Chapter 20 - Chapter 20:

Chapter 20:

The remainder of the match proved Yang Hao's post-goal substitutions were spot on.

Despite his kind demeanor, Vicente del Bosque wasn't afraid to take risks when cornered. He replaced Claude Makélélé with Guti, effectively pushing all his players forward for an all-out offensive.

In the final 10 minutes of the match, Real Madrid fielded its most lethal attacking lineup of the season.

They had their top scorers, playmakers, assist leaders, and dribblers all on the pitch.

Even if the tactical execution wasn't flawless, the sheer weight of their star power was enough to terrify any opponent. When Real Madrid commits to a do-or-die strategy like this, who in the world wouldn't be wary?

For Yang Hao, the final 10 minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu felt like an eternity.

The Longest Ten Minutes

The clock seemed to slow to a crawl as Atlético Madrid clung to their slim lead. Every passing second brought the anxiety of knowing that the next play could change everything.

It felt like watching a live-action thriller—any flash of brilliance from Madrid's stars could strike like a dagger.

Finally, the referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.

Atlético Madrid had defended their 2–1 lead to the very end!

Yang Hao exhaled deeply, exhaustion overtaking him. As relief washed over him, one thought remained:

"We're still not on Real Madrid's level yet."

A Sobering Reality

From a neutral perspective, Atlético Madrid had plenty of stars.

But Yang Hao knew his team wasn't yet at its peak. Players like Adriano, while immensely talented, were still far from fulfilling their potential. Many of Atlético's promising talents were "works in progress."

Even experienced players like Walter Pandiani, while consistent, were not on par with Madrid's superstars. Yang Hao believed that with a couple more seasons of development, Atlético could go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid as equals.

For now, the gap in experience and cohesion was evident.

A Tactical Victory

The post-match celebrations were muted.

Having played against a team of Real Madrid's caliber, Atlético's players understood the gulf in class.

Madrid's lineup was nothing short of terrifying, especially with Zinedine Zidane now fully integrated into the squad.

The first derby earlier in the season had been different—Real Madrid was still adjusting, and their tactics were a work in progress. But now?

This was the fully operational Real Madrid—balanced, relentless, and brimming with firepower.

Real Madrid's Peak

Yang Hao came to a realization:

"This is the strongest Real Madrid will ever be."

Del Bosque's genius lay in achieving balance. When Raul played as the sole striker, the team relied on intricate ground-based play. Raul wasn't the type to engage in physical battles in the box, so Madrid's attacking options were limited without Fernando Morientes.

But fielding Morientes came at a cost.

A two-striker system usually meant sacrificing a playmaker, forcing a shift to a 4-4-2 formation with a midfield diamond or double pivots. While this configuration was formidable, it reached a natural limit in terms of balance.

Adding another superstar to the mix? Almost impossible.

Some fans fantasized about signing Gaizka Mendieta from Valencia to partner with Makélélé in midfield. On paper, Mendieta's blend of attacking and defensive qualities would make Madrid's midfield unstoppable.

But they ignored one crucial factor: Mendieta's defensive responsibilities at Valencia were minimal. Under Héctor Cúper, Mendieta operated in a highly structured system where others did the dirty work.

Would he thrive in Madrid's setup?

Cracks Beneath the Surface

Madrid's midfield already struggled to shield the defense, forcing Makélélé and Iván Helguera to carry immense defensive burdens. Adding Mendieta or any similar player wouldn't solve the underlying issue—it would just exacerbate it.

Makélélé's unparalleled work rate and defensive instincts were essential to holding the team together. Yet Madrid didn't fully appreciate his value, believing he was replaceable.

When Makélélé eventually left, Madrid's spine effectively broke.

Even if Madrid had signed Patrick Vieira, replacing Makélélé's unique contributions would've been nearly impossible. Vieira was a defensive titan, but his style—dominating space and winning duels—was fundamentally different.

The real tragedy? Madrid never considered pairing the two. Makélélé and Vieira together would've been a defensive wall. But accommodating them would've meant sidelining one of Madrid's attacking stars—an unthinkable decision for the Galácticos project.

Closing Thoughts

After piecing together these insights, Yang Hao felt a wave of relief.

"We just beat the strongest version of Real Madrid. What's there to fear?"

Post-Match Scene

As Yang Hao and Del Bosque shook hands near the visitor's dugout, the latter smiled wryly.

"Congratulations. That set-piece routine really caught us off guard."

"Just lucky," Yang replied modestly.

Del Bosque shook his head. "Don't downplay it. Thinking back, you'd tried similar setups earlier in the game. We just didn't pick up on it until it was too late."

Yang Hao grinned. "Well, good luck against Bayern. Watch out for Hitzfeld—he's a tough one."

Del Bosque chuckled. "I know. He's likely to park the bus."

The two managers parted ways, each respecting the other's tactical acumen.

For Yang Hao, the focus now shifted back to the domestic title race. Real Madrid might be the best team in Europe, but Atlético Madrid had just proven that even giants could fall.

Pragmatism has always been a hallmark of Ottmar Hitzfeld's coaching philosophy.

The man who famously led Switzerland to upset Spain in the 2010 World Cup group stage and clinched Champions League titles with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich was renowned for his defensive acumen.

Still, Yang Hao could never quite wrap his head around how Bayern capitulated in the dying moments of the 1999 Champions League final against Manchester United.

"It just doesn't fit Hitzfeld's profile."

Of course, Yang Hao wasn't suggesting anything nefarious had happened. Major games often bring immense pressure, and both players and coaches are prone to uncharacteristic errors.

A three-goal collapse, a manager overthinking his tactics in a final—these things happen.

"Thanks for the reminder," Del Bosque responded with a warm smile, sensing Yang Hao's sincerity.

Yang Hao grinned. "I'll be honest, if you want to win the Champions League, this year is probably your best chance."

"Why is that?"

Yang Hao spread his arms theatrically. "Because next year, we'll be there!"

For a moment, Del Bosque stared at him, then burst into laughter.

"So all this talk was just a setup for you to brag, wasn't it?"

"Well, we'll see," Yang Hao replied confidently.

Del Bosque offered a candid assessment: "Your team is too raw. You won't have a chance for another three years."

Yang Hao knew this was a logical conclusion, given Atlético's young squad.

But what Del Bosque didn't know was that Yang Hao was a time traveler, and Atlético's roster wasn't assembled by chance.

"Watch and see," Yang Hao said, parting ways with Del Bosque, his heart brimming with determination.

"Champions League, here we come! Just wait for us!"

A Golden Era

Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at the era he had landed in—a time when European football was filled with legendary players and tactical masterminds.

Del Bosque, Hitzfeld, Ferguson, Wenger, Ancelotti, Capello, Lippi, Houllier...

And let's not forget the young interpreter rising in Portugal, or the man enjoying the Canarian breeze, Rafa Benítez.

This was a generation of titans, and Yang Hao vowed to leave his mark on this golden age.

La Liga Matchday 28: Atlético Takes Command

With their 2–1 victory at the Bernabéu, Atlético Madrid extended their lead over Real Madrid to five points.

Real Madrid fans acknowledged their team's strong performance but grew increasingly frustrated with their league standing.

"How can a team as powerful as Real Madrid trail Atlético?"

AS journalist Oscar penned three scathing columns lambasting Atlético.

"Atlético stole their victory at the Bernabéu through dirty tactics."

He accused Thomas Gravesen of brutish play and labeled Atlético's conservative tactics as "anti-football."

"For long stretches, Atlético didn't even attempt to attack. They just defended, defended, defended…"

Oscar called on the Spanish Football Federation to investigate Atlético for unsportsmanlike behavior and issue retroactive punishments.

When asked for his response, Yang Hao replied dismissively:

"If a dog bites you, do you bite it back?"

The gathered reporters erupted in laughter.

"And besides, I'm not about to give someone free publicity."

With a commanding lead in the title race, Yang Hao remained cautious.

"The season isn't over. We need to take it one match at a time and keep beating whoever's in front of us."

Chaos at Barcelona

As if things weren't bad enough for Real Madrid, Barcelona's struggles deepened.

After Louis van Gaal's sacking, Barcelona's woes were laid bare. Former coach Ferrer refused to resign, forcing the club to terminate his contract. Beyond the €6 million compensation package, Ferrer maintained he wasn't solely responsible for the team's failures.

But things got worse under Rexach.

From his first day, the new coach faced public criticism from Johan Cruyff, who derided his lack of credentials. Meanwhile, Barcelona's boardroom remained embroiled in infighting between President Gaspart and opposition leader Joan Laporta.

The dysfunction boiled over after a 4–4 draw at home against Real Zaragoza, as the Camp Nou faithful vented their fury with boos and protests.

Watching the debacle unfold, Yang Hao came to a realization:

"Barcelona's problems on the pitch are just a symptom of the chaos in their boardroom."

Europa League Semi-Finals: The Nou Camp

On April 5, Atlético Madrid faced Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

For Barça fans, this match would go down as one to forget.

By the 65th minute, Barcelona defender Sergi picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Joaquín and was sent off.

The Camp Nou crowd erupted in anger, their team already trailing 1–2.

A man down and behind on aggregate, the pressure was palpable.

"The atmosphere at the Camp Nou was a mix of despair and outrage."

A Painful Reality

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Barcelona pressed on, desperate to salvage the match.

But Atlético capitalized on the chaos. By the 75th minute, Joaquín delivered a pinpoint cross for Adriano, who powered home a header to make it 1–3.

The stadium fell silent, save for the jubilant cheers of the visiting fans.

By the final whistle, Atlético Madrid had taken a decisive step toward the Europa League final.

For Yang Hao, the victory was sweet. As he left the pitch, he offered a parting comment to the journalists:

"Barça needs to fix its problems off the pitch first. Otherwise, it'll be a long road back."

No one could say for sure whether the fans' anger that night was directed at Atlético Madrid, the Barcelona players, or the leadership led by Joan Gaspart sitting in the president's box.

Who knows?

From the moment this match began, Yang Hao could sense something was wrong with Barcelona.

Rexach had boldly declared upon his appointment that he would "return to tradition," opting for a 3-4-3 formation.

When Yang Hao saw this, he was utterly stunned.

"You're playing against us, Barça—against Atlético! Are you serious?"

All of Europe knew Atlético's deadliest weapons were their "demonic wings," Joaquín and Vicente. Choosing a back three was akin to handing them an open invitation.

"You're offering me your face on a platter; I'd feel guilty not to slap it!"

Predictably, Atlético struck first.

For the first 30 minutes, Barcelona held their own, and not long after Atlético scored, they equalized. A defensive error in the backline allowed Rivaldo to assist Overmars for a goal.

But just eight minutes later, Atlético scored again—2–1.

With two away goals secured, the pressure began to mount on the home side.

The Camp Nou crowd grew restless, and Barcelona's players started to lose their composure.

Kluivert, Sergi, Luis Enrique, and Xavi all received yellow cards. By the time Sergi picked up a second yellow in the 65th minute and was sent off, it seemed like the referee's arm was tired from pulling cards.

Complete Meltdown

With a one-man advantage, Atlético took full control.

In the 74th minute, Pandiani scored his second header of the night from a corner—3–1.

Then, the unexpected happened.

In the 87th minute, substitute Simão attempted a dribble but was fouled by Gravesen, earning a free kick in a harmless position far from goal.

As Guardiola's replacement, Iván de la Peña, moved to take the kick quickly, Gravesen blocked him. Frustrated, De la Peña shoved the Dane to the ground.

Gravesen, being Gravesen, wouldn't take it lying down.

He immediately jumped to his feet and rushed at De la Peña. Simão and Dani García also joined in, and within moments, the situation escalated into a brawl.

Atlético captain Baraja and the referee quickly intervened, separating the players.

When order was restored, the referee showed De la Peña a red card for starting the altercation. Gravesen, Simão, and Dani García each received yellow cards.

But it didn't end there.

Simão and Dani García, still furious, followed the referee and berated him for not sending Gravesen off as well. Their protests turned into outright shouting, forcing the referee to issue second yellow cards to both, followed by red cards.

Four red cards.

At this point, Yang Hao didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

There was no joy in watching Barcelona unravel like this. It was a painful display of what happens when a football club's management is in complete disarray.

Whether it was the lingering tension from past Atlético-Barcelona clashes, Rexach's chaotic approach, or the immense pressure weighing on the players, it all culminated in this disaster: four glaring red cards.

The Camp Nou fell into an eerie silence. No one knew how to process what they had just witnessed.

In the final minutes, Atlético stopped attacking altogether. There was no point. Barcelona only had seven players left on the field, and one more red card would have ended the game prematurely.

Even among the remaining players, three were already on yellow cards.

"The Match Is Over."

At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao refused to comment on Barcelona.

His only remark was: "This match is over."

With a 3–1 victory at the Camp Nou, Atlético had all but secured their place in the UEFA Cup final. However, Yang Hao avoided discussing the final or even La Liga's title race.

Barcelona's collapse was Barcelona's problem.

On the way back to Madrid, Yang Hao's thoughts wandered:

"Should I poach players from Barcelona?"

Having already "rescued" Messi, he wondered if he should extend his "international humanitarian efforts" to other talented players trapped in Barcelona's turmoil.

"If I strike now, it's possible I could snag a few."

Yang Hao even imagined a scenario where he managed to poach Xavi, Puyol, and others. Years later, when Guardiola took over as Barcelona's manager and looked at his squad, he'd exclaim:

"Where's my treble-winning lineup?!"

The thought brought a mischievous smile to Yang Hao's face.

Still, he knew this was a slippery slope. Player poaching could become addictive, much like a certain historical figure's penchant for coveting others' wives.

"Besides, some players just aren't worth it."

Take Fabregas, for example. Wenger had poached him for Arsenal, but after developing into a star, he eagerly returned to Barcelona.

For many Catalan players, Barcelona wasn't just a club—it was a symbol, a spiritual home. That's something no other team could replace.

Players like Xavi, Puyol, Fabregas, and Piqué? Best not to bother.

"Why waste time developing players for Barça to reclaim later?"

Global Headlines

Atlético's victory at the Camp Nou made waves around the world—not just because of the scoreline, but because of Barcelona's meltdown.

Meanwhile, over in the Champions League, Real Madrid faced Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and were held to a 1–1 draw at the Bernabéu.

A Tale of Two Clubs

The juxtaposition between Atlético's dominance and Barcelona's collapse highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs.

For Atlético, the future looked brighter than ever. For Barcelona, it seemed they had hit rock bottom.

Yang Hao, ever the opportunist, was already plotting his next move.

"Barça, you've got problems—and I'm more than happy to 'help.'"

Real Madrid Dazzles but Falls Short, Atlético Eyes Glory

Real Madrid played a dazzling game, dominating possession and creating a spectacle of attacking football, but Bayern Munich managed to hold firm. Just as Yang Hao had witnessed in his previous life, Ottmar Hitzfeld deployed a five-at-the-back formation with two holding midfielders, barricading Bayern's penalty area. They gave Real Madrid no space to maneuver, creating a fortress around their goal.

Up front, Bayern relied on the lone Brazilian striker Élber, one of the most prolific scorers of the era, though underappreciated by Brazil's national team.

La Liga Round 29

Three days after their European clash, the weekend brought the 29th round of La Liga.

Despite leading Real Madrid by five points, Atlético Madrid could only manage a 1–1 draw at home against Luis Aragonés' Real Mallorca.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, edged out Las Palmas with a narrow 1–0 away victory, cutting the gap to just three points.

Barcelona's woes continued as they played out a chaotic 4–4 draw with Villarreal. Across two league games and their UEFA Cup match against Atlético, Barça had conceded 11 goals in three matches, highlighting their defensive fragility.

Other La Liga giants also faltered due to midweek European commitments: Valencia drew 0–0 with Real Oviedo, and Deportivo La Coruña suffered a 1–2 defeat at the hands of Celta Vigo.

La Liga Round 30

A week later, Atlético bounced back with a 3–0 home victory over Real Sociedad, maintaining their position at the top of the table.

Real Madrid kept up the chase, dismantling Villarreal 4–0 at the Bernabéu, while Barcelona finally returned to winning ways with a 4–1 rout of Las Palmas.

Both Valencia and Deportivo also secured victories, leaving the league standings largely unchanged:

Atlético Madrid retained their lead.

Real Madrid remained second.

Deportivo and Valencia occupied third and fourth.

Barcelona sat in fifth, still struggling to challenge the leaders.

UEFA Cup Semifinal Second Leg: Atlético vs. Barcelona

After the turmoil of the first leg, which saw Barcelona lose 3–1 at home and suffer four red cards, the Catalan side seemed to have abandoned any serious pursuit of the UEFA Cup. With a depleted squad, their lineup for the second leg was stretched to its limits.

Aware of Barcelona's vulnerability, Yang Hao took no chances. From the opening whistle, Atlético launched relentless attacks down both flanks.

In the first 30 minutes alone, Atlético won eight corners and scored two goals:

Lucio assisted Pandiani for the opener.

Moments later, Lucio himself headed home from a corner, adding a goal to his earlier assist.

With a commanding lead, Yang Hao began rotating his squad in the second half, introducing Fernando Torres, José Antonio Reyes, and Kaká.

In the 76th minute, Reyes attracted defenders on the left flank before threading a pass to Kaká in midfield. Kaká delivered a pinpoint through ball to Torres, who deftly controlled it, evaded Frank de Boer, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

3–0. Game over.

Atlético triumphed 6–1 on aggregate, cruising into the UEFA Cup final.

Liverpool Awaits in the Final

Elsewhere, Liverpool battled Spain's Alavés in a dramatic semifinal. After two 2–2 draws—one away and one at Anfield—the tie ended 4–4 on aggregate, forcing extra time.

In the 117th minute, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard combined to create a chance that deflected off an Alavés defender, sealing Liverpool's passage to the final with a 5–4 victory.

The stage was set: Atlético Madrid vs. Liverpool at Dortmund's Westfalenstadion for the UEFA Cup title.

Bayern's Grit Stuns Real Madrid in the Champions League

In the Champions League semifinals, Bayern hosted Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena.

Hitzfeld stuck to his tried-and-true defensive formula but opened the match with a surprising show of aggression. In the 8th minute, Élber capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the opener.

Real Madrid responded with a relentless offensive onslaught. Zidane, Figo, Raúl, Guti, and Morientes bombarded Bayern's defense, forcing the German giants into a desperate rearguard action. Yet Bayern's triple midfield wall of Jeremies, Effenberg, and Hargreaves and the unyielding presence of goalkeeper Oliver Kahn kept Real Madrid at bay.

Despite Real's efforts, Bayern held on to their narrow 1–0 victory, booking their place in the final.

Yang Hao's Observations

Watching the match alongside his assistant coaches, Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at Bayern's resilience.

"The Germans really are fearless warriors," he thought.

Real Madrid had played brilliantly, their attacks relentless and precise, yet Bayern's defensive discipline and sheer determination proved unshakable.

Still, Yang Hao couldn't help but ponder Bayern's future. The club would undergo significant transformations in the years ahead, cycling through managers like Klinsmann, Van Gaal, and Guardiola. While these changes aligned with broader tactical trends, they often left the team's identity in flux.

"Was Bayern's shift to a more technical style under Guardiola a success?"

He remembered Guardiola's teams at Bayern and Manchester City, which mirrored Barcelona's possession-based approach but failed to replicate the same dominance in terms of results.

Gradually, Yang Hao came to a realization:

"Guardiola's Barça succeeded not just because of tactics but because they had Messi."

And Messi? He was now at Atlético Madrid.

Yang Hao smiled at the thought.

"The future is wide open. Let's see who triumphs in this new timeline."

La Liga Round 31: A Rallying Cry

In the lead-up to the 31st round of La Liga, Yang Hao broke from his usual reserved demeanor.

Standing before a room full of reporters, he made a bold declaration:

"There are eight matches left. It's time for Atlético to push for the double!"

Yang Hao's Rallying Cry Inspires Atlético to the Brink of Glory

Yang Hao's passionate call for Atlético Madrid to strive for the title ignited a fervent response across the club, from management to players and fans alike. The push for the championship saw Atlético put on a spectacular display, culminating in a dominant 5–1 away victory against Las Palmas.

However, their title rivals Real Madrid kept pace. Despite being held twice by Zaragoza, they edged out a crucial 3–2 victory thanks to Zidane's stunning late goal, keeping the title race red-hot.

La Liga Round 32: Mind Games and Pressure Mount

Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque responded to Yang Hao's bold statements by declaring that his team would fight until the very end.

"We know what our opponents fear most," said Del Bosque. "Atlético is young and lacks experience in handling pressure during critical moments. This is our opportunity."

His words were backed by action as Real Madrid came from behind to secure a 2–1 victory over Osasuna.

Atlético, now under intense pressure, hosted Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine, with their robust three-midfielder system, gave Atlético a tough time in the first half, keeping the scoreline at 0–0.

But the second half started explosively:

Adriano broke the deadlock with a thunderous long-range strike.

Vicente doubled the lead shortly after.

Although Villarreal pulled one back, a goal from Thomas Gravesen sealed a 3–1 victory for Atlético, ensuring they maintained their lead over Real Madrid.

La Liga Round 33: Both Sides Stumble

Real Madrid stumbled in Vigo, drawing 0–0 with Celta. This gave Atlético an opportunity to extend their lead.

However, the pressure seemed to affect Yang Hao's side as well. Despite taking the lead, they conceded late and drew 1–1 with Zaragoza.

In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao humorously deflected blame onto Real Madrid:

"The reason we dropped points? It's because Real Madrid isn't running fast enough. We're slowing down to wait for them!"

The cheeky remark drew sharp criticism from pro-Madrid media outlets. Club captain Fernando Hierro fired back, promising to celebrate any title triumph by parading the trophy at Yang Hao's doorstep.

Yang Hao retorted:

"I'll have champagne ready for you—if you can manage to get that opportunity!"

La Liga Round 34: Keeping Calm Under Fire

The title race grew tighter:

Real Madrid secured a 3–2 home win over Espanyol, once again thanks to a Zidane winner.

Atlético scraped a tense 1–0 victory against Osasuna, with Joaquín providing the decisive goal.

The unrelenting pressure led Yang Hao to take an unusual step—he discreetly brought in two psychology experts from the University of Madrid to support his players. While this move remained confidential, it highlighted the immense stress weighing on the squad.

La Liga Round 35: The Lead Shrinks Further

Real Madrid claimed a narrow 1–0 away win against Rayo Vallecano. Atlético, however, stumbled again, drawing 1–1 with Celta Vigo.

The pro-Madrid press celebrated wildly as Atlético's lead over Real Madrid shrank to a single point.

The pressure on Atlético was palpable, and Yang Hao skipped his post-match press conference, sparking speculation of a potential emotional breakdown.

La Liga Round 36: A Fight to the Finish

Real Madrid showcased their firepower with a resounding 5–0 victory over Alavés at the Bernabéu.

Atlético faced a scare at home against Espanyol. The visitors struck early, with Raúl Tamudo giving Espanyol a surprising 1–0 lead. Despite relentless attacking, Atlético couldn't break through in the first half.

The turning point came in the second half:

Rubén Baraja equalized with a composed finish.

Vicente then scored the winner in the 64th minute, assisted by Adriano.

The 2–1 comeback victory saw Atlético players collapse in relief at full-time, overwhelmed by the mounting pressure.

La Liga Round 37: The Final Stretch

With just two matches left, all games were played simultaneously.

Real Madrid edged past Oviedo with a 2–1 away win, Zidane once again scoring the decisive goal.

Atlético triumphed 2–1 at Rayo Vallecano.

However, Atlético's win wasn't as smooth as Madrid's. Despite taking a two-goal lead, they faltered in the second half and barely held on to secure the victory.

The result ensured Atlético carried a slender one-point lead into the final round.

La Liga Round 38: A Championship Decider

The stage is set.

With one game remaining, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are locked in a battle for La Liga supremacy.

Atlético: 78 points

Real Madrid: 77 points

The title hinges on this final matchday.

Yang Hao and his Atlético side must hold their nerve to seize glory, but Real Madrid, led by a relentless Zidane, is determined to snatch the crown.

Who will emerge victorious?

The sound of rushing water filled the bathroom as Yang Hao turned on the tap. Scooping up a handful of cold water, he splashed it over his face, the icy sensation jolting his nerves awake.

Looking up at the mirror, he saw his reflection: unshaven, his hair unkempt from weeks without a trim. The weight of the season's closing moments bore heavily on him, but he wasn't one to crumble under pressure.

With a grin, Yang Hao thought, "This beard stays. Whether clean-shaven or scruffy, this face still works."

He grabbed a towel, dried his hands, and changed into a crisp suit, neatly pressed and spotless. He left the tie behind—it wasn't his style. The top buttons of his shirt remained open, a touch of casual defiance in the high-stakes moment. "A haircut can wait," he mused. "But a Nicolas Tse cut might just complete the look."

Preparations Underway

As Yang Hao finished getting ready, his assistant, Parales, arrived. Besides being the team's physical therapist, Parales doubled as a trusted aide and a steady presence for Yang Hao.

"Everyone's ready," Parales reported. "Oh, and the club just confirmed—the championship trophy has been delivered to Calderón."

Yang Hao smiled knowingly.

Before this pivotal match, Atlético and Real Madrid had engaged in a heated debate over where the trophy should be stored.

The two clubs were both playing their final matches at home: Atlético at Calderón and Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Atlético led the league by a single point—victory against Alavés would guarantee them the title.

Real Madrid, however, argued that if Atlético drew or lost and they won, the trophy should be theirs. They proposed leaving the trophy at the Spanish Football Federation headquarters, located midway between the two stadiums, until the results were clear.

After much deliberation, the Federation decided to stick to tradition and sent the trophy to Calderón. However, they assured Real Madrid that a car would wait outside Calderón, ready to rush the trophy to the Bernabéu if necessary.

Yang Hao laughed. "If it's here, it's not leaving."

En Route to Calderón

The Atlético team bus cruised along the M30 highway toward Vicente Calderón Stadium. Fans lined the streets, singing and waving scarves, filling the night with electric anticipation.

As the stadium loomed into view, its iconic structure straddling the M30 and hugging the Manzanares River, Yang Hao's thoughts briefly drifted. Calderón's unique design—its west stand spanning the highway and housing the locker rooms—was a testament to the club's resourcefulness amid financial struggles.

Despite past ambitions for a new stadium, Atlético had remained at Calderón, its charm and quirks now an indelible part of the club's identity.

As the bus entered the tunnel under the west stand, fans erupted into cheers.

"Hey, Yang! Bring the trophy home!"

"We believe in you! You can do this!"

"Fight for Atlético! Fight for us!"

Yang Hao stepped off the bus into an atmosphere crackling with passion and hope.

Inside the Locker Room

While the players warmed up on the pitch, Yang Hao retreated to the locker room with his coaching staff. The lineup for Alavés had arrived—five defenders.

"Typical," groaned Lillo, shaking his head. "I knew Mane wouldn't make it easy for you."

Yang Hao chuckled, though his focus remained sharp. "I just spoke to the players. They seem steady."

"They're holding up, but they're definitely nervous," Lillo admitted.

The stakes were immense. A season's worth of effort, pressure, and dreams all hinged on this final 90 minutes. Many players had struggled to sleep the night before, with some even resorting to sleeping pills—a glimpse into the unseen toll of the beautiful game.

Yang Hao took a deep breath, silently vowing to guide his team through the storm.

The Match Begins

As the stands filled with over 54,000 Atlético fans, the tension was palpable. The home supporters roared as the players walked out, their chants echoing like thunder.

Alavés, true to their reputation, had set up a fortress at the back. Atlético attacked relentlessly but found no openings in the first 30 minutes.

In the 38th minute, the breakthrough finally came:

A perfectly delivered corner kick found Lucio, who headed it down for Pandiani to smash into the net. 1–0!

The stadium erupted, but Yang Hao remained focused.

Alavés pushed for an equalizer and came dangerously close, but just before halftime, Lucio turned scorer. Rising above the defense, he powered a header into the back of the net. 2–0!

The Second Half: Sealing the Title

In the second half, Yang Hao introduced Torres, Reyes, and Kaká, injecting fresh energy into the attack.

In the 76th minute, Reyes burst down the left flank, weaving past defenders. A quick pass to Kaká, who delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Torres. The young striker controlled it beautifully, shaking off his marker before smashing it past the goalkeeper. 3–0!

The stadium was a cauldron of celebration, chants of "Campeones!" reverberating across the stands.

When the final whistle blew, Atlético Madrid had triumphed. 3–0 on the night, 6–1 on aggregate.

Post-Match: Champions of Spain

As the trophy was brought onto the pitch, players and staff erupted in joyous celebration. Yang Hao was hoisted into the air, showered with champagne and praise.

Despite the jubilation, Yang Hao took a moment to reflect. This victory wasn't just a culmination of a season—it was a statement. Atlético Madrid had arrived, ready to challenge the dominance of Europe's elite.

With La Liga in hand and a UEFA Cup final against Liverpool on the horizon, Yang Hao allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction.

But his words to his team were clear: "This is just the beginning."

Final Score: Atlético Madrid 3–0 Alavés (6–1 Aggregate)

La Liga Champions: Atlético Madrid

In professional European football teams, sleeping pills are among the most commonly consumed medications. Without them, sleep is almost impossible—the pressure is simply too great.

"Alavés is going with a 5-3-2 formation. That leaves us no choice but to press forward and attack," Yang Hao announced, standing up from his chair.

Parales, familiar with Yang Hao's habits, had already laid out Alavés's starting lineup on the tactics board.

"Their biggest threat up front is Moreno. He's been performing well this season," noted Lillo, pointing at the forward line.

Yang Hao nodded. "Let Lucio mark him!"

The other forward, Croatian Jurica Vučko, seemed manageable for Carvalho to handle.

"And add Cambiasso into the mix," Yang Hao decided after some thought. A 3-on-2 defensive setup would suffice.

Moreno, however, remained the trickiest piece. His individual abilities were commendable. While Lucio was an excellent man-marker with strong physicality, his occasional recklessness was a concern. If it became a pure 2-on-2 situation and Lucio faltered, things could spiral quickly.

"Got it. I'll handle the arrangements," Lillo assured him.

"Good. Let's get moving. The players will be back in the locker room soon!"

The Pre-Match Preparation Frenzy

As soon as the players returned to the locker room, the atmosphere was as intense as a battlefield. Every second counted.

The coaching staff had to finalize adjustments to their tactics, tailoring them to counter Alavés's starting lineup.

Atlético's starting XI tonight leaned heavily toward attack:

Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar

Defense: Fabio Aurelio, Ricardo Carvalho, Lucio, and Juliano Belletti

Midfield: Esteban Cambiasso and Rubén Baraja (holding); Vicente, Deco, and Joaquín (advanced positions)

Forward: Walter Pandiani

When both Pandiani and Adriano were available, Yang Hao often leaned toward starting the Uruguayan. "He's more mature and works tirelessly," Yang Hao explained.

The strategy was simple: let Pandiani wear down the opposition, then bring Adriano in as a closer. However, he didn't rule out deploying both strikers together if the situation called for it.

This one-two punch approach had worked wonders throughout the season, and tonight, it was once again in play.

The Manager's Speech

Once Lillo wrapped up the final instructions, Yang Hao stood at the center of the locker room. He looked into the eyes of each player, his gaze firm, his voice resolute.

"This isn't our last match of the season. We still have the UEFA Cup final ahead," he began.

"But tonight is different. Tonight will decide the La Liga title.

"When we were outside, in the tunnel, you all heard it—the hopes and expectations of the fans. They want us to keep that trophy here. They don't want it leaving Calderón."

The players sat in complete silence, every word sinking in.

"I know the pressure has been immense. It's normal because we're not strong enough—yet. But when we become strong enough to make every opponent fear us, this kind of pressure will no longer exist. And I believe we have that potential."

"Until then, we must learn to embrace this pressure."

Yang Hao paused, his eyes scanning the room, making sure his words resonated.

"Alavés is strong. They made the UEFA Cup semifinals and performed well in the Copa del Rey. They're 10th in the league—a solid record. Mane is a good coach. But tonight, we will beat them!"

"I need you to carry that belief, that determination, onto the pitch."

"Know this—you are never alone. You are not carrying this pressure by yourselves. We are all in this together—your teammates, the coaching staff, the substitutes, the players in the stands, and our fans. We're one team!"

"When you step onto that pitch, forget everything else. Play for yourselves. Play for your teammates. Fight for every ball, for every opportunity to score!"

"Remember last summer when we started preseason, I told you—we are not a team destined to fight relegation. During the winter break in Dubai, even when we were trailing Real Madrid, I told you—we would overtake them.

"Now, I'll tell you this again: Tonight, the Madrid sky will shine for you!"

"I'll be on the sideline, waiting to hear your cheers as champions!"

"Let's go!" Yang Hao shouted, clenching his fist.

"Let's go! Let's go!" the players echoed, their voices filling the room with energy and determination.

Captain Rubén Baraja was the first to rise, rallying his teammates one by one.

"For the chance to throw the boss into the air again!"

Deco's quip drew laughter and cheers from the squad. His understated wit masked a knack for inspiring camaraderie.

Kickoff: The Battle Begins

The whistle blew, and the La Liga decider was underway. Baraja committed a tactical foul early, setting the tone for the intensity of the match.

From the stands, Atlético fans roared, creating a wall of sound that spurred their team forward.

On the pitch, Atlético pushed into Alavés's half immediately, pressing high with relentless energy.

Mane's intentions were clear—five defenders, a deep block, and counter-attacks.

Yang Hao didn't hesitate to respond. If Alavés wanted to park the bus, Atlético would batter it down.

Neither team was built for possession-based football, making the game fast-paced with frequent turnovers. Watching from the sideline, Yang Hao quickly assessed the rhythm.

"This is about breaking through their defense and containing Moreno on the counter."

He instructed both full-backs to push forward, increasing the pressure on Alavés's backline.

"Keep me updated on Bernabéu. Any news, tell me immediately," Yang Hao reminded Lillo.

A scout stationed at Real Madrid's stadium relayed updates via an open line, ensuring Yang Hao could adjust his tactics if needed.

As the minutes ticked by, Atlético intensified their attacks, using their aerial prowess to test Alavés's defense. Yang Hao considered bringing Adriano on during halftime if the match remained deadlocked.

But ideally, Atlético would score early—taking control of their destiny.

Time ticked by quickly, almost too quickly.

Yang Hao, standing on the sideline, barely felt it. Suddenly, over ten minutes had vanished from the game clock.

Atlético Madrid had yet to string together a series of dangerous attacks. How is time passing so fast?

Despite appearing calm and composed on the touchline, Yang Hao was just as anxious as anyone. He simply couldn't show it. A coach's unease would only amplify his players' nerves on the pitch.

We need a goal, fast. A goal would bring stability.

Strangely, Yang Hao found himself shouting most often at Lucio.

He constantly reminded the Brazilian to track Moreno's movements while also issuing defensive instructions to Van der Sar and Carvalho.

Lucio's occasional recklessness made him a liability, especially in high-stakes games. Keeping him sharp was critical.

The First Goal: Relief at Last

In the 17th minute, Atlético's Fabio Aurelio darted down the left flank, weaving past two Alavés defenders before threading a precise pass to the edge of the penalty area near the byline.

Vicente, sprinting at full pace, reached the ball and delivered a perfect cross into the box.

At the near post, Pandiani outmuscled defender Téllez, redirecting the ball with a powerful header. It sailed over the defense and found Deco, unmarked at the far post.

BANG. Deco headed it home from close range.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"Atlético!"

"The 17th minute—finally, Atlético Madrid's attack yields a result!"

"Deco steps up in a crucial moment, nodding in a brilliant header to open the scoring!"

"A superb assist from Pandiani with the header at the near post!"

"Atlético can breathe a little easier now."

Yang Hao, having waited anxiously for this moment, erupted in celebration. He pumped his fist in the air and let out a triumphant yell.

All of Calderón Stadium exploded with joy, waves of cheers and chants sweeping through the stands.

Yang Hao quickly calmed himself, stepping to the sideline and calling out to Deco and Cambiasso, motioning for them to slow the tempo and stabilize the team.

He also signaled the defensive line to drop back slightly and focus on protecting the lead at all costs.

News Travels to the Bernabéu

Simultaneously, at the Bernabéu Stadium, Real Madrid's assistant coach Toni Grande overheard the cheers blaring through his phone.

His heart sank.

He grabbed the phone and asked the team's scout stationed at Calderón:

"What's the score? Who scored?"

Toni Grande clung to hope. If Alavés had scored first, it would've been perfect.

But the reply dashed his optimism:

"It's Atlético. They scored. Deco headed it in, assisted by Pandiani."

"Damn it!" Toni cursed under his breath.

"How are things over there at the Bernabéu?" the scout asked.

"Same as before—0-0," Grande replied, frustrated.

Putting down the phone, he hesitated before approaching head coach Vicente del Bosque.

"Vicente, Atlético scored."

Del Bosque's face momentarily revealed a flicker of disappointment before returning to its usual calm demeanor.

"I see," he said simply.

Toni Grande retreated to the bench, knowing it was better not to let the players know. Desperation to score could lead to mistakes.

Del Bosque remained steadfast, standing like an immovable lighthouse on the touchline.

In moments like these, he believed a coach's presence must radiate reassurance and confidence to his players.

Sure enough, Real Madrid's stars didn't keep him waiting long.

Raúl Responds for Real Madrid

At the 24th minute, despite Valladolid's compact five-man defense, Figo made a dazzling run down the right flank, beating multiple defenders before delivering a pinpoint pass into the penalty area.

The ball landed at Raúl's feet.

With his back to goal, Raúl deftly turned, curling a left-footed shot into the top-left corner.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"RAÚL!!! RAÚL SCORES!!!!"

"Real Madrid finally breaks through in the 24th minute! The captain puts his team ahead!"

On the sideline, Del Bosque pumped his fists in celebration, raising them high above his head.

The Bernabéu erupted in deafening cheers, with 62,000 Madridistas roaring their approval.

The goal didn't clinch the title, but it gave Real Madrid a fighting chance. Without a goal, there was no hope at all.

Atlético Remains Unfazed

News of Raúl's goal soon reached Calderón Stadium.

Yang Hao's reaction? Completely unfazed.

"Expected," he muttered.

Real Madrid hosting Valladolid and failing to score would've been the real shock.

Yang Hao had entered this match fully assuming Real Madrid would take all three points. As far as he was concerned, Atlético's fate was in their own hands—win, and the title was theirs.

Atlético, leading 1-0, eased off their attack, prioritizing defensive stability.

With Cambiasso and Deco anchoring the midfield, Atlético's ball control improved. Slowing the tempo, they focused on maintaining possession—less about killing time and more about tiring out their opponents.

By halftime, Atlético had controlled enough of the game to see out the first 45 minutes without further incident.

During the break, Yang Hao informed his players of Real Madrid's goal. The news was met with calm acceptance. It changed nothing.

The second half began much like the first, with Atlético controlling the ball and waiting for opportunities.

Time seemed to pass quickly for Yang Hao. He began to believe the match would play out without surprises.

But as football often proves, the unexpected always finds a way.

Disaster Strikes: Moreno Equalizes

In the 76th minute, Lucio made an unwise decision. Dribbling out of defense, he was dispossessed by Alavés striker Moreno.

Moreno capitalized immediately, charging into the box. Alone against Van der Sar, he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

1-1.

Yang Hao stood frozen on the sideline, stunned.

He wanted to storm onto the pitch and slap Lucio.

"How many times have I told you—don't take risks in critical moments! Did you not hear me?!"

Furious as he was, Yang Hao quickly regained his composure.

He called for substitutions.

Adriano came on to replace Cambiasso, while Deco dropped back to partner Baraja in midfield.

"We need to push forward," Yang Hao instructed.

Atlético's title hopes now hung by a thread.

Yang Hao, after subbing in Adriano, turned to Lucio and pointed sternly at him.

"If you dare cross the halfway line again, I'll bench you for the whole season!"

Lucio, his confidence shaken by his earlier error, nodded furiously. He had wanted to help the team push for a second goal, but under Moreno's press, he hesitated. His poor decision-making had cost the team dearly.

After the scolding, Lucio turned to Carvalho, his defensive partner, and said, "Ricardo, you've got to keep me in check."

Carvalho was baffled. "Me? How am I supposed to stop you from taking risks? You're the one who doesn't listen!"

"If I get out of line, just yell the boss's name!" Lucio exclaimed desperately.

Carvalho was even more confused. "That's going to work? Calling his name is going to stop you?"

Lucio smiled sheepishly. "Trust me, just thinking about him getting mad is enough to wake me up from nightmares."

Despite his erratic tendencies, Lucio could be reliable when focused. And moments later, his chance to redeem himself arrived.

Lucio Redeems Himself

Right after the restart, Atlético won a corner.

Lucio and Adriano entered Alavés's penalty area, towering above the defenders.

Raising his hand confidently, Lucio signaled to Deco to deliver the ball to him.

As the corner flew into the box, Lucio read the trajectory perfectly. Timing his jump to perfection, he rose above the crowd, powering a header past the goalkeeper and into the net.

2-1! Atlético retook the lead!

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"Lucio with a redemption arc!"

"He went from villain to hero in the span of two minutes! After his defensive mistake led to the equalizer, the Brazilian defender has redeemed himself with this crucial header."

Instead of celebrating on the sideline, Lucio sprinted straight to the dugout. Grasping Yang Hao's hands tightly, he repeatedly apologized.

The rest of the team joined in, dragging Lucio back to the pitch to celebrate together.

On the touchline, Yang Hao didn't waste any time.

"One-goal leads aren't enough! Push harder! Get another one!"

The players echoed their coach's urgency. A single-goal cushion felt far too fragile, especially with Lucio's unpredictability looming.

Simultaneous Chaos at the Bernabéu

As Atlético celebrated Lucio's goal, the news quickly traveled to the Bernabéu.

There, Toni Grande relayed the update to Del Bosque.

"Boss, Atlético scored again. It's 2-1."

Del Bosque's face tightened. He had barely finished processing the earlier equalizer, and now Atlético had retaken the lead.

And if that wasn't enough, Valladolid struck back.

In a swift counterattack, Iván Kaviedes, Valladolid's Ecuadorian striker, broke free and scored, catching Real Madrid's defense off guard.

1-1.

Del Bosque was left in utter disbelief. Within minutes, he had gone from elation to devastation. His emotions were a whirlwind: shock, frustration, anger, and despair.

Atlético's Barrage

Back at Calderón, Atlético sensed blood.

Adriano, fresh off the bench, combined with Pandiani to devastating effect.

In the 80th minute, Adriano beat two defenders on the left before cutting inside to deliver a perfect cross to Pandiani, who headed it into the net.

3-1.

Minutes later, Adriano himself got on the scoresheet, firing in a thunderous shot from the edge of the box.

4-1.

Calderón erupted.

Yang Hao, finally feeling a measure of security, allowed himself a relieved smile. "Keep pressing. We're not done."

The match felt sealed, but Atlético's relentless intensity continued.

Del Bosque's Despair

At the Bernabéu, Del Bosque turned to Grande.

"What's the update from Calderón?"

Grande hesitated, then broke the news. "4-1. They've scored three times in quick succession."

"What?!" Del Bosque, just about to sit down, nearly stumbled.

"They subbed Adriano in. He has one goal and one assist. Pandiani scored another. It's over."

Del Bosque clenched his fists. He had already used all three substitutions, leaving him helpless to adjust his tactics further.

Real Madrid, despite their immense star power, were on the brink of losing the league title.

With nothing left to lose, Del Bosque pushed his players forward, desperate for a late miracle.

The Final Blow

Real Madrid threw everything into the attack, pinning Valladolid inside their own box.

After relentless pressure, Roberto Carlos found space on the left flank, whipping in a pinpoint cross to the penalty spot.

Zidane, in one fluid motion, turned and unleashed a stunning volley. The ball rocketed into the net like a meteor.

2-1.

The Bernabéu roared back to life as Zidane's brilliance brought Real Madrid back into the lead.

Del Bosque sighed in relief, but his joy was short-lived.

"What about Calderón?" he asked.

Grande shook his head. "They're still up 4-1."

Del Bosque slumped back onto the bench, the realization hitting him: even with their victory, Atlético held all the cards.

Final Whistles Loom

As both matches entered their dying minutes, the tension was palpable.

At Calderón, Yang Hao barked final instructions, ensuring his team remained disciplined.

At the Bernabéu, Del Bosque paced furiously, urging his players to keep pressing, even as time ran out.

With the championship hanging by a thread, the final moments were a testament to the drama and unpredictability of football.

As Bosque slumped into the home team's dugout at the Bernabéu, his face was a mask of resignation.

It was over.

Everything was over.

When the referee blew the final whistle at the Calderón, Yang Hao erupted out of the technical area like a firework. He sprinted along the sidelines, pumping his fists, his roars of joy echoing across the stadium.

The crowd felt every ounce of his exhilaration.

Atlético Madrid had done it.

They were La Liga champions once again!

"My word, look at Yang Hao's sprinting speed!"

"He could've been a footballer if coaching hadn't worked out!"

Yang Hao ended his lap near the hardcore South Stand, leaping into the air and thrusting his fists toward the sky in pure jubilation.

"We are the champions!" he yelled at the passionate fans.

"Champions! Champions! Champions!"

The fans roared back, their voices shaking the Calderón to its core.

The Youngest Champion Manager in History

"This is absolutely incredible," said the commentators.

"Atlético Madrid, the youngest squad among the top four European leagues, has stormed to the La Liga title. Not only do they boast one of the best offenses, but their defense has been stellar as well."

"And leading this youthful team is none other than Yang Hao, now officially the youngest manager in Spanish football history to win the league title—at just 26 years old!"

"Yes, folks, you heard that correctly—26!"

"With this La Liga title, Yang Hao adds to his growing collection, which already includes the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey."

"And this might not be the end of the story! In just a few days, Atlético Madrid will face Liverpool in the UEFA Cup Final in Dortmund. If they win, Yang Hao could become the youngest manager in European history to claim a continental trophy."

"It's simply unbelievable—Yang Hao seems to be a record-breaking machine, constantly setting new milestones!"

"His Atlético side is more than just a team; they've become a phenomenon. Their high-octane attacking football, relentless pressing, and fast-paced transitions have captured the imagination of fans worldwide."

"Tonight, at the Calderón, this young Atlético team, led by an even younger coach, has edged out city rivals Real Madrid by just a single point to claim the league title!"

"Congratulations to Yang Hao and Atlético Madrid!"

"This is Worth It."

Miguel Gil stood throughout the entire match, his excitement visible for everyone to see.

He had never been particularly passionate about football, but tonight, he felt its magnetic pull.

"This title is worth 5% of the shares, don't forget," Enrique Cerezo reminded him with a chuckle.

The share redistribution would dilute Cerezo's stake more than Miguel Gil's, but as a minor shareholder, Cerezo didn't mind.

"Worth it," Miguel replied without hesitation.

"In fact, if Yang Hao wins the UEFA Cup next week, I'd happily give him the remaining 5%."

Cerezo laughed heartily.

It was true—Yang Hao had made the investment worthwhile.

The transformation was astonishing. Just a year ago, Atlético had teetered on the edge of bankruptcy, practically written off as relegation-bound.

But within months, Yang Hao had completely revitalized the team.

This wasn't the first time Atlético had experienced a miraculous turnaround.

In the 1994/95 season, they narrowly avoided relegation. Then, in 1995, under Radomir Antić, they brought in players like Fresnedoso and stormed to a double in 1995/96.

But that was followed by years of decline and near-relegation.

For Cerezo, who had lived through those turbulent years, this time felt different.

Yang Hao's Atlético wasn't just a flash in the pan. The team was younger, hungrier, and financially stable.

"Giving him those shares is the best decision we've ever made," Cerezo thought.

A Future Atlético Star

In the stands, Lionel Messi clenched his father Jorge's hand tightly, his voice trembling with emotion.

"One day, I'll be on that pitch, wearing Atlético's jersey. I'll play for Mr. Yang Hao, and I'll help him win every trophy!"

Jorge Messi looked around. He wasn't the only one moved. The other young players nearby shared the same fervor.

Sergio Ramos, standing on a chair, waved his shirt above his head, screaming at the surrounding fans.

"Remember my name—Sergio Ramos! One day, I'll bring championships to Atlético, just like them!"

The nearby fans erupted in cheers, encouraging the passionate boy.

"We love players with guts and heart like you!" they shouted back.

Celebrating Champions

Though only 18 players were on the matchday squad, Yang Hao had invited the entire first team, as well as key reserve players like Marcos Senna, to witness the historic moment.

From the stands, Fernando Torres watched Yang Hao's celebratory sprint and felt deeply inspired.

Turning to Kaká, he said, "I need to work harder."

The ever-smiling Kaká nodded. "Me too."

"I want to make the first team soon. I want to help Atlético win even more titles. Kaká, you've got to help me!"

"Of course. Let's do it together," Kaká replied, extending his hand.

The two clasped hands tightly, united by a shared determination to reach the summit.

The Traditional Toss

As Yang Hao finished celebrating with the South Stand, he suddenly felt himself being lifted off the ground.

Lucio, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, hoisted him into the air.

Then, the rest of the team swarmed in, joining forces to toss Yang Hao skyward.

"Ah, this cursed tradition!" Yang Hao shouted mid-air, half-laughing, half-terrified.

"Who started this anyway?!"

The players roared with laughter, chanting, "Champions! Champions!" as they celebrated their remarkable season together.

A New Era Dawns

Atlético Madrid were champions of Spain. But their journey was far from over. With Yang Hao at the helm, the possibilities seemed limitless.

La Liga had finally come to an end.

Atlético Madrid, the dark horse that shocked everyone, maintained its momentum to the end, narrowly edging out Real Madrid by one point to claim the La Liga title. This was the 10th league title in the club's history.

That night, countless Atlético fans celebrated at the Vicente Calderón Stadium and Neptune Fountain, partying all night long.

However, Yang Hao and Atlético's players couldn't join the celebrations. They had to shift their focus immediately to preparing for the UEFA Cup final.

Yang Hao didn't even have time to look at the news. After a recovery training session the following morning, he locked himself in a meeting with the coaching staff to discuss strategies against Liverpool.

In England, the Premier League season had also concluded. Liverpool had finished third, a massive 11 points behind leaders Manchester United.

That was a significant gap.

Ferguson's United was at the peak of its dominance in Premier League history.

Of course, Houllier's Liverpool was no pushover either.

Before Yang Hao's time travel, many fans underestimated Liverpool's quintuple-winning team from the early 2000s, dismissing it because it lacked the two most prestigious trophies: the league title and the Champions League.

That criticism wasn't entirely unfounded.

But it couldn't erase the importance of Liverpool's five trophies. Michael Owen, for instance, earned his place in the 2001 Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year races thanks to that quintuple-winning season, ultimately claiming the Ballon d'Or.

At that time, the Ballon d'Or was much more prestigious than the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

In a way, it acknowledged the significance of Liverpool's quintuple-winning campaign.

Dietmar Hamann, a German midfielder who played key roles in both Liverpool's quintuple-winning era and the Miracle of Istanbul, once compared the two teams. He believed Houllier's quintuple-winning Liverpool was stronger than the team that won in Istanbul.

As a mainstay in both periods, Hamann's opinion carried considerable weight.

From Yang Hao's perspective, Liverpool's quintuple-winning season did lack some prestige. Without a league or Champions League title, it wasn't flawless. But dismissing it as unimportant was an underestimation.

Especially in this UEFA Cup final.

This was Liverpool's first European final since the Heysel disaster in the 1980s.

As such, the entire Liverpool organization took it incredibly seriously.

You could even say it was their most important match of the season.

...

After discussing with Jesús Gil and the rest of the coaching staff, they quickly reached a consensus:

To stop Liverpool from scoring, it was essential to neutralize two key players.

The first was Emile Heskey.

No need for much explanation—Heskey was Liverpool's tactical striker, standing at 1.88 meters tall with physical strength that made him dominant in the Premier League.

If this were last season's Atlético, Yang Hao would be seriously worried. But now, they had Lucio.

Both Yang Hao and Jesús Gil believed Lucio was strong enough to compete with Heskey as long as he stayed disciplined.

The second challenge was Michael Owen's speed.

Owen wasn't just fast; he had exceptional instincts and was great at making runs off the ball. This was evident later in his career when injuries robbed him of his speed, yet he remained effective with his positioning.

Yang Hao had always found Real Madrid's signing of Owen a curious decision, even if the transfer fee was low.

With Raúl already on the team, what was the point of bringing in a player with such a similar style? Raúl was technically better, while Owen was faster.

Against Liverpool, another concern was their midfielders' late runs into the box, with Steven Gerrard leading the charge.

At this time, Gerrard was still playing as a right midfielder.

Liverpool's attacking threat from the flanks was strong, and Heskey often drifted wide to receive the ball, creating problems for Atlético's defense.

When Heskey moved to the wing, he dragged the central defenders with him, opening space for Owen or midfielders arriving late.

"We absolutely have to neutralize Heskey," Yang Hao said, clearly frustrated.

Heskey was somewhat similar to Didier Drogba in his prime. If you marked him closely, players like Mauricio Pochettino and Ricardo Carvalho couldn't win physical duels against him.

If you had Lucio man-mark him, the defensive structure would need to adjust, increasing the risk of mistakes.

If you didn't mark him, Liverpool would continuously exploit Heskey's strength, creating endless trouble.

"Should we assign Lucio to him directly?" Yang Hao pondered for a moment. "In training, let Adriano play the role of Heskey, with Baraja and Gravesen positioned in central midfield, ready to support the defense when needed."

"That could work; let's try it," Jesús Gil agreed.

The rest of the staff had no objections.

Another headache was Owen's speed.

Liverpool's tactics were straightforward, even predictable, but highly effective. Neutralizing their strategy wasn't easy, especially when they relied so heavily on Heskey's physicality and Owen's speed.

"Set-piece defense is also critical. Liverpool has too many tall players; their aerial threat is a major advantage."

Liverpool's backline had an average height of nearly 1.9 meters, with players like Djimi Traoré (1.91m), Sami Hyypiä (1.95m), Stéphane Henchoz (1.85m), and Markus Babbel (1.91m).

In the latter half of the season, however, Houllier preferred using Jamie Carragher (1.86m) as the left-back instead of Traoré.

Carragher, being right-footed, often left defensive gaps on Liverpool's left side. Houllier frequently paired him with Danny Murphy to provide additional cover.

Another possibility was deploying a three-defensive-midfielder setup with Gary McAllister, Hamann, and Gerrard, while Smicer played in a more advanced role. This system leaned heavily on defense and was typically used in high-stakes matches.

For this final, Yang Hao believed Liverpool was more likely to stick to a 4-4-2 formation.

After analyzing Liverpool's strengths in such detail, Yang Hao and his staff were confident that if they could neutralize these key threats, Houllier's team would leave Dortmund in disappointment.

Atlético's strengths lay in their wide play, the creativity provided by their 4-2-3-1 formation, particularly with Deco in the No. 10 role, and the offensive firepower of players like Pandiani and Adriano. These were advantages that could match or even surpass Liverpool's.

Houllier was undoubtedly racking his brains trying to figure out how to counter Atlético's attack.

In a final, the first priority is to avoid defeat.

Liverpool's typical style was to press forward aggressively. If they chose to adopt a defensive approach, Yang Hao would be overjoyed.

Could Liverpool hold out defensively against a possession-oriented Spanish team?

Sometimes, football isn't as complicated as it seems.

Neutralize the opponent's strengths, maximize your own, and you'll win.

...

From the final league match to the UEFA Cup final, every single day was packed with an incredibly tight schedule.

The coaching staff did everything they could and barely managed to squeeze in a targeted training session.

It wasn't because Atlético's coaching team was lacking but because some recovery and adjustment sessions were absolutely necessary. Without these, players wouldn't be able to perform well in matches, and no matter how good the tactics were, it would all be pointless.

During the targeted training, Yang Hao stood on the sidelines, watching Adriano and Lucio—the two powerhouses—battling on the pitch. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

Those two were truly beasts!

After training, Yang Hao called Lucio into his office.

In the match against Alavés, Lucio had made a serious mistake. Although he later scored a goal to make up for it, Yang Hao still felt uneasy about him.

But what could he do? There's no such thing as a perfect player in the world.

Especially for defenders—mistakes are inevitable.

Take Cannavaro, for instance.

Even in his peak years at Parma, let alone during Inter's low point, he was often criticized.

Defenders, after all, are forged through criticism.

Over time, it depends on whether the good memories you leave for the fans outweigh the unforgettable mistakes, and this determines how fans judge your legacy.

The more Yang Hao understood professional football, the clearer it became to him: football ultimately comes down to physicality.

This physicality isn't just about height, strength, or speed, but a comprehensive set of attributes.

For instance, even among defenders, Sergio Ramos and Pepe were two entirely different types.

Both might seem rough on the surface and grew into their roles with experience, but fans quickly noticed the difference: Ramos often committed fouls, even seemed to enjoy it, while Pepe, after a certain point in his career, evolved beyond that.

Why?

Because Ramos's physical attributes weren't as strong as Pepe's.

In terms of physical confrontations or even height, Ramos fell short.

This seemingly minor difference meant Ramos had to rely on other tactics to make up for it.

Defenders of similar height to Ramos—like Puyol, Carvalho, and Thiago Silva—often followed a similar approach because they couldn't always compete in direct physical duels.

But Pepe and Lucio were different. With exceptional physical qualities, they could dominate once they gained enough experience.

Even Nesta and Cannavaro had a similar contrast in their styles.

Of all the center-backs Yang Hao had seen, both in this life and his previous one, Lucio was undoubtedly one of the most physically dominant.

On top of that, Lucio had a unique skill that most defenders didn't:

Ball progression.

...

"In that match against Alavés, I've been meaning to talk to you about something," Yang Hao said, offering Lucio a glass of water to ease the atmosphere. He wanted to show goodwill and make it clear this wasn't a scolding session.

Even so, Lucio still looked nervous.

Being summoned by the boss before a UEFA Cup final usually wasn't a good sign.

"Boss, I know I messed up. I swear I won't make the same mistake again."

Yang Hao chuckled. "Spare me your promises. Do you really think I can believe them? Once you step onto the pitch and get caught up in the heat of the moment, you'll probably forget all about it, won't you?"

Lucio laughed sheepishly. "That's why they say you know me best, boss."

"Cut the jokes," Yang Hao said, his expression turning serious. He grabbed a piece of paper and sketched a rough layout of the players' positions during the Alavés match, focusing on Lucio's critical moment.

"Look here. When you pushed forward with the ball, Moreno immediately locked onto you."

"Yeah, that guy came out of nowhere. He scared the hell out of me," Lucio protested.

"Don't try to make excuses. You were careless and didn't notice him," Yang Hao countered, giving Lucio no chance to defend himself.

Lucio didn't argue further, knowing Yang Hao was right. At that moment, all he had been thinking about was how to pass the ball forward.

"Your strengths lie in physical duels, aerial ability, and interceptions—all basic qualities for a defender. But your ball progression is particularly impressive, especially your ability to break through lines."

This "breakthrough" wasn't necessarily about beating defenders one-on-one but breaking through a specific defensive line.

Many defenders lacked this ability, which made Lucio stand out.

"From a tactical perspective, when you push forward, their midfielders are forced to pull someone out to stop you. That disrupts their defensive shape."

Defensive players can tolerate an opponent dribbling horizontally or passing sideways, but they won't allow easy vertical progression or forward passes.

These pose significant threats.

Vertical progression is a crucial element in designing offensive tactics. It's about how to transition the ball from your half to the opponent's danger zone.

Long balls, wing play, or short central passes—these are all methods.

In theory, goals can't be "designed."

Coaches can only create strategies to move the ball into threatening areas; the final touches depend on the players' creativity.

Lucio's progression ability was invaluable for advancing the attack. It was like a wave pushing the team forward, disrupting the opponent's defensive formation.

But it came with significant risks.

"If you lose the ball or they exploit the space behind you, it'll be just like that Alavés match."

Lucio wasn't dumb—far from it. He quickly understood the pros and cons after Yang Hao laid them out.

"Boss, I've thought about these issues before, but my understanding was always vague. Now it's much clearer thanks to your explanation."

"Ten meters."

"Huh?" Lucio didn't quite get it.

"You should only push forward a maximum of 10 meters. Beyond that, you need to think carefully about whether you can handle it."

In Yang Hao's tactical system, the space from the forward line to the defensive line was about 30 meters. Lucio pushing forward 10 meters was already significant.

This meant that if Lucio passed the ball into space after advancing, the next player could immediately threaten the defense.

With Atlético's current technical proficiency, the success rate of passes within 10 meters was very high.

"I got it, boss. I'll be mindful," Lucio said sincerely.

"For the next two days, I want you to study Heskey's profile in detail," Yang Hao added.

"Heskey? The Liverpool striker?" Lucio's eyes lit up with excitement.

"I'm telling you, stopping Heskey will be the key to beating Liverpool. If we can't contain him, our defensive line will be under tremendous pressure. From what I've seen, the only player on our team capable of going toe-to-toe with Heskey is..."

Before Yang Hao could finish, Lucio grinned, pointing at himself as if waiting for the coach to confirm.

Yang Hao couldn't help but laugh at the defender's antics. But his tone turned serious.

"I'm telling you, this is the deciding factor for our success in the UEFA Cup final!"

By the end, there was no humor left in his voice—only determination.

...

Lucio nodded, understanding the importance, and promised, "Don't worry, boss. This time, I won't mess up."

Yang Hao gave a slight nod of approval—he had explained things as clearly as possible.

"Wait a minute. From the way you said that, does it mean you've messed up often before?"

"No… no, absolutely not! Never!" Lucio shook his head vigorously.

"The more I think about it, the more suspicious it seems…"

At this point, Lucio didn't dare stick around any longer. He quickly stood up, turned, and made a run for it.

"Boss, I'll take my leave now. Call me if you need me!"

Despite his bulky frame, Lucio managed to flee at an impressive speed.

Watching Lucio rush out, Yang Hao burst into laughter in his office.

"What a coward!"

When it came to Liverpool, Yang Hao wasn't worried about Atlético's attacking power.

As long as the defense could hold off the Reds, Yang Hao was confident he could win the game.

From that perspective, he wasn't wrong—Lucio was indeed a key player.

All he could do now was hope the defender wouldn't let him down.

...…

After two and a half days of closed-door training in Madrid, Atlético set off for Dortmund, Germany.

By now, it was already the day before the UEFA Cup final.

Yang Hao brought the entire first-team squad to Germany, wanting everyone to be united and fight together for this decisive battle.

Liverpool arrived almost simultaneously with Atlético, but the two teams stayed in hotels that were far apart.

Once the hotel check-in process was complete and the players had rested briefly, it was time to head to Westfalenstadion for the pre-match familiarization training.

The UEFA Cup still held significant prestige at the time. Even for something as routine as familiarization training, it drew a lot of media attention. Reporters from Spain's major newspapers and TV stations followed Atlético closely.

During training, Atlético didn't focus on specific tactical drills but conducted standard exercises like practicing crosses from the wings.

This was particularly important.

Every pitch has its own unique dimensions. Players like Vicente, Joaquín, Belletti, and Aurelio needed to familiarize themselves with the field's width to adjust their delivery in actual gameplay.

A few meters off could make a big difference.

Once training ended, it was time for the pre-match press conference.

This was Yang Hao's first time participating in a European final press conference, and the sense of occasion was palpable.

Even though it was "just" the UEFA Cup final, many high-ranking UEFA officials, the chairman of the referees' committee, as well as representatives from the German Football Association and former players, were present to greet Yang Hao.

In their expressions, Yang Hao could sense a mixture of surprise and disbelief, as if they were thinking:

"This guy is really Atlético's head coach?"

"He looks even younger in person than on TV or in photos!"

During the press conference, Yang Hao remained composed. He began by expressing his respect for Liverpool and Gérard Houllier.

"This is a remarkable achievement!" Yang Hao said, praising Liverpool for their League Cup and FA Cup victories that season.

However, the media found Yang Hao's demeanor unusual.

Wasn't this supposed to be a time to stir up some tension ahead of such an important final?

Sensing the lack of drama, reporters tried to stoke the fire.

For example, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who had lost the FA Cup final to Liverpool, had claimed that Liverpool's victory was mostly down to luck.

"For 80 minutes, we were clearly the better side, but in the last 10 minutes, we made mistakes, and Liverpool were fortunate enough to capitalize," Wenger had said.

Reporters asked Yang Hao for his thoughts on Wenger's comments.

It was a trap, plain and simple.

Yang Hao carefully responded, "Wenger has every reason to feel regretful and dissatisfied with Arsenal's late mistakes—that's perfectly normal. But I believe Liverpool's resilience, persistence, and tenacity deserve recognition as well. They held firm for over 80 minutes and were ultimately rewarded for it."

Yang Hao also noted the need to be cautious of Michael Owen.

"He's one of the best players in Europe right now. No defender likes going up against him—he's just too fast!"

He went on to say that Liverpool excelled at striking late.

"Compared to the first half, I think they prefer scoring in the second half."

As this was Yang Hao's first time in such a high-stakes final, he tread carefully, even during interviews with the media.

Regarding Atlético, Yang Hao admitted that the team was young and lacked experience in European finals.

"In fact, it's not just the players—even Atlético as a club lacks this kind of experience."

"If we manage to win the UEFA Cup this season, it will be an unprecedented achievement for our club," he added.

It would be Atlético's first-ever UEFA Cup trophy.

"I believe we've prepared thoroughly. My players and I will give everything we've got and perform to the best of our abilities."

"Nothing will stop us from bringing the UEFA Cup back to Madrid!"

It was only in that final statement that Yang Hao struck a slightly more aggressive tone.

...…

The next day, media reports highlighted that Yang Hao's demeanor was notably humbler than Houllier's. His answers lacked the sharpness and confidence that Houllier exuded.

The French manager had boldly declared that Liverpool would "definitely defeat Atlético" and complete their treble.

In contrast, Yang Hao's approach seemed more subdued.

Media outlets from various countries analyzed the difference, concluding that Yang Hao's youth and lack of experience in European finals explained his caution.

As The Times noted,

"Despite being the biggest surprise in La Liga and perhaps all of Europe this season, Atlético still appears less confident when facing a historic club like Liverpool in the UEFA Cup final."

Spain's AS similarly commented,

"Yang Hao showed his nerves in the pre-match press conference!"

Columnist Oscar even wrote that Yang Hao's remarks severely undermined Atlético's morale and fighting spirit.

Germany's Bild took a softer stance, saying Houllier displayed greater confidence, while Yang Hao adopted a more modest tone.

The pre-match betting odds from the three major bookmakers also reflected this dynamic, favoring Liverpool over Atlético with a 6-to-4 margin.

This aligned with the prevailing sentiment.

Yang Hao merely skimmed the newspapers and dismissed the commentary with a smile before turning his attention back to discussing match strategies with his players.

This was the team's final tactical meeting before the match. Yang Hao emphasized key points and reiterated details to ensure everyone was prepared.

Juanma Lillo also provided an in-depth analysis of Liverpool's tactics, helping the players anticipate and respond to unexpected situations during the game.

Yang Hao observed that, while the team was under considerable pressure, the players' spirits were high.

These Atlético players were, after all, European-level stars and national team regulars. Without mental toughness, they wouldn't have made it this far.

To further boost morale, Yang Hao went the extra mile by preparing a special gift for his players out of his own pocket.

...…

Before the UEFA Cup Final

Dortmund's Westfalenstadion, home team dressing room.

Accompanied by roaring cheers and screams from the crowd, the thundering beats of We Will Rock You echoed through the dressing room. Everyone inside instantly recognized this iconic football anthem, particularly the live concert version.

As the television screen brightened from darkness, it didn't show the band's concert footage but instead a montage of Atlético players. The photos were snapshots from their matches throughout the season.

Every player in the dressing room could recall the moments captured in these photos, the matches that defined their journey. The drumbeats seemed to strike directly at their hearts, igniting a fervor that spread through the room.

[Buddy, you're just a young boy, making a big noise, playing in the street, gonna be a big man someday.]

As the raspy vocals began the first verse, the screen transitioned to childhood photos of Atlético's players—on the streets, on makeshift pitches, at home, or outdoors. The imagery was perfectly in tune with the song's theme.

When the chorus, We will, we will rock you, erupted, the energy in the room exploded. Some players couldn't help but sing along, their bodies ignited by the music.

[Brother, you're a young man, hard man, shouting in the street, gonna take on the world someday.]

The visuals now showed slightly older photos of the players, capturing the progression of their lives.

The dressing room buzzed with emotion. Players followed the images, each one triggering memories of their own pasts. Just like the lyrics, they had all dreamed of greatness, of conquering the world.

The song lasted just over two minutes—not long—but it was more than enough to ignite the players' passion.

As We Will Rock You ended, the video seamlessly transitioned into We Are the Champions.

This time, the screen displayed clips from Atlético's matches throughout the season:

[We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting till the end.]

The footage showed players leaping for headers, sliding in for tackles, crashing to the ground, and celebrating on their knees.

[We are the champions. No time for losers, 'cause we are the champions of the world.]

The relentless repetition of the lyrics and the escalating emotion built to a crescendo. The players couldn't hold back any longer, joining in with booming voices, singing along as they immersed themselves completely in the moment.

...

This video was one of Yang Hao's personal favorites from his previous life.

Internet users had jokingly dubbed it: "The Bathhouse Uncle's Post-Shift Concert."

Yang Hao could vividly picture the lead singer from that iconic 1981 Montreal performance—flamboyant moves, ultra-short shorts, exaggerated confidence, playful struts, and the bright red scarf tied around his chest. It was as if a bare-bottomed opera singer had broken into a rock concert.

Because of this, Yang Hao didn't dare show the original footage. It would've turned a motivational moment into a comedy skit.

As it turned out, without the theatrical performance, just these two live tracks paired with a well-crafted photo montage were enough to stoke the players' emotions.

By the time the six-minute video ended, the entire team was fired up. Right on cue, the referee's whistle signaling the players to enter the field rang out.

One by one, the players stood up and turned toward their head coach.

They were ready.

"Go out there and bring the trophy home!"

Yang Hao said just one sentence, spreading his arms wide to embrace each player as they left the dressing room.

As he hugged them, he could feel the strength radiating from each one—the hunger, the determination, the burning desire to win.

This was exactly the moment he had aimed for.

...

When French referee Gilles Veissière blew the whistle to start the match, a scene unfolded that shocked the 50,000 fans in the stadium and countless others watching on TV.

The Atlético Madrid that had been so subdued in the pre-match buildup launched an aggressive attack on Liverpool from the very first second.

Vicente, Pandiani, and Joaquín were like cavalry charging forward, immediately pressing Liverpool's defensive line.

The ball landed at Mauricio Pochettino's feet, and without hesitation, he sent a long pass down the right flank.

Yang Hao didn't hide his tactical intent at all. With their first attack, he made it crystal clear to Gérard Houllier and everyone watching: Atlético was targeting Liverpool's left side.

Liverpool's left-back Jamie Carragher managed to beat Joaquín to the ball, heading it away.

But Atlético's second wave of attackers was already in position.

Deco, Gravesen, and Baraja surged forward, pressuring Dietmar Hamann and Gary McAllister. They quickly regained possession and sent the ball back down the right flank, this time to the overlapping Belletti.

Belletti carried the ball forward decisively and passed it to Joaquín.

Facing Carragher one-on-one, Joaquín forced his way down the right wing and delivered a cross from near the edge of the box. However, the ball deflected off Carragher, who had been relentlessly pursuing him, and bounced out for a corner.

"Atlético's opening attack is ferocious!"

"Their players have hit the ground running right from the start."

"Let's see how they handle this corner kick."

"Deco delivers the corner, aiming for the near post."

"Hyypiä clears it with a header."

"Liverpool's counterattack—Gerrard picks up the ball…"

"Gravesen slides in—what a tackle! He wins it back!"

"The ball is still with Atlético."

"They're regrouping for another attack. Let's see—yes, they're going down the right side again, looking for Joaquín. He's going to attempt another cross."

"This one's too close to the goalkeeper, and Westerveld collects it."

"Atlético's opening wave of attacks has been incredibly determined."

...

On the sidelines, Houllier stood by the visitors' dugout, frowning as he watched the game unfold.

He hadn't expected Yang Hao to push forward so aggressively, much less with such resolve.

It genuinely caught him off guard.

Based on Yang Hao's cautious tone during the pre-match press conference, Houllier had assumed Atlético would take a more conservative approach.

In contrast, Liverpool's hallmark had always been a strong start. Houllier specialized in fast openings, often relying on Heskey's physicality and Owen's speed to strike early. Scoring a quick goal allowed Liverpool to stabilize and switch to counterattacking tactics.

But now, it was Atlético who had turned the tables.

...

This approach by Houllier had worked wonders in the past.

But tonight, Atlético's strategy was surprising.

It wasn't exactly a head-on confrontation—Yang Hao was targeting Liverpool's weak spots. This forced Liverpool to bolster their left-side defense, with Murphy dropping back to help and Hamann shifting closer to that flank.

Even with this reinforcement, Liverpool's left side was just barely holding its ground. Atlético's attacking players were simply too skilled.

"This kid really isn't afraid of anything!" Assistant coach Phil Thompson was surprised by Atlético's aggressive start.

"Maybe he's trying to catch us off guard. In a set-piece battle, Spanish teams usually struggle physically," commented Sammy Lee, a Liverpool legend who had previously played in Spain for Osasuna. Now, he was one of Houllier's three assistant coaches.

"Deco is also drifting towards the left side," observed Patrice Berg, pointing to the pitch to alert Houllier and his colleagues.

Everyone turned their attention and saw that Deco had indeed moved toward the right flank—Liverpool's vulnerable left side.

"This guy is clearly going all in, betting on an early goal."

"It's understandable to have that mindset."

Even so, the coaches found it unexpected.

This was Atlético's first time in a major European final, with a young coach and players. Shouldn't they at least spend some time adjusting to the rhythm of the match? Instead, they were swinging punches right from the start.

"They must have been fired up during the pre-match pep talk," Houllier speculated.

The Frenchman quickly moved to the sidelines, signaling Sami Hyypiä and Stéphane Henchoz to pay closer attention to Pandiani. No matter how Atlético attacked down the wings, the ball would eventually return to the center.

Houllier also noticed that Belletti's forward runs were making Joaquín even more dynamic on the right flank, putting immense pressure on Liverpool's left-side defense.

Deco joined in to support the attack, forcing Liverpool's defensive structure to lean further toward the left.

By the 8th minute, Atlético attempted a breakthrough down the right but failed. Belletti passed back to Deco, who was unmarked.

The Brazilian controlled the ball, shifted it laterally, and suddenly unleashed a long diagonal pass to the left side of the penalty area.

Because Liverpool's defense had shifted heavily to their left, right-back Markus Babbel had moved toward the center to maintain the team's compact shape. However, this left the far side exposed.

Vicente was already waiting there. Positioned near the left sideline, he brought Deco's pass under control with his chest.

Babbel rushed over immediately, but Vicente didn't wait for him to close in. He nudged the ball diagonally toward the left corner of the box.

At that moment, Aurelio sprinted forward from deep. Despite Gerrard's desperate chase, Aurelio reached the ball first. With a sharp touch, he drove into the penalty area, reaching the byline on the left side. He then delivered a perfectly weighted mid-height cross.

In the center of the box, Pandiani had been eagerly awaiting his chance. He surged forward, positioning himself between Hyypiä and Henchoz.

Aurelio's cross was masterful, hitting the perfect height—just around Hyypiä and Henchoz's waists, making it almost impossible for the Liverpool defenders to deal with.

Neither their feet nor their heads could reach it. Using their hands was, of course, out of the question.

But Pandiani had no such problem. Slightly crouching, he leaned forward and lunged at the ball, meeting it cleanly with his head.

The ball changed direction and flew into the bottom right corner of Liverpool's goal.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!"

"Just 8 minutes into the game—8 minutes! Atlético strikes first!"

"The goal comes from Uruguayan striker Pandiani!"

After scoring, Pandiani spun around in pure elation, sprinting away in celebration. Atlético's players chased after him, eventually mobbing him at the sideline to celebrate together.

The Atlético fans erupted in deafening cheers. Although they made up only half the stadium, their enthusiasm reverberated across the venue.

"What a brilliant opening attack from Atlético."

"Everyone knows about Liverpool's vulnerabilities on the left side. Almost every team tries to exploit that flank."

"Atlético started out appearing to do the same, but they were waiting for the perfect moment to switch play with a surprise diagonal pass from the right."

"Credit to Atlético for designing such a well-targeted opening strategy."

The live broadcast captured starkly different reactions from the two head coaches.

Yang Hao was on the touchline, pumping his fists in celebration, clearly delighted with the goal.

Houllier, on the other hand, turned toward his bench, his back to the field, seemingly unwilling to show his expression.

"This goal was likely unexpected for Houllier, but he must have prepared for the possibility of conceding first. After all, Atlético's firepower this season has been renowned not just in La Liga but across Europe."

"They are, without a doubt, the most offensively potent team in this year's UEFA Cup."

"Liverpool must have studied Atlético carefully."

Yang Hao, though ecstatic after his team's opening goal, quickly regained his composure. He reminded the players to stay focused and maintain pressure on Liverpool.

A 1–0 lead was far from secure, and if they retreated too early, Liverpool would inevitably seize the momentum. The hard-earned advantage could vanish in an instant.

Yang Hao wasn't content with just one goal. He wanted to keep Liverpool under pressure.

END CHAPTER

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