Real Madrid narrowly defeated Manchester United 1-0!
After the match, Gao Shen's substitution received unanimous praise from both the media and fans.
As soon as the final whistle blew, Sacchi, his most loyal supporter, took to Twitter to shower Gao Shen with compliments, saying that both the timing and the target of the substitution were absolutely spot on.
"The experienced Ferguson almost took a draw away from the Bernabéu, but Gao Shen's decisive substitution at the crucial moment completely changed the game, especially with his use of Kaka."
Sacchi believed that while Kaka was no longer the player he once was, Gao Shen's use of him this season had been excellent.
The Brazilian superstar had not played many minutes, but whenever he did, he performed well, often stepping up in critical moments to change the course of matches. That left a much stronger impression than his performances over the past few years.
In the match against Manchester United, Kaka played a decisive role as a substitute.
The pass he received from Modric fully showcased his technical quality, and his assist to Ronaldo was perfectly placed. The Portuguese star volleyed it home for the winner.
Sacchi concluded that Real Madrid's squad depth was the key to their victory.
…
Sacchi was not the only one who thought so.
Henry White of the Daily Telegraph also wrote in his column immediately after the game, stating that Gao Shen's substitution was the turning point that broke the deadlock.
"Once Kaka came on, Real Madrid's tactics shifted significantly. Manchester United were unprepared for this adjustment and failed to respond in time. Cracks appeared in their defense, which allowed Real Madrid to seize their chance."
Henry White described it as a true tactical showdown between two of the world's top coaches, Gao Shen and Ferguson.
"Gao Shen had the last laugh at the Bernabéu, proving his tactical acumen."
But the British reporter also reminded readers that the Champions League knockout stage is a two-legged affair, and Real Madrid still faced a tough test at Old Trafford.
"That is what will really decide the outcome."
Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail echoed that view in his column, crediting Gao Shen as the main architect of Real Madrid's home win.
"But a 1-0 scoreline is not enough to guarantee Real Madrid's progression."
At his post-match press conference, Ferguson expressed satisfaction with the result, believing that it set the stage for a thrilling second leg at Old Trafford.
"This is the toughest competition in the world. Every detail matters. Real Madrid hold a one-goal advantage, which will have an impact, but at Old Trafford, they will face the real Red Devils."
The Times also insisted that Manchester United still had a strong chance to go through, especially with the return leg being played at Old Trafford.
Ferguson was throwing everything into his final season, determined to win both the Premier League and the Champions League.
"This away performance proved that Manchester United are capable of competing with Real Madrid."
"More importantly, Real Madrid face a brutal schedule leading up to the Old Trafford clash, including two decisive matches against Barcelona. If Real Madrid want to fight for La Liga and the Copa del Rey, they must win both Clásicos, and that will open the door for Manchester United."
The Times also pointed out that Real Madrid's squad, though full of energy, still lacked enough proven depth for battles at the very top level of the Champions League.
Gao Shen relied more on rotation in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, but this carried risks.
Too many young players made the team dynamic and explosive, but also inconsistent at times.
Meanwhile, Barcelona's extraordinary form under Vilanova had piled immense pressure on Gao Shen and Real Madrid.
"This is Manchester United's chance at Old Trafford," the Times concluded.
"As long as Real Madrid stumble before then, Ferguson believes he can turn the tie around."
…
The Spanish press, particularly those close to Real Madrid, remained optimistic.
A home win against Manchester United was still a very positive start.
Gao Shen himself admitted in the post-match conference that a one-goal lead was not enough to secure qualification, but he expressed confidence that his team could defend their advantage at Old Trafford.
"The key is that everyone must continue to give everything."
He praised several of his players, especially Xabi Alonso, who had taken on greater defensive duties this season.
"His role has changed a lot compared to previous years. He has had to shoulder more defensive responsibility, and so far, he has done very well."
Kroos and Modric also earned compliments, but Gao Shen gave special recognition to Kaka.
"Once again he showed why he is still a world-class player."
When asked about rumors of Kaka being sold at the end of the season, Gao Shen replied that he had received no such information and could not comment.
As for the upcoming schedule, he said the team would work hard to prepare.
…
After the Manchester United game, Real Madrid barely had time to rest.
In La Liga's 24th round, they hosted Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. With Higuaín injured, Morata started up front.
The front three were rotated, with Jesé, Vázquez, and Morata starting together.
Kaka, fresh off his impact against United, also played, supported by Verratti and Casemiro in midfield.
Real Madrid started aggressively.
In just the third minute, Kaka collected a pass from Vázquez and slid a perfect through ball into Morata, who finished clinically to give Real Madrid the lead.
After going ahead, they continued to push.
In the 10th minute, relentless pressure earned them a corner.
The delivery was swung in, Ramos rose highest, and powered in a header to double the lead.
2-0!
That goal nearly sealed the result.
Real Madrid then slowed the tempo to conserve energy.
After the break, they remained firmly in control.
In the 74th minute, Casemiro picked out Kaka in the box, and the Brazilian calmly finished to make it 3-0.
The scoreline held until the final whistle.
At his press conference, Gao Shen again praised Kaka's improving form, while also lauding the young players.
"Many doubt our reliance on young players, but so far they have been vital."
"I will keep saying it. Real Madrid will only gain momentum as the season progresses. As the young players grow, we will become stronger and stronger."
He highlighted Vázquez, whose right-wing play created the corner that led to Ramos' goal.
Ramos himself also earned high praise for his commanding header.
Gao Shen even declared that Ramos was entering his prime.
Judging by recent performances, he was right.
…
After facing Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid enjoyed a rare golden week of rest.
Gao Shen used it to let the team recover, while also addressing issues that had surfaced recently.
But more importantly, he prepared them for the upcoming brutal run of fixtures.
Next up was an away match against Deportivo La Coruña.
The Riazor had long been a difficult ground for Real Madrid, and this time was no exception.
Although Deportivo sat bottom of La Liga, they still had hope of avoiding relegation.
And that was the danger.
Everyone knows that the toughest teams to face in the second half of the season are those chasing the title and those fighting for survival.
Relegation candidates may lack quality, but they fight with everything, especially at home.
Depor were no exception, tough and gritty like most northern Spanish teams.
Before the trip, Gao Shen warned his players to stay calm.
But once the match began, problems arose.
Deportivo played rough at home, as expected.
Still, the match spiraled out of control in the 25th minute.
Their left-back, Savio, collided with Arbeloa and was injured, forced to leave the pitch. The incident enraged the home side and inflamed the atmosphere.
Within the first 25 minutes, Deportivo had only received one yellow card. But in the next five minutes, they picked up three more.
The problem was Ramos also went into the book.
From the touchline, Gao Shen shouted a reminder to him to be careful.
But in the 35th minute, disaster struck.
While contesting a high ball in the box, Ramos clashed with striker Ricky. Ricky fell to the ground, and the referee judged that Ramos had led with his elbow.
Penalty and yellow card.
Two yellows became a red. Ramos was sent off.
It was only the 35th minute, and Real Madrid were down to 10 men.
Damn red card.
What should Gao Shen do now?
How should Real Madrid play this match?
(To be continued.)
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