Chapter 89
While Atlético Madrid and Deportivo La Coruña competed for the Spanish Super Cup in far-off Asia, an intense battle was unfolding back in Spain due to the approaching new La Liga season.
Spain's two largest pay-TV broadcasters, AVS (the traditional giant) and the rising competitor MDP, had finally gone to war.
First, MDP took AVS to court, demanding immediate payment of nearly €100 million in unpaid broadcasting fees from the previous season. MDP also threatened to exclude AVS as a sub-licensee for the new La Liga season if the dues were not settled.
In response, AVS fought back, accusing MDP of breaching their broadcasting agreement.
The Valencia Factor
The root of the conflict lay in Valencia's sudden rise to prominence.
Under the initial La Liga broadcasting deal, MDP held third-pick rights, meaning Telefónica (AVS's partner) could choose two matches to broadcast, leaving the third most significant match to MDP.
For the first round of La Liga, Telefónica naturally prioritized two blockbuster matches: the Madrid Derby and Barcelona's opener against Racing Santander, ensuring coverage of the "Big Three." Mourinho's La Liga debut as Barcelona's coach attracted worldwide attention.
MDP was then left to sublicense other matches, including Valencia vs. Villarreal, which suddenly became a hot commodity due to Valencia's rise under their new Abu Dhabi ownership. With a star-studded lineup, Valencia drew enormous interest both domestically and internationally.
AVS assumed they had secured this high-profile Valencian derby for broadcast and began pre-match promotions and advertising deals. But just as the hype was building, MDP announced a shocking change. They reclaimed the rights to Valencia vs. Villarreal, opting for a Pay-Per-View (PPV) format instead, excluding AVS entirely.
The Industry in Turmoil
AVS was outraged, retaliating by withholding payment for the previous season's broadcasting fees.
The conflict escalated into mutual lawsuits: MDP threatened to cut AVS's signal, and AVS countered by declaring they would withhold all payments if such an action were taken.
The situation spiraled into chaos, dominating headlines and sparking widespread debate among fans, clubs, and industry insiders.
La Liga's Stance
Amidst the turmoil, La Liga intervened, demanding that both broadcasters resolve their dispute before the season began.
"The fans' ability to enjoy La Liga cannot be compromised," the league emphasized, earning praise from Spanish football fans for prioritizing their interests.
The Spanish government also welcomed the increased competition in the broadcasting market.
For years, AVS had monopolized La Liga broadcasting, relying on its deals with Real Madrid and Barcelona to generate steady profits without innovating or expanding the market. Meanwhile, competitors like Sky Sports in the UK had thrived by growing their audience and revenue streams.
The government hoped the AVS-MDP rivalry would lead to a more dynamic and consumer-friendly television landscape.
A Competitive Future
Industry experts predicted that the battle for La Liga's domestic broadcasting rights would only grow fiercer in the coming years.
AVS was determined to reclaim its dominance, while MDP sought to solidify its gains from recent years. Both sides were prepared to fight tooth and nail to secure their positions.
La Liga's Preparations
In addition to the broadcasting drama, La Liga organizers were actively preparing for the new season, hosting events to generate excitement.
In Madrid, a roundtable discussion was held with club executives, media professionals, prominent coaches, and football market analysts.
The primary focus of the discussion was improving La Liga's product to enhance its appeal to fans.
Building the Fan Experience
Former Real Madrid coach Vicente del Bosque was among the speakers, addressing the need to prioritize the fan experience.
"As a coach and a fan, I believe the key is ensuring fans feel their experience is worthwhile," said del Bosque.
"When they leave the stadium, they should think, 'That match was incredible!' That's what draws fans to the games."
Young coach Marcelino, now with Racing Santander after a successful stint with Recreativo de Huelva, echoed del Bosque's sentiments.
"Spanish players are among the most skilled in Europe," Marcelino observed.
"Beyond the 'Big Three,' teams like Deportivo, Valencia, and Sevilla consistently perform at a high level. Even mid-table sides like Espanyol, Real Betis, and Mallorca can compete against the top clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga."
"Spanish footballers' technical ability is unparalleled globally," he concluded.
La Liga's Unmatched Quality
The discussion highlighted La Liga's immense potential. With an unmatched pool of talent and a growing international audience, Spain's top flight was poised to further cement its reputation as Europe's premier football league.
As the new season approached, excitement grew—not just for marquee matches like the Madrid Derby but for the entire league, promising fans another thrilling year of football.
Marcelino, when discussing football aesthetics, expressed his admiration for Atlético Madrid.
"After a match, I once talked to Yang Hao about this topic. He told me that the development trend of football tactics is becoming more detailed. Techniques and ball control allow for more variety, creating richer nuances in play. The straightforward, direct tactical approach of the past no longer works. The Premier League's advantage lies in its pace, while La Liga excels in the combination of players and the ball. These qualities are not contradictory. We see Atlético managing to combine high tempo with detailed interplay between players and the ball, delivering an aesthetically pleasing style of football."
When it comes to Yang Hao, Luis Aragonés has even more authority to speak on the subject.
He offered a bold opinion: unless a team has a coach like Yang Hao, so-called beautiful football often depends on the level of investment.
"But one thing cannot be denied: in England, coaches have higher status and more stable positions. In La Liga, coaches tend to have less authority and less job security. This creates a harsh reality where clubs frequently sack their managers. Under the pressure of survival, coaches focus more on achieving quick results than developing a long-term vision."
Aragonés emphasized that high-level football doesn't necessarily mean glamorous attacking football.
"It depends on the coach's football philosophy. For example, I can't produce the kind of exciting football Atlético plays. I excel at defensive counterattacks. The same goes for Mourinho. Does that mean these coaches lack skill?"
"Yang Hao once said, 'A single bloom doesn't make spring; only when all flowers bloom will the garden flourish.' I believe the La Liga and refereeing committees should guide matches to encourage attacking play, aligning with market demands. However, teams should also be free to choose tactics that suit their circumstances."
"In terms of club management, top executives need to support and trust their managers more. Constantly firing coaches is counterproductive. Last season, several teams replaced three or four managers in a single year. Did it improve their performance?"
As Real Madrid's head coach, Arsène Wenger also participated in the discussion, highlighting that La Liga's competition is even more intense than the Premier League.
"From a purely footballing perspective, I believe La Liga is on par with, if not better than, the Premier League. In terms of entertainment and tactical sophistication, La Liga has consistently led Europe's footballing evolution in recent years."
Wenger on La Liga's Strengths and Weaknesses
Wenger acknowledged La Liga's rapid globalization efforts. While the league isn't as global as the Premier League yet, Wenger predicted it would overtake the Premier League eventually if it maintained its current trajectory.
Regarding domestic attendance, Wenger noted that La Liga clubs lag behind the Premier League in community engagement.
"Even clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona haven't done enough to connect with their communities compared to Premier League teams," Wenger said.
"They may be overly focused on international expansion."
Wenger highlighted Atlético Madrid as an exemplary case in community engagement.
"Recently, I heard about a controversy regarding Atlético raising ticket prices after moving into their new stadium. Many criticized them for it. However, when I looked online, I found Atlético fans defending the decision, saying, 'Our ticket prices hadn't increased much since 2000. With a new stadium costing so much, why not raise prices a bit? Besides, it's not like you media types are the ones buying tickets.'"
The room erupted into laughter.
"This is a fascinating case study. Over the years, Atlético has invested heavily in community culture, even establishing a dedicated fan services department. One particularly innovative move was naming a stand in their new stadium after Vicente Calderón. This stand is exclusively for long-time Atlético fans, allowing them to secure their own dedicated seats for years to come."
"This approach deeply resonates with fans. It's not just about watching a game—it's about preserving a personal connection to the club. It's no surprise that all 76,500 Atlético season tickets have sold out this season. Now, it's almost impossible to get a ticket for their matches."
Globalization and Local Support
Wenger also discussed how globalization has impacted the Premier League. A significant number of tickets for Premier League matches are purchased by international tourists, which boosts revenue but creates new challenges for clubs to maintain local fan bases.
Aragonés and Vicente del Bosque supported Wenger's observations while pointing out deeper issues.
Del Bosque, as a former Real Madrid coach, noted how chaotic La Liga used to be. Issues like player strikes, unpaid wages, and poorly managed schedules often undermined the league.
Refund policies were another sore point. Several matches were canceled, leaving fans unable to claim refunds, which eroded trust and discouraged attendance.
"Why bother going to the stadium when watching at home is easier?" Del Bosque remarked.
Aragonés highlighted another issue: ticket price hikes.
For mid- and lower-tier teams, lacking international markets, European competitions, or significant broadcasting revenue, matchday income was their main source of revenue. Without sufficient resources, many clubs resorted to relentless ticket price increases.
This alienated lower-income fans, who found it cheaper and more convenient to watch games at home.
Even worse, many matches were one-sided, with weaker teams' fans attending games not to cheer but to endure defeats.
"The only way to draw fans into the stadium is by building strong community ties," Aragonés said. "But that requires money."
Years ago, many clubs were too financially unstable to invest in community building.
"But now, things are improving. For example, Deportivo La Coruña's attendance rate has risen from 65% to over 80%, thanks to local engagement. Villarreal has also seen growth, reaching 82% after breaking into the Champions League semifinals and attracting fans from neighboring regions."
Meanwhile, Valencia has taken a more straightforward approach: spending big. Their attendance rate, which once hovered around 61%, has surged this season due to high-profile signings, with marquee games selling out completely.
Conclusion
The discussion highlighted both the challenges and progress within La Liga. While clubs still face hurdles like global competition, high ticket prices, and community engagement gaps, examples like Atlético Madrid's model and improved attendance at clubs like Deportivo and Villarreal show that progress is being made.
With continued investment in quality football and fan-focused initiatives, La Liga is well-positioned to further its reputation as one of the world's premier leagues.
Thus, it became evident that Valencia's football market was beginning to recover.
Luis Aragonés believed that professional football leagues required consistent, long-term investment. Whether aspiring to enter the professional football scene or already involved in it, everyone must understand and respect this fundamental rule.
"Atlético Madrid took seven years to go from the brink of bankruptcy to where they are now. And that was under the leadership of a world-class coach like Yang Hao, with unwavering trust and support. For other teams, the process will take even longer. This demands patience and a longer-term perspective from everyone involved."
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La Liga's role in the league's overall development has become increasingly significant. Events like this symposium garnered widespread media coverage and public attention both domestically and internationally.
Although Atlético Madrid was still in Japan and Korea, and Yang Hao could not attend, his name and the club's reputation were frequently mentioned throughout the discussion. Both Marca and Spanish television networks heavily featured the symposium in their reporting and celebrated its success.
During the event, Espanyol chairman Daniel Sánchez Llibre announced that a Russian consortium was in talks to acquire Espanyol, following the Abu Dhabi group's acquisition of Valencia. This would mark another foreign investment in La Liga.
Previously, there had been rumors that Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov was evaluating clubs in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Reports suggested that Getafe, Espanyol, and Levante were among Usmanov's candidates, with the Russian mogul ultimately focusing on Barcelona's Espanyol.
In La Liga's financial audit, Espanyol's debt was revealed to exceed €60 million. The club's total assets were valued at approximately €150 million. Usmanov reportedly intended to purchase Espanyol for €100 million, assume all existing debts, and commit to investing over €100 million in transfers for the 2008/09 season.
Negotiations were still in the early stages but progressing steadily, with the acquisition expected to be finalized by the end of the year or early next year.
Espanyol's head coach Ernesto Valverde publicly welcomed the potential acquisition, noting that if it eased the club's financial strain, resolved overdue player wages, and brought in more competitive signings, it would benefit the team.
Espanyol fans, meanwhile, were conflicted. On the one hand, they hoped to see their club rise and compete against their city rivals, Barcelona. On the other hand, the idea of their beloved club being taken over by foreign investors felt unsettling.
Despite these mixed emotions, there was little protest among the fans. The club's financial situation left few alternatives. Their €60 million debt included unpaid wages and transfer fees. Espanyol's current losses made it clear that Sánchez Llibre had long been looking for an opportunity to sell.
From one perspective, being acquired by a Russian consortium might not be a bad thing. Espanyol was more open to foreign ownership than Barcelona, which remained staunchly tied to its socio-owned structure.
Yang Hao learned of the news upon returning to Madrid from Seoul. Having received hints about it earlier, he wasn't surprised.
For the foreseeable future, as long as suitable buyers emerged, mid- and lower-tier La Liga clubs would likely rush to sell. The reason was simple: they were running out of money.
When Usmanov toured Spain's major football cities, Getafe, Levante, and Espanyol eagerly presented themselves, each burdened by significant debt.
Future broadcast revenues? That's uncertain.
Even if there are gains, how much will they be? For these clubs with debts ranging from tens of millions to over €100 million, selling as soon as possible was the best option.
This wasn't just a La Liga phenomenon; even mid- and lower-tier Premier League clubs faced similar situations. When former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed interest, Manchester City welcomed him with open arms. Even Arsenal's vice-chairman David Dein had been seeking outside investment.
The reality is that the future remains uncertain, but an immediate investor is a rare opportunity. For those who entered football without pure motives, now was the time to exit.
Sánchez Llibre, like many experienced figures in professional football, understood that La Liga's future would bring even fiercer competition.
Yes, revenues were increasing, but so were expenditures. Clubs may find that their investments to remain competitive in La Liga would outpace revenue growth.
Ultimately, it came down to ability—or the lack thereof. Without the means to operate effectively or inject substantial funds, many owners were eager to sell.
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Yang Hao returned to Madrid with the Spanish Super Cup trophy and was met with a warm reception from Atlético fans.
The club seized the opportunity to hold a brief ceremony inaugurating its new headquarters and placed the Super Cup trophy in the museum.
The new museum on the ground floor of Atlético's headquarters was spacious but still looked somewhat empty due to the few trophies on display. Club president Enrique Cerezo encouraged everyone to work harder to fill it up quickly.
The adjoining fan shop and medical service center also officially opened that day. Atlético fans warmly welcomed the medical center, a promise made by the club that was now being fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Vicente Calderón Stadium had completely disappeared after three months of demolition. Only a winding section of the M-30 highway remained, a reminder of the iconic venue that once stood there. Municipal engineers were preparing to begin construction on the Twin Towers project, a three-year undertaking with a total investment of €700 million.
Following the headquarters' inauguration ceremony, Yang Hao focused on preparing for the new season's opening match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Everyone understood that the season opener would be challenging. It wasn't just about it being the first match—it was the difficulty of finding the right rhythm after preseason.
After a grueling summer tour, including their trip to Japan and Korea, Atlético concentrated on recovery and adjustments.
The first round of La Liga was scheduled for August 25, with the Madrid Derby serving as the season opener. The match attracted worldwide attention, but Yang Hao had his sights on another game: Sevilla vs. Getafe.
In his previous life, 22-year-old Antonio Puerta had collapsed during that match.
As Yang Hao deliberated whether he could intervene, news broke the day after Atlético returned to Madrid. Sevilla announced that Puerta had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat during routine medical checks.
After further tests, doctors advised him to retire from professional football. Sevilla regretfully announced that Puerta would step away from the pitch.
Following his early retirement, Puerta planned to pursue coaching qualifications in Madrid and later work in Sevilla's youth academy.
When Yang Hao heard the news in his office, he burst into laughter—loud, unrestrained laughter.
Because he knew that his advocacy in recent years had made a real impact.
Sevilla had been actively responding to Yang Hao's calls for better medical investment, which led to the discovery of Puerta's cardiac irregularities during routine checks—something that might have gone unnoticed in the past.
This realization filled Yang Hao with immense satisfaction. His efforts weren't just changing himself or Atlético Madrid; they were altering the fates of others as well.
The feeling was better than winning a championship.
Yang Hao immediately called Juande Ramos and got Puerta's number to offer his support.
"You'll be coming to Madrid soon for coaching training, right? If you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to call. The whole Atlético organization stands behind you!"
Atlético's official channels quickly followed up.
Ramos, Reyes, and other teammates who were close to Puerta also reached out to express their care.
La Liga's leadership sent their condolences immediately, with Antonio Pont personally visiting Puerta in Seville to offer maximum support.
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August 25, 2007, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid.
The opening match of the 2007/08 La Liga season saw Atlético Madrid visiting Real Madrid.
Following a brief opening ceremony, referee Mejuto Gonzalez blew the whistle to start the game.
Both teams fielded their strongest lineups.
Real Madrid stuck with their signature 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas Defense: Ashley Cole, Fabio Cannavaro, Walter Samuel, Philipp Lahm Midfield: Michael Essien, Andrea Pirlo, David Beckham Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Joaquín
Atlético Madrid responded with their full-strength squad as well:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer Defense: Patrice Evra, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves Midfield: Andrés Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Kaká Forwards: Arjen Robben, Fernando Torres, Lionel Messi
From the kickoff, Atlético Madrid pressed aggressively.
Arsène Wenger's Real Madrid appeared composed, anticipating the intensity.
In the opening attack, Messi carried the ball down the right flank and attempted a breakthrough, ultimately passing back to Alves on the wing. Alves crossed from the right corner of the box.
Torres made a dummy run at the near post, but Robben was too late arriving at the far post, and the ball drifted to the right side of the penalty area.
Atlético began an immediate counter-press.
Lahm intercepted the ball and passed to Beckham. Beckham's first touch directed it toward the center, where Pirlo controlled it and unleashed a long diagonal pass to the left wing, aiming for Cristiano Ronaldo.
As Ronaldo positioned himself under the ball, tracking its descent, a figure darted past him, leaping to head the ball forward.
The player landed and sprinted after the ball, leaving behind a clear view of the No. 4 jersey with the name "Ramos" emblazoned across the back.
Sergio Ramos regained possession and surged forward. With Real Madrid's players drawn to the left during their previous attack, Atlético's right side was left exposed.
Ramos charged down the right flank, covering ground with long strides.
By the time he reached the edge of the penalty area, Ashley Cole came to confront him, but Ramos sped past toward the baseline and delivered a cross.
At the penalty spot, Torres held off Cannavaro but, with his back to goal, could only head the ball toward the edge of the box.
Messi arrived, chesting the ball down. His first touch cut past an advancing Essien with his right foot, and his second touch shifted the ball to his left before unleashing a powerful strike.
The entire sequence flowed seamlessly, like a perfectly rehearsed routine.
The ball rocketed toward the goal with blistering speed.
Casillas, positioned on the right side of the net, reacted quickly and dived, but he couldn't reach Messi's precision strike into the bottom left corner.
The ball brushed the inside of the post and nestled into the net.
"GOAL!!!"
"Messi!!!"
"The first shot of the match and the first shot of the new La Liga season, and it's already produced the first goal!"
"Lionel Messi, the teenage sensation from Atlético Madrid!"
"Not even one minute in—strictly speaking, only 54 seconds—and Atlético Madrid have stunned Real Madrid with an early strike!"
"Messi delivers an impeccable finish to beat Iker Casillas!"
"1-0!"
The Bernabéu was momentarily silent before erupting with gasps of disbelief from the home fans.
The opening goal came so unexpectedly.
Sergio Ramos's daring overlap and Messi's composed brilliance at the edge of the box left a lasting impression on everyone.
Even more remarkable, it was Messi who had initiated the play moments earlier.
The young Argentine had been carrying pent-up frustration from losing to Brazil in the Copa América final over the summer. In the two legs of the Spanish Super Cup, Yang Hao had deliberately rested him.
Now, with the Madrid Derby as his stage, Messi was back in the starting XI—and determined to seize the moment against Real Madrid.
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"Did you notice that?"
Arsène Wenger, surprised but unfazed by the early goal, turned to his bench. He had anticipated a challenging start, knowing Atlético's propensity for aggressive opening attacks.
The season's first match being a derby was a trial for both teams, especially Real Madrid.
Atlético had already played two competitive Super Cup matches. For Real Madrid, this was their first outing.
Sitting next to Wenger was Boro Primorac, his Croatian assistant coach, who had worked alongside him for nearly a decade, dating back to their time at Arsenal.
"I've been reviewing reports, and they might be onto something different this season," Primorac remarked, shaking his head.
"Just now, Ramos pushed all the way forward to the right flank. Alonso dropped back to cover, but overall, they're playing quite high up the pitch, with the center-backs spaced unusually wide."
Wenger frowned slightly, nodding as he processed what was happening.
Yang Hao was at it again, making bold tactical moves.
The media had already discussed Atlético's Super Cup matches, which Wenger and his team had reviewed. But back then, Ramos hadn't been this audacious—stealing the ball from Cristiano Ronaldo and immediately charging forward. This approach required immense confidence in the team's ability to retain possession. Otherwise, losing the ball and facing a counterattack would spell disaster.
As the game progressed, Wenger and Primorac began to grasp Atlético's strategy.
With both full-backs pushing high up the pitch and Xabi Alonso no longer dropping deep, Atlético maintained a significant numerical advantage in midfield and the attacking third.
A prime example came in the 9th minute. Atlético initiated a counter-press high up the field. Torres dispossessed Cannavaro and quickly played the ball to Robben, who made a diagonal run into the left side of the penalty area. Robben struck with his left foot, aiming for the far corner, but Casillas managed to save it.
Atlético's relentless approach was clear: attack with intent, and if the attack faltered, recycle possession and reorganize. When possession was lost, they immediately pressed to win the ball back.
The tempo of the match was rapid, with Atlético's attacks sharp and incisive.
Most striking was that the players weren't just individually skilled; the presence of both full-backs pushing forward created overloads in critical areas. Combined with their seamless teamwork, this overwhelmed Real Madrid's defense.
The Galácticos were forced to focus on stabilizing their defense.
Despite these efforts, Atlético struck again in the 30th minute.
Messi picked up the ball on the right flank, dribbled past defenders, and drew attention. Alves overlapped on the outside, much like in the opening minutes. Alves delivered a cross to the left corner of the six-yard box, where Torres contested a header with Samuel, nodding the ball back toward the center.
Kaká arrived to meet it, slotting the ball into the net.
2–0.
Real Madrid's defense simply couldn't cope with Atlético's relentless attacking style.
Wenger clenched his teeth and made a bold decision—abandon defense and push forward.
The game erupted into an end-to-end contest as Real Madrid committed to attacking in response.
In the 37th minute, Lahm whipped in a cross from the right, and Ibrahimović attempted a stunning volley but failed to connect cleanly, sending the ball over the bar.
Shortly afterward, Cristiano Ronaldo drove into the box from the left, tangling with Ramos and going to ground. The referee waved off penalty appeals. Replays showed slight contact, but whether it warranted a penalty was debatable.
The match became a thrilling back-and-forth spectacle.
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Second Half: Relentless Attacks on Both Ends
The second half began with both teams continuing their all-out offensive approach. Neither side held back, prioritizing attacks over defensive caution.
In the 56th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo broke through on the left, driving into the area and firing a low shot from a tight angle. Neuer blocked it for a corner.
Beckham stepped up to take the corner, delivering a precise ball into the box. Ronaldo soared high, heading the ball powerfully past Neuer and into the net.
1–2.
The Bernabéu exploded with noise as Real Madrid fans leapt to their feet, cheering and shouting with unrestrained passion.
The match remained intense, and Atlético responded in the 72nd minute with a brilliant sequence.
Robben cut inside from the left, laying the ball off to Iniesta. The Spanish midfielder chipped a delicate pass over the Real Madrid defense. Evra surged forward, using his body to shield the ball from Lahm before controlling it and charging into the box.
With a quick move, Evra delivered a low cross to the center, where Torres slid in to connect, beating Casillas once more.
3–1.
Torres, Atlético's captain, roared with elation, pumping his fists and shouting to the crowd.
Wenger, unwilling to concede defeat, made an audacious substitution. He brought on Robinho for Beckham, bolstering the attack.
This adjustment pushed Ronaldo into a central role alongside Ibrahimović, creating a formidable forward duo.
The entire stadium buzzed with anticipation.
With both teams fully committed to attacking, the pace of the game reached a breathtaking tempo.
Atlético, though not overly concerned with maintaining possession, focused on disrupting Madrid's attacks while continuously searching for opportunities to strike back.
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A Derby Unlike Any Other
The relentless trading of attacks had fans on the edge of their seats. The intensity of the match, combined with the technical brilliance on display, elevated the Madrid Derby to an electrifying spectacle.
No one could have anticipated that La Liga's opening match would be such a blockbuster. Fans in the stadium and watching at home were left in awe.
In some ways, Real Madrid's willingness to go toe-to-toe with Atlético was unique in European football. Few teams dared to engage Atlético in such an open, attacking game.
This thrilling encounter was a testament to the passion and unpredictability of the Madrid Derby—truly one of a kind.
The first round of any season is notoriously difficult, as everyone knows. Wenger, in particular, understands this all too well—he had failed to win the opening fixture in each of the past two seasons, both at home. Last season, a 0–0 draw at the Bernabéu against Villarreal; this season, a 1–3 loss at home to Atlético Madrid.
After the match, Wenger expressed his disappointment with the result. He emphasized that the Real Madrid players had given their all during the match.
"This was our first match of the new season. We prepared extensively but couldn't execute well on the pitch," Wenger lamented. "It's truly regrettable."
Wenger attributed the loss to Real Madrid still being in preseason form, contrasting this with Atlético, who had already played two Super Cup matches.
Some media outlets pointed out a paradox: while Yang Hao claimed the additional matches were a disadvantage, Wenger argued they benefited Atlético. So which was it—a help or a hindrance?
Regardless of the losing side's feelings, the opening match of La Liga was a thrilling spectacle, sparking heated discussion among fans and media worldwide.
The game featured a staggering 49 shots—28 from Atlético and 21 from Real Madrid. It was clear both teams played with freedom, driven by Atlético's early goal.
Atlético demonstrated superior finishing. With 9 shots on target, they scored three goals. Real Madrid, by contrast, managed only 1 goal from 7 shots on target.
Young German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer earned widespread praise for his La Liga debut. Despite conceding to Cristiano Ronaldo, his overall performance was deemed a success. The match's frenetic pace—almost one shot every two minutes—highlighted its intensity.
Yang Hao was satisfied with his team's performance, especially Neuer, whom he lauded during the post-match press conference. He also commented on Messi's outstanding form.
"He's clearly in better shape than last season and better prepared," Yang Hao said confidently, predicting that Messi would have a breakout season.
The media, particularly Marca, eagerly inquired about Atlético's tactical shifts this season. They noted Neuer's striking statistics: he ran over 5.5 kilometers and made 20 touches outside the penalty area.
"He looked like a busy bee out there," one journalist quipped, prompting hearty laughter from Yang Hao, who acknowledged the metaphor as fitting.
"That's his unique style and strength," Yang Hao said, praising Neuer's ability to actively participate in the game. "As you saw, his involvement greatly supports our defense."
When asked about Neuer's errors during the Super Cup, Yang Hao shrugged them off. "They're within acceptable limits," he explained, emphasizing Neuer's youth and development.
"He's only 21 and far from his peak. We need to have faith in him. He'll grow into one of the world's most extraordinary goalkeepers."
Yang Hao's endorsement carried significant weight. As the coach responsible for resurrecting Edwin van der Sar's career and developing Petr Čech into a world-class competitor, his authority on goalkeeping was unquestioned.
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Wenger vs. Mourinho: Old Rivalries, New Battleground
The long-standing feud between Wenger and Mourinho, honed during their Premier League days, naturally carried over to La Liga.
When Mourinho was unveiled as Barcelona's new coach during their preseason camp, he held a press conference to discuss transfers, the upcoming season, and his rivals, including Yang Hao, Wenger, Atlético Madrid, and Real Madrid.
Mourinho humbly suggested that Barcelona, undergoing significant changes, were still learning and growing, while the Madrid rivals were favorites for the title.
Had he stopped there, all would have been well. But it wouldn't be Mourinho without controversy. He added, "Atlético sold several key players. Wenger might finally have a shot at his first Spanish title—maybe."
The room erupted in laughter, though Wenger was far from amused.
When shown the footage and asked for his thoughts, Wenger fired back during his own press conference:
"This isn't the Mourinho I used to know. He's become timid, insecure, and self-deprecating."
Wenger argued that Mourinho's comments reflected a fear of failure. "When a coach repeatedly downplays expectations, he's either criticizing management for poor signings or blaming his players for lacking quality.
"This way, even if he achieves nothing, he avoids blame," Wenger quipped.
Yang Hao, known for letting his teams do the talking, refrained from entering the fray. However, Wenger's remarks struck a nerve with Mourinho, prompting an even sharper retort:
"If we're talking about failure, Wenger's experience far outstrips mine. He's a specialist in it.
"Has he won more titles than me? Has he reached a Champions League final?
"He couldn't beat Ferguson or me in England. He can't beat Yang Hao's Atlético. Now in Spain, he's still falling short. But perhaps he should thank Arsenal and Real Madrid for their patience with him."
Mourinho delivered the coup de grâce with a trademark smirk. "If I were in his position, I'd resign and never return to coaching."
The verbal sparring between the two legendary managers captivated fans and media worldwide, even catching the attention of Yang Hao in Asia.
Asked for his opinion, Yang Hao laughed it off. "They're my seniors—it's not my place to comment." Privately, though, he enjoyed the drama with snacks and a drink.
The war of words raged on until the start of the season, culminating in Wenger's home defeat to Atlético.
Mourinho, ever the opportunist, gloated. "This is classic Wenger—no progress. Last season he drew Villarreal at home. This season, he loses to Atlético. We should be used to this by now."
But karma struck quickly. In Barcelona's opener against Marcelino's Racing Santander, Mourinho's team, despite having a man advantage, failed to score and drew 0–0.
Yang Hao and his coaching staff watched the game and noted that Barcelona deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation.
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Atlético Madrid's Bright Start
Back in Madrid, the buzz around Atlético's victory over Real Madrid and their new tactics persisted. Neuer's performance and Messi's brilliance were hot topics.
Meanwhile, Yang Hao had his sights set on the long season ahead. The win at the Bernabéu was only the beginning. With new tactical innovations, a blend of youthful talent, and seasoned leadership, Atlético Madrid seemed poised for another historic campaign.
The next goal: maintain momentum and chase their fifth trophy of 2007.
Goalkeeper: Víctor Valdés
Defense: Eric Abidal, Carles Puyol, Bruno Alves, Gianluca Zambrotta
Midfield: Mahamadou Diarra and Xavi as the double pivot, with Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Samuel Eto'o ahead.
Forward: Diego Milito
Mourinho's tactics effectively integrated the four attacking stars. Diego Milito, the Argentinian forward, played intelligently, constantly creating space for the three players behind him. However, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Samuel Eto'o struggled to fully adapt to this system, especially in terms of form.
The primary issue lay with Ronaldinho and Xavi. Yang Hao had always believed that Mourinho struggled to optimize players like Ronaldinho and Xavi, particularly the former. But at 27, Ronaldinho was at the peak of his career and was the face of the team. Ignoring him was not an option.
Unlike in Yang Hao's previous life, Barcelona's management remained relatively united under the pressure from Atlético's dominance. They hadn't established the "Dream Team II" dynasty, so nobody within the club could rest on their laurels. Additionally, Ronaldinho had been overshadowed by Kaká for years, which kept the Brazilian maestro from succumbing to the same complacency he experienced in the past.
When Mourinho took over Barcelona, he reportedly promised to adapt his coaching style. He engaged deeply with players like Henry and Eto'o, though how he addressed Ronaldinho remains a mystery. Ronaldinho eventually expressed faith in Mourinho, saying he believed the Portuguese coach could lead Barcelona to trophies.
From the match, it was evident that Barcelona's players were more motivated and better organized defensively than before. However, the attack left much to be desired, partly due to bad luck.
Henry and Eto'o each struck the post and crossbar, and Diego Milito was denied a clear penalty in the box. Barcelona's defense, on the other hand, looked solid.
Marcelino's Santander side, known for their expansive style, were forced onto the back foot, enduring heavy pressure from Barcelona. Yet despite this, they managed 14 shots—one more than Barcelona—but only one was on target.
The arrivals of Bruno Alves and Mahamadou Diarra clearly bolstered Barcelona's defensive solidity. However, late in the game, Santander's former Real Madrid winger Pedro Munitis broke past Abidal and was brought down in the box by an onrushing Valdés. The referee, however, refused to award a penalty.
After the match, Mourinho angrily declared, "This was a victory stolen by the referee!"
Clearly, Mourinho was frustrated after the pre-match verbal sparring with Wenger only to drop points against Santander.
Despite this, Mourinho's imprint on the team was evident. It was, after all, his first La Liga match in charge of Barcelona.
Unsurprisingly, Mourinho remained defiant. "He lost at the Bernabéu, while I drew away. Clearly, I'm better."
Yang Hao found the whole situation highly entertaining. With Mourinho in the league, La Liga was bound to be lively.
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Valencia's Home Defeat
In another notable La Liga opener, big-spending Valencia suffered a 0–1 home defeat to Villarreal.
Both sides played a beautiful game, tactically nullifying each other. Ultimately, Santi Cazorla assisted Sergio Agüero for the match-winning goal.
Carlo Ancelotti's La Liga debut ended in disappointment. Despite Valencia having a slight edge in quality, Ancelotti's tactical vision had yet to fully materialize, and his team clearly needed time to gel.
Meanwhile, the biggest scoreline of the round came as Mallorca defeated Levante 3–0 at home. Atlético loanees Mario Sánchez and Vidal started and played the full 90 minutes for Mallorca but failed to score. Ariel Ibagaza netted twice, while Dani Güiza added another.
The opening round of La Liga was full of surprises, shocking fans and media worldwide.
Who would have expected so many of the league's heavyweights to falter?
Fans and pundits, however, welcomed the upsets, believing they showcased La Liga's competitive nature and heightened anticipation for the season.
After all, constant dominance by big clubs can make the league predictable. Upsets and fierce competition add excitement and intrigue.
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Atlético and Sevilla Head to Monaco
Unlike most teams, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla had to quickly recover after their La Liga openers. Both clubs were heading to Monaco—Atlético to attend UEFA's awards and Champions League draw a day earlier.
These awards had become a precursor to the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year honors, making them highly anticipated.
The Atlético delegation arrived in Monaco in style, dressed to impress. At the Grimaldi Forum, Yang Hao reconnected with Lucio and Čech.
Both were in good spirits despite Valencia's loss to Villarreal. "We were just unlucky. Agüero is a beast," Lucio admitted.
Yang Hao laughed, "You must've zoned out."
Lucio quickly denied it. Both he and Čech had been nominated for Best Defender and Best Goalkeeper, respectively, largely thanks to their stellar performances at Atlético.
Although no longer at the club, Yang Hao was relieved to see them doing well. He genuinely wished all former Atlético players success—except when facing Atlético, of course.
Even now, Lucio and Čech mingled freely with their former teammates, while Yang Hao chatted with Atlético's sporting director, José Luis Caminero.
"See that guy over there?" Caminero asked, pointing to a portly man talking to Enrique Cerezo.
"Who is he?"
"Alisher Usmanov."
"Oh, the one trying to buy Espanyol?" Yang Hao asked.
"Yes, him. He's incredibly wealthy. La Liga is going to get very interesting." Caminero chuckled.
The influx of wealthy owners like Usmanov and the Abu Dhabi group was set to reshape the league's landscape.
"Who's the guy next to him?" Yang Hao asked.
________________________________________
As La Liga's narrative continued to unfold, Atlético Madrid focused on maintaining their dominance while adapting to an increasingly competitive environment. With rivalries intensifying and new players entering the league, the season promised to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
"Apparently, his financial advisor is named Farhad Moshiri."
Farhad Moshiri?
Why did that name sound so familiar to Yang Hao?
"Do you know him?"
"No," Yang Hao shook his head.
Then, suddenly, a flash of memory struck him.
Oh, isn't this the guy who eventually took over Everton? Farhad Moshiri was Usmanov's financial advisor?
Yang Hao vaguely remembered that Usmanov sold his shares in Arsenal and then invested in Everton. His memory of the specifics was fuzzy—this was from so long ago—but he recalled hearing that Usmanov and Moshiri were close friends.
No wonder there was speculation back then that Moshiri was a front for Usmanov.
Still, they didn't exactly manage Everton successfully.
Of course, Yang Hao wasn't about to use past events to predict whether they could run Espanyol well. Managing a football club was an incredibly complex endeavor.
"Now, the whole world is keeping an eye on the auction next year," Caminero said.
Yang Hao smiled. He had heard a lot about it too.
"Mubarak told me that if the auction succeeds, in the coming years, we'll see a continuous influx of foreign investment into La Liga, including some Middle Eastern capital."
"There have even been media reports claiming that Mexico's richest man, Carlos Slim, is also investigating La Liga."
"Is he interested too?"
Yang Hao could only say, Holy… Things were becoming increasingly unexpected, far beyond his control.
If he remembered correctly, in his past life, Carlos Slim had shown interest in Atlético Madrid and nearly bought the club. There were even rumors that he invested in Real Oviedo. Slim was a bona fide billionaire, having once held the title of the richest person in the world.
"His company, América Móvil, controls both the mobile and fixed-line markets in Mexico and is also in the pay-TV business. You know how big La Liga's influence is in Mexico and Latin America."
Even at the height of the Premier League's global dominance, Central and South America were considered Spain's strongholds.
This was also why La Liga's globalization efforts had focused on North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Simply put, the Premier League struggled to penetrate Central and South America, just as La Liga struggled to make inroads in Northern Europe.
Especially now, with so many international players from the Americas in La Liga, its influence was undeniable.
"ESPN reportedly plans to expand its business in Mexico and is interested in acquiring La Liga broadcasting rights. América Móvil is interested too."
For conglomerates of this scale, buying a football club was almost trivial. The key question was whether it could help them expand and stabilize their market presence.
To put it bluntly, even a fraction of their annual advertising budgets could fund a football club handsomely.
If that doesn't make sense, just look at Red Bull.
Yang Hao wasn't overly interested in these matters. He didn't care much about who entered La Liga.
From Atlético Madrid's perspective, the more ambitious billionaires joined La Liga, the better it was for the league.
As for competition, Yang Hao wasn't worried—at least not for the next decade or so.
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According to UEFA's coefficient rankings, Atlético Madrid was firmly established as Europe's top club—and by a wide margin.
Over the past few years, their dominance in La Liga and the Champions League had been undeniable.
Yet, Yang Hao's luck in group stage draws was as bad as ever.
This season was no different.
In the second pot, Atlético drew Lyon—the strongest team available.
In the third pot, they drew Romania's Steaua Bucharest.
In the fourth pot, they drew Slavia Prague from the Czech Republic.
The group featured a stark disparity in strength between the top two and bottom two teams.
Atlético and Lyon were the clear favorites to advance, with Steaua and Slavia unlikely to pose much of a challenge.
The key question would be whether Atlético or Lyon could secure the top spot.
While Lyon was no match for Atlético in terms of overall strength, they were certainly capable of causing an upset.
This highlighted a broader trend in Champions League group stage draws—an increasingly visible divide between strong and weak teams.
Some groups had one dominant team and three evenly matched ones, while others featured two strong teams and two weaker ones.
This season, La Liga's big three—Atlético, Real Madrid, and Barcelona—all occupied the top pot, while Sevilla sat in the second pot.
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UEFA Awards
During the draw, UEFA also announced its annual awards.
Čech won Best Goalkeeper.
Lucio claimed Best Defender.
Kaká took home Best Midfielder.
What surprised Yang Hao most was that Lionel Messi was classified as a forward—and won Best Forward.
In last season's Champions League final, Messi's seemingly casual yet precise chipped assist to Kaká had become a fan-favorite moment, hailed as a work of art.
During the ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum, UEFA highlighted that very assist while introducing Messi, showcasing his extraordinary talent.
In his acceptance speech, Messi said, "My primary goal is to continue learning and improving."
"I truly enjoy the role I play in the team. Kaká is my inspiration and the benchmark I aspire to reach. He is also my closest friend, and I hope to achieve greatness like him one day."
When Kaká later won UEFA Player of the Year—the evening's most prestigious award—he echoed Messi's sentiment.
After expressing the usual gratitude, Kaká singled out Yang Hao and responded to Messi's comments.
"Kaká declared, 'Leo is the most gifted player I have ever seen. I have no doubt that he is entering his era.'"
"I'm certain he will become the best footballer in the world."
"Keep it up, Leo!"
The two embraced warmly on stage, drawing a standing ovation.
________________________________________
In his closing remarks, UEFA President Michel Platini highlighted Atlético Madrid's influence.
He shared a striking statistic: since 2003, Atlético players—whether current or former—had been consistently prominent in global and European football awards.
The audience murmured in agreement, realizing the profound impact Atlético had made.
From Adriano to Kaká, all were players developed at Atlético Madrid.
Along the way, there were also players like Deco, Maicon, Aurelio, and Van der Sar.
Platini remarked that in recent years, European and world football has been dominated by players who emerged from Atlético Madrid, and it's no exaggeration to say so.
In the history of world football, there had never been a precedent like this.
Not even the Ajax of old or the dynasty-building AC Milan managed to achieve what Atlético Madrid has accomplished today.
When Platini said these words, he was praising and recognizing Atlético while encouraging other elite clubs—and even smaller clubs—to emulate Atlético by developing more outstanding talent for European football.
But for Yang Hao, sitting in the audience, the speech landed differently.
What the hell! Is he trying to play Atlético's "godfather"?
You want to be Barça's godfather—that's fine. But now you're trying to ride Atlético's coattails?
Stay away! We don't need your help!
But what could Yang Hao do? Platini was the UEFA President. He was giving praise; could Yang Hao refuse it?
The situation left Yang Hao feeling awkward.
In the future, will people start associating Atlético with a godfather?
No, they won't, Yang Hao assured himself.
After all, Atlético was already racking up trophies long before any supposed godfather came into play.
If anything, it's Platini piggybacking on Atlético's success, not the other way around.
When you think about it, who's really riding whose coattails? That's still up for debate!
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August 31st, Stade Louis II, Monaco
UEFA Super Cup: Atlético Madrid vs. Sevilla
Yang Hao stuck to his usual strategy of aggressive pressing from the opening whistle.
From the very beginning, Atlético pushed forward relentlessly.
That night, Juande Ramos fielded an aggressive 4-1-4-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: Diego López Defenders: Adriano, Escudé, Gallas, and Hinkel Midfield: Poulsen as the defensive anchor, supported by Seydou Keita, Arteta, Renato, and Navas Striker: Kanouté
After Real Sociedad's relegation, Sevilla snapped up Arteta to bolster their midfield and also signed Diego López from Real Madrid to strengthen their backline.
These two moves were highly targeted and effective, showcasing Monchi's characteristic shrewdness in the transfer market.
For this match, Juande Ramos employed his signature Italian-style defensive strategy, relying on quick counterattacks to exploit Atlético's backline.
From one perspective, Atlético's high-pressing approach seemed to play into Sevilla's hands.
But Juande Ramos clearly overestimated his side's defensive capabilities.
Just six minutes into the match, Thiago Silva delivered a precise through ball to Iniesta.
Iniesta controlled it expertly within his reach, dodged past Renato, and threaded a perfectly timed pass into the left side of the box.
Robben darted in, chasing Iniesta's ball, and suddenly stopped, feinting an inward cut. Gallas fell for it and halted, only to see Robben quickly shift left, bypassing him toward the byline. The Dutchman created enough space to strike with his left foot.
Diego López made a brilliant diving save, parrying Robben's shot, but Torres was already in position. Beating Escudé to the ball, Torres tapped it into the net.
1–0!
Having seized the early lead, Atlético kept up their high-pressure tactics.
Then, in the 15th minute, Sevilla launched a swift counterattack.
Navas sprinted down the right flank, reaching Atlético's 30-meter zone before passing to Arteta.
Arteta delivered a through ball into the right side of the penalty area, targeting the speedy Kanouté.
This time, Neuer made a misjudgment, rushing out too soon.
By the time Neuer closed in, Kanouté had already controlled the ball.
Caught off guard by Neuer's speed and determination, Kanouté hesitated, trying to adjust his angle. But he overdribbled, losing the best shooting position.
When Kanouté finally struck, Thiago Silva had already recovered, blocking the shot and conceding a corner.
"Atlético's goalkeeper has misjudged another play."
"This is yet another rash decision from the young keeper this season."
Sevilla took the corner, and Neuer made another error. He charged out to catch the ball but misjudged its trajectory, missing entirely.
This gave Renato, lurking at the far post, an easy header to equalize for Sevilla.
"As expected, it's Neuer again!"
"We're seeing that this young Atlético goalkeeper is far too reckless."
"It seems he has a penchant for these risky rushes, a very bad habit indeed."
"And as we predicted earlier, Neuer's recklessness has finally cost Atlético."
"1–1! Both sides are back on equal footing."
Yang Hao walked to the touchline, signaling his team to keep pressing and stay confident.
He even gave Neuer a thumbs-up, telling him not to dwell on the mistake and to keep pushing forward.
Neuer raised a hand in acknowledgment.
________________________________________
"He's got nerves of steel," Yang Hao chuckled.
Only players with such resilience could brush off mistakes and come back stronger.
Far from being a flaw, this trait could be an asset on the pitch.
Apart from the counterattack that exposed Neuer's errors, Atlético controlled most of the game, limiting Sevilla's chances.
In the 36th minute, Arteta attempted another through ball, targeting Navas.
But this time, Neuer, undeterred by his earlier mistakes, charged out of his box and intercepted the pass.
Navas, known for his speed, couldn't catch the ball. Frustrated, he turned to pressure Neuer.
Calmly, Neuer dribbled two steps toward the center, saw Kanouté closing in, and passed to Pepe, who had moved into a supporting position.
Then, without hesitation, Neuer sprinted back to his penalty area.
Pepe advanced and sent a sharp through ball to Kaká, reigniting Atlético's attack.
Kaká controlled the ball in open space, turned, and dribbled forward into Sevilla's 30-meter area. Seeing Torres making a diagonal run toward him and dragging both Sevilla center-backs with him, Kaká suddenly passed to Iniesta on the left.
Iniesta trapped the ball with his left foot at the edge of the penalty area, took a step sideways to the middle to evade the incoming Gallas, and then threaded a precise through ball between Gallas and Escudé.
Torres made a quick dash forward and, with his left foot, struck a low shot that once again found the back of Sevilla's net.
"Goal!"
"2–1!"
"Atlético takes the lead again!"
"Another goal by Torres—the Atlético captain has scored twice!"
After the goal, Torres celebrated passionately with his teammates, embracing them in excitement.
On the sideline, Yang Hao clapped vigorously for his captain.
Initially, this match was supposed to feature Drogba as the starter, but the Ivorian had a slight injury, so Torres retained his spot in the lineup. Luis Suárez sat on the bench, ready to come on at any moment.
Recently, Torres had been in excellent form.
As for Neuer, the main issues were coordination and adapting to his new role.
At Schalke 04, Neuer frequently ventured out of the box with a large range of activity, but those moves were often spontaneous. Now, Yang Hao wanted to integrate Neuer's aggressive style into Atlético's tactical framework, which required both planning and adjustment.
As Yang Hao had said before, there was no major problem. Atlético's potent attack allowed room for occasional mistakes.
________________________________________
The first half ended with Atlético leading 2–1.
During the halftime break, Yang Hao focused on encouraging Neuer rather than criticizing his mistakes. He emphasized that the team should apply more pressure on Sevilla in the second half.
When the second half began, Sevilla came out with aggressive intent. Juande Ramos clearly aimed to capitalize on the opening moments to push for an equalizer.
However, just seven minutes into the half, Atlético launched a quick counterattack.
Kaká, just past the midfield line, delivered a diagonal long ball that landed precisely in Sevilla's penalty area on the left side.
Robben sprinted forward and, before the ball could hit the ground, struck a stunning left-footed volley, blasting it into Sevilla's net.
3–1!
The goal was a masterpiece, and the entire stadium erupted in cheers!
Robben was ecstatic, sprinting across the field in celebration.
This moment also exposed another issue—Sevilla goalkeeper Diego López hesitated in coming off his line.
Had López been more decisive, Robben might not have had the chance to shoot.
If Neuer's problem was over-eagerness, López's issue was excessive caution.
From Yang Hao's perspective, if forced to choose between the two extremes, he would still pick Neuer.
The reason was simple: caution is a deeply ingrained trait that's nearly impossible to change.
In contrast, Neuer's rashness, at just 21 years old, could improve over time as he gained experience. With better judgment and growing skill, Neuer's aggressive style could eventually become one of his greatest strengths.
Shortly afterward, Sevilla earned a counterattack opportunity that led to a corner kick.
This time, Neuer again left his line and leaped high to claim the ball before Gallas could reach it. Holding the ball, he sprinted to the edge of the penalty area and launched a powerful throw.
"Neuer's throw is incredibly strong!"
"Atlético's counterattack!"
"Kaká charges forward and passes to Messi on the right."
"Messi dribbles past Adriano and enters the penalty box—Atlético has a chance..."
"Goal!!!!"
"Messi scores again for Atlético!"
"4–1!"
"The Argentine prodigy finds the net!"
"We've just witnessed a lightning-fast counterattack from Atlético. Neuer's throw was both long and precise, finding Kaká perfectly."
"Kaká didn't disappoint, setting up Messi for another goal!"
"Neuer is leaving quite an impression tonight!"
"Although his mistakes cost Atlético one goal, his overall performance has mitigated defensive risks and even catalyzed the team's offense. This throw, for instance, indirectly assisted Messi's goal."
"As we've said before, during his time at Schalke 04, Neuer was often controversial in the Bundesliga."
"Now at Atlético, he remains the same."
"However, Atlético's head coach, Yang Hao, previously expressed confidence in Neuer, saying he's willing to grow alongside the German keeper. Yang Hao firmly believes Neuer will become a world-class goalkeeper."
"Based on tonight's performance, we've seen glimpses of that potential, as well as areas for improvement."
"Here's hoping Neuer continues to excel and justifies Yang Hao's faith in him."
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The match ended with Atlético defeating Sevilla 4–1 to claim the UEFA Super Cup.
This marked Atlético's fifth trophy in 2007.
With just the Club World Cup remaining, Atlético was one step away from achieving a second historic treble.
As the final whistle blew, fans in the Stade Louis II rose to their feet, applauding and cheering for Atlético.
As Atlético prepared to leave the pitch, Yang Hao noticed Sevilla player Antonio Puerta walking onto the field.
Puerta was clearly there to thank Yang Hao.
After thorough medical evaluations, Puerta had been forced into early retirement. But for Yang Hao, this outcome was already ideal.
Seeing Puerta alive and well at the Stade Louis II brought immense relief and joy to Yang Hao.
Atlético's players all approached Puerta to shake hands and embrace him, especially Ramos.
Although they weren't the same age, Ramos and Puerta knew each other well.
Watching the two walk side by side, chatting and laughing, Yang Hao stood behind them, smiling.
He's safe. That's all that matters.
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