"Real Madrid lift their 33rd La Liga trophy."
"It's astonishing. You could say the era of Real Madrid has truly begun. By crushing even Barcelona in just 35 rounds, they have proven they are the best in Spain."
"That's right. And now it is time to go beyond that and become the best in Europe."
"Madrid! Madrid! Hala Madrid!"
"Y nada más! Y nada más!"
"Hala Madrid!"
"Woooooo!"
Santiago Bernabéu.
As the La Liga trophy was handed to the squad, the official anthem echoed throughout the stadium.
Even long after the match had ended, the fans remained in their seats, their voices still ringing out.
The cheers did not stop.
Some, deeply moved, embraced one another and shed tears of joy.
It was a fourth consecutive league title.
Real Madrid had achieved five straight titles twice in history, but this was their first four-peat in the 21st century.
Despite the controversy surrounding President Pérez earlier in the season, they had ultimately defended the throne.
It was a monumental achievement that astonished football fans around the world.
And above all, it was the best possible news for President Calderón.
In the center of the VIP section.
"Congratulations, Mr. President. Now we can focus solely on the Champions League. This is all thanks to your outstanding management. Hiring Scolari was a masterstroke."
"Hmm."
Despite Mijatović's flattery, Calderón looked concerned.
The results were more than satisfactory, but he could not smile freely because the club's financial situation was still unstable.
It was not on the verge of bankruptcy.
We just need to hold on until the end of this year.
The club's revenue was enormous, so if they endured until year's end, normalization could begin next season.
This summer transfer window would be crucial.
They needed immediate funds to operate the club until next year.
There's no choice. Those who must leave should go before their value drops.
Calderón's gaze shifted to the pitch.
Several faces stood out, including Arjen Robben.
What they needed most was liquidity.
Even if not permanent transfers, structured deals with options could allow players to leave temporarily, benefiting both sides.
Good. If we just win the Champions League, everything will be fine.
If they achieved that, public opinion would support him.
Putting out the fire could come afterward.
Meanwhile, the pitch was in chaos.
"Hoo!"
"Wow!"
All Real Madrid players, starters and substitutes alike, wore white kits.
With arms over each other's shoulders, they took turns lifting the trophy and jumping in celebration.
It was a reward for nine relentless months.
Its value could not be measured in money, but if one insisted on calculating it, the prize money of roughly 9 million euro would be distributed among the players based on contribution.
It was nearly double last year's amount and expected to keep rising as La Liga sought to close the gap with the Premier League's massive rewards.
Ho-young was set to receive the highest bonus, approximately 800,000 euro, with an additional 200,000 euro according to contract clauses.
At least we can breathe for now.
It was a meaningful match.
Securing a fourth consecutive title was significant, and he had finally acquired Robben's talent.
Immediately after the match, he pre-acquired Robben's Curler (U).
This will probably merge with Henry's Curler talent.
He understood it instinctively now.
Next target was pace.
The hidden condition was to record a goal contribution after a solo run of over 30 meters in the Champions League final.
Raúl and Alfredo Di Stéfano's talent conditions were also tied to the final.
That match was what truly mattered.
Real Madrid prepared meticulously for the Champions League title.
They hired top facilities and specialists to eliminate physical fatigue and implemented daily programs to maintain peak mental condition.
Their determination was immense.
It was the perfect opportunity to lift the Big Ears Cup for the first time in eight years.
They had fallen to Ferguson's Manchester United last season, but this time the board was resolute.
Since La Liga was already secured, players expected to feature in the final were rested, while substitutes received league minutes.
However, Ho-young and Ronaldo were given brief appearances to pursue scoring records.
As a result, they closed the league season with two wins and one draw by May 16, finishing in dominant fashion.
"Real Madrid set historic record: 33 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses, 101 points, 113 goals scored, 20 conceded."
"Most wins in La Liga history, highest points total, and most goals scored in a single season."
"Luis Scolari, now among the greats at both national and club level, says, 'All credit goes to the players. I am grateful to them. But an important task remains. We will focus on the Champions League.'"
"Captain Raúl González: 'Everything was perfect. It's a shame we conceded more than 20 goals, but this was the greatest league campaign ever. The teammates I had this season were the best, and that will be proven in the Champions League final.'"
"Sergio Ramos, who played 52 matches this season: 'Sometimes even we are surprised by our own team. That's how strong we are. Even Pelé's Brazil couldn't beat us. We poured out every bit of fighting spirit and passion. The same will apply in the Champions League. We are young. Well, except for someone who looks old. But we are younger and more capable than ever. That's why we will win. Just kidding, Robben.'"
"Golden Boot runner-up Cristiano Ronaldo: 'Thanks to my teammates and the fans. But there is still a long way to go. Next year I will aim for something bigger. Like the top scorer award.'"
"Ho-young, reaching his second Champions League final in just two seasons since his top-flight debut: 'This is not the time to talk. I can speak after lifting the Big Ears. I want to win, no matter what.'"
The 2009-2010 La Liga season came to an end.
Ho-young claimed the Golden Boot with 36 goals, while Ronaldo surged in the final two matches to finish second with 34.
Lionel Messi, who had led midseason, ended in third place.
May 19.
In cool weather, Spanish football fans turned their attention to Barcelona.
The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou was the focus, with interest centered on whether Guardiola could end on a high note.
Most predicted a Barcelona victory.
Indeed, Barcelona were in excellent form.
Guardiola fulfilled his duties responsibly until the end.
And as expected.
"Barcelona defeat Atlético Madrid 4-2, led by Messi's hat-trick. They secure back-to-back Copa del Rey titles."
"The camera shows Guardiola's bittersweet expression. I am not a Barcelona fan, but as a football fan, I feel emotional. There were many labels, genius, eccentric, but it is sad that we may not see such a manager on the touchline again."
"I agree. Though he announced a sudden retirement, Pep and football are inseparable. If the opportunity comes, he will surely return."
Guardiola lifted the trophy with a faint smile.
If only it had been the La Liga trophy instead of the Copa del Rey.
But it was pointless to dwell on that.
Still, he was grateful to commemorate his final moment this way.
At his official resignation ceremony that day, many players attended.
Ibrahimović, whose conflict remained unresolved, did not attend, but Guardiola understood.
He believed it was his own fault for failing to manage the squad properly.
That was how his final chapter closed.
And as he returned home after the ceremony.
Buzz.
His phone rang, and a familiar voice came through.
"Good to hear from you, Coach Guardiola."
"Who is this?"
The man introduced himself and spoke confidently.
"I have an offer you cannot refuse."
Guardiola let out a faint chuckle.
It felt like something that could shake the football world was about to happen.
By mid-May, most European players had entered their off-season.
They needed to return to their national teams for friendlies ahead of the World Cup.
But two teams were busier than ever.
Real Madrid and Inter, preparing for the Champions League final.
Players balanced conditioning and intense training.
The managers were just as busy.
Since the final was a single match, tactical perfection was essential, from team selection to every weapon and shield used until the final whistle.
Ahead of the clash, one columnist wrote:
"Inter under Mourinho are in formidable form. They have already won two trophies and are on the verge of a treble.
However, as fearsome as Inter's tactics are, they fall short compared to Real Madrid's squad depth.
Moreover, Real Madrid have experience defeating Mourinho's Inter last season.
Taking everything into account, I favor Real Madrid. The key will be Ho-young's condition and Scolari's tactical response."
For Scolari, it was undeniably a burden.
Mourinho had already won the Champions League.
But Scolari was known for excelling in knockout tournaments.
That was one reason Calderón appointed him.
His true quality would be revealed on the 22nd at the Santiago Bernabéu.
And finally.
"Woooooo!"
"Madrid! Madrid! Madrid!"
May 22.
The roar of 80,000 fans filled the Santiago Bernabéu.
The players emerged from the tunnel as the Champions League anthem played.
"The 22 players who will decide Europe's strongest club are entering the pitch."
"They are all extraordinary. It is a privilege to witness them in one match."
As they stepped onto the pitch and faced the Big Ears trophy, the players were gripped by tension.
No matter how experienced, nerves were inevitable.
Among them, Ho-young exhaled deeply and gently closed his eyes.
No second mistakes.
Whistle.
The match began with Real Madrid's kickoff.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)