The news that Real Madrid eliminated Manchester United with a 2-0 aggregate score to reach the Champions League quarterfinals spread immediately after the match.
Countless media outlets and fans around the world were full of praise, celebrating Real Madrid's success.
According to the British Times, the most important thing was not only that Real Madrid beat Manchester United 1-0 at both the Bernabéu and Old Trafford, but that Gao Shen had led them through the devilish fixture list of February and early March.
"This is exactly what a super-powerful club like Real Madrid should do!"
The Times listed Real Madrid's matches during that stretch, pointing out that the schedule highlighted the ability, vision, and courage of a top coach.
"Rotation has always been Gao Shen and his staff's strong suit, and this successful rotation at Real Madrid was the perfect example. Gao Shen even rotated nine young players and still beat Barcelona at the Bernabéu."
"If it hadn't really happened, who would believe such a thing?"
The Times also highlighted the rise in Real Madrid players' values this season.
The value of the main players had soared. For example, players like Di Maria, Varane, and Benzema, who were already at the club, had doubled in value. Di Maria's value alone had reached 60 million euros.
And this was only the valuation from Transfermarkt, not his actual selling price.
At just 25 years old, entering his peak years, there was no way the Argentine could be bought for only 60 million.
French media had revealed that Paris Saint-Germain were willing to pay more than Ronaldo's fee for Di Maria.
That meant over 100 million euros.
But Real Madrid had rejected the offer outright and instead begun preparations to renew Di Maria's contract.
The same applied to Varane. Before Gao Shen arrived, his valuation had been 10 million euros. Now, it had soared to 25 million, with expectations that it would soon pass 30 million. That was the value of a top European defender.
How much would Real Madrid have to pay to buy him now?
And it wasn't just them. Players like Carvajal, Nacho, Casemiro, Jesé, Morata, and Lucas Vázquez had all risen sharply in value.
Carvajal, for example, was valued at 5 million at the start of the season, but now had surpassed 30 million.
Today, Real Madrid's right-back was one of the hottest in Europe.
The same was true for Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Before joining Real Madrid, Kroos had been valued at around 20 million euros. Now, it had reached 45 million. Modric's had reached 55 million.
After more than half a season of refinement, the strength and value of Real Madrid's midfield were clear to all.
The Times even declared that this was already one of the strongest and most promising midfields in Europe, a midfield Real Madrid could build their future around.
This was consistent with Gao Shen's philosophy.
He who controls the midfield controls the game.
The Times also reminded readers that this was still a depleted Real Madrid.
"Fans who follow Real Madrid will remember that after Gao Shen arrived, he focused on building the left flank with Marcelo and Ronaldo, which became the strongest attacking combination in Europe. Ronaldo scored some amazing goals during that time."
But with Marcelo's injury, Real Madrid's left-sided attack had suffered. Gao Shen was forced to develop Carvajal on the right, but Di Maria could not provide the same level of firepower as Ronaldo.
So far, Real Madrid's left had been a weak point.
Even in the Manchester United tie, Ferguson had dismissed Real Madrid's left-back as an attacking threat.
"But Marcelo has already been in training for some time, and his return is getting closer. Once he is back in the starting eleven and finds his rhythm, combine him with Ronaldo on the left and add the right-sided attack… that will be the real Real Madrid!"
The Times concluded that Real Madrid would become even stronger.
Finally, the paper reminded everyone of Gao Shen's words at the start of the season: "Real Madrid is a team with great potential."
"Now, when we look back at what Gao Shen said last summer, we are convinced this is the vision of a world-class coach."
"Perhaps, Real Madrid could be the most unexpected 'dark horse' in this Champions League."
…
While The Times focused on results, Marca, close to Real Madrid, was stunned by the Tiki-Taka style displayed during the match, even claiming that Real Madrid's possession football was no worse than Barcelona's.
"In this decisive clash, Real Madrid had a sequence of 15 passes that left Manchester United unable to touch the ball. On another occasion, they strung together 22 passes. These sequences showed the completeness of this Real Madrid team."
Marca quoted Darwin, the British biologist and founder of evolution theory.
"The species that survive are not the strongest or the smartest, but the most adaptable."
Marca argued that Real Madrid had shown supreme adaptability.
At the start, Real Madrid took the initiative and attacked. It surprised many people, though not Ferguson.
His targeted tactics, especially against Ronaldo and Alonso, disrupted Real Madrid's rhythm. Several of Gao Shen's adjustments were neutralized.
"The duel between the two world-class coaches was thrilling to watch."
But in the end, Gao Shen and Real Madrid proved more adaptable, more flexible in their responses.
When the score was 0-0 in the second half, time was against Manchester United. At that moment, Real Madrid decisively switched to Tiki-Taka, Spain's famous possession style, and used it to frustrate United.
"From the match, we could see that Real Madrid's passing ability was excellent, not inferior to Barcelona's. This was clearly something Gao Shen drilled every day."
"The trio of Modric, Kroos, and Alonso locked down possession and dictated the game, putting United on the back foot."
Marca believed that Real Madrid's choice to tire United out with possession and gradually break their resistance was a clever tactical move.
Later, Rafael's forward run was intercepted because United had grown impatient.
"Two dangerous attacking sequences showed Real Madrid's ability to play under pressure while still creating chances."
"It proves Real Madrid are not unable to play possession, just unwilling."
"At the very least, they are not blindly wedded to possession like Barcelona."
The ability to adjust to circumstances and tailor the approach to the opponent was the essence of deep tactical thinking.
…
Real Madrid fans also lavished praise on the team's performance at Old Trafford.
AS reported that when the team returned overnight to Madrid, more than a thousand fans greeted them at the airport, blocking the players on their arrival.
"Gao Shen addressed the fans."
"He promised Real Madrid would not be satisfied with the quarterfinals, but wanted to go further."
"He said Real Madrid is a team with great potential, and everything is only just beginning."
"League, Copa del Rey, Champions League… Real Madrid fans can dream big!"
AS concluded that Gao Shen had promised the fans at least one trophy, and the supporters had roared back their approval.
Alfredo, AS's editor-in-chief, wrote in his column: "It has been many years since we have seen such a passionate Real Madrid, especially after surviving such a brutal schedule."
He quoted Gao Shen after the Champions League group stage, when the coach said the tough schedule was both a test and a learning experience. Endure it, and the rewards will follow.
"The group of death nearly eliminated Real Madrid, but in the end they advanced, and the team's strength grew."
"Now, after this devilish run of fixtures, Real Madrid has once again shown incredible momentum. In back-to-back big matches, they have a perfect record."
Alfredo noted that the only flaw was Ramos' early red card against Deportivo, which prevented Real Madrid from beating them and climbing past Barcelona to first place in La Liga.
But that was not something Gao Shen could have predicted.
He argued that Gao Shen had crafted a detailed strategic plan for Real Madrid and executed it nearly perfectly, allowing fans to witness the club's growth.
More importantly, whether against Barcelona or Manchester United, Real Madrid had shown versatility, adapting to different tactical demands and switching styles when needed.
"In truth, Real Madrid already has the makings of a great team."
"We have every reason to believe Gao Shen can lead them to even greater achievements."
Alfredo asserted that Gao Shen's promise of "a championship" would surely be fulfilled.
It was even possible that Real Madrid could make history by winning the treble.
But he also cautioned the players to learn from the Deportivo match, avoid arrogance, and remain patient.
He especially advised Ramos to control his temper and behavior.
As Varane's performances grew ever more outstanding, many, including Alfredo, began to wonder if Ramos could still hold his place at Real Madrid, especially after Gao Shen had suspended him for three matches.
(To be continued.)