Chapter 80
Florentino Pérez arrived, but unlike his usual grand entourage, he brought only three individuals: General Manager José Ángel Sánchez, Vice President Emilio Butragueño, and Sporting Director Arrigo Sacchi.
The group went directly to Arsène Wenger's office at Valdebebas rather than visiting the players' facilities. Florentino had already called Wenger, asking him not to prepare anything elaborate to avoid drawing attention.
"Hello, Professor," Florentino greeted as he entered Wenger's open office door.
After brief handshakes and pleasantries, they closed the door and sat down. Wenger already knew the purpose of their visit.
"Take a look at these two reports," Wenger began, handing them documents. "The first is the league standings; the second contains data on our team's performance."
Wenger, known for his data-driven approach to football—one of the first coaches in the world to embrace analytics—retained this habit even at Real Madrid.
"From these figures, it's clear our opponents are incredibly strong," Butragueño remarked as he passed the papers to Sacchi.
Wenger nodded. "There are things we can't say publicly, but behind closed doors, I must admit: we're up against a very mature and exceptional team."
"Atlético has world-class players in almost every position—except, perhaps, at center-back."
Developing a top-tier center-back takes time, Wenger explained. While Thiago Silva, Ramos, and Pepe had performed well over the past two seasons, they were still a bit young. The veteran Lucio remained crucial to Atlético's defense, but he would turn 29 by season's end.
"Still," Wenger added, "those three aren't far behind. Within a year or two, they'll undoubtedly rank among the best in the world. And that's thanks to the resources and effort Yang Hao has poured into their development."
Ramos, just 20 years old, had the potential to reach Puyol's level. Pepe, at 23, could catch up to Lucio. Thiago Silva, 22, was already excelling in defensive awareness and ball distribution. Given Yang Hao's meticulous guidance, these three defenders could soon become world-class.
"The more I study Atlético, the more I realize the sheer brilliance of Yang Hao's work. He's built a team that's the epitome of managerial excellence," Wenger admitted. "Every decision he makes is precise and calculated. Even more impressive, he always seems to find the right players."
Wenger highlighted examples like Luis Suárez, who had excelled for Atlético's B team in the Segunda División but chose to stay and wait for his chance with Atlético rather than join other La Liga teams courting him. Similarly, Adriano had famously rejected offers from Real Madrid, declaring, "I'll never return to La Liga to play against Atlético."
"These examples show that Atlético isn't just the strongest team in La Liga—they're also among the most compelling clubs in European football," Wenger concluded.
"From the data," Wenger continued, "it's clear we're facing the strongest team in the world. If Atlético doesn't make mistakes, we won't have a chance." This, Wenger explained, was the concept of "margin for error." Atlético's structure allowed them far more room for mistakes than any other team in La Liga.
"Frankly, we're not doing poorly. Our performance this season is Real Madrid's best since Vicente del Bosque left. My players and I have done our best," Wenger admitted honestly.
Florentino quickly interjected, "Professor, we understand and are extremely satisfied with your work. Both the results and the process have exceeded our expectations. However, we need you to understand the stakes here."
Pausing for effect, Florentino sighed, "We cannot let Atlético win La Liga again this season."
Wenger nodded; he'd been aware of this imperative from the season's outset. At that time, he had been eager to challenge Atlético. Now, he realized just how formidable his opponents were.
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Planning the Turning Point
"The 24th round might be an opportunity," Sacchi suggested.
"Exactly!" Florentino agreed, clapping his hands. "If we can defeat Atlético at the Calderón, it would be a game-changer. We'd close the gap, maybe even reverse the standings."
Wenger quickly processed their logic. Round 24 featured the Madrid Derby at the Calderón. Before that, however, both teams would face the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 matches—Atlético against Roma and Real Madrid against Arsenal. Both were away games against challenging opponents.
"Beating Atlético at the Calderón will be no easy task," Wenger warned.
Florentino responded with a knowing smile. "Professor, if you can't do it, no one can. Isn't that right?"
Wenger chuckled, finding Florentino's flattery both amusing and exasperating. As Real Madrid's coach, he had no choice but to give his all.
"We understand the difficulty," Florentino reassured him. "That's why we're flying to Milan later today—I've arranged a meeting with Galliani."
Wenger's eyes lit up.
"Yes, I hope to finalize the signing of Pirlo before the transfer window closes," Florentino revealed.
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Pirlo's Potential Role
"But Pirlo can't play in the Champions League," Wenger reminded him.
Pirlo had long been one of Wenger's top targets. With Cesc Fàbregas unattainable and AC Milan initially unwilling to sell, signing Pirlo would significantly address Real Madrid's midfield creativity issues.
Currently, Madrid lacked a true playmaker in midfield. Vieira, while strong, wasn't a natural organizer. Ballack and Beckham had some creative ability but weren't dominant playmakers. Essien was a pure ball-winner. With Guti injured and inconsistent in big matches, Madrid's midfield often struggled in high-stakes games, particularly against a team like Atlético.
Signing Pirlo could be transformative, even if he was ineligible for the Champions League. The question remained: was it worth the cost?
"I understand, but it's worth it," Florentino Pérez said with a confident smile.
As the president of Real Madrid, no one understood the desires of Madridistas better than he did.
For instance, during board meetings, many club members had already voiced their concerns to Florentino, urging him to take action. If Atlético won La Liga again this season, it would mark their fifth consecutive title. That would mean that whenever La Liga was mentioned, Real Madrid would have to share the glory with Atlético.
Some members even referenced the actions of former president Ramón Mendoza, suggesting Florentino should directly poach players from Atlético.
But how could that be easy?
Since the controversial signing of Joaquín, Atlético had safeguarded their players with massive release clauses, often exceeding €100 million. Who could Real Madrid realistically poach?
Moreover, using release clauses to force transfers against Atlético's wishes would severely damage the relationship between the two clubs. At a time when both giants were working together to expand their presence in international markets, such actions could create irreparable animosity. Florentino knew that stirring such a conflict would lead to more than just on-field rivalry—it would spill over into off-field disputes as well.
Nevertheless, as president, Florentino had to act.
Could he really stand by and watch Atlético achieve five consecutive La Liga titles?
"Don't worry," Florentino assured them. "Leave this to me. I'll handle it. Expect good news soon!"
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Florentino Goes to Milan
On the evening of January 29, Spain's Cadena SER radio reported that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, accompanied by Sacchi and other top executives, had traveled to Milan for a secret meeting with AC Milan's general manager Adriano Galliani.
The news immediately caused a stir across European football, especially among Real Madrid fans.
Fans were thrilled at the possibility of signing Andrea Pirlo. They had been disappointed when the move didn't happen last summer, but if Florentino could secure the deal during the winter transfer window, it would be a major coup.
Even though Pirlo wouldn't be eligible for the Champions League, his arrival would significantly boost Real Madrid's chances of catching Atlético in La Liga.
However, time was running out. With the transfer window about to close, Real Madrid faced a race against the clock.
The transfer market had been quiet this winter, but Real Madrid stood out as one of the few clubs making headlines. After spending €33 million on Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuaín, Real Madrid had already become the biggest spenders of the window.
But now, they were aiming for Pirlo too?
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Negotiations Begin
The next morning, Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that AC Milan was considering selling Pirlo. Galliani planned to hold an emergency meeting to consult coach Carlo Ancelotti and inform club owner Silvio Berlusconi.
"Florentino's personal involvement in these negotiations shows just how determined Real Madrid are to sign Pirlo," the newspaper wrote.
German outlet Bild also reported that Florentino had contacted Bayern Munich's Uli Hoeneß to inquire about Philipp Lahm's availability. However, Hoeneß reportedly declined, stating Bayern had no intention of selling Lahm.
Amid the swirling reports, one thing became clear: Florentino was desperate.
Spanish media widely agreed that Real Madrid had become laser-focused on dethroning Atlético. Florentino was willing to spend whatever it took, no matter how many stars they had to sign.
Earlier reports had revealed that Real Madrid's revenue for the 2006/07 season was expected to soar past €350 million, possibly nearing €400 million—a staggering figure.
This projection reinforced one point: money was no object for Real Madrid. Their singular goal was to bring Atlético down, no matter the cost.
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Agreement Reached
On January 30, AC Milan announced they were open to negotiations and authorized Galliani to meet with Real Madrid regarding Pirlo's transfer.
This news sent shockwaves through European football.
At 28 years old, Pirlo was in his prime, with an estimated market value of €30 million. However, few believed Real Madrid could secure him for that price.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan initially demanded €60 million.
While the exact details of the negotiations remained unknown, reporters from Italy and Spain camped outside the hotel where the talks were taking place, waiting for updates.
After hours of speculation, the two clubs finally reached an agreement late on January 30.
Pirlo would transfer to Real Madrid for a staggering €55 million.
The announcement was a bombshell, shaking the football world to its core.
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Reaction
Fans and media alike were stunned. In a relatively quiet winter transfer window, this blockbuster deal exploded onto the scene, leaving everyone in awe.
Pirlo, widely regarded as one of the top three midfielders in the world, had succumbed to Real Madrid's financial might.
After the deal was finalized, Florentino gave an exclusive interview to AS, revealing that the negotiations had been grueling, lasting over ten hours.
"Ultimately, we reached an agreement. Pirlo will join Real Madrid," Florentino announced.
The transfer was not yet official, as the necessary paperwork still needed to be filed with UEFA and FIFA. Any delays or mishaps—such as the infamous "fax machine" incident—could derail the transfer.
Meanwhile, in Madrid, Real Madrid fans erupted in celebration. For them, signing Pirlo was monumental.
Their team had performed well in the first half of the season, but the midfield's lack of creativity was a glaring issue. Pirlo's arrival promised to transform Real Madrid's play. His vision and passing range would be invaluable to players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Joaquín.
Even Wenger publicly welcomed Pirlo during a press conference, while captain Raúl and goalkeeper Iker Casillas expressed their excitement about his arrival.
However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Patrick Vieira, already 31 years old, now faced the prospect of limited playing time. With Pirlo's arrival, his role at the club would inevitably diminish.
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Atlético Continues Their Run
On January 31, Atlético Madrid played the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Getafe at home.
Drogba opened the scoring within ten minutes, giving Atlético an early lead.
In the 38th minute, Ramos capitalized on a corner kick to score another goal for Atlético. Later, in the 62nd minute, Messi added his name to the scoresheet with a brilliant goal.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Messi famously dribbled past five players to score against Getafe. While he had a few moments of brilliance in this game, including dribbles past three players, the magical "five-man dribble" remained unrepeated.
Ultimately, Atlético secured a 3–0 victory at home against Getafe.
Following this match, before the end of January 31st, Real Madrid and AC Milan finalized Andrea Pirlo's transfer. The Italian midfielder officially joined Real Madrid for a staggering fee of €55 million.
Even Pirlo himself was surprised by the transfer. He hadn't expected such a sudden move during the winter transfer window. However, he expressed his delight at joining Real Madrid. In an interview with the Spanish press, Pirlo said he was thrilled to move from one world-class league and club to another, calling both Serie A and La Liga among the best in the world.
Reports from Italy revealed that Pirlo hadn't even negotiated much about his salary. Real Madrid's offer was simply beyond what AC Milan could provide.
The transfer attracted global attention, once again focusing the spotlight on La Liga.
Atlético's dominance was one thing, but now Real Madrid was aggressively bolstering its squad. The Galácticos remained a constellation of stars, and no one could question Real Madrid's ability to attract top talent.
With their astronomical revenues, what star could they not buy?
Andrea Pirlo? Done.
AS expressed some regret, pointing out that Bayern Munich's refusal to sell Philipp Lahm during the winter window left Real Madrid unable to address their issues at right-back.
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Yang Hao's Perspective
When Yang Hao heard the news, his feelings were mixed.
On the one hand, he felt the pressure—Real Madrid's move showed their desperation to topple Atlético. On the other hand, it felt invigorating. The stronger the competition, the greater the challenge.
And he couldn't help but feel a little excited about how much La Liga had evolved in recent years.
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Valencia and Mubarak
Three luxury sedans slowly drove into a vacant lot southeast of the Valencia Conference Center, on the western edge of the city. The area was bustling with pile foundation work—it was the site of Valencia's new stadium project.
"Mr. Mubarak, as you can see, this location is less than four kilometers from the Mestalla Stadium. Two metro lines run nearby, with stations within 300 meters. Across the street, you'll find the conference center and a five-star hotel under construction."
Valencia president Juan Soler was accompanying a young Middle Eastern man, around 30 years old, on a tour of the site.
Geographically, the new stadium didn't have the centrality of the Mestalla, but the surrounding area was far from desolate. In fact, the western part of the city had significant development potential.
"According to our plan, once the new stadium is completed, we'll demolish the Mestalla and redevelop the site for commercial and residential projects. The potential is enormous," Soler said confidently.
Mubarak surveyed the area but said little.
His team had already commissioned a professional study of Spain's real estate market, and the findings weren't particularly encouraging. Valencia's real estate boom had long passed its golden era.
Why had Atlético's land sales been such a success?
Because their site was in the heart of Madrid, where land was at a premium.
Mubarak and his team had also explored other Spanish clubs near Madrid and Barcelona, including Getafe and Espanyol, but they weren't impressed.
From a business perspective, they wanted to establish themselves in Madrid or Barcelona to rival La Liga's "Big Three." But after thorough research, they realized this wasn't a viable option.
For example, Getafe's stadium was too small, and the club lacked strength. Acquiring it would require building a new stadium and investing heavily in players—an endless money pit. Espanyol had similar issues.
They even visited Villarreal and spoke with owner Fernando Roig, but Roig had no intention of selling the "Yellow Submarine."
Valencia seemed like the best option, though it wasn't as promising as Soler made it out to be.
Mubarak's team had learned that Valencia initially tried to sell the Mestalla site to the city government, but public backlash forced the authorities to abandon the plan. Now, Valencia was stuck: the new stadium was under construction, but they couldn't sell the old one, leaving the club in a precarious financial position.
Delays and stalling tactics were common in business, but Mubarak knew exactly what was going on.
"If you're willing to invest, I can help you acquire other shareholders' stakes. You'll hold the majority, and I'll take a smaller share. Together, we can collaborate—just like Atlético," Soler said enthusiastically.
This time, Mubarak couldn't hold back his laughter.
"If we decide to invest in Valencia, it will be a full acquisition," Mubarak said firmly.
Soler froze for a moment.
It was clear to him that this young Middle Eastern businessman wasn't naive.
From Mubarak's perspective, Soler's mismanagement had driven Valencia into its current state. What right did he have to talk about partnership?
The appeal of Valencia for Mubarak and the Abu Dhabi group lay in its status as Spain's third-largest city, with a population of over 1.5 million. It was one of the few cities that could rival Madrid and Barcelona in size and significance.
A large population provided a solid foundation for growth. Additionally, the Valencia city government was eager to offload the "burden" of Valencia CF and had even met with Mubarak to discuss the matter. The mayor of Valencia had made it clear that any sale would include the unfinished stadium project.
Both sides had their calculations.
"Let's go watch tonight's match," Mubarak said.
He had grown increasingly interested in La Liga. Back in Abu Dhabi, he had watched the Atlético vs. Real Madrid showdown during the Hill Cup but knew it was just a friendly.
Since arriving in Spain, he had attended several matches, including Atlético's games. He found La Liga's style of play exciting, with a focus on attacking football and excellent teamwork—just his type of entertainment.
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February 3, Mestalla Stadium
La Liga, Round 21: Atlético Madrid traveled to face Valencia.
The match was fiercely contested.
Valencia deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation at home to take on Atlético.
Berbatov, nicknamed "The Elegant One," started for Valencia, supported by Vicente, Anderson, and Nani. Both Anderson and Nani, two young players, had been performing exceptionally well for Valencia.
Across Spain, it was no secret that Atlético was adjusting its form in preparation for the upcoming Champions League and La Liga fixtures—part of the team's usual post-winter break routine. Valencia's coach, Quique Sánchez Flores, saw this as a prime opportunity to secure a victory at home.
The match was intense, with both sides playing aggressively but within the rules. Fouls were frequent, but yellow cards were rare as the players fought for every ball.
In the 74th minute, Kaká broke through Valencia's defense on the left side of the box and, assisted by Torres, scored the opening goal past Cañizares.
Just five minutes later, Valencia counterattacked swiftly. Nani sprinted down the right flank, delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Substitute Morientes connected with a powerful header, leveling the match for Valencia.
From the sideline, Yang Hao watched with a puzzled expression.
"What's going on? Did they take something tonight?" he asked, bewildered.
There was an odd sense of urgency in Valencia's play. In the Copa del Rey, they had seemed to strategically concede the tie, but now they were fighting as if it were a Champions League final.
"Didn't you say it yourself? Every team in La Liga sees us like wolves eyeing prey now," joked assistant coach Juanma Lillo, shaking his head with a wry smile.
Atlético's dominance had turned them into a prime target, a reality that came with being the best.
Yang Hao still found it hard to believe. While Atlético controlled much of the game, Valencia's determination and grit made them hard to break down. The Bat team played with the intensity of a side with something to prove, leaving Yang Hao wondering if something unusual was at play.
"There's definitely something going on," he said firmly.
The match ended in a 1–1 draw. Yang Hao, however, wasn't upset. Atlético was still adjusting after the winter break, focusing on physical conditioning, and occasional hiccups during this period were part of the process. The schedule was grueling, and maintaining a perfect record was unrealistic.
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After the game, Yang Hao received some news that finally made everything clear.
So that was it. The big investor had shown up.
It was as if he'd walked right into a trap.
Still, Yang Hao found himself genuinely hoping that Valencia could persuade the Abu Dhabi group to invest.
La Liga needed financially strong foreign investors. Such backing could significantly raise the league's profile and alleviate the financial struggles many clubs were facing.
If Abu Dhabi took over Valencia, they would inevitably spend big on transfers, and much of that money would circulate within La Liga, benefiting all teams.
This wasn't a novel idea. When Roman Abramovich took over Chelsea, Premier League clubs had initially complained about the "new money" flooding the league. But in hindsight, Abramovich's spending spree had indirectly strengthened the league as a whole by injecting much-needed capital into clubs and easing financial strains.
La Liga was in a similar position now. A powerful investor like Abu Dhabi could usher in a new era of prosperity for the league.
This draw could be considered a welcoming gift for the Abu Dhabi group.
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While Atlético battled Valencia to a 1–1 draw at the Mestalla, Real Madrid had their own challenges at the Bernabéu, where they hosted Levante.
Just 11 minutes into the game, former La Liga striker Salva put Levante ahead.
Despite relentless attacks, Real Madrid couldn't find an equalizer until the second half. Early in the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo scored to level the match at 1–1.
It wasn't until the 72nd minute that Andrea Pirlo made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid.
In the 83rd minute, Pirlo delivered a stunning long pass to Joaquín on the right flank. Joaquín dribbled past his marker and crossed the ball into the box, where Zlatan Ibrahimović struck home from close range.
The Bernabéu erupted. Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Levante, with Pirlo's brilliant passing playing a pivotal role.
Every touch and pass from Pirlo drew cheers from the crowd, who were eager to see the Italian maestro lead their team's comeback against Atlético.
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International Break
Three days after La Liga's 21st round, Spain's national team played a friendly against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Yang Hao called up only 18 players for this match, continuing his strategy of rotating the squad to evaluate and build chemistry among the players.
The first half featured a lineup primarily of substitutes. At halftime, Yang Hao made five changes to test different combinations.
In the 62nd minute, David Silva scored the game's only goal.
Steve McClaren's England made several substitutions in an attempt to mount a comeback, but Spain's dominance in possession stifled their efforts. England's attack, despite Peter Crouch's aerial presence, struggled against Pepe, who effectively neutralized high balls. Shaun Wright-Phillips and Stewart Downing failed to create much danger from the flanks.
Former Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate, recently called back into the England squad, delivered a solid but unspectacular performance.
The match ended 1–0 in Spain's favor, with La Roja controlling 68% of possession.
The friendly was another step forward for Yang Hao in refining Spain's style and fostering teamwork. His players were adapting well to his passing and movement-focused philosophy.
Yang Hao also used the game to test Deportivo La Coruña right-back Álvaro Arbeloa, who put in a solid defensive performance, though his offensive contributions were limited.
With the European Championship qualifiers resuming in March, Spain faced tough challenges against Denmark and Iceland. The match against Denmark would be particularly tricky, with Sergio Ramos suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Arbeloa's inclusion in this friendly was part of Yang Hao's preparation, ensuring Spain had options for the crucial qualifiers.
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Atlético's quest for glory continued, but the challenges were only growing. Both in La Liga and internationally, every match was a test of endurance and strategy.
La Liga, Round 22
Following midweek international fixtures, players were jet-lagged and fatigued, which reflected in their performances.
Real Madrid managed a 2–1 comeback win against Real Sociedad with goals from Beckham and Ibrahimović. Andrea Pirlo started the match and delivered a solid performance.
Barcelona, meanwhile, secured a 2–1 victory at home against Racing Santander.
Atlético Madrid struggled in the first half against their opponents due to several key players being unavailable. Torres and Villa had featured for Spain during the international break, while Drogba had returned to Africa for a match. The team lacked energy, and their performance was below expectations.
In the 64th minute, substitute Luis Suárez, just four minutes into his appearance, scored a stunning goal to rescue Atlético.
The entire Estadio Vicente Calderón erupted in celebration for Suárez. It was a brilliant display of individual skill, highlighting the Uruguayan forward's development and improvement at Atlético.
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February 17: La Liga, Round 23
With the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and the Madrid Derby fast approaching, Yang Hao opted to rotate the squad for the away match against Sevilla.
Kanouté opened the scoring for Sevilla in the 15th minute. However, just seven minutes later, Dani Alves equalized for Atlético.
In the 36th minute, Pepe's header found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul.
In the second half, during the 76th minute, Villa broke free of Sevilla's defense only to be fouled by defender Josep Martí. Martí received a straight red card, forcing Sevilla to adopt an ultra-defensive strategy for the remainder of the match.
The game ended in a 1–1 draw.
In the same round, Real Madrid was held to a goalless draw at the Santiago Bernabéu by Real Betis. The match was marred by physicality, resulting in 16 yellow cards and a red card for Beckham. Consequently, Beckham would miss the upcoming Madrid Derby.
Real Betis's tenacious performance ensured Real Madrid couldn't focus solely on their Champions League trip to London against Arsenal.
Barcelona fared worse, losing 2–1 to Valencia at the Mestalla.
Following Valencia's victory, Spanish media reported that the Abu Dhabi Investment Group had reached an agreement with Valencia's management to purchase the club.
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Abu Dhabi Investment Group Buys Valencia
At the time, Valencia's two primary shareholders were Soler, holding 36.4% of shares, and Soriano, holding 8%. The remaining shares were dispersed among numerous minor shareholders. This structure resulted from Spain's transition from a membership-based to a stock-based system, where individual shareholders were generally restricted to a maximum of 1%. This fragmentation of power had caused frequent management upheavals at Valencia in recent years.
According to Cadena SER, the Abu Dhabi Investment Group planned to invest €200 million in total to acquire and stabilize Valencia.
€100 million would be used to purchase shares from Soler, Soriano, and other scattered shareholders, granting them full ownership of the club. €100 million would be injected directly into the club, partially as a transfer budget and partially as operational funds. The Abu Dhabi group would also assume responsibility for Valencia's existing debts, which exceeded €200 million, as revealed by a financial audit conducted by La Liga.
In an interview with Marca, Mubarak, a representative of the Abu Dhabi group, expressed excitement about joining La Liga:
"After careful consideration, we chose La Liga as our entry point into European football. We aim to transform Valencia into a team that can rival the 'Big Three' of Spanish football."
Mubarak elaborated that the initial €100 million was only the first phase. Additional investments would follow to alleviate Valencia's financial burdens and expedite the construction of their new stadium. Once completed, the current Mestalla Stadium would be repurposed.
"We strongly believe in La Liga's international growth trajectory. Based on our research, La Liga has been the world's most influential league in recent years. We are thrilled to become a part of it."
The confirmation of Abu Dhabi's acquisition sent shockwaves through European football and beyond.
The Abu Dhabi group's financial power surpassed even that of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Mubarak's ambitious rhetoric reinforced the perception that their goal was to challenge the dominance of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.
Marca succinctly captured the sentiment:
"Perhaps we are no longer looking at the 'Big Three.' The era of a competitive La Liga, where multiple giants vie for supremacy, is upon us."
The arrival of the Abu Dhabi group promised to ignite a frenzied transfer market in the summer. The future of La Liga was set to become even more intense.
Moreover, their entry attracted the attention of other potential investors who had been observing La Liga from the sidelines, particularly in light of the upcoming broadcast rights auction scheduled for early 2008.
As Deloitte's report highlighted, this auction would shape not only La Liga but also the broader landscape of European football. A strong showing could entice further investment, while failure would discourage future opportunities.
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February's Double Storm: Abu Dhabi and Subprime Crisis
While Yang Hao processed the news of Abu Dhabi's acquisition of Valencia, another piece of information crossed his desk: the long-feared U.S. subprime mortgage crisis was beginning to unfold.
The crisis began with HSBC reporting earnings losses and New Century Financial, the second-largest subprime lender in the U.S., issuing a profit warning.
Few could predict at the time that this would escalate into a global financial catastrophe, one that would reverberate for decades. Yang Hao, with memories of his past life, knew that this crisis would eventually lead to the European debt crisis.
Ironically, as the financial world was thrown into turmoil, European football was entering its golden era of globalization.
In Yang Hao's previous life, the English Premier League capitalized on this moment, achieving unparalleled growth. Meanwhile, La Liga, apart from Real Madrid and Barcelona, lagged behind, which led to the rise of the "Big Two."
But now, with the entire league progressing, and new financial backing like that of Abu Dhabi, La Liga was poised to surpass the Premier League in influence and stature.
February 21, Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg saw Atlético Madrid take on AS Roma away from home.
Luciano Spalletti's Roma was known for its unorthodox tactics in Italian football. Unlike the typically defensive style of many Serie A coaches, Spalletti prioritized attack. Without a traditional striker, he utilized a "pack of wolves" strategy, with Francesco Totti leading the line to disrupt the opposing defense.
Totti's constant movement created space for midfielders like Mancini, Pizarro, Perrotta, and Taddei to attack from deeper positions. This approach posed significant challenges for any defensive setup.
Atlético Madrid conceded early, just 10 minutes into the match.
Totti dropped deep to receive the ball, evaded Mascherano's marking, and delivered a precise through ball. Taddei advanced down the right flank and sent a low cross into the box, where Perrotta struck a sweeping shot past Atlético's keeper.
1–0!
The Stadio Olimpico erupted, with over 70,000 Roma fans turning the stadium into a sea of red.
Yang Hao stood by the visitors' dugout, shaking his head with a wry smile. He had expected Roma's attacking aggression.
With a crucial La Liga match against Real Madrid on February 25, Yang Hao had rotated his squad significantly. Stars like Kaká, Messi, and Iniesta were left out of the starting lineup.
Upfront, he fielded a trio of Villa, Drogba, and Di María. The midfield featured David Silva, Mascherano, and Baraja. At the back were Antonio López, Ramos, Pepe, and Zabaleta.
Despite his pre-match warnings to his players about Totti's movements, the young defensive pair of Ramos and Pepe had been outmaneuvered.
"Javier! Rubén!" Yang Hao called out to Mascherano and Baraja from the sidelines. When they looked over, he gestured for them to stay composed, focus on controlling the midfield, and slow down the tempo.
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Resuming Play
Atlético took the message to heart. After the restart, they stopped rushing forward and focused on stabilizing their formation.
Over the years, Atlético Madrid had grown into a mature team with a robust system. The players trusted not only themselves but also their teammates and the game plan. They believed in their ability to turn the match around if they played their game.
This confidence was evident as Atlético began to dominate possession, stringing together precise passes and gradually controlling the tempo.
Roma lined up in a formation resembling a 4-2-3-1:
Goalkeeper: Doni. Defense: Tonetto, Chivu, Mexès, Panucci. Midfield: Pizarro and De Rossi as defensive midfielders; Mancini, Perrotta, and Taddei supporting. Forward: Totti.
Mancini and Taddei stayed wide, leaving Pizarro, De Rossi, and Perrotta to handle Atlético's midfield. However, Perrotta was focused on shadowing Mascherano, leaving Roma's central midfield stretched thin.
Atlético capitalized on this weakness with their passing game. Roma resorted to fouling to disrupt their rhythm.
By the 20th minute, Mexès, Panucci, and Pizarro had all been booked for fouls on Drogba, Villa, and David Silva, respectively. This mounting yellow-card tally added pressure on Roma.
In the 21st minute, Antonio López surged down the left flank and delivered a cross to the right edge of the penalty area. Di María controlled the ball skillfully before sending a low pass into the box. Drogba was there to meet it but missed by inches, his shot skimming past the post.
Just a minute later, Antonio López won a corner kick. Although Roma cleared the initial danger, Baraja picked up the loose ball and unleashed a thunderous shot from distance, narrowly missing the target.
Atlético's pressure was relentless, and it was clear that an equalizer was only a matter of time.
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Control and Patience
Yang Hao watched from the sidelines, calm but attentive. Once his team established control of the midfield and the ball, he knew they were on track. Years of experience had honed his instincts, and he could sense when a goal was coming.
In the 29th minute, Atlético's breakthrough arrived.
Antonio López once again made an overlapping run down the left wing. Villa drew Panucci wide, opening up space for David Silva.
López delivered a precise pass to Silva near the edge of the box. Silva deftly controlled the ball, slipped past De Rossi with a quick touch, and drove into the penalty area.
From the left side of the box, Silva unleashed a powerful strike. The ball rocketed toward the far corner, ricocheting off the inside of the right post and into the net.
GOAL!
1–1!
Doni was helpless as the ball hit the absolute top corner. It was a perfect shot—unstoppable.
The traveling Atlético fans erupted in celebration, drowning out the previously deafening Roma crowd.
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Silva Shines
"Goal!!!"
"David Silva!"
"Atlético Madrid has leveled the score!"
The commentators praised Silva's composure and precision. His ability to capitalize on a fleeting moment of space had been crucial.
"From the 12th minute, Atlético seized control of the game, dictating the pace with their passing and relentless pressure. This goal was only a matter of time."
"Roma is being forced to defend more and more. Spalletti may prefer an attacking style, but against Atlético's dominance, he has no choice but to play defensively."
As Silva celebrated with his teammates, Yang Hao stood on the sideline, applauding his players. His trust in their discipline and skill had paid off.
With the match tied and momentum firmly in Atlético's favor, Yang Hao had no doubt his team could push for more.
The game was far from over.
"A powerful strike from David Silva!"
"Brilliant play! The young Spaniard controlled the ball, broke into the left side of the box, and struck decisively before Mexès could react."
"1-1!"
"The game is back on level terms!"
After scoring, David Silva turned and sprinted off in celebration, arms outstretched like a gliding airplane, as if ready to soar into the sky.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao clapped enthusiastically, shouting Silva's name in encouragement, cheering for the youth academy product who had just delivered a crucial goal.
"Fantastic, David!"
As Silva celebrated with his teammates, he heard his coach's call, turned back, and clenched his fist in acknowledgment, laughing heartily.
"This kid is really improving," said Juanma Lillo.
Who could disagree?
Yang Hao felt a mix of pride and a touch of frustration—a "happy problem," as they say.
Iniesta and Kaká were Atlético's best midfielders, with veteran captain Baraja taking on a secondary role. Meanwhile, David Silva and Luka Modrić were emerging talents beginning to shoulder more responsibility.
In this match, Yang Hao had chosen Silva to start, recognizing his excellent recent form and wanting to test his readiness for greater challenges. The same was true for Modrić, who was also earning increased playing time.
However, midfield play differs significantly from forward roles.
In the attack, Yang Hao felt comfortable letting Messi, Di María, or Suárez take risks, charge forward, and push boundaries. But in midfield, it was a different story.
Atlético's style relied on precise passing and movement, with midfielders orchestrating both the team's organization and attacks. That required experience.
Even though Silva and Modrić were immensely talented, they were still somewhat raw and lacked the maturity needed to anchor such a demanding midfield. The same way the defense depended on experience, the midfield demanded it too.
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Halftime Adjustments
During the break, Yang Hao lavished praise on Silva, commending his first-half performance. His compliments had the youngster practically floating with confidence. However, Yang Hao also pointed out areas for improvement, such as the unnecessary yellow card Silva had picked up during a defensive play.
As for the second half, Yang Hao's instructions were clear: maintain the same approach, keep the tempo controlled, and wear Roma down gradually.
"Remember what I said before the game—Roma may love attacking, but they're still an Italian team. They're excellent at counter-attacking and have dangerous players like Mancini on the wings. Be alert."
"Defensively, pay close attention to Totti and their late runs into the box."
"Javier," he called out to Mascherano, "aside from that goal, you played well in the first half. Keep it up and shut Roma down."
Then he turned to Ramos and Pepe.
"Stay focused. Don't let Totti's movement distract you. Keep calm, and watch for their runners breaking in behind."
Both center-backs nodded.
Yang Hao clapped his hands firmly. "Alright, let's go! Let's take Roma down tonight!"
"Yes, coach!" the players responded in unison, fired up.
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The Key Role of Silva
David Silva had decent speed—not as explosive as Cristiano Ronaldo but faster than Iniesta.
Yang Hao had long been pondering a crucial question regarding the Spanish national team: when the wings and front three stretched the opposing defense, who could best exploit the spaces in the channels?
Xavi was too slow and lacked incisive runs. Iniesta had better movement but wasn't particularly fast, limiting his ability to capitalize on such situations.
Silva, on the other hand, brought a combination of speed and technical ability. His runs into space often created openings, a skill he had honed through his connection with Villa and Antonio López on the left flank.
His movement was relentless, as reflected in Atlético's tracking data, which showed that Silva consistently covered the most ground on the team.
Whether combining with teammates for quick one-twos or driving forward with the ball, Silva offered a dimension of directness and dynamism that Yang Hao believed would be critical for breaking down defenses—a problem Spain had historically faced.
It wasn't just about possession; possession without penetration was meaningless. Yang Hao often reflected on Spain's struggles in his previous life—such as their inability to break through in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Back then, Spain lacked players like Iniesta, Silva, or Messi to break lines and disrupt defenses. Even someone like Isco, had his career not faltered, could have made a significant difference.
But it was also about having a reliable center forward. Players like Torres or Villa added a direct threat, forcing opponents to respect their presence.
In this game, Drogba's impact exemplified the importance of a striker. Mexès and Chivu were wary of him, treating every move he made with the utmost caution.
By contrast, Roma's reliance on Totti alone allowed Atlético's center-backs greater freedom to manage the game.
Still, there was no room for complacency. Atlético's first-half goal conceded had been a clear warning about the risks of losing focus against Totti's intelligent movement.
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Second-Half Breakthrough
By the second half, Atlético began turning the screws.
In the 52nd minute, the ball was played into Roma's penalty area, and goalkeeper Doni rushed out to claim it. Without hesitation, he launched a long kick downfield, aiming for Totti near the halfway line.
Ramos outjumped Totti to head the ball back toward Antonio López, who immediately carried it forward. López passed to Villa, who feigned an inward cut before laying the ball off to Silva on the edge of the box.
Silva controlled the ball with his left foot, then lifted a delicate chip into the area.
Drogba, using his physicality, muscled his way between Mexès and Chivu. At the edge of the six-yard box, he met Silva's pass with a powerful header.
The ball veered slightly off-target but redirected just enough to beat Doni, slamming into the back of the net.
GOAL!
2-1!
Drogba roared in celebration as his teammates swarmed him.
From the sideline, Yang Hao pumped his fist in triumph. The comeback was complete, but the game wasn't over yet.
"The ball is in!"
"2-1!"
"Atlético has completed the comeback!"
"Drogba scores a brilliant header!"
________________________________________
After conceding another goal and losing their lead, Roma began to show signs of panic. But just eight minutes later, in the 59th minute, Atlético struck again.
Pepe delivered a long ball forward, bypassing the midfield and sending it deep into Roma's half. Roma goalkeeper Doni rushed off his line to intercept but soon realized the ball was falling outside the penalty area. Committed to the charge, Doni pressed on and leapt to head the ball away from the approaching Drogba.
While Doni's header cleared Drogba, it didn't go far. The ball dropped directly in front of David Silva, positioned just behind Drogba. The Spaniard quickly chased it down, controlled it with his chest, glanced at the goal, and struck it cleanly with his left foot.
Doni scrambled back toward the goal, but no human could outrun the ball. By the time Doni reached the edge of the six-yard box, Silva's long-range strike had already nestled in the back of the net.
"Double for Silva!"
"David Silva completes a brace!"
The young Spaniard dashed out of the field again, arms wide open, celebrating with uncontainable joy. Teammates swarmed him near the corner flag, enveloping him in a jubilant embrace.
3-1!
The turnaround was complete.
David Silva's second goal was a dagger to Roma, almost ensuring their defeat.
Even as Spalletti made substitutions to revitalize Roma's attack, the Italian side couldn't mount an effective comeback.
At the final whistle, Atlético emerged victorious, claiming a commanding 3-1 win in the first leg of the Round of 16 in Rome.
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Praise for David Silva
Following the match, David Silva became the subject of widespread praise from fans and media alike.
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao spoke highly of Silva's performance.
"I've always said that he is one of the best Spanish players, but not many believed me," Yang Hao said with a grin. "Now, I'm thrilled that David proved my judgment and vision right with a performance that was entirely his."
Yang Hao described Silva as an increasingly vital part of the team, highlighting his immense talent and growing confidence.
"But there's still room for improvement," Yang Hao noted. "He has plenty of potential yet to unlock."
"I'm confident he will become one of the best midfielders in the world."
For his part, David Silva modestly thanked his coach for the recognition.
"Our boss always tells us that football is unpredictable. No one can win every game, but every single minute we're on the pitch, we give our all," Silva said. "That's Atlético's football."
Silva expressed gratitude for Yang Hao's guidance and trust, attributing much of his growth to the manager's belief in him.
When asked about his journey to Atlético, Silva cleared up misconceptions stemming from recent media reports, including one from Marca that claimed he had joined Atlético through a favor from Juan Carlos Valerón.
"That's not the whole story," Silva clarified. "I was rejected by Real Madrid, and it was a tough blow. At the time, Atlético was revamping its youth academy. Our boss and Palareles were waiting outside Madrid's training center. When they saw us leave, Palareles handed us a business card and invited us to trial with Atlético."
"Of course, I'm incredibly grateful to Juan for helping me directly join Atlético. It was the best decision we've ever made."
This season, Silva had been earning more playing time but remained a rotational player. The young midfielder assured reporters that he was content with his role and patient about his development.
"I have a lot to learn, so I'm not in a rush," Silva stated.
Regarding potential transfers to other clubs, Silva dismissed the notion outright.
"My entire family has moved to Madrid. We've adapted to and love life here!"
Silva's father, still residing in their hometown in the Canary Islands, serves as a local councilor focused on education and sports development. Meanwhile, Silva's mother and sister have lived in Madrid for years, with the family purchasing a home near Majadahonda.
Silva's remarks effectively shut down speculation from clubs eyeing him as a transfer target.
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Other Champions League Results
While Atlético celebrated a 3-1 comeback in Rome, other Champions League matches produced mixed results for Spanish teams.
Valencia faced Inter Milan in an intense clash at the San Siro. Despite Inter taking the lead twice through Cambiasso and Maicon, Valencia fought back each time, securing a 2-2 draw.
Inter coach Roberto Mancini expressed frustration at the result. Meanwhile, the mood at Valencia was buoyed by the impending acquisition of the club by Abu Dhabi's investment group. The players seemed galvanized by the prospect of transforming from a financially troubled team into a potential superpower capable of challenging Spain's top three clubs.
Barcelona, however, eked out a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, thanks to a goal from Eidur Gudjohnsen. Injury-ridden Barça, led by Rijkaard, struggled to assert dominance, particularly with Thierry Henry ruled out for the season.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid edged Arsenal 1-0 in London, with Cesc Fàbregas delivering the winning goal against his boyhood club. For Arsène Wenger, now coaching Madrid, the match was bittersweet—a return to the Emirates Stadium as an opponent. Arsenal fans watched as their former manager, who had laid the foundation for the club's successes, now led their rivals.
Arsenal's current struggles in the Premier League, where they sat eighth, underscored the loss of Wenger's influence. Fans who once criticized him for "merely securing top-four finishes" now realized the stability he had provided.
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Next Challenges
Of the Spanish sides, Atlético appeared the strongest after the first leg, with Real Madrid also in a favorable position. Valencia and Barcelona faced tougher challenges in the return fixtures due to injuries and strength disparities.
Yang Hao and his coaching staff monitored Real Madrid's match closely, knowing the city derby loomed just days after the Champions League fixtures. Injuries plagued both teams, including Madrid's Cicinho and Beckham.
Tactical Speculation
During a strategy meeting, assistant coach Juanma Lillo raised an important point about Madrid's setup:
"Will Vieira start? If he does, Pirlo may be benched."
Yang Hao nodded, adding, "Essien is Madrid's midfield engine right now. His energy and defensive coverage are indispensable for them."
The stage was set for a critical Madrid derby, with Atlético aiming to extend their dominance and Real desperate to challenge their rivals' supremacy.
Especially after Beckham's injury.
"Judging by the current situation, starting Vieira would make the defense more solid, but it would hurt the attack."
A midfield trio of Ballack, Vieira, and Essien would certainly strengthen the defense, but organizing the attack would be a serious issue.
"I think it's more likely that Pirlo will start," Juanma Lillo speculated.
"Don't forget, Vieira hasn't been in great form this season."
The reality is, as players age, it becomes harder to maintain peak performance, especially for someone like Vieira, whose game relies heavily on physicality.
"In the match against Arsenal, Wenger started Kompany, but I don't think he'll take that kind of risk in the derby."
"I heard Wenger went to Rome that day."
"Scouting us in person, huh?"
"Still, we rotated heavily in that game."
"I believe the center-backs will still be Cannavaro and Samuel."
In the end, Cannavaro and Samuel remain Real Madrid's most dependable central defenders. Their weakness is well known: height.
It's not that they're terrible at aerial duels, but they're not exceptional either, which leaves Real Madrid vulnerable against taller opposition. Unfortunately for Madrid, finding center-backs who are taller, stronger, and better than their current pairing is no easy task. For instance, someone like John Terry would be ideal, but he's not available.
"If Pirlo starts, then the midfield will likely be Ballack and Essien alongside him. I think we can apply more pressure in midfield."
"Based on all the available information, Real Madrid will certainly look to attack in this match."
"There have been reports that Madrid signed Pirlo specifically to help them win this derby."
"That's quite the investment if true."
"Ha, isn't it? But it's a bit of a headache for us as well."
"Exactly. If we drop back, we'll be in a dangerous position. If we push forward, they have players like Pirlo, who's a master of long passes, and wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Joaquín, who have incredible pace. If they get behind our defense, we'll be in serious trouble."
"So we need to agree on a game plan in advance. What's our approach for this match?"
The room erupted in discussion, with various scenarios and ideas being proposed. Ultimately, however, all eyes turned to Yang Hao.
What would the head coach decide?
________________________________________
As Yang Hao had come to realize, the biggest challenge at Atlético's level wasn't just choosing the starting lineup or tactical approach—it was unifying the players' mentalities.
This unification wasn't something that could be achieved with a few words or simply through familiarity over time. Every player had their own perspective, values, and understanding of football. Against different opponents, with different matchups, each player's thoughts and attitudes varied.
The challenge of aligning all these perspectives into a cohesive strategy was one of the toughest aspects of managing a top-level team.
________________________________________
The Madrid Derby was once again designated by La Liga as a marquee event, broadcast live worldwide.
As the current flagship fixture of Spanish football, the derby had captured the global audience's imagination, and with the match potentially deciding the La Liga title, both teams approached it with heightened focus.
After returning to Madrid from Rome, Yang Hao held tactical meetings with his coaching staff before convening the squad for a strategy session.
By this point, Atlético had pieced together Real Madrid's likely starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas Defense: Ashley Cole, Fabio Cannavaro, Walter Samuel, Michel Salgado Midfield: Michael Ballack, Andrea Pirlo, Michael Essien Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Joaquín
With Cicinho sidelined by a long-term injury, Salgado had become Madrid's regular right-back. However, at 31 years old, Salgado's performance was no longer at its peak.
In response, Yang Hao planned to start Robben on the left wing, directly targeting Salgado. The strategy was clear: Atlético intended to exploit Madrid's right flank and break it wide open.
At the same time, Yang Hao reminded the players of their poor performance in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
"That was our only defeat this season," Yang Hao said firmly.
He expressed his disappointment in that match and demanded a much better attitude from the team at home.
"I want every single one of you to show more spirit. We must beat Real Madrid at the Calderón and take this victory!"
Yang Hao emphasized that winning this match would be a major step toward securing the La Liga title.
"If we win, we'll be well on our way to claiming the championship for the fifth consecutive season," Yang Hao declared.
"This will make us the second team in La Liga history, after Real Madrid, to achieve five straight titles. The significance of this cannot be overstated—for us and for them!"
To drive home his point, Yang Hao had the players review footage from their defeat in the first leg.
This marked the first time Yang Hao had lost to Real Madrid during his tenure at Atlético.
In truth, an unbeaten record against Madrid held little meaning. Such streaks were always destined to be broken eventually. What mattered was how the team responded to setbacks.
By revisiting the loss, Yang Hao aimed to reignite his players' fighting spirit and hunger for victory.
The Calderón derby was a must-win. Yang Hao was determined not to leave anything to chance.
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A High-Profile Visitor
In the lead-up to the Madrid Derby, Atlético welcomed a special guest: Sheikh Mansour, the owner of the Abu Dhabi investment group and a member of the Emirati royal family.
Sheikh Mansour's primary reason for visiting Spain was to assess Valencia's facilities, including the Mestalla and their new stadium project. He also met with Valencia's mayor to discuss plans and proposals.
While in Spain, Sheikh Mansour took the opportunity to meet with the country's Minister of Sport, as negotiations over the purchase of Valencia progressed.
With the Madrid Derby coinciding with his visit, Sheikh Mansour attended the match at the Calderón, accompanied by top executives from Emirates Airlines and other members of the Abu Dhabi group.
On match day, as Yang Hao arrived at the Calderón with his team, he was informed by Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo of Sheikh Mansour's presence. The manager made time to meet with Mansour and his delegation in the office.
The two had met previously during Atlético's trips to the Middle East. Sheikh Mansour, an admirer of Yang Hao's coaching style, was eager to witness the Madrid Derby in person.
Additionally, Mansour took the opportunity to tour Atlético's soon-to-be-completed new stadium, further strengthening ties between the club and the Emirati businessman.
After taking over Valencia, Sheikh Mansour planned to push forward with the new stadium project and had already begun hiring design firms to re-plan and redesign the stadium. However, since the foundation and basement construction were already underway, the main structure could no longer be altered.
While the stadium's capacity was not an issue, Mansour and his team considered focusing on the exterior design.
He couldn't help but praise Atlético Madrid's new stadium during his visit, expressing his admiration for its design.
Within Mansour's team, Yang Hao noticed a familiar figure: Javier Subirats.
Many might not recognize him, but in Spanish football, Subirats was a renowned name.
A native of Valencia, born in a small town called Paterna just five kilometers northwest of the city, Subirats had been a product of Valencia's youth academy. A midfielder by trade, he dedicated the prime of his career to the club, playing for Los Che throughout the 1980s before moving elsewhere toward the end of his playing days.
After retiring in 1992, he immediately transitioned into Valencia's youth development system and even briefly served as a caretaker manager for Villarreal. Starting in 1997, he became Valencia's sporting director and spearheaded a series of reforms in the youth academy. Subirats was instrumental in nurturing the talent that led to Valencia's golden era.
From 1997 to 2006, Subirats shaped the club's success and was widely regarded as the best sporting director in Valencia's history.
Unfortunately, disagreements with the management eventually led to his departure.
Yang Hao hadn't expected Mubarak to successfully convince Subirats to return to the football scene.
It was undeniably a brilliant move.
First, Subirats was a Valencia man through and through. His return would help stabilize the club's internal dynamics.
Second, with his previous experience as sporting director, Subirats knew the role inside and out, making the transition seamless.
Lastly, Subirats' deep understanding of Spanish and European football would significantly address Mubarak's areas of inexperience.
Thinking about this, Yang Hao couldn't help but admire how effective Mansour's team was.
Mansour and Mubarak weren't reckless spenders. Every step they took was meticulously calculated and precise.
________________________________________
Mansour's visit was merely a prelude to the highly anticipated Madrid Derby.
With Miguel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, and even Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez in attendance, along with local politicians and government officials, the Calderón stands were teeming with influential figures from the political and business worlds.
For this match, Yang Hao fielded Atlético's strongest lineup:
Goalkeeper: Petr Čech Defenders: Patrice Evra, Thiago Silva, Lucio, Dani Alves Midfielders: Xabi Alonso as a deep-lying playmaker, with Andrés Iniesta and Kaká further up Forwards: Arjen Robben, Fernando Torres, and Lionel Messi
________________________________________
"I figured out your starting lineup," Wenger said with a grin as he greeted Yang Hao at the visitors' dugout before the match.
"What a coincidence, I guessed yours too," Yang Hao quipped back with a smile.
Both managers had little reason to surprise one another, given how familiar the two squads were with each other.
Rookies like Gago or Higuaín were unlikely to feature in Real Madrid's starting lineup for such a high-stakes derby—it wouldn't be a show of faith in youth but outright recklessness.
Atlético remained four points ahead of Real Madrid in the standings. Everyone expected Los Blancos to go all out in an attempt to secure an away win.
Yang Hao shared that expectation—Wenger would definitely be aiming for a victory.
However, wanting to win didn't necessarily mean playing aggressively.
As a result, Yang Hao approached the match cautiously at the start, but to his surprise, Wenger did the same.
The opening minutes of the match were tense and careful, with neither side pressing high or applying significant pressure. The slower pace left the atmosphere somewhat subdued.
Atlético's first foray into attack came in the second minute, with Iniesta playing a through ball to Robben, whose run was flagged offside.
By the fourth minute, Kaká took a long-range shot that sparked some excitement among the crowd.
Real Madrid quickly responded.
Michael Ballack drove forward with the ball through the center and delivered a precise pass to Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Swedish striker, with his back to goal, controlled the ball before switching play to the right flank. Joaquín surged into the right side of the penalty box and attempted a diagonal pass to the far post, aiming for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo dashed toward the left goalpost at blistering speed to meet Joaquín's delivery.
But Petr Čech had anticipated the danger, rushing off his line to claim the ball before Ronaldo could reach it.
Despite his speed, Ronaldo's effort was in vain, and he turned back toward Joaquín with a helpless shrug.
Under Wenger's guidance—and with the support of Joaquín and Ibrahimović—Ronaldo had been thriving at Real Madrid. Although he hadn't yet reached the prolific scoring levels of his 2007/08 campaign, he was already one of Madrid's primary attacking threats alongside Ibrahimović.
Madrid's strategy of using Ibrahimović to hold up the ball, feeding it wide, and crossing diagonally was one of their most effective tactics. Even if Ronaldo hadn't been in a position to shoot, he could have recycled the ball centrally to find Ibrahimović, who would typically arrive in the area around the penalty spot or the edge of the box to strike.
This time, however, Čech's intervention snuffed out the danger.
Atlético quickly retaliated.
In the seventh minute, Iniesta received a pass from Kaká and played an incisive through ball into the left side of the penalty area. Robben used his speed to surge past Michel Salgado, catching up to the ball and sending a low cross into the box.
Torres was there to meet it, but his close-range shot was parried by Casillas in spectacular fashion.
It was the first truly dangerous chance of the game, and it came from Atlético's Fernando Torres.
From the opening whistle, Atlético demonstrated their intent to dominate, launching repeated attacks down Real Madrid's vulnerable right flank.
The pattern suggested a clear plan: relentlessly target Salgado and break through Madrid's defenses on that side.
Wenger, however, frowned as he observed from the sidelines.
Could this really be Yang Hao's entire strategy?
Surely not. Everyone knew Madrid's right flank was their weak spot—Wenger would obviously prepare for that.
And Yang Hao? He couldn't possibly be so predictable, could he?
Wenger didn't believe it.
Was this really all Yang Hao had up his sleeve?
No—it didn't add up.
Wenger felt a creeping sense of unease. Something else was coming.
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