Chapter 44 - Chapter 40:

Chapter 40:

Atlético Madrid demolished Albacete 7-0 at home, jumping from 17th to 7th place on the league table.

Only two rounds into the La Liga season, Deportivo La Coruña was the only team to achieve two consecutive wins.

Real Madrid drew 1-1 away at Villarreal.

Barcelona also ended 1-1 at home against Sevilla.

Speaking of this, one can't ignore Marca's swift counter to Barcelona's media jabs.

After Atlético's 1-0 away loss to Sevilla in the opening round, Catalan media mocked Atlético, predicting they'd remain stuck in the relegation zone.

But the tables turned quickly.

Barcelona barely managed a draw at home—yes, barely.

Without Ronaldinho's second-half goal, whether Barça could have left Camp Nou unscathed was uncertain.

In the post-match press conference, many reporters tried to get Yang Hao to comment on their eternal rival, Real Madrid.

Last season, he had taken plenty of shots at them.

Surprisingly, Yang Hao refused to mention Real Madrid this time.

Why?

"Our PR chief, Andrew, spent all of last season telling me to zip it. I just promised him a few days ago and even made a resolution."

The reporters burst out laughing and pried for details.

"I won't say what I shouldn't, won't do what I shouldn't, and won't ask about things…" Yang Hao pointed at the reporters and grinned, "...you shouldn't dig into either."

The room erupted into laughter, with journalists playfully booing Yang Hao on stage. The atmosphere was lighthearted.

Still, Yang Hao's message was clear—he wasn't interested in critiquing his rivals.

And why should he? Yang Hao didn't fear this season's Real Madrid.

No need to stir the pot.

However, just because Yang Hao stayed quiet didn't mean others would.

Since Joan Laporta's election, Johan Cruyff had taken the role of honorary president of Barcelona. Though not directly involved in club decision-making, he served as Laporta's advisor.

With Real Madrid and Barcelona both drawing, Cruyff stepped up to highlight Madrid's issues.

"Beckham's arrival has bolstered the team's strength, but losing Makelele has weakened the midfield. The departure of several reliable substitutes has further unbalanced their squad."

"I believe a team doesn't just need stars; it needs balance."

"Compared to last season, this Real Madrid has lost that balance."

When Yang Hao read Cruyff's comments, he almost threw his hands in the air and shouted, "Preach!"

After the second round of La Liga, a two-week international break arrived.

In this turbulent year, European football was never short on news.

For instance, Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon jumped ship to Chelsea.

When Yang Hao saw this headline, he was transported back to his writing days in a past life. At one point, Kenyon's name was unavoidable in football novels on Qidian.

Reading about his move to Chelsea brought a flood of nostalgia.

Another headline was Nike signing a new sponsorship deal with Barcelona for a mere €5 million. Yang Hao had to admit Carlos Leo was right—Barça's brand value had truly plummeted.

Of course, even a dead camel is bigger than a horse. Facing a resurgent Barcelona, Yang Hao wasn't letting his guard down.

Then there was the matter of Inter Milan suing Real Madrid.

This was an intriguing development.

After selling Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Inter agreed to a payment plan, with the final installment due by August 31. But Madrid had yet to pay, despite repeated requests. Left with no choice, Inter took the matter to FIFA.

Real Madrid hoped to resolve the matter by including Santiago Solari in the deal. However, Solari was unwilling to accept Inter's lower salary offer and refused the move.

The saga left Yang Hao, an onlooker, thoroughly entertained.

It also revealed cracks in Real Madrid's financials. Years of signing superstars had forced the club to start penny-pinching.

Still, Florentino Pérez was ambitiously expanding Real Madrid's global market, leveraging their galáctico strategy with far greater efficiency than Atlético.

With the internationals away, Yang Hao worked with Atlético's remaining players at their Majadahonda training ground.

But on September 6, Yang Hao was spotted at the Spain-Portugal friendly.

The reason? A significant number of Atlético players were in action.

Spain's starting XI featured five Atlético stars:

Goalkeeper: Casillas

Defense: Juanito, Marchena, Puyol, and Salgado

Midfield: Vicente, Xabi Alonso, Baraja, and Joaquín

Forwards: Raúl and Torres

Out of 11 starters, five were Atlético players.

Spanish media saw this as a signal of Atlético's growing influence on the national team.

More importantly, the Atlético players didn't just make the squad or play—they excelled.

In the 12th minute, former Atlético player Vicente broke through on the left, delivering a cross to Raúl, who laid it off for Joaquín. Joaquín slotted home with a clean strike.

The Spanish winger had become increasingly dangerous in front of goal, a testament to Yang Hao's coaching emphasis on diagonal runs into the box.

In the second half, Vicente was replaced by Reyes, and Raúl made way for Valerón.

With these changes, Spain shifted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, unlocking even more attacking firepower.

Fernando Torres came alive, testing Portugal's goalkeeper Ricardo with a long-range shot and then a header, both narrowly missing.

In the 63rd minute, Joaquín dribbled into the box from the right, feinted with a sharp cut, and unleashed a left-footed shot. Ricardo parried it, but Reyes was there to slot home the rebound. 2-0!

In the 76th minute, Xabi Alonso launched a long ball, finding Joaquín in an onside position. Joaquín controlled it deftly and crossed into the box. Torres surged into the left channel and finished with a sublime chip over the keeper. 3-0!

Yang Hao couldn't help but stand and applaud his players.

After the match, he visited the Spanish dressing room to personally congratulate them on their outstanding performances.

Of course, his primary concern was Xabi Alonso's late-game knock. Seeing Alonso moving freely, Yang Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

"Remember, don't embarrass me!" Yang Hao quipped, exchanging high-fives and hugs with his players before leaving.

He didn't forget to commend Valerón and Vicente as well.

With Atlético players shining on the international stage, Spanish fans were increasingly recognizing the club's growing importance.

Even in media discussions, Atlético was now frequently mentioned alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona.

How could a team dominate half of its national squad and not be considered powerful or significant?

The value of homegrown players goes beyond transfer fees or commercial worth—it lies in their weight in the hearts of local fans.

If a team is strong but lacks outstanding domestic players, how can it win the recognition and allegiance of its local supporters?

Yang Hao once heard a saying in his previous life:

"All great teams are built on a foundation of strong domestic players."

Sure enough, after the national team's stellar performance, Catalan media wasted no time reporting that Barcelona was interested in signing Atlético's Reyes. They even claimed Barça was willing to pay a "sky-high" fee of €20 million for the Spanish winger.

Yang Hao didn't even bother to entertain this rumor.

Atlético's spokesperson reminded the media that just this summer, Chelsea's Roman Abramovich had offered €30 million for Reyes, which Atlético declined.

As for Barça's €20 million?

"Sorry, but we can only sell you one of Reyes's boots!"

This caused a sensation throughout Spain.

Spectators—being spectators—rejoiced in the drama, thoroughly entertained.

Meanwhile, Spanish media shifted focus to analyzing the national team's tactics.

Coach Iñaki Sáez clearly favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, and the Xabi Alonso-Baraja double pivot had consistently performed well in several matches. Both players were reliable box-to-box midfielders.

The real dilemma lay with Raúl and Valerón.

When Raúl played, whether as a No. 10 or in a two-striker system, Torres's performance tended to dip, hindered by Raúl's positioning.

However, if Torres was benched and Raúl played as the lone striker, Raúl seemed out of place.

Valerón was a natural fit for the No. 10 role, excelling in that position at Atlético and Deportivo La Coruña. But where would that leave Raúl?

After the Portugal match, Sáez addressed the media, emphasizing:

"There's no reason to abandon Raúl—he's the spirit and soul of this team!"

This highlighted the awkward situation for forwards like Raúl or Del Piero in modern football.

If pushed forward, they struggled to hold off strong defenders on their own.

If played deeper, their passing and playmaking couldn't match top-tier No. 10s.

On the flanks, they lacked the speed and dribbling skills to break through.

They were, in essence, players designed for two-striker systems—full of flair, but frustratingly hard to deploy.

Raúl's case was particularly challenging since he was not just a player but also a symbol of Spain and its leader.

Still, one thing was undeniable: Atlético had firmly established itself as one of the dominant forces in Spanish football, arguably even overshadowing Barcelona.

These days, every international break left Yang Hao on edge.

Scouts assigned to monitor his players on national duty sent daily updates and reports.

With Atlético's stars maturing, their performances for their respective national teams had been consistently improving.

For example, during the South American qualifiers against Ecuador, Kaká, Deco, and Lúcio delivered stellar performances.

Fate, however, played a hand.

Previously, Maicon had been a backup for Belletti at Atlético. After Belletti's transfer to Barcelona, he failed to secure a starting spot, further hampered by Barça's instability last season.

Carles Puyol, now often deployed as a full-back, further limited Belletti's opportunities.

Recently, Maicon earned a call-up to the Brazilian national team, while Belletti was left out.

But as the number of internationals at Atlético increased and their significance to their national teams grew, Yang Hao's initial pride began turning into worry with the league about to resume.

Why?

Many of his players had become indispensable to their national squads.

Previously, they were substitutes or fringe players. Now, they were core contributors, playing extended minutes, and often completing full matches—sometimes even two in a single break.

This was particularly troubling.

The challenges of managing South American internationals weren't as severe, thanks to Atlético's initiative in organizing shared charter flights with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

These flights often landed in Madrid, ensuring the players returned earlier and got more rest.

But even with this effort, Yang Hao had no choice but to rotate his squad.

Smoke rose gently from the water cup in front of Iniesta.

Sitting on a couch, he quietly watched as his coach worked behind the desk.

Yang Hao had called him in for a conversation but was momentarily busy signing some documents after a phone call.

Through the faint haze, Iniesta observed the calm demeanor of his coach.

Despite the pressure everyone assumed Atlético was under, Iniesta didn't sense any tension from Yang Hao.

On closer reflection, it seemed like confidence.

"Finally, no more of that damn hammering."

Yang Hao's sudden remark snapped Iniesta out of his thoughts.

The Spanish midfielder felt a bit embarrassed—he had a tendency to get lost in his musings.

"Is the expansion and renovation of the training ground finished?" Iniesta asked.

Though he came and went daily, he knew nothing about the progress. The construction area and the team's facilities were strictly separated.

Yang Hao chuckled as he approached, "Not that soon. If we're lucky, some parts might be ready by the end of the season."

After sitting down, Yang Hao couldn't resist complaining, "Spanish construction crews are so inefficient."

Iniesta laughed. He'd heard this complaint more than once.

Spaniards did seem to work at their own leisurely pace.

"The other day, everyone was grumbling about the construction noise disturbing their rest. I filed a complaint, and just now, the office confirmed it's been handled."

Hearing this, Iniesta felt genuinely relieved.

The constant hammering, drilling, and machinery noises during breaks were unbearable.

"Two days ago, I watched Spain's match and ran into Guardiola. We talked for quite a while. He mentioned something interesting: after watching just one of your training sessions, he said you're better than him."

Yang Hao teased with a grin.

Iniesta waved his hands modestly, insisting that wasn't true.

"Actually, when Pep came to La Masia for training, he mostly sat on the sidelines watching. I don't know what he said, but some people claimed he made that comment. It's probably exaggerated."

It was clear Iniesta deeply respected Guardiola.

"Do you remember when I told you to carefully observe Deco's game?" Yang Hao asked.

Iniesta nodded. "I remember. You said it as soon as I joined."

"I've noticed that last season, even when you weren't on the matchday roster, you'd almost always be in the stands at the Calderón. Is that right?" Yang Hao smiled.

Iniesta was a little surprised. "You... how did you know that?"

"They told me," Yang Hao replied.

"Do you know why I want you to watch Deco's games?"

"To learn how he controls possession and dictates the flow of the game," Iniesta answered, recalling a previous conversation with Yang Hao.

Iniesta's playing style carried an indescribable grace. His control of the ball was delicate, almost mesmerizing. Juanma Lillo once likened Iniesta to a snake—slender, fluid, and elusive, always ready to strike when least expected.

"Osasuna will be a tough opponent," Yang Hao finally explained why he'd called Iniesta to his office.

"I want you to start in this match and help stabilize our midfield's control of possession."

Iniesta had started games before, and he knew how tough La Liga could be. His physicality wasn't his strongest suit, and Osasuna was infamous for its aggressive and rough playing style, often disrupting opponents' rhythm and possession through hard fouls.

Their midfield enforcer, Pablo García, was a player with a point to prove. He had once been at Atlético before moving to AC Milan. When he sought to return, Yang Hao had declined him. Since then, García had taken every opportunity against Atlético to prove Yang Hao wrong, determined to show that rejecting him had been a mistake.

This antagonism wasn't unfamiliar to Iniesta. He, too, felt a sense of tension when facing Barcelona, but unlike García, Iniesta had no desire to return to his former club.

At Atlético, Iniesta felt the trust and support of Yang Hao—something intangible yet deeply reassuring.

"This game is important. Many of our players were involved in international matches, especially our South Americans. Next weekend, we'll face AEK Athens in Greece for the Champions League. Rotation is a must, and it's time for you to take on more responsibility," Yang Hao said, his tone growing serious.

Iniesta nodded silently.

"Andrés, you once told me that you are stronger than people think—mentally tougher than anyone realizes. You said you wanted game time and opportunities, even as a substitute, to help your team and your teammates win."

Yang Hao locked eyes with Iniesta. "Now, I need you to prove it to me!"

"No Deco, no Kaká, and possibly no Baraja or Xabi Alonso. We have only you!"

Iniesta felt the weight of those words but wasn't surprised.

Deco, Kaká, Baraja, and Xabi Alonso had all played full games during the international break, returning utterly exhausted. They might be able to play, but their effectiveness couldn't be guaranteed.

Yang Hao continued to look at Iniesta, waiting for his response.

Finally, after a brief silence, Iniesta raised his head. His expression was calm, neither elated nor burdened.

"You can count on me, boss," Iniesta said.

Yang Hao smiled.

Iniesta smiled back.

September 13, El Sadar Stadium, Pamplona

La Liga, Matchday 3: Osasuna vs. Atlético Madrid

Atlético lined up in their usual 4-3-3 formation:

Goalkeeper: Palop

Defenders: Evra, Carvalho, Pepe, Alves

Midfielders: Marcos Senna (DM), Iniesta, Gabi

Forwards: Robben, Drogba, Villa

Due to the heavy involvement of internationals, Yang Hao made significant rotations in the lineup.

Aside from Evra, Carvalho, and Drogba, most of the starting XI consisted of rotated or substitute players. When the lineup was announced, it surprised everyone.

What shocked them even more was Atlético's approach from the opening whistle. The visitors dominated early, launching a series of aggressive attacks.

Within the first five minutes, Drogba and Villa both came close to scoring, forcing two excellent saves from Osasuna's goalkeeper, Sanzol.

As the game progressed, the match entered a stalemate.

Though the pace slowed, Atlético maintained control of possession.

Iniesta stepped into Deco and Kaká's role, becoming the team's midfield conductor. His job was to orchestrate attacks, navigate tight spaces, and drive the ball forward—all things he excelled at.

Osasuna's coach, Javier Aguirre, quickly recognized Iniesta's threat and instructed his players to press him aggressively. The first yellow card of the game came after Pablo García fouled Iniesta, prompting referee César to book the Osasuna midfielder.

Between the 15th and 35th minutes, Osasuna received four yellow cards, showcasing their combative style and respect—or fear—for Atlético's talent.

In particular, Iniesta and Robben were singled out for "special treatment," enduring repeated fouls.

Finally, in the 38th minute, Atlético broke the deadlock.

Iniesta evaded his marker with a silky dribble and surged forward, drawing the attention of Pablo García and Puñal near the edge of the box. Suddenly, he switched play with a horizontal pass to Gabi, who met it with a sharp, incisive through ball.

Villa timed his run perfectly, slicing through Osasuna's defense and firing a low shot between Sanzol's legs, sending the ball into the back of the net.

Villa's clinical strike was as swift, precise, and ruthless as ever.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

Amid a deafening chorus of boos from the home crowd, Yang Hao celebrated jubilantly on the touchline, shouting his praise for the team.

"Great job, lads!!"

The second half began with Osasuna making tactical adjustments. Aguirre replaced Webó with Bakayoko, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation that allowed his team to press higher and more aggressively.

This shift put immense pressure on Atlético's midfield, disrupting their rhythm and limiting their ability to build from the back.

From the opening moments of the second half, Atlético found themselves on the back foot, struggling to assert control.

In the 63rd minute, Osasuna's Valdo broke through Atlético's defense, charging directly at Pepe.

Despite goalkeeper Palop signaling his intent to come off his line, Pepe instinctively stuck out a foot and tripped Valdo. It was a clear foul, one where Valdo had baited Pepe into making a rash challenge.

The referee immediately issued a yellow card and awarded a penalty.

Punal converted it with ease. 1-1!

The 20,000 fans in the stadium went into a frenzy, screaming, shouting, and cursing at the team from the capital, Madrid.

"Andrés, find a way to get the ball out of midfield. Believe in yourself—you can do it!"

Taking advantage of a stoppage, Iniesta was called over by Yang Hao to receive new instructions—or rather, to be reminded of the role he'd already been tasked with the entire match.

But Iniesta felt lost, troubled, and unsure.

Osasuna had gone into overdrive in the second half. Their tempo was frantic, and their players seemed relentless, running non-stop as if their lives depended on it.

Yes, Pepe had made a mistake that led to the penalty. But the rookie defender had also thwarted multiple Osasuna attacks, holding the backline firm. No one blamed him for the error—it was normal for a young player to make such mistakes.

The critical issue now was finding a way to score again.

To get the ball out of midfield.

But how?

No matter where Iniesta went, defenders swarmed him like glue. Whenever he tried to receive the ball, someone was right on him, suffocating his space.

Damn it!

Don't they ever get tired?

Iniesta crossed the halfway line, ready to receive a pass, but before he could react, the ball was intercepted.

Fall back! Fall back! Fall back!

His mind scrambled. He realized he was out of sync, unprepared for the relentless pressure.

Before now, every time he played, the opponents had either been weaker, or he had been supported by veterans like Deco, Kaká, Baraja, or Xabi Alonso. They would guide him, help him, give him reminders.

Tonight, there was none of that.

Gabi was only 20, and Marcos Senna, playing as the defensive midfielder, was positioned far back. His passing and organization were solid, but his role tonight was primarily defensive.

As Iniesta sprinted back to defend, he passed by the visiting team's technical area. Yang Hao stepped out, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted, "Stay calm, Andrés! Don't rush—just stay calm!"

Hearing his coach's voice, Iniesta turned his head and saw Yang Hao giving him a thumbs-up. He nodded firmly in response.

Closing his eyes, Iniesta silently counted to five, taking deep, steadying breaths, forcing himself to regain composure.

"Take it slow, Andrés," he whispered to himself. "This has always been your strength."

At some point, Iniesta had realized he had a unique ability.

Maybe it had emerged when he was a child. Maybe it was developed at La Masia. Or perhaps it had only recently become apparent—he wasn't sure.

But when he was on the pitch, he always knew exactly where he was, what time it was, and what he should do. He could process the chaos around him, making sense of the endless movement.

As long as he stayed calm.

In his youth at Barcelona's academy, he had shown this ability repeatedly. Even when surrounded by older and stronger players, he could break free, bringing the ball out of tight spaces and finding the best passing options.

He couldn't explain it—it wasn't something he could put into words. Maybe it was talent, or maybe it was something else entirely.

When Iniesta joined Atlético, he had shared this with Yang Hao in a conversation.

Yang Hao had called it a rare and invaluable skill.

"Andrés," Yang Hao had told him, "some players perform brilliantly during training but lose themselves on the pitch. They can't see what's happening. On the field, so many things happen simultaneously in such a small space and in such a short time that most players panic.

"They fear the unknown.

"But you're different. You have a gift—a special ability. With your technique and precision, combined with this skill, you can navigate even the most dangerous situations and emerge with the ball."

Yes, he remembered those words clearly.

Deco had also taught him many things. One day, Deco told him:

"Don't always try to be fast. That's easy; anyone can do it. Sometimes, the defender might even be faster than you.

"The key is knowing when and where to slow down—or even stop—before accelerating again.

"Master that, Andrés, and with your skill, you'll make the world sit up and take notice."

In the year he'd been at Atlético, Iniesta had adapted well to the new environment, learning a lot from his teammates and coaches.

But he still hadn't fully discovered his unique playing style.

Yang Hao had once told him a story about learning by imitating others, then finding his own way—a concept that resonated deeply with Iniesta.

Now, he breathed deeply, observing the pitch. He analyzed the positions of everyone—teammates and opponents alike.

In his mind, he began constructing a dynamic image, a mental map of where everyone was moving, what they might do next.

Marcos Senna won the ball back!

Senna was always reliable in his challenges—a defensive midfielder you could trust.

But Osasuna's players pressed hard, attempting to win the ball back immediately. Senna had no clear passing options.

Iniesta noticed this and quickly ran into position.

"Marcos, here!" Iniesta called, raising his hand.

The ball came to him, but Pablo García was closing in fast.

Iniesta instantly realized that if he stopped the ball, García would be all over him, making it nearly impossible to escape.

García was a tenacious marker—once he latched onto someone, it was like being caught in a vice.

So, instead of stopping, Iniesta met Senna's pass on the move, touching the ball to his right as he turned, keeping it under control. With two quick touches, he burst diagonally into midfield, evading García's challenge.

At that moment, Iniesta was the calmest person on the pitch.

He had no time or energy to panic. Every bit of his focus was on reading the game, analyzing the movements around him.

A defender was coming up in front of him.

Mentally calculating time and positioning, Iniesta suddenly stopped sharply. Switching the ball to his left foot, he slid smoothly past his opponent, as if gliding on skates.

He was through!

He pressed forward.

Osasuna's defenders reacted quickly, swarming to surround him. But every one of their moves was within Iniesta's mental grasp.

His pace wasn't fast, but his dribbling was precise. Each step he took made it increasingly difficult for the defenders chasing him.

And then, he felt something he had never experienced before.

It was as if something inside him clicked.

For an entire season, he had been accumulating experience, refining his skills. For more than a decade, he had been training relentlessly, always pushing to improve.

All of it seemed to lead to this very moment.

He was surrounded by defenders, but their presence didn't intimidate him.

He could see everything—Drogba, Robben, Villa...

He saw them all.

And in a split second, he identified the best path to the opponent's penalty box.

So, he made the pass.

With precision and elegance, he lofted the ball between two defenders, placing it perfectly in front of Robben on the left wing.

The Dutchman took off like a rocket.

But Osasuna had been keeping an eye on him, and he was soon marked. As Robben reached the left edge of the penalty area, he was forced to slow down.

Iniesta had anticipated this. He sprinted to the edge of the penalty area, raising his hand.

"Here, Arjen!"

Robben immediately passed the ball back.

The ball came toward Iniesta, but so did a defender.

Iniesta quickly shifted the ball with his right foot, sliding effortlessly past the defender once again. Now, with the ball under his left foot, he broke into the penalty box from the left side.

At that moment, only the goalkeeper stood between him and the goal.

Well, almost. A center-back, stunned by what he was seeing, was rushing toward him.

Shoot? Or pass?

Iniesta made his decision in an instant. With the outside of his right foot, he flicked the ball across.

The ball slid past the lunging center-back. The goalkeeper was stationed on the left side of the goal, the defender was near the penalty spot, and the entire right side of the goal was unguarded.

The pass was perfectly weighted. By the time it reached its destination, it had slowed slightly, just enough for Drogba to settle it effortlessly.

The Ivorian forward controlled the ball with one touch, sending it straight toward the goal.

To ensure the shot's power, Drogba took one more step forward and smashed it into the back of the net with a thunderous strike.

The ball rocketed into Osasuna's net.

For a moment, the entire stadium froze, as if holding its breath.

Then, a collective gasp erupted from the crowd.

At that very moment, Iniesta emerged from a surreal state of focus, as if he'd been pulled back to reality.

He was stunned by what he had just done.

But every moment of it remained vivid in his mind, etched there like a masterpiece carved into stone.

And in that moment, Iniesta understood.

He finally knew how he wanted to play.

That sensation, that state of mind—it wasn't something he could fully control yet. But it was the direction he had been seeking, the style he had been striving to master.

That was Andrés Iniesta's football.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!"

"My God!"

"Did you see that?!"

"Andrés Iniesta, Atlético Madrid's young midfielder, just completed an unbelievable run and delivered an absolutely magical assist!"

"I can't believe my eyes. It felt like watching a work of art come to life!"

"I can't even describe how I feel right now. But I'm certain—this young man is destined to become extraordinary."

"Yes, him. Andrés Iniesta. Atlético Madrid's 19-year-old midfielder!"

"Believe me, fans watching at home, remember this name—remember this player!"

"He's going to become one of the world's greatest superstars!"

The Atlético players celebrated wildly.

Drogba picked up Iniesta and ran, with everyone else chasing behind, overcome with joy.

On the pitch, nothing inspires and unites a team like the brilliance of a true prodigy.

Osasuna's players, meanwhile, stood frozen in disbelief, watching Atlético celebrate. They stared at the slight young midfielder, still unable to comprehend how he had dribbled past them into the penalty area.

Yang Hao, more animated than ever, jumped up and down on the sideline, yelling louder than anyone.

Yes! That's it!

That's the Iniesta I envisioned!

"This is incredible! Simply unbelievable!" exclaimed Juanma Lillo and the rest of the coaching staff as they rushed out to celebrate.

"Yang, you were right—he's truly something special!"

No one doubted Iniesta's technical ability—his talent was evident to anyone who watched him.

But few had believed, as Yang Hao did, that he would become one of the world's greatest midfielders.

Before the match, when Yang Hao had decided to start Iniesta, have him play the full 90 minutes, and make him the team's central playmaker, there had been plenty of skepticism.

But tonight, in this moment, they finally understood.

This was Iniesta's gift—one that had been hidden deep within.

And Yang Hao had unearthed it.

Tomorrow—no, tonight—when this match ended, the entire football world, from Spain to Europe and beyond, would be talking about him.

Andrés Iniesta was a true genius.

A world-class genius.

"Well done, Andrés."

As usual, Yang Hao stood on the sideline, greeting each player with a hug as they walked off the pitch.

When it was Iniesta's turn, Yang Hao gave him an especially exaggerated hug.

The surrounding players paused to cheer and congratulate Iniesta. The young midfielder had delivered an outstanding performance that night.

Iniesta, though a bit bashful, couldn't hide the smile on his face.

"To be honest, Andrés, you've just given me a huge, huge problem."

Yang Hao's sudden statement left Iniesta and everyone else momentarily stunned.

What did he mean?

"How am I supposed to handle the reporters later?" Yang Hao said with a laugh.

The players erupted in even louder laughter.

A victory always puts everyone in a good mood.

Walking alongside Yang Hao, Iniesta could feel the coach's trust and high expectations for him.

At this point, he still couldn't fully take Deco's place in the squad, nor could he replace Kaká.

His dribbling was finer and more intricate, but he lacked the raw pace. He couldn't drive the ball from his own penalty area to the opponent's and score like Kaká often did.

That was simply out of the question.

For a long time, Iniesta had been searching for his unique edge.

He studied Deco, Kaká, and everyone else. He even considered returning to the deeper midfield role he had once played at Barcelona, observing Xabi Alonso's approach to the game.

But now, at last, he understood.

I am myself, Andrés Iniesta!

"Andrés," Yang Hao began, casually draping an arm over Iniesta's shoulder as they walked through the tunnel, "I'm not joking when I say this—I need you to promise me something."

"Anything," Iniesta replied.

"For the next little while, I want you to stay under the radar. Don't accept any interviews, don't say anything to the media. Take your time to reflect—really reflect—on tonight's game and that feeling you had."

Iniesta nodded earnestly.

What Yang Hao called "staying under the radar" was actually a form of protection.

"Moving forward, I'm going to give you more game time. You need to level up quickly."

Once a player reaches an "aha" moment like Iniesta had, they enter a period of rapid growth. It's a critical time when match experience is crucial for development.

This process of honing skills and instincts in competitive matches would allow Iniesta to fully internalize and master his newfound style.

Many young talents falter at this stage, failing to secure enough playing time and ultimately blending into mediocrity—like Real Madrid's current benchwarmer, Portillo.

"I need to sit down with Fernando soon," Yang Hao said thoughtfully. "Your release clause is too low; we'll need to raise it."

Iniesta was taken aback.

Five million euros is still too low?

But before he could fully process that, a smile crept onto his face, and he hurried to keep up with his coach.

He could feel how deeply Yang Hao trusted him.

He cherished that trust and the vibrant, supportive atmosphere at Atlético.

Some might assume that Deco, Kaká, and Iniesta were rivals competing for the same spot.

In reality, their relationship was great.

Perhaps this was because Deco understood that, one day, he too would leave Atlético—maybe to seek bigger contracts or new challenges elsewhere. Deco knew this truth well.

Yang Hao chuckled, noticing the surprised look on Iniesta's face.

When they returned to the locker room, Drogba and the others were already in full celebration mode.

Several players pulled Iniesta into the revelry, cheering his name.

Yang Hao stood back, arms crossed, smiling as he observed the joyful chaos.

Locker rooms, after all, aren't as complicated as some might think.

Seeing Iniesta, Yang Hao was reminded of a little-known story from the past.

In the 2006 Champions League final, Barcelona had played an abysmal first half.

Henry later admitted that his feelings during the game were conflicted since he was already set to join Barcelona, creating an unusual mindset.

In the 18th minute, Lehmann's red card had put Arsenal at a disadvantage, yet it was Arsenal who scored first.

Xavi was fresh off an injury and didn't start. Iniesta, who had been stellar in previous matches, was also left on the bench. Rijkaard and Ten Cate instead opted for a midfield trio of Deco, Edmílson, and Van Bommel—a disastrous choice.

How bad was it?

Before the first half ended, Eto'o and other players approached Rijkaard and Ten Cate, asking, "Is Iniesta coming on?"

Everyone knew that Arsenal's defensive focus on Deco was stifling Barcelona's creativity.

Iniesta's quick passing, sharp movement, and ability to exploit gaps on the flanks were sorely needed to unlock Arsenal's defense.

This was something Van Bommel simply couldn't provide.

Many believed this decision was the moment Rijkaard began losing the locker room's trust.

By the second half, when Iniesta was finally substituted in, he revitalized the midfield, leading Barcelona to a 2-1 comeback victory.

Ten Cate's departure for Ajax after the final may have been influenced by this debacle, as he had collaborated with Rijkaard on the lineup.

Yang Hao thought of this story as he watched his players celebrate.

Every single one of them had fought for years, sometimes decades, to earn a spot in this locker room.

They were all incredibly resilient and fiercely competitive. More than anyone, they wanted to win.

As a coach, Yang Hao believed it was his job to guide and support them.

But if a coach ever became the obstacle to victory...

Well, even someone like Ferguson wouldn't be spared.

Yang Hao was no exception.

Iniesta's outstanding performance quickly caught the attention of Spanish football following the match.

While his debut season at Atlético had been solid, this was the first time he had shouldered such responsibility and delivered such a stellar display in a critical moment.

With one key assist and another orchestrated goal, Iniesta was named Man of the Match.

In recent years, Barcelona had produced numerous young midfielders and sent them to other clubs, such as Iván de la Peña, Gerard López, Mikel Arteta, Albert Celades, and Mario Rosas.

This summer alone, Barcelona found themselves in a dispute with Arsenal after the Gunners poached a promising La Masia talent, a young player named Fàbregas, much to the Catalan club's ire.

Some of these midfield exports went on to shine, others faded into obscurity, while a few briefly excelled before returning to Barcelona, only to fail to live up to expectations.

Iniesta, at this stage, was far from being the most accomplished among them. He hadn't reached the heights of his predecessors.

In terms of creativity, Iván de la Peña had shown more flair in his early years. In terms of stature, Gerard López had returned to Barcelona after winning the title of La Liga's best defensive midfielder. And in terms of notoriety, few transfers caused as much outrage among Barça fans as Celades' move to their bitter rivals.

Still, Iniesta became a sensation.

It seemed inevitable.

Fans love the grace, beauty, and rhythm of such refined technical ability. Just as they once idolized Iván de la Peña at the start of his career, they now heaped praise upon Iniesta.

"Genius," "Savior," "Future Star"—accolades poured in freely from all directions, cementing Iniesta's rising reputation.

Yang Hao, however, remained grounded.

At the post-match press conference, he urged the media to give the young player the space he needed to grow.

"He's only 19 years old, still a blank canvas. What we're seeing now is just a rough outline. We need patience, to stand by him as he develops."

Few media outlets, however, heeded his call.

Young talents are a magnet for fanfare, no matter the country or era.

The frenzy surrounding Iniesta forced Atlético's management to intervene. They prohibited him from giving interviews and had the club's PR department communicate directly with his father and agent.

Both parties agreed on one thing: protect Iniesta.

If last week's headline was Atlético's 7-0 demolition of Albacete, this week's belonged to Real Madrid's 7-2 thrashing of Valladolid at the Bernabéu.

As the saying goes, "A starved camel is still bigger than a horse."

Despite selling Claude Makélélé—a move criticized by many experts, including Johan Cruyff and Yang Hao—Real Madrid was far from imploding overnight.

Their deep bench ensured resilience.

In this match, Raúl netted a hat-trick, but it was Beckham who stole the spotlight.

Early in the second half, Beckham assisted Zidane for a goal, then "assisted" Valladolid's striker Losada two minutes later. Later, he provided another assist for Ronaldo.

Would that count as a hat-trick of assists?

Barcelona, meanwhile, scraped a narrow 2-1 victory over Albacete away from home.

This left Catalan media reeling from their earlier jabs at Atlético's 7-0 win against the newly promoted side.

When Atlético won convincingly, they dismissed Albacete as weak. But when Barcelona struggled against the same opponent, they quickly pivoted to praise Albacete's strength.

The quick turnaround only highlighted the irony.

After three La Liga rounds, Deportivo led the table with three straight wins, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia remained unbeaten with two wins and a draw each.

Atlético, with two wins and one loss, sat in fifth place.

Their next challenge? A home game against Valencia.

September 17th, Athens.

In their Champions League group stage opener, Atlético faced AEK Athens away.

With a critical La Liga match against Valencia looming, Yang Hao opted for some rotation.

Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Petr Čech

Defense: Antonio López, Marchena, Lúcio, Dani Alves

Midfield: Marcos Senna (holding), Deco, Iniesta

Attack: Reyes, Drogba, Villa

Iniesta earned another starting spot—a testament to Yang Hao's trust and a challenge for him to maintain his form and consistency.

From the lineup, it was evident Atlético wasn't planning to go all-out offensively.

AEK coach Dušan Bajević fielded a 5-4-1 formation, signaling a defensive approach despite playing at home.

Yang Hao responded with a strategy of high pressing and quick passing, aiming to control the midfield around the halfway line and pull AEK's defense out of shape.

From the opening whistle, Atlético's sharp passing and rapid transitions allowed them to dominate possession and dictate the game's tempo, leaving AEK scrambling for answers.

Without the ball, AEK's players were stretched thin, forced into constant adjustments.

In the 13th minute, Atlético capitalized on their dominance. A right-sided attack saw Villa drive into the box, earning a corner. Lúcio rose highest to head the ball into the net, opening the scoring.

Up 1-0, Atlético maintained control.

In the 36th minute, relentless pressing from Drogba and Villa forced a poor throw from AEK's goalkeeper. Deco intercepted, drove into the box, and calmly slotted the ball home.

2-0!

Atlético continued to dictate terms.

Even after Yang Hao substituted Deco and Lúcio in the second half, AEK struggled to shift momentum.

One standout was Dani Alves, whose technical ability shone in this possession-heavy system. Unlike Maicon, Alves was shorter, slightly less defensively solid, but faster and more skillful—unsurprising for a player who started as a winger in Brazil.

The match ended 2-0, giving Atlético a strong start to their Champions League campaign.

Elsewhere in the group, Monaco, powered by Real Madrid loanee Morientes (one goal, one assist), defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-1.

Since joining Monaco, Morientes had played just one league match, but he shone in his Champions League debut.

Under coach Didier Deschamps, Monaco thrived on wing play, with Rothen, Cissé, and Giuly leading the charge. Their bench also boasted formidable options in Adebayor and Pršo.

Interestingly, Patrice Evra, who played a key role in Monaco's run to the Champions League final in Yang Hao's previous timeline, was now at Atlético. Monaco had fielded Norwegian fullback Hassan El Fakiri instead.

September 20th, Madrid, Calderón Stadium.

La Liga, Round 4: Atlético Madrid vs. Valencia.

Despite playing away, Valencia struck first.

Just three minutes into the match, Pablo Aimar, after receiving a pass from Vicente, skillfully evaded Xabi Alonso. With teammate Mista pulling the center-backs out of position, Aimar unleashed a powerful shot from just outside the penalty arc.

Atlético's goalkeeper, Petr Čech, made a crucial save, firmly holding the ball.

Moments later, Atlético responded with a long-range effort from Fernando Torres, which threatened Valencia's goal.

The match soon settled into Atlético's control.

Yang Hao started Kaká and Rubén Baraja, with Xabi Alonso anchoring the midfield behind them. The lineup oscillated between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, depending on Baraja's positioning.

Atlético patiently created chances, while Valencia waited for opportunities to counter. The game was evenly poised.

In the 24th minute, Vicente delivered a low cross from the left wing. Mista attempted a lob shot that forced Čech to tip it over the crossbar. Valencia's subsequent corner was foiled by Čech, who aggressively claimed the ball in midair.

Quickly transitioning, Čech threw the ball out to Xabi Alonso near the edge of Atlético's penalty area. Alonso deftly flicked the ball forward to Kaká, who was already on the move.

The Brazilian controlled it, slipped past Gonzalo Rodríguez, and burst forward with blistering pace, surging through the center toward Valencia's penalty area.

Valencia's defenders, including David Albelda, Roberto Ayala, and Mauricio Pellegrino, quickly retreated, forming a defensive wall at the edge of the box.

Kaká didn't slow down, feinting as if to take on the defense head-on. As the defenders focused on him, he suddenly passed to the right flank and then darted diagonally into the left side of the penalty area.

Torres sprinted to meet Kaká's pass, taking a decisive touch to enter the box and elude Pellegrino's challenge. From the edge of the six-yard box, Torres delicately chipped a cross into the far post.

By then, Kaká had already made his way into the back post area. With Ayala arriving too late, Kaká leapt high and delivered a powerful header into the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"

"KAKÁ!"

"What a sensational goal!"

"In the 24th minute, Kaká and Torres combined brilliantly on a lightning-quick counterattack."

"A perfect partnership between two of Atlético's young stars. Kaká made the pass, Torres provided the cross, and Kaká finished it off with a header!"

"Flawless execution!"

"Roberto Ayala didn't even jump; he could only watch as Kaká, standing nearly 10 centimeters taller, soared above him."

"This was an incredible counterattack—two attackers against three defenders in one moment, then three against five overall—but Atlético still broke through Valencia's defense!"

After the goal, Kaká, Torres, and their teammates celebrated wildly. The Calderón Stadium erupted with chants of their names.

The two young stars weren't just outstanding players; they were also fan favorites for their good looks, consistently ranking second and third on Atlético's "most handsome" player polls, with Xabi Alonso coming in fourth.

And as for first place… well, you know who it is.

Rafa Benítez watched from the away dugout as Yang Hao celebrated energetically on the touchline, loudly cheering the goal. Disgruntled, Benítez spat to the side.

"Winning games with raw talent—what kind of coaching is that?" he muttered indignantly.

Paco Ayestarán, his assistant, stifled a laugh but dared not let it out.

He wanted to remind Benítez that these players were all discovered, developed, or nurtured by Yang Hao.

But to Benítez, who was obsessed with tactics, that didn't matter.

"In a tactical battle," Benítez claimed, "I've never lost!"

Still fuming, Benítez grumbled, "They're just picking on Ayala's height. It's unfair, isn't it, Paco?"

Ayala's height, admittedly on the shorter side for a center-back, was often targeted by opponents. But his overall defensive ability was unquestionable.

"What's our plan now?" Ayestarán asked.

Benítez rubbed his temples, caught in a dilemma.

If they pressed forward aggressively, Atlético's counterattacks would punish them. But sitting back risked leaving the scoreline as it was.

"How many more gems does that guy have hidden in Atlético's squad?" Benítez asked, exasperated.

It was a rhetorical question born of frustration and curiosity.

Yang Hao's coaching style was unique. His tactical acumen might not have been extraordinary by Benítez's standards, but his ability to scout, nurture, and develop talent was undeniable.

This duality left Benítez both resentful and begrudgingly impressed.

The first half ended 1-0, with Atlético in the lead.

Despite trailing, Valencia didn't dare commit too many players forward. Atlético's counterattacks were among the deadliest in Europe.

In the opening moments of the second half, however, Valencia launched a wave of attacks. Benítez was clearly attempting to disrupt Atlético's rhythm with an early surge, even if it didn't lead to a goal.

But in the 51st minute, Atlético struck back.

Left-back Patrice Evra dispossessed Roger López and immediately initiated a counterattack. The Frenchman charged down the left wing, passing to José Antonio Reyes before continuing his run into the inside channel.

Reyes, under pressure from Curro Torres, returned the ball to Evra. The Frenchman quickly played it forward to Kaká, who pushed the ball into the left side of the penalty area.

Though diminutive in stature, Evra's agility and speed allowed him to outpace the defense and latch onto Kaká's pass. As he prepared to shoot, Ayala lunged in with a sliding tackle, bringing Evra down.

Ayala protested vehemently, claiming Evra had dived, but the referee pointed to the spot and issued Ayala a yellow card.

"The replay shows this was indeed a penalty."

"Ayala was a fraction too late, and his tackle made contact with Evra."

"Ayala knew he was taking a risk. If he held back, Evra would have had a clear shot on goal."

"The yellow card and penalty were fully deserved. His protests were mere formalities."

On the sidelines, Benítez was visibly agitated, shouting at the head referee and the fourth official.

"How is that a penalty? It's impossible! My player didn't commit a foul—why is it a penalty?"

Yang Hao scoffed internally: Unbelievable. Lying with a straight face, huh? Shameless.

Oh, you want to play dirty? I can do that too.

"How is it not a penalty? It was clearly a penalty! The foul was so obvious—how could you not see it?"

"I didn't see it. Did you?" Benítez retorted, turning his attention to Yang Hao.

"I did!"

"Bullshit. You're standing so far away. It'd be a miracle if you saw anything!"

"Uncle, you're old. Your eyesight isn't what it used to be. Just because you can't see doesn't mean I can't."

"Who are you calling uncle?"

"You, uncle."

"No, you're an uncle. Your whole family are uncles!"

Yang Hao shrugged with a casual smile. "My family only has me."

Benítez was speechless. What the hell? This guy doesn't play fair!

The fourth official stood nearby, his head full of frustration.

Seriously, you two big names want to argue? Fine. But can't you wait until after the match? Just take a left turn when it's over and go at it. Fight to the death for all I care.

But right now, during the match? Can we not?

Baraja calmly stepped up and converted the penalty, extending Atlético's lead to 2-0.

The battle between Atlético and Valencia continued fiercely.

This season, Valencia had significantly improved overall, especially in midfield and attack, where their chemistry was becoming increasingly refined.

But Yang Hao's Atlético was clearly a step ahead.

In terms of individual player quality alone, Atlético had the edge over Valencia.

As one commentator put it, the liveliest part of the match in the final 30 minutes wasn't on the pitch but on the sidelines, where Yang Hao and Benítez kept arguing, much to the fourth official's growing dismay.

I can't stop them, but I also can't just let them carry on.

The worst part came after the match ended with a 2-0 victory for Atlético. The fourth official watched nervously as Yang Hao approached Benítez.

It was a standard post-match handshake, but he couldn't help worrying.

What if they start fighting?

Keeping a safe distance, the fourth official prepared himself for the worst. He already had a plan in mind:

Step one, separate them. Step two, call for reinforcements. Step three, pull them apart—no bloodshed allowed.

He glanced at the 50,000-plus Atlético fans in the Calderón stands.

All eyes are on us.

To his shock, Yang Hao extended his hand toward Benítez with a smile.

"Care for a drink after the match?"

"Only a dog would drink with you," Benítez snapped.

"Oh, that's a shame. It's one of Ferguson's rarest collections."

Benítez's eyes lit up instantly.

"Fine, Paco, let's grab a couple of drinks."

"Sounds good."

"No, you're not going," Benítez said sternly.

"Why not?"

"You're my assistant coach. How can you drink with the enemy?"

"The match is over, boss."

"Well... then I'll go too."

From a distance, the fourth official watched the two "villains" laughing and chatting like old friends, with none of the earlier hostility in sight.

He even caught snippets of Yang Hao mentioning Real Madrid and Barcelona, knowing Valencia's next two matches were against those very teams.

So they're all in this together.

The real clown... is me. I can't live like this anymore.

Damn it! There's not a single good person in Spanish football. They're all actors!

Atlético defeated Valencia 2-0.

Meanwhile, Barcelona only managed a 1-1 draw at home against Osasuna, sending Catalan media into another frenzy.

The embarrassment was undeniable. Just days earlier, Atlético had defeated Osasuna 2-1 away, and now Barcelona, playing at home, couldn't get the win.

The gap between the two teams left Barcelona fans in disbelief.

"Rijkaard, what kind of football is this?"

Deportivo La Coruña, on the other hand, secured a 3-0 home victory over Albacete, making it four wins in a row.

But that wasn't the most surprising part.

What was shocking was that in the 39th minute, Argentine player Scaloni received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Deportivo with only ten men. At the time, the score was still 0-0.

Incredibly, Deportivo scored three goals with a man down to secure the victory.

When Yang Hao heard about this, he could only sigh:

"Super Depor—what a resilient team!"

Real Madrid, meanwhile, defeated Málaga 3-1, with goals from Ronaldo, Beckham, and Guti.

After four rounds, Super Depor continued to lead the league, with Real Madrid in second place on 10 points, and Atlético third with 9 points, just behind the top two.

During the post-match celebrations, Yang Hao was spotted by reporters having drinks with Benítez and his assistant coach, Yesterdan. Jokingly, he said, "With just one drink, I've recruited them to help take down Real Madrid and Barcelona."

Of course, no one believed him—such things weren't that easy.

But in a surprising turn of events, in the fifth round of La Liga, Valencia defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at the Mestalla, with goals from Mista and Oliveira. It was Real Madrid's first loss of the season.

Even more unexpected was what happened in another match that same round.

At the Calderón, Atlético faced Barcelona in a highly anticipated showdown.

From the start, both teams fought fiercely for possession, each trying to control the game and suppress their opponent.

Rijkaard deployed a 4-3-3 formation, but his midfield trio—Cocu, Gerard, and Thiago Motta—was a defensive setup clearly designed to counter Atlético's powerful attack.

However, just 18 minutes into the game, Atlético broke through with a corner kick created by a wing play.

Barcelona's defense, except for Márquez at 1.84 meters, was mostly under 1.80 meters tall.

As expected, Lucio rose high and headed the ball into the net, giving Atlético a 1-0 lead.

The match became a tug-of-war from then on.

By halftime, Barcelona had already collected four yellow cards, with all three midfielders booked, underscoring the immense pressure Atlético's tactics had put on them.

That pressure finally boiled over in the second half.

In the 53rd minute, Cocu fouled Deco and was shown a yellow card—his second of the match—resulting in a red card and his dismissal.

Yang Hao was visibly thrilled on the sidelines. "No mercy—keep going!"

By the 63rd minute, Fernando Torres met a cross from Reyes on the left wing, outjumping Reiziger to head the ball into the net. 2–0!

Realizing the fragility of his backline, Rijkaard brought on Patrick Andersson for Luis Enrique to reinforce the defense, particularly against aerial threats.

Yang Hao responded immediately, substituting Evra with Drogba to deploy a two-striker formation. Atlético ramped up their offense, focusing on Torres and Drogba. The relentless pressure kept Barcelona's defense on the brink of collapse.

In the 74th minute, Drogba's header set up Baraja, who struck a clinical shot from the penalty area's right edge, making it 3–0!

The Calderón crowd erupted. The fans were delirious. "This is turning into a slaughter!"

Just four minutes later, Thiago Motta committed a blatant foul, shoving Deco from behind in frustration. The referee didn't hesitate to issue a yellow card—Motta's second—sending him off as well.

From the sidelines, Yang Hao could see Rijkaard's expressions shifting rapidly—desperation, regret, frustration. "He must be kicking himself for that midfield lineup," Yang Hao thought.

Rijkaard made another substitution, bringing on Xavi for Ronaldinho, but with the game now 11 against 9, Barcelona's slim hopes were dashed.

Yang Hao seized the opportunity, subbing on Iniesta for Baraja.

"Go ahead, Andrés—show Barcelona what you're made of!"

In the final 10 minutes, the game became a one-sided showcase for Atlético. The home side pressed mercilessly, with Deco and Iniesta orchestrating the midfield, creating wave after wave of attacks.

In the 82nd minute, Kluivert fouled while tracking back and received Barcelona's seventh yellow card of the night.

In the 88th minute, Drogba added his name to the scoresheet, making it 4–0.

In stoppage time, Torres netted his second goal of the night to seal the deal: 5–0!

The Calderón erupted once again.

Another historic thrashing. Another Calderón tragedy for Barcelona.

As soon as the match ended, all of Spain erupted in reaction.

Catalan media outlets unleashed a torrent of criticism, targeting two figures in particular.

The first was referee Arturo.

They questioned his officiating standards, calling him incompetent for showing Barcelona seven yellow cards and two red cards.

"He manipulated the game to hand Atlético the win!"

But Spanish sports outlets were quick to analyze the match, pointing out that both red cards were justifiable—especially Cocu's and Motta's second yellow cards, which were clear intentional fouls.

"As Yang Hao said in his post-match press conference, Barcelona's biggest issue in this match was their players' mentality."

"They abandoned their signature possession-based style by fielding three defensive midfielders, leaving their players confused and unsure of their roles."

"On paper, the idea of playing through Ronaldinho sounds great. But what if Ronaldinho is effectively neutralized?"

"Atlético did just that by using Maicon and Baraja to stifle Ronaldinho's inside runs, preventing him from making an impact."

"Meanwhile, Barcelona's three-defensive-midfielder setup turned their midfield into a chaotic mess. Not only could they not organize meaningful attacks, but they also couldn't hold off Atlético's relentless offense."

"So the question remains: What was Rijkaard trying to achieve with this lineup?"

The second target of Catalan media wrath was Frank Rijkaard himself.

Shockingly, just five matches into his tenure as Barcelona manager, Rijkaard was already facing calls for his dismissal.

Critics lambasted his baffling decisions, questioning why he fielded Cocu, Thiago Motta, and Gerard in such a defensive midfield trio.

Adding insult to injury, Barcelona's seven yellow cards and two red cards pointed to deeper issues—mental, not tactical.

The 0–5 defeat only worsened Barcelona's precarious situation. After five matches, they had a record of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.

Rijkaard defended himself, citing the strength of Barcelona's early opponents: draws against Osasuna and Sevilla, both near the top of the table, and a loss to Atlético.

But Catalan media countered, pointing out Barcelona's unconvincing wins against Athletic Bilbao and Albacete, both by a single goal.

"A draw at home, narrow away wins against weaker teams, and now this humiliation—Barcelona's performances have been lackluster at best."

Following the loss to Atlético, AS broke an explosive story:

Gerard was reportedly caught using his phone in the dressing room after the match and was subsequently dropped from the squad by Rijkaard.

Other outlets quickly corroborated the story, reporting that Gerard had been complaining about the team's disastrous tactics, sarcastically noting that he was the only midfielder not sent off.

This incident highlighted the growing rift within Barcelona's squad. Rijkaard had previously banned phones in the dressing room, making Gerard's actions a direct violation of team rules.

But this was no isolated incident. Rijkaard's managerial credentials had long been under scrutiny.

His most notable achievement was leading the Netherlands to the semifinals of Euro 2000. However, his record of 8 wins, 12 draws, and 2 losses in 22 matches was far from stellar.

His subsequent stint at Sparta Rotterdam ended in disaster: 4 wins, 12 draws, and 18 losses in 34 matches, culminating in Sparta's relegation to the second division.

Yet within a year, Rijkaard had inexplicably been appointed head coach of Barcelona—a club he had neither played for nor managed in Spain before.

Many Barcelona fans were left wondering: "Why was this man chosen to lead our club? How much influence did Johan Cruyff have in this decision?"

Even Yang Hao couldn't answer that question.

"Even after traveling back in time, I still don't understand why Barcelona picked Rijkaard."

History would later vindicate Yang Hao's skepticism. After his departure from Barcelona, Rijkaard's coaching career floundered, eventually fading into obscurity.

For now, however, Barcelona seemed determined to keep making baffling decisions.

**"In any case," Yang Hao concluded, "this La Liga season is shaping up to be very interesting!"

Rising to the Top!

The day after Atlético's stunning 5–0 victory over Barcelona, Marca ran a front-page headline celebrating the team's rise to the top of La Liga for the first time this season.

After five rounds, Atlético had secured four wins and one loss, tallying 12 points to surpass Deportivo La Coruña, Valencia, and Real Madrid, taking sole possession of the league's top spot.

Deportivo also had 12 points but fell behind Atlético due to goal difference after losing 3–2 away to Osasuna.

Marca praised Atlético's spectacular performances this season. Despite an opening-round upset against Sevilla, the team rebounded quickly and with great momentum.

More notably:

"Yang Hao's side is playing the most exhilarating attacking football in La Liga this season."

Whether it was the 7–0 demolition of Albacete, the 5–0 thrashing of Barcelona, or the 2–0 victory over Valencia, Atlético's growth and progress have been undeniable.

The paper also highlighted Andrés Iniesta's breakout performance against Osasuna, which even had Catalan media lamenting Barcelona's decision to let such a talented midfielder leave.

As La Liga's most potent attacking side this season, Atlético has not only shone in terms of goals but also in their fluid style of play. The team's crisp passing, rhythmic tempo, and dominance in possession have thrilled fans.

"There's no doubt about it—whether you look at their goalscoring, defending, or ball control, Atlético is the best team in La Liga so far this season. They deserve to be league leaders!"

Even this Madrid-leaning publication showered Atlético with praise. Other outlets, like El País and ABC, were similarly effusive, uniformly applauding the team.

This marked Yang Hao's fifth season as Atlético's head coach.

El País published an analysis of his tenure, emphasizing that this season marks the team's pinnacle under his guidance.

In the past, Atlético was known for its sharp, attacking style, but it lacked the finesse and control typical of Spain's dominant teams.

Now, Yang Hao had transformed the team, making their play more refined and unpredictable.

"Yang Hao has taken Atlético from a rugged, hard-nosed team and turned them into a synonym for technical, artistic, and dazzling football!"

El País even claimed that Atlético's football was more attractive than Real Madrid's, earning favor among neutrals.

"You can see it in their ticket sales—Atlético's home matches are sold out, and their success has even driven demand for away tickets."

"Atlético is now one of the top teams in Spain and a force to be reckoned with in Europe."

The newspaper also shared a curious story: when Atlético announced plans to build a new stadium, many fans submitted petitions urging the club to make it as large as possible.

While fans didn't expect a 100,000-seat colossus like Camp Nou, they advocated for a stadium similar in capacity to the Bernabéu, seating 70,000–80,000. Fans suggested that the club purchase adjacent land if necessary to expand.

Unbeknownst to fans, the club was negotiating a land exchange with Mahou Brewery, so they mistakenly assumed the new stadium would be built on the Calderón site.

Expanding from the current 50,000-seat Calderón to a larger stadium would require significant financial investment.

But as Atlético fans argued, such an expansion was vital for the club's long-term success and to meet soaring demand for tickets.

El País concluded:

"The club's decision to invest in a new stadium is wise. It may stretch their finances now, but it will pay off in the long run."

September 30th: Champions League Group Stage, Matchday 2

Atlético hosted PSV Eindhoven at the Calderón.

The gap in quality between the two sides was evident from the start.

Facing Atlético's formidable midfield, Guus Hiddink's PSV was forced to adopt a defensive approach.

Once Atlético established control in midfield, Yang Hao instructed Maicon and Joaquín to relentlessly attack PSV's left flank, targeting the duo of Ji-Sung Park and Lee Young-Pyo.

The strategy proved effective, leaving PSV struggling to respond.

Throughout the first half, their only bright spot was Danish winger Dennis Rommedahl's sporadic dribbles on the flank, which posed limited threats.

Otherwise, PSV managed just one harmless long-range shot in the entire first half.

Meanwhile, Atlético took the lead through a goal by Kaká.

In the second half, PSV showed slight improvement, but Atlético extended their lead in the 51st minute. Joaquín burst past Lee Young-Pyo on the right flank and delivered a cross. Torres flicked the ball on with a header, and Reyes smashed it into the net.

Atlético ultimately secured a 2–0 victory.

In the group's other match, Monaco crushed AEK Athens 4–0 at home, with Morientes scoring twice and Giuly and Pršo each adding a goal.

Both Atlético and Monaco now had two wins, with Atlético topping the group on goal difference.

The situation was becoming clear:

PSV, despite being a second-seeded team, appeared weaker than fourth-seeded Monaco. As for third-seeded AEK Athens, they were the group's weakest side.

The morning after the PSV match, Yang Hao addressed his players before training:

"The two matches against Monaco will determine who wins the group."

"Our goal is simple: beat Monaco, both home and away, and qualify early!"

Atlético was in unstoppable form, with momentum and squad rotation working seamlessly. Winning these key matches would allow Yang Hao to focus on other priorities in the remaining group-stage fixtures, like giving younger players valuable minutes.

Yang Hao also understood the importance of securing first place in the group. With the round of 16 now a two-legged knockout stage, finishing top could result in a more favorable draw.

"We need to lock down that top spot. It'll make our path much smoother."

Riazor Stadium.

Over the years, this venue had earned a reputation as one of Europe's most intimidating grounds. Teams approached Deportivo's fortress with caution, knowing the challenge that awaited.

Atlético was no exception.

Yang Hao wasn't afraid of Deportivo, but he wasn't taking any chances either.

Deportivo had scored in every La Liga match so far, making them one of the league's most potent attacking sides—second only to Atlético.

Currently, Atlético led the table, with Deportivo close behind in second place. Their clash in Matchday 6 would be a decisive battle for supremacy.

Having faced Barcelona and Valencia in back-to-back fixtures, this third consecutive showdown against a top-tier opponent was a true test for Atlético.

However, as the media had noted, if Atlético could survive this challenging stretch, the path ahead looked much smoother.

The day after defeating PSV, Yang Hao and his coaching staff were already hard at work analyzing Deportivo.

Actually, there wasn't much mystery left to analyze.

Javier Irureta's Deportivo La Coruña had always adhered to a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goalkeeper: Molina

Defense: Romero, Andrade, Naybet, and Pablo

Double pivots: Sergio and Mauro Silva

Attacking midfielder: Valerón

Right wing: Víctor Sánchez

The only uncertainties were the left winger and the striker positions.

Irureta rarely rotated his squad, and when he did, the results were sometimes disastrous. For instance, Scaloni's brief appearance ended after 38 minutes due to two yellow cards. Who knows what was going through his mind?

Among the midfield duo, Sergio was an undisputed starter, while Duscher occasionally rotated with Mauro Silva.

The forward line was a choice between Pandiani and Tristán. Since Roy Makaay's transfer to Bayern Munich, these two had alternated starts. Most signs pointed to Pandiani being selected for this match.

The left-wing position remained the biggest question.

"Judging by this season's trends, Irureta seems to favor Albert Luque as the starter. He's played every match so far, including full minutes in the Champions League and scoring in the last two league games. We need to keep an eye on him."

Although Luque was already 25, his transfer from Mallorca had brought depth to the squad.

Juanma Lillo, analyzing the lineup, glanced at Yang Hao, who appeared deep in thought. Knowing Yang's temperament, Lillo continued his breakdown.

"Deportivo has four main options for the left flank, which has always been a headache for Irureta."

"First is veteran Fran, who we're all familiar with. At 34, he's technically strong but lacks pace. On the wing, his primary role is to deliver crosses rather than break through."

"Then there's Munitis, another recognizable name. He arrived on a free transfer from Real Madrid but has a major flaw: he holds onto the ball too long."

"Irureta's team thrives on fast-paced football, similar to how we used to play. They prioritize quick transitions in attack, pressing, and defending. Munitis, however, often slows their rhythm with his dribbling."

This issue wasn't unique to Munitis but a common trait among many Spanish attacking players, prone to showboating or overly elaborate moves.

Reyes and Joaquín initially showed traces of this tendency but were quickly coached out of it under Yang Hao's guidance.

Munitis, much like Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in his early days, had speed and the ability to beat defenders but lacked efficiency in using those attributes.

Still, on the rare occasions when Munitis got his timing right, his runs could be incredibly dangerous—a true wildcard.

"Then there's Amavisca, another former Real Madrid player. He's fast and capable of breaking through defenses, but at 32, he hasn't featured this season."

"Given these factors, Luque might need a rest after his full workload in the Champions League. That leaves Fran or Munitis as the likely starters. My bet is on Munitis."

"Why?"

"Because Romero is also 32."

Deploying two players in their thirties on the same flank could weaken their athleticism, especially in the second half. Would Irureta risk exhausting two substitutes on the same side? That seemed unlikely.

By process of elimination, Munitis appeared to be the most logical choice.

"I also think Irureta will stick with his high defensive line, which has been their most effective tactic this season. Utilizing Duscher, Mauro Silva, and Sergio to enhance midfield pressing and interceptions, while simultaneously pushing the defensive line up to set offside traps."

This season, Deportivo had frequently relied on this high-pressing defensive approach.

While both Valencia and Deportivo employed quick-paced 4-2-3-1 systems, the differences lay in personnel and tactics.

Valencia's double pivot featured a towering Albelda and the explosiveness of Baraja. Without Baraja, replacements like Gonzalo or Mohamed Sissoko were also strong, physical defensive players.

Deportivo, on the other hand, favored smaller, more agile midfielders like Mauro Silva, Sergio, and Duscher, emphasizing mobility and passing.

As a result, Deportivo excelled offensively, while Valencia had the edge defensively.

Even with similar tactics, different player profiles forced adjustments to maximize each team's strengths.

Yang Hao suddenly raised a key question:

"Is Víctor Sánchez confirmed to start?"

"Most likely. It's hard to imagine Scaloni starting again," Lillo replied with a chuckle, sparking laughter in the room.

Yang Hao couldn't help but smile. He wanted to remind them that Scaloni would one day lead Lionel Messi to glory.

Sometimes, the players with underwhelming careers ended up thriving as managers. Scaloni and Maradona were prime examples.

While Diego Maradona's stint as Argentina's coach left many mourning the wasted potential of a golden generation, Scaloni's coaching career had been a redemption story.

"Alright!" Yang Hao made his decision. "Let's prepare a training session specifically targeting their flanks. Here's how we'll approach it..."

October 4th, Riazor Stadium

La Liga, Matchday 6: Deportivo La Coruña vs. Atlético Madrid

After shaking hands with Irureta, Yang Hao remained by the sideline.

The Riazor faithful made their disdain for him abundantly clear, showering him with boos throughout.

If there were an award for the most disliked coach in La Liga's away grounds, Yang Hao would undoubtedly top the list.

He pondered this as the jeers continued.

"I haven't done anything outrageous, certainly nothing like that loudmouth Mourinho. So why do they hate me so much?"

Then it hit him.

"When you're too good-looking, people are bound to hate you wherever you go. Such is life!"

Resigned to his fate, Yang Hao smirked and focused on the game ahead.

Tonight's Lineups Reveal Small Surprises

Deportivo La Coruña's starting XI was almost exactly as Atlético had predicted, except for one unexpected change: Diego Tristán started as the striker instead of Pandiani.

Atlético also made tactical adjustments:

Goalkeeper: Čech

Defenders: Evra, Carvalho, Lucio, Maicon

Midfielders: Deco, Xabi Alonso, Baraja

Forwards: Reyes, Drogba, Villa

Yang Hao was well aware of Víctor Sánchez's unease when facing Evra, so he ensured the Frenchman started the match.

As the game began, Irureta's team pressed high as expected, with Atlético opting to drop deeper, inviting Deportivo to push forward.

Yang Hao's strategy focused on forcing Deportivo's attack down the left flank, targeting Munitis to carry the ball. Atlético concentrated their pressing near their 30-meter defensive zone, where Baraja and Maicon worked together to dispossess the Spanish winger.

Munitis tried several dribbles early on but couldn't break through Atlético's double-team. Either Deportivo kept the ball, or Atlético won it back only to face immediate pressure.

The Breakthrough Comes at Minute 6

In the 6th minute, Munitis attempted a diagonal run toward the box but was intercepted by Maicon, who poked the ball to Baraja. With no hesitation, Baraja turned sharply and sent a long pass forward.

Though Baraja's long ball lacked Xabi Alonso's precision, it was strong enough to drop deep into Deportivo's penalty area, forcing goalkeeper Molina to leave his line.

But Reyes, timing his run perfectly, raced in and beat Molina to the ball. He flicked it past the onrushing goalkeeper with his left foot before colliding with him.

The ball rolled past Molina and into the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"In just the 6th minute, Atlético takes the lead!"

"A brilliant long ball from Baraja sets up Reyes for a perfectly timed run behind Deportivo's defense!"

"Deportivo's center-backs were entirely focused on Drogba and failed to track Reyes' movement. The young Spaniard made them pay!"

Yang Hao, ecstatic on the sideline, raised his fists in celebration and gave Reyes a big thumbs-up as the winger looked toward him.

Deportivo Pushes Forward Relentlessly

Despite conceding early, Deportivo didn't hold back. They continued attacking aggressively, particularly down the left flank, where Munitis had been given his chance to shine.

Two minutes after Reyes' goal, Munitis managed to break down the left. Maicon missed a tackle, allowing Munitis to cut into the box. Just as Lucio closed in, Munitis unleashed a powerful shot that Čech saved, smothering the ball to deny a quick equalizer.

The Riazor crowd roared in approval, chanting for their team to keep the pressure on.

"Let's go, Deportivo!"

But while the hosts scrambled to create meaningful threats, Atlético struck again with ruthless efficiency.

Reyes Doubles the Lead in the 12th Minute

Once more, Atlético capitalized on a defensive interception on the right flank. Baraja dispossessed Munitis and passed the ball to Maicon, who quickly fed Xabi Alonso. The Basque midfielder delivered another precise long pass, targeting Reyes' blistering pace.

"Another counterattack from Atlético!"

"Xabi Alonso's long ball—he's picked out Reyes again!"

"This is dangerous!"

The pass landed perfectly near the top-left corner of Deportivo's box. Reyes, speeding past the defenders, took control and dribbled into the area.

Molina came off his line again, but Reyes executed a "Rabona" flick to glide past the keeper, creating a shooting angle on his left. With a cool left-footed finish, he slotted the ball into the empty net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"Reyes scores again!"

"Two goals in just six minutes! Atlético extends their lead to 2–0!"

"Deportivo's tactical missteps are clear. Both goals came from nearly identical counterattacks."

"Irureta's decision to rely on their left flank has backfired spectacularly, with Atlético exploiting their defensive gaps."

The scoreboard read 2–0, and Deportivo's fans were in stunned silence.

Atlético Dictates the Tempo

With a two-goal advantage, Atlético controlled the game. Irureta adjusted Deportivo's tactics, steering attacks away from the left flank.

But Atlético, now in the driver's seat, slowed the game's pace and focused on ball control. Their precise passing stretched Deportivo's defense, forcing them into relentless running to close gaps.

In the 26th minute, Evra intercepted Víctor Sánchez and launched a counterattack. He passed the ball to Deco, who, despite being tightly marked by Sergio, used his technical brilliance to find space and release Evra down the left wing.

As Evra sprinted forward, Pablo lunged in with a reckless slide tackle, taking out both the player and the ball. Evra crashed into the sideline.

Atlético's players protested vehemently. Pablo's tackle earned him a yellow card, and Atlético were awarded a free kick near the left edge of Deportivo's penalty area.

Xabi Alonso stepped up and delivered a pinpoint cross to the near post.

Lucio jumped, drawing the defenders' attention, but it was Drogba who surged forward from the middle. With perfect timing, the Ivorian powerhouse met the ball with a thunderous header, sending it past Molina and into the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"Drogba scores!"

"In the 27th minute, Atlético makes it 3–0!"

"This match is slipping away from Deportivo as Atlético's precision and power dominate!"

Yang Hao clapped on the sidelines, his satisfaction evident.

The Riazor crowd, once loud and hopeful, fell silent, stunned by the clinical display from the league leaders.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"

"It's 3–0!"

"Not even 27 minutes into the first half, and Atlético has already scored three goals!"

"This is absolutely unbelievable."

"Super Depor has completely unraveled tonight, especially in defense."

"Before the match, many media outlets warned Irureta about Atlético's dynamic attack this season, but it seems he underestimated their threat. Now, he's paying the price."

"Playing a high defensive line against Atlético requires a tremendous amount of courage."

The back-to-back goals had a devastating impact on Deportivo La Coruña's morale. But the game was far from over, with over an hour still to play.

The earlier aggressive foul on Evra also lit a fire under Atlético's players. Normally, in away matches, teams might ease up once the game is secure out of respect for the home crowd.

Tonight, Atlético showed no such mercy.

Deportivo's Nightmares Continue

In the 39th minute, a long ball from Atlético's defensive half reached the midfield. Drogba outmuscled Naybet, heading the ball down to Reyes before sprinting forward.

Without hesitation, Reyes unleashed a pinpoint diagonal pass, slicing through Deportivo's defensive line and finding Villa charging down the right flank.

Villa sprinted past the defenders and into the penalty area.

Molina, desperate after conceding three goals, charged out of his goal. But Villa was quicker, sliding the ball across the box with his right foot.

Molina dove to intercept but couldn't reach it.

Drogba, who had been storming forward, arrived just in time. Meeting Villa's cross in stride, he calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.

4–0!

The Riazor stadium fell into stunned silence.

"Another goal for Atlético!"

"Drogba gets his second of the night!"

"It's 4–0, and we're not even at halftime yet!"

"Deportivo is crumbling before our eyes. Can they even finish this match respectably, or will it turn into a record-breaking rout?"

Fans in the stands began questioning their team's tactics. A four-goal deficit before halftime was already disastrous. For some, the question now was not if Atlético would win but by how many.

"Atlético's attacking firepower this season is unmatched!"

"Their offense is versatile and relentless. Drogba's physicality and aerial prowess, Reyes and Villa's speed and skill, and a midfield of Deco, Baraja, and Xabi Alonso with incredible passing ability—it's an unstoppable combination!"

"And let's not forget their full-backs, Evra and Maicon, who are both highly adept in attack."

"Who can stop Yang Hao and his unstoppable Atlético machine this season?"

The answer? At the moment, it seemed no one could.

Drogba Completes His Hat-Trick Before Halftime

Just before the break, Atlético earned a corner kick. The initial attempt to find the near post was cleared by Andrade, but the ball fell to Xabi Alonso outside the box.

The Basque midfielder quickly swung it to the right, where Maicon was charging forward. The Brazilian full-back looked up and delivered a sharp diagonal cross to the far post.

Lucio, coming forward from the back, flicked the ball with a header, directing it across goal.

Inexplicably, Deportivo's defense left Drogba completely unmarked at the back post.

"Deportivo's defense has completely collapsed!"

"Drogba is unmarked!"

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

"HAT-TRICK FOR DROGBA!"

"The Ivorian striker scores his first hat-trick in La Liga!"

"Deportivo's defense has made far too many errors tonight, and Atlético's relentless attacks have left them utterly shell-shocked."

With the first half ending 5–0, the match was all but over.

Halftime Adjustments for Deportivo

In the second half, Irureta made two immediate changes, including substituting goalkeeper Molina.

The decision wasn't surprising. Conceding five goals in 45 minutes had shattered Molina's confidence. Leaving him on the pitch could have risked further errors or psychological damage.

However, Atlético showed no intentions of letting up.

The team still carried the frustration of Deportivo's earlier physical fouls, particularly the reckless challenge on Evra, which could have caused a serious injury.

Atlético's players were determined to make their opponents pay, and Yang Hao didn't try to dissuade them.

"If Deportivo wants to attack, they need to be ready to face the consequences of Atlético's counterattacks," Yang Hao had told his team at halftime.

And the consequences were brutal.

Villa Adds to the Tally in the 62nd Minute

With Drogba substituted after his hat-trick, Villa took on the role of lone striker.

In the 62nd minute, Evra and Reyes combined beautifully down the left flank. Reyes, cutting inside, dribbled past two defenders before delivering a left-footed pass into the box.

Villa timed his run perfectly, meeting the pass with a low, powerful shot.

The ball zipped past Deportivo's substitute goalkeeper and into the net.

6–0!

The Riazor stadium, once alive with passionate chants, was now eerily quiet.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"Villa gets on the scoresheet! It's 6–0 for Atlético!"

"This is an absolute massacre. The fans here in La Coruña must be in complete shock."

Atlético Thrashes Deportivo: A Lesson in Ruthlessness

Atlético players celebrated wildly on the pitch, while Irureta stood on the sideline with a stony expression, clearly dissatisfied with the result.

What does it feel like to have your defense shredded on your home turf? No one wants to find out.

Irureta deeply regretted his decision to take an attacking approach against Atlético. In hindsight, attempting to outscore a team that thrives on counterattacks seemed reckless. Did he really believe Deportivo could break down Atlético's defense at home?

It's clear now—just because Atlético has added a possession-based style to their arsenal doesn't mean they've abandoned their signature counterattacks. Deportivo held roughly equal possession, but at a steep cost: their defense was turned into Swiss cheese.

Irureta's regret, however, came too late. There's no cure for hindsight.

Final Score: Atlético 6–0 Deportivo

The match ended with a historic 6–0 victory for Atlético at Riazor Stadium.

In the post-match press conference, Irureta described the game as "bizarre."

"Our team was completely out of sorts tonight," he admitted. "This might be due to the fatigue from a grueling schedule in recent weeks."

Despite the humiliating defeat, he refused to express disappointment, stating, "Our players gave everything they had."

Irureta also disputed some media claims. "The difference between you journalists and me is that after a heavy loss, I look for positives in my team's performance—even in a game like this. For example, the referee missed a clear penalty for us."

The penalty incident he referred to occurred in the second half when Tristán shielded the ball against Lucio. Attempting to turn, Tristán went down under pressure from Lucio in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.

"I believe it was a penalty," Irureta insisted. "But it wasn't given, and we move on."

He begrudgingly acknowledged Atlético's superiority, stating, "I'm not one to concede easily, but tonight Atlético played better. I can admit that."

Irureta also made a bold prediction:

"If Atlético can maintain this form, they will undoubtedly win La Liga this season."

However, he added a caveat, "But I don't think they can sustain it."

Yang Hao's Response

Speaking to the press, Yang Hao expressed surprise at the lopsided scoreline.

"Yes, the first two goals came from carefully rehearsed plays, but I didn't expect my players to be this clinical tonight," he admitted with a smile.

When asked whether the result reflected Atlético's efficiency or Deportivo's defensive failures, Yang Hao laughed and quipped, "I don't know. What I do know is—we scored the goals."

Regarding Irureta's skepticism about Atlético maintaining this form, Yang Hao agreed:

"That's a fair point. It's a reality that no team can sustain such a high level throughout an entire season. But we're confident in holding on to the top spot."

Yang Hao credited his team's strong form to effective rotations and favorable scheduling.

"In previous seasons, we've had relentless back-to-back games, often playing twice a week. This season, with fewer Champions League fixtures, we've been able to rest periodically, which has been crucial for our players' fitness."

Even so, he downplayed expectations. "We're taking it one match at a time. Perhaps after the winter break, we'll set specific goals. Until then, it's about keeping our focus."

In a sly jab at Real Madrid's famous rhetoric, Yang Hao added, "We're not a club that talks about winning trebles all season and ends up with nothing. That's not Atlético's style."

The room erupted into laughter, with reporters joking about dialing Florentino Pérez for a comment.

A League Shaken to Its Core

Atlético's 6–0 demolition of Deportivo didn't just shock Spain; it made headlines across Europe and the world.

After routing Valencia 2–0, smashing Barcelona 5–0, and now dismantling Deportivo, one question echoed across the footballing world:

"Who can stop this rampant Atlético side?"

All eyes turned to Real Madrid.

In many ways, Atlético's recent performances surpassed even the dominance of last season's Real Madrid.

Six games into the season, Atlético topped the La Liga table with 15 points. Valencia and Real Madrid followed closely with 13 points each, with Madrid edging ahead on goal difference. Deportivo sat in fourth with 12 points, while Osasuna and Sevilla rounded out the top six.

Barcelona, meanwhile, languished in 11th place.

Barcelona's Struggles Continue

Valencia's 1–0 win over Barcelona, courtesy of Oliveira's goal, extended the Catalan club's winless streak to three matches.

Following back-to-back losses, calls for Rijkaard's dismissal grew louder among the Catalan press. Many doubted his ability to lead Barcelona forward.

To make matters worse, Barcelona's next opponent after the international break was none other than Deportivo.

As Mundo Deportivo put it:

"Deportivo's 0–6 humiliation against Atlético doesn't mean Super Depor is weak—it reflects Atlético's overwhelming strength and Irureta's tactical missteps. But for Barcelona, facing Deportivo—even at Camp Nou—is an immense challenge."

La Liga Standings After 6 Rounds

Atlético Madrid – 15 points

Real Madrid – 13 points (GD advantage)

Valencia – 13 points

Deportivo – 12 points

Osasuna – 10 points

Sevilla – 10 points

Barcelona's struggles highlighted the stark contrast with their rivals. Even with Ronaldinho in their ranks, they languished in midtable mediocrity. Fans' patience was wearing thin.

"Why is it that Madrid's stars lead them to glory while ours fail to deliver?" read one fan banner at Camp Nou.

Focus Shifts to the Copa del Rey

Following the emphatic victory over Deportivo, Atlético prepared for the second round of the Copa del Rey.

With international fixtures looming, most first-team players were away with their national teams. As a result, Yang Hao turned his attention to Atlético's reserve squad, seeking reinforcements for the upcoming cup clash.

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