Chapter 24 - Chapter 24:

Chapter 24:

"Well done, boys!"

After the match, Yang Hao entered the locker room and immediately showered his young players with praise.

The 3-1 comeback victory against Sevilla was, without a doubt, a thrilling match, especially in the second half.

The locker room wasn't just filled with the coaching staff and the players who were on the field—veteran players who didn't make the squad, like Simeone and Aguilera, had also joined in, turning the room into a lively celebration.

The young players had truly shone.

Even retired legend Kiko came to personally congratulate his "protégé," Fernando Torres.

The locker room buzzed with excitement and joy.

Yang Hao didn't hold back his praise, highlighting the performances of Torres, Reyes, Kaká, and others. Even players like Marcos Senna, who often worked quietly in the background, were showered with commendations.

The celebration continued until Paláres reminded Yang Hao that it was time for the post-match press conference.

As Yang Hao left the locker room, he bumped into the club's PR manager, Andrew Velasco.

"A few media outlets reached out to me just now, hoping to interview some of the standout young players from tonight's match," Velasco informed him as they walked toward the press room.

"And what did you say?" Yang Hao asked.

Velasco shook his head. "I wanted to check with you first."

He wasn't sure if agreeing to these interviews would be appropriate.

"Turn them down," Yang Hao decided after a moment of thought.

Velasco immediately understood what Yang Hao meant.

The relationship between the media and football clubs is symbiotic—they need each other. Clubs need the media for promotion, while the media relies on clubs for stories and content.

But there's always a delicate balance to maintain.

Take England as an example: every year, the country produces a "new generation of talents," yet their national team's results continue to disappoint. Why?

Because the media thrives on building stars. The moment a young player shows promise, they are hyped as the next big thing, labeled as the "second coming" of a legend or "the most talented player in decades."

But young players are, by nature, immature. Their performances fluctuate. They make mistakes on and off the pitch.

What happens when the player hits a rough patch or struggles to break through the so-called "rookie wall"?

The same media that propped them up will turn on them, creating controversies, sensationalizing every misstep, and ultimately tearing them down.

This "build-and-destroy" cycle is universal, not unique to any one country.

By 2023, Yang Hao understood the power of "hype." While it can elevate a player's career, it's a double-edged sword. False hype creates a bubble, and when that bubble bursts, it can ruin a player.

The higher the pedestal built by the media, the harder and more devastating the fall.

There's no shortage of examples: Real Madrid's Portillo and Jesé, Barcelona's Bojan and the many "next Messi"s—players with undeniable talent and promise during their youth, yet they fell short of expectations.

Why?

Because the artificial hype made them believe they were invincible. When reality hit, they couldn't cope.

Yang Hao preferred his young players to progress step by step.

When they consistently performed well, there would be no need for hype—they would naturally rise to prominence. But for now, what they needed most was Atlético's protection.

"Tell them that I'm not in the mood for interviews lately. The same goes for the training ground at Majadahonda," Yang Hao instructed Velasco.

Velasco chuckled wryly but agreed.

He understood Yang Hao's aversion to media intrusion at Majadahonda.

A while back, a staff member at the training ground had casually leaked some information to a reporter, even without any financial incentive. That staffer was swiftly fired by Yang Hao—a clear message to everyone about the importance of confidentiality.

Sometimes, Velasco thought Yang Hao was being overly cautious.

However, for major events like the UEFA Cup final or away games, Yang Hao did allow media access, albeit under strict conditions.

Velasco realized that Yang Hao's priority was maintaining control.

Climbing the Table

After two rounds of La Liga, Atlético had climbed to 10th place.

While not an ideal position, it was a significant improvement.

Most importantly, the performance of the team's young players against Sevilla stood out.

While Yang Hao had praised them internally, he maintained a cool and detached attitude in public.

Privately, he explained his reasoning to the players.

However, this didn't stop the media from showering the young stars with praise. After all, every nation and club loves to celebrate young talents.

It's only natural—people are drawn to novelty.

At the top of the league stood Celta Vigo, once again showing their knack for strong starts.

Yang Hao had to admit, this team had a remarkable ability to dominate early in the season—just like last year.

Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruña also achieved two consecutive wins, while Barcelona managed a win and a draw. Valencia, however, struggled with a draw and a loss, sitting in 16th place.

Despite this, Yang Hao wasn't worried about Rafa Benítez's team. The season was just beginning.

Internal Competition

Within Atlético, the young players' stellar performances against Sevilla did more than earn three points—it sent a clear message to the starting lineup: your positions aren't guaranteed.

The first-team regulars, mostly young themselves, understood this threat better than anyone.

As a result, when Torres, Kaká, and others received glowing praise post-match, the regulars naturally felt the pressure.

This internal competition didn't harm the team's atmosphere but made training sessions more intense.

The day after the match, Yang Hao could visibly see the increased effort from all the players.

The substitutes and B-team players fought harder to break into the first team, while established players like Adriano worked relentlessly to maintain their spots.

In training, everyone pushed themselves to the limit.

"This might just be an unexpected bonus," Yang Hao remarked with a laugh.

Juanma Lillo nodded in agreement.

"Exactly. Without internal competition, a team becomes stagnant. Players start going through the motions."

Currently, every Atlético player was pushing themselves, sparking untapped potential and injecting vitality into the squad.

Yang Hao had long believed that the Galácticos era of Real Madrid had one fundamental flaw: the stars faced no real competition. Their positions were secure, relying solely on self-discipline to maintain performance.

But human nature is fragile. While self-discipline works initially, over time complacency sets in, leading to a lack of sharpness and drive.

That's why competition is vital.

"I agree we should keep giving young players more opportunities," Juanma Lillo suggested.

Yang Hao nodded. "But we need to manage it carefully; too much competition could backfire."

An overly intense atmosphere could lead to internal conflict, destabilizing the locker room.

Lillo thought for a moment, then nodded in understanding.

Since taking over Celtic from Kenny Dalglish, Martin O'Neill had achieved remarkable results.

So far, his team had played eight matches with six wins, one draw, and one loss.

The sole defeat was in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round against Ajax, where Celtic had already secured a 3-1 away victory in the first leg. At home, O'Neill rotated his squad to conserve energy.

The draw was also a result of prioritizing European commitments.

O'Neill had orchestrated one of Celtic's best starts in years, including a 2-0 away victory against title rivals Rangers.

Celtic's squad was strong this season. Up front, they had signed Chelsea target man Chris Sutton and boasted European Golden Boot winner Henrik Larsson.

Sutton was no ordinary forward. In 1999, Chelsea paid £15 million to sign him from Blackburn Rovers.

In midfield, they had Bulgarian international Stiliyan Petrov and former Borussia Dortmund Champions League winner Paul Lambert, who famously neutralized Zinedine Zidane in the final against Juventus.

This was Martin O'Neill's first time leading a team in the Champions League, and he was determined to make a statement.

However, as a fourth-seeded team in the group, Celtic faced an uphill battle with a difficult draw: Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Porto.

Juventus, a European powerhouse, was the clear favorite to top the group. Meanwhile, Atlético, the reigning La Liga and UEFA Cup champions, and Porto, a Portuguese powerhouse, posed formidable challenges.

Realistically, Celtic had no significant advantage over any of their group opponents.

O'Neill and his assistant, John Robertson, recognized that Juventus was likely untouchable. With Marcello Lippi's wealth of experience, neither Porto nor Atlético seemed likely to displace the Italian giants as group leaders.

This meant Celtic's path to the knockout stage lay in taking points from Atlético and Porto.

"Based on our intel, Atlético's manager Yang Hao rotated his entire lineup against Sevilla last weekend and still managed a 3-1 win. Their young players are quite promising," Robertson observed.

"What's your recommendation?" O'Neill asked, frowning.

As a fourth-seeded team, Celtic would face challenges no matter the opponent.

"This is our first group stage match, and it's at home. We need to push for a win," Robertson urged.

During the summer, O'Neill had devised two tactical setups: a 4-4-2 with two strikers and a more aggressive 3-5-2 formation.

The standard 4-4-2 was safer, but the 3-5-2 offered more attacking options, especially in midfield.

"Atlético relies heavily on their wingers. Yang Hao rested Vicente and Joaquín over the weekend, so they're sure to start this match," O'Neill said, voicing his concerns.

"True, but we can start Alan Thompson and Didier Agathe. Let's press early and try to score first. If we take the lead, we can pull back into a five-man defense," Robertson suggested.

Thompson and Agathe were versatile players capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.

The idea was tempting.

For Celtic, winning at home was non-negotiable. Losing or drawing at Celtic Park meant they would have to rely on away matches, which was far riskier.

Against Ajax in the qualifiers, O'Neill's strategy had been to defend away and attack at home. But in Amsterdam, a quick opening goal shocked Ajax, and Celtic capitalized on their opponents' desperation, scoring a second goal soon after.

Now, the question was whether to adopt a defensive 4-4-2 or an aggressive 3-5-2 against Atlético.

After much deliberation, Martin O'Neill made his decision: Attack.

September 11, Celtic Park, Glasgow

In front of 60,000 passionate fans, Celtic hosted Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League group-stage match.

In the 12th minute, Atlético executed a devastating counterattack after winning the ball in midfield.

Baraja passed to Deco, who delivered a perfectly weighted diagonal ball into the right side of Celtic's penalty area.

Adriano, charging forward like a high-speed tank, burst past defenders with incredible pace.

What happened next left the entire stadium in stunned silence.

Celtic's Swedish international, Johan Mjällby, a towering figure at 1.86 meters and 90 kilograms, had positioned himself perfectly to block Adriano's run.

But as the two players collided, Adriano unleashed his raw power. The Brazilian bulldozed past Mjällby, sending the giant defender sprawling helplessly onto the turf.

The crowd gasped as Adriano bore down on the goal.

That move looked straight out of Smiling Proud Wanderer—the "Butt Backwards, Wild Goose Falling Flat" technique.

The entire Celtic Park erupted in disbelief as Adriano bulldozed his way through Celtic's defense.

At the edge of the box, Adriano deftly controlled the ball and moved laterally. Guinea defender Bobo Baldé, a towering presence over 1.90 meters tall, rushed back to cover, positioning himself to block Adriano's advance.

But in a stunning display of explosiveness, Adriano accelerated and cut inside, leaving Baldé in his wake.

If his earlier shoulder-to-shoulder clash with Johan Mjällby had highlighted his raw physical power, this moment showcased his electrifying burst of speed.

Without hesitation, Adriano swung his left leg, unleashing a thunderous long-range strike. The ball rocketed like a heat-seeking missile from the edge of the box, arrowing into the top left corner of the net.

Goalkeeper Douglas was rooted to the spot, stunned.

The stadium fell into a stunned silence.

On the sidelines, Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill and assistant coach John Robertson were equally shell-shocked.

"What kind of monster is this?" O'Neill muttered, struggling to find the words to describe what he'd just witnessed.

Robertson was no less astonished. "How does a player like that even exist?"

No one knew better than the Celtic staff just how strong Mjällby and Baldé were. While Mjällby lacked Baldé's brute strength, he was still a prototypical Nordic defender—solid, robust, and reliable.

And yet, Adriano had bulldozed through Mjällby like he was weightless, leaving him sprawled on the turf in a comically helpless pose.

As for Baldé, his size and strength were neutralized by Adriano's explosive pace.

And then there was the shot—a cannonball that rendered every defensive effort meaningless.

"Holy…" O'Neill was at a loss for words. "How do you stop this guy?"

On the visiting bench, Atlético's coach Yang Hao couldn't stop smiling.

"The kid's physical development has gone up another level," he remarked, grinning ear to ear.

Fitness coach Oscar Ortega chimed in, "I moderated his weight training this summer to keep his agility and speed intact. Otherwise, he'd be even scarier."

Adriano was only a few centimeters shorter than Mjällby, but in terms of power and physical presence, the Brazilian was in a completely different league.

Yang Hao couldn't help but reminisce. This was the Adriano he remembered—brutal, relentless, and utterly dominant.

"Let's see if Martin O'Neill still dares to attack now," Yang Hao quipped.

He was familiar with O'Neill from the Celtic manager's exploits in Scotland. Unfortunately for O'Neill, he often found himself on the losing end against Jose Mourinho's Porto during back-to-back seasons in the UEFA Cup final and Champions League semifinals.

Now, however, O'Neill had encountered Yang Hao—a twist of fate that seemed equally unlucky.

After Adriano's stunning opener, Atlético didn't let up.

Just four minutes later, Adriano dropped deeper to receive the ball. Turning sharply, he drove forward and unleashed a thunderous shot from 28 meters out.

The ball crashed against the crossbar with a deafening thud, echoing through the stadium like an explosion.

"My God! If that shot had gone in, no goalkeeper in the world could have stopped it!"

The commentator's astonishment mirrored the reaction of everyone present.

But this was Adriano—a player defined by his sheer audacity and raw power.

Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill had seen enough.

Realizing that engaging Atlético head-on was suicidal, O'Neill adjusted his tactics, pulling his wingers back to form a five-man defensive line. The priority was now damage control.

Yang Hao, meanwhile, wasn't overly aggressive with his approach.

His midfield trio—Deco, Baraja, and Simeone—ensured Atlético had a strong spine, prioritizing control and stability over reckless attacking.

With a 1-0 lead, Atlético slowed the pace, content to manage the game.

Celtic struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the first half, and their sporadic forays forward were largely ineffective.

In the second half, however, O'Neill attempted a high-pressing approach, urging his team to push forward.

But in the 64th minute, Atlético struck again.

Joaquín burst down the right flank, carrying the ball deep into Celtic's half. With Adriano occupying defenders in the box, Joaquín laid the ball back to Baraja, who quickly squared it to Deco.

From just outside the penalty area, Deco curled a precise shot into the top corner.

2-0!

While Atlético celebrated their 2-0 victory in Glasgow, Juventus and Porto battled to a goalless stalemate at the Estádio do Dragão.

Neither team managed to break the deadlock despite a tense 90 minutes.

Juventus, under Marcello Lippi, had fielded a defensive 4-4-2 lineup featuring Del Piero and Salas up front, with a midfield of Davids, Tacchinardi, Tudor, and Zambrotta.

On paper, the Italian giants had the stronger side. But Lippi's conservative tactics left their attack toothless against Porto's compact 4-2-3-1 setup.

Watching the match on the return flight to Madrid, Yang Hao couldn't help but scoff.

"With football like this, is it any wonder Serie A is declining?"

Is this really the world's number one "mini World Cup"?

In the minds of these so-called Italian tactical maestros, is attacking football simply about piling up forwards?

In Porto, Juventus's first half was nothing short of hideous—ultra-conservative and utterly uninspiring.

Post-match, La Gazzetta dello Sport quipped, "Against a Porto side that hasn't beaten an Italian team in 20 years, Juventus should be grateful for escaping unscathed."

Does La Gazzetta have a bone to pick with Juventus?

Let's check Tuttosport instead.

In their post-match ratings, Del Piero received the lowest score of the night—a measly 4. In fact, only one Juventus player managed to scrape a passing grade: goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who earned a 7.

Tuttosport remarked:

"In the first half, against a tactically unremarkable Porto, Juventus struggled immensely. Their second-half performance was slightly better but still underwhelming. The Bianconeri resembled a sleeping princess, waiting for a prince's kiss to awaken her. But alas, there was no prince in Lippi's squad tonight."

Lippi offered his explanation, blaming the absence of Pavel Nedvěd for the team's lackluster showing.

But who really knows?

Against the backdrop of this snooze fest, Atlético Madrid's 2-0 away win over Celtic appeared all the more dazzling.

Whether it was Adriano's raw power or Atlético's brilliant attacking combinations, their performance drew widespread praise. Compared to the dreary Juventus-Porto clash, Atlético's match was exhilarating—a proper showcase of football.

With this victory, Atlético temporarily climbed to the top of their group.

Next up, Atlético hosts Porto at the Calderón, while Juventus will take on Celtic at home.

"Victorious teams don't change tactics easily—let winning become a habit!"

When should tactics change?

When the team loses.

That's Yang Hao's current mindset, and he couldn't be happier with his team's form.

Returning to Madrid for the third round of La Liga, Atlético faced Rayo Vallecano away, sticking with their 4-3-1-2 formation.

However, Yang Hao made some adjustments to the starting lineup. Players like Marcos Senna, who could only feature ten times for the first team this season due to registration limits, needed to be used sparingly until he could apply for Spanish citizenship.

But certain core elements remained unchanged.

For instance, Fernando Torres, Kaká, and Xabi Alonso all retained their starting spots. Up front, Yang Hao paired Torres with Diego Forlán, with Kaká operating just behind them.

The changes paid off almost instantly.

Within the opening minute, Torres and Forlán combined in attack to create space for Kaká, who surged into the box. Torres laid the ball off to him, and Kaká slotted it home from the penalty spot.

1-0, Atlético!

The visitors didn't let up, continuing to press forward.

In the 27th minute, Forlán doubled their lead, 2-0!

Rayo Vallecano tried to respond but found themselves stifled by Atlético's organized defense.

In the second half, Atlético sealed the win.

In the 68th minute, Kaká broke through the middle and delivered a precise pass to Torres. The young striker controlled the ball, shrugged off his marker, and fired it past the goalkeeper.

3-0!

Atlético cruised to a comfortable victory.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Real Madrid edged past newly promoted Real Betis with a narrow 1-0 away win. Barcelona was held to a 0-0 draw by Osasuna, while Deportivo La Coruña suffered a surprising 1-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao. Valencia secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Las Palmas.

El País analyzed the round, highlighting Yang Hao's rotation policy and his reliance on young players as key to Atlético's strong performances.

Young talents like Kaká, Torres, and Xabi Alonso impressed yet again, demonstrating Atlético's growing depth and versatility. The report also praised Yang Hao's tactical adjustments, particularly the 4-3-1-2 setup, which allowed Torres and Forlán to stretch defenses while creating space for overlapping full-backs like Evra and Maicon.

As La Liga's grueling schedule—compounded by international breaks—continued to test teams, even powerhouses like Barcelona and Deportivo were feeling the strain. Real Madrid and Valencia managed to grind out wins, but their performances were far from convincing.

In contrast, Atlético appeared to be winning with relative ease.

With three rounds completed, Real Madrid led the standings with three straight victories. Atlético, with two wins and a loss, sat fifth on six points.

Three days later at the Vicente Calderón...

Atlético hosted Porto in the second round of the Champions League group stage.

Sticking with their tried-and-true tactics, Yang Hao fielded Adriano, Vicente, and Joaquín as his attacking trio.

Porto manager Octávio Machado, however, opted for caution. His side lined up in a defensive 4-2-3-1, with Costinha and Paredes anchoring midfield and Russian playmaker Alenikov operating just ahead of them.

From the outset, Atlético dominated possession and dictated the tempo. The hosts launched wave after wave of attacks, leveraging their home-field advantage.

But Machado was prepared to park the bus if needed.

In the 38th minute, with Porto under siege, Machado made a surprising substitution, replacing left-winger Ruben Junior with center-back Ricardo Silva.

This tactical switch pushed Andrade into a defensive midfield role, effectively transforming Porto into a 4-3-2-1 formation with three defensive midfielders.

Despite Atlético's relentless pressure, Porto's defensive wall held firm. Machado's plan was clear: grind out a draw, just as they had against Juventus.

Yang Hao, however, was determined to secure all three points.

During halftime, he urged his players to exploit the width of the pitch. By the 65th minute, he replaced Simeone with Diego Forlán, shifting to a two-striker setup to further intensify Atlético's attack.

Yang Hao's aggressive approach inspired his players, who pushed even harder.

But Porto's defensive block remained impenetrable, showing no intent to counterattack.

As Atlético's latest foray forward fizzled out, Deco began tracking back near the halfway line.

Yang Hao noticed the Brazilian midfielder panting heavily, clearly exhausted from the game's intensity.

After Celtic manager Martin O'Neill had dubbed him "Atlético's Zidane," Deco had found himself tightly marked in this match.

Yang Hao sighed inwardly—Deco's performance tonight had been far from his best.

If Deco were to be substituted, and the match continued in this manner, Atlético might really end up being held to a draw by Porto.

Facing his old team, Deco was eager to deliver a standout performance.

Before this match, Yang Hao had conducted a thorough analysis of Porto's defense.

Jorge Costa was the backbone of the team's backline—experienced, tall, strong, and excellent in physical duels.

Ricardo Silva, the left-footed center-back, shared a similar build but was notably less skilled.

Both stood at 1.88 meters tall, but their weaknesses were apparent: slow turning, lack of speed, and limited agility.

Porto's starting pair this season featured Jorge Costa and Andrade.

Andrade, while shorter, was quicker and more agile. However, his physical strength was lacking, and his technical skills were only average—he could even play as a defensive midfielder.

Machado valued this versatility, which was why Andrade was often pushed forward when needed.

Recalling these details, Yang Hao walked to the sideline and called over Aurelio.

"I want Adriano to move into the gap between their midfield and defensive lines. Target the space around Costinha and Andrade. You focus on delivering diagonal passes from the left to him, avoiding Porto's midfield, and placing the ball directly at Adriano's feet."

Aurelio, known for his sharp footballing mind and excellent technique, was particularly adept at crosses and diagonal long passes.

Hearing Yang Hao's instructions, he immediately understood the strategy.

"How confident are you?" Yang Hao asked.

"I can deliver it perfectly," Aurelio replied with confidence.

This tactical adjustment had sprung to Yang Hao's mind as he recalled a similar strategy used against Deportivo La Coruña last season. Their Argentine right-back, Scaloni, often delivered such diagonal passes with pinpoint accuracy, creating significant trouble for Atlético.

With Porto now fully pinned back, Yang Hao felt it was time to exploit their gaps through width and rapid ball movement.

"Alright, relay this to Deco. Tell him to push forward when the opportunity arises and combine at the edge of the box."

"Got it," Aurelio responded before sprinting back onto the field.

Yang Hao exhaled deeply.

Over the summer, when Machado took charge of Porto, he had boasted about bringing attacking football to the team.

Domestically, he had done well, particularly against weaker opponents. But in high-stakes matches, Machado remained extremely cautious.

For Atlético to win tonight, they had to breach Porto's stubborn defense.

Aurelio quickly conveyed Yang Hao's adjustments to his teammates.

The players immediately understood their roles and how to adapt to the new strategy.

Adriano grasped the coach's intent. His role was to receive the diagonal ball near the edge of the box and either shoot directly or link up with teammates.

Diego Forlán was tasked with staying in the box, while Deco positioned himself to support from nearby.

Observing his teammates, Adriano kept scanning for an opening.

As Deco pushed forward and received the ball near the halfway line, he quickly passed it to the left flank, where Aurelio was already signaling for the ball.

Here it comes!

Adriano, stationed near the right edge of the penalty area, immediately began retreating toward the gap between the midfield and defensive lines.

Almost simultaneously, Aurelio swung in a curling left-footed pass.

The ball traced a graceful arc through the air, landing precisely in the awkward space between Porto's midfielders and center-backs—closer to Costinha's zone.

With Andrade playing further upfield and Porto's center-backs hesitant to step out of their line, the ball fell perfectly into this gap.

Adriano seized the moment, surging ahead to chest the ball down.

Costinha, caught out of position, could only press against Adriano's back, trying to wrest control.

"Here!" Deco's voice called out as he sprinted forward.

Understanding immediately, Adriano didn't wait for the ball to hit the ground. With his left foot, he deftly cushioned the ball into Deco's path.

Ricardo Silva, who had been rushing to intercept Adriano, found himself caught in no-man's land as Adriano released the pass and darted toward the box.

The Porto penalty area was now a crowded battlefield.

Amid the chaos, Deco coolly controlled the ball, threading a surgical diagonal pass between Ricardo Silva and Jorge Costa, who was preoccupied with Forlán near the penalty spot.

The ball sliced through Porto's defense like a scalpel, landing precisely where Adriano was racing in on the right side of the box.

Adriano met the pass in stride, controlling it with his right foot just as Porto goalkeeper Vítor Baía charged out to close him down.

Baía's dive missed its mark, but he quickly adjusted, lunging toward Adriano's left foot.

However, Adriano was a step ahead, poking the ball past Baía.

The ball rolled tantalizingly across the goalmouth, seemingly destined for the far corner but uncertain to cross the line.

At that critical moment, Diego Forlán ghosted in at the back post.

With perfect timing, he tapped the ball over the line, just inside the left upright.

Forlán spun around in celebration, sprinting toward the corner flag as the Vicente Calderón erupted in deafening cheers.

Atlético's players roared in elation, their jubilation echoed by the crowd.

On the sidelines, Yang Hao leaped into the air, pumping his fist in triumph.

In the 79th minute, Atlético had finally broken the deadlock!

Atlético Madrid secured a narrow 1–0 home victory against Porto, thanks to Diego Forlán's decisive goal. Meanwhile, Juventus narrowly edged Celtic 3–2 at home in a match that was anything but convincing.

Unlike Atlético, who dominated Porto for most of their match and created numerous chances, Juventus delivered a performance against Celtic that could only be described as exasperating.

Despite playing at home, Juventus failed to display the sharpness or dominance expected of a top team. They only managed to break the deadlock in the 43rd minute, when Salas assisted Trezeguet for the opening goal.

However, Celtic, under Martin O'Neill, came out swinging in the second half and launched a relentless offensive against Juventus. In the 55th minute, Trezeguet scored his second goal from a Del Piero cross to make it 2–0.

But the Scottish side refused to back down, intensifying their attacks. Ten minutes later, Petrov scored a stunning free kick to pull one back for Celtic, beating Buffon.

In the 63rd minute, under immense pressure from Celtic, Davids received his second yellow card and was sent off. With a numerical advantage, Celtic capitalized in the 86th minute, converting a penalty to equalize.

For most of the second half, Celtic dominated and put Juventus on the back foot, even at their home ground.

But in injury time, substitute Amoruso went down in Celtic's penalty area, and the referee awarded Juventus a highly controversial penalty.

The decision sparked uproar, but Amoruso coolly slotted the spot-kick to make it 3–2.

Celtic continued to press and had one last golden chance when Larsson's close-range header was miraculously saved by Buffon.

The match ended with a narrow and contentious victory for Juventus.

After the game, British media lambasted the referee, claiming the final penalty was fabricated and that Juventus had stolen a victory that rightfully belonged to Celtic.

Martin O'Neill expressed his frustration post-match:

"We performed exceptionally well throughout the second half, but the referee's decisions went against us. We are shocked by the late penalty call."

Italian media fired back, arguing that Celtic's penalty was also debatable. Davids even claimed that both of his yellow cards were unwarranted.

The match became a battleground for British and Italian media, who engaged in a war of words.

After Atlético's match against Porto, Yang Hao and his staff sat down to analyze the Juventus vs. Celtic game. With Juventus as Atlético's next opponent, Yang Hao observed the footage with mixed emotions.

"It's disheartening to see a once-mighty Juventus struggling like this," Yang Hao remarked.

The decline of Italy's Serie A, once dubbed the "Little World Cup", seemed more apparent than ever.

Italian media's desperate attempts to defend Juventus only underscored the league's fading glory.

Juventus, the strongest of the Italian teams in the Champions League, had managed just one win and one draw in their opening two matches, tallying four points. Even at home, they had struggled to overcome Celtic, leaving them second in the group behind Atlético's six points.

What about the other Italian teams?

Lazio, Serie A's third-place team last season, had received an enviable draw, often described as a free pass. Their group included Nantes from France, PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands, and Galatasaray from Turkey—none of them considered heavyweights.

And yet, Lazio lost their opening match 1–0 away to Galatasaray and suffered a 3–1 humiliation at home to Nantes in the second round.

The world was stunned.

This was supposed to be Serie A's third-best team?

What about Roma, the reigning Serie A champions?

Their 2–1 home loss to Real Madrid in the first round could be considered understandable. But their goalless draw in the second round against Anderlecht? That was unacceptable for a team led by Fabio Capello and filled with star players.

Finally, Parma, Serie A's fourth-placed team last season, failed to even qualify for the group stage. They lost 2–1 on aggregate to Lille in the qualifiers.

With performances like these, even the Italian media found it hard to defend Serie A's reputation as the "World's Best League" or the "Little World Cup".

"When stars like Verón and Zidane began fleeing Serie A, many suspected that Italy's top league was losing its appeal compared to La Liga and even the Premier League," remarked Juanma Lillo, expressing his long-held views on Serie A's decline.

"Tax rates, economic stagnation, and the revenue streams of Serie A clubs are all factors. But the toxic environment of the league is also a significant deterrent."

"Take Verón, for instance. Everyone knew how rampant fake passports were in Italy. The foreign player quota was strict, but these so-called dual citizenships could be easily bought or fabricated through connections.

"Now that the economy has dipped and pressure has increased, the authorities decide to crack down, turning the whole thing into a soap opera."

Yang Hao nodded in agreement, struggling to comprehend the Italian government's contradictory policies, from its taxation laws to the fake passport scandal.

This wasn't just about Verón—it affected countless other players.

Italy's taxation system was also incredibly convoluted and harsh, prompting many players to either evade taxes through shady means or simply leave the league altogether.

The former option often led to disastrous consequences if uncovered, while the latter contributed to the league's talent drain.

"Back in my previous life, many, including myself, blamed the Calciopoli scandal for Serie A's downfall," Yang Hao said. "But now that I've lived through these times, I see Calciopoli was just a symptom."

"For instance, Italian authorities recently started investigating Milan's financial irregularities involving inflated transfer fees."

"This isn't the first time, and it won't be the last."

Yang Hao identified three more factors contributing to Serie A's decline:

"First, Italian football culture is deeply flawed. Evra told me that when he played in the lower leagues, he often faced racial abuse from opposing fans—even from his own team's supporters.

"Seedorf recently accused Inter Milan's VIP section of racially abusing his wife. These incidents are far too common.

"How do the Italian Football Federation and government respond?

"By turning a blind eye—or worse, enabling it."

Italian football's cultural decay runs deep, and it has poisoned the roots of the sport in the country.

Looking at the top four leagues in Europe, no other country tolerates or condones racism as blatantly as Italy does.

This isn't a recent problem; it existed in the past and will persist in the future. Even Italy's own Mario Balotelli wasn't spared from such treatment throughout his career.

Yes, English football is infamous for its hooliganism, but at least the FA, the Premier League, and the British government actively combat it. Racism, in particular, is met with strict, zero-tolerance policies. Every incident is thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators face the harshest penalties.

By contrast, Italian football's atmosphere is unbearably toxic for foreign players. For those with talent and options, the thought process is simple: "I can be a star anywhere. Why should I come to Italy and endure abuse?"

That's why players like Verón left for the Premier League. Granted, Verón didn't thrive in England, but that's a separate issue altogether.

"The Tactical Stagnation of Italian Football"

"Another issue," Yang Hao continued, "is that Italian football tactics are stuck in the past and have failed to adapt to modern trends."

"European football is shifting towards more proactive, aggressive strategies. Take La Liga, for example—its hallmark 4-2-3-1 formation reflects an emphasis on controlling the game and using high pressing to dominate opponents."

"With the away goals rule encouraging attacking play and inevitable changes to the offside rule further promoting offense, football is evolving towards a more dynamic, forward-thinking style. But Italy? They're still clinging to their antiquated 1–0 philosophy."

"Italian tactics are incredibly hostile to creative, talented players. Look at Ronaldo's experience at Inter Milan. Anyone who saw what happened to him couldn't help but feel disheartened."

With such cautionary tales, why would any gifted player willingly go to Italy? Even if they did and found success, they'd likely want to leave.

Without financial clout, a conducive environment, or notable achievements, what reason is there to stay?

"And Then There's the Premier League"

"Yes," Lillo agreed. "We often talk about the so-called 'Little World Cup,' which took shape in the late 1980s."

"Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, English football dominated Europe. But after the Heysel disaster and the subsequent ban on English clubs, Italy became the natural destination for top players. That's when Serie A thrived."

"But now, the Premier League is back!"

Yang Hao, having spent two years coaching in Spain, often discussed football trends with industry insiders. Almost everyone agreed on one thing: top clubs drive the success of their respective leagues.

Take the Premier League, for instance. Its resurgence was spearheaded by Manchester United in the late 1990s. Clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Leeds United followed suit, creating a ripple effect.

In La Liga, Real Madrid and Barcelona played a similar role, setting the standard and leading the charge.

The stronger the elite clubs, the more attractive their leagues become.

And one often overlooked fact is La Liga's consistency as the second-best league in Europe.

During English football's dominance in the 1970s, La Liga was second. When Serie A reigned supreme in the 1990s, La Liga was still second. Even as the Premier League ascended to new heights, La Liga remained a close runner-up.

This stability is remarkable.

Spain has always been proactive in supporting its football industry. For instance, the famous "Beckham Law" offered significant tax breaks for foreign players during their first few years in Spain.

"Such a policy was unprecedented in European football," Yang Hao remarked. "If I'm not mistaken, it was the first of its kind among top leagues. It might even remain unique."

Lessons from the Premier League

Looking back from 2023, the Premier League's greatest strength lies in its global appeal.

La Liga's efforts to expand internationally were commendable—clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia were proactive in reaching foreign markets. However, English had a much wider global reach than Spanish, and La Liga eventually hit a ceiling.

For example, why did the term "El Clásico" come to define La Liga's appeal?

In Yang Hao's time, matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona didn't overshadow the league as they eventually would. Back then, other teams could still compete with the big two.

But as time passed, La Liga devolved into a two-horse race. Real Madrid and Barcelona's dominance grew to the point where their head-to-head matches effectively decided the title.

For many fans, there was no point in watching the rest of the league. Why bother? Just tune in for El Clásico or the big two's matches against weaker sides.

This disparity in attention meant Real Madrid and Barcelona's broadcasting revenue soared, far outpacing the combined earnings of other clubs in the league. The wealth gap widened, further enhancing the two giants' financial power.

It became a vicious cycle.

A Plan for Reform

To address this imbalance, Yang Hao had already proposed a bold plan to Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil: reform La Liga's broadcasting revenue distribution model before it was too late.

He suggested adopting the Premier League's model of collective bargaining and centralized revenue distribution.

Over several meetings with Cerezo, Gil, and other senior executives, Yang Hao eventually convinced them. Atlético Madrid began lobbying other clubs to form a united front and pressure Real Madrid and Barcelona into accepting the reforms.

Fortunately, the timing was advantageous.

The Premier League was just starting to rise, and its model was gaining attention. Meanwhile, the financial gap between La Liga's big two and the rest of the league hadn't yet reached unbridgeable levels.

Yang Hao also proposed initiatives to expand La Liga's international presence.

"Every summer, all Spanish clubs should go abroad to explore new markets—whether in the Middle East, Asia, or North America. Even our domestic tournaments, like the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa, could be played overseas."

This approach, inspired by the Premier League's overseas ventures, could be highly effective.

Yang Hao believed that such collective efforts could mitigate Real Madrid and Barcelona's potential losses from revenue-sharing reforms. With the right incentives, even these two powerhouses might agree to the plan.

"This is the perfect time," Yang Hao told Cerezo and Gil.

"It's like digging irrigation channels before the floodwaters arrive. If we act too late, the water will overflow uncontrollably, causing more harm than good.

"Worse, if Real Madrid and Barcelona forge their own paths to global domination, they'll have no reason to share the benefits later."

Cerezo and Gil were convinced.

In recent weeks, Atlético Madrid had been working tirelessly to rally support among other La Liga clubs, as well as lobbying the Spanish FA and La Liga officials, to finalize a comprehensive reform plan.

In addition, Yang Hao urged Cerezo and Gil to consider Atlético's future infrastructure needs.

He pointed out the limitations of the current training base in Majadahonda, which was too remote to hold significant value. Meanwhile, the Vicente Calderón Stadium, located in a prime area, could be sold to the city government for a substantial sum to fund the construction of a modern stadium.

"In a few years, the market conditions will be much less favorable," Yang Hao warned.

"Now is the time to act."

After the conclusion of the first phase of the Champions League group stage, domestic leagues resumed play.

In Serie A, Juventus faced Lecce in Round 4. Both teams failed to score, resulting in a 0–0 draw. In the second half, Juventus center-back Paolo Montero received a red card, marking the second consecutive match in which the team saw red. Pavel Nedvěd played the full 90 minutes, as part of Marcello Lippi's rotation strategy.

This rotation meant Edgar Davids would not feature in the upcoming match at the Calderón.

Meanwhile, in La Liga, goals were plentiful:

Barcelona beat Tenerife 2–0 at home.

Real Madrid crushed Espanyol 5–1 at the Bernabéu.

Deportivo edged out Alavés 3–2.

Valencia managed a 2–2 draw away at Athletic Bilbao.

Atlético Madrid, however, stumbled. Hosting Osasuna, the team opened the scoring through Kaká, but a second-half own goal by Maicon left the match at 1–1.

After the draw, Real Madrid maintained their perfect record with four consecutive wins, topping the league table. Atlético, with seven points, sat in 9th place.

Double Duty's Toll on Atlético

Media outlets were quick to note how competing on two fronts—domestically and in Europe—was affecting Atlético.

Frequent rotation had forced Yang Hao to rely heavily on younger players in La Liga. This wasn't unique to Atlético, as Valencia faced similar struggles, currently languishing in 11th place.

El País analyzed the situation, stating:

"Teams like Atlético and Valencia lack the squad depth to handle the demands of competing in multiple tournaments. When Real Madrid can turn to players like Santiago Solari, Pedro Munitis, or Guti to secure victories, Atlético is forced to lean on youth. It's impossible to ask Adriano, Diego Simeone, Rubén Baraja, and Deco to play continuously without risking injuries or fatigue."

Yang Hao's predicament wasn't unusual. In the Premier League, David Moyes' Everton had faced similar challenges. Single-front campaigns often led to strong performances, but when European competitions entered the mix, results dipped significantly.

Still, after qualifying for the Champions League, could Yang Hao realistically prioritize resting players over competing for progression?

Yang Hao's Team Talk

After the disappointing draw with Osasuna, Yang Hao refrained from blaming his players, including Maicon, who had scored the own goal.

Instead, the day after the recovery session, he held a meeting with his team.

"I know things are tough right now," Yang Hao began. "The pressure is enormous, and it's not the same as the pressure we faced last season when we were fighting Real Madrid for the league title."

"But I want to say this: I still believe in all of you."

"Last season, we overcame our most challenging moments, and we emerged stronger because of it. This season will be even harder. Last year, our midweek European matches were spaced out with breaks. This year, we've had no midweek rest since the season began."

From August 19 until now, Atlético had played every three days, with two international breaks thrown in for good measure.

"Honestly," Yang Hao continued, "I doubt there's a team in all of Europe working harder than us right now."

"But I'll say it again: endure it. Push through, and we'll emerge better and stronger!"

The Grueling Schedule Ahead

The calendar offered no respite.

September 26: Juventus (Champions League)

September 30: La Liga, Round 5

October 3: La Liga, Round 6

October 7: La Liga, Round 7

October 13: La Liga, Round 8

October 16: Juventus (Champions League, away)

Even during the October international break, La Liga wouldn't pause. Players would leave for World Cup qualifiers or friendlies, returning immediately to grueling club schedules.

Reflecting on the sheer density of matches, Yang Hao couldn't help but empathize with players like Marc-Vivien Foé, who had tragically collapsed under similar pressures in a prior season.

"It's relentless," Yang Hao admitted. "Unlike Serie A or the Bundesliga, where teams only play 18 matches, La Liga's 20-team format makes it even more exhausting."

But no matter how daunting the schedule seemed, Atlético had no choice but to persevere.

A Bold Decision

Returning to his office after training, Yang Hao shared his concerns with assistant coach Juanma Lillo.

"This can't go on," Yang Hao said.

He could see the toll the schedule was taking on his players. It wasn't just the physical exhaustion but the emotional strain.

It was like a worker pulling endless overtime—burnout was inevitable. Even with rotation, he could never swap out the entire starting XI.

Lillo nodded. "We need a solution."

Yang Hao turned to Parales, the team's fitness and medical coordinator.

"Bring back the two psychologists from the University of Madrid. From now on, they should be stationed at the club full-time. Publicly, we'll say they're team doctors."

Psychology remained a taboo topic in professional football at the time, and Yang Hao preferred to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.

Parales agreed.

But Yang Hao believed the team needed more than mental support.

"We need a morale-boosting victory," he declared.

Lillo and Parales exchanged skeptical glances.

"You mean against Juventus?"

Yang Hao didn't respond, but his intent was clear.

"Isn't that risky?" Lillo asked. Juventus was a team renowned for their defensive prowess. Taking unnecessary risks could easily backfire against such a well-drilled side.

"This risk is necessary," Yang Hao replied firmly.

"Think about it. If we keep dragging ourselves along like this, what will happen by mid-October? With international matches, fatigued players, and mounting pressure, what state will we be in?"

A full-scale collapse would be catastrophic.

"Do you have a plan?" Lillo asked.

Yang Hao smiled. "If I did, it wouldn't be a risk, would it?"

His confidence stemmed from Atlético's two group-stage wins. Even if the gamble against Juventus didn't pay off, they could still recover. But if it succeeded, the morale boost could transform their season.

Looking to Parales, Yang Hao issued his next command.

"Bring Van der Sar to my office. We need to talk."

The stage was set. Yang Hao wasn't just planning to face Juventus. He was preparing to reignite his team's fire.

Edwin van der Sar was approaching his 30th birthday. Despite his age, he felt his form was as strong as ever.

Goalkeeping is a position that relies heavily on experience, and while prodigies are rare, many veterans excel as they age. Van der Sar believed he had several good years left in him.

The double triumph of La Liga and the UEFA Cup with Atlético last season had reignited his hope. This team had the potential to bring him back to the pinnacle of his career.

It was for this reason that Van der Sar deeply respected Yang Hao. Despite being older than the young manager, he was eager to learn and follow his vision. When he heard Yang Hao calling for him, the Dutch goalkeeper came immediately.

"Take a seat, Edwin," Yang Hao said warmly as he welcomed Van der Sar into his office.

This time, there was no small talk. Time was precious.

"I need to ask you something," Yang Hao began.

"Go ahead," Van der Sar replied.

"Do you remember what you told me when we met in Switzerland?"

Van der Sar furrowed his brow. He had said a lot that day but wasn't sure what Yang Hao was referring to.

"You said you wanted to take a step back before charging forward," Yang Hao reminded him.

The memory clicked. "Yes, I remember."

"Now, I need to know—are you ready to move forward?" Yang Hao asked, staring intently at him.

Van der Sar hesitated briefly, then nodded firmly. "I'm ready. Always."

"On Wednesday, when we face Juventus, I need you to give the performance of your life. Not just your best—better than your best. Better than you ever were at Ajax."

Van der Sar listened as Yang Hao laid out his reasoning. At 30, Van der Sar had endured the highs of Ajax and the lows of Juventus. Yang Hao knew the Dutch keeper would understand the stakes.

Atlético needed a morale-boosting victory to energize their season. For Van der Sar, this was personal. His time at Juventus had left him battered and humiliated, shaking his confidence.

Now, he had a chance to reclaim it—piece by piece—and prove himself on the same stage.

"I understand," Van der Sar replied resolutely. "But I'll need my center-backs to be on point."

"They will be," Yang Hao assured him. "And Simeone will support you as well."

"Good," Van der Sar said before pausing. "I'll also need a detailed video of Trezeguet's shooting patterns."

"I've already arranged for it," Yang Hao replied. "Along with videos on Del Piero and Salas."

"I know Del Piero well," Van der Sar said confidently.

Yang Hao smiled in satisfaction. "Then let's do this. Let's take down Juventus, advance to the next round, and aim even higher."

He leaned in, his tone turning fiery.

"And you, Edwin, should show everyone who doubted you at Juventus who you really are!"

Van der Sar's face remained stoic, but his determination was evident. "That's exactly what I intend to do."

September 26, Evening - Vicente Calderón Stadium

UEFA Champions League - Group Stage, Round 3

Atlético Madrid vs. Juventus

Marcello Lippi stuck to his preferred 4-4-2 formation:

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon

Defenders: Gianluca Pessotto, Paolo Montero, Lilian Thuram, Alessandro Birindelli

Midfielders: Pavel Nedvěd, Alessio Tacchinardi, Igor Tudor, Gianluca Zambrotta

Forwards: Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet

Standing on his goal line, Edwin van der Sar adjusted his gloves, clapped them together firmly, and took a deep breath. He looked across the pitch, where Buffon manned the opposite goal.

His departure from Juventus the previous summer had been prompted by Luciano Moggi's decision to bring in Buffon. It was a wound that hadn't fully healed.

Tonight, in the Calderón, Van der Sar intended to prove to the world—and to himself—that he was no less than Buffon.

The referee's whistle blew, and the match began.

Juventus' Aggressive Start

Juventus attacked early. Their left flank, led by Pessotto, Nedvěd, and Del Piero, looked particularly threatening. Within minutes, Del Piero drove the ball deep into Atlético's half, cutting into the left side of the box.

"Lucio, close him down!" Van der Sar shouted.

Lucio immediately surged forward to challenge Del Piero. The Italian maestro shifted the ball with a deft horizontal drag and unleashed a curling shot toward the far post.

"Del Piero!" the commentator exclaimed. "From his favorite spot, a trademark curler!"

But Van der Sar had anticipated this. He stepped two paces left and dove with full extension, his outstretched left hand deflecting the ball just past the post.

Thud!

The ball struck the turf behind the goal line.

"What a save!"

"Edwin van der Sar denies Alessandro Del Piero with an incredible fingertip save!"

The camera zoomed in on Van der Sar as he calmly rose to his feet, unfazed. The Calderón erupted in applause, but the Dutch keeper remained stoic and focused—his trademark demeanor.

Juventus took the resulting corner, but Van der Sar confidently claimed the ball mid-air, snatching it from the reach of the towering Trezeguet.

Clutching the ball, he sprinted toward the edge of the penalty area, ready to launch a quick counter. But seeing Juventus repositioning swiftly, he held off.

"Push up! Move forward!" he shouted, gesturing for his teammates to advance.

Juventus Keeps Pushing

Juventus wasn't about to let up. Barely two minutes later, they returned with another wave of attacks.

"Juventus is coming at Atlético with everything they've got," the commentator observed.

Pavel Nedvěd drove the ball through the midfield, combining with Tacchinardi before feeding Zambrotta down the right. The Italian full-back sent a cross into the box, searching for Trezeguet.

Van der Sar sprang into action, leaping high to punch the ball clear just as Trezeguet lined up his header.

"Van der Sar again! He's commanding his area with authority tonight!"

The Calderón faithful roared their approval.

A Duel Between Titans

As the match unfolded, it became clear that this would be a battle of wills, with Van der Sar at the heart of Atlético's resistance. The Dutchman's every save seemed to galvanize his team, while Juventus grew increasingly frustrated.

On the touchline, Yang Hao observed the game intently.

"Stay sharp, Edwin," he muttered under his breath.

This wasn't just about three points. It was about making a statement. Tonight, Atlético—and Van der Sar—would show they feared no one.

Del Piero dropped deep to receive a pass from Zambrotta on the right flank. Using his exquisite technique and agility, he spun away from Simeone and sent a left-footed pass into the left side of Atlético's penalty area.

Nedvěd, cutting diagonally, latched onto the ball before Lucio could close him down. Without hesitation, the Czech unleashed a thunderous shot.

But Van der Sar, who had anticipated the move, was perfectly positioned. Dropping to his knees, he securely caught the ball as though it had been aimed directly at him.

The Calderón erupted into applause once again.

Van der Sar rose to his feet, scanning both flanks as he assessed the field. Juventus showed no intention of retreating. At the Calderón tonight, the Bianconeri looked determined to seize the initiative.

The Dutch keeper jogged forward and rolled the ball to Carvalho on his right. Carvalho wasted no time, passing it wide to Aurelio on the left.

Aurelio advanced with the ball, and before even crossing the halfway line, saw Zambrotta approaching. He quickly offloaded to Deco before surging forward with determination.

As Deco trapped the ball, Aurelio sprinted past him, seemingly ready to receive the return pass. However, the Brazilian playmaker surprised everyone by sending the ball to Vicente, who was completely unmarked on the left flank.

Vicente controlled the ball near the touchline, forcing Birindelli to close in on him. Tudor, sensing the danger, immediately turned and began tracking Aurelio's run.

But Tudor's efforts were in vain. Before either defender could react, Vicente lofted a delicate chip behind the defensive line. Aurelio, sprinting into the space on the left side of the penalty area, caught up to the pass.

The crafty Brazilian didn't immediately control the ball. Instead, he glanced toward the center of the box, where Thuram was rushing to close him down. Waiting for the ball to bounce, Aurelio finally met it and delivered a pinpoint cross.

The ball sailed over Thuram and toward the edge of the six-yard box.

A Flash of Brilliance

The sequence unfolded in mere seconds.

Montero, seeing Thuram pulled out wide, stepped up to cover. He judged the trajectory of the ball and was convinced it would come directly to him.

But as he shifted into position, Montero caught sight of Adriano.

The Brazilian forward, who had been lingering near the edge of the penalty area, had already surged into position.

How is he this fast?! Montero's mind raced as Adriano barreled into his vicinity.

The Uruguayan center-back instinctively tried to block Adriano's path, reaching out in desperation to grab the striker. But Adriano powered through, brushing off Montero's attempt with sheer force.

As the ball descended, Adriano, slightly off-balance from the tussle, planted his right foot firmly into the turf. His left leg swung like a hammer, connecting cleanly with the ball.

Boom!

The shot was a missile—straight, fierce, and unstoppable. The ball tore through the air toward the top-right corner of Juventus' goal.

Buffon, reacting with lightning speed, flung himself toward the trajectory. But Adriano's strike was faster than anyone could have anticipated.

The ball smashed into the back of the net, rattling the frame as if threatening to tear it apart.

Calderón Erupts

The Calderón exploded. Over 50,000 Atlético fans rose to their feet, roaring with uncontainable joy.

Adriano, having collapsed to the ground from the force of the strike and Montero's tugging, leapt to his feet in triumph. With a guttural roar, he sprinted toward the sidelines, his arms outstretched in pure elation.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

"Adriano! What an incredible finish! In just the 8th minute, Atlético takes the lead against Juventus!"

"Brilliant play down the left wing by Aurelio, and Adriano finishes with a rocket! 1–0 to Atlético!"

The Brazilian striker ran to the sideline, where his teammates—players on the field and even those on the bench—swarmed him.

A Unified Front

Players surrounded Adriano, forming a tight, interlinked circle. Each grabbed the shirt of the player next to him, pulling them close. Together, they lifted their jerseys to reveal a collective message emblazoned underneath:

"Together, We Fear Nothing!"

The television cameras zoomed in, capturing the powerful moment before panning to the stands.

There, seated among the supporters, were Atlético's other first-team and reserve players, all watching in solidarity. They too had seen the message, and the Calderón roared in unison.

A Statement of Defiance

"Lately, Atlético has been under immense pressure," the commentator remarked. "Their league form has been inconsistent, and rumors of managerial changes have circulated. Some tabloids even suggested Luis Aragonés as Yang Hao's potential replacement."

"But Aragonés himself dismissed the speculation, declaring his full support for Atlético and their current project under Yang Hao."

"Tonight, this goal—and this match—are statements. Yang Hao and his players are here to prove their resilience, unity, and unshakable resolve."

"Together, we fear nothing!"

"It's not just a slogan on their shirts; it's the very essence of what Yang Hao and Atlético Madrid stand for."

A Roaring Calderón

The Calderón pulsed with life. Chants of Adriano's name echoed through the stadium as fans waved flags and scarves high above their heads.

For Yang Hao, this was more than just a lead—it was a moment that encapsulated the spirit of his team.

They weren't just fighting for points or trophies.

They were fighting for belief. For each other. For the pride of Atlético Madrid.

 "This young man loves to gamble!"

On the Juventus bench, Marcello Lippi chewed his gum, turning to his assistant Narciso Pezzotti.

Lippi was an avid smoker, particularly fond of cigars. During matches, however, he resorted to chewing gum to curb his cravings. It had become a hallmark of his presence on the sideline—gum never left his mouth.

"Young people, full of adventure and ambition, always looking for challenges. It's natural," Pezzotti replied with a smile.

Lippi, at 53, and Pezzotti, 59, regarded the 26-year-old Yang Hao as a mere youth—a kid in their eyes, young enough to be their son.

"You seem to like him," Lippi remarked, giving Pezzotti a curious glance.

The two had been long-time collaborators. Pezzotti's loyalty to Lippi was beyond question, so this observation was more of an amused comment than suspicion.

"He made a point to shake my hand earlier," Pezzotti replied with an oddly specific justification.

Lippi chuckled.

Pre-match handshakes between coaches were customary, but Yang Hao had gone out of his way to exchange pleasantries with Pezzotti, even making a light-hearted comment about something Pezzotti supposedly contributed to.

The young coach certainly had a peculiar charm.

Lippi recalled hearing something similar from Louis van Gaal, who had once complained about Yang Hao scrutinizing his assistants, as if the Chinese coach had plans to poach them. It had left Van Gaal uneasy for quite a while.

But poaching staff? That wasn't something Lippi feared.

The Young Man's Bold Play

"These young people have a penchant for risk. Look at how aggressively they've started—are they not afraid we'll tear their defense apart?"

Despite weathering Juventus' initial surge, Atlético Madrid had been relentlessly aggressive. Yang Hao's tactics were clear—high pressing and forward thrusts. Even the fullbacks were charging into advanced positions.

Atlético's first goal had come from such a surge, with Aurelio sprinting up the left flank to create an opportunity for Adriano.

But this style came at a cost. Their backline often left gaps, with only Lucio, Carvalho, and Simeone left to contend with Juventus' forwards, Del Piero and Trezeguet. Considering Nedvěd's ability to make late runs into the box, the risks were glaringly apparent.

"It's a shame Davids isn't on the pitch tonight," Pezzotti remarked with a hint of regret.

In Juventus' match against Celtic, Edgar Davids had picked up a red card, ruling him out of this clash.

Lippi's expression darkened momentarily. His opinion of Davids wasn't particularly high, largely due to the Dutchman's rebellious streak, which made him difficult to manage.

But Pezzotti wasn't wrong—Davids' presence would have added vigor to Juventus' midfield, especially in ball progression. Without him, the midfield lacked dynamism.

"This young man's tactics may work against Spanish teams, but against an Italian side…" Lippi trailed off with a smirk, shaking his head.

Italian teams, forged in the cauldron of defensive resilience, were experts at capitalizing on opponents' overextension. Atlético's defense, by Italian standards, was far too exposed.

Rising to the edge of his technical area, Lippi barked instructions to Montero, signaling him to bypass midfield and launch long balls toward Trezeguet.

"David!" he called to Trezeguet, gesturing for the striker to avoid Lucio and target Carvalho instead.

Lucio's physicality posed a challenge even for Trezeguet. Lippi had studied Atlético's previous season, particularly their clash with Inter Milan, and was well aware of Lucio's prowess.

As for the scoreboard showing 1-0, Lippi remained unfazed. In his mind, conceding early on the road wasn't a concern. Scoring an away goal would reset the balance.

But what unfolded next was entirely unexpected.

Atlético's Aggression

Atlético intensified their offensive pressure. Adriano spearheaded the attack, flanked by Vicente and Joaquín, while Deco and Baraja orchestrated from midfield.

Even the defensive line pressed higher up the pitch, effectively condensing the field and suffocating Juventus' attempts to build from the back.

Juventus resorted to long balls, but Atlético's defensive organization ensured those attempts often resulted in offside calls.

By the 10th minute, Atlético had taken control of the match.

The high press severely disrupted Juventus' rhythm. With their backline—Pessotto, Montero, Thuram, and Birindelli—lacking creativity, and the midfield comprising hard-working but limited players like Tacchinardi and Tudor, the Italians struggled to construct meaningful attacks.

Yang Hao had noticed these vulnerabilities while analyzing Juventus' match against Celtic. Back then, Davids had been instrumental in driving forward play, particularly with Nedvěd absent due to rotation. Without the Czech star, Davids had become the primary outlet for Juventus' transitions.

Now, with Davids suspended, the burden fell solely on Nedvěd.

Nedvěd: A One-Man Army

Nedvěd, the indomitable Czech midfielder, was a force of nature. His relentless energy, lung-bursting runs, and thunderous strikes made him a constant threat.

But Yang Hao knew that while Nedvěd excelled in physicality and determination, he wasn't a playmaker. His creativity paled in comparison to players like Zidane.

Juventus' initial attacks relied heavily on Del Piero's finesse. The Bianconeri captain's exquisite touch and vision made him their most dangerous player.

Yang Hao wasn't concerned. "If Nedvěd is their only engine, we just need to isolate him," he thought.

Yang Hao's Tactical Gamble

With Juventus' midfield unable to provide consistent support, Atlético pressed forward with confidence. Vicente and Joaquín wreaked havoc on the flanks, while Deco and Baraja dictated the tempo in the center.

Atlético's defense, led by Lucio and Carvalho, stood firm against Juventus' sporadic counters. Simeone provided an additional layer of security, ensuring Del Piero and Trezeguet found little joy in the final third.

By the 20th minute, the match was firmly under Atlético's control.

From the sidelines, Lippi frowned. The young coach's bold tactics were unsettling.

Yang Hao, on the other hand, remained calm, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had taken a gamble by pressing high against one of Europe's most defensively disciplined teams. So far, it was paying off.

"Marcello," Pezzotti muttered as he glanced at the scoreboard.

Lippi didn't respond. He was too focused on the action, watching as Atlético launched yet another attack.

This wasn't the conservative football Lippi was accustomed to. Yang Hao's aggressive, high-octane approach was a direct challenge to the Italian's methods.

And for the moment, the young man was winning.

Yang Hao quickly noticed Lippi's adjustment to target Carvalho with Trezeguet, prompting him to make his own changes. He assigned Lucio to contest the first ball against Trezeguet, while Carvalho would remain as the covering defender.

By the 18th minute, Juventus launched another hurried long pass, with Montero hoofing the ball forward toward Trezeguet. Both Atlético's center-backs and Juventus' forwards raced toward the Atlético goal.

However, before the ball even entered Atlético's defensive third, Lucio stopped in his tracks and soared into the air.

The Brazilian center-back seemed like a descending deity as he leapt.

The long pass was decisively cleared by Lucio's powerful header, drawing thunderous applause from the Calderón crowd.

Atlético immediately initiated a counterattack.

Deco won the second ball and laid it back to Simeone, pointing to the right flank as he did. Simeone passed it out wide to Belletti.

Nedvěd, like a relentless hunting hound, immediately closed in on Belletti. The Brazilian defender had no choice but to pass forward to Joaquín.

Joaquín, retreating slightly to receive the ball, noticed Tacchinardi charging toward him. With no time to hesitate, he moved the ball one step toward the right flank.

"Here!"

Adriano timed his run perfectly, finding space in the right channel to receive the ball. Joaquín sent a pass just behind Tacchinardi and sprinted forward along the right touchline.

Juventus' tactical discipline was on full display. As Adriano received the ball with his back to Pessotto, Nedvěd closely shadowed Joaquín's run.

Seeing Joaquín approach, Adriano quickly laid the ball into his path. Joaquín surged forward and touched the ball past the advancing defender.

However, Pessotto, reacting quickly, abandoned Adriano to track back. This forced Joaquín to keep his touch tight, knowing a heavy touch would allow Pessotto to slide in and clear the ball out of play.

Joaquín, fully prepared, regained control of the ball. With a sharp stop and a left-footed cut inside, he swiftly side-stepped, moving horizontally while evading both Pessotto and Nedvěd.

The Calderón erupted.

Atlético fans roared in delight as Joaquín dribbled into Juventus' penalty area from the right. Montero and the retreating Tudor formed a solid defensive wall, blocking his path to the goal.

In typical Italian fashion, Juventus executed their infamous "concrete wall" defense, cutting off any direct shooting opportunities.

But Joaquín, instead of forcing his way through, opted for a cutback. He passed the ball diagonally backward toward the edge of the penalty arc.

There, Rubén Baraja arrived like a second wave of a storm.

Baraja didn't even stop the ball. Sensing Tudor charging out of the box to block, he deftly sidestepped with his left foot, redirecting the ball toward his right. As Tudor overcommitted, Baraja took a quick step forward and unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike.

The shot tore through Juventus' defensive line with incredible speed, arrowing into the bottom-right corner of the net.

Buffon, stationed toward the center of the goal, had no time to react. Though he dived at full stretch, the ball was already in the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"

"In the 19th minute, Atlético Madrid doubles their lead!"

"The captain, Rubén Baraja, delivers for Atlético!"

Baraja, after unleashing his strike, spun around and ran back to his half, showing no intention of celebrating.

If Nedvěd embodied Juventus' iron will, Baraja was Atlético's answer—a gritty, tireless fighter who always rose to the occasion.

On the touchline, Yang Hao erupted in celebration, raising his arms and shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Beautifully done, Rubén!" he roared, turning to the stands and gesturing wildly for the fans to make even more noise, urging them to inspire the players on the pitch.

"Tonight, we're not just aiming to win!"

"We're aiming to win beautifully—to claim a victory that reignites our fire!"

Baraja, jogging back to his position, noticed his coach's animated encouragement and paused momentarily. He raised both arms, letting out a ferocious roar.

The rest of the team rallied behind him, brimming with newfound energy.

"¡Atlético! ¡Atlético! ¡Atlético!"

The Calderón reverberated with the synchronized chants of Atlético's fervent supporters.

Yang Hao, hearing the deafening cheers, felt like he was on fire.

"Lippi!"

"I told you, if you play three at the back, I'll teach you a lesson."

"Now I've changed my mind! Even with four defenders, I'll still teach you how football is meant to be played!"

Juventus Struggle Under Pressure

The game shifted entirely into Atlético's control. The Rojiblancos launched wave after wave of relentless attacks.

Juventus managed a few threatening counterattacks in response, but Edwin van der Sar was in imperious form.

For the Dutch goalkeeper, this match against his former team was personal. Each save was accompanied by a primal roar, as he released pent-up emotions from his tumultuous Juventus days.

Gradually, Juventus began to wilt under Atlético's unrelenting pressure.

Just over a minute after Baraja's goal, Atlético almost struck again.

Simeone delivered a long ball toward the right edge of the penalty area. Adriano, muscling past Montero, chested the ball down and unleashed a ferocious left-footed volley.

The ball smashed against the crossbar, leaving the stadium gasping.

What Does This Mean?

The crowd's reaction to Adriano's audacious attempt wasn't merely one of excitement; it carried a deeper implication.

Yang Hao's Atlético was playing with swagger, confidence, and—most importantly—a freedom rarely seen against Italian defenses.

Lippi, who had witnessed countless tactical battles, suddenly felt the pressure.

The young coach wasn't just out to win; he was out to dominate.

As the match continued, it became evident:

Juventus weren't just losing. They were being outclassed.

Atlético Madrid's players were on fire tonight at the Calderón. Every single one of them was giving it their all, ready to clash head-to-head with Juventus in a battle to the death.

Even Lippi felt the threat.

Two goals down? He wasn't too worried—this wasn't the first time he'd faced such a deficit and managed to salvage a result.

But what if they fell further behind?

Faced with Atlético's relentless attacks, Lippi opted to pull his team back and prioritize defense.

The first half ended with Atlético leading 2–0.

However, in the second half, when Lippi instructed his players to push for a goal to reduce the deficit, Atlético struck again with a lightning-fast counterattack.

Atlético's Third Goal: A Perfect Counterattack

Deco initiated the move, driving the ball through the centerline before releasing it to the left flank.

Vicente surged forward at full speed, powering past Birindelli before delivering a low cross into the penalty arc.

Adriano, who had initially sprinted into the box, came to a sudden stop, turned, and retreated to meet the ball just outside the box. Shielding it with his body, he brought it under control with his left foot.

At that moment, four Juventus defenders surrounded him: Tudor, Thuram, Montero, and Tacchinardi—all world-class defensive players.

Yet, amid this sea of defenders, Adriano pulled off a moment of genius. With a deft backheel flick, he sent the ball through the narrow gap between Tacchinardi and Montero, perfectly into the right side of the box.

Joaquín, charging in from the flank, latched onto the pass. With one swift touch, he unleashed a low, precise shot that brushed past the base of the right post and nestled into the back of the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"51st minute, and it's another one for Atlético!"

"Joaquín with a brilliant finish makes it 3–0!"

"What a counterattack! Juventus' defense reacted quickly, but Atlético's attack was executed to perfection, transitioning from left to center and ending with Joaquín's clinical strike from the right."

The match became completely one-sided.

Juventus Fight Back, but Atlético Stand Strong

Juventus recognized the threat and focused on defense, while Atlético continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.

Despite the 3-goal deficit, the Italian side maintained their composure and defended the penalty area with trademark resilience.

In the 60th minute, Lippi made his first substitution, bringing on veteran Antonio Conte to replace Tudor.

This move signaled Juventus' intent to regain control in midfield and prepare for a counteroffensive.

Seven minutes later, Lippi made another bold change, replacing Pessotto with Amoruso, effectively switching to a 3–4–3 formation.

With this adjustment, Juventus went all-out on the attack.

Their aggression paid off in the 74th minute when they launched a frenzied high press in Atlético's half.

Conte intercepted a pass and quickly relayed the ball to Del Piero, who threaded it into the box for Nedvěd.

Lucio rushed in to intercept but inadvertently tripped the Czech midfielder, earning Juventus a penalty.

Del Piero stepped up to take the spot kick, facing his former teammate Edwin van der Sar.

The Calderón held its collective breath.

Del Piero's penalty was well-struck, but Van der Sar, diving to his right, made an incredible save to deny the Juventus captain.

The stadium erupted in applause and cheers for the Dutch goalkeeper.

However, the ball rebounded into the path of Nedvěd, who struck it with venom. The ball deflected off Carvalho's leg and cruelly found its way into the net.

An own goal.

3–1.

Adriano's Second Goal: A Masterclass in Power and Precision

Juventus, reinvigorated by the goal, pressed hard, hoping to claw their way back into the game.

Five minutes later, Juventus tried to loft another ball into the Atlético box, but Van der Sar charged out to claim it at the edge of the area.

Spotting an opportunity, the Dutch keeper launched a towering kick that soared past Juventus' midfield and over their defensive line, landing near the edge of their penalty box.

Adriano, Thuram, and Montero all sprinted toward the ball.

The Calderón roared as Adriano battled against two world-class defenders.

When the ball bounced just outside the penalty arc, Thuram leaned into Adriano, trying to use his body to force the Brazilian off balance.

But Adriano, with his immense strength and determination, powered through Thuram's challenge, sending the French defender tumbling to the ground.

Now one-on-one with Montero, Adriano muscled past the Uruguayan defender, controlling the ball with his left foot. Using his body to shield the ball, he shifted it slightly before unleashing a thunderous shot with his left foot toward the bottom-right corner.

Buffon could do nothing.

4–1.

For a moment, the stadium fell silent, stunned by the sheer brilliance of Adriano's play.

Then the Calderón erupted into chaos as more than 50,000 Atlético fans screamed Adriano's name.

The Brazilian striker sprinted toward the stands, ignoring the fallen Thuram behind him.

"A brace for Adriano!"

"Tonight, Atlético Madrid's performance has been nothing short of spectacular!"

"4–1, and Atlético have completely dismantled Juventus at the Calderón!"

A Statement Victory

When the final whistle blew, Yang Hao raised his arms high in triumph on the sideline.

On the pitch, Atlético's players celebrated wildly, basking in the adulation of their fans.

The victory was more than just three points—it was a release of the immense pressure they had carried for weeks.

The relentless schedule, the mounting expectations, the strain of competing on multiple fronts—all of it melted away in the glow of this stunning triumph.

Exhausted yet elated, every player stood tall, filled with pride and renewed determination.

They had beaten Juventus.

And not just beaten them—they had done so emphatically, sending a clear message to the football world:

This Atlético Madrid team was a force to be reckoned with.

When the Atlético Madrid players heard the chants of their fans echoing from the stands, many felt a surge of emotion that brought them to the brink of tears.

All the challenges they had faced, the difficulties endured, and the immense effort they had put in—along with the heavy pressure they had carried—now transformed into a single realization:

It was all worth it.

Captain Rubén Baraja rallied his teammates, leading them toward the stands to bow in gratitude to the more than 50,000 Atlético fans who had come to support them.

The fans responded with thunderous applause and cheers.

Even those Atlético players who hadn't made the matchday squad were moved, watching their teammates from the stands.

Juventus, one of the strongest teams in Europe, had been defeated.

Not just defeated, but crushed 4–1.

In that moment, many players remembered their coach's words before the game:

"We need a victory—one that will help us rebuild our confidence and reignite our fighting spirit. A truly great victory."

Tonight, this game was exactly that.

Post-Match: A Meeting Between Coaches

"Congratulations. Your team played exceptionally well," said Lippi as Yang Hao approached the Juventus bench.

Though visibly disappointed, Lippi managed a thin smile and extended his hand.

"Thank you," Yang Hao replied politely.

"Although I don't agree with the risks you took, you won. So you were right," Lippi said with a wry smile.

Lippi had always been cautious and meticulous—a tactical master who avoided unnecessary risks.

But Yang Hao shook his head.

"I don't believe I took a risk," he replied.

"Oh?"

"I discussed my plan with my players beforehand and earned their full support. I trusted them, and I knew they wouldn't let me down. Take Van der Sar, for example—he told me that as long as we left two center-backs to help him, it would be enough."

Tonight, Juventus hadn't been able to score past Van der Sar.

Their sole goal came from a Carvalho own goal, during a chaotic scramble where no one could really blame the Portuguese defender.

Even Del Piero's penalty was saved by the Dutch goalkeeper.

If Yang Hao had to choose a Man of the Match, it wouldn't be Adriano, despite his brace, but Van der Sar.

As if on cue, the stadium announcer declared the official Man of the Match: Edwin van der Sar.

Lippi turned to watch the Atlético players thanking their fans, visibly moved.

"You and your players deserved this victory," Lippi said, extending his hand again.

Yang Hao shook it respectfully.

Group Standings After Three Rounds

With this win, Atlético Madrid now sat atop their group with three consecutive victories.

In the other match, Celtic defeated Porto 1–0 at home.

This left the group standings as follows:

Atlético Madrid: 9 points

Juventus: 4 points

Celtic: 3 points

Porto: 1 point

With three matches remaining, Atlético needed just one more win to secure qualification for the knockout stage.

But for Yang Hao, the significance of this victory extended far beyond the standings.

It showed his players that even against a powerhouse like Juventus, they could not only win but win convincingly.

With the pressure of the Champions League alleviated, the team could now shift their focus back to climbing the La Liga standings.

Currently ranked 9th, and with rumors swirling about Yang Hao's potential dismissal, the team was ready to fight back.

Media Reactions: Italy's Outcry

Juventus' defeat in Madrid sent shockwaves through the Italian media.

For the proud Italian football world, their rivals were supposed to be the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich—or at least Arsenal, Deportivo La Coruña, or Valencia.

But now, Juventus, one of Italy's most esteemed clubs, had been humiliated 4–1 by Atlético Madrid.

Even the typically pro-Juventus La Gazzetta dello Sport admitted it was a devastating loss.

The publication singled out several Juventus players for criticism, accusing them of failing to live up to the club's standards.

Perhaps most damning was their observation:

"The cruel irony of this defeat lies in the fact that Van der Sar, the goalkeeper Moggi sold off, was the best player on the pitch. He single-handedly shut out Juventus' attack."

They added:

"Trezeguet, Del Piero, Nedvěd, Amoruso… not a single Juventus player could breach Van der Sar's goal. Their only consolation was a Carvalho own goal."

The La Repubblica attributed the loss to Adriano's brilliance and the exceptional performances of Vicente and Joaquín on the wings.

"Apart from the opening 10 minutes, Juventus showed nothing to suggest they could compete with Atlético Madrid."

"At just 26 years old, Yang Hao completely outclassed the 53-year-old Lippi and dismantled his Juventus team."

La Gazzetta dello Sport also praised Yang Hao's tactical boldness.

"In the post-match press conference, when asked about his strategy, Yang Hao revealed that it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision but part of a carefully prepared plan."

"Yang Hao emphasized one thing above all: trust. And his trust was rewarded by his players."

Spanish Media: Overwhelming Praise

In Spain, the mood was jubilant.

Marca declared Atlético's 4–1 victory over Juventus as a masterclass.

"Against one of the best coaches in the world, Yang Hao and his team delivered a breathtaking attacking display. Had they been luckier, the scoreline could have been even more lopsided."

The publication pointed to Adriano's shot that rattled the crossbar as an example.

They quoted Yang Hao's post-match remarks:

"This was a great victory, earned through the unity of the entire team."

Even the often-critical AS gave rare praise to both the team and its coach.

However, columnist Óscar argued in his analysis that the players' brilliance compensated for Yang Hao's "flawed tactics."

Atlético fans flooded AS's editorial office with calls, mocking the column.

"Are you serious? This is just blind criticism!"

A Tough Test in Tenerife

Following their Champions League triumph, Atlético faced another challenge: a long journey to the Canary Islands to take on Tenerife in La Liga.

The trip alone—three hours by plane, plus additional travel time—was grueling.

Fatigue weighed heavily on the team, and the game was further complicated when Simeone was forced off with an injury in the 40th minute.

Before this, Cambiasso had scored a spectacular long-range goal following an assist.

Atlético Madrid continued to launch waves of attacks against Tenerife but struggled to find a breakthrough. It wasn't until the closing moments of the game that substitute Fernando Torres unleashed a powerful shot that forced the goalkeeper to spill the ball. Diego Forlán capitalized, scoring a second goal.

2–0!

Atlético secured another three points on the road!

After this round, Atlético climbed to 7th place in the league with 10 points. Meanwhile, Real Madrid extended their lead at the top with five consecutive victories, amassing 15 points and beginning to pull away from the pack.

...

Three Days Later: La Liga Round 6 – Atlético vs. Real Sociedad

This match was particularly challenging as Atlético's international players had been called up for national duty.

Through Yang Hao's efforts, the Spanish and European-based internationals were allowed to stay and play this match before joining their national teams, but players from other regions were required to leave. This significantly weakened Atlético's overall strength.

Real Sociedad faced fewer absences, as their squad included fewer international players. Coach John Toshack, optimistic before the match, remarked that this situation gave Real Sociedad an advantage, which they would seek to exploit and secure an away victory.

However, nobody anticipated what unfolded.

In just the 8th minute, Xabi Alonso—ironically, a recent transfer from Real Sociedad—fired a brilliant long-range strike from outside the box to give Atlético the lead.

1–0!

From that moment, the match completely fell under Atlético's control.

Toshack had set up his team to play offensively, hoping to capitalize on Atlético's weakened squad and land a decisive blow.

But Xabi Alonso's early goal changed everything.

Real Sociedad pushed forward aggressively in response.

In the 35th minute, Xabi Alonso delivered a pinpoint long pass, sparking a lightning-quick counterattack.

Reyes and Torres surged forward at full speed, with Kaká trailing closely behind. The coordinated charge culminated in Torres providing a perfectly timed pass for Kaká to finish clinically.

2–0!

The second half began, and Atlético showed no signs of slowing down.

In the 57th minute, Kaká turned provider, assisting Torres to score a third goal.

3–0!

And in the 74th minute, Torres struck again, completing a brace.

4–0!

The resounding victory stunned everyone.

Even Yang Hao, standing on the sidelines, found himself in disbelief.

"I can't believe these youngsters... they just keep surprising me!" Yang Hao laughed heartily.

Juanma Lillo, standing beside him, nodded in agreement, admiration clear in his expression.

"You were right," Lillo said. "These players deserve trust. When you give them opportunities, they keep shining brighter and brighter!"

Lillo's words echoed Yang Hao's sentiment during difficult times earlier in the season when the team was struggling with an overloaded schedule. Many had suggested prioritizing one competition and abandoning another.

When Yang Hao decided to rely on younger players for La Liga matches, critics assumed Atlético was strategically forfeiting the league in favor of the more lucrative Champions League.

But only those within Atlético knew the truth: Yang Hao had no intention of abandoning the league. He simply believed in his young players.

"Whether we finish 9th or 12th in the league, if this group of young players can establish a strong foundation, I'm willing to give them more game time to help them grow and improve," Yang Hao had said.

"After a few matches, or maybe a few months, once they've matured, we'll be able to push forward more quickly. By then, we'll be even stronger as a team."

Now, Lillo and the rest of the coaching staff could see Yang Hao's vision coming to life.

He had a knack for making his bold promises come true.

...

Other Matches: A Mixed Bag for Rivals

Atlético wasn't the only team impacted by international call-ups. Other La Liga sides, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deportivo La Coruña, also faced challenges.

Super Depor was held to a 1–1 draw away at Villarreal.

Valencia drew 1–1 against Celta Vigo in an evenly matched game.

Barcelona, however, secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Real Mallorca at the Camp Nou.

Luis Aragonés' Mallorca team, which had performed admirably last season, was missing several key internationals, including Samuel Eto'o. Stripped of these players, Mallorca could do little to prevent their defeat in Barcelona.

Real Madrid faced their own difficulties in an away match against Las Palmas. They conceded a goal within the first eight minutes but recovered with goals from Munitis and Zidane to secure a 2–1 comeback victory.

Once again, Madrid's ability to remain unfazed left their rivals feeling hopeless.

With the addition of Cannavaro to their defense, Real Madrid's backline—anchored by Hierro with Pavón rotating in—had reached new heights. Combined with the midfield stability provided by Makélélé and Helguera, Madrid's star-studded attack thrived.

After six rounds, Real Madrid remained top of the table with six straight wins and a four-point lead.

Meanwhile, Atlético's win propelled them back into 4th place—marking the first time this season they had reentered the top four.

The standings above Atlético featured only Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Betis.

Praise for Atlético in the Spanish Media

Spanish media erupted with praise for Atlético Madrid.

From the players' impressive performances to Yang Hao's tactical decisions, journalists seized the opportunity to celebrate the team's resurgence.

Some even claimed this revival was thanks to their earlier advice urging Yang Hao to rotate his squad more frequently.

"As young stars like Torres, Kaká, and Reyes shine brighter and brighter, and as Atlético dominate in both the Champions League and La Liga, Yang Hao's rotation strategy is winning widespread acclaim."

Yang Hao couldn't help but laugh when he saw this report.

He had been using his squad this way from the beginning. Kaká and the others had been playing for weeks. How was this "increased rotation"?

Ah, when the team loses, it's the coach's fault.

When the team wins, it's the media's credit.

They always know how to spin it, don't they?

Clever as ever, the media gets the glory, while the coach takes the blame.

Having seen through their antics long ago, Yang Hao shrugged it off.

What mattered was the team's upward trajectory.

The emphatic win over Juventus had broken the cycle of pressure, allowing the players to perform more freely.

But there was no time for complacency.

The brutal schedule continued, with the next three La Liga fixtures featuring tough opponents: Mallorca, Deportivo La Coruña, and Valencia—all formidable challenges.

END CHAPTER

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