Chapter 62
On April 16th, during La Liga's 32nd round, Atlético hosted Espanyol.
With goals from Torres and Villa, and two assists from the in-form Kaká, Atlético secured a 2–0 victory.
Interestingly, Real Madrid also won 2–0 away against Levante, while Barcelona claimed a 2–0 home win over Getafe.
All three title contenders coincidentally achieved identical 2–0 victories this round.
April 23rd, 33rd Round
After their grueling Copa del Rey encounter, Osasuna faced Atlético again, this time at home, deploying a defensive strategy akin to a parked bus.
Despite their resistance, Atlético managed to secure a 1–0 victory, with substitute Kaká scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
Barcelona responded with a 4–0 away win over Málaga, while Real Madrid edged Villarreal 2–1 at home.
April 26th, Stamford Bridge, London
In the Champions League semifinals first leg, José Mourinho's Chelsea hosted Atlético. Mourinho adopted a 4-3-1-2 formation:
Goalkeeper: CudiciniDefenders: Gallas, Carvalho, Terry, FerreiraMidfielders: Makelele, Lampard, Tiago Mendes, with Deco in the playmaker roleForwards: Reyes, Vieri
Atlético, as expected, deployed a 4-3-3 lineup:
Goalkeeper: ČechDefenders: Evra, Ramos, Pepe, MaiconMidfielders: Marcos Senna as the holding midfielder, with Iniesta and Kaká ahead of himForwards: Ribéry, Drogba, Robben
From the very beginning, Atlético pressed hard, particularly down the flanks.
Ribéry and Robben sought to create chances from the wings, supported by overlapping runs from the fullbacks and midfield. Chelsea found themselves under pressure from the opening whistle.
After ten minutes of probing, Yang Hao identified weaknesses on Ferreira's side of the defense and ordered Atlético to focus their attacks on the right. This led to chaos in Chelsea's defensive third, with Atlético dominating possession and controlling the game's tempo.
However, Mourinho's 4-3-1-2 setup, anchored by three defensive midfielders, proved resilient. Chelsea's defensive shape left few openings for Atlético.
Despite several promising opportunities, Atlético couldn't find the net in the first half.
The statistics were staggering: Chelsea managed just one shot, compared to Atlético's 13 attempts (three on target), with possession at 31% to 69% in favor of the visitors.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Atlético's relentless attacks clashing against Chelsea's impenetrable defense.
Then, in the 73rd minute, Chelsea capitalized on a rare counterattack. Deco delivered a pinpoint pass to Reyes, who dribbled into the penalty area, evading Ramos before shooting. Čech made a heroic save, conceding a corner.
Deco took the corner, and in the ensuing scramble, John Terry outjumped Ramos to head the ball into the net. Chelsea took a 1–0 lead.
Despite Yang Hao's tactical adjustments and the introduction of Messi as a substitute, Atlético couldn't break through Chelsea's defensive wall.
When the final whistle blew, Chelsea emerged with a 1–0 victory.
Post-Match Reactions
As the match ended, Yang Hao watched Mourinho approach him, grinning from ear to ear. For a brief moment, Yang Hao felt an overwhelming urge to punch him.
"Care for a drink?" Mourinho asked, still smiling as he offered a handshake.
Yang Hao, recalling the numerous defeats Mourinho had suffered at his hands during the latter's Porto days, begrudgingly replied, "Sure, as long as you have good wine."
"Don't worry," Mourinho chuckled. "It'll be the best."
"You played way too conservatively tonight," Yang Hao remarked, still fuming.
Mourinho shrugged unapologetically. "Against you? If we didn't play like this, how could we win?"
Yang Hao shot him a pointed look. "Are you praising me or mocking me?"
"Both," Mourinho said, laughing as he walked away, leaving Yang Hao stewing.
Chelsea's victory came at a cost. Key players like Terry, Gallas, and Makelele each picked up yellow cards. Along with Carvalho, all four faced suspension if they were booked in the second leg.
While Chelsea had the advantage, the battle wasn't over. Returning to the Calderón, both teams were bound to endure a grueling encounter.
Press Conferences
At the post-match press conference, Yang Hao harshly criticized Chelsea's ultra-defensive tactics.
"With just 29% possession, this isn't just extreme—it's an insult to football!"
He accused Mourinho of playing "anti-football" and predicted that the Portuguese manager might field 11 defenders in the second leg if given the chance.
"That's who Mourinho is—he'll do anything for a win."
Yang Hao acknowledged Chelsea's talent but accused Mourinho of wasting their luxurious roster with excessively conservative tactics.
"Despite tonight's loss, I'm proud of my players. We may have lost, but we lost with honor. Our heads are held high!"
Mourinho's response was equally sharp.
After briefly complimenting Atlético, Mourinho turned defensive:
"Yes, we have an outstanding squad, and yes, we spent heavily last summer, but let's not forget—we're facing Atlético!"
He emphasized Chelsea's pragmatic approach, arguing that it was a necessary strategy to defeat a team of Atlético's caliber.
A Turning Point in the Rivalry
As tensions simmered ahead of the second leg, both managers were fully aware of the stakes. Yang Hao knew Atlético's attack would need to breach Chelsea's formidable defense, while Mourinho understood that defending at the Calderón would test even his disciplined squad.
Who would prevail?
With Atlético's firepower and Chelsea's unyielding defense, the second leg promised to be a showdown for the ages.
Mourinho: Fighting Atlético head-to-head is suicide
After the match, Mourinho stated that in today's football landscape, teams that try to go toe-to-toe with Atlético usually meet disastrous ends. Even teams like Inter Milan, which adopt relatively balanced tactics, find it difficult to gain the upper hand against Atlético.
"We simply employed a strategy that could defeat Atlético," Mourinho remarked.
As for Yang Hao's accusation that Mourinho's tactics were "anti-football," Mourinho took it in stride:
"As long as we beat Yang Hao and his Atlético, that's all that matters."
Post-Match Reactions: A Divided Media
While Yang Hao and Mourinho were in the Stamford Bridge office sharing drinks—with Mourinho despairing as his fine wine was gulped down like water—the media outside was sharply divided.
The majority of the press supported Atlético, criticizing Chelsea's overly conservative tactics. Chelsea had fielded a defensive setup with seven players actively defending throughout the match. Deco and Reyes frequently dropped back to contribute to the defensive effort, making Chelsea's setup impenetrable but highly unambitious.
Even British outlets like The Times and The Guardian couldn't turn a blind eye. Both argued that Mourinho's style was better suited to Serie A than the high-octane football of the Premier League.
"Mourinho might have won the game, but he should reflect on Chelsea's dismal attendance figures," one report jabbed.
Meanwhile, Atlético, despite losing the game, earned widespread praise for their dominance, flair, and cohesive attacking play.
However, a minority of the media sided with Chelsea and Mourinho, echoing his sentiment that victory justified all means.
"Atlético's beautiful football and superior play don't matter if they can't win," critics argued.
"When Atlético demolished Manchester United and Inter Milan, should other teams not seek effective ways to counter them?"
"Why should the team with better play or stronger players always win? Even Atlético once played ugly football and defeated superior opponents."
One of the most amusing critiques came from AS journalist Óscar, who accused Yang Hao of hypocrisy. He argued that Yang Hao, in criticizing Chelsea, had forgotten how Atlético once relied on defensive tactics when they were underdogs.
Yang Hao and Atlético ignored the noise. Upon returning from Stamford Bridge, the team focused all its resources on preparing for the second leg of the semifinals. Yang Hao was determined to fight back.
April 30th, La Liga Round 34
Atlético defeated Athletic Bilbao 2–0 at home, with their usual attacking flair.
Real Madrid secured a 2–0 away win against Real Sociedad.
Barcelona followed suit, winning 2–0 at home against Albacete.
The identical results for La Liga's top three teams amused fans, reinforcing the dominance of Atlético, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.
With four rounds remaining, Atlético held an 11-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, effectively securing their third consecutive La Liga title.
Barcelona, sitting at 77 points, were eight points ahead of Real Madrid (69 points), while Villarreal, in fourth place, lagged far behind with just 55 points.
This clear hierarchy in La Liga highlighted a league dominated by the "Big Three." However, even within this elite group, the gap between Atlético and the others was evident.
Rumors surfaced that Barcelona planned to make significant summer investments to disrupt Atlético's dominance. If Atlético secured the title again, it would mark their third straight La Liga championship.
May 3rd, Calderón Stadium: Champions League Semifinal Second Leg
When Slovenian referee Luboš Michel blew the final whistle, Atlético players stood frozen on the pitch, stunned. The home fans were equally dejected.
0–0.
Lucio's return had bolstered Atlético's defense, keeping Christian Vieri in check for the entire match. This allowed the team to commit more players forward in attack.
In contrast to the first leg, Atlético's second-leg assault was even more ferocious. The team unleashed a staggering 31 shots, surpassing the 13 attempts in the first match. Yet, no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't breach Chelsea's resolute defense.
The match turned chaotic in the closing stages. Yang Hao deployed his most aggressive lineup, packing the front with Atlético's finest attacking talents, but it still wasn't enough.
Chelsea's players fought valiantly. Makelele earned another yellow card for his tight marking of Kaká, Terry was booked for a challenge on substitute Torres, and Gallas received a card for a foul on Robben.
Although Chelsea advanced to the final, Mourinho was far from jubilant. His defense had paid a heavy price. Makelele, Terry, and Gallas were all suspended for the Champions League final.
If Mourinho had benched these players to avoid yellow cards, Chelsea might not have survived Atlético's relentless attacks. If they had played cautiously to avoid bookings, Atlético would have broken through.
In the end, Chelsea's advancement came at the cost of losing three key defenders for the final.
Post-Match Press Conference
At the press conference, Yang Hao expressed satisfaction with his team despite the elimination.
"We showed our best side and delivered a strong performance. But our opponents were incredibly tenacious. In the second half, they were practically all defending."
Yang Hao acknowledged that "there are no eternal victors in football. Even Atlético loses sometimes."
The coach also noted that the semifinal provided a sobering assessment of the team's weaknesses.
While Atlético boasted the most lethal attacking arsenal globally—with Drogba as a battering ram, Torres as a dynamic forward, and playmakers like Messi, Iniesta, Kaká, and Ribéry—none of it could break Chelsea's wall.
Yang Hao identified two areas for improvement:
Enhancing the team's attacking precision.Continuing defensive progress.
Yang Hao shared an emotional anecdote from the first leg:
"After our defeat at Stamford Bridge, Ramos cried in the locker room. He's one of the toughest players I've met, but that night, he was overwhelmed by guilt, feeling it was his fault."
"Pepe, too, felt the weight of responsibility," Yang Hao added.
Although Atlético fell short in Europe, the team had achieved extraordinary feats this season. With their third La Liga title nearly secured, they were poised to solidify their legacy as one of Spain's greatest teams.
And with Yang Hao at the helm, the dream of European glory wasn't over—it was just deferred.
Yang Hao refrained from revealing too many details from the locker room but made one thing clear:
"Sergio Ramos is only 19. He's still just a kid, and Pepe isn't much older."
He emphasized the need to give young players more time to grow:
"At their age, they are already some of the best center-backs in the game. They held their own against world-class forwards like Vieri, Reyes, and Diego Forlán in a Champions League semifinal. I can't ask more from them."
Yang Hao dismissed speculation about summer signings for central defenders, confidently stating:
"We won't be bringing in new center-backs because we already have four of the best in Europe."
The four he referred to were Lúcio, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, and Thiago Silva.
Thiago Silva had resumed training in late April after a long injury layoff. Although he hadn't yet played in matches, Yang Hao promised to give him minutes before the season ended. In training, Thiago Silva showed solid form and demonstrated impressive skills—arguably the most technically gifted of Atlético's four central defenders, thanks to his early years as a winger.
During his recovery, he spent considerable time studying footage of Europe's top defenders and analyzing Atlético and La Liga matches, significantly accelerating his development. Yang Hao even speculated that next season's starting pairing might be between Lúcio and either Pepe or Thiago Silva, though Ramos would also remain in contention.
The loss to Chelsea had visibly shaken Ramos, leaving him unusually withdrawn. Yang Hao considered this a positive sign, indicating a period of reflection and growth:
"Ramos's character won't change easily. This setback is just temporary, and I'm confident it will make him stronger."
Mourinho's Reaction
At his post-match press conference, José Mourinho expressed frustration at the referee and the rules regarding yellow card accumulation, which left three Chelsea players suspended for the final:
"I don't understand why such a rule exists."
"Why should yellow cards from the knockout stages carry over into the final? Is that fair to us? To the fans?"
"We will appeal this decision. UEFA should change this rule immediately because having three starters miss the final is outrageous."
Mourinho's comments reignited debates over whether yellow cards from earlier stages should apply to the final.
The Debate Over Yellow Card Rules
Supporters of the current rule argued that teams should take responsibility for their tactics:
"If you know aggressive play leads to excessive fouls, then manage your players better. Rotate the squad or adjust your strategy."
Critics questioned the fairness of allowing teams like Chelsea, who played highly physical football against Atlético, to benefit from changing the rule:
"Chelsea's fouls in two legs far exceeded Atlético's. They used aggressive, relentless defending to stifle Atlético and sacrificed three players as the price. If those players could compete in the final, would that be fair to Atlético?"
Others noted that this logic could extend to group-stage yellow cards. Should those also reset before the knockout rounds?
Opponents of the rule countered that barring key players from the final detracted from the spectacle and the match's quality.
"With Makelele, Terry, and Gallas suspended, Chelsea is at a severe disadvantage against Liverpool. This benefits no one and risks turning the final into a less competitive affair."
One journalist provocatively remarked:
"In a way, Atlético is helping Liverpool win the Champions League!"
Liverpool's semi-final victories—both 1–0 wins over PSV Eindhoven—showcased a team with far less firepower than Chelsea. Missing three key players would leave Chelsea in a vulnerable position.
Atlético and Yang Hao chose not to weigh in on the debate. For them, the rules were the rules. However, Yang Hao privately noted that lifting such restrictions could embolden aggressive teams like Chelsea:
"If you ask me, standing from Atlético's perspective, my answer is clear: Don't change the rule! Make Mourinho pay the price!"
Broader Implications for La Liga
The Champions League final between two Premier League clubs—Chelsea and Liverpool—sparked concern in Spain.
For Real Madrid and Barcelona, the European campaign had been disastrous.
Real Madrid, having failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, fielded a disinterested squad in the UEFA Cup and delivered lackluster performances. Barcelona, on the other hand, suffered an embarrassing elimination to Chelsea in the Round of 16.
As the only Spanish team to reach the Champions League semifinals, Atlético's exit left La Liga's European record at its worst in years.
Marca attributed this decline to the weakened state of Madrid and Barcelona:
"The downturn at Spain's traditional powerhouses has left La Liga vulnerable."
Pressure mounted on both clubs, with fans demanding better results.
"Atlético had minimal spending yet reached the semi-finals. Why can't our clubs deliver on their potential?"
Changes at Real Madrid
AS revealed that Florentino Pérez recently convened a meeting at the Bernabéu with football director Arrigo Sacchi, Emilio Butragueño, Pirri, former director Jorge Valdano, and various Real Madrid legends.
At the session, Pérez admitted:
"The Galácticos strategy has encountered serious problems."
Facing mounting pressure from Atlético's dominance, Pérez pledged sweeping changes within two years to rectify the Galácticos model. The club had already signaled a willingness to let players like Figo leave on free transfers, marking the end of Real Madrid's first Galácticos era.
Atlético's success continued to challenge Spain's footballing giants, pushing them to rethink their strategies in the face of rising competition.
However, Real Madrid continued to stand firmly by their Galácticos strategy.
"Florentino Pérez stated during the meeting that the Galácticos approach brought Real Madrid unprecedented revenue, something no other club in the world could imagine. It also made Real Madrid the most attractive club for top players globally," AS reported.
Pérez admitted that although Real Madrid had gone several seasons without a trophy, the club could still attract the world's biggest stars.
"This proves the Galácticos strategy itself is not flawed; the issue lies in its execution," he declared.
Pérez pledged that the club would sign at least three world-class stars this summer to bolster the team's strength and ensure Real Madrid's swift return to Europe's elite. To that end, he allocated a transfer budget of €100 million.
This time, he said, the focus would shift to younger players.
"We will no longer blindly pursue the best stars at every position because we already have many of them in the team. Instead, we will target proven players who are still at their peak," Pérez explained.
AS reported that this marked the start of Galácticos 2.0.
Ramón Calderón, a core member of Real Madrid's board, expressed enthusiasm after the meeting:
"This is an inspiring plan that will open a new chapter in Real Madrid's history. We fully support Florentino Pérez continuing as club president!"
AS's revelations caused a stir across European football. A €100 million transfer budget from Real Madrid was bound to shake up the market.
Barcelona's Ambitions
Coincidentally, reports from Catalonia suggested that FC Barcelona was also gearing up for significant moves. The much-publicized rift between vice president Sandro Rosell and coach Frank Rijkaard was resolved after President Joan Laporta intervened.
Despite a lackluster season, especially when compared to Atlético's dominance, Laporta reaffirmed his commitment to Rijkaard and pledged significant reinforcements for next season.
"Yes, I can confirm that we are working on signing Thierry Henry," Laporta announced publicly.
"He's an exciting superstar who can take our attack to new heights."
Unlike Pérez's more cautious statements, Laporta's bold admission about targeting Henry sent shockwaves through global football.
Henry was the undisputed star of the Premier League, and his potential move to Barcelona was nothing short of sensational.
Atlético Feeling the Heat
As the season neared its conclusion, Real Madrid and Barcelona had already begun preparing their summer strategies. This put pressure on Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil, who rushed to meet Yang Hao at the club's training center in Majadahonda.
In Yang Hao's spacious office, the three major stakeholders held a closed-door meeting.
Yang Hao maintained his long-standing stance: Atlético would not make any major signings this summer.
"For one, we don't have the funds. We need to allocate resources to the construction of the new stadium. And secondly, we don't need any reinforcements," he said firmly.
As for their rivals' transfer plans, Yang Hao was indifferent:
"Let them sign whoever they want. This is ultimately good for La Liga."
From a coach's perspective, this season had been a dream. Atlético led the league from start to finish, delivering a dominant performance. However, from a league standpoint, Real Madrid and Barcelona had been underwhelming.
"From what I've heard, Florentino Pérez's position as Real Madrid president is more secure now than ever," Yang Hao remarked.
He admitted admiration for Pérez's political acumen, noting how the president stuck to his strategy but adapted its execution.
"Apparently, they're focusing on three positions this summer: a striker, a midfielder, and a left-back," Yang Hao explained.
These targets were highly logical. Roberto Carlos was aging, while Ronaldo and Raúl struggled in high-stakes matches. Real Madrid was reportedly looking for a reliable center-forward to complement the duo.
The top choice was Adriano, but Inter Milan's Massimo Moratti would only sell for a full €100 million, leaving Real Madrid to explore other options.
For left-back, Real Madrid was eyeing Aurelio and Arsenal's Ashley Cole.
Arsenal's Financial Troubles
Ashley Cole's situation had drawn significant media attention after his secret meeting with Chelsea's José Mourinho and Peter Kenyon caused a scandal. Although Arsenal punished him and secured a contract extension, his relationship with the club and its fans deteriorated. His departure seemed inevitable.
Yang Hao believed Arsenal's financial difficulties were another factor.
In his original timeline, Arsenal secured a sponsorship deal with Emirates, including naming rights for their new stadium. This provided them with much-needed low-interest loans.
But in this altered timeline, Emirates hadn't partnered with Arsenal or Chelsea, instead aligning closely with Atlético. As a result, Arsenal's stadium project was facing severe financial constraints, with reports of construction halts due to insufficient funds.
Initially scheduled to open in 2006, the stadium's delays left Arsenal scrambling to make ends meet. British media speculated they might sell Henry to raise funds.
Barcelona's Strategy
Meanwhile, Barcelona's pursuit of Henry was part of a larger recruitment plan that included reinforcing their midfield and defense.
Following a power struggle between Rosell and Rijkaard, Laporta sided with the coach, consolidating his position. Reports suggested Barcelona was targeting Rafael van der Vaart from Ajax.
Yang Hao welcomed these developments from a business perspective:
"If players like Henry, Ashley Cole, Gilardino, Cassano, Ballack, Rosický, and Van Bommel come to La Liga, imagine how vibrant the league will become."
Many of these names were among the hottest targets in the upcoming transfer market. Rosický had been one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga, Van Bommel had shone at Arsenal, and Cassano—despite his disciplinary issues—remained a highly sought-after talent.
"As for us," Yang Hao concluded, "we'll focus on improving from within. Let them chase headlines. We've already proven that success doesn't always depend on spending."
If these superstars indeed join La Liga, the league will shine even brighter, bringing tremendous benefits in expanding its global market presence.
As for the money required, that doesn't seem to be a significant issue anymore.
If Barcelona can raise the funds to buy Henry, Real Madrid is even less likely to face difficulties.
"From a business perspective, that's undoubtedly true, but from a footballing standpoint, it's worrisome," Miguel Gil remarked cautiously.
"We'll deal with whatever comes our way. No team remains undefeated forever."
Switching topics, Yang Hao asked, "How's Carlos Leao doing with sponsorship deals for Kaká, Torres, Xabi Alonso, and the others?"
"I was just about to tell you—they're all finalized," Enrique Cerezo replied.
Atlético Madrid is currently aggressively enhancing its players' commercial value. For example, Torres secured endorsement deals with Nike, Pepsi, Armani, and several Spanish companies.
Kaká landed sponsorships with Adidas, Pepsi, Armani, and a major Brazilian beverage giant.
Similarly, Xabi Alonso and others signed lucrative deals.
Atlético's marketing department has rapidly expanded, doubling its staff size and establishing branches in the U.S., Japan, and Dubai to develop the club's global market.
Thanks to Atlético holding 50% of its players' image rights, the club actively aids in boosting their commercial value, yielding substantial results.
Interestingly, while Torres represents Nike, Kaká, Xabi Alonso, and others were scooped up by Adidas. Atlético now enjoys strong partnerships with both major brands.
La Liga's Final Rounds
The last four rounds of La Liga held little suspense. Atlético's championship was already a foregone conclusion.
Following their match against Chelsea, Atlético fielded an entirely rotated lineup and lost 1–2 away to Deportivo La Coruña, marking the team's third defeat of the season.
Subsequently, they drew 2–2 at home against Real Betis, tallying their fifth draw of the season.
In the 37th round, Atlético played a thrilling 3–3 draw at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid. With the league title secured, Yang Hao rested key players ahead of the midweek Copa del Rey final, allowing Messi and others to start.
The game turned into an all-out attacking display, with both sides exchanging blows in an exhilarating contest that ended in a draw.
Copa del Rey Final
In the Copa del Rey final, Atlético hosted Real Betis at the Calderón Stadium.
Atlético unleashed an unrelenting assault, dismantling Betis with a dominant performance.
Just 10 minutes into the match, Ribéry assisted Torres, who scored the opener.
Right before halftime, Xabi Alonso delivered a long pass, leading to a beautiful attacking sequence on the left. Iniesta played a through ball to Evra, who surged into the box and fired a shot into the net.
2–0 at halftime.
Early in the second half, Maicon provided an assist from the right, allowing Torres to score his second, making it 3–0.
Two minutes later, during a corner kick, Lúcio's header set up Ramos, who scored at the far post.
The young Ramos finally redeemed himself, shaking off the disappointment of the Champions League semifinal loss.
After his goal, Ramos sprinted across the stadium, basking in the cheers of Atlético fans.
In the end, Atlético defeated Real Betis 4–0 to claim the Copa del Rey title.
La Liga Concludes
In the final La Liga round, Barcelona drew 0–0 away against Real Sociedad, and Real Madrid secured a 3–1 victory over Zaragoza.
Meanwhile, Atlético triumphed 4–0 at home against Getafe.
Drogba delivered an outstanding performance, scoring twice.
Notably, Thiago Silva made his debut as a second-half substitute in this match.
Atlético fans welcomed the young Brazilian defender with thunderous applause.
When the match ended, Thiago Silva joined the team in lifting the La Liga and Copa del Rey trophies, along with the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Over the past season, Atlético claimed five trophies in total.
Celebrations and Ambitions
During the celebration, Yang Hao addressed the fans, laying out his vision for the club's future, including updates on the new stadium.
The underground phase of the stadium's construction had been completed after nearly a year of work.
"I told the designers to make the club's exhibition hall as large as possible," Yang Hao quipped.
"If it's too small, we'll fill it up too quickly!"
The remark drew thunderous applause and cheers from Atlético supporters inside and outside the stadium.
Since taking over as head coach in 2000, Yang Hao had transformed Atlético into one of the most dominant teams in European and global football.
Fans were confident that as long as Yang Hao remained at the helm, the club would continue to thrive.
Even with media outlets hyping Real Madrid and Barcelona's plans to sign superstars, Atlético fans felt no concern.
Because Yang Hao was still there.
Baraja's Reflection
Team captain Rubén Baraja stood on the field, listening to the chants of Atlético fans and looking at Yang Hao on stage.
Pride swelled in his heart.
Five years earlier, he chose Atlético over Valencia, choosing to follow Yang Hao.
Those five years turned out to be the pinnacle of his career.
Baraja became a Spanish international, Atlético captain, and leader of the country's first-ever treble-winning team.
Now approaching 30, Baraja could already sense the growing challenge posed by young players like Iniesta.
But he welcomed it.
"If Iniesta truly surpasses me, I'll be happy. With players like Kaká, Torres, Iniesta, Robben, and Messi, Atlético's future will be even brighter."
Rivals' Immediate Reactions
The day after Atlético completed their domestic double, their two fiercest rivals—Real Madrid and Barcelona—sent a weighty "congratulatory gift."
The 04/05 Premier League season had just concluded.
Manchester United finished third with 77 points, trailing Arsenal by 6 points and Chelsea by a staggering 18 points. For Sir Alex Ferguson, this was nothing short of a humiliation.
Ferguson was desperate to plot a comeback.
However, recent upheavals within the club had left things unsettled.
Since 2003, American businessman Malcolm Glazer had been steadily acquiring shares in Manchester United. By early May, he had reached agreements with major shareholders Magnier and McManus to buy their stakes. Following this, he went on a buying spree in the stock market.
Now, Glazer had crossed the 75% threshold, meaning he had secured controlling interest in the club and could force the purchase of all remaining shares.
Glazer's moves sparked outrage among Manchester United fans and the wider British public. Many called on the government to step in and block the takeover, as they had done with Rupert Murdoch's attempted acquisition years earlier.
The "Red Rebels" fan group once again took center stage in opposing the takeover.
As United's iconic manager, Ferguson had already met privately with Glazer. The American sought Ferguson's support for the buyout, promising significant funds for player acquisitions.
But Ferguson remained cautious. He knew Glazer's wealth was largely illusory—a house of cards built on debt-financed leveraged buyouts. This ran counter to Ferguson's values.
Yet with Glazer now firmly in control, Ferguson had no choice but to navigate the new reality.
Adding to his headaches was the pressing need to rebuild the squad. The famous "Class of '92" was nearing its twilight, and the team's midfield, in particular, needed reinforcement.
The pivotal question: Who could replace Roy Keane?
Ferguson had his sights set on Lyon's Michael Essien, a 22-year-old Ghanaian midfielder known for his versatility and tireless work rate. Essien had been named Ligue 1's Player of the Season for his exceptional performances.
Ironically, Essien had once trialed at Manchester United but wasn't signed. Now, Ferguson hoped to bring him in as Keane's heir.
But there was a major obstacle: Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, infamous for his hard-nosed negotiating tactics.
When Ferguson made initial inquiries about Essien, Aulas demanded a staggering £32 million, equivalent to €51 million—the same fee Chelsea had recently offered Liverpool for Steven Gerrard.
Ferguson's heart sank.
When news broke that Chelsea had entered the race for Essien, his frustration only grew.
"I might need to meet with Glazer again," Ferguson thought grimly. "If he's serious about investment, we'll need his help to deal with that vampire Aulas."
As this thought crossed his mind, Ferguson's phone suddenly rang.
The caller ID read: Martin Ferguson.
"Hello, Martin," Ferguson answered.
"Alex, breaking news—Essien's transfer just went through."
"What?" Ferguson shot to his feet.
But his first reaction was disbelief.
"Chelsea hasn't moved yet. Don't trust Aulas; he lies as easily as breathing."
"It's not Chelsea," Martin replied.
"Not Chelsea? Then who?"
"Real Madrid."
Ferguson froze.
"Real Madrid? Since when were they interested in Essien?"
"It's official. The fee is €45 million. They barely negotiated with Lyon and just smashed the Ligue 1 transfer record."
"Bloody hell!" Ferguson muttered, his hands trembling.
His anger wasn't just about losing Essien—it was the unexpectedness of the situation. He had been tracking Essien for ages, only for Real Madrid to swoop in from nowhere.
"That's not all," Martin added. "They've also signed Cassano from Roma for just €10 million."
"Has Florentino Perez lost his mind?" Ferguson fumed. "Do Real Madrid print their own money or something?"
Ferguson shouted into the phone, "Tell those bastards from Madrid: Van Nistelrooy is not for sale! I don't care how much they offer!"
He slammed the phone down, overwhelmed by frustration.
The transfer market had become a madhouse.
Essien, for whom Ferguson was prepared to pay €25 million, had gone to Real Madrid for €45 million.
"Does this transfer market even follow any logic anymore?"
Real Madrid's Signing of Essien Sparks Debate
Real Madrid's record-breaking €45 million signing of Ligue 1 Player of the Season Michael Essien caused a global stir, especially among La Liga fans.
Essien had shone for Lyon throughout the season, impressing in both domestic and Champions League play with his all-around abilities. Nicknamed the "Ghanaian Bison," Essien was known for his relentless running and defensive prowess.
The transfers were jointly announced by Real Madrid and Lyon, with Real Madrid's sporting director, Arrigo Sacchi, commenting on the signing:
"Michael's arrival will enhance our midfield's athleticism. With him, we now have three world-class central midfielders."
Sacchi was referring to Essien, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham.
With Figo set to join Inter Milan and Santiago Solari leaving on a free transfer to the same club, Beckham was expected to return to his favored right-wing role, while Joaquin, capable on both flanks, would likely take up duties on the left.
"Joaquin has played on the left for Atlético and done well. He doesn't mind the position, and we believe he can excel there," Sacchi said.
Meanwhile, Zidane would resume a central role, and the addition of Cassano from Roma would further bolster Madrid's attacking options.
Sacchi hinted that Real Madrid was far from done in the transfer market:
"We're still looking to strengthen in attack and defense."
Asked about the possibility of selling Michael Owen, Sacchi didn't rule it out.
Changing Strategies
Madrid's aggressive summer activity, including letting go of Figo, signaled a shift in strategy. While still committed to its "Galáctico" approach, the club seemed to be targeting younger stars and adding more balance to its squad.
"Florentino Perez is sending a clear message to Madrid's stars: their days of coasting on past glories are over," wrote Marca.
The transfers of Essien and Cassano were seen as statements of intent, and rumors of further signings hinted that Real Madrid was determined to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of European football.
"Essien's arrival has impacted Vieira and Beckham. If another striker joins, Ronaldo, Raul, and Zidane will also face competition for their spots. To keep their starting positions, these stars will have to deliver better performances."
Marca described this as Real Madrid's bold and positive response to the mounting pressure from Atlético Madrid.
Barcelona Follows Suit with Three Major Signings
Coinciding with Real Madrid's signings of Essien and Cassano, Barcelona made headlines by announcing three significant transfers.
For €5 million, they acquired Rafael van der Vaart from Ajax, a long-coveted Dutch prodigy. They followed this with the €15 million signing of Czech midfielder Tomáš Rosický from Borussia Dortmund and another €15 million deal for Gabriel Milito from Real Zaragoza.
The season had barely ended, but Barcelona wasted no time reinforcing their squad.
Van der Vaart's reputation preceded him as the inaugural Golden Boy Award winner and a globally admired talent. Though a serious injury had cost him some of his explosiveness, he successfully transitioned to a midfield role, where his technical skills shone.
Barcelona had initially sought to sign Van der Vaart the previous year but ended up with Julio Baptista instead. Now, Rijkaard finally had his man.
Rosický offered additional midfield security. Many of Barcelona's struggles last season stemmed from a lack of control in key matches, as opponents frequently targeted Xavi, stifling Barcelona's play.
The blueprint for beating Barcelona—neutralize Xavi, contain Ronaldinho, and exploit their left flank—had become common knowledge. Mourinho's Chelsea famously executed this plan during their dramatic 4-2 comeback victory at Stamford Bridge, where Reyes and Duff repeatedly dismantled Barcelona's left side.
Now, with two technically gifted midfielders, Barcelona had fortified their ranks. Catalan media triumphantly claimed that Barcelona's midfield would now be untouchable:
"Baptista will dominate weaker teams, while Van der Vaart and Rosický will control tougher opponents."
The message was clear: Barcelona was ready.
In addition to these three signings, Barcelona continued their pursuit of Arsenal's Thierry Henry.
Arsenal's finances were under pressure due to their new stadium project, making player sales a necessity. However, Wenger and the Arsenal board adamantly declared Henry "not for sale."
Of course, everyone understood the subtext—Henry wasn't for sale yet. Barcelona simply hadn't offered enough.
The World Reacts
As soon as the season concluded, Spain's two footballing giants shook the world with their ambitious transfer campaigns.
Real Madrid had secured Ligue 1 MVP Essien and Italian prodigy Cassano, while Barcelona brought in Rosický, Van der Vaart, and Milito. Global media and fans were in awe, with pundits predicting that the upcoming La Liga season would be nothing short of explosive.
Big-name players from every major league were heading to Spain: Essien, Cassano, Rosický, Van der Vaart… The allure of La Liga was undeniable.
Critics marveled at Spain's seemingly bottomless pockets. While Real Madrid's spending power was well-known, Barcelona's ability to splash cash despite their previous financial struggles was surprising.
What made the situation even more astonishing was the ripple effect across La Liga.
Valencia quickly announced a transfer budget of €20 million, aiming to bolster their squad for a Champions League push. Villarreal, fresh off securing a top-four finish, not only completed the permanent transfer of Riquelme from Barcelona but also committed to spending over €10 million to strengthen their team for European competition.
Espanyol declared a transfer budget exceeding €10 million. Sevilla, meanwhile, made waves by signing Frédéric Kanouté from Tottenham and Luís Fabiano from Porto, spending over €10 million on the pair.
Suddenly, La Liga seemed flush with cash.
A Financial Windfall for La Liga
Germany's Kicker magazine analyzed the situation, noting that the new collective broadcasting rights deal, implemented for the first time this season, was likely behind the surge in spending.
Although Real Madrid and Barcelona had seen their individual broadcast revenue reduced, the redistribution model meant that other La Liga clubs now received significantly more. Optimism about future revenues had emboldened teams to invest heavily in the transfer market.
Even newly promoted clubs like Celta Vigo were spending millions, determined to avoid immediate relegation.
"This is a very positive signal," Kicker wrote.
"With Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona leading the charge on the global stage, the other 17 La Liga clubs are stepping up to support their efforts. Together, they're driving the globalization of Spanish football."
A prime example of this was Valencia's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian striker, who scored 20 Bundesliga goals last season and provided 5 assists, was third on the league's scoring chart. Valencia was reportedly prepared to offer €12 million to secure his services.
Such ambition shocked European football.
Despite finishing 8th in La Liga, Valencia was targeting a marquee Bundesliga player, demonstrating their confidence in La Liga's bright future.
Other clubs were also eyeing talent from Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal, aiming to scoop up quality players at reasonable prices.
That said, not every La Liga team was throwing money around. Some, burdened by past debts or lacking the necessary clout, remained cautious.
Atlético Madrid's Grand Ambitions
Visiting the construction site for Atlético Madrid's new stadium, Yang Hao felt a surge of pride.
The project had recently progressed above ground, with cranes and workers bustling around the sprawling site.
"Human perception is truly fascinating," Yang Hao mused, standing beside architects Herzog and de Meuron.
"When this place was just flattened earth, it didn't look like much. But now that it's taking shape, it feels enormous."
He chuckled at his own excitement.
Not only was Atlético's stadium impressive, but Yang Hao's new home, designed by the same architects, was also nearing completion. The sleek, three-story villa—featuring functional yet artistic spaces—was in its final stages of interior decoration.
"This is the art of space," one of the architects replied with a smile. "It's no different from the tactical adjustments you make during a match. Both are forms of artistry."
As construction workers showed Yang Hao around, the scale of the project became even more apparent.
For Atlético Madrid, this was just the beginning of their journey to solidify themselves as one of Europe's elite clubs.
Along with them, there were also Atlético Madrid's traveling journalists and the club's new media team responsible for platforms like YouTube. Regularly, Atlético shared updates through photos and videos, showcasing their new stadium to fans around the world.
Emirates Airlines executives frequently visited to monitor progress, showing as much concern for the stadium as Atlético itself. Their CEO had even expressed eagerness to see Emirates' logo illuminated in the heart of Madrid.
After ensuring everything was on track, Yang Hao made a detour to inspect the residential and commercial complex nearby. Progress there was even faster, with construction already reaching two floors above ground. It was expected to be ready for sales by 2006, which gave Yang Hao some peace of mind.
As for the twin skyscrapers planned for the site, he had no concerns about their progress.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid was preparing to officially unveil their new training facility at Valdebebas that summer. Once the team relocated, the old Ciudad Deportiva would be demolished to make way for four skyscrapers.
Thinking of Real Madrid left Yang Hao slightly exasperated.
"Damn Florentino—he's clearly here to stir up trouble!"
Atlético had barely celebrated their league title when Florentino Pérez announced the signings of Michael Essien and Antonio Cassano.
And Barcelona wasn't any better. Signing Rosický, van der Vaart, and Gabriel Milito all at once felt like an intentional challenge to Atlético.
Yang Hao hadn't anticipated that Florentino would pivot so quickly. Apparently, he even apologized publicly during the Real Madrid membership assembly. Similarly, Laporta had managed to mediate between Sandro Rosell and Rijkaard, allowing Barcelona to secure van der Vaart and Rosický.
When Yang Hao returned to the Calderón Stadium and entered Enrique Cerezo's office, Miguel Gil shared new information: Barcelona had submitted an official offer for Thierry Henry. The exact amount wasn't disclosed.
"Henry's best position is on the left flank, but Ronaldinho already occupies that spot. Isn't that a conflict?" Miguel Gil asked in confusion.
Everyone turned to Yang Hao for an explanation—this question seemed tailor-made for him.
"Rijkaard has never been a fan of Eto'o," Yang Hao explained. "Eto'o is better suited to a two-striker system. When he plays as a lone striker for Barcelona, his link-up play on the flanks is lackluster—worse than Kluivert's in his prime."
"And if Henry joins?" Carlos Leo inquired.
"It's simple. Ronaldinho plays as a left attacking midfielder, Henry becomes the primary striker but frequently drifts left, Ronaldinho cuts inside, and Eto'o makes diagonal runs from the right into the box. This setup revitalizes their attacking trident."
Yang Hao's explanation left everyone enlightened.
"From recent reports, it seems Barcelona is determined to sign Henry. Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Puyol have all expressed their support—everyone except Eto'o," Miguel Gil noted.
Barcelona's stars had publicly welcomed Henry, with Ronaldinho even declaring that Henry would be the final piece in their perfect lineup. Eto'o's silence likely reflected his competitive stance against Henry.
Currently, Eto'o's standing in European football was comparable to Henry's and on par with players like Torres and Drogba in La Liga.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, had started to decline noticeably last season. From this perspective, Barcelona's pursuit of Henry could indeed prove to be a masterstroke.
Real Madrid's Tactical Moves
"By signing Essien, Sacchi aims to bolster Real Madrid's midfield with more stamina and defensive strength. Their midfield desperately needs someone like him," Yang Hao analyzed.
Vieira, though physically imposing, lacked the mobility to cover large areas. Since joining Real Madrid, his performance had declined—possibly influenced by the toxic locker room culture.
"With Essien and a dynamic player like Beckham, Real Madrid's midfield will be fascinating to watch next season."
Atlético's dominance was pushing both Real Madrid and Barcelona to make targeted reinforcements. This was a positive development for Spanish football overall.
Barcelona, for instance, used €15 million to secure Gabriel Milito from Zaragoza, who in turn purchased Diego Milito from Genoa for €5 million and planned further signings.
"With the new centralized broadcasting deal kicking off next season, every La Liga team is reinvigorated. Even Segunda División teams are gearing up," Yang Hao noted.
A case in point was Celta Vigo, a team known for leading the league early in past seasons but relegated last year. After spending just one season in the Segunda, they returned to La Liga and were now strengthening their squad to avoid relegation.
La Liga's Financial Landscape
"From the current outlook, La Liga will likely need another two years to stabilize its debts before entering a period of rapid growth," Enrique Cerezo predicted.
This assessment aligned with La Liga's official projections. The league's first centralized broadcasting deal was designed to help clubs alleviate debt. The real transformation would come in subsequent phases, contingent on La Liga's ability to expand its global influence over the next three years.
Cerezo then shared some good news:
"Starting next season, La Liga will have title sponsorship from Banco Santander for three years."
Yang Hao and the others brightened.
"Is it finalized?" Yang Hao asked.
"Almost. Several companies showed interest, including Telefónica and BBVA. Many Spanish businesses aiming for international expansion are eager to partner with us, proving that our global strategy was the right move."
Banco Santander, Spain's largest bank, and BBVA, the second largest, both had extensive operations in the Americas and were leading proponents of globalization.
"How much is the sponsorship worth?" Yang Hao inquired.
"The deal is worth €50 million per year for three years," Cerezo revealed with a smile.
"Only that much?"
"Be content. The previous La Liga naming rights didn't even fetch €20 million annually."
"Well, the Premier League gets close to €100 million a year, and even the Bundesliga brings in €60 million," Yang Hao remarked, still unimpressed.
"La Liga's foundation is weaker. It'll take time," Cerezo admitted with a sigh.
Yang Hao nodded in understanding. La Liga's overall infrastructure was still catching up, even with the injection of funds from the new broadcasting deal. Rapid progress would require patience and steady growth.
Expanding La Liga's Global Reach
"Antonio Pont is really hitting his stride," Yang Hao commented about La Liga's CEO.
"This summer, he's organizing another business delegation to Asia and North America. He's extremely proactive," Cerezo replied, clearly pleased.
Pont's efforts to secure revenue for La Liga also benefited his own ambitions, further validating Yang Hao's belief in well-structured incentive systems.
Atlético's future looked brighter than ever, but Yang Hao knew they needed to stay ahead in this increasingly competitive league. For now, though, he could relish the satisfaction of seeing his club thrive both on and off the pitch.
Atlético Madrid will have a packed schedule in the new season.
The club previously signed contracts for three friendly matches in Japan, each carrying an appearance fee of €6.5 million. These three games alone will bring in nearly €20 million. To accommodate both the friendlies and preseason training, Yang Hao and the club decided to hold the team's summer training camp in Japan.
In addition, the preseason matches organized by La Liga will take Atlético to Korea and Australia for three more games. After completing these six matches, the team will head to the United States to prepare for the Spanish Super Cup.
The Super Cup, which remains a two-legged affair, will be played in New York and Chicago. Both cities are familiar to Atlético, having visited them previously, and the relatively short distance between the two locations makes logistics easier.
Once the Super Cup concludes, Atlético will return to Madrid.
However, two major tournaments are scheduled for June: the Confederations Cup in Germany and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. In Yang Hao's previous life, Lionel Messi made a name for himself at this U-20 World Cup. Now, Messi is already a globally recognized prodigy.
With vacation just around the corner, Yang Hao had many issues to address with the club, especially concerning the summer training camp in Japan.
Additionally, as soon as the season ended, Atlético received numerous transfer inquiries from other clubs, most of which involved their young players. Some clubs sought loans, while others wanted permanent transfers.
Yang Hao refused all these offers outright.
In his view, some players could be loaned out, but talents like Messi, David Silva, and Luka Modrić needed to stay at Atlético for their development. Entrusting such players to other clubs was not an option for Yang Hao. Who knew how those clubs might handle them? A single major injury could derail everything, and Yang Hao couldn't risk it.
Champions League Final: Mourinho vs. Benítez
This season's Champions League final was held in Istanbul, Turkey. Mourinho even sent Yang Hao a pretentious invitation to watch the game in person.
Yang Hao, uninterested, gave the tickets away. Instead, he opted to watch the match live at the Calderón Stadium.
The game hadn't been on for long before Yang Hao began chuckling.
While Mourinho avoided the disastrous 0–0 defensive battle of the 2003 all-Italian final, he couldn't escape this "English steel cage" matchup.
Mourinho fielded a 4-3-1-2 formation with Deco as the playmaker, while Benítez stuck to his signature 4-2-3-1 formation for Liverpool.
What followed was an overly cautious encounter between two defensive masterminds.
Liverpool struck early, scoring in the 4th minute on a swift counterattack. Ordinarily, this should have set the stage for an exciting match.
But no one could have predicted what came next. After gaining the lead, Benítez parked the bus and relied on counterattacks.
Chelsea? After conceding the goal, Mourinho initially tried to push forward but quickly retreated as soon as Liverpool counterattacked.
By the 60th minute, Mourinho started making substitutions to increase offensive pressure. But by then, Liverpool's defense was brimming with confidence.
"I guarantee, watching this match must have countless fans reminiscing about Atlético Madrid," Miguel Gil joked bitterly.
Yang Hao, watching in frustration, wanted to grab Benítez and yell, "Are you serious? Chelsea's already down three key players, and you're still this defensive? What are you afraid of? Just attack them!"
Liverpool's attack wasn't fearsome on paper, but their lineup was hardly weak: John Arne Riise on the left, Steven Gerrard in the middle, Luis García on the right, and Milan Baroš upfront.
Yet, Benítez chose to hunker down. With Hamann and Biscan shielding the backline alongside Gerrard, Liverpool's defense was rock solid.
Mourinho must have been equally frustrated. His side had conceded early and faced a Liverpool side hellbent on protecting their lead.
Deco, isolated by two defensive midfielders, found himself completely nullified despite his technical brilliance.
In the end, Luis García's early strike secured Liverpool's 1–0 victory over Chelsea, crowning them Champions League winners for the season.
Messages of Encouragement
After the match, Yang Hao sent a text message to Kaká, who was preparing for the Confederations Cup.
"Keep pushing—you've got a real shot!"
Kaká quickly replied: "I know. Thank you, boss."
Closing his phone, Yang Hao began contemplating.
Atlético Madrid might not be a massive platform, but it was certainly not a small one anymore. Kaká had become the face of the club, and both Yang Hao and the organization had done everything to support him. Now it was up to Kaká to seize the opportunity.
At 23 years old, Kaká was no longer a young prospect.
From Atlético's perspective, Inter Milan's disappointing season—missing out on the Serie A title and being knocked out in the Champions League quarterfinals, especially after their thrashing by Atlético—had diminished Adriano's chances of winning the Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year.
Unless Adriano could deliver a standout performance at the Confederations Cup, his hopes seemed slim.
If someone were to emerge as a strong contender, Kaká stood a better chance.
His stellar performances in key Champions League matches and consistent form in La Liga gave him an edge. Even in the two-leg semifinal loss to Chelsea, Kaká was one of Atlético's best players.
In the Champions League final, Liverpool's collective defensive effort overshadowed individual brilliance. Gerrard contributed more defensively than offensively, and the decisive goal came from Luis García. Liverpool's victory was attributed more to teamwork than star power.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's Lampard and Deco, who had been outstanding in the Premier League, failed to shine in the final. Deco, in particular, missed an opportunity to secure the accolades he narrowly missed the previous year.
Looking at the bigger picture, Kaká's performances in La Liga and the Champions League semifinals had been exceptional. With a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Champions League semifinal berth, his résumé was strong.
If Kaká could excel in the Confederations Cup, he wouldn't necessarily have to outperform Adriano, Deco, or Ronaldinho. He merely needed to hold his ground.
And if he could maintain his upward trajectory into the new season, winning major individual honors would be within reach.
The Confederations Cup might not carry the weight of the World Cup, but it remained a significant tournament.
In La Liga, Kaká had outperformed Ronaldinho.
Now, it was Kaká's moment to stake his claim among football's elite.
Based on the overall circumstances, Kaká has a strong chance of winning major awards, though it may be contentious. The key will be delivering even better performances in the Confederations Cup and the upcoming season.
For Yang Hao, this prospect is exciting. If Atlético Madrid can produce a Ballon d'Or or FIFA World Player of the Year winner, it would be a tremendous achievement for the club.
With the Champions League concluded, UEFA's official magazine released its latest edition, which included individual award selections.
Among the most influential Top 10 Players of the Season, Kaká, Lúcio, and Marcos Senna were named. With three of the ten players coming from Atlético Madrid, it's clear that UEFA's invited experts greatly recognized the club's impact.
In addition, Kaká's assist to Lionel Messi during the Round of 16 match against Manchester United was voted UEFA's Goal of the Season, receiving widespread acclaim.
While Yang Hao had no complaints about most of the selections, he was surprised to see Marcos Senna chosen over Xabi Alonso. Alonso played in the group stages, while Senna took over during the knockout rounds, highlighting the greater weight given to performances in later stages.
Beyond UEFA's awards, ten major European sports media outlets—including Germany's Kicker and Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport—collaborated to select a Team of the Season. This lineup accounted for performances across all competitions, including domestic leagues and cups:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Carles Puyol, John Terry, LúcioMidfielders: Ronaldinho, Deco, Frank Lampard, KakáForwards: Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres, Arjen Robben
Atlético Madrid dominated the lineup, with five players included—half the team—reflecting their influence and recognition across European football.
Meanwhile, The Times in the UK presented its own Best XI:
Goalkeeper: Petr ČechDefenders: Patrice Evra, Lúcio, John Terry, CafuMidfielders: Ronaldinho, Deco, Frank Lampard, KakáForwards: Samuel Eto'o, Fernando Torres
Using a 4-4-2 formation, The Times' list differed slightly, but Atlético players still featured prominently.
Another notable ranking was The Times' Best Young Player XI, featuring players around 20 years old:
Goalkeeper: Pepe ReinaDefenders: Sergio Ramos, Vincent Kompany, Pepe, Giorgio ChielliniMidfielders: Arjen Robben, Andrés Iniesta, Cesc Fàbregas, Lionel MessiForwards: Wayne Rooney, Alberto Gilardino
Although Čech and Torres were excluded from this list due to their inclusion in the senior lineup, Atlético players still filled five of the eleven spots, showcasing the immense potential of their younger generation.
June Arrives: U-20 World Cup and Confederations Cup
As June began, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and the Confederations Cup in Germany captivated fans and media alike.
The U-20 World Cup became a scouting hotspot for clubs across Europe, with Atlético Madrid also sending representatives to observe emerging talent.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, opened their campaign with a 2–0 win over the USA, with Messi scoring both goals. They followed this with a 2–0 victory over Egypt and a 1–0 win against Germany, during which Messi continued to showcase his brilliance.
In Group C, where Spain competed, David Silva shone brightly. In the 3–1 win over Morocco, he scored and assisted. In a 7–0 demolition of Chile, Silva added a brace. He scored again in the final group match, a 3–0 victory over Honduras.
The U-20 World Cup delivered unpredictable drama. Chile started by thrashing Honduras 7–0 but suffered their own 7–0 defeat to Spain in the next match. Goals were as abundant as cabbages at a farmer's market.
In the knockout stage, Messi scored again to help Argentina edge Colombia 2–1. Spain, meanwhile, cruised past Turkey 3–0.
Argentina eventually reached the final with ease, but unlike in Yang Hao's previous life, they faced Spain instead of Nigeria due to group stage results.
The final pitted Messi against Ramos, David Silva, and Fàbregas. Both sides fought intensely, but Messi proved decisive, scoring twice to secure a 2–1 victory for Argentina. He earned the tournament's Golden Ball and Golden Boot with 8 goals.
David Silva's outstanding performances earned him the Silver Ball. The Atlético Madrid winger was exceptional throughout the tournament.
Confederations Cup: Kaká's Moment
In Germany, Brazil opened the Confederations Cup with a 3–0 win over Greece, with Kaká assisting Adriano's opener.
However, Kaká's true showcase came in the second match against Mexico. Despite trailing after a 32nd-minute penalty, Brazil rallied in the second half.
At the 60th minute, Kaká ignited Brazil's comeback with a stunning solo effort, sprinting the length of the pitch to equalize. He later sealed the win with a decisive strike, completing a 2–1 turnaround.
In the final group match, Ronaldinho's goal and assist gave Brazil the lead, but Japan equalized in the 88th minute. In stoppage time, Kaká unleashed a thunderous long-range strike to secure a dramatic 3–2 victory.
Brazil defeated hosts Germany 3–2 in the semifinals, with Kaká providing two assists and Adriano scoring twice.
In the final, Brazil overwhelmed Argentina 4–1. Kaká stole the show, scoring twice and assisting once, dismantling Argentina's left flank.
With five goals and four assists, Kaká shared the Golden Boot with Adriano and claimed the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Adriano received the Silver Ball, while Juan Román Riquelme earned the Bronze Ball.
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