After Kaka came on, Real Madrid's entire formation clearly retreated.
But for Ferguson and Manchester United, the pressure did not ease. It actually increased.
If Real Madrid had continued pressing high, United would have been able to stay compact and keep their defensive lines tight without added strain.
But now, with Real Madrid dropping back, it seemed like United had more space. In reality, it was even more dangerous.
Ferguson immediately noticed Gao Shen's adjustments.
Modric dropped deeper, closer to Xabi Alonso, while Kaka pushed forward, frequently moving into the half-spaces, constantly pulling and dragging Manchester United's double midfielders.
And who is Kaka?
The winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or in 2007.
He was once the best player in the world.
Even if his physical condition had declined, his vision and technique were still world-class.
A player of Kaka's caliber could change the game at any moment if underestimated.
But if they paid too much attention to him, how could they maintain their defensive shape?
Especially now that Real Madrid had dropped back and created more space to exploit, the threat to United's defense grew greater.
The most critical point was Evra.
Gao Shen's current strategy was simple. No matter what United tried, no matter how Ferguson adjusted, Real Madrid would keep hammering at that side relentlessly.
If you can, replace him.
Ferguson had to think carefully about whether he could still hold on if he made the substitution.
Evra's physical condition was fading, but his ability was not poor.
But if Smalling came on, could he really stop the waves of attacks from Di Maria, Carvajal, Kaka, and even Modric?
…
While United hesitated to act, Real Madrid pushed harder after Kaka entered the pitch, constantly searching for the opening.
Gao Shen's orders were clear. Attack United's left side with Di Maria and Carvajal, while Benzema and Ronaldo occupied the center and left.
The idea was obvious. Break through on the right, then create chances for the middle and left.
Kaka drifted between both flanks, but always waited patiently.
He knew how to maximize his influence.
Di Maria and Carvajal were tireless down the right, taking turns to push forward against United's left. Modric also advanced frequently to support them.
Kaka often operated in that channel, but occasionally moved inside or even drifted left, keeping Carrick constantly wary.
But United's midfield was running out of gas.
By the 80th minute, Carrick was visibly struggling to keep up with the tempo.
This gave Kaka even more confidence.
Cracks would eventually appear in United's iron wall.
In the 84th minute, Real Madrid attacked down the right again.
Di Maria's dribble inside almost broke through, but Schneiderlin came across to help.
The Argentine quickly shielded the ball and laid it back to Modric, who had stepped up.
At the same moment, Kaka, who had been standing opposite Carrick in the middle, seemingly harmless, suddenly accelerated. He cut diagonally into the right side of the box.
If time had frozen right then, it would have shown Carvajal pushing high, overlapping past Di Maria. The Real Madrid right-back's run drew Evra wide.
United's left-back was pulled too far out. A moment earlier, Di Maria had cut inside, and with Benzema occupying the center, Vidic could not step across to cover.
This left a small gap between Evra and Vidic.
Schneiderlin, who had been shielding the top of the box, was also drawn out by Di Maria and Modric's movement.
It was a chain reaction.
And in that split second, a diagonal gap opened from the top right edge of the box into the penalty area.
Kaka darted into it.
Modric had been watching him. The instant Kaka moved, the Croatian lifted a perfect lobbed pass.
The ball floated over Schneiderlin's head and dropped into the right side of the box.
Kaka accelerated, muscled his way into position, and met the ball with a deft touch of his right foot.
Vidic rushed to confront him but hesitated, wary of bringing him down.
With his back to the byline, Kaka controlled the ball, then quickly flicked a lobbed cross across goal.
It was a one-touch sequence, from control to cross, showing flawless technique. Vidic had no chance to react.
De Gea, guarding the near post, could not intervene.
In the center, Benzema and Ferdinand were caught just outside the six-yard box and could not cut it out.
The ball arced perfectly from the right side of the box to the left corner of the six-yard area.
Waiting there was Ronaldo.
He had anticipated it. The moment Kaka shaped to cross, he had already made his move. Using his body, he shielded Rafael, backing him all the way to the landing spot.
Giggs and Carrick both realized the danger and sprinted over, but they were too late.
Ronaldo did not even take a touch. He struck it first time with his right foot.
Kaka's cross dropped onto his boot, and he lashed it into the open left side of United's goal.
De Gea, still shifting across his line, could only watch as the ball flew past him.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Eighty-fourth minute! Eighty-fourth minute!"
"Ronaldo! Ronaldo finally scores!!!"
The Bernabéu exploded.
The Portuguese forward raised both hands high, brimming with confidence.
Kaka's delivery was perfect, and Ronaldo's read of the play was impeccable. He had decided from the start to hit it first time.
With that ball and that angle, there was no chance of missing.
…
"Wow!!!"
On the touchline, Gao Shen leapt in celebration, roaring.
"Brilliant, Ronnie!"
"Kaka, fantastic ball!"
After shouting, he turned and pumped both fists at the stands.
The entire Bernabéu became a sea of joy.
On the bench, the substitutes and coaching staff rushed together, celebrating wildly.
It was a goal born from the link between two superstars.
Kaka was the first to celebrate with Ronaldo, soon joined by the rest of the squad.
Even Casillas sprinted up from his goal.
To everyone's surprise, they then lined up neatly on the touchline. Ramos called the count, shouting one, two, three.
Everyone lifted their jerseys to reveal white undershirts with prints of tiny baby feet.
The Bernabéu's cheers grew even louder.
Every fan knew the meaning. It was a tribute to the birth of their head coach Gao Shen's son.
When the broadcast cameras captured the moment and displayed it on the big screen, the entire stadium rose to its feet, applauding and cheering passionately.
Though Gao Shen had only been in charge for half a season, the fans had seen the transformation he brought, his contributions to Real Madrid, and the new life he had injected into the team.
They had not felt this thrilled or inspired in years.
Since the decline of the first Galácticos era, perhaps Real Madrid had never played football this exhilarating.
But now, Gao Shen had given it back to them.
…
In the presidential box, Florentino stood with a broad smile, applauding like the rest.
Gao Shen's bond with the players and the locker room was clear, and his popularity with the fans was something Florentino valued greatly.
He was very satisfied with Gao Shen's work so far.
Even if Real Madrid ended the season without trophies, he would do everything possible to keep him.
Because this season, Real Madrid finally gave people hope again.
And with hope, it meant the path was right. All that remained was to continue walking it.
More importantly, Real Madrid were competing strongly in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, showing quality in all fronts.
Some even said that if not for Vilanova's illness, which had inspired Barcelona to extraordinary form, Real Madrid might already have been favorites for the league title.
But luck had not been kind this season.
Drawn into a super group of death in the Champions League, after finally advancing, they now faced Ferguson, who was staking everything on his swan song. What more could they do?
When Gao Shen's son was born, Florentino had been the first to send a generous gift.
He immediately registered the baby, Gao Ming, as a lifelong Real Madrid member, making him the youngest in the club's history.
Of course, it was also a perfect story for the media.
But fans around the world embraced it warmly.
"With this goal, the match is nearly done," Valdano sighed in relief.
Butragueño nodded, then quickly shook his head. "For tonight, yes. But the real test has only just begun."
Indeed.
Looking across the football world, which club had endured a season as turbulent as Real Madrid's?
Surviving the group of death, then immediately facing a brutal schedule.
Was there no end to it?
A 1-0 win at home against United was a strong first step, especially before heading to Old Trafford.
But it was certain Manchester United would be stronger in the second leg.
That was the Red Devils' fortress.
(To be continued.)