shot of the trio.
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Back in Madrid
At the Majadahonda training base, Atlético's media director, Paralés, playfully approached Yang Hao.
"Mr. Yang, how are you feeling right now?" he teased.
Yang Hao, who had already calmed his emotions, smiled and shot back, "I feel like hitting you!"
The room erupted into laughter.
In truth, everyone was deeply moved by Kaká's achievement.
"Do you remember, Yang, when you first brought Kaká in? I thought the kid was too skinny—tall but skinny as a twig," said Juanma Lillo, reminiscing with a laugh as others nodded in agreement. "Back then, Kaká didn't look healthy at all. His cheeks were hollow, and his face lacked any fullness."
"He was really thin," someone added.
"Now he's much more handsome. Back then, you wouldn't think he had the looks to be a star."
"His physicality was terrible, and his technique wasn't particularly polished either. We all wondered, 'Can this kid even make it?'"
"Exactly! I still remember so many doubting him at the time."
"But Yang, you were the only one who firmly believed Kaká would succeed," Lillo noted.
All eyes turned to Yang Hao, who smiled modestly.
The deeper the coaching staff worked with Yang Hao, the more they realized his unique abilities. Time and again, he spotted hidden potential in players no one else believed in—Kaká, Messi, Thiago Silva, Drogba, Evra, and countless others.
Especially Messi.
Who could have foreseen Messi's rise when he first joined? Many argued against taking such a risk. And yet, here he was.
"And then there's Evra," Lillo continued. "This guy was a forward playing in Italy's third tier—maybe even lower, I can't remember exactly. He came to us thinking he'd play as a striker, but what happened?"
Lillo pointed at Yang Hao with mock exasperation. "He decided Evra should play left-back!"
"I was dumbfounded. Who does that?"
"But Yang insisted, and I had to break the news to Evra. He spent games yelling at me from the pitch—I thought I'd go crazy. The more he cursed me, the better he played. When he finally stopped complaining, his form dipped, though he eventually adjusted. That's how we got the Evra you know today."
The group laughed, imagining the colorful journey Evra had taken to become the defensive powerhouse he was.
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"How Do You Spot Talent?"
Curious, Guardiola posed the question everyone wanted to ask.
"Yang, how do you evaluate players?"
Others leaned in, eager to hear his secret. After all, Yang Hao's talent-spotting was revered worldwide.
Yang Hao smirked knowingly. "Instinct."
"Instinct?"
"Yes, it's about how a player feels on the pitch," he explained.
"For example?"
"Take Messi. His dribbling is extraordinary. Even as a kid, it was clear he was different. No one could take the ball off him. I thought, 'This kid has insane talent. If he plays like this with adults, he'll be unstoppable.'"
The group seemed skeptical, sensing Yang was oversimplifying.
"And Kaká?" someone asked.
"Kaká was skinny, but his speed stood out. When he sprinted with the ball, it felt effortless—each stride hit the perfect spot. His balance of long strides and quick steps was rare."
The explanation began to convince them, albeit slowly.
"And Cristiano Ronaldo?" Paralés chimed in.
Yang Hao chuckled. "If he had come to Atlético instead of going to England, I think he would've developed differently. I wouldn't have focused solely on building his physique. I'd balance his physicality with technique, adding finesse to his raw power and explosive pace."
He grinned. "Just imagine—C. Ronaldo, Torres or Drogba, Messi, with Iniesta and Kaká behind them. That attack would be unstoppable!"
The group laughed, but the idea lingered. The combination of Kaká's long-range drives, Messi's close-quarters dominance, and Ronaldo's athleticism was tantalizing.
Of course, this hypothetical lineup was a dream. Ronaldo's destiny lay elsewhere.
The staff felt Yang Hao's reasoning was elusive yet compelling, as if his vision operated on a plane beyond their understanding.
They couldn't fully grasp his methods, but they knew one thing for sure: Yang Hao's instincts were rarely wrong.
When Atlético Madrid was competing in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan, La Liga played its 16th round of matches.
Barcelona secured a 3-2 away victory against Valencia, with goals from Eto'o and Henry. Despite Valencia's improvement under Ancelotti, their strength still lagged in high-stakes matches like this. Ancelotti's team dominated possession against Mourinho's Barça, but to no avail.
If it had been Rijkaard's Barcelona, Ancelotti might have won. Unfortunately for him, it was Mourinho's version—built on tight defensive counterattacks—that forced Valencia to concede.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, with goals from Ibrahimović and Yaya Touré, defeated Osasuna 2-0 at home. This victory propelled Madrid to the top of the league standings, overtaking Atlético.
The day after returning from Japan, Atlético played their rescheduled 16th-round match. Having traveled such a long distance with no time to rest, the team struggled physically.
With Kaká, Messi, and Toni Kroos returning late from Zurich after the FIFA awards, they were unavailable for this match. Ultimately, Atlético played out a 0-0 draw away against Recreativo de Huelva—marking their second draw of the season.
After 16 matches, Atlético had 41 points from 13 wins and 2 draws, maintaining an unbeaten record but now trailing Real Madrid, who led the standings with 42 points. Wenger's team was performing exceptionally well this season. However, Atlético still had a game in hand.
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La Liga Round 17
On the opening day of the 17th round, all eyes were on Valencia and Atlético.
Valencia came from behind to secure a narrow 2-1 victory away at Zaragoza, a hard-fought win for Ancelotti's side. Atlético, meanwhile, earned a similarly challenging 2-1 home victory over Espanyol.
This match came just three days after Atlético's 16th-round rescheduled game. The tight schedule left the team in poor form. Even Kaká and Messi failed to perform at their usual level.
Still, Messi managed to contribute a goal, while Drogba scored the other.
Before the match, Kaká, Messi, and Toni Kroos showcased their awards from Zurich to the delight of Atlético fans, who gave them a rapturous ovation. The display highlighted the club's wealth of talent, with Messi viewed as the leading candidate for the next Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. Kroos had also impressed during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, leaving a strong impression on the global stage.
With such a deep roster, Atlético's dominance seemed set to continue for years to come.
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The Next Day: El Clásico at Camp Nou
The most anticipated clash of the 17th round took place at Camp Nou: Mourinho's Barcelona against Wenger's Real Madrid.
The lineup was a spectacle itself: Ronaldinho, Henry, Eto'o, and Xavi faced off against Cristiano Ronaldo, Ibrahimović, Joaquín, Yaya Touré, Essien, and Pirlo.
How could this not be a thrilling match?
Almost 100,000 fans filled Camp Nou, while millions worldwide tuned in to watch.
Despite the star-studded lineups, the match was surprisingly cautious. Barcelona played defensively under Mourinho, while Wenger's Madrid was equally reserved. With Madrid leading the league and Atlético breathing down their neck with a game in hand, Wenger's priority was avoiding mistakes that could cost them the top spot.
Mourinho, knowing Barcelona couldn't outgun Madrid offensively, deployed a 4-2-3-1 defensive setup.
The result was a match full of intensity and physicality but lacking in entertainment. Madrid won 1-0, thanks to a 35th-minute goal from Yaya Touré.
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New Ownership at Espanyol
Before La Liga's winter break following Round 18, Espanyol announced that a Russian consortium had completed its takeover of the club.
Alisher Usmanov remained behind the scenes, with Farhad Moshiri taking over as club president. A new management team was assembled, set to take charge after the Christmas holiday.
For now, Espanyol wouldn't make any moves in the winter transfer window, but their performance this season had been solid, sitting eighth in the table with no relegation concerns.
Moshiri stated that the focus would be on long-term growth and adhering to La Liga's financial policies, adopting a sustainable business model.
This cautious approach disappointed some Espanyol fans, who had hoped the new owners would transform the club into a powerhouse like Valencia, backed by Abu Dhabi's wealth.
Still, Moshiri confirmed plans to improve Espanyol's training facilities and stadium. La Liga's financial regulations excluded investments in youth development and infrastructure from financial caps, encouraging clubs to focus on sustainable, long-term projects.
After months of negotiations and precedents set by the Abu Dhabi takeover, Spanish fans seemed indifferent to the Russian consortium's arrival.
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Christmas Festivities and a Tight Schedule
As the holiday break approached, Atlético hosted their annual Christmas banquet, a cherished tradition. Before the celebration, players participated in community outreach events. After the banquet, the team disbanded temporarily, allowing players to spend Christmas with their families.
This year's holiday, however, came with a twist.
With Euro 2008 on the horizon, domestic leagues had condensed their schedules. The Copa del Rey's Round of 32 second-leg matches were set for January 2, leaving little time to rest.
This tight calendar forced Atlético to cancel their usual winter training camp in the Middle East. The newly established Hill Cup was also shelved for the year.
Traveling to the Middle East would have disrupted training and burdened players further, a risk Atlético couldn't afford given their packed schedule. With the club's finances robust, there was no need to chase the few million euros such a tour would generate.
As for Yang Hao, he spent Christmas at Miguel Gil's farm, invited by the general manager for a quiet holiday celebration.
Blake Lively originally planned to stay with Yang Hao for the holidays, but after repeated calls from her family, Yang Hao encouraged her to return to the U.S. to spend time with them. As a result, he spent the holiday alone again. Fortunately, it was just three or four days, and he spent the time lounging at home.
After Christmas, Atlético Madrid resumed training. Entering 2008, the team faced their first match of the year in the second leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 32, hosting Granada.
Since moving into the Emirates Stadium, nearly every Atlético home game had been sold out, with attendance rates close to 100%. This match, however, was an exception.
It was the first time since moving to the new stadium that a game didn't sell out, with many empty seats visible. Part of this could be attributed to the lingering holiday season. Additionally, Atlético fans had limited interest in the early rounds of the Copa del Rey, especially against a weaker opponent like Granada.
Most fans knew that Atlético would field a lineup of reserves and young players rather than stars. Despite this, over 50,000 fans attended the match, partly due to discounted ticket prices.
With a seating capacity of 76,500, an attendance of 50,000 was still impressive. For context, Real Madrid hosted a Copa del Rey match at the Bernabéu on the same day, drawing only 30,000 fans, while Barcelona's match at the Camp Nou had fewer than 30,000 attendees.
In the end, Atlético, Barcelona, and Real Madrid all won their matches at home. Atlético's 2-0 victory came through goals from Suárez and Di María. Barcelona also fielded a reserve lineup, beating Alcoyano 2-1. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win against Alicante.
In the Round of 16, Atlético's next opponent was Valladolid.
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La Liga Round 18
Over the weekend, Barcelona earned a 2-0 away win against Mallorca, with goals from Márquez and Eto'o.
Meanwhile, Villarreal suffered a shocking 0-3 defeat to Espanyol in their first La Liga match of 2008.
Espanyol, seemingly reinvigorated after the club's recent acquisition, played with high morale. Raúl Tamudo, in particular, was in excellent form, scoring twice in this match.
Afterward, Tamudo publicly expressed his desire to receive a national team call-up, clearly hoping to participate in the upcoming European Championship.
That evening, Atlético traveled to Riazor to face Deportivo La Coruña.
Didier Deschamps' team was well-prepared, determined to deny Atlético any opportunity. From the opening whistle, Deportivo adopted a defensive posture, aiming to capitalize on counterattacks.
Given Deportivo's ambition to challenge for a top-four finish this season, they set up a disciplined defensive strategy against Atlético.
While they allowed Atlético to control possession in their own half, any incursion into Deportivo's territory was met with relentless pressure and tight marking.
This defensive approach frustrated Atlético, who struggled to create clear chances. Efforts from Kaká, Messi, and Robben were either thwarted by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' outstanding saves or blocked by the solid center-back pairing of Mexès and Juan.
For the first 40 minutes, the match was a tense and exhausting stalemate.
In the 42nd minute, as Atlético attacked down the right flank, Dani Alves switched the play with a precise horizontal pass to the left.
Patrice Evra controlled the ball, advanced down the left wing, and delivered a pinpoint cross to the far post.
Fernando Torres broke free from Mexès and headed the ball into the net at the near post, giving Atlético a crucial 1-0 lead.
At a critical moment, Atlético's "Prince" stepped up once again.
Torres' goal disrupted Deschamps' tactical plan. In the second half, Deportivo were forced to adopt a more aggressive approach, pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
However, in the 52nd minute, before Deportivo could break through Atlético's so-called "Three Treasures" defensive line, Neuer launched a long pass from the back that found Messi.
The Argentine maestro controlled the ball, dribbled past two defenders, and slotted a low shot into the net from close range, doubling Atlético's lead to 2-0.
This scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Atlético defeated Deportivo 2-0 at Riazor.
After the match, Deschamps shook hands with Yang Hao, expressing his frustration.
"We gave it everything we had, but we still couldn't hold you off. Your attacking options are just too many."
He pointed out the significance of individual moments. The first goal stemmed from Alves' excellent switch and Evra's overlap, while the second highlighted Neuer's long pass and Messi's brilliance.
"They're called the Three Treasures, but when we face them, they seem to perform just fine," Deschamps joked bitterly.
Yang Hao laughed. "They're unpredictable. Sometimes they're brilliant, sometimes they're not."
Deschamps smiled knowingly. He had suspected as much.
Deportivo's counterattacks often relied on the likes of Van Nistelrooy, Diego, and Pienaar. While effective, Van Nistelrooy's influence diminished outside the penalty area, limiting his impact.
"I'm considering signing Benzema from Lyon. What's your opinion?" Deschamps asked unexpectedly.
Yang Hao was surprised. "You're asking me?"
Deschamps grinned. "Everyone says you have an eye for talent. What do you think of Benzema?"
Yang Hao chuckled. "We're competitors, you know."
"The match is over." Deschamps responded matter-of-factly.
Yang Hao couldn't help but admire Deschamps' persistence in signing French players. Adding Benzema to the roster would certainly align with this trend.
There was no doubt about Benzema's talent and potential, though Yang Hao privately questioned whether Deportivo could afford the Lyon striker.
"If you can sign him, I'd say go for it," Yang Hao smiled.
Of course, he had no intention of pursuing Benzema himself. Atlético already had Suárez, and Benzema's transfer fee was far too steep.
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The following day, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 home win against Zaragoza, with goals from Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Three days later, in the first leg of the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Atlético Madrid defeated Valladolid 1-0 at home thanks to a goal by Suárez. Once again, the Emirates Stadium was packed with fans.
However, this round of the Copa del Rey was full of surprises.
Real Madrid suffered a 1-2 away loss to Mallorca. Aragones' team excelled in cup competitions, and their solid defense combined with sharp counterattacks proved lethal against Real Madrid.
Barcelona, playing Sevilla away, took an early lead through Henry's goal but conceded an equalizer. The match ended 1-1.
Valencia narrowly defeated Real Betis 2-1 on the road, while Villarreal were stunned by Recreativo Huelva, losing 0-1 away.
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La Liga Round 19
Back in La Liga over the weekend, Barcelona thrashed Murcia 4-0 at Camp Nou. Eto'o scored twice, while Henry and Diego Milito each added a goal.
After the match, Mourinho, all smiles, showered praise on his players, from Henry to Diego Milito to Eto'o and Ronaldinho, claiming this was Barcelona's best performance of the season.
Sevilla, meanwhile, lost 0-2 away to Athletic Bilbao, highlighting the grueling intensity of such matches.
In a dramatic encounter, Pellegrini's Villarreal hosted Deschamps' Deportivo. Despite trailing three times, Villarreal equalized each time and ultimately secured a thrilling 4-3 victory, thanks to Agüero's 90th-minute winner. The Argentine scored twice in the match.
Real Madrid earned a 2-0 away win against Levante, with Cristiano Ronaldo netting both goals. The Portuguese star continued his explosive form this season.
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Atlético Madrid vs. Valencia
At the Emirates Stadium, Atlético faced Valencia.
In the 84th minute, substitute Baraja delivered a precise through ball to Torres, who was positioned just right of the penalty spot. The Atlético captain unleashed a powerful shot past former teammate Čech to break the deadlock.
The Emirates Stadium, brimming with over 70,000 fans, erupted in euphoria. The pent-up excitement exploded as fans rose from their seats, shouting and cheering. Meanwhile, on the pitch, Torres and Baraja celebrated at the sidelines, embraced by their teammates.
This moment of connection between the 32-year-old veteran Baraja and the young captain Torres struck a chord with the fans, igniting an emotional response.
On the sideline, Yang Hao watched this unfold with a mix of emotions. He recalled persuading Baraja to stay with the team, never imagining that time would pass so quickly, leaving Baraja now in his twilight years.
Despite his age, Baraja demonstrated his value with this decisive assist.
Before the match, Kaká had been sidelined due to an injury in training. Messi played but was tightly marked by Valencia's defenders. Meanwhile, Drogba had departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carlo Ancelotti's Valencia exhibited their growing tactical discipline, showcasing the Italian coach's signature style of sturdy defense. Against Atlético, Ancelotti's conservative approach nearly paid off, holding the home side scoreless for over 80 minutes.
If not for Baraja's game-changing through ball, Ancelotti might have succeeded in frustrating Atlético.
The match held extra significance for Yang Hao. After transferring Lucio, Čech, Antonio López, and Villa to Valencia, losing to them would have been a blow—one Yang Hao imagined his critics would revel in.
Fortunately, the veteran stepped up, and Yang Hao heaved a sigh of relief.
La Liga was becoming increasingly challenging.
In the 89th minute, Di María's cross from the left found Messi, who deftly maneuvered past Albelda and aimed a curling shot at the far corner. However, Čech anticipated the danger and made a spectacular save, denying the Argentine.
Ultimately, Atlético secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Torres' goal.
After the match, Yang Hao approached the opposing bench and exchanged words with Ancelotti, whose frustrated expression drew a laugh from the Atlético coach.
"You should count yourself lucky," Ancelotti remarked. "If it weren't for Čech and Lucio, and if we hadn't been focusing on fitness and form, you'd have walked off the pitch in tears tonight."
Yang Hao chuckled, acknowledging that the winter break had focused on building Atlético's fitness to prepare for the Champions League and the second half of the season. This inevitably affected the team's current form.
This season, Yang Hao decided to prioritize young players in the Copa del Rey. With Drogba unavailable until early February, Suárez and Torres would rotate upfront.
"We won't play defensively next time," Ancelotti declared confidently, hinting at a more aggressive approach when the two sides met again at Mestalla.
"I'll be waiting," Yang Hao replied with a smirk.
As he returned to the home bench, Yang Hao embraced his players as they left the pitch, but his mind was already elsewhere.
The next day, at the La Liga headquarters in downtown Madrid, a globally anticipated bidding war for broadcast rights would commence.
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