Chapter 33:
Yang Hao lounged on his office couch, fiddling aimlessly with his clunky Nokia phone. How he missed his Huawei Mate 40 Pro from 2023, equipped with the glorious Kirin 9000 chip—a phone he had genuinely bonded with.
"If someone could just hand me that phone now, I'd pay them a million euros!"
Just as he considered chucking the Nokia across the room, there was a knock on the door. It was Kaká.
In Yang Hao's eyes, Kaká had always been the embodiment of politeness—a young man who radiated warmth and a natural charm.
Standing in the doorway, sunlight streaming in, he wore his signature, genial smile. In that moment, a random song lyric sprang into Yang Hao's mind:
"You're still the same boy, unchanged, time only tests your faith; your belief remains steadfast, your face still holds its original glow..."
Yang Hao felt a pang of clarity: as fans, we remember the brightest, most indelible moments of footballers on the pitch—memories that withstand the test of time, etched into the heart.
This, he mused, was why Adriano remained beloved despite his inconsistent stats. His brilliance on the field had carved a permanent place in the collective memory of fans.
Kaká stood before him now, evoking similar sentiments.
A Heart-to-Heart with Kaká
"Boss?" Kaká's voice pulled Yang Hao from his thoughts. He stepped into the room and took a seat opposite Yang Hao.
"Oh, you're here," Yang Hao snapped back to reality, shaking off his musings.
"Is there something you wanted to discuss?" Kaká asked, his polite tone tinged with curiosity.
Yang Hao smiled. "Nothing too serious—I just wanted to chat."
Kaká smiled back, a touch hesitant but unsurprised. Yang Hao was known for such casual one-on-ones.
Before the conversation could drift into small talk, Yang Hao got straight to the point.
"After the UEFA Super Cup match against Feyenoord, the coaching staff reviewed the game footage. We found your performance... a little concerning."
Kaká's heart sank. He looked at Yang Hao with wide eyes. "Was I bad?"
"No, no," Yang Hao reassured him, softening his tone. "Don't worry, you weren't bad at all. It's just that I noticed something—you're starting to play a bit like Deco. Did you realize that?"
Kaká blinked, processing the comment. Wasn't that a good thing?
"Don't get me wrong—Deco is brilliant. He's versatile, well-rounded, and incredibly disciplined both in attack and defense. But you and Deco are completely different types of players."
Kaká nodded. "I understand."
At 1.86 meters tall, he was physically distinct from the shorter, stockier Deco.
"In the game, I saw several moments where you had clear opportunities to drive the ball forward, but instead, you chose to pass. You've been trying to shoulder more of the midfield organization and playmaking duties, haven't you?"
"Well... isn't that what a playmaker in our system is supposed to do?" Kaká replied earnestly.
"Yes, but here's the thing," Yang Hao leaned forward, his voice firm but encouraging. "You're capable of doing that, and I trust you'll get better at it. But I don't want you to lose sight of your greatest strength—your ability to drive forward, your instinct for finding the best attacking paths."
"We're a team, of course, and structure is important. But I don't want you to be confined by expectations. I want you to play with freedom. Trust your instincts, read the game, and guide your teammates with your natural vision and style."
"So," Yang Hao continued, his tone now serious, "don't try to imitate anyone—not Deco, not Ronaldinho, not anyone else. Focus on being Kaká."
"Play the game the way you believe Kaká should play. Leave the rest to me."
Kaká absorbed Yang Hao's words, his initial surprise morphing into determination. He understood: Yang Hao wasn't just coaching him—he was entrusting him with greater responsibility.
The realization left him humbled and motivated. As much as he admired players like Adriano, this conversation made it clear: Yang Hao saw him as a cornerstone of Atlético's future.
Kaká Leaves Inspired
As Kaká left the office, brimming with new resolve, Yang Hao leaned back with a chuckle.
Sometimes, he wondered if he was being too manipulative.
But these young players, he reasoned, needed the extra boost. They were still growing—not just physically, but mentally—and a little motivational "push" could go a long way.
In Kaká's case, Yang Hao had noticed a dangerous trend. The young Brazilian was trying to emulate Deco too much. While Deco's style was admirable, it wasn't Kaká's forte.
Kaká was born to run. To tear through defenses with explosive sprints and incisive passes.
Yang Hao often reflected on Kaká's trajectory in his previous life. When Kaká joined Real Madrid, he had been a megastar on par with Cristiano Ronaldo. For a time, they competed for the title of "top dog."
But injuries, coupled with the high-pressure environment of Madrid, led to Kaká's decline. After surgery, he was never the same player. His elegant, fluid movements gave way to sluggish, labored efforts.
At Real Madrid, Kaká had no time to adapt or reinvent himself. The team was too focused on its arms race with Barcelona to give him the breathing room he needed.
The arrival of a certain German midfielder sealed his fate. While Kaká had once been untouchable, he suddenly found himself outperformed and out of favor.
Looking back, Yang Hao believed that under different circumstances—perhaps at a different club—Kaká could have successfully transitioned to a new style of play.
Now, Yang Hao had the chance to ensure Kaká fulfilled his potential without succumbing to the same fate.
Preparing for Camp Nou
With Kaká sufficiently motivated, Yang Hao turned his attention to the upcoming match.
The UEFA Super Cup victory had been a morale booster, but the true test was just around the corner: an away match at Camp Nou, facing Barcelona in Atlético's La Liga opener.
Yang Hao's goal was clear: start the season with a bang and make it clear to all doubters—Atlético wasn't going anywhere.
Rumor has it that in 2011, several teams, including Ferguson's Manchester United, sought to purchase Kaká. Yet for various reasons, Real Madrid chose not to sell.
It's intriguing to imagine: if Kaká had transferred back then, perhaps his career trajectory might have allowed him to successfully transition his playing style.
But for Yang Hao, such concerns were for the distant future. For now, Kaká's focus should be on maximizing his potential, pushing his limits, and elevating his game.
Transition?
That could wait.
Preparation for the Barça Showdown
Returning to Madrid from Monaco after the UEFA Super Cup, Atlético enjoyed a brief day of rest before departing for Barcelona.
This would be Barcelona's opening match of the season and Louis van Gaal's first game back in charge at the Nou Camp.
Yang Hao, however, had only one goal: victory.
Atlético was brimming with talent. Players like Diego Forlán, Xabi Alonso, Marcos Senna, Simeone, Baraja, Deco, and Lucio were already fixtures in the squad. Then there were rising stars like Reyes and Torres—both with the potential to be among the best.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Torres had scored 13 goals in this very season, leading Atlético back to La Liga after their relegation. That same summer, Torres captained Spain's U19 team to the European Championship title, cementing his reputation as a generational talent.
Roman Abramovich, after acquiring Chelsea in 2003, had reportedly been keen to bring Torres to London. Yang Hao was confident that this version of Torres—honed over two years under his guidance—would shine even brighter than before.
Reyes, too, was making waves. In his original timeline, this season marked his second in La Liga with Sevilla, where he was already a household name.
Xabi Alonso, who in reality was pivotal in guiding Real Sociedad to second place this season, was about to flourish as Atlético's midfield lynchpin. Meanwhile, Joaquín was already drawing admiring glances from Real Madrid, who yearned for the Betis starlet but couldn't pry him away.
Even players like Marcos Senna were poised to achieve greatness. In another timeline, Senna would later shine at Villarreal, but under Yang Hao's tutelage, his development had been accelerated.
Despite media mockery labeling Yang Hao the "king of kids," he believed in the immense potential of his young squad. He knew these "kids" could compete with the best—and win.
To him, only one team stood as Atlético's true rival in the league this season: Real Madrid.
With their galaxy of superstars, Real was a daunting opponent. But that didn't stop Yang Hao from publicly declaring his intent to defeat them.
As for Barcelona? Yang Hao had no need for pre-match bluster. For a game like this—an opening-round La Liga fixture against Barça at the Nou Camp—he preferred to keep things low-key.
There was no need for bold proclamations.
Instead, he planned to quietly, decisively dismantle Barça on their own turf.
A Stormy Night at the Nou Camp
September 2. Camp Nou, Barcelona.
The start of a new season brought over 92,820 fans to the stadium, transforming the iconic arena into a sea of red and blue.
From the home dugout, Louis van Gaal surveyed the pitch. He couldn't shake a nagging sense of absurdity—Atlético had arrived at the Nou Camp playing a 4-3-3 formation.
It was surreal.
After all, the 4-3-3 was his system. It was the signature of Dutch football, of Barcelona during his first tenure.
And now, as if to mock him, Atlético had adopted it while his Barça struggled to field the wingers essential for the system.
Since his return, Van Gaal had realized that his beloved wingers had disappeared under previous coaches Ferrer and Rexach. Only Overmars remained—and he was injured.
Luis Enrique could fill in, but at 32, age had begun to catch up with him. Míchel Salgado's physical play during Enrique's Real Madrid days had taken its toll.
Mendieta was another option, but his disastrous stint in Serie A had left him a shadow of the player who once starred for Valencia. His confidence was shot—a fatal flaw in football.
Van Gaal had wanted Atlético's Aurelio for the left-back position, but Barça deemed him too expensive. Left with no choice, he promoted Fernando Navarro from the youth team.
As a result, Van Gaal's lineup for this match—a 3-4-3 formation—lacked conviction.
Barcelona Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Valdés
Defenders: Fernando Navarro, De Boer, Puyol
Midfielders: Cocu, Gabri, Xavi, Mendieta
Forwards: Luis Enrique, Kluivert, Saviola
Atlético Starting XI:
Goalkeeper: Čech
Defenders: Evra, Carvalho, Lucio, Maicon
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (DM), Deco, Baraja
Forwards: Reyes, Torres, Joaquín
Diego Forlán, to Van Gaal's surprise, started on the bench. Most assumed that with Adriano's departure, Forlán would shoulder Atlético's scoring burden. Instead, Yang Hao had placed his faith in Torres, likely due to the latter's stellar performance in the UEFA Super Cup.
What worried Van Gaal most, however, was his backline. Matching Atlético's three forwards with his three defenders was a gamble.
As the match began, Van Gaal shouted instructions to Xavi, urging him to launch an aggressive start.
He had identified Maicon as a weak point. The young Brazilian was still raw—Luis Enrique's experience could exploit him.
Battle Lines Drawn
Yang Hao, dressed sharply in his Nike-sponsored attire, stood calmly in the technical area.
Across the field, Van Gaal glared at him, brimming with disdain.
But Yang Hao barely noticed.
In his mind, this wasn't just a match—it was a declaration.
Tonight, at Camp Nou, he wasn't just aiming for a victory.
He wanted to make Barcelona cry.
If Yang Hao had overheard Van Gaal's thoughts, he would've knocked on his head to teach him a thing or two.
"Tony Leung! Ever heard of him?"
Barça's Opening Blitz
The match began with Barcelona aggressively pressing forward.
In the 3rd minute, Luis Enrique made a driving run down Atlético's right flank, drawing a foul from Maicon. The free-kick was taken by Xavi, with Kluivert narrowly heading over the bar—Barça's first shot of the game.
This initial attempt emboldened Barcelona to continue their high-pressure tactics. Playing at home in the season opener, Van Gaal's philosophy was clear: dominate possession and use the Nou Camp's energy to unsettle Atlético early.
Xabi Alonso, stationed as a deep-lying midfielder, was constantly scanning the pitch. He not only kept an eye on the ball but also turned his head frequently to ensure defensive organization.
When Lucio signaled a forward run, Xabi Alonso adjusted his position.
As Mendieta began cutting in through the left channel, Xabi took another glance at Saviola, who was moving wide, before sprinting toward the Spaniard.
"I'll handle this!" Xabi shouted.
This allowed Evra to stay tight on Saviola. Mendieta, seeing his options cut off, had no choice but to backpass.
With Deco and Baraja already closing in, Barça were forced to retreat from Atlético's 30-yard zone.
"Good work, Xabi!" Evra called out loudly.
Xabi responded with a quick wave of his hand, his focus fully on the game.
He was reading the play, mapping out Barcelona's passing routes, and anticipating their next moves.
Lessons from the Boss
"Xabi," Yang Hao had told him during summer training, "you're the smartest playmaker I've ever seen. It's not just your pinpoint passing—it's your incredible vision on the pitch. That ability can elevate this team."
That conversation had left a deep impression on Xabi Alonso.
He realized then that Yang Hao intended to make him a central figure in the team. But with that privilege came added responsibility.
As a product of Spain's northern regions, Xabi had a rugged work ethic. He wasn't the flashy, laid-back type often associated with players from the south.
While his technical skills weren't flashy, his defensive abilities were reliable.
"Ruben, shift over! Cover that space!" Xabi called out as he darted to intercept Mendieta.
Gabri, receiving the ball, found himself under immediate pressure from Baraja, forcing him to pass backward once more.
Atlético's disciplined defensive structure continued to hold firm.
This was all part of Yang Hao's strategy.
Playing away at the Nou Camp, in Barcelona's first match of the season, meant Barça would inevitably come out firing. Yang Hao's priority was to weather the storm, maintaining a solid shape and composure.
Trying to out-attack Barça in these circumstances would've been foolish.
Commentary Highlights
"Eight minutes in, and Barcelona are dictating possession," the commentators noted.
"This is unexpected. Yang Hao's Atlético are known for their high-octane pressing, yet tonight they've chosen to sit back."
"Perhaps Yang Hao recognizes the danger Barcelona pose this season, especially with Mendieta joining their attack."
"Look at Luis Enrique now—he's testing Maicon again on the left flank."
"No breakthrough—he shields the ball and plays it back. Gabri attempts a cross into the box."
"Cleared by Lucio! The ball falls to Baraja."
The Visionary Playmaker
"Xabi, think of yourself as a distributor," Yang Hao had instructed before the match.
"You should avoid tight spaces where opponents can press you. Once you receive the ball, if you're under immediate pressure, find a supporting outlet."
"Deco, Baraja, Lucio, Maicon, Carvalho, Evra—they'll all be available. There's always a passing lane. Trust the system. Don't panic."
The words echoed in Xabi Alonso's mind as he called for the ball from Baraja.
"Here, Ruben!"
Baraja immediately passed the ball, warning, "Watch out!"
Noticing Luis Enrique closing in, Xabi stepped into the ball, using his first touch to shield it with his body.
Despite Enrique's attempts to jostle him, Xabi's strength held firm. He quickly scanned for options and spotted Deco dropping deep to help.
Without hesitation, Xabi passed to Deco, who pivoted smoothly to launch a counterattack.
Ahead, Atlético's front three—Reyes, Torres, and Joaquín—were primed to burst forward.
However, Deco's progress was halted near the halfway line as Xavi and Cocu combined to dispossess him. Barça regrouped for another attack.
Weathering the Storm
The match ticked past the 11-minute mark, and Xabi Alonso stole a glance at the scoreboard.
Only a few more minutes, he thought, recalling Yang Hao's pre-match analysis.
Barça's intense pressing was unlikely to last beyond the 15-minute mark.
Stay patient. Just a little longer.
Barcelona continued to dominate possession, with the crowd at the Nou Camp growing increasingly animated. The fans, still bitter over past humiliations inflicted by Yang Hao's Atlético, roared with fervor.
"Crush them!"
"Destroy Atlético!"
"Finish that Chinese manager!"
The chants grew louder, creating a cacophony that reverberated across the stadium like waves crashing onto a stormy shore.
From the sidelines, Van Gaal watched with satisfaction.
This was the pressure he wanted. This was the atmosphere that would drive his team forward.
The Waiting Game
Yang Hao, however, stood calm and composed in the visitor's technical area.
He had no intention of panicking.
He knew Barça were pouring everything into these opening minutes.
All he needed to do was wait.
Once the initial storm passed, the real game would begin.
This was all part of Yang Hao's plan before the match.
Even if Atlético's counterattack didn't result in a goal, it was crucial to seize the momentum and make a statement.
Van Gaal glanced at the clock: 13 minutes had passed, approaching 14.
Atlético Madrid hadn't managed a single shot. No, not even a single meaningful attack.
This suffocating pressure was exactly what he wanted to see.
However, the Dutchman knew better than anyone else that Atlético's defense was no joke. After all, this was the same backline that had endured 90 minutes of relentless pressure from Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup and emerged with their goal intact.
Lucio had carried over his stellar World Cup form, while Carvalho remained rock solid. Together, they formed one of La Liga's best center-back pairings, a duo Van Gaal couldn't help but envy.
Breaking through them? It was always going to be tough.
Van Gaal expected as much, especially as the clock ticked closer to the 15-minute mark. Barça's players naturally began easing their pressing efforts.
The match was 90 minutes long—an all-out sprint from the start would burn them out by halftime.
As this shift in intensity became apparent to Van Gaal on the sidelines, Xabi Alonso, deep in Atlético's half, felt it even more keenly on the pitch.
The most telling moment came in the 17th minute.
Stationed near the edge of Atlético's penalty area on the left side, Xabi Alonso received a pass from Evra. With a controlled touch to his right foot, he shifted the ball laterally, turning his body with the motion.
And there it was—space.
Not a single Barcelona player closed in immediately.
Saviola was jogging leisurely toward him, clearly out of position. If eye contact could defend, maybe he'd have succeeded.
For those few seconds, Xabi Alonso realized he had about two seconds of complete freedom to make his next move. As he controlled the ball, he lifted his head to survey the pitch.
In his line of sight, Atlético's front three—Reyes, Torres, and Joaquín—were all hovering near Barça's defensive line.
Xabi Alonso immediately recognized this as a golden signal.
It was the exact scenario Yang Hao had drilled into the team during their pre-match preparations.
If Xabi Alonso found himself in space with the ball, it was a cue for everyone up front—including Deco—to surge forward without hesitation.
No deliberation was necessary. The moment Xabi saw Reyes was the furthest advanced, he made his decision.
Reyes was ready for liftoff.
With a quick and fluid motion, Xabi unleashed a long pass, sending the ball arcing beautifully through the air toward the left channel behind Barça's backline.
Almost in sync, Atlético's front three exploded into motion, sprinting at full throttle.
Their sheer speed was electric, instantly leaving the Barça defenders flat-footed.
Reyes, in particular, shot forward like lightning, effortlessly leaving a turning Puyol in the dust.
The Nou Camp erupted in a collective gasp of astonishment.
Atlético's counterattack had arrived.
Reyes surged forward, his blistering pace allowing him to reach Xabi Alonso's pass with precision. He took one touch to knock the ball ahead, then accelerated further, closing in on Barça's penalty area.
De Boer, who had been positioned deepest to mark Torres, suddenly found himself closest to Reyes and frantically chased him down.
As they neared the penalty arc, De Boer managed to catch up, just as Reyes slowed down to control the ball. This forced the Dutchman to adjust his own pace, momentarily easing off.
That was when Reyes struck.
With a sudden burst of acceleration, Reyes darted forward again, slipping past De Boer and into the penalty area.
Desperation took over.
De Boer instinctively grabbed at Reyes' shirt to slow him down, only to let go quickly and continue the chase, hoping the referee wouldn't notice.
But the contact was enough to unbalance Reyes, who tumbled to the ground inside the penalty area.
De Boer's heart sank as he heard the sharp blast of the referee's whistle behind him.
Turning around in dismay, De Boer found himself staring at the referee, who confidently pointed to the penalty spot.
"Hey, I didn't foul him! He tripped himself!" De Boer protested vehemently, raising his arms in innocence.
His plea fell on deaf ears. The referee reached for his chest pocket, prompting a wave of dread to wash over the Dutchman.
Yellow card? Red card?
When the referee finally produced a yellow card, De Boer felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath him.
"Your actions were crystal clear. No debate," the referee declared.
Barça's players swarmed the referee, furious at the penalty decision and the booking.
But the official stood firm.
"If Navarro hadn't been tracking back, this would've been a red card!" the referee insisted.
Commentary Analysis
"From the replay, it's clear that De Boer's foul was undeniable. The yellow card and penalty decision are entirely justified."
"What a stunning counterattack from Atlético! Xabi Alonso's pinpoint long pass, combined with the blistering pace of Reyes and Torres, was a joy to watch."
"This must be one of Atlético's new tactical setups for the season—leveraging Xabi Alonso's exceptional passing range and their attackers' speed."
"Once Barça eased off their pressing, Atlético immediately capitalized with devastating precision."
"The referee remains resolute in his call. Penalty to Atlético."
Yang Hao's Reaction
On the sidelines, Yang Hao couldn't contain his excitement as Reyes went down in the box.
The foul was clear, and the penalty was indisputable.
In Yang Hao's eyes, the referee had even gone easy by not issuing a red card.
Xabi Alonso wasn't just a defensive asset; his passing, especially over long distances, was a lethal weapon.
This counterattack was a perfect execution of the draftboard plan:
If Barça pressed high without marking Xabi Alonso, he would exploit the space with surgical precision.
Atlético's front three had the speed and technical ability to capitalize on such passes, making them nearly impossible to defend.
Left, center, right—Xabi Alonso could target any area with laser accuracy.
It was 360-degree devastation.
As Reyes prepared to take the penalty, captain Baraja handed the ball to Torres, wanting to give the young striker a boost in confidence.
Surprisingly, Torres hesitated, not eager to step up.
Torres wasn't fond of taking penalties—not even the ones he earned himself.
So, Reyes stepped up to take the shot.
Reyes carefully placed the ball, took a few steps back, and stared down Valdés. With a powerful strike, the ball rocketed into the bottom-right corner of the net.
1-0!
Yang Hao erupted in celebration from the technical area, loudly cheering and applauding his players, especially Reyes. His speed and technique were key in setting up this counterattack. Of course, Xabi Alonso's pinpoint long pass was just as vital.
With Atlético taking the lead, Barcelona began to realize where the problem lay.
Van Gaal, a seasoned tactician with a sharp sense of the game, quickly picked up on Yang Hao's game plan: counterattacking football.
Faced with this, Van Gaal had to consider the risks. Could Barcelona break through Atlético's defense before being undone by another swift counterattack?
When the game resumed, Atlético's tactics became even more evident. Each time Barcelona pressed forward, Atlético exploited the defensive gaps with sharp counters.
Though Barcelona appeared to dominate possession, they struggled to create clear chances. Meanwhile, Atlético's swift counters repeatedly exposed Barça's vulnerabilities.
De Boer, rattled by his earlier foul and yellow card, was visibly hesitant when defending against Torres. This only weakened Barcelona's backline further.
By the 38th minute, Barcelona launched another attack, determined to equalize before halftime to ease the pressure in the second half.
They applied more intense pressure on Xabi Alonso, hoping to disrupt his long-passing game.
In the 43rd minute, Xabi received a pass from Maicon. But before he could look up, Xavi pressed him, forcing him to play a quick ball to Baraja.
Baraja, immediately pressured by Cocu, managed to spot Deco in space and passed to him. Deco, with a quick diagonal ball, found Joaquín on the right flank.
Joaquín surged down the wing, dazzling the young Fernando Navarro with his footwork before cutting to the byline and delivering a precise cross.
In the center, Torres used his body to shield off De Boer, who, at 1.80 meters, was no match for Torres' physicality.
Valdés hesitated, staying rooted to his line as Torres met the cross with a powerful header, sending the ball into the far corner.
2-0!
The Camp Nou fell silent as Torres sprinted to the sidelines in celebration.
On the sidelines, Yang Hao clapped and cheered enthusiastically for his young striker.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Torres was often criticized for his low goal-scoring numbers before joining Liverpool. But Yang Hao knew this perception was unfair—Atlético's weak support system at the time made life difficult for Torres.
Even so, Torres consistently delivered around 15 goals per season starting from 2002/03, proving his quality.
Against Barcelona, Torres always seemed to shine. Fans joked that while Eto'o specialized in tormenting Real Madrid, Torres reserved his best for Barcelona.
This wasn't a coincidence. Barça's attacking style left them vulnerable to counterattacks, and Torres thrived in those situations.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Barcelona emerged for the second half determined to turn the game around.
In the 58th minute, Van Gaal made a bold substitution, bringing on Riquelme for Gabri. This change pushed Barcelona into an ultra-attacking setup with Cocu and Xavi as the double pivot, while Luis Enrique, Riquelme, and Mendieta supported a front two of Saviola and Kluivert.
But Van Gaal miscalculated. Atlético were not afraid to engage in an all-out battle.
Riquelme struggled to gel with his teammates, his slower South American style clashing with Barcelona's faster European tempo.
Yang Hao admired Riquelme's talent but had no interest in signing him. Riquelme was like a beautiful piece of art—nice to look at, but impractical for his team's needs.
In the 70th minute, Yang Hao replaced Torres with Diego Forlán.
Just five minutes later, Forlán's relentless pressing forced De Boer into a poor back pass. Forlán intercepted it, raced toward goal, and lofted a delicate chip over Valdés.
3-0!
The Camp Nou was in shock.
And the humiliation wasn't over.
In the final minutes, young Fernando Navarro gifted Joaquín a misplaced pass. Joaquín seized the opportunity, cut inside, and delivered a perfect assist to Forlán near the penalty spot.
Forlán, with ice-cold composure, slotted the ball into the net.
4-0!
Yang Hao, standing on the sidelines, watched in disbelief.
"The Camp Nou really knows how to make guests feel welcome," he joked to his staff.
Forlán, in just 20 minutes, had scored two goals and nearly completed a hat-trick.
As the final whistle blew, Atlético walked away with an emphatic 4-0 victory.
Tears flowed at the Camp Nou as Yang Hao's Atlético Madrid announced themselves as serious contenders for the season. Under his guidance, the team was ready to soar to new heights.
Due to the European Super Cup, Atlético Madrid's away match against Barcelona became the final fixture of La Liga's opening round. Consequently, this match garnered immense attention. Not only was it the talk of Spain, but fans across Europe and the world were tuned in to watch the broadcast.
Barcelona's collapse, described as disastrous, left everyone baffled. From the overall match perspective, Atlético didn't dominate possession, focusing instead on counterattacks. Yet, it was precisely those counterattacks that consistently exploited Barcelona's weaknesses. Scoring twice in the first half underscored this approach perfectly.
Catalonia's Mundo Deportivo questioned Van Gaal's choices, criticizing: "Knowing Atlético has excellent wingers, why insist on using a three-man defensive line? Do they think Barça's defense isn't bad enough already?"
Van Gaal explained: "We needed to maintain midfield superiority and exert enough pressure on the opposition in the attacking third. Factually, we achieved both." But he also expressed his frustrations: "Everyone knows we lack a proper left-back. But the issue is, we can't sign the players we need. I'd love to play with a four-man defense. Tell me, though, how do I make that work?"
The left-back problem was no secret. Last season, there was veteran Sergi and AC Milan loanee Francesco Coco. Now, though, Coco was back in Milan, and Sergi had left on a free transfer. Van Gaal found himself with only three left-backs to choose from: 18-year-old Carlos Peña, 20-year-old Fernando Navarro, and 20-year-old Nano.
Van Gaal expressed disappointment over the match outcome but described it as an isolated incident. "I want to remind everyone: Atlético has already played three matches and is gaining momentum. This was our season opener. It's like comparing a car running for three hours to one just starting up."
However, his explanation didn't appease Catalonia's media, who couldn't stomach the humiliation of conceding four goals—especially at home.
Sport revealed that Barcelona's management was deeply dissatisfied with veteran Frank de Boer's performance, holding him accountable for their defensive collapse. Both the penalty he conceded and the subsequent back-pass error highlighted his glaring deficiencies. At 32, De Boer was no longer capable of holding his own at this level.
The newspaper didn't hold back, mocking that De Boer might as well have been wearing an Atlético jersey. To further lambast Van Gaal, Catalonia's media even praised Atlético Madrid and Yang Hao, celebrating his tactical decisions as far superior to Van Gaal's stubbornness.
Elsewhere in Spain, the media also showered Atlético with accolades for their stunning 4-0 victory. The result put them at the top of the La Liga table after the first round, instantly stealing the spotlight.
Real Madrid, who won 3-0 at home against Espanyol, occupied second place. The Madrid duo had kicked off the season in brilliant form, with neither team conceding a goal. Following them were Real Betis and Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Barcelona, crushed 4-0, found themselves at the bottom of the table.
This explains the intense reaction from the Catalonia press. With the international break following the opening round, Barcelona would remain in last place for two weeks—a position that was intolerable.
In contrast to Barcelona, Atlético enjoyed rare unanimous praise from the media, including from Catalonia. Their 4-0 thrashing of Barça further boosted Yang Hao's growing reputation.
It was no secret that Yang Hao was the only coach to have earned the dubious honor of facing "pig head" banners at Camp Nou in the past. Following the match, UEFA personally called him—not to congratulate him, but to invite him to the Elite Coaches Summit in Nyon, Switzerland.
This summit was a longstanding UEFA tradition, inviting prominent managers each year. Last year, they had snubbed Yang Hao, making it clear they didn't take him seriously.
This year, the invitation came, but Yang Hao wasn't eager to attend. Using the Barça match and his busy schedule as excuses, he politely declined.
Yang Hao prided himself on hard work. Since taking charge of Atlético, he'd immersed himself in continuous learning, whether from other managers, coaches, or even club staff. Viewing himself as a sponge, he absorbed knowledge from all directions to ensure he kept improving.
He understood his limitations and knew the only way to remain deserving of an increasingly powerful Atlético was to keep growing. Even now, in quiet moments—well, mostly when his girlfriend wasn't around—he would reflect on his journey and remind himself there was still a long way to go.
Externally, Yang Hao was already seen as a shining Champions League-winning coach. Internally, he compared himself to managerial giants like Ferguson, Wenger, and Aragonés, as well as future legends like Mourinho and Guardiola. By those standards, he believed he still fell short.
Yang Hao never shared these thoughts with anyone, keeping them deeply buried. As for UEFA's summit? He genuinely didn't want to attend. "When you once ignored me, why should I entertain you now?"
With the international break underway, Mahadahonda enjoyed a rare calm. Yang Hao took two days off but soon returned to work. After the international players rejoined the squad, Atlético would face a packed schedule:
On September 10, the second round of the Copa del Rey. The format had been adjusted, with La Liga teams entering in the second round. Following that, the second league match against Sevilla at home, and then the first group-stage match of the Champions League against Arsenal at Highbury.
Wenger's economic acumen was unmatched. After selling Patrick Vieira for €45 million, he reinvested €30 million in two PSV Eindhoven players—Mark van Bommel and Kevin Hofland—and spent another €3.8 million on Pascal Cygan from Lille. Combined with Gilberto Silva, Edu, and youngster Steve Sidwell, Arsenal's midfield had notably improved from the previous season.
Moreover, Arsenal had begun addressing their long-standing defensive issues. Hofland was among the best Dutch defenders in recent seasons and a current national team member. As for Van Bommel, fans from 2023 would need no introduction.
And here's where Wenger's brilliance really shone…
Arsenal didn't spend a single penny in the summer transfer window. In fact, after selling Richard Wright, they managed to turn a profit of several million euros, solidifying their reputation as a model of frugality.
Meanwhile, in Serie A, Inter Milan signed Alessandro Nesta before the transfer window closed.
This was yet another deal that left Yang Hao utterly speechless.
Having snatched Kily González from Barcelona, brought Adriano, Aurelio, and Cambiasso from Atlético Madrid, and now added Nesta from Lazio—it was clear that all of these were players specifically requested by manager Héctor Cúper.
It looked like Inter was on the verge of taking off.
Yang Hao couldn't help but wonder if this Inter Milan lineup, with its current configuration, could only be rivaled by Real Madrid in all of Europe.
Was it possible that the perpetually second-place Cúper was finally about to rise and sing his victory song?
However, as he thought about his own squad, Yang Hao felt a rush of adrenaline.
While his Atlético team couldn't quite match the spending power of the wealthy clubs, he was confident that given another two years, his team would be capable of challenging anyone for supremacy in Europe.
During the international break, with some free time on his hands, Yang Hao called in Didier Drogba for a chat.
Previously, things had been far too busy. One task after another had left Yang Hao overwhelmed, especially with the necessity of reshaping the squad after several key players were sold. This meant he had to prioritize getting the team's structure and chemistry back on track, leaving Drogba's situation temporarily on the back burner.
But now, with a bit of breathing room, Yang Hao took the opportunity to check in.
The conversation wasn't about tactics or training but rather about life off the pitch. Yang Hao wanted to know how Drogba and his family were adjusting to life in Madrid—whether they were settling in, adapting to the climate, managing the language barrier, and so forth.
These seemingly small details were crucial.
Behind every player is a family, and many leave their loved ones and familiar surroundings to move to a foreign country. For some, even basic communication with locals is a challenge, leading to considerable inconveniences in daily life.
Younger players typically find it easier to adapt since they're often immersed in the club environment and around teammates all day. But what about their wives and children? Wives need to shop for groceries, and children need to go to school.
These "minor" aspects might seem trivial, but for each household, they are monumental. These factors often determine whether a player can truly settle into a new team and city.
Drogba expressed immense satisfaction with the club's arrangements for him and his family. While issues naturally arose during the transition, Atlético made every effort to address them. For instance, the club provided Drogba's family with a translator, a female African translator specifically, to assist his wife, Lalla, in navigating Madrid. This thoughtful gesture didn't go unnoticed.
Drogba recounted how shortly after his arrival, his young son Isaac developed a high fever late one night. Drogba was away with the team for an away match, leaving Lalla alone to handle the crisis. Atlético's player support staff immediately stepped in, rushing to their aid and accompanying Lalla to the hospital.
When Yang Hao inquired about how things were going, Drogba responded with a broad smile. He appeared relaxed and content.
He even shared some personal news. "Lalla and I have decided to have another child."
"Really?" Yang Hao was genuinely happy for him. Drogba had previously mentioned waiting until things felt more stable before expanding their family.
Drogba nodded. "Boss, thank you."
"For what?" Yang Hao asked curiously.
"Last year, you told me not to worry about anything, to focus on training, playing, and giving my all for a year. You promised things would fall into place…" Drogba's voice carried gratitude as he looked at Yang Hao. "Now, I understand."
"This past year, my life has transformed completely. All those random, distracting problems I used to have seemed to vanish overnight. Those trivial matters that used to weigh me down—suddenly, they weren't there anymore."
"Now, every day is simple. It's either home, the training ground, or the stadium. Sometimes, I'll take Lalla and Isaac out for dinner or to the mall."
Drogba's face lit up as he recounted his experiences. "You know, a few times, we ran into Atlético fans in malls or restaurants. They asked for photos and autographs. My son was so proud of me in those moments!"
Yang Hao nodded in understanding. He could relate, recalling how Japanese and Korean fans had enthusiastically called him "husband" during the preseason tour. That feeling was unforgettable.
Drogba continued: "To be honest, for years, I thought a footballer's life was dull. No drinking, no smoking, strict diets—it felt like living as a monk. It seemed unbearable."
Yang Hao chuckled. Players even had to time their intimate moments with partners; how could it not feel restrictive?
"But gradually, I realized it wasn't so hard. On the contrary, once I committed to this disciplined lifestyle, all the distractions and nuisances faded away. Even so-called friends who didn't add value to my life stopped reaching out. Every day became straightforward and fulfilling."
"Outside of training, I now have more quality time with Lalla and Isaac. My wife and I argue less, and my kids are closer to me than ever."
"What's more, I've felt myself getting stronger—physically and mentally. Things I used to think were impossible suddenly became achievable. And not just achievable, but easier and more natural over time."
Drogba gestured proudly to his muscular physique, flexing for Yang Hao. "Take a look at me now! My strength and fitness are on another level compared to when I first joined."
Yang Hao had to admit that Drogba looked far more formidable now than when he had initially arrived at the club.
"Somewhere along the way, I realized that this lifestyle—training hard, playing football, helping my team win, earning a good living for my family—is actually a pretty great way to live." Drogba spread his arms wide, as if embracing a whole new world.
"It's fantastic. That's why my family and I are so grateful to you," Drogba said earnestly.
Yang Hao smiled, knowing he hadn't done much beyond offering guidance.
This kind of thoughtful support system, from translation services to emergency assistance, didn't cost Atlético much in monetary terms. For example, the cost of Drogba's translator was shared equally between the club and the player.
The real value lay in the club's commitment to going the extra mile—something players could genuinely feel and appreciate.
"By the way, several clubs, including some from La Liga, inquired about buying you this summer," Yang Hao remarked.
Drogba nodded. "I told my agent: I'm not going anywhere."
Pausing, he added, "I haven't played a single match under you yet."
"Playing under me isn't easy. The competition is fierce," Yang Hao teased.
"I know. Torres and Villa have already told me all about it," Drogba replied with a grin.
During his time with the reserves, Torres shone as the main striker, while Villa emerged as the top scorer. Villa's exceptional technique and finishing abilities were undeniable, though his shorter stature sometimes limited his effectiveness in physical battles.
Both players, despite their talent, had yet to fully secure starting roles in the first team.
As for Drogba, he knew that his relatively late emergence in France had left him playing catch-up. It was precisely why he worked harder than ever now.
"At the moment, we have four forwards competing in the first team," Yang Hao explained. "Villa can play in more positions, but your situation is a bit trickier. So, while you'll be in the first team this season, there will be times when you'll need to play for the reserves as well."
Didier Drogba was already 24 years old.
According to Yang Hao's policy for Atlético's youth team, players over the age of 23 who couldn't secure a first-team spot would be let go.
Marcos Senna and Drogba were exceptions; both had already graduated to the first team. This was why Yang Hao had decided to officially promote Drogba this season.
"Don't worry, boss. I'm fully prepared. I've been waiting for your call-up all this time!" Drogba said with a grin.
Yang Hao saw no need to elaborate further.
"Alright then… get ready for the upcoming Copa del Rey match."
"I'm playing?"
"Yes. Show your best performance and let everyone see what you're capable of." Yang Hao encouraged him.
"Understood!" Drogba replied eagerly, clenching his fists with determination.
The Copa del Rey opponents had been announced: a lower-tier team, San Sebastián from the Segunda División B.
The team wasn't strong, and even Atlético's reserves could easily dismantle them.
Because of this, Yang Hao didn't plan to use his main lineup. The game would feature substitutes and rotational players, especially with many key players still away on international duty ahead of the September 10 match.
"Good luck, Didier. I'm rooting for you," Yang Hao said.
"Don't worry, boss. I won't let you down!" Drogba promised confidently.
"Hello, Manolo."
While the reserve team was training, Yang Hao arrived at the training ground quietly, accompanied by Juanma Lillo and Paralés.
The sudden appearance of the first-team coach immediately caused a stir among the reserve team players.
One of them, Sergio Ramos, waved enthusiastically as soon as he saw Yang Hao.
Yang Hao sighed. This kid was so brazenly outgoing.
Still, he had to admit that Ramos had the temperament of a future captain.
Yang Hao vividly remembered when Ramos joined Real Madrid from Sevilla in his past life. The youngster had been fearless, even daring to clash verbally with megastars like Ronaldo right after arriving.
As history proved, Ramos grew into an exceptionally qualified captain.
Of course, not everyone liked him. Many non-Real Madrid fans found his playing style overly aggressive.
But this was a double-edged sword.
Ramos's greatest issues stemmed from his lack of physical strength and his relatively short stature for a central defender, making it tough for him to handle physical forwards. As a result, he often resorted to unconventional methods. Barcelona's Carles Puyol faced similar challenges.
When Barcelona switched to possession-based football, Puyol's reputation significantly improved.
Ramos, meanwhile, had started his career as a right-back, but Yang Hao was grooming him directly as a central defender.
The club's defensive coaches worked closely with him, teaching techniques, positioning, and defensive awareness.
This training philosophy was particularly vital in the evolving football landscape.
By 2023, as possession-based football dominated, many teams prioritized ball-playing defenders, often neglecting defensive fundamentals.
This led to a shortage of truly elite defenders, making players like Croatia's Josko Gvardiol stand out at the 2022 Qatar World Cup for their solid defensive abilities.
At Atlético, technical skills weren't a concern for Spanish players, but defensive craftsmanship was a key focus.
"Yang, whenever you show up, I know you're up to something," joked Manolo Jiménez as he dismissed the players to refocus on their training.
"What if I'm here to promote you and give you a raise?" Juanma Lillo quipped, displaying his rare sense of humor.
Manolo Jiménez was Lillo's recommendation to Yang Hao.
A Sevilla legend, Jiménez wasn't particularly famous in 2023, but his youth team work was exemplary. He managed Sevilla's youth squad from 2000, stepping in as interim first-team coach in 2007 and holding the role for three seasons.
His tenure with Sevilla's reserve team produced many of the young stars who later propelled the club to success, making him a key figure in Sevilla's rise.
"Are you guys playing this weekend?" Yang Hao asked, getting straight to business.
"Yes, why? Need some players?" Jiménez responded with a knowing smile.
"Borrowing a few, yes. We're short on numbers for training."
"Alright, who do you need?"
"I'll name three; you choose four more," Yang Hao replied.
Jiménez nodded and returned to the field.
After the current training drill ended, he halted the session to deliver the news.
"Sergio Ramos, David Silva, Luka Modric…" Jiménez called out the names.
"You three, report to the first team for training over the next few days."
The announcement left the reserve team players in shock.
Even if it was only temporary, getting called up to the first team was a big deal.
Ramos, ever the energetic one, immediately started celebrating.
David Silva couldn't hide his excitement either, while Luka Modric remained composed, though his gaze toward Yang Hao betrayed his delight.
"Alright, prepare yourselves and follow Mr. Yang and his staff," Jiménez instructed.
"Got it!" Ramos shouted enthusiastically.
The seven selected players, including the ones chosen by Jiménez, quickly gathered their belongings and headed toward the first-team training grounds, their excitement palpable.
For many reserve players, the few meters separating the reserve and first-team pitches felt like an insurmountable chasm.
They could only watch from a distance, their eyes filled with envy and longing.
It was harsh.
But that was football.
September 10th, Evening
San Sebastián de los Reyes, a northern suburb of Madrid.
This small town, known for hosting Europe's largest cactus center, welcomed a football match that drew significant attention from local fans.
The town's largest football field, located on its eastern side near the IKEA and Carrefour shopping centers, could only hold 3,000 spectators.
By the time the match was about to start, the western stand of the small stadium was already packed to capacity. Even the other three sides of the pitch, which lacked proper stands, were crowded with fans who had bought standing-room tickets.
The number of spectators standing on the ground rivaled those seated in the stand.
Tonight's visitors were Atlético Madrid, one of the two strongest teams from southern Madrid.
When Yang Hao led his players into the small town and turned to see the packed stands and crowds surrounding the pitch, he couldn't help but recall scenes from his past life, such as the grassroots basketball leagues ("Village BAs") and the amateur football tournaments ("Village Super Leagues") in 2023.
Particularly when he noticed fans packed into the windows of the apartment buildings to the north of the pitch, it felt as though he had traveled back in time. The atmosphere reminded him of those simple yet vibrant matches, where facilities were rudimentary, skills average, but the energy and joy were unmatched.
At that moment, a thought struck him:
Maybe this is what football is truly about.
At its core, this was a performance—a form of entertainment. And wasn't this what "community-based football" was all about?
When briefing his players before the game, Yang Hao didn't say much. He simply told them:
"Go out there and enjoy the match. No pressure. Show who you are and make the crowd cheer for you."
"Go on!"
Atlético Madrid didn't field a single regular starter for this match.
Even Petr Čech wasn't considered an undisputed first choice yet.
Starting lineup:
Goalkeeper: Čech
Defense: Antonio López, Pochettino, Marchena, Dani Alves
Midfield: Gabi and Marcos Senna as defensive midfielders, with Robben, Iniesta, and Villa ahead of them
Forward: Drogba
This was a match of starkly mismatched teams. The gap in quality was enormous.
Atlético knew it. Their opponents knew it. Even the fans knew it.
But that didn't stop the crowd from roaring with excitement.
The atmosphere was electric, particularly in the 12th minute when Atlético executed a series of seamless passes, and Robben burst down the left wing, leaving his marker several meters behind.
Speed. On the pitch, nothing gets the fans' adrenaline pumping more than speed.
Robben's blistering run ended with a cut into the box, where he delivered a low cross to the near post. Iniesta arrived just in time to slot it home from close range. 1–0!
The crowd erupted in cheers for the beautiful play.
Even the San Sebastián players didn't seem to mind. They got up cheerfully and resumed play.
The goalkeeper even made a point to shake Iniesta's hand. "Make sure you give me an autograph later. I need to know the name of the guy who scored on me!"
The crowd burst into laughter at this exchange.
"It's a match, man. Maybe ask for the autograph afterward?"
But no one truly cared.
The local team was professional and gave it their all, but their efforts were ultimately futile.
In the 23rd minute, Villa received a pass from Gabi inside the penalty area and neatly tucked it away for another goal.
From there, the floodgates opened.
Goal after goal. By halftime, Atlético had scored four.
Ten minutes into the second half, they added two more, making it 6–0.
Yang Hao decided it was time for a full rotation, substituting in Sergio Ramos, David Silva, and Luka Modrić for Pochettino, Marcos Senna, and Drogba, who had already completed a hat-trick.
Drogba had been relentless, smashing every shot and heading every ball with ferocity, seemingly unfamiliar with the concept of holding back.
After the substitutions, Villa moved to the center-forward position, Iniesta shifted to the right wing, Silva took on the No. 10 role, and Modrić slotted in as a defensive midfielder.
Despite the changes, Atlético's relentless attack continued, netting three more goals.
Villa also completed a hat-trick, while Robben and David Silva each scored one.
The final score: Atlético Madrid 9–0 San Sebastián.
What amused Yang Hao most was the discovery that two of the opposing players weren't officially registered, lacking even proper names.
Yet, despite the one-sided nature of the game, the match was incredibly joyful, with not a single yellow card issued.
Can you believe it? A football match without a single yellow card.
This game further deepened Yang Hao's appreciation for Spain's community football culture.
Years later, people might still remember this game as the first Atlético appearances for Ramos, Silva, and Modrić.
After the match, Atlético agreed to San Sebastián's request for a team photo with their players in front of the fan-packed stands.
On the bus ride back to Madrid, the players were still basking in the joyful atmosphere of the match.
Games like this, played a few times each year, were truly enjoyable.
Of course, the short distance from Madrid meant the travel schedule was convenient, avoiding the fatigue of long journeys.
But Yang Hao received surprising news on the bus:
Barcelona had lost their match.
They were defeated by a team from the same division as San Sebastián, a Tercera División team called Novelda.
Yang Hao's first reaction was disbelief. "Did Barça even try?"
But upon looking into it, the answer was clear: they had.
While players like Kluivert, Luis Enrique, and Belletti were unavailable, Barcelona still fielded a strong lineup:
Giovanni, Riquelme, Rochemback, Gerard, Thiago Motta, Xavi, Gabri, Fernando Navarro, De Boer, Reiziger, Saviola, Mendieta, Christanval...
The goalkeeper was Enke.
With such a roster, losing to Atlético or another La Liga team might be understandable—an upset, at worst.
But losing to a Tercera División team?
It was absurd.
Yang Hao swore if he wrote such a plot into a novel, readers would roast him alive.
And the most interesting part?
Barcelona initially took the lead but ended up being overturned, and their effort was evident.
This left Yang Hao feeling a strange sense of absurdity.
"There must be major internal issues within that team," Yang Hao said with absolute certainty.
This was the only plausible explanation for how Barcelona could lose to a Tercera División team in an away match. Even if half their players had performed at a normal level, it should have been enough to win.
"The infighting is serious. Van Gaal's situation isn't looking good," Juanma Lillo agreed with Yang Hao's assessment.
If Yang Hao's memory served him right, Van Gaal was sacked midway through the season. However, he couldn't recall the exact timing—perhaps Van Gaal would survive until the winter break.
As expected, after the second round of the Copa del Rey concluded, with Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid both securing dominant victories, Barcelona's shocking defeat stood out.
It became a lightning rod for scathing criticism and doubts from various media outlets, especially the Catalan press.
The Catalan media, who were never fond of Van Gaal to begin with, seized this opportunity to heap criticism upon him.
Soon after, Yang Hao's prediction was proven correct.
Riquelme openly expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that he hadn't been given the trust he deserved at Barcelona.
"I understand that Barcelona signed me because they recognized my abilities and appreciated my talent from my performances in Argentina. But since coming to Europe, I can't understand why the coach constantly demands that I defend, defend, and defend."
"I wonder, was I brought to Barcelona to play defense?"
Riquelme's remarks completely exposed the internal discord within Barcelona's locker room. The problems were indeed severe.
On top of this, criticism also rained down on the German goalkeeper Robert Enke.
It was his debut for Barcelona, and he conceded three goals, with at least one being his fault. The Catalan media's assessment of his performance was scathing.
With Van Gaal as head coach and Riquelme as the supposed creative focal point of the team, Enke became the scapegoat under media scrutiny.
September 14th, Evening
Vicente Calderón Stadium, Madrid
La Liga Round 2: Atlético Madrid hosted Sevilla.
With an away game against Arsenal at Highbury looming on the 17th, Yang Hao was forced to make some adjustments.
In Yang Hao's season strategy, the priority was maintaining stability in league performances.
Despite selling several key players over the summer, his objective for the UEFA Champions League remained clear: to qualify from the group stage, particularly the first phase. That was non-negotiable.
As for the league, it was a marathon that required consistent focus. Both competitions were crucial.
Yang Hao had no choice but to rotate his players.
Just 8 minutes into the match, Kaká received a return pass from Villa on the right flank and delivered a perfectly timed cross. Torres, leveraging his height advantage, soared between Sevilla's two center-backs and powered a header into the net to open the scoring for Atlético.
The partnership between these two players, who had honed their chemistry in the youth team, remained seamless even at the La Liga level.
Kaká's deft touch and Torres' anticipation made their connection look effortless.
But what happened next shocked everyone.
Merely a minute after Sevilla resumed play and attempted to launch an attack, Simeone intercepted the ball in midfield and quickly passed it to Kaká, who found himself in open space.
Recalling Yang Hao's reminders, Kaká didn't hesitate. On the previous play, he had driven the ball down the right wing before passing to Villa. This time, he chose to run with the ball again.
As he approached midfield, he noticed Sevilla's goalkeeper, Notario, positioned too far off his line.
Kaká made a quick calculation of the distance to the goal and entertained a bold idea.
"Remember, Kaká. Play the way you think you should—don't hesitate!"
Yang Hao's words echoed in his mind as Kaká took a long stride forward, gathered momentum, and unleashed a powerful shot.
The entire Calderón stadium held its breath as the ball soared from more than 30 meters out.
All eyes followed the ball's trajectory as it curved gracefully through the air.
By the time Sevilla's goalkeeper, Notario, realized the danger, it was too late. He scrambled backward, eyes fixed on the shot, but his retreat wasn't fast enough.
Desperately lunging back, Notario managed to graze the ball with his fingertips—or so he thought.
The ball sailed past him and into the net.
"WOWWWW!"
The Calderón erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
Fans leaped from their seats, screaming Kaká's name in unison.
The Brazilian prodigy turned and sprinted toward the corner flag, his signature prayer celebration gesture drawing more roars from the crowd before he was mobbed by Torres and his teammates.
"Atlético is on fire!"
"Two goals in the opening 10 minutes!"
"This is unbelievable!"
"Tonight at the Calderón, we might witness another goal-fest!"
"Sevilla's goalkeeper, Notario, has to take responsibility for that second goal—his positioning was far too advanced."
"2–0, and Kaká is absolutely dazzling!"
"One assist and one sensational goal—he is undoubtedly a genius!"
Football is truly an unpredictable game.
Sometimes it comes down to your opponent making a mistake while you do the right thing, leading to a flurry of goals in mere minutes. Once they adjust, you may go long stretches without scoring.
This was exactly the case with Atlético's match against Sevilla.
They scored twice in the opening 10 minutes, making everyone think it would be a goal-fest. However, in the remaining 80+ minutes, Atlético couldn't find the net again.
Despite dominating and launching wave after wave of attacks, they failed to capitalize further. In the end, Atlético secured a 2–0 victory.
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with both the performance and the result.
He specifically praised Kaká's long-range goal.
"Yes, Kaká played with more courage tonight, and that's a very promising sign."
Yang Hao believed that Kaká could take on more responsibility.
"As everyone has seen, we played Sevilla on the 14th and will face Arsenal in London on the 17th, leaving us only two days of rest. Our schedule is extremely tight, and our players are very busy."
"No player can participate in every match—it's just not realistic."
"My assistants monitor the players' physical conditions and form every day, constantly reporting to me. We're always trying to prevent over-fatigue, which is the leading cause of injuries."
Yang Hao explained that Atlético now had a relatively stable rotation system that the players were adapting to well.
When Atlético wrapped up their match against Sevilla, the results of La Liga's second round were also in.
Seven teams managed back-to-back wins, including Atlético, Valencia, and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid secured a 2–0 away victory against Real Betis.
The match revealed that Madrid's offense was still a work in progress, with Ronaldo struggling to integrate seamlessly into the team, especially when paired with Raúl.
Several media outlets began pointing out a new issue for Madrid: breaking down compact defenses, particularly in aerial duels.
When Madrid deployed their star-studded Ronaldo-Raúl forward duo, the lineup looked intimidating. Yet, when forced into a positional battle against tight defenses, this pairing's weaknesses became evident.
However, trying to force Madrid into such situations is easier said than done. With Zidane, Figo, Vieira, Makélélé, and even Roberto Carlos surging forward, it's clear just how formidable they are.
Few teams could hope to contain them.
Another notable result was Barcelona's 2–0 away victory against Athletic Bilbao, with goals from Luis Enrique and Saviola.
After enduring back-to-back losses, this win marked a turning point for Barcelona.
Following the match, Van Gaal enthusiastically declared that Barcelona had emerged from their slump.
After spending half a month languishing at the bottom of the table, Barcelona finally climbed out of the relegation zone, moving up to 11th in La Liga.
Yang Hao wasn't surprised by the early trends in La Liga this season.
Real Madrid's strong start had been entirely expected, though Yang Hao admitted to being slightly disappointed in Ronaldo's slow adaptation.
This might have been due to Ronaldo peaking during the World Cup, with his form naturally dipping afterward.
Many viewed Real Madrid as an incredibly powerful team with a luxurious lineup, and they weren't wrong.
However, Yang Hao didn't find their dominance overwhelming.
He wasn't being arrogant; he simply saw the situation clearly.
As he had previously discussed with Guardiola and the Iniesta family, Ronaldo's arrival had further disrupted the balance between Madrid's attack and defense.
While this wasn't an immediate issue, the cracks would likely appear as the season wore on.
Zidane was 30, Figo would turn 30 in November, Hierro was 34, McManaman was 30, Carlos was 29, and Makélélé was also 29.
Madrid's problem wasn't a lack of talent—it was the internal fractures caused by their star-studded lineup.
The divide between attack and defense, starters and substitutes, was the true threat lurking within the team.
Additionally, Madrid was competing on three fronts: La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, aiming to win all three. Both La Liga and the Champions League required heavy reliance on their star players. Could these 30-something-year-olds handle the load?
Not many noticed that Figo's form had dipped significantly since winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award last year. Was this a temporary slump or a long-term decline?
While stars like these were undeniably brilliant, even in poor form, they could still create chances. But in such a grueling season, how long could they sustain this level?
Yang Hao didn't believe they could maintain it all season.
He was convinced that the longer the season dragged on, the more opportunities Atlético would have.
Thus, Atlético's strategy wasn't to confront Madrid head-on but to play the long game.
As long as they kept pace with Madrid and didn't let the gap widen too much, they'd have a shot at turning things around in the latter half of the season.
This was Yang Hao's approach to the league.
In the Champions League, however, Atlético had no choice but to go all out, even when facing Arsenal away.
September 17th, Evening
Highbury Stadium, London, England
The UEFA Champions League first group stage kicked off, with Atlético Madrid visiting Arsenal.
Due to Pires' injury, Wenger deployed Wiltord on the left flank for Arsenal's opening group-stage match.
The Gunners stuck to their favored 4-4-2 formation:
Goalkeeper: Seaman
Defenders: Ashley Cole, Campbell, Keown, Luzhny
Midfielders: Wiltord, Gilberto Silva, Van Bommel, Ljungberg
Forwards: Henry, Bergkamp
Facing the reigning Premier League champions in their first Champions League match of the season, Yang Hao opted for a cautious approach, sticking with a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Palop
Defenders: Evra, Carvalho, Lucio, Maicon
Midfielders: Deco, Xabi Alonso, Baraja
Forwards: Reyes, Diego Forlán, Joaquín
With Atlético playing defensively, Arsenal took the initiative from the start, dominating midfield.
In the second minute, Henry received a pass from Wiltord on the left, outpaced Maicon, and surged into the box. Despite being hounded by Lucio, the French striker managed to create a shooting opportunity, though his effort missed the target.
Still, the play showcased Henry's quality.
His ability to transition from the left wing to the center made him a constant threat.
"Henry's speed is frightening. Maicon is struggling to keep up," Juanma Lillo observed.
Yang Hao noticed as well, quickly moving to the touchline to signal Baraja to pay more attention to covering Maicon's side.
He knew Ashley Cole was always ready to bomb forward, posing another layer of danger.
Sure enough, Arsenal kept pressing, with Atlético holding firm.
Yang Hao had anticipated Arsenal would target their left flank aggressively.
This was Arsenal's most potent attacking side, and it was the first point of focus when devising Atlético's defensive strategy.
If Atlético couldn't contain their left flank, how could they possibly hope to leave Highbury unscathed?
In the 13th minute, Ashley Cole finally surged forward, ramping up the pressure on Atlético's defense.
The left flank became the focal point of Arsenal's attacks, especially after Henry and Wiltord completed a one-two near the edge of the penalty area. Henry used his speed to break away from Lucio and unleashed a shot. However, Xabi Alonso, who had tracked back into the center-back position, blocked the ball just outside the penalty area, sparing Atlético from an early concession.
The play was a close call, and the entire Atlético bench breathed a collective sigh of relief. Yang Hao, standing on the touchline, loudly praised Alonso for his timely defensive effort.
Arsenal's numerical superiority on the left—especially with Henry, who could outplay two defenders on his own—forced Lucio to step up, leaving gaps in the central defense. Without Alonso's intervention, Henry would have been clear on goal.
Having survived Arsenal's initial onslaught, Atlético's midfield began to find its rhythm around the 15th minute.
In the 23rd minute, Xabi Alonso delivered a long pass to the left flank. Reyes got to the ball first, controlling it before facing Arsenal's right-back, Luzhny, one-on-one. Opting for a straightforward approach, Reyes accelerated past Luzhny, using his pace to break through Arsenal's right side.
With the central area heavily marked, Reyes opted for a cutback to the edge of the penalty area. Deco arrived and prepared to shoot but was taken down by Van Bommel, who had rushed back to defend.
Although Deco wasn't injured, Atlético was awarded a free kick.
Xabi Alonso and Baraja quickly joined Deco, whispering among themselves as they planned the set piece. Then they glanced at Yang Hao on the touchline.
Yang Hao gave a slight nod, signaling his trust in their decision.
After a brief discussion, Xabi Alonso and Baraja stepped aside, leaving Deco to take the free kick.
Deco positioned the ball carefully, took a few steps back, and inhaled deeply as Arsenal formed their defensive wall.
At the referee's whistle, Deco sprinted toward the ball and struck a curling shot with his right foot.
The ball arced over the wall and nestled into the top-right corner of Arsenal's goal.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"23rd minute! Deco opens the scoring for Atlético!"
"This was Atlético's third shot of the match, and Deco capitalized on a direct free kick to break through Arsenal's defense."
"Once again, David Seaman is beaten by a free kick. Recall that he was similarly outdone by Ronaldinho's free kick during the World Cup."
"Now, it's Deco, another Brazilian, who has breached Seaman's net with a brilliant strike."
"1–0!"
With Atlético taking the lead, Arsenal launched a fresh wave of attacks, while Yang Hao's side remained disciplined, sticking to their defensive counterattacking strategy.
Whenever Xabi Alonso gained possession, he either looked for long balls to Reyes or Joaquín on the wings or sought Diego Forlán upfront. If those options weren't viable, he passed to Deco or Baraja to orchestrate the attack.
This tactical approach, which had worked wonders against Barcelona, proved equally effective against Arsenal.
The speed and individual skill of Reyes and Joaquín on the flanks posed constant problems for the Gunners, while Diego Forlán's presence in the center forced Arsenal to remain cautious.
Wenger was compelled to allocate more defensive resources to the backline, limiting Arsenal's offensive options.
One glaring issue was Ashley Cole.
Around the 34th minute, Joaquín launched three successive attacks from the right flank—one from a long pass by Xabi Alonso and two from diagonal passes by Deco and Baraja.
With Ashley Cole frequently advancing to support the attack, Joaquín found himself unchallenged, running freely down Arsenal's right side.
Meanwhile, Luzhny on Arsenal's right flank proved a weak link, making him the primary target of Atlético's attacks.
While Atlético's counters were effective, their positional attacks often favored Reyes on the left wing.
In this match, both wingers delivered outstanding performances, showcasing their speed and technical abilities to devastating effect.
Unable to break through Atlético's defense, Arsenal found themselves frustrated. Atlético, leading by one goal, patiently waited for opportunities to strike back.
The game resumed in the second half, and the dynamic remained largely unchanged.
In the 49th minute, Evra executed a sudden burst down the left wing, leaving Ljungberg in his wake. He combined with Reyes for a one-two, with Reyes cutting behind Luzhny to receive Evra's pass. Driving into the penalty area, Reyes faced veteran defender Keown and managed to get a shot off.
The ball hit the side netting, failing to extend Atlético's lead.
However, the attack served as a warning to Arsenal.
Wenger soon realized what was happening.
Arsenal targeted Atlético's right side, where Maicon struggled to keep up, leveraging their superior left flank. Conversely, Atlético repeatedly exploited Arsenal's right side, capitalizing on Luzhny's defensive frailty.
In the 65th minute, Wenger substituted Lauren for Luzhny, bolstering Arsenal's right flank. The change had an immediate impact.
In the 71st minute, Arsenal finally broke through.
Henry and Wiltord executed another one-two on the left. This time, Henry cleverly drew Atlético's defenders toward him before threading a pass to Wiltord.
Wiltord quickly relayed the ball to Bergkamp in the penalty area.
With a deft touch, the "Iceman" created just enough space past Carvalho to take a shot.
The ball flew in a straight line, finding the back of Palop's net.
1–1!
The entire Highbury crowd erupted in cheers.
Yang Hao exhaled deeply, disappointed but composed. After a brief pause, he made a decisive move, bringing on Robben to replace Reyes.
Reyes had been phenomenal, relentlessly attacking Arsenal's right side and nearly breaking their defense multiple times. But with Lauren's introduction and the toll of over an hour's effort, Reyes was visibly exhausted.
By introducing Robben, Yang Hao aimed to keep the pressure on Arsenal's right side, forcing them to defend tirelessly.
"José, go rest. You played brilliantly," Yang Hao said, giving Reyes a hug as he left the field.
Yang Hao had anticipated Arsenal's strength and saw Reyes' exhaustion as proof of his immense contribution.
On the sidelines, Wenger was puzzled as he watched Robben tear down Arsenal's right flank with his raw speed and exceptional dribbling.
"Where does he keep finding these gems?"
"Spain produces wingers like no other," joked assistant coach Pat Rice.
If Arsenal failed to win at home and settled for a 1–1 draw, it would be seen as a missed opportunity.
However, pushing forward risked leaving their defense exposed. With their players visibly fatigued, the pressure on Arsenal's backline mounted. One more slip, and Atlético could seize the match.
Arsenal's only viable option was to maintain a steady defensive posture and rely on their star players to grind out opportunities up front.
"Ljungberg doesn't seem to be in top form tonight. That hip surgery must have taken a toll," Wenger remarked, shaking his head.
Following the World Cup, Ljungberg had undergone hip surgery and had only recently recovered. But in his direct confrontations with Evra, he hadn't gained much ground.
Evra was another player who had left Wenger impressed.
"Patrice Evra," Wenger mused. "I hadn't even heard of this kid before. It's as if he suddenly popped out of some hole, and Yang Hao just happened to polish him up."
He chuckled at his own analogy.
But was it really just coincidence?
Spain was renowned for producing wingers—Joaquín, Reyes, and before them, Vicente. Was it also mere coincidence that all of them had shone at Atlético?
And now, yet another young gem had emerged—this time, the Dutchman Robben.
"Pat, look at his dribbling. His fundamentals are impeccable, his footwork is excellent, and his speed and explosiveness are top-notch. His ability to change direction and pace is outstanding, and his ball control is remarkable."
Pat Rice raised an eyebrow and quipped, "Didn't you just use all those adjectives to describe Reyes earlier?"
Wenger was momentarily taken aback before letting out an awkward laugh.
He could tell there were differences between Robben and Reyes but hadn't delved into the specifics.
As the match entered its final stages, Atlético clearly played with more vigor, especially after Yang Hao brought on Kaká. The tempo of their attacks noticeably quickened, and they dominated the last 15 minutes of play.
Still, neither side managed to find the net again.
The match ended 1–1, with Arsenal and Atlético splitting the points.
Wenger clicked his tongue in frustration as the final whistle blew, dissatisfied with the result. Still, managing to avoid conceding a second goal in the dying moments was at least a small consolation.
The midfield pairing of Van Bommel and Gilberto Silva had added some much-needed steel to Arsenal's core. Wenger now needed to focus on integrating Hofland into the backline to replace the aging Keown and form a reliable partnership with Campbell.
"We're becoming increasingly burdened," Wenger sighed.
Pat Rice understood his sentiment.
In the Premier League, Arsenal had gone 27 matches unbeaten—a staggering achievement.
But few realized that while the unbeaten streak looked impressive, each additional match without a loss only added to the players' psychological pressure.
It was no surprise that the strain had begun to affect their performance in the Champions League.
The dilemma was maddening: Arsenal's squad was strong enough to aim for victory in every match, and no manager would deliberately seek defeat to ease the pressure.
So, regardless of the mounting stress, the team had to keep striving for wins.
"Your three wingers are impressive, not to mention that left-back of yours," Wenger commented during a post-match drink with Yang Hao.
The 1–1 draw was an acceptable outcome for both sides, though Atlético probably felt slightly better about it.
"Stop right there. Don't even think about poaching my players," Yang Hao retorted, his paranoia evident.
Wenger burst into laughter. "What are you so worried about? I'm not the only one eyeing your players—you should be used to it by now."
Yang Hao nearly flipped him the bird.
"Used to it? Give me a break."
Did everyone think Atlético was some kind of player supermarket?
And even if Wenger wanted to buy someone, did Arsenal have the funds? With those tight purse strings, who could he even afford?
Wenger had a point, though—many clubs were indeed circling Atlético's talent pool.
Capello, for instance, had expressed interest in signing Joaquín during the winter transfer window. Spanish media had also reported that Real Madrid had their eyes on him, a clear attempt to test Atlético's resolve in selling a player to their city rivals.
Yang Hao didn't even dignify those rumors with a response.
"Dream on!"
"Mark my words," Yang Hao said to Wenger. "We've drawn this time, but now it's all about who can rack up points the fastest."
In Yang Hao's plan, both Auxerre and PSV Eindhoven were teams Atlético had to beat. Arsenal was their primary rival in the group, and the battle for first place would come down to who collected the most points.
Wenger watched as Yang Hao departed, a look of admiration on his face, tinged with a hint of envy.
Though Wenger was known for his composed and elegant demeanor, he admired Yang Hao's decisive and audacious style.
And considering Yang Hao's young age, Wenger couldn't help but be impressed.
"A race for points, huh? Bring it on."
September 22nd, La Liga Round 3: Atlético vs. Mallorca.
In the 8th minute, Torres received a pass from Kaká just outside the penalty area. Positioned between Mallorca's two center-backs, Nadal and Nino, Torres deftly controlled the ball, quickly accelerated, and burst into the box.
Mallorca's goalkeeper, Leo Franco, rushed out to close him down, but Torres was quicker. With a low, precise shot, he sent the ball past Franco and into the open net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"8th minute, Torres scores!"
"The 'El Niño' of Atlético uses a brilliant solo effort to break through Mallorca's defense and open the scoring."
"1–0!"
"An absolutely spectacular goal."
"Atlético came out of the gates strong, pinning Mallorca back from the very start!"
Just two minutes later, Robben stormed down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross. At the far post, Villa connected with a header, but Leo Franco made a fantastic save.
Atlético kept the pressure on, relentlessly attacking Mallorca.
This was Yang Hao's strategy:
A "high EQ" explanation? Tactical specificity.
A "low EQ" explanation? Picking on the weak.
Against tough opponents or teams he wasn't confident about beating, Yang Hao employed a cautious, defensive approach. But against teams like Mallorca—ones he knew he could dominate—he went all-in with an aggressive, no-holds-barred offensive strategy.
That said, Mallorca wasn't entirely toothless. Up front, Eto'o posed a constant threat on the counterattack.
In the first half, Eto'o managed a threatening solo run into Cech's penalty area. However, the Czech goalkeeper delivered a stunning save, parrying Eto'o's close-range shot with almost supernatural reflexes.
This incredible stop not only deflated Mallorca's morale but also bolstered Atlético's confidence.
Shortly before halftime, Evra surged forward on the left flank, working in tandem with Robben. Their coordinated attack broke through Mallorca's defense, with Evra delivering a pinpoint cross to the near post.
In a tussle between Torres and Mallorca's center-backs, Nino and Nadal, none managed to make contact with the ball, which sailed past them and into an open space in the box.
Villa, cutting in from the right, met the ball on the bounce. Standing firm with his right foot, he unleashed a ferocious left-footed strike. The ball rocketed into the top-right corner of the net.
Leo Franco, Mallorca's goalkeeper, didn't even have time to react.
2–0!
After scoring, Villa spun around and sprinted toward the sideline, celebrating with a knee slide and outstretched arms, soaking in the cheers from the fans.
Yang Hao applauded enthusiastically from the sideline.
Atlético's attacks were becoming increasingly fluid, with Torres and Villa's movement and finishing leaving a lasting impression.
In the second half, Mallorca's manager, Luis Aragonés, ramped up the team's offensive efforts.
However, just seven minutes in, Atlético seized an opportunity to counterattack. Baraja launched a long pass over the defense, sending Torres into a footrace.
The young striker controlled the ball ahead of everyone else, sidestepped Nadal, then faked out Nino near the penalty spot, and fired a shot into the net.
3–0!
Torres, having scored his second goal of the match, ran straight to the visitors' bench to high-five Yang Hao before basking in the cheers of the traveling Atlético fans.
Not to be outdone, Villa added another in the 66th minute during a lightning-fast counterattack initiated by a brilliant through ball from Kaká.
Villa received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, stopping it with precision before freezing Nino with a sudden pause and cutting left.
With his left foot, Villa struck a powerful shot into the far corner of the net.
4–0!
Yang Hao could clearly see Aragonés looking bewildered on the sidelines.
"His left foot…"
Yang Hao chuckled. "Exactly. Why do you think I have him on the right flank?"
Villa's ambidextrous ability to either cross or cut inside for a shot made him a lethal asset—an opponent's nightmare.
When Yang Hao shook hands with Aragonés at full time, the scoreboard read 4–0.
Torres and Villa had each bagged a brace.
"That was quite the performance, wasn't it?" Yang Hao said with a mischievous grin.
"Get lost!" grumbled Aragonés, his frustration evident.
Still, he had to admit, Atlético were formidable. The fluidity on the flanks, in particular, stood out.
Before the season began, many had expected Diego Forlán to be Atlético's primary goal threat. Yet Torres and Villa had emerged as breakout stars under Yang Hao's guidance.
Of course, Forlán was performing admirably too, but Torres and Villa being homegrown talents made their rise even more significant.
"You'd better take good care of those two gems of yours. They're maddeningly good!"
Yang Hao scratched his head, unsure whether this was a compliment, a complaint, or both.
Atlético's 4–0 victory over Mallorca wasn't entirely surprising, given Mallorca's weakened squad. Last season, they narrowly avoided relegation, finishing just three points above Las Palmas.
With no transfer funds spent during the summer, Mallorca had relied on free transfers, leaving their squad lacking firepower.
Still, as Aragonés had noted before, Mallorca's focus wasn't on titles or minimizing losses against top teams.
"We're a survival team," he had said. "As long as we secure enough points to stay up, we're good."
A survival specialist, Aragonés had the experience to steer Mallorca through tough seasons.
However, the spotlight for La Liga's third round wasn't on Atlético, despite their resounding victory.
Instead, it was on Real Madrid, who demolished Osasuna 5–0 at the Bernabéu.
In a surprising twist, Iván Helguera scored twice from set pieces, while Raúl, Guti, and Ronaldo each added a goal.
The performance defied expectations, with Helguera's two goals from corners stealing the show.
Meanwhile, Atlético's trio of young stars—Torres, Villa, and Kaká—continued to dazzle, securing their team's position at the top of the table with three wins from three matches.
By this point, only three teams remained undefeated: Atlético, Real Madrid, and Celta Vigo.
As Yang Hao had often remarked, Celta were an intriguing team.
They consistently started the season strong, often leading the pack. Yet, by December—or sometimes even earlier—they would inevitably drop out of title contention.
Still, their league standings were always respectable. Last season, they finished sixth, just behind the big clubs.
Three days later, the second round of the Champions League group stage commenced.
Atlético hosted Auxerre at the Calderón.
Auxerre were a legendary club, led by the 63-year-old coach Guy Roux, who had managed the team for over 40 years. He had transformed the once-obscure provincial side into Ligue 1 champions, a journey filled with drama and cherished by football fans worldwide.
Last season, Auxerre finished third in Ligue 1, earning a spot in the Champions League.
Their squad boasted young talents like Mexès, Cissé, Faye, and Kapo, and they played a modern 4-2-3-1 formation.
But at the Calderón, Atlético's relentless high press immediately overwhelmed the visitors.
Within six minutes, a slick left-wing attack saw Reyes cut into the box and lay the ball off. Antonio López delivered a low cross, and Diego Forlán, darting ahead of Mexès, slotted the ball home.
1–0!
The two sides exchanged chances afterward, but neither managed to create any clear-cut opportunities.
Until the 78th minute, Deco once again delivered a brilliant through ball, and Diego Forlán, positioned at the edge of the box, took a precise shot that found the back of Auxerre's net.
2–0!
This scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle. Atlético, with Forlán's brace, defeated the Ligue 1 side Auxerre and secured three points.
However, in the other match of the group, Arsenal demolished PSV Eindhoven 4–0 away, taking the top spot in the group standings.
Dutch media lambasted Arsène Wenger for his ruthlessness.
Why? Because Arsenal had poached PSV's captain and defensive stalwart, bolstering their own strength while weakening their opponents. Then, Wenger's team marched into the Philips Stadium and handed out a resounding defeat.
Wenger, for his part, feigned innocence. "How was I supposed to know we'd be drawn into the same group?"
And then, with a sly grin, he added, "If I had known, I'd have poached even more players!"
September 28: La Liga, Round 4.
Atlético hosted Recreativo de Huelva at the Calderón.
Compared to their earlier matches, Atlético's form appeared slightly subdued in this round.
In the 27th minute, however, Villa's goal gave Atlético a 1–0 lead. Just six minutes later, Torres extended the lead with another goal.
The 2–0 scoreline held until full time, giving Atlético three more points thanks to the efforts of their twin striking stars.
Despite the win, the team's overall performance reflected a noticeable dip in intensity compared to previous matches.
Post-match, media speculated that the packed schedule might be affecting Atlético's form, despite Yang Hao's efficient rotation system.
But Atlético weren't the only ones feeling the strain.
Real Madrid, who relied heavily on their galaxy of stars, faced their own struggles.
Away at Valladolid, they faced significant challenges, especially after Michel Salgado received a second yellow card in the 38th minute and was sent off. Down to ten men, Real Madrid seemed on the brink of dropping points.
However, Raúl came to the rescue in the 64th minute, scoring the game's only goal to secure a narrow victory.
The media lavished praise on Real Madrid, celebrating their ability to grind out a win despite adversity.
The Vieira–Makelele duo in midfield and Cannavaro's commanding defensive display received particular accolades.
AS even declared, "With defense like this, Real Madrid could win the league on that alone!"
Meanwhile, the biggest upset of the round came from Barcelona, who suffered a crushing 0–3 defeat against Real Betis.
It was clear to everyone that Barça's squad depth, player form, and overall management paled in comparison to Madrid's two giants. The club remained in a state of chaos from the boardroom to the dressing room.
Elsewhere, Celta Vigo were held to a draw at home by Málaga, meaning only two teams remained unbeaten:
Atlético and Real Madrid.
October 1: Philips Stadium, Eindhoven.
Atlético faced PSV in their third Champions League group-stage match.
With Atlético and Arsenal locked in a battle for points, Yang Hao's side came out aggressively, dictating the tempo from the outset.
In the 21st minute, Deco set up Diego Forlán for the opening goal, giving Atlético the lead.
The game remained evenly matched until the second half.
In the 69th minute, Evra provided a pinpoint assist, allowing Deco to score and make it 2–0.
Atlético didn't let up.
In the 74th minute, Reyes added a third goal, sealing the victory.
Final score: Atlético 3–0 PSV Eindhoven.
Meanwhile, Arsenal edged past Auxerre with a narrow 1–0 victory.
With both teams tied at two wins and one draw, Atlético matched Arsenal's five-goal advantage, sharing the top spot in the group standings.
Arsène Wenger, visibly frustrated, was particularly critical of his team's underwhelming performance against Auxerre. Arsenal, too, were juggling multiple competitions, putting significant strain on their players.
October 5: La Liga, Round 5.
Atlético traveled to Málaga for an away fixture.
The first half saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock. It wasn't until the 43rd minute that Villa broke through, scoring Atlético's first goal.
In the second half, Lucio scored twice from corners, completing a brace to extend the lead to 3–0.
Málaga managed to salvage some pride late in the match, with their forward Valdés scoring to make it 3–1.
Despite the late goal, Atlético secured another three points.
In contrast, Real Madrid thrashed Alavés 5–1 at the Bernabéu, delivering a dominant display.
With both Madrid clubs maintaining their perfect records of five wins from five matches, they held a two-point lead over Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad.
As for Barcelona, they were held to a disappointing 2–2 draw against Osasuna at the Camp Nou, leaving them languishing in 13th place in the league standings.
For the first time, boos echoed through the Camp Nou, with fans calling for Louis van Gaal to step down.
Few would have predicted that the coach hailed as a savior before the season began would face such vehement criticism just five matches in.
After La Liga's fifth round, the league paused for two weeks for international matches.
October 19: La Liga, Round 6.
Atlético hosted Rafael Benítez's Valencia at the Calderón.
In the 40th minute, after relentless Atlético pressure, Valencia struck on the counter.
Aimar received the ball in midfield and quickly played a diagonal pass to Vicente on the left flank. Vicente delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Mista headed it home from close range.
The entire move, from Canizares' throw to the goal, took just 13 seconds.
The match descended into a battle of attrition after that.
For the first time, Atlético's young attacking trio—Torres, Villa, and Kaká—found themselves unable to break through the opposition's defense.
END CHAPTER
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