On the evening of February 13, at the Bernabéu in Madrid.
In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid faced Manchester United at home.
This was a match that overturned everyone's expectations from the moment the whistle blew.
Before the game, many believed Real Madrid would adopt a relatively cautious tactical style at home to prevent Manchester United from scoring an away goal.
There was no reason for the Red Devils to play too aggressively at the Bernabéu, especially since their lineup was not as strong as Real Madrid's.
The pre-match comments of the two head coaches, Gao Shen and Ferguson, seemed to confirm this view.
In Valdebebas, Gao Shen gave Ferguson high praise. Not only did he say that he had always maintained a good relationship with him, but he even expressed pride at being able to face Ferguson as an opponent.
His words were interpreted by the media as a sign that he intended to use a cautious approach at home.
"This is a match the whole world has been waiting for. Everyone expects us to be under pressure, but that is normal."
"Real Madrid and Manchester United are both top clubs, but one of us will definitely be eliminated. That is the cruel reality."
"But this is the match we wanted, and the match that all fans have been looking forward to."
Meanwhile, Ferguson, interviewed at Carrington, pointed out that Real Madrid was still two points behind Barcelona in La Liga and would soon face a brutal run of fixtures. It would be a very difficult schedule, and every match would be a challenge.
"Barcelona are in incredible form and are holding on to something special, so for Real Madrid, the Champions League should be their most likely breakthrough this season."
Ferguson concluded that Gao Shen's main battlefield would be the Champions League.
"That is certain, and it will make the game more difficult for us. But it will also add pressure on Real Madrid."
"We are in a different situation. We are leading the Premier League and competing for three trophies. For them, it will be harder."
Ferguson also described Gao Shen as a very intelligent and cunning opponent who enjoys playing psychological games before matches, but he insisted he would not fall for them.
"My advice to myself is never to let Gao Shen drag me into his tricks. He might deliberately show weakness before the game, but that is just psychological warfare. Let him play his game. I will not get involved."
"Yes, he just had a son. I called to congratulate him and told him that if he brings me a case of good wine during the match, I might spare him."
Finally, Ferguson stated that Manchester United would play more cautiously at the Bernabéu.
"It is inevitable. Playing at the Bernabéu is always tough, so we need to be more careful."
They both said they would not engage in psychological warfare…
Before the match, the two managers exchanged compliments, both trying to show humility.
But what was the reality?
…
From the very first whistle, both teams attacked without hesitation.
Gao Shen and Ferguson may have been polite before the game, but once it started, both went all out.
The two sides immediately launched into offense.
This completely surprised everyone.
What shocked people even more was that despite the fast pace and both sides attacking actively, no one could score.
It was obvious that the tactical discipline of both coaches was neutralizing the other's attacks.
Real Madrid still held the upper hand.
Their passing and ball control were superior to Manchester United's, so whether in possession or pass completion, Real Madrid had the edge. This naturally forced United to defend deep and look for counterattacks.
On defense, United deployed two players specifically to contain Ronaldo on the left.
Whenever Ronaldo received the ball, Schneiderlin and Rafael closed him down quickly, making it hard for the Portuguese star to create danger.
On Real Madrid's right, Manchester United relied on Evra and Welbeck to suppress Di Maria and Carvajal. Their defensive plan was clear from the opening minutes.
But Real Madrid was not easily subdued.
The first attempt of the match came in just over a minute, when Toni Kroos fired from long range.
Di Maria then beat Evra, cut inside, and curled a left-footed shot.
The real danger came in the fifth minute. Ronaldo dribbled past Rafael on the left, crossed before Ferdinand could intervene, and Benzema's shot was brilliantly blocked by De Gea, almost miraculously.
The Spanish goalkeeper looked in outstanding form on his return home.
Ferguson quickly realized Ronaldo was still unstoppable.
He had Valencia drop back to help as well.
Real Madrid pinned United back, launching wave after wave of attacks for over ten minutes, taking eight shots, yet none found the net.
Manchester United's first attempt only came in the 20th minute.
While their defense had done well to hold Real Madrid, United's own attack was equally stifled.
Real Madrid's defensive shape cut off the link between United's midfield and attack, leaving the Red Devils' forwards isolated, forced into solo efforts with no real threat.
Even Rooney's shot came from long range.
…
After more than ten minutes of probing, both managers understood how tough their opponent was.
Gao Shen adjusted. He signaled Modric, Kroos, and Xabi Alonso not to press so high, allowing Manchester United some space to breathe.
This was not underestimating the opponent, but a recognition that pushing too far forward compressed Manchester United's midfield and backline into a solid block, leaving Real Madrid no space to attack.
Manchester United's defense was no joke. Ferguson had once won the Champions League with counterattacking tactics.
Now his players were older, but also more experienced.
Pressing too far forward not only risked giving them more space to counter, but also flattened United's defensive shape, which made it harder for Real Madrid to break through.
Gao Shen also instructed Ronaldo, Benzema, and Di Maria to switch positions.
Soon, Real Madrid created the most dangerous chance of the first half.
Di Maria picked up the ball on the left. Before Schneiderlin could close him down, he drove at Rafael one-on-one and whipped a cross to the far post. Ronaldo burst in, leapt above Evra, and headed towards goal.
The ball crashed against the crossbar.
The Portuguese was left frustrated, and the entire Bernabéu sighed in despair.
What a golden opportunity!
Ferguson reacted immediately, making swift adjustments.
United had already prepared for such scenarios, and after regrouping, their defense steadied again.
Schneiderlin and Carrick, however, were under immense pressure in midfield against Real Madrid's trio.
Gao Shen kept tweaking his system, trying to rip United's midfield apart, but the Red Devils stayed resilient inside their box.
Ferguson was especially quick to respond, ordering his lines to drop deeper and stay compact.
That reduced their counterattacking threat, but their defense remained solid.
It was clear Ferguson's plan was to secure the goal first and wait for a counterattack opportunity.
…
After the break, the second half continued much the same. Gao Shen urged Modric to push higher, using his dribbling and link-up play with Di Maria.
Real Madrid started targeting the right flank, looking for a breakthrough there.
But Manchester United was prepared.
Ferguson made the first substitution, and as always, he did things differently. Sneijder came off for Giggs.
At first glance, it did not even look like a tactical change.
But in reality, Schneiderlin moved to the left, while Giggs dropped deeper to combine with Rafael in marking Ronaldo.
The effect was impressive.
Even Gao Shen was taken aback.
Ferguson's tactical sense was unique, and more importantly, his players could execute his plans perfectly.
The deadlock continued.
Time ticked away.
Neither side seemed capable of breaking the other.
Real Madrid's attacks were contained, and United's counters posed little threat.
The Sky Sports commentator remarked, "This is a match that belongs entirely to Gao Shen and Ferguson."
"It feels more like a back-and-forth chess match between two top coaches than just a football game."
But often, such tactical battles lack goals.
Just like the 2002/03 Champions League final.
It was a fascinating tactical duel, but ended 0-0.
…
Gao Shen stood on the touchline, silently watching the game unfold.
He made no substitutions, simply waiting.
Some say football is like war.
But real war is not like in the movies, where attacks come like storms, sweeping everything away in moments.
Real wars, especially between evenly matched sides, often become long stalemates, waiting for someone to slip.
Some might ask, what if neither side makes a mistake?
That is impossible.
Because war is a battle of attrition, and as time passes, conditions constantly shift, some factors rising, others falling. When a breaking point arrives, opportunities emerge.
Just like this match between Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Neither had erred, both had contained the other, creating a deadlock.
But it did not matter. The key was to keep going, to outlast the opponent, to see who breaks first under the pressure.
Of course, unlike war, football matches have a strict time limit.
After ninety minutes, if neither side gives in, it will end in a draw.
But Gao Shen did not see it that way.
With Real Madrid's strength, the relentless pressure would eventually overwhelm United. Ferguson's team would inevitably show cracks.
And when that moment came, it would be Real Madrid's chance.
(To be continued.)