"Oh?"
Mourinho showed a hint of surprise when he saw Barcelona's lineup change.
He thought Vilanova was an imitator who continued Guardiola's tactics, but he didn't expect him to make some effective tactical changes.
And, this tactical change, to be honest, was quite interesting.
The defensive line retracted, increasing defensive tenacity!
With both wings flying, Messi and Iniesta, two excellent dribblers, would constantly cause trouble for Real Madrid's defense from the flanks.
The central axis of Xavi + Pedro was stable enough!
Xavi's position was more advanced, allowing him to better transfer the ball forward or vertically, and thread passes.
They focused control in Real Madrid's half, forcing them into a low pressing mode, further reducing the pressure on their own defense.
It can be said that this double pivot formation change was brilliant!
Mourinho couldn't find a good solution for a while, mainly because he had never thought Barcelona would play with a double pivot.
Therefore, he decided to observe further!
On the field, Real Madrid immediately retracted their defensive line.
Barcelona's formation change caught them off guard, and for safety's sake, they proactively retreated to defend.
After all, they were currently leading by one goal, so they had the leeway to observe.
"Watch out for Xavi's through balls and turns!"
Suker reminded Kroos.
During his peak, Xavi's most exquisite ability was his ball handling in crowded areas.
Through one or two touches, he could cleanly handle the ball in a crowd, controlling the tempo, helping himself and his teammates create advantageous positions, and with an advanced position, he had an even sharper ability to thread passes forward.
The shorter the distance, the greater the threat of Xavi's through balls!
This was a master-level through ball midfielder!
Real Madrid had to be careful.
Soon, the match resumed.
At 60 minutes, Barcelona was currently trailing Real Madrid 1:2.
After the formation change, Barcelona adopted a double pivot formation, while Xavi appeared in a more dangerous position, with Messi and Iniesta on the wings.
Once the match began, the changes immediately became apparent.
With Alexandre Song's help, Busquets also didn't become as passive.
Busquets' task became simpler; besides defending, it was to pass the ball to Xavi.
Xavi decided the passing lanes and attacking direction according to the situation.
As for advancing, Iniesta and Messi were still responsible.
However, Real Madrid still had to guard against Xavi's through balls.
For this reason, Real Madrid appeared somewhat passive.
On one hand, Messi and Iniesta constantly pulled Real Madrid's defense wide from both sides.
Once the defensive line was stretched, Real Madrid had to immediately retreat and narrow their defense, preventing Xavi from taking advantage of the opportunity to suddenly thread a pass to Pedro.
Casemiro stuck to Xavi.
But Xavi still played with ease.
After shedding his defensive duties and focusing entirely on offense, Xavi's performance in attack was even better.
"This is a bit tricky!"
Mourinho frowned, watching the changes on the field.
Messi and Iniesta were also constantly moving inward, operating in the half-spaces.
This created overlapping opportunities for Barcelona's two full-backs.
Both Alves and Alba were excellent at attacking forward.
Previously, they were suppressed by Real Madrid's counterattacks, and with Busquets as the sole pivot, they didn't dare to venture forward easily.
But now, with a double pivot, they were liberated.
It must be said that Vilanova's formation change indeed helped this tactically rigid Barcelona regain vitality.
Mourinho also considered using high pressing to resolve the trouble.
But high pressing must rely on a strong defensive line and the restrictive role of the defensive midfielder.
Currently, Real Madrid's defense was not as efficient as last season.
Casemiro in the defensive midfield position had not yet fully entered his stride and still needed some training.
Therefore, Real Madrid could only play passively.
Barcelona, on the other hand, used continuous one-touch passing to constantly create threats.
Their ability to advance forward recovered, threatening Real Madrid's goal repeatedly.
"Left side! Block him!"
"He's going to cut inside!"
"Ramos! Cover!"
"I'm coming!"
Real Madrid's defensive line was continuously shifted.
It was as if an invisible large hand was constantly pulling and deforming them towards both sides, and when they reached their limit, Real Madrid's players immediately retreated.
Xavi was in the middle, eyeing them like a tiger!
Once too much space was created, Xavi definitely had the ability to deliver a brilliant through ball!
"Stay steady! Stay steady!"
Goalkeeper Adán also became anxious.
Watching the defensive line constantly being pulled apart, he felt a sense of urgency.
"Make a substitution!"
Mourinho frowned; "Get Marcelo and Coentrão ready to come on!"
He was preparing to stack defenders!
In the 68th minute, Real Madrid made substitutions.
Benzema and Di Maria went off.
Marcelo and Coentrão came on as substitutes.
Mourinho left Casemiro and Kroos in midfield, which ensured some interception ability and served as a buffer.
At the same time, he used Kroos's passing to initiate counterattacks.
Even if Kroos was marked tightly, they still had Srna.
And in attack, it was naturally the combination of Suker and Bale, the speedy duo.
This ensured both defense and sufficient counterattacking ability.
However, the midfield tempo was completely taken away by Barcelona.
Mourinho had to admit that the rookie Vilanova, as he thought, had given him a rude awakening!
"We're getting more and more passive!"
Suker frowned, feeling a bad premonition, and reminded them; "Don't give them space for through balls!"
Real Madrid did just that; they wouldn't give Xavi an easy chance to launch an attack.
Time passed bit by bit.
Barcelona controlled the situation while slowly probing.
Finally, in the 78th minute, Xavi seized an opportunity.
Taking advantage of Casemiro's slip, Xavi dragged the ball, turned, tapped it horizontally, immediately passed it to Messi, and then made a diagonal sprint to follow up.
Messi received the ball and did not break through along the wing, but rather dribbled horizontally.
The continuous shifts in attacking direction caused some confusion in Real Madrid's defense.
Suddenly, Messi stopped the ball with his foot, running horizontally by himself.
The stopped ball was followed up by the surging Xavi, who took a powerful touch forward, and with just that one touch, Xavi had already passed Real Madrid's defensive line.
"Oh!!! The run! Xavi! Chance!"
González roared, watching the field nervously.
Xavi swept the ball towards the goal, and Pedro followed up with a shot.
Bang!
The ball rebounded off Real Madrid Goalkeeper Adán's chest.
"A brilliant save!" González had barely finished speaking when he saw Messi appear at the rebound's landing spot: "Danger! Messi! One touch!"
Facing the falling ball, Messi calmly pushed a shot.
The ball sailed over Ramos's leg, who was blocking from the side, and nestled into the bottom left corner of the goal.
Barcelona, near the 80th minute, with a formation change, transformed their attacking mindset and state, and once again blasted open Real Madrid's goal, equalizing the score.
Especially the cooperation between Messi, Xavi, and Pedro; the three of them tore apart Real Madrid's defense.
Watching the ball go into the net, Suker couldn't help but shake his head: "They're truly like a persistent ghost!"
Barcelona was just like that!
Whenever he thought they were completely suppressed, they would suddenly emerge and pose a threat.
This double pivot tactic, Barcelona had clearly practiced.
They probably intended to use it in the Champions League, or bring it out in crucial matches.
But unexpectedly, it was forced out by Real Madrid in the seventh round of the League.
However, this could also be considered a good thing!
At the very least, they forced out Barcelona's secret tactic, giving them ample time to study it.
Hoo~~~
Mourinho sighed: "Let's hold the score!"
He had to admit he had been outmaneuvered by Vilanova.
After this tactic, Barcelona didn't exert full force, giving Real Madrid the illusion that they could hold on.
When Mourinho strengthened his defense, Barcelona suddenly unleashed their power, and after continuous attacks, they finally scored.
And at this point, Mourinho had only one substitution left, unable to make large-scale tactical changes.
The situation and tempo were entirely with Barcelona.
Of course, they would also continue to attempt counterattacks, but it might just be Suker and Bale being continuously fouled, hindering their counterattacks.
Barcelona used this to continuously press forward.
Soon, Mourinho's thoughts were confirmed.
This also meant that Vilanova had indeed planned this, he had set a trap for Mourinho.
Mourinho had indeed underestimated Vilanova.
He hadn't expected Vilanova to deploy a double pivot, disrupting Real Madrid's rhythm.
However, fortunately, Real Madrid managed to hold on for the remaining time, fixing the score at 2:2.
They secured a draw away from home while forcing Barcelona to reveal their tactics.
Some gains, some losses!
"The match has ended. What a brilliant tactical confrontation! Vilanova's sudden formation change allowed Barcelona to escape their previous predicament, not only stabilizing the situation but also equalizing the score. Although they ultimately couldn't secure the victory, they still managed to defend their home honor!"
"Real Madrid didn't adapt to Barcelona's sudden formation change, but next time, Real Madrid will surely be prepared. Barcelona's crisis still exists!"
"In the third round of the 2012/2013 La Liga season, Barcelona drew with Real Madrid at home! They still couldn't secure a victory, but through this match, we also saw the changes Barcelona's new Head Coach, Vilanova, brought to the team. We look forward to their even better performance in the future."
"Alright! Guys, it's time for us to say goodbye!"
On the field, players from both teams returned to their respective locker rooms.
Suker and Messi, however, were surrounded by the media.
A Catalonia reporter asked Messi a question about the formation change.
"We had already practiced this tactic at the beginning of the season, but we didn't expect to use it so soon. From the results, it's very good. Of course, this tactic is not yet perfect and still needs some adjustments. More details, I can't say!"
After Messi finished speaking, he immediately left.
On the other side, Suker was also asked the same question.
Suker: "It was indeed a bit surprising. After all, Barcelona has always used Busquets' single pivot tactic. A sudden change in formation made us a bit unfamiliar, and in this situation, we adopted a conservative defensive tactic."
"Of course, I'm not questioning the Head Coach. Any normal person encountering this situation would make the same choice, wanting to establish a defense and observe, especially since we were already leading by one goal at that time."
"The result is acceptable, but next time, we will play better."
"As for my own performance, I'm quite satisfied, but there's still room for improvement."
With that, Suker also immediately left.
Inside the locker room, the players weren't disheartened.
An away draw was considered achieving their goal.
However, the coaching staff would be busy again.
Of course, if Mourinho were irresponsible, he could completely ignore it.
After all, he would be leaving in the winter transfer window, and he clearly wouldn't be able to participate in the next round.
But Mourinho didn't do that.
After they returned to the training base, Mourinho immediately organized a debriefing meeting.
On one hand, to summarize the problems from the match.
On the other hand, to research Barcelona's new tactics.
Most of the team was accustomed to this, but Suker and Ramos were aware that Mourinho was about to leave.
Especially Ramos, he had a lot of strong opinions about Mourinho.
But this time, he also greatly admired Mourinho.
After all, he could have just ignored everything; he wouldn't be there for the next match.
But he didn't turn a blind eye and still faithfully fulfilled his duties as Head Coach.
This way, even if Mourinho left, they would still have more tactical references when facing Barcelona in the next round.
"That's all for today. In-depth tactics will be thoroughly researched by the coaching staff before being practiced."
Mourinho dismissed the players, while he and the coaching staff continued their meeting.
The players left one after another.
After a tough match, they were hungry and tired, ready to go back and get some good rest.
When Suker walked out of the tactics room, he saw Ramos standing in the hallway, his gaze somewhat lost.
"What's wrong?"
Suker patted Ramos's shoulder and asked.
Ramos came back to his senses and sighed, "It's a bit strange! I always thought Mourinho was a complete jerk, but today, his professional attitude made me change my mind."
Suker smiled, "He was never a jerk. It's just that based on our own positions and interests, we had conflicts."
Ramos nodded, then sighed, "He is indeed a very charismatic Head Coach. It would be even better if he hadn't suppressed us."
Suker shook his head, "It's too late to say these things."
"Yeah! It's too late!" Ramos turned his head, "Who's the next Head Coach?"
Suker shrugged, "How would I know!"
Ramos: "Is there anything you don't know?"
Ramos believed Suker was Real Madrid's know-it-all; it seemed there were no secrets in Real Madrid before him.
"I really don't know. I only received news that after the winter break, Leidep will be the interim coach, and Zidane will serve as Assistant Coach!"
Ramos then nodded, "Mr. Leidep resigned as the B team coach, so he's going to be the first-team coach!"
"Interim coach." Suker shrugged, "Once the new Head Coach is confirmed, he'll become the head of youth development."
Pausing, Suker asked, "Have you seen Iker recently?"
Casillas had been making very few appearances.
Even when he came to training, he would arrive and leave in a hurry, unwilling to stay long at the club.
Presumably, he didn't want to see Mourinho.
There were even a few times when the guy skipped training.
Mourinho didn't say anything, but it angered Florentino, who dragged him over and gave him a good scolding.
From this perspective, Casillas was really courting disaster.
No matter what, he couldn't skip training!
Florentino cared most about the players' individual status; if there were any toxic elements in the team, he would immediately remove them.
Casillas wasn't a toxic element, but he was currently acting like one.
Skipping training, this was a very serious matter.
Listening to Suker's words, Ramos shook his head, "Haven't seen him."
With that, Ramos left, clearly not wanting to continue talking about Casillas.
Suker didn't mind either, turned around, went back to the locker room to pack his bag, and left.
As soon as he arrived at the villa, Suker saw Zorancic rushing out the door.
"Where are you going?"
Suker immediately asked.
Zorancic saw Suker and immediately stopped him, "You came at the right time, let's go together, I'll tell you on the way!"
Zorancic drove to the Spain Royal Hospital.
It turned out that AC Milan's chairman, Berlusconi, had his condition worsen and was preparing for surgery.
His chief surgeon worked at the Spain Royal Hospital, and for better surgical quality, he traveled to Spain for treatment.
In the VIP room, Berlusconi lay on the hospital bed, a ventilator over his nose, his face gaunt, and his whole body emaciated.
Looking at Suker in front of him, Berlusconi showed a weak smile and said, "Seeing you, this old man almost cried."
He took a few breaths, "I thought of those passionate years when we were in Milan!"
Berlusconi's cheeks were flushed, clearly very excited and proud.
"At that time, who wasn't afraid of Milan?"
Suker: "Please don't talk yet, take a few easy breaths!"
"I'm not going to die yet!" Berlusconi cursed with a smile.
Suker smiled, "You're in the mood to joke, your condition isn't bad!"
"Much worse than before." Berlusconi shook his head and said, "Oh, by the way, congratulations on becoming a father. I've seen pictures of the child, he looks exactly like you."
"Thank you!" Suker said with a smile.
"Are you doing well here?" Berlusconi asked.
Suker shrugged.
"Have you thought about coming back?"
Suker: "You should hurry and inhale oxygen, you're starting to talk nonsense!"
"I'm serious!" Berlusconi suddenly said, "If you're willing, I'll pay the buyout clause!"
Suker was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
Berlusconi also sighed.
He knew it would be this answer!
When people get old and sick, they always want to make up for some regrets!
If it had been possible back then, he really wouldn't have wanted to let Suker go.
"Don't be impulsive!" Suker slowly said, "This isn't just a transfer issue, it involves many other things. Besides, even if you paid five hundred million, Milan would be investigated by UEFA! Boss, you can't be impulsive!"