MTLNOVEL Chapter 16: Chapter 16:
Chapter 16:
After the 8th round of La Liga matches, the biggest headline was undoubtedly the "Water Bottle Incident" at Camp Nou.
Following the infamous "Pig's Head Incident" in Round 6, Barça fans once again displayed aggression toward the visiting team.
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao delivered a tearful protest against Barça, claiming that his team was treated unfairly at Camp Nou. Incidents included, but were not limited to, water bottles being thrown, racial abuse, and verbal insults.
"In just three rounds, there have been two serious incidents. This makes me question whether Camp Nou is still a suitable venue for football matches," Yang Hao said, appearing deeply hurt.
He urged the Spanish Football Federation and relevant authorities to investigate the matter and reassess Camp Nou's hosting qualifications.
Atlético Madrid also acted swiftly in response.
Andrew Velasco, the head of Atlético's media relations department, typically known for his mild demeanor, wasted no time after the match. He promptly submitted a formal protest to the Spanish Football Federation.
It was an undeniable fact: Barça fans threw water bottles at the roof of the visiting team's dugout, temporarily interrupting the match.
Yang Hao, at the time, did nothing provocative. His team had worked hard for a comeback, and his excitement was natural.
He never left the technical area or provoked the home fans in any way. So, why was he targeted?
Sore losers!
Atlético believed that Barça simply could not handle defeat.
Four consecutive losses, including this match and three last season, were an unprecedented humiliation for a team like Barça.
This frustration led Barça fans to target Atlético's coach and their dugout.
Speaking to the media, Andrew Velasco stated that neither violence nor racism would be tolerated by Atlético or, presumably, by the Spanish Football Federation.
"Such behavior wouldn't be acceptable in any European league, not even in Italy, where racism is notoriously rampant."
Barça was clearly aware of the seriousness of the matter. The club promptly issued an official apology to Yang Hao, Atlético's coaching staff, and all fans. They promised to take measures to curb unruly behavior from their supporters.
Given the impact on La Liga's reputation, the Spanish Football Federation acted quickly. Both clubs were summoned to the Federation for discussions, and the matter was soon resolved.
Barça was fined and issued a stern warning.
While the situation eventually subsided, the animosity between the two clubs was now undeniable.
As Catalan media put it: "From now on, Yang Hao will be the least welcome person at Camp Nou."
Yang Hao, however, remained unfazed.
"Why would I care? I don't plan on coaching Barça. Does it matter if I'm welcome or not?"
Round 8 also brought a surprising upset.
After their stunning 2-0 victory over Barça in the previous round, Luis Aragonés's Mallorca defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at the Bernabéu.
Unfortunately, their "Real Madrid killer," Samuel Eto'o, didn't score this time.
Still, Mallorca, buoyed by the return of key players like Eto'o, continued to climb the standings, now sitting at 11th in La Liga—a very promising position.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid maintained their momentum, securing a 2-1 away win against Barça and holding onto the top spot with 19 points.
Real Madrid, despite their loss, remained second. Although Valencia managed a narrow 1-0 home win against Celta Vigo, Real Madrid held the head-to-head advantage over Valencia, keeping them in second place with 16 points, just three behind Atlético.
The pressure on Real Madrid was palpable, especially with the Madrid Derby looming in three days. They would visit the Calderón Stadium to face Atlético in a clash of titans.
The Madrid-based media saw this as a prime opportunity for Real Madrid to close the gap.
"If Real can win at the Calderón, they'll claim the top spot in the standings," they said.
A local derby and a battle for first place—such a scenario was rare in the history of Madrid's two giants.
Adding to the stakes, Real Madrid's roster this season featured superstars like Figo and Zidane, while Atlético's impressive youth-driven squad topped the standings.
The derby had become the most anticipated match in Spain, with both clubs' PR departments working overtime to generate buzz. Even La Liga's official channels joined in to promote the Madrid Derby.
Barça, meanwhile, was having a dreadful season.
After their loss to Atlético, they dropped to 8th in the standings, their performances inspiring little confidence. While Deportivo La Coruña and Valencia were performing on par with last season, it's worth noting that Deportivo's championship last year wasn't particularly convincing.
After all, they won the title with just 69 points, the lowest in La Liga history.
In contrast, Atlético's youthful squad emerged as a dominant force this season, dazzling fans with sharp attacks, solid defense, exceptional teamwork, and vibrant energy. Their average age was the lowest among the top four European leagues, and their coach had set a record as the youngest head coach in the history of Europe's big leagues.
All these factors lent an aura of mystique to Atlético.
It was no wonder La Liga was keen to spotlight the Madrid rivalry.
As Madrid geared up for the derby, in a quiet area near Majadahonda in the northwestern suburbs, young Lionel Messi was saying goodbye to his friends as he entered his family's yard.
In the yard, Ángel Di María, a year younger than Messi, was juggling a ball.
When he saw Messi, Di María called out to him excitedly.
On any other day, Messi would have eagerly dropped his schoolbag and joined in. But today, he seemed uninterested.
"What's wrong, Leo?" his father, Jorge, asked with concern from the doorway.
Messi shook his head, sat down on the front steps, and let out a long sigh.
"Did someone bully you? Who were those two boys just now?" Jorge asked, worried.
Messi's slight frame and short stature had made him a target for bullying in Argentina, leaving a lasting impression on him.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'm fine. Those are my teammates."
"Teammates?"
"Yes, one is Sergio Ramos, and the other is David Silva. They live nearby."
"They're in the youth team too?"
"Yes, Dad. Ramos is really tough—no one dares mess with him."
"And how does he treat you?"
"Mr. Yang Hao told them to look out for me," Messi said gratefully.
"Oh." Jorge felt reassured and a bit thankful. Yang Hao was thorough in everything he did.
"Ramos has already warned everyone: if anyone dares to mock me or say a bad word about me, he won't let them off."
"So fierce?" Jorge chuckled.
"Yeah, he's tough. He told me Mr. Yang Hao said he'll be the best defender in the world someday, and he's determined to make it happen."
"And what about David Silva?"
"Silva is a fellow countryman of Valerón. Like me, he's under Ramos's protection."
Jorge finally understood.
It turned out that this Sergio Ramos was something of a gang leader in Atlético's youth academy.
"However, Dad, that David Silva is also very skilled."
"Better than you?"
Messi hesitated for a moment before replying, "He's over a year older than me. When I reach his age, I'll be better than him."
It seemed Messi wasn't entirely convinced.
"Mr. Yang Hao said he will become the best midfielder in the world."
Hearing this, Jorge couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Now he understood—this Yang Hao was quite the motivational speaker. He seemed to have convinced these talented kids that they were destined for greatness. Best in the world? If it were true, Atlético's youth academy would sweep through Europe in the future!
How likely was that?
"Alright, Leo, but why were you feeling down just now?"
"Two reasons."
"Let's hear them."
"First, that club called Barça is so shameless. If they can't beat us on the pitch, how can they throw water bottles at Mr. Yang Hao? If they're capable, they should defeat Atlético fair and square on the field, right?"
Jorge hadn't expected Messi to align himself with Atlético so quickly.
Apparently, Yang Hao had done an excellent job integrating Messi into the team.
After all, Messi didn't even have the eligibility to play in official youth matches for Atlético yet.
The reason? The Newell's Old Boys in Argentina still refused to cooperate with Atlético and issue the necessary transfer documents to FIFA. As a result, Messi couldn't be officially registered and could only play in local youth matches with a temporary permit.
"Dad, I've realized that not joining Barça was the right choice. How can we go to such a shameless club?"
Jorge wasn't as straightforward as his son. He simply smiled and nodded without saying much.
"And the second reason?"
"The coach of the A team asked if I wanted to go to Portugal to play in a tournament."
"Portugal?"
"Yes, in Lisbon, at a club called Pontinha. They're organizing a tournament for 14- and 15-year-olds—our youth A team. The club has already decided to participate, and the coach asked if I'd like to go."
"Do you want to go?"
"Yes. It's boring just playing in Madrid's regional tournaments. We win by five, six, seven, or eight goals all the time. I've heard this tournament will feature strong Portuguese teams like Sporting Lisbon, Porto, and Benfica. But if I go, I'll miss the Madrid Derby."
Messi looked visibly torn.
Jorge now understood. His son was conflicted over this decision.
In truth, part of the blame fell on Jorge himself. Offending Newell's Old Boys' higher-ups in the past led to this prolonged bureaucratic standoff. Despite multiple attempts by Atlético to mediate, even sending representatives to Argentina several times, the issue remained unresolved.
"I think you should go," Jorge encouraged. "See how good Europe's young players really are."
After some thought, Messi nodded in agreement, though he couldn't help but glance enviously at Di María, who was playing in the yard.
Di María, younger than Messi, had a smooth transfer process and would get to watch the Madrid Derby live.
Rumor had it the match would be a football spectacle for the entire city of Madrid.
Florentino Pérez was under significant pressure lately.
Although he defeated Lorenzo Sanz in the summer presidential elections to become Real Madrid's president, Sanz's long tenure meant that the locker room and office were still filled with his people.
Recently, Florentino had been painfully reminded of the threat posed by internal leaks.
In April, Piri, Real Madrid's technical director for player performance and transfers—and a club legend—produced a Player Evaluation Report for senior management.
This was standard practice. Nearly every club had similar reports, though they were never made public.
After all, if such reports were leaked, the locker room would descend into chaos.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened.
Piri's report was leaked, triggering a massive uproar within the club, especially among the players.
Left winger Savio publicly announced his desire to transfer, unwilling to stay at Real Madrid any longer.
The reason? In the report, Piri had described Savio as "not a player capable of completing 40 matches in a season. The club should offload this burden at the right time."
Savio was furious. Coincidentally, Chelsea had approached him again, and now the Brazilian winger was pushing hard for a move.
If it were just Savio, selling him might not have been a big deal, especially with Zidane and Munitis already in the squad.
However, head coach Vicente del Bosque valued Savio highly and believed he still had much to contribute. Savio was also a key figure in Real Madrid's Champions League triumph last season.
And Savio wasn't the only player with a poor review in the report. Steve McManaman's evaluation was also negative, adding fuel to the fire.
The locker room was in turmoil.
Captain Fernando Hierro stepped forward to calm his teammates, demanding an explanation from the club.
"How could such a confidential report be leaked?" Hierro asked.
As if the situation weren't bad enough, former president Lorenzo Sanz seized the opportunity to criticize Florentino, accusing him of poor management that led to the leak of such sensitive information.
Florentino fired back, claiming he hadn't even known about the report and that it was created during Sanz's presidency, making him responsible for the leak.
The debate over who was to blame became a classic case of "he said, she said."
But the reality of locker room unrest at Real Madrid was undeniable.
Beyond the leaked report, another issue sparked widespread controversy:
Florentino planned to sell Real Madrid's training ground in the northern part of the city to the Madrid City Council in exchange for $400 million and a large plot of land near the suburban airport for building a new training complex.
This proposal was unprecedented in Spanish football history.
Not only did Real Madrid's opposition factions protest, but other La Liga clubs also expressed concern.
According to Deloitte's statistics, the total debt of La Liga's 20 clubs this season reached a staggering $1.4 billion, with Real Madrid's debt the highest at over $200 million.
Among the 20 clubs, only Real Sociedad was debt-free.
Currently, Spanish football's total revenue stood at $660 million, with Barça, Real Madrid, Valencia, and Atlético accounting for more than half.
However, since 1998, expenses had been rising rapidly every year.
This trend meant that all La Liga clubs were hurtling toward financial ruin—except Atlético.
Deloitte's report singled out Atlético as the only club in recent years to have reduced debt and payroll expenses, thanks largely to the transformative summer of 2000.
Yang Hao played a pivotal role in this turnaround!
Against this backdrop, Florentino's plan to sell the old training ground for $400 million seemed like a lifeline. What club wouldn't want to do the same?
Florentino was resolute.
When asked by reporters, he stated directly:
"The Madrid City Council plans to redevelop the old training ground as part of its bid to host the 2012 Olympics. This is the city's vision, and they have the funds for it. If other clubs want to follow suit, they should check if their local governments have the money and similar plans."
Unable to challenge Florentino on business grounds, Lorenzo Sanz shifted tactics, stirring up fan sentiment by accusing Florentino of betraying Real Madrid's traditions.
"The relocation of the old training ground is inevitable. Without this $400 million, we'll go bankrupt!"
In the president's office at the Bernabéu, Florentino declared firmly to his core team.
Present were his assistant Manuel Redondo, sporting director Jorge Valdano, vice president Emilio Butragueño, and technical director Piri, along with other key figures in Real Madrid's hierarchy.
"Most of this $200 million debt was incurred during Sanz's tenure," Florentino Pérez said coldly, his eyes glinting with menace. "I know there are still people in the club keeping in touch with him. Let them know—if he keeps meddling in this matter, I'll order a full audit!"
The finality of Florentino's words silenced the room.
"If it comes to that, I guarantee he'll end up in jail!"
Everyone in the room was visibly shaken.
It was no secret that Lorenzo Sanz's dealings weren't entirely clean.
Then again, few presidents of member-run clubs could withstand a deep investigation.
Florentino shifted the focus.
"This is José Sánchez, our new commercial manager. From now on, he will be fully responsible for the club's commercial development."
He gestured toward a man in his early thirties, standing among the older executives. José Sánchez's youth stood out.
After brief introductions, Sánchez presented a plan. He argued that with the world's most iconic players, Real Madrid needed to expand its market reach, enhance its global influence, and develop the commercial value of both the club and its players.
"I believe, in some areas, we've already fallen behind our city rivals," José Sánchez said.
The room went silent.
"Atlético? How could that be? What commercial development do they even have?" Piri scoffed, laughing dismissively.
He seemed to think the young commercial manager was overhyping the situation.
"We still don't have a front-of-shirt sponsor, but Atlético has already been actively engaging the Middle Eastern market," Sánchez countered.
The room grew quieter.
It was true.
This season, front-of-shirt sponsorships in La Liga were performing poorly across the board. Atlético, however, was one of the few—if not the only—club to secure a lucrative deal.
Though their earnings were modest, only a few million euros, it was a strong start.
"They now have a series of partnerships with Middle Eastern companies. It's rumored they'll play friendlies in the Middle East during the winter break. Additionally, they've recently established close ties with American internet firms. Word has it that they've already secured agreements with Yahoo and AOL to promote the club online."
"Internet? Isn't that bubble about to burst?" someone questioned skeptically.
Many viewed the internet as an overinflated bubble, especially after the recent dot-com crash. Partnering with such companies seemed foolish.
"Atlético's marketing manager, Carlos Leo, reportedly has strong connections in the U.S. It was Yang Hao's idea to explore the internet and Middle Eastern markets," Sánchez explained.
The room fell into stunned silence.
"Yang Hao? Isn't he just their head coach?"
The name triggered tension in the office, as everyone knew Yang Hao was a sore spot for Florentino Pérez.
Sensing the brewing storm, Jorge Valdano, the most respected figure in the room, cleared his throat to defuse the situation.
"A few days ago, someone from the technical department suggested we consider using a new app called Line to improve communication efficiency across departments. It allows for group chats, file sharing, and voice messages. However, we'd need support from the software company," Valdano said diplomatically.
Emilio Butragueño quickly chimed in.
"I've heard about it too. It's becoming very popular. Many clubs, fan groups, and even small businesses are using it. I've even heard of uptake in other European countries. It's simple, convenient, and highly effective."
Other department heads nodded in agreement.
"It's the talk of the staff here as well."
"Same for us."
"I read that the app was developed by students at Madrid University. It was in the papers recently."
Florentino glanced at his assistant, Manuel Redondo.
Redondo nodded slightly. "I've heard similar reports from our subsidiaries. The app is growing rapidly and has a solid user base."
Without hesitation, Florentino made a decision.
"Contact the company and explore a potential collaboration."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Advanced software could indeed streamline their work, sparing them from endless, inefficient meetings—a chronic issue in Real Madrid's bloated bureaucracy.
Just as the matter seemed resolved, José Sánchez hesitated. With a wry smile, he dropped a bombshell:
"I've heard this app was created by Yang Hao."
"What?!"
The entire room erupted in shock.
Florentino's eyes widened in disbelief. He looked at Sánchez, then at his stunned executives, all equally baffled.
"Yang... Yang Hao made it?"
"Yes."
"But he's Atlético's head coach!"
"He started a company, pitched the idea, and hired a few university students to develop it. The software itself isn't complex. He probably didn't expect it to gain traction so quickly in just a few months."
The app's functionality filled a void in the market. While existing communication tools lacked workplace features, Line seemed to address this gap perfectly.
The executives exchanged uneasy glances, their thoughts swirling.
Seriously? Since when did football managers also dabble in tech startups? Coaching, commercial ventures, software development—was Yang Hao trying to revolutionize everything?
All eyes eventually turned to Florentino, silently asking the same question: What now, President?
Florentino, caught off guard, struggled to process this revelation.
Yang Hao, this much trouble? Wasn't it enough to just coach your team properly? Did you have to meddle in every other domain too?
Did he think Florentino's life wasn't difficult enough already?
"Go ahead with the collaboration," Florentino finally relented, masking his frustration with pragmatism. Business was business. Personal vendettas wouldn't interfere.
However, his gaze quickly hardened as he turned to Valdano.
"Jorge, tell Del Bosque—this weekend's match, no matter what, we must win!"
His voice was cold, his words nearly a growl.
By the end, Florentino was practically gritting his teeth.
All because of that damn Yang Hao!
The biggest challenge of a double-match week is the relentless schedule, with one game after another.
Yang Hao was so busy over the past few days that he barely had time to breathe, let alone go on a date.
The Madrid Derby wasn't just any rivalry match—it was also a clash for the top of the table between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid. Winning this match was of immense significance for Atlético.
If Atlético's transformation this summer had been a dramatic overhaul, Real Madrid's situation wasn't much better.
They made bold moves, signing superstars like Zinedine Zidane and Luís Figo while selling Champions League Final MVP Redondo. They also brought in three top-tier La Liga defensive midfielders: Claude Makélélé, Albert Celades, and Flávio Conceição.
Head coach Vicente del Bosque understood that last season's five-at-the-back formation wouldn't work for Real Madrid.
So, starting in preseason training, he quietly shifted the team's setup to a 4-2-3-1—the most popular formation in La Liga this season.
However, despite an entire summer of preparation, Del Bosque still hadn't found a stable lineup.
From a tactical perspective, Zidane could play centrally or on the left, while Figo was locked in on the right wing. During preseason, Del Bosque tried having Morientes as the striker, Raúl as the attacking midfielder, Zidane on the left, and Figo on the right.
But the results weren't promising.
As a left-footer, Raúl's positioning often overlapped with Zidane's territory on the left flank.
Del Bosque then tried another approach, pushing Raúl to the front as the striker, using Savio on the left wing, Zidane as the playmaker, and Figo on the right.
This seemed to click temporarily when Morientes was sidelined with an injury. The offense started to take shape, but defensive problems emerged.
Unexpectedly, they lost 0-2 away to Barcelona.
Despite their star-studded lineup, Real Madrid's performances this season were far from cohesive.
Take Makélélé and Celades as an example.
Last season, the duo delivered a top-tier double-pivot performance at Celta Vigo, which prompted Real Madrid to scoop them both up and offload their legendary midfielder Redondo.
Yet, despite being the same players in their prime, their performances at Real Madrid were subpar.
A once-solid and complementary midfield pairing now committed frequent errors.
In the 0-2 loss at Camp Nou, both Barça and Real lined up in a 4-2-3-1. But Real Madrid's midfield was dismantled by Barcelona, with Rivaldo exposing the flaws of Makélélé and Celades.
Left with no other options, Del Bosque reshuffled the lineup again, only to lose 0-2 at home to Mallorca.
By this point, it was clear to everyone that Real Madrid's issues weren't in attack but in their midfield and defense.
"I've analyzed the matches. So far this season, Del Bosque has tried six different combinations in defensive midfield, but none have worked particularly well," Yang Hao began.
"Makélélé is the most secure player in Real Madrid's midfield. Like Zidane and Figo, he's an undisputed starter. His tackling and defensive capabilities provide a safety net for the midfield, but he lacks the ability to organize and control the game, as he's more defense-oriented."
"Celades, on the other hand, is a classic Barça-style 'number four' midfielder. His passing is decent, and he's a competent organizer with solid defensive ability and a good long shot. At Celta Vigo, he worked seamlessly with Makélélé. But at Real Madrid, his weaknesses have been exposed."
"Celades struggles with physical duels and lacks speed. While he has decent passing, he can't shake off markers and crumbles under high-intensity pressing."
"Flávio performed exceptionally at Deportivo La Coruña but has yet to adapt to Real Madrid's tactical demands. His performances have been underwhelming."
"And then there's Helguera, who played as a sweeper last season but was moved to defensive midfield this season. His partnership with Makélélé has been relatively stable but leans heavily on defense. Neither is adept at organizing or controlling the midfield."
Yang Hao paused, smiling as he turned to his assistant.
"Our friend Del Bosque has what most managers would consider a luxurious headache. If he were to complain, every coach in the world would give him the finger."
The room burst into laughter.
The phrase "a problem of riches" perfectly encapsulated Del Bosque's predicament.
Why had Makélélé and Celades thrived at Celta Vigo but faltered at Real Madrid?
The answer wasn't the players—it was the team.
Celta Vigo's cohesive defensive system relied on collective effort, with every player participating actively.
Real Madrid was a different story.
This season, the attacking quartet of Zidane, Figo, Raúl, and Guti led the charge.
It didn't take a tactical genius to know that these four stars contributed little to defense—Zidane and Figo, in particular, were infamous for their "look-but-don't-touch" defending.
This lack of defensive support placed an overwhelming burden on Makélélé and Celades.
Celades, already disadvantaged in physicality and speed, struggled even more under intense pressure and tight marking.
This gave rise to the media's scathing critique: "Three elite defensive midfielders can't replace one Redondo."
From Yang Hao's perspective, Redondo wasn't irreplaceable. The issue was that Real Madrid's lineup lacked balance, and their defensive structure was poorly constructed, making Redondo's absence glaring.
Much like how Real Madrid fans would come to mourn Makélélé after 2003.
Last season, Real Madrid used a five-man defense.
Could they still try that with their current roster?
Forget the fans or players—the president, Florentino Pérez, would fire Del Bosque immediately.
You don't spend over €100 million on superstars just to play defensive football.
"It might also be McManaman. Del Bosque has experimented with him," Juanma Lillo interjected.
McManaman could play on the wing or in central midfield. While technically skilled and highly mobile, Yang Hao remembered how fans from his previous life nicknamed the Englishman "King of Lateral Dribbling."
He'd often dribble aimlessly, showcasing dazzling moves with little end product.
When paired with Zidane, would the combination slow the team down even further?
"The core of Real Madrid's problem is their defense," Yang Hao concluded, pointing to Real Madrid's backline on the tactical board.
Del Bosque's trusted starters were Roberto Carlos, Helguera, Hierro, and Salgado.
At 32, Hierro's decline was evident—slower, less agile, and physically limited. Helguera, originally a defensive midfielder, had been converted into a center-back last season under a five-at-the-back system.
But transitioning from five to four defenders was no small task, and Helguera had never fully adapted.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Helguera's performances were always inconsistent.
Meanwhile, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the striker plays a pivotal role in holding off defenders.
Raúl, however, was never a traditional target man.
He thrived with a partner like Morientes, who could create space for Raúl's movement and off-the-ball runs.
Now, with Zidane occupying a central role and Guti in excellent form, Del Bosque had benched Morientes.
A curious decision, wasn't it?
Why, in Yang Hao's previous life, did Real Madrid's 2001/02 season—featuring Zidane, Raúl, and Figo—succeed in winning the Champions League?
The answer was simple: Pavón.
The "Zidanes and Pavóns" policy became a symbol of ridicule for Florentino Pérez's first Galácticos era. Many mocked it as foolish, with Pavón's name becoming synonymous with failure.
But was Pavón really that bad?
In his early 20s, Pavón shone in his debut season at Real Madrid, quickly securing a starting role. He rotated with veterans like Helguera and Hierro, holding his own in battles against Bayern, Porto, Barcelona, and Roma in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Though he made the occasional mistake, his overall performances were commendable.
For a homegrown talent to receive the club's backing—what was wrong with that?
The core issue at Real Madrid back then wasn't Pavón but their lopsided squad-building philosophy.
A galaxy of superstars in attack meant immense pressure on the defense. With Makélélé as the sole defensive midfielder, the burden on the center-backs was enormous. Any mistake was magnified under the glare of the team's star-studded image, putting defenders under immense scrutiny.
Pavón had talent and potential. However, Real Madrid's toxic environment and premature elevation to the first team eroded his confidence and stunted his development.
Ironically, it was precisely Pavón's emergence that allowed Del Bosque to occasionally push Helguera into midfield alongside Makélélé, stabilizing both the midfield and defense in key matches.
But in 2000, Pavón was still in the youth team. Real Madrid was grappling with defensive frailties, and Del Bosque was still wrestling with midfield combinations.
In this context, both Romania's Mircea Lucescu during the UEFA Super Cup in August and Mallorca's Luis Aragonés recently had provided Yang Hao with excellent tactical demonstrations:
When facing Real Madrid, attack them relentlessly.
November 4, 2000 – Madrid, Calderón Stadium.
The 9th round of La Liga featured the Madrid Derby: Atlético hosting Real Madrid.
This highly anticipated clash had been hyped up well in advance.
It wasn't just a local derby; it was also a battle for the top spot in La Liga. A star-studded Real Madrid faced Atlético's youthful, resurgent squad, drawing global attention from fans and media alike.
Real Madrid head coach Vicente del Bosque struck a bold tone in the pre-match press conference:
"If we don't win a trophy this season, it'll be a failure! We want both the Champions League and La Liga!"
Regarding the derby, Del Bosque stated, "No one knows what will happen. I'm a pragmatic man. It may be challenging, but no matter what, we'll win."
Yang Hao, at his own press conference, countered with confidence:
"We at Atlético never fear strong opponents. The stronger they are, the greater our sense of conquest!"
"Real Madrid is full of superstars? No, no, no. Winning on the pitch has never been about how many stars you have. That's just an outsider's delusion."
Yang Hao paused dramatically, as if to underline the point for the reporters—a must-know tidbit for their notes.
"Tag Florentino in this, please."
"Tomorrow night, this city will cheer for only one team: Atlético Madrid!"
"I hope it's a great match."
"So do I."
As Yang Hao shook hands with Del Bosque near the visiting team's technical area, the exchange was cordial.
Turning back toward his own bench, Yang Hao glanced up at the VIP section.
There, Florentino Pérez, accompanied by Jorge Valdano and others, was being hosted by Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo in the executive box.
By coincidence, Florentino looked down at the same moment, locking eyes with Yang Hao.
Yang Hao, unbothered by their past grievances, smiled and nodded.
Florentino hesitated briefly before offering a perfunctory nod in return, clearly uneasy.
Yang Hao chuckled to himself and walked back to the home bench.
"Why bother nodding at Florentino?" Juanma Lillo asked with a smirk.
"I didn't expect him to attend this match."
"What, are you scared?"
Yang Hao snorted. "If anything, I'm glad he's here. I've said it before—I'll show him who the real fraud is!"
Juanma Lillo glanced at Yang Hao thoughtfully.
In their time together, he had come to understand that Yang Hao, beneath his calm exterior, was fiercely competitive.
While Yang Hao seemed indifferent on the surface, he clearly harbored resentment over Florentino's past remarks—especially since those words had been widely circulated.
Yang Hao moved to the sideline, signaling to Cambiasso and Gravesen, then nodding toward Deco.
He had prepared extensively for this match.
Tonight, Atlético lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
Defense: Fabio Aurelio, Ricardo Carvalho, Lúcio, and Aguilera
Midfield: Thomas Gravesen and Esteban Cambiasso as the double pivot, with José Antonio Reyes, Deco, and Joaquín ahead of them
Striker: Adriano
Real Madrid mirrored the 4-2-3-1 setup:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Defense: Roberto Carlos, Iván Helguera, Fernando Hierro, and Míchel Salgado
Midfield: Claude Makélélé and Steve McManaman as the double pivot, with Zinedine Zidane, Guti, and Luís Figo ahead
Striker: Raúl
Both teams had been affected by the tight schedule.
Yang Hao rotated his squad, giving Rubén Baraja a rest after several consecutive matches, with veteran Aguilera stepping in.
Similarly, Del Bosque left Celades and Morientes on the bench, opting for McManaman in midfield.
Despite the schedule, both teams fielded their strongest available lineups.
Standing on the sidelines, Yang Hao watched as the players took their positions, ready for kickoff.
He glanced up again at the VIP section.
Florentino, your timing couldn't be better.
I hope you enjoy the gift I've prepared for you!
One... Two...
In Atlético's half, every player was poised, ready to sprint forward at a moment's notice.
In the center circle, Raúl and Guti stood over the ball, preparing for kickoff.
The atmosphere at the Calderón Stadium was electric, a palpable tension hanging in the air.
Three!
BEEP!
As soon as referee César Muñiz Fernández blew the opening whistle, Atlético Madrid's players surged forward like arrows loosed from a bowstring. They stormed across the midfield line, charging deep into Real Madrid's half.
Leading the charge were Adriano and Deco, who sprinted directly toward Real Madrid's defensive midfielders and backline. The rest of Atlético's players quickly followed suit.
The match hit high gear right from the start.
Atlético's decisive aggression caught Real Madrid completely off guard.
The ball had barely reached Steve McManaman before Deco was already closing in on him.
Fortunately for McManaman, his Premier League experience had prepared him for such high-pressure situations. Calmly, he passed the ball sideways to Makélélé.
But just as the ball left his foot, McManaman gasped.
Adriano had rushed straight toward Makélélé.
The French defensive midfielder, visibly startled, immediately shielded the ball from Adriano and passed it backward.
Barely catching his breath, Makélélé turned to see Deco sprinting past McManaman, heading directly toward Real Madrid's defensive line.
"Atlético have started with great intent! Are they aiming for an all-out offensive from the opening whistle?"
"Hierro has the ball in Real Madrid's defensive third. Deco is still pressing him hard. Hierro passes to Helguera."
"Deco doesn't let up! Helguera is forced to clear it long."
As Zidane positioned himself to control the long ball, he suddenly felt a massive presence bearing down on him.
Lucio leaped into the air, colliding forcefully with Zidane and heading the ball back toward Atlético's half.
Zidane, despite his solid frame, couldn't withstand the impact. He lost balance and fell to the ground.
BEEP!
The referee called a foul on Lucio, awarding Real Madrid a free kick near the halfway line.
As Roberto Carlos approached to take the free kick, he noticed that Atlético's players had already taken their defensive positions.
Each Atlético player stared down their Real Madrid counterparts like wolves eyeing prey.
From the opening minutes, Real Madrid understood that this match would be an uphill battle.
Atlético applied relentless pressure, but not from their defense—it came from their midfield and forward lines.
Facing a Real Madrid team packed with superstars like Zidane, Raúl, and Figo, Atlético showed no fear. Instead of sitting back, they aggressively pressed high, expending tremendous energy to disrupt Real Madrid's rhythm.
This strategy left Real Madrid's players visibly uncomfortable.
They thrived on controlling the ball, building attacks methodically, and leveraging their individual brilliance to create breakthroughs in the midfield or flanks.
But Atlético's approach was radically different.
They prioritized simplicity and speed, quickly transitioning to attack after regaining possession. Physical duels were frequent, with Atlético's players unafraid to challenge their opponents, especially the stars.
Zidane, for instance, was flattened by Lucio early on. Minutes later, Thomas Gravesen executed a crunching tackle on the French playmaker.
Even Cambiasso—once known for his finesse during his time at Real Madrid's youth academy and in Argentina—played with ferocious intensity. Tonight, he seemed determined to leave everything on the pitch.
Yang Hao stood on the sideline, his eyes fixed on Cambiasso.
Before the match, Yang Hao had hesitated to start the Argentine midfielder, considering asking Rubén Baraja to play one more game. But a heartfelt conversation with Cambiasso had changed his mind.
"I joined Real Madrid's academy when I was 16," Cambiasso had said. "I've spent years in the reserves or on loan to Independiente in Argentina. I've never had the chance to prove myself in front of Real Madrid's fans."
"Boss, give me this opportunity!"
Yang Hao had agreed, and Cambiasso rewarded his trust with an inspired performance.
The Argentine midfielder seemed reborn, pressing tirelessly and throwing himself into tackles. Gone was the graceful playmaker—this Cambiasso was a warrior.
He'd even visited the team stylist before the match, chopping off his signature flowing locks in favor of a shaved head.
Tonight, Cambiasso looked menacing.
In the 5th minute, Guti received the ball near the center circle but hadn't yet controlled it when Cambiasso came flying in with a hard tackle.
The ball was knocked loose, rolling into Real Madrid's half.
Deco, stationed near the center circle, received the ball with his back to goal, shielded by Steve McManaman.
The Brazilian midfielder calmly trapped the ball and, with a quick turn to his right, effortlessly left McManaman trailing.
Deco darted forward, accelerating past his marker with ease.
Simultaneously, Adriano, who had dropped back to support the defense moments earlier, sprinted forward at full speed.
Deco charged into Real Madrid's final third. Míchel Salgado approached from the side, with Hierro in front of him and McManaman recovering from behind.
What should he do?
Passing left to Reyes wasn't an option—he was too far back, and Salgado would likely intercept.
Adriano seemed the better choice, but advancing the ball further would bring Hierro and Helguera into play, limiting the Brazilian striker's options.
Deco quickly decided. He passed to Adriano's feet.
The Brazilian striker, surprised by the pass, had to brake abruptly, using his back to shield the ball from Helguera. Stopping the ball with his left foot, Adriano prepared to turn and shoot—until he noticed something.
Hierro's attention was squarely on him, but Deco had slipped to Hierro's blind side, entering the penalty area unmarked. Deco raised his hand, signaling for the ball.
Adriano shoved Helguera aside to create space and nudged the ball forward with his left foot, lofting a delicate chip over Hierro's head.
The ball arced perfectly into the left side of the box.
Deco surged forward, meeting the pass mid-stride. He chested the ball down and, before Iker Casillas could close him down, volleyed it cleanly into the net.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!
"Deco!!!"
"Only five minutes into the game, and Deco has given Atlético the lead!"
"My God! What a brilliant combination between Deco and Adriano."
"The two Brazilians toyed with Real Madrid's defense, tearing them apart with ease!"
"What a sensational goal!"
"1-0! Atlético leads!"
Yang Hao, unable to contain his joy, dropped to his knees on the edge of the technical area, clenching his fists and roaring in celebration.
1-0!
Atlético executed their opening strategy flawlessly!
"Fantastic! Yang, we've taken the lead!" Lillo and the other staff rushed forward, embracing Yang Hao with exuberant energy.
This wasn't just any team—they had scored against Real Madrid!
A Real Madrid featuring Zidane, Figo, and Raúl!
Yet, at this moment, Yang Hao was more certain than anyone: Atlético was destined to win this match.
Not even divine intervention could save Real Madrid now.
I said it.
A wave of irrepressible desire surged within him—not just to defeat Real Madrid, but to conquer more matches, win the La Liga title, and secure even greater trophies.
Yang Hao wanted to send a clear message to Florentino Pérez:
No matter how many superstars you sign, you'll never take a single victory—or a single trophy—from me.
What's mine will remain mine; what's not, I'll take by force!
Driven by this thought, Yang Hao broke free from the embrace of his assistants, stood up, and strode to the sideline.
"Keep attacking! I want to see more goals!" he shouted.
"Tear them apart completely!"
The Atlético players, fired up by their coach's commands, responded with renewed vigor and determination.
For many Argentine players, Real Madrid held a special significance.
The reason was simple: Di Stéfano.
If Maradona symbolized the pinnacle of a player's career at the national team level, then Di Stéfano represented the professional footballer's ultimate standard.
Unlike Maradona's heyday in the 1980s and '90s, Di Stéfano thrived in the war-torn '40s and '50s, during an era when both club and international competitions were far less structured.
Yet he led Real Madrid to dominate European football, clinching the first five Champions League titles—an achievement unmatched to this day.
Di Stéfano became a benchmark, inspiring countless players who followed.
Redondo was one such player. Cambiasso was another.
Before turning 13, Esteban Cambiasso had been an attacking midfielder brimming with offensive talent. But on a coach's suggestion, he transitioned to a defensive midfield role, modeling his game after his idol, Redondo—the universally recognized best defensive midfielder of his era.
At the 1995 U17 World Championship in Ecuador, Cambiasso, coached by José Pekerman, was part of an exceptional Argentine squad featuring stars like Aimar and Duscher.
Despite being only 14—two years younger than most competitors—Cambiasso was a mainstay in the lineup. He played every match, even scoring a goal, helping his team shine in the tournament.
This exceptional performance, coupled with his creativity and maturity beyond his years, earned him the title of a prodigy. By the following year, he was recruited by Real Madrid.
The reason for choosing Real Madrid?
His idol, Redondo, was there.
In 1997, at just 17, Cambiasso captained Argentina at the U20 World Cup in Malaysia, guiding a team that included future stars like Riquelme, Aimar, and Samuel to the championship.
Two years later, he once again led the U20 squad at the World Cup in Nigeria, this time as both captain and central figure.
While he was a recognized genius in Argentina, Cambiasso faced complete neglect at Real Madrid.
Cambiasso's first season at Real Madrid coincided with the tenure of Fabio Capello.
The no-nonsense Italian coach disliked relying on young players and found Cambiasso's slight frame unconvincing. On one occasion, Capello even ordered the 16-year-old to leave training early, a humiliating experience that crushed Cambiasso's confidence.
Subsequent loan spells at Independiente in Argentina helped him slowly rebuild his form and self-belief.
By this summer, when Atlético extended a lifeline, Cambiasso wasn't particularly enthusiastic.
But what followed forced him to rethink his future at Real Madrid.
His idol, Redondo—fresh off winning the Champions League final MVP and widely regarded as the world's best defensive midfielder—was unceremoniously sold to AC Milan.
At the same time, Real Madrid splurged on three top defensive midfielders: Celades, Makélélé, and Flávio.
The once-thin midfield suddenly became overcrowded.
Cambiasso faced an unenviable choice:
Move to Atlético, or
Remain on loan in Argentina, with no clear timeline for his return to Madrid.
When would he get a chance at Real Madrid? Nobody could say.
This realization filled Cambiasso with despair and anger.
He had waited four years, only to be met with crushing disappointment.
He began to understand why Samuel Eto'o always seemed to bring his best against Real Madrid.
Accepting Real Madrid's suggestion, Cambiasso joined their city rivals, Atlético Madrid.
When he signed the contract, he made a solemn vow: He would make Real Madrid regret their decision.
Before the Madrid Derby, Cambiasso approached Yang Hao to request a starting role.
Cambiasso was a perceptive player.
He could see that Yang Hao was a meticulous coach who left no detail to chance.
Yang Hao even customized Cambiasso's role down to the smallest nuances.
For this match, Yang Hao explained that Cambiasso would occupy the right-sided holding midfield position, where Baraja usually played.
But Cambiasso wasn't Baraja.
Baraja, with his winger background, relied on speed, explosiveness, and direct vertical runs.
Cambiasso's strength, however, was his passing.
To leverage this, Yang Hao and his coaching staff designed various passing routes and combinations tailored specifically for Cambiasso, ensuring his strengths would shine.
This attention to detail gave Cambiasso a sense of importance he had never felt at Real Madrid.
For the first time, he felt valued.
Cambiasso knew he had made the right choice in joining Atlético.
He wasn't one to forget kindness. Feeling Yang Hao's trust, Cambiasso was determined to repay him by giving his all on the pitch, striving to beat their rivals for Atlético.
After Adriano's assist to Deco for the opening goal, Atlético didn't sit back. Instead, they doubled down, continuing their high pressing and relentless pace.
Real Madrid struggled to cope with the frenetic tempo.
Used to controlling the ball and dictating the flow of the game, Real Madrid found no opportunity to settle into their rhythm.
Atlético simply wouldn't allow it.
Atlético's relentless offensive drive was as decisive as their tempo control.
Both fullbacks actively joined the attack, showcasing the team's aggressive intent.
In the 19th minute, Atlético launched another assault on Real Madrid's penalty area. The ball was cleared but only as far as the right edge of the box, where Aguilera collected it.
Roberto Carlos immediately rushed forward to close him down.
Cambiasso, positioned near the top-right edge of the box, sprinted over to support Aguilera.
The Argentine midfielder controlled the ball and turned to face Carlos and Makélélé, who were both bearing down on him.
Cambiasso, a natural left-footer, shielded the ball with his body, his left foot controlling it while scanning the penalty area.
At that moment, Joaquín was making a diagonal run outward from the right flank, aiming to exploit the space left behind by Carlos and Makélélé. His movement drew Helguera out of position.
Cambiasso spotted a fleeting opportunity—a diagonal passing lane through the defensive lines, leading directly to the penalty spot on the right.
It was a difficult pass, requiring precision, speed, and a soft enough touch to allow the recipient to control it smoothly in the box.
A tall order—but not for Cambiasso.
Without hesitation, he struck a low, slicing diagonal pass with his left foot.
"Adriano!" Cambiasso shouted, signaling his intent.
The ball zipped through Real Madrid's defensive lines, landing perfectly near the penalty spot on the left side of the box.
Adriano, anticipating the pass, moved swiftly into position, using his body to shield the ball from Hierro.
Goalkeeper Casillas charged out to close the angle.
In a moment of brilliance, Adriano used the inside of his left foot to stop the ball, just narrowly avoiding Casillas. He quickly adjusted, stepping right, and unleashed a right-footed strike while falling.
It wasn't the cleanest shot, and his awkward position caused him to lose balance and tumble to the ground.
But the ball found its way into the net.
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!
"19th minute, Atlético doubles their lead!"
"My goodness, this is unbelievable!"
"The Mattress Makers, playing at home, have completely overwhelmed Real Madrid with their high press and relentless intensity. Real Madrid has been forced onto the back foot and has now conceded twice."
"That pass from Cambiasso was exquisite!"
"It tore through Real Madrid's defense, finding Adriano perfectly inside the box."
"And let's not forget Adriano's finish—a left-footed control followed by a right-footed shot. Just a few months ago, his right foot was the subject of ridicule. Even Atlético's head coach Yang Hao once said it was as good as useless. But tonight, he's scored with it!"
"This is Atlético! This is what their young players represent!"
"They're improving with every match, continually surprising everyone!"
After Adriano's goal, Cambiasso erupted with emotion. It was as if he'd scored the goal himself.
The Argentine midfielder sprinted toward the stands, screaming and releasing all his pent-up frustration.
He stopped directly in front of the VIP section.
Cambiasso said nothing. He just stood there, proud, defiant, and full of dignity.
Adriano, the goal scorer, ran over, lifting Cambiasso into the air in celebration.
The rest of the Atlético players joined them, turning the moment into a jubilant group embrace.
2-0!
The live broadcast cut to Florentino Pérez and Jorge Valdano in the VIP section, showing their stone-faced reactions.
The commentators couldn't help but note Cambiasso's silent message.
"He's telling Real Madrid's management that his lack of opportunities wasn't due to a lack of ability—it was because Real Madrid failed to provide the right environment for him."
"This moment brings to mind Samuel Eto'o at Mallorca. Whenever he faced Real Madrid, he seemed to rise to the occasion, scoring against them and celebrating boldly. The media labeled him a 'Real Madrid killer.'"
"Well, it looks like Cambiasso is joining that list."
"And let's not forget Yang Hao."
"As the cameras focus on Florentino, we have to wonder—does he still believe Yang Hao is a fraud? Or has this changed his mind?"
The answer was known only to Florentino himself.
What was clear, however, was that conceding two early goals had dealt a significant blow to Real Madrid's confidence and morale.
For the remainder of the first half, Atlético eased off their high press slightly but maintained a fast-paced tempo that continued to frustrate Real Madrid.
Despite their struggles, Real Madrid was not a team to be underestimated.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the 15-minute break gave them a much-needed chance to regroup.
Second Half
Real Madrid returned to the pitch with a clear shift in tactics and strategy. From the whistle, they pressed Atlético aggressively, determined to wrest control of the tempo.
Del Bosque's game plan was evident: don't let Atlético dictate the pace.
Using their superior individual talent, particularly from Zidane, Raúl, and Guti, Real Madrid began creating problems for Atlético's defense.
In the 51st minute, a clever combination on the left between Zidane, Raúl, and Guti drew Atlético's defenders toward that side of the pitch. Suddenly, the ball was switched to the right.
Figo, now isolated against Aurelio, seized the opportunity. With a series of rhythm changes and quick feints, he drove into the right side of the penalty area.
Aurelio, trailing closely, saw an opening and went for the tackle.
But Figo's experience shone through—his movements baited Aurelio into a mistake. The young defender missed the ball and tripped Figo.
BEEP!
The referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Penalty!
"That's the experience of a superstar!"
"Aurelio is still too young and was deceived by Figo's intricate footwork. He made the wrong decision."
"Real Madrid has been awarded a crucial penalty just six minutes into the second half."
"Captain Fernando Hierro steps up to take it."
"This is where the impact of superstars shines—critical moments like these," Florentino Pérez remarked with a smile, turning to Valdano and others in the VIP section.
The group nodded in agreement.
The penalty had been a testament to individual brilliance. Whether it was Zidane, Raúl, Guti, or Figo, their moments of genius had been on full display—especially Figo's masterful feint that lured Aurelio into committing the foul.
"Our issue isn't with the superstar strategy," Florentino continued, "but with our inability to create a system that maximizes their potential. That's the real problem."
Valdano and Butragueño exchanged complex expressions.
Was the Real Madrid president's point valid? It was.
Despite Zidane and Figo's decent performances so far, their output still fell short of expectations and the lofty standards set for them. They had yet to show their full capabilities or critical game-winning influence.
The limitations of Real Madrid's tactical setup were clearly holding them back.
The Debate: Balance vs. Galácticos
Del Bosque, however, fundamentally disagreed.
He believed the over-reliance on superstars disrupted the team's balance—a principle he emphasized at every opportunity.
Florentino had publicly rebuked him more than once:
"Superstars and balance are not mutually exclusive. We could sign Vieira, Nesta, or the world's best defensive players—that would balance the team."
Florentino believed Real Madrid's current struggles stemmed from Del Bosque's inability to fully unleash the potential of their star-studded roster.
Play a 4-2-3-1?
"That's a formation for small teams," he scoffed.
Teams like Atlético, Deportivo, Valencia, or Celta Vigo needed defensive setups.
Real Madrid, however, was different.
"What do we need? Attacking football—so spectacular it leaves the world in awe!"
Just as Santiago Bernabéu had done in his era, stacking the team with offensive talent had always been Real Madrid's identity.
Two Halves, Two Philosophies
The first half had showcased Del Bosque's pursuit of balance, while the second half, driven by the superstars pressing forward, aligned more closely with Florentino's vision of attacking football.
As Real Madrid won a penalty, Florentino's mood visibly improved.
He turned to Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil, his voice tinged with confidence:
"You were impressive in the first half. Now sit back and watch Real Madrid's superstars take over the second half."
Raúl and the Penalty Dilemma
Since his missed penalty against France at the European Championships, Raúl's confidence from the spot had waned.
Earlier in the season, he had failed to convert another penalty against Málaga. After that, he relinquished penalty-taking duties to captain Fernando Hierro.
When the referee pointed to the spot, Hierro made his way from the backline to the penalty area.
As he approached, he noticed Atlético goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar standing near the left post, seemingly inspecting something on the ground.
Hierro paid it no mind, picked up the ball, and carefully placed it on the penalty spot. He pressed the grass around it to ensure it was firm, then took a few measured steps back.
As Hierro settled into position, he saw van der Sar clapping his gloved hands emphatically. The Dutch goalkeeper then turned his back to Hierro, waving his arms to pump up the crowd, urging them to cheer louder.
"Louder! Let's make it loud!"
The Atlético fans responded passionately, their roars making the air feel almost molten.
Finally, van der Sar turned back to face the penalty. He rolled his shoulders, took a deep breath, and assumed a ready stance on the goal line—legs slightly apart, body low, poised to dive.
The referee checked the positioning of the players around the penalty area and reminded them to avoid encroachment.
Once everything was in order, he stepped aside.
The penalty was imminent.
The Mind Games Begin
Yang Hao stood motionless on the sideline, watching intently.
He had anticipated a second-half surge from Del Bosque but hadn't expected such aggressive tactics.
Real Madrid's attacking players had thrown caution to the wind, pressing forward with unrestrained intent.
As the penalty approached, Atlético's goalkeeping coach, Pedro Jaro, discreetly signaled to Yang Hao with an "OK" gesture.
He had just delivered vital information to van der Sar.
Atlético's data analysis team, which meticulously prepared reports on opponents, had compiled an extensive dossier on Hierro's penalty habits.
The report detailed every penalty Hierro had taken over recent seasons—not just his success rate or preferred corners, but nuanced insights such as the goalkeepers he faced, their height, dominant foot, strengths, and weaknesses.
Based on this analysis, the team had provided van der Sar with strategic recommendations.
Yang Hao's focus returned to the pitch as the tension escalated.
Inside van der Sar's Mind
Standing on the goal line, van der Sar reviewed the data in his mind.
Hierro was a mentally resilient player, rarely showing nerves under pressure. Such composure made him a formidable penalty-taker.
Having experienced penalty shootouts himself, van der Sar understood the unique psychological battle of penalties.
It wasn't about technique, physicality, or fitness—it was a mental game.
He recalled the infamous "Panenka" penalty he had conceded to Francesco Totti during the Euros. Many considered it a humiliation, but van der Sar saw it differently.
The Panenka—a soft chip down the center—relied entirely on psychological warfare.
The slow ball speed and central trajectory meant it could easily be saved without any dive at all. So why had Totti scored?
Because van der Sar had lost the mental battle.
From the moment Totti stepped up to take the penalty, the duel had already begun.
Penalties were the most high-stakes, unforgiving moments in football. The Panenka, in particular, was the riskiest and boldest move in a penalty taker's arsenal.
For the taker, scoring a Panenka was unparalleled in its satisfaction—a feeling unmatched by any other goal.
The Whistle Blows
The referee's whistle pierced the air.
Hierro began his run-up.
Van der Sar stayed focused, his entire body coiled like a spring, ready to explode in either direction.
The duel between captain and goalkeeper had reached its climax.
This is the essence of a Panenka penalty.
It's not about technique or skill—it's a psychological duel.
Do you believe I'll chip the ball down the middle?
Some might think, "If Totti loves Panenka penalties so much, why not just stand still and wait for it?"
Amateur thinking.
Out of the countless penalties Totti took, how many were Panenkas?
The unpredictability of penalties is both their allure and their brutality.
Only those who remain calm under pressure and can adapt their strategy to the goalkeeper in real-time are truly exceptional penalty-takers.
Fernando Hierro was such a player. His penalty conversion rate was remarkably high.
But tonight, Edwin van der Sar had a hunch about which side Hierro would target.
The Dutch goalkeeper took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and silently counted to three before opening them again, fixing Hierro with an unwavering stare.
Hierro began his run-up.
The entire Calderón Stadium and millions of viewers around the world held their breath.
Hierro watched van der Sar closely. Although the Dutchman seemed motionless, there was a barely perceptible shift in his stance—slightly favoring his right side.
Van der Sar, at 2 meters tall, had a slow dive, so he had to subtly prepare in advance. If Hierro's shot had enough power and speed, even a correct guess wouldn't be enough to save it.
Hierro calculated. Van der Sar's right side would be Hierro's left.
In the blink of an eye, Hierro decided and unleashed a powerful shot aimed at the right side of the goal—van der Sar's left.
But before the ball left his boot, Hierro saw something that shocked him.
Van der Sar, instead of shifting right, suddenly lunged left with explosive speed.
It all happened in a flash. By the time Hierro realized his error, the ball had already left his foot, and van der Sar had already committed to the dive.
The ball, struck with tremendous pace, flew toward the bottom right corner.
But van der Sar's reactions were quicker. Diving low and hard, he stretched out both hands, his left palm stopping the ball and deflecting it wide.
Ricardo Carvalho was first to react, racing into the box to clear the ball out of play before anyone else could reach it.
Eruption at the Calderón
"YEEEESSS!!!!"
Van der Sar leapt up, fists clenched, roaring in celebration. He couldn't contain his excitement, shouting and pumping his fists repeatedly in the six-yard box.
Atlético players swarmed their goalkeeper, mobbing him in a jubilant embrace.
Saving that penalty felt better than scoring a goal. It was a massive morale boost for Atlético and a crushing blow to Real Madrid.
Hierro had been perfect with penalties this season, converting all three he'd taken. Not this time.
Real Madrid's players looked visibly deflated.
If that penalty had gone in and the scoreline had been reduced to 1-2, they would've had a foothold in the game.
But now, the missed penalty left the score at 0-2, with Atlético surging in confidence. It was an ominous sign.
Van der Sar turned toward the sideline, raising his right hand in acknowledgment to Yang Hao and goalkeeping coach Pedro Jaro. Then, he turned back to the crowd, motioning for the Atlético fans to cheer even louder.
"Come on! Let's hear it! Louder!"
The 50,000 Atlético supporters erupted into a deafening roar, their chants echoing through the stadium.
Van der Sar basked in the moment, his body language screaming, "We're not just here to win—we're here to conquer!"
A Night to Forget for Real Madrid
In the VIP section, Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo burst into laughter, visibly overjoyed.
"Signing van der Sar was the steal of the century!" Cerezo exclaimed.
"Juventus really had no idea what they were letting go, did they?" Miguel Gil added.
Meanwhile, over on Real Madrid's side, Florentino Pérez, Jorge Valdano, and Emilio Butragueño sat in awkward silence, their expressions grim.
Tonight, Real Madrid were unraveling.
A Moment of Brilliance
After van der Sar's heroics, it became increasingly clear that this wasn't going to be Real Madrid's night.
Atlético, buoyed by the save, played with unrelenting intensity. Real Madrid, meanwhile, looked rattled, their confidence shaken.
As the match entered the 73rd minute, the unexpected happened.
Fabio Aurelio intercepted a pass on the left flank and began a diagonal dribble toward the center. He powered past McManaman, breaking through Real Madrid's midfield.
Makélélé, perfectly positioned, poked the ball away with a clean tackle.
The ball rolled into a vacant area in midfield, about 30 meters from goal—a position that typically posed no immediate threat.
Both teams assumed it was a harmless situation.
But magic often happens when least expected.
Esteban Cambiasso sprinted toward the loose ball. Real Madrid's defenders, anticipating a pass, focused on positioning themselves to intercept.
What came next stunned everyone.
Instead of controlling the ball or passing, Cambiasso struck it first-time.
His powerful shot soared high into the air, curving over Real Madrid's midfield and backline before dipping sharply toward goal.
Casillas, initially positioned slightly left of center, scrambled to his right, diving with all his might.
The ball struck the underside of the crossbar with a thunderous crack, ricocheting downward and crossing the goal line before bouncing into the roof of the net.
A Goal for the Ages
For a moment, the stadium froze in collective disbelief.
Then, pandemonium.
The Calderón erupted in celebration, with thousands of Atlético fans leaping out of their seats, screaming Cambiasso's name.
"A screamer! An absolute rocket!"
"There was no saving that. Not for Casillas. Not for anyone!"
Cambiasso stood motionless, staring at the goal in shock. He couldn't believe what he had just done.
It wasn't until his teammates mobbed him, shouting and hugging him, that he snapped out of his trance, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Final Score: Atlético 3, Real Madrid 0
"3-0!"
"Atlético have delivered a masterclass in this Madrid Derby!"
"They played with heart, determination, and incredible cohesion. This young Atlético team has made a statement tonight."
"And at the center of it all is their 25-year-old coach, Yang Hao!"
"Many called him a genius after he saved Atlético from relegation last season and led them to a Copa del Rey victory over Real Madrid. Tonight, he's proven it again!"
"This season, his Atlético Madrid has been even more astonishing, currently leading the La Liga table."
"The Mattress Makers are being hailed as the most dazzling team in La Liga and possibly in all of European football this season."
...…
After Cambiasso's thunderous goal secured Atlético's third of the night, the match was effectively decided.
However, in the 75th minute, Real Madrid made two substitutions: Morientes replaced Guti, and Savio came on for Zidane.
Unexpectedly, the changes rejuvenated Real Madrid's attack, making their offense significantly more threatening. For a while, they managed to put Atlético's defense under considerable pressure.
But Yang Hao quickly adjusted his tactics and stabilized his team.
When the final whistle blew, Atlético Madrid secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Real Madrid at home.
As the scoreline was locked in and the match ended, Yang Hao abandoned all restraint. Arms wide open, he welcomed the cheers and applause of the Calderón faithful.
The over 50,000 Atlético fans in the stadium were now fully convinced of their young coach.
Who could have imagined that the team currently leading La Liga was, just months ago, widely predicted to be relegation-bound?
Besides Yang Hao, who else in the world could have orchestrated such a miraculous turnaround?
...…
As the entire stadium chanted Yang Hao's name, Florentino Pérez's expression grew increasingly sour.
He realized he had made a grave mistake.
He never should have come tonight.
As Real Madrid's president, it made sense for him to attend his first Madrid Derby in this role. But the way the team performed—combined with his personal history with Yang Hao—had placed him squarely in the spotlight.
Now, Real Madrid, with its galaxy of stars including Zidane, Figo, and Raúl, had suffered a humiliating 3–0 defeat at the Calderón.
How was he supposed to save face?
Fortunately, Miguel Gil and Enrique Cerezo refrained from rubbing salt into his wounds, sparing Florentino from further embarrassment.
Still, Florentino was seething over the team's performance.
"Jorge, we've brought in superstars like Zidane and Figo. We have the most luxurious attacking lineup in the world. How did we lose like this?" Florentino asked Valdano in a calm tone.
Those who knew him understood that the calmer he appeared, the angrier he truly was.
Back in the summer, Florentino had wanted to fire Del Bosque but hesitated due to the coach's popularity after winning the Champions League. Fans, club members, and even many board members were firmly behind him.
But after this Derby debacle, Florentino's thoughts had undoubtedly shifted.
Valdano and Butragueño were well aware that if they made a few pointed remarks, Florentino might very well decide to act.
"Our defense has notable weaknesses, especially in the center-back position," Valdano finally offered, choosing a neutral stance.
From Real Madrid's perspective, there simply wasn't a more suitable coach than Del Bosque available at the moment.
Florentino gave Valdano a long, piercing look.
As his running mate in the presidential election and an advisor, Valdano was close to him but not entirely subservient.
"Perhaps we should consider reaching out to Nesta?" Florentino suggested.
Alessandro Nesta, the best central defender in the world, was an ideal fit for Florentino's vision of a star-studded squad—handsome, talented, and marketable.
To Valdano and Butragueño, however, this statement carried an additional implication:
Florentino was resolute about selling Real Madrid's old training ground.
Selling the property would be the only way to clear the club's debt and generate funds to pursue someone like Nesta.
...…
Amid the jubilant celebrations of Atlético's fans, the curtain fell on the first Madrid Derby of the 2000/01 season.
All nine rounds of La Liga were now complete.
This round was full of surprises:
Deportivo lost 3–1 away to newly promoted Villarreal, and Valencia suffered a 1–0 defeat to Espanyol. Among the leading teams, only Atlético and Barcelona emerged victorious.
After nine rounds, Atlético topped the table with 22 points from seven wins, one draw, and one loss.
Trailing them were Alavés with 17 points, followed by four teams tied at 16 points: Valencia, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Celta Vigo.
Atlético's five-point lead cemented their status as not just Spain's, but Europe's most exciting team of the season.
A Media Frenzy
Following the match, Spain's top-rated radio program, hosted by José Ramón de la Morena, declared:
"This was the greatest Madrid Derby in history. A stunning slaughter!"
"Superstars fell at the Calderón!"
Marca ran a front-page story praising Atlético's performance and highlighting Yang Hao's tactical acumen. They particularly applauded his audacity in taking the game to a star-studded Real Madrid, reflecting his confidence in the team he had built.
"The season is long, but Yang Hao and his team have already seized the initiative in the title race."
El País, Spain's most authoritative and neutral publication, echoed these sentiments.
Reviewing Atlético's grueling schedule, they pointed out the significance of their recent three-match winning streak:
"In just one week, they have beaten Deportivo, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. This cements their position as worthy leaders."
The newspaper also lauded Yang Hao, crediting him for transforming Atlético and introducing innovative tactics that were reshaping the team's identity.
"Following last season's miraculous relegation escape, the 4-2-3-1 formation has become the tactical standard in La Liga."
"But Yang Hao and his Atlético are pushing the boundaries of the double-pivot system, taking it to unprecedented heights."
European Recognition
Spain wasn't the only country captivated by Yang Hao's rise.
L'Équipe devoted an entire page to Atlético, calling them Europe's most exciting new force.
"Young, dynamic, and aggressive, Atlético combine sharp attacking play with resolute defending. But above all, they play at a blistering pace," the French publication noted.
"They overwhelmed Real Madrid with their tempo. Against a youthful Atlético, the Galácticos looked old."
In Italy, tactical analysis hubs like La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tuttosport, and La Repubblica highlighted Atlético's performances.
They unanimously declared:
"At just 25 years old, Yang Hao is Europe's most promising young coach, now firmly on the radar of major clubs."
In England, major outlets such as The Times, The Guardian, and The Mirror also reported on Atlético's La Liga dominance. Yang Hao's name appeared frequently, cementing his reputation as a "genius coach."
As Atlético continued their remarkable campaign, the world watched with bated breath.
How far could Yang Hao and his Youth Brigade go this season?
END CHAPTER
Chapter of more than 11,000 words
Read 12 Chapters In Advance: www.patreon.com/Canserbero10
Read over 125,000 words on my Patreon!