Whistle.
"At last, the 2009-2010 Champions League final has begun. Real Madrid, on the left, start with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation."
"Scolari has made a choice fitting of a tournament specialist. It is neither excessive nor lacking. Even if the opponent brings a tailored tactic, it shows he is confident."
"So in a final, he avoids gambling and chooses stability. You could say this is part of the psychological battle as well."
But it was not a simple setup.
As usual, Ho-young was the focal point, with Ronaldo and Robben on the flanks. However, Ronaldo started on the left and Robben on the right.
"They are likely aiming for Robben's trademark move, the diagonal cut inside followed by his left-footed curler that defenders know is coming but still cannot stop. Robben's condition will be key, but his mere presence forces Inter to adjust their defensive strategy."
There was more.
Up front, Gonzalo Higuaín started, overturning expectations that the experienced Raúl would play.
"This reflects Scolari's bold style of setting aside reputation. It seems aimed at targeting Inter's newly signed center-back, Lucio."
Lucio.
Considered one of the best attacking center-backs of the 2000s, the 32-year-old veteran still possessed outstanding physicality.
In the Champions League quarterfinals, he completely neutralized Ibrahimović and proved he was still in top form, even showing better performances under Mourinho than in his prime.
Alongside Maicon, Walter Samuel, Chivu, Zanetti, and Cambiasso, he formed an iron wall defense and helped secure two trophies this season.
In short, he was solid and strong in attack as well.
That was why Scolari chose the younger, quicker Higuaín over Raúl.
In defense, Arbeloa, Pepe, Albiol, and Ramos formed the back line, focusing more on solidity than overlapping runs.
"Inter, on the other hand, come out with Mourinho's famed 4-2-1-3 formation. Eto'o, Milito, and Pandev form the front three, with Sneijder as the attacking midfielder."
"It is a system built around Sneijder. He has been central to Inter's success."
It was ironic.
At Real Madrid, Wesley Sneijder had been overshadowed by Zidane and Ho-young. After moving to Inter, he became the team's leader.
Some even said Inter's results depended on Sneijder's condition.
With a treble and a strong World Cup performance, many believed the Ballon d'Or would naturally be his.
Today, he was leading Inter once again.
"Cambiasso passes to Sneijder. He calmly circulates the ball and escapes Gago's pressure."
Around the 8th minute of the first half.
Neither side had created a clear chance yet, but Inter looked slightly superior in overall flow.
However, as time passed, the momentum shifted.
Sneijder, who should have dictated play on both ends, was struggling.
He could not even fulfill his primary role as playmaker.
As a result, Mourinho's desired quick and decisive transitions were disrupted.
"Sneijder is struggling compared to usual. He has been under constant high pressing from Real Madrid since kickoff."
"That shows how strong Real Madrid's midfield is. They clearly understand how to shut down Inter's attack. Scolari's defensive tactics are working."
"Drop the line further!"
"Press in midfield!"
"Young, space is opening on the right!"
"I've got it covered!"
Ho-young's involvement in midfield placed heavy pressure on Inter.
For Sneijder, who wanted to control the game and create chances on the flanks, he was a major obstacle.
"Ho-young presses Sneijder aggressively. He narrows the passing lanes and blocks surrounding space."
"With Sneijder handling the second line alone, it is difficult. He cannot cope with Ho-young's work rate by himself."
Sneijder bit his lip.
As expected, he's strong.
Wesley Sneijder.
Once rumored to be Bernd Schuster's favorite, he gradually lost his starting place and moved to Inter.
But it turned out to be a masterstroke.
Under Mourinho, his ability had grown tremendously.
Everything was good at Inter.
Yet by fate, he faced his former club in the Champions League final.
He wanted to win more than anyone.
This was revenge.
Not only Mourinho's revenge, but his own.
He wanted to prove how much he had improved.
His eyes sharpened.
In the end, we will win.
If Real Madrid had the strongest squad, Inter had the best strategist.
José Mourinho.
Sneijder trusted him.
Whatever Real prepared, Inter's tactics would surpass them.
From that moment, the match grew tighter.
"Inter players are showing confidence. Defensive midfielders Cambiasso and Zanetti are closing spaces through coordinated defense. They aim to block Real Madrid's attacking routes from the start."
"They apply strong pressure at key moments. Not only the defenders, but midfielders and forwards maintain excellent defensive organization. It feels like a three-layered wall."
Mourinho observed the pitch and scribbled constantly in his notebook.
Ho-young's range is expanding.
After analyzing his movement, he shouted.
"Keep the defensive line at 30 meters!"
He lowered the overall line and instructed a more defensive posture.
At the same time, they applied selective high pressing to prevent killer passes from Ho-young and Xabi Alonso.
To conserve stamina, he instructed them to press only at crucial moments.
He also demanded compact spacing, reinforcing defensive stability.
That was Mourinho's philosophy.
And everything had been perfectly prepared over weeks of training.
He had faced Ho-young before and felt confident.
Mourinho's expression gradually brightened.
Good. Just keep this up.
If it continued this way, Inter would score first.
"20 minutes into the first half, the match grows more intense. Inter have dropped their line completely, denying Real Madrid access. They are neutralizing Real's passing and build-up."
"The ball seems stuck below the halfway line. Inter's coordinated defense and spatial control are suffocating Ho-young. It is remarkable how they built such organization in just a year. Mourinho is called the Special One for a reason. The prospect of Inter achieving Italy's first treble is becoming more realistic."
The previous weaknesses of excessive reliance on Ibrahimović and simplistic transitions were gone.
Instead, improved press resistance and build-up from midfield had turned weaknesses into strengths.
It was Mourinho's defensive philosophy blended with modern football trends.
Inter even began to dominate possession in midfield.
The home crowd responded with loud boos.
"What are you doing, Mourinho? That's boring football!"
"Stop hiding in defense and come out, cowards!"
"Booooo!"
Regardless, Inter's defensive line remained unshaken.
"In this situation, aerial play could create space, but Real Madrid cannot even attempt that."
"Indeed. Inter's aerial dominance is exceptional, and Real currently lack a forward strong in the air."
It was frustrating.
Higuaín could not receive the occasional long balls from midfield.
Mourinho smiled slightly.
Perfect.
Everything was unfolding as planned.
No matter how talented Ho-young is, he cannot break our wall easily.
Inter's defense was as organized as Liverpool's at their best.
With superior physicality, they were even more efficient.
And then.
Now it's our turn.
Inter regained possession and slowly unsheathed their claws.
"Maicon blocks Ronaldo's shot with his body and connects to Zanetti."
"Zanetti passes to Sneijder."
"A through ball follows immediately toward the right flank!"
A swift transition.
In seconds, they seized control and swallowed Real Madrid.
"A tremendous counter-attack. Mourinho's counter strategy against strong teams is on display."
"Eto'o receives the ball and cuts inside from the flank."
Thud.
"Ah!"
Arbeloa stretched a leg, but Eto'o's agility beat him by inches.
Next came Eto'o's trademark.
A quick shot after cutting inside.
But Casillas reacted just as fast.
Smack.
"A brilliant save by Casillas! The punched ball spills outside the box!"
"It's not over yet! Real must stay focused!"
Tap.
Sneijder collected the second ball.
As a master of long-range shooting, he struck without hesitation.
But then.
Smack.
"Blocked by Ho-young! It deflects off his leg to the side!"
"When did he get there?"
"Incredible anticipation. It is as if he calculated the shooting angle."
The talent acquired from Puyol.
Surprise Shot Block.
Combined with Cannavaro's positioning, Ho-young delivered perfect defense.
"Damn."
Mourinho muttered in frustration.
The goal was open.
He had not expected Ho-young to intervene.
But it was fine.
They cannot move at all.
Inter still held control.
There was plenty of time and chances would come.
However.
Time was not guaranteed to favor Inter.
Mourinho's eyes widened.
At the same time, the commentator's voice exploded.
"What…?"
"Ho-young! It's Ho-young!"
Seconds earlier.
Ramos had recovered the loose ball on the flank and passed it to Ho-young.
He sprinted forward.
Simply a counter-attack.
Yet there was another reason for the shock.
"Ho-young! He has crossed the halfway line! Zanetti and Cambiasso chase, but they cannot keep up!"
"He breaks through the second line!"
"Lucio at the back…"
"He beats him!"
Tap tap.
An unbelievable burst.
No matter how fast the commentary, it could not match Ho-young's speed.
The sight made hearts pound.
The vibration on the pitch surged into the stands.
"Whoa… whoa…"
"Woooo!"
"Run!"
"Vamos!"
Fans rose from their seats, shouting at full voice.
"Ho-young! He charges forward!"
"This is insane! They cannot catch him!"
Inter's defenders were strong physically, but not exceptionally fast.
Even so, the gap was unreal.
If previous bursts were storms, this was a disaster.
How do you stop that?
His legs did not slow.
Like brakes had failed, he kept accelerating.
Like lightning.
Then suddenly he was in front of goal.
"Julio César rushes out…"
"He beats César as well and left-footed shoooot!"
The shot flew as fast as his run.
The net shook.
Goal.
"Gooooal! An incredible goal! Unbelievable!"
A solo goal.
But it did not end there.
Before Ho-young, a list of Robben's available talents appeared.
Without hesitation, he chose Astonishing Pace (SS+).
"Hoo!"
Everything was perfect.
And Mourinho, who believed he had prepared perfectly, shook his head.
Ho-young's celebration seemed to say, did you expect this?
Mourinho's face stiffened.
(To be continued.)