Real Madrid's 5-0 away win over Rayo Vallecano sparked a major reaction across Spain.
AS immediately published a post-match commentary, calling it the most exciting performance Real Madrid had delivered this season and the most sensational victory so far.
In the article, Real Madrid's trusted media outlet emphasized that this match fully showcased the transformation Gao Shen had brought to the team, especially in midfield.
"He who controls the midfield controls the world. This is the philosophy Gao Shen has always upheld."
"This Real Madrid side plays with a tactical identity completely different from that of Pellegrini and Mourinho."
More possession, more accurate passing, more off-the-ball movement, more proactive defending, more imaginative interplay...
Against Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid displayed all the attributes of a top team with championship aspirations. Even the most critical fans would find it hard to complain about the team's performance.
"At most, someone could argue that the team wasn't efficient enough in front of goal. Otherwise, both Ronaldo and Benzema could have scored hat tricks, and Real Madrid could easily have bagged eight goals."
Still, AS maintained that the 5-0 scoreline was convincing enough.
Especially since, after going 4-0 up early, Gao Shen's team played in a very relaxed manner for an extended period. There was no aggressive push, more like a team cruising and preserving energy.
Alfredo, the editor-in-chief of AS, also posted on Twitter after the game, praising Real Madrid and noting that this victory significantly reduced the pressure Gao Shen had been under recently.
"It gave the world a clear look at the hard work Gao Shen has put into this Real Madrid squad, and the returns he's now starting to see."
Alfredo reiterated that he had always believed Gao Shen was the manager most suited to Real Madrid's identity, and this match proved it.
"I believe even the most demanding Real Madrid fans wouldn't deny how thrilling this performance was."
"Glamorous, artistic Real Madrid is back!"
He pointed out that the three consecutive away games following the September international break had put Gao Shen and the team under immense pressure—especially the draw against Sevilla and the narrow 1-0 loss away to Dortmund. Real Madrid had endured three consecutive away fixtures.
"Gao Shen is truly profound!"
"The temperament of a world-class coach was on full display against Rayo Vallecano. Even under pressure, he ensured that Real Madrid stuck to their football and launched a dazzling attacking display."
Alfredo believed that this match marked Real Madrid's formal charge toward Barcelona, who currently lead the table.
But even more crucially, after this fixture, Real Madrid would finally enjoy a rare and valuable week of rest.
"Since returning from the international break, Gao Shen and Real Madrid have had virtually no time to rest or recover, which has been detrimental. Many issues within the team weren't addressed in time."
"Now, Gao Shen has a week to work on his own terms. This will be an important breathing space for Real Madrid."
However, Alfredo also issued a reminder to Gao Shen and the team: after this one-week break, a tough run of fixtures awaits.
First, Real Madrid would face their traditional nemesis, Deportivo La Coruña, at home. They have historically caused problems for Los Blancos, particularly during the centenary celebrations in 2002.
Next comes the Champions League home match against Porto.
After losing 0-1 away to Dortmund in the opening round, and with the outcome of the match against Manchester City still unpredictable, this home match against Porto is a must-win. Losing is simply not an option.
And after Deportivo, Real Madrid travel to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona away.
These three matches are critical and must be approached with utmost focus.
"I believe Gao Shen and his staff already have a complete plan in place. I trust he can lead Real Madrid out of this rough patch and rise to meet this series of massive challenges!"
…
In addition to praising Gao Shen and the team, AS and Marca both gave prominent coverage to Gao Shen's praise of Di María during his post-match press conference.
Di María was undoubtedly the most dangerous player on the pitch and was named Man of the Match.
He was fouled five times—more than any other player in the team.
Beyond that, the Argentine has been Real Madrid's most threatening creator and a key attacking weapon so far this season.
Gao Shen praised Di María after the game, stating that the Argentine was hitting his best form.
Both AS and Marca agreed that Di María had reached the peak of his career under Gao Shen. More importantly, his tactical role under Gao Shen was completely different from how he was used by Pellegrini and Mourinho.
"In the match against Rayo Vallecano, his area of activity wasn't limited to the right half-space. He frequently showed up on the left as well. Benzema's first goal, for instance, was a product of his link-up with Ronaldo on the left."
Real Madrid's official mouthpiece stated that Di María's evolution has made the team even more dangerous.
His combinations with Modrić and Benzema in this match were especially eye-catching.
"That was arguably the best goal Real Madrid have scored this season."
With Di María finding his rhythm, Benzema and Higuaín have also seen their goal tallies rise. Ronaldo now has 8 goals in his first 5 league appearances.
"This is the most explosive start to a season in the Portuguese star's career, even surpassing Messi's numbers from last season."
Messi scored 50 goals in La Liga last season, but in the first five rounds, he had only scored 5.
Granted, the first round was postponed due to a strike, so strictly speaking, Messi scored 5 in 4 games.
Still, this season, Messi has scored 6 goals in five matches, while Ronaldo has netted 8. No matter how you look at it, the Portuguese currently has the edge.
Because of this, when Ronaldo was interviewed after the match, he publicly expressed his support for head coach Gao Shen.
He told reporters that Gao Shen is one of the best managers in the world, and he felt honored to play for a team coached by him. "It's a great feeling," he said.
Ronaldo also spoke about some of the changes he's made and the new responsibilities Gao Shen has given him. He's no longer just a goal scorer, but also a key playmaker and even a contributor on defense.
"I understand what the coach expects from me. He wants me to not only score, but to take on more important responsibilities."
"I believe I can do it!"
Both AS and Marca have also noticed Ronaldo's increasing versatility this season.
For example, Di María's assist for Benzema's goal came from a direct pass from Ronaldo.
But now a new question arises—how can Real Madrid further unlock the potential synergy between Ronaldo and Marcelo?
Gao Shen addressed this in the post-match press conference.
"It's not really a question."
"When you have two great players, you don't need to draw up anything special. Just give them the ball and let them do their thing. That's enough."
What high praise!
Ronaldo was all smiles after hearing this and expressed gratitude to his coach.
As for his goals for the new season, he hoped to help the team win trophies and score as many goals as possible.
It's obvious that Messi's 50-goal season is still motivating him.
…
Compared with the overwhelming praise from AS, Marca, and other neutral outlets, the Catalan press questioned the value of Real Madrid's victory, focusing on Rayo Vallecano's actual strength.
Although currently ranked sixth in the league, Rayo Vallecano's position doesn't reflect their true level.
More notably, Mundo Deportivo argued that the main reason for Rayo's heavy defeat was the inexperience of their head coach, Paco Jesús, particularly in squad management and tactical deployment.
Jesús had spent most of his coaching career at lower levels. He gained attention after keeping Las Palmas in the Segunda División for two consecutive seasons. Last year, he led Córdoba to sixth place and into the promotion play-offs, earning a bit of fame.
In their first two league matches, his team had solid results, beating Granada 1-0 at home and winning 2-1 away at Real Betis. But then they drew 0-0 with Sevilla and lost 3-4 away to Atlético Madrid. Rayo's squad depth was already being questioned.
Against Real Madrid this round, their defense fell apart.
Diario Sport even claimed provocatively that if it had been Barcelona instead of Real Madrid, they would have scored in double digits.
One interesting trend in La Liga this season is that the fixtures for Real Madrid and Barcelona often occur back to back.
For instance, Real Madrid played Valencia in the first round, and Barcelona played them in the third.
In this round, Barcelona faced Granada at home, then they'll travel to Sevilla in the next. The seventh round will be the first Clásico of the season, followed by an away game against Deportivo in round eight, and an away trip to Rayo in round nine.
This scheduling makes comparisons between the two giants very clear.
When Barcelona beat Valencia 1-0, Madrid-based media mocked them for not scoring more. After all, Real Madrid had won their match more convincingly.
But the tables quickly turned when Barcelona beat Getafe 4-1 away, and the Catalan media took their chance to criticize Real Madrid for only managing a draw against the same opponent.
This tit-for-tat between the media of both clubs keeps the rivalry intense, and fans absolutely love it.
Especially with the season's first Clásico fast approaching in round seven.
In contrast, Gao Shen and Real Madrid have remained low-key.
Aside from the post-match press conference and interviews, the team held an open training session at Valdebebas the day after the match for the media and fans. Then, the training ground was closed again.
Gao Shen plans to use this rare week of rest to fully prepare for the upcoming showdown with Barcelona.
(To be continued.)
***
For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on P/treon to read 30+ advanced chapters: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves
(Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)