On the evening of April 23, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
In the visitors' dressing room before kick-off, everyone was calmly going about their tasks.
The players were making their final preparations, while the coaching staff had just received PSG's starting lineup and were analyzing their tactical approach.
Ancelotti's starting XI contained no surprises.
Or rather, given PSG's current squad, there was little room for surprises at all.
The two star strikers, Ibrahimovic and Cavani, were both starting, which meant PSG could only use a two-striker system. Pastore played just behind them, tasked with creating chances and carrying the ball forward. This formed PSG's attacking trident.
In midfield, Matuidi, Chantôme, and Beckham formed a three-man defensive unit, sitting deep.
In defense, Maxwell, Benatia, Thiago Silva, and Christophe Jallet lined up as the back four, with Sirigu in goal.
Looking at PSG's starting XI, the biggest weaknesses of the Ligue 1 champions-elect were the two full-backs and their midfield organizer.
Maxwell was nearly 32, Jallet was limited in ability and often struggled to cope.
This was PSG's biggest problem.
In contrast, their attacking depth was frightening.
Beyond the starting trident, Ancelotti had Lavezzi, Ménez, and Lucas Moura on the bench, all capable of changing games.
If the situation demanded, Ancelotti would surely switch to a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, a common adjustment for PSG.
Gao Shen stuck with his trusted 4-3-3.
Goalkeeper: Casillas.
Defense: Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, and Carvajal.
Midfield: Xabi Alonso sitting deep, with Kroos and Modric ahead.
Forwards: Ronaldo, Benzema, and Di Maria.
With a full-strength squad, Real Madrid's starting XI was predictable. Gao Shen had no intention of hiding it.
His closed training was not to conceal the lineup, but to conceal his tactical plan.
…
"Judging from their lineup, PSG will likely adopt a cautious approach in the opening, relying on counterattacks," Gao Shen told the players.
He knew Ancelotti well. At heart, he was conservative.
Given PSG's situation, there was no chance Ancelotti would push forward aggressively.
Real Madrid's counterattack was deadly. PSG's defense was fragile, particularly at full-back.
Ancelotti would not be so careless as to play into his hands.
"After the start, we will use our passing and possession to control the ball and the tempo. We'll look to suppress PSG in midfield, pushing our defensive line up to the halfway line and even into their half."
This was Gao Shen's game plan.
"But we must remain calm at the start. We're away from home, so we need to be patient, steady, and not give PSG any easy chances."
The players nodded.
Now that Real Madrid's squad and system were stable, Gao Shen demanded a higher standard: stability.
When you lack strength, you rely on risks and surprise tactics. But when you have the strength to dominate, you play with control.
"We must establish a possession zone inside their 30 meters. Use the flanks to switch play, make them chase, and open gaps in their defense."
He gestured at the tactical board behind him, outlining the plan.
"Remember what we practiced. Stay flexible, keep talking to each other on both sides."
"Ángel, Toni, Xabi."
He called out Di Maria, Kroos, and Xabi Alonso.
"Your job is movement, constant movement. Move the ball into the gaps, find your teammates, and pull PSG's defense apart."
"We cannot allow them to stay compact in front of the penalty area."
With four defenders and three defensive midfielders, PSG would be crowded in the center.
That was exactly how they had eliminated Barcelona.
Of course, Gao Shen could not expect Ancelotti to abandon it.
So the only solution was to stretch them with ball circulation and positional play.
And notice who the three key players were: left, right, and central midfield.
By moving in these zones, they would force PSG's defense to stretch.
"Luka, Karim, you need to drop deep and link play, drag defenders out, and combine more often."
Modric and Benzema nodded.
After their last league match, Gao Shen had used a special training session to drill offensive patterns for this game. The target was clear: score an away goal at the Parc des Princes.
In other words, score first.
"I'll say it again," Gao Shen emphasized.
"The key tonight is the first goal."
The dressing room fell silent, all eyes on the head coach.
They had heard this many times before, but they listened carefully.
"If PSG scores first, they'll defend even harder, and we'll struggle. But if we score first, the game flips. We can sit back, keep the ball, force them to push forward, and then they cannot defend."
It was simple. Everyone understood.
What Gao Shen was doing was aligning everyone's mindset.
"So, after kick-off, our first task is to control the ball and the tempo, and then score first."
The coaching staff had contingency plans, including what to do if PSG struck first.
But Gao Shen's real focus was on taking the lead.
If Ancelotti had chosen speedsters like Lucas Moura or Lavezzi, depth would have been a greater concern. But with Ibrahimovic, Cavani, and Pastore, the counter threat was limited.
Ramos sometimes struggled against powerful strikers, but Gao Shen felt that if Madrid pushed forward, the danger would be reduced.
"Guys."
Gao Shen had finished the tactical briefing. Now came the final motivation.
"We've finally reached the Champions League semi-finals."
"For many of you, this is your first semi-final with Real Madrid."
The last time Madrid reached this stage was in 2006, with Gao Shen in charge.
From that squad, only Ramos, Casillas, and Arbeloa remained.
"I want you to get used to this. Because from now on, we will be here every season. We will reach the semi-finals regularly. This is the reflection of our true strength."
"You must have confidence. Believe in yourselves. Believe in me."
Gao Shen's voice was steady and firm.
"In today's European football, no coach has more experience in Champions League knockout matches and finals than me. I know what kind of team reaches finals, and what kind of team wins."
"That's a team like us!"
The players' eyes lit up. Their breathing quickened.
The Champions League final. The Champions League trophy. Who didn't want it?
"A team like us belongs in the Champions League final. We should be fighting for the trophy. Not only because we are Real Madrid, but because of you."
He pointed at every player.
"You are the best players in the world. A Real Madrid team built with you belongs in the final, belongs on the podium with the trophy."
The room erupted. Ramos, Marcelo, and others stood up, unable to sit still.
One after another, players rose, buzzing with excitement.
"Believe me. Tonight, I will take you from the Parc des Princes to Wembley."
"And in London, I have plenty of experience. I will lead you to the very top."
The players finally roared, their emotions spilling over.
…
"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Parc des Princes in Paris."
"We're bringing you live coverage of the first leg of the 2012/2013 Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid."
"Tonight's coaches are Ancelotti and Gao Shen."
"Both are world-class, among the most successful managers in the Champions League. Gao Shen, in particular, holds the record for the most titles."
"Now we see Benzema and Ronaldo standing at the center circle, ready for kick-off."
"Tonight's referee is Björn Kuipers from the Netherlands."
"The whistle blows, the game begins. Real Madrid kick off first."
"Ronaldo lays it back, Xabi Alonso sends it further back to Pepe."
"PSG's two strikers press high, but their midfield and defense sit deep."
"The dark blue side shows a clear gap between their front line and midfield."
"Real Madrid aren't rushing forward. Instead, they're calmly circulating the ball in the back line."
"Under Gao Shen, Madrid's style has changed greatly."
"Let's see if these two world-class coaches bring us any surprises tonight."
(To be continued.)