Di Maria's assist virtually killed the suspense of the match, and Suker also announced that he maintained excellent match form in the second half of the season with a hat-trick.
However, what was most curious was Real Madrid's tactics; so far, no one knew how Real Madrid played so tough.
Especially the first two goals, which looked like pure luck.
For the rest of the time, Real Madrid changed their previous chaotic style and began to defend steadily. Atletico Madrid was eager to turn the tide but couldn't match it with actual action.
Finally, the 90-minute match ended.
In the 18th round of the 2012/2013 La Liga season, Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 3-0.
This match ended.
But the discussion about this match did not end.
Spain's Marca congratulated Suker on his hat-trick immediately, and also put a question mark on Real Madrid's tactics.
Leidup, as the Head Coach, also did not give a definite answer at the post-match press conference, simply brushing off media reporters with a light 'player performance is key.'
To be honest, Leidup couldn't explain this tactic either!
Therefore, saying less is always right!
The external discussion was extremely intense, which once again made Real Madrid a topic of discussion in Europe.
It wasn't like the first half of the season, where internal conflicts were the topic, but rather tactical issues.
From any perspective, the latter still had more prestige.
The heated discussion spread, but soon another big piece of news overshadowed this trend.
The 2012 FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony will be held at the FIFA headquarters in Switzerland.
As soon as this news broke, the focus of major media outlets around the world shifted.
They began to make various speculations about the Ballon d'Or, but no matter what the speculation, they almost never bypassed Suker.
Except for a few extreme media outlets that disliked Suker, most mainstream media believed that Suker would win his fifth Ballon d'Or.
No way!
Last season was Suker's most explosive year!
Champions League, La Liga, European Cup—all major high-value competitions were won.
He also monopolized the La Liga, Champions League, and European Cup Golden Boots!
With his crazy performance of scoring over 50 goals in a single La Liga season, it was truly difficult for anyone to compete with Suker.
Even if Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were combined, they wouldn't be qualified.
On January 11th, under the watchful eyes of all, Suker attended the FIFA Ballon d'Or awards ceremony with his son.
He finally received his fifth Ballon d'Or from Pelé.
The appearance of this Ballon d'Or signifies that Suker has officially widened the gap with active players and entered the ranks of historical players, even being among the top in that category.
For Suker.
His only current honor deficiency is a World Cup.
But it is often the World Cup that has held back too many people.
Therefore, Suker lifting his fifth Ballon d'Or indirectly spurred excitement for the 2014 World Cup.
Although there is still some time until the World Cup!
But many fans are already looking forward to Suker's performance in the World Cup.
Suker's fifth Ballon d'Or will naturally be heavily highlighted by Real Madrid.
Even Florentino personally went to the airport to pick up Suker, which also caused a great deal of heated discussion.
As the President of Real Madrid, he actually took the initiative to welcome a player.
However, facing the media cameras, Florentino smiled and stated that Suker had brought enough honor to Real Madrid, and this was the treatment he deserved.
From this, many people could feel Florentino's affection for Suker.
After all, the two are a community of interests; the better Suker performs, the more popular Florentino's original desperate, historical transfer plan will become.
A simple airport pickup not only further boosted Suker's popularity but also greatly benefited Real Madrid and himself. Why not?
The day after returning to Spain, Florentino contacted Marca for an exclusive interview.
This time, Florentino was very enthusiastic, even personally arranging everything.
Real Madrid's trophy room has a circular structure.
The entire space is circular, with deep blue walls and a white ceiling, and a huge Real Madrid club crest laid out on the floor.
A circular groove is carved into the walls, displaying Real Madrid's major trophies from over the years.
Of course, most of them are La Liga and Champions League trophies.
A total of 34 La Liga Championship trophies and 11 Champions League trophies.
Under the illumination of the light strips, they shimmer, giving a simple yet magnificent feeling.
"Put them all here!"
Florentino directed the staff to arrange Suker's five Ballon d'Or awards and various personal accolades in a circle around the Real Madrid club crest.
However, due to the abundance of awards, some couldn't fit, so trophies with relatively less significance, such as the Croatian Footballer of the Year, were removed.
Then, the staff brought in a sofa and placed it behind the club crest, allowing Suker to sit down.
The final scene presented was Suker's personal awards encircling the club crest within Real Madrid's dazzling trophy room.
And these awards highlighted Suker.
Suker sat on the sofa, his expression a bit helpless.
He had received the interview invitation and knew it was arranged by Florentino, but he hadn't expected it to turn out like this.
Suker had never thought of showing off his personal awards, but Florentino believed that if you don't show them, how will others know you're strong?
If you don't show them, how will they know you have so many awards?
If you don't show them, how will you generate buzz?
Ultimately, Suker still followed Florentino's arrangement and proceeded with the photoshoot.
"Suker, turn a little to the left, show your profile."
The photographer was in charge of taking pictures, while Florentino was still directing Suker's movements.
"Son, smile more, don't be so stiff; yes, just like that, hold on a little longer."
Florentino's grin was almost splitting his face; he had never been this happy.
However, Florentino was still not satisfied, feeling that the photographer couldn't capture the feeling he wanted.
"Who found this photographer? Next time, find a better one!"
Florentino complained to his secretary, then immediately turned back with a smiling face: "We'll take ten more! It'll be quick."
Suker's cheeks were almost stiff from smiling.
His face was stretched into a smile, but his eyes couldn't curve up anymore.
Seeing Suker's forced expression, Florentino finally said, "Alright, that's enough!"
"Hoo~~~"
Suker couldn't help but let out a breath and immediately jumped up from the sofa.
"This feels terrible, I'd rather fight a match to the death with Barcelona!" Suker complained.
Florentino couldn't help but burst into laughter; he personally handed Suker a bottle of water, twisting open the cap.
"There's still an exclusive interview later, just bear with it a little longer."
Suker couldn't help but grimace, but he could only shake his head, unable to refuse.
The exclusive interview was still in the trophy room, but almost all of Suker's personal awards were removed, leaving only the five Ballon d'Or awards.
Two sofas were placed in front of the club crest, with Suker and Florentino sitting side by side.
To Suker's side was a simple trophy stand, on which rested the five Ballon d'Or awards.
Cesc Cavallero, a famous reporter from Marca, smiled and looked at the two, saying, "Then let's begin!"
The camera turned on, and Cavallero skillfully delivered his opening remarks.
"Hello everyone, we are honored to have Real Madrid President Mr. Perez and star player Suker for this exclusive interview. I believe this will be a very interesting time."
Cavallero first looked at Suker: "Suker, congratulations on receiving your fifth Ballon d'Or."
Suker smiled at this, extending his hand for a handshake, expressing his gratitude.
"How does it feel to win your fifth Ballon d'Or?" Cavallero asked.
Suker: "Of course, I'm very excited. I still feel like I'm in the FIFA headquarters in Switzerland, and Mr. Pelé's face is incredibly clear. I received the trophy from him, and it's my honor."
"Of course, at the moment I received the trophy, I also reflected on my professional career path. This trophy is the best reward for me!"
"Alright, the warm-up is over, now for the real questions." Cavallero is known for his tricky questions.
He looked at Suker, his gaze slightly sharp: "You won the Champions League with AC Milan, and you won the Champions League with Real Madrid. What different feelings do you have playing for these two teams?"
Suker: "From a competitive standpoint, they are two teams with very different styles and cannot be directly compared. Of course, I know you scoundrels don't want to hear this, but I still have to say it, that's just how it is!"
Castro and Florentino both couldn't help but laugh.
After laughing, Suker continued, "Both of these teams are very important to me, like parents."
"Milan gave me tremendous help in the early stages of my career. Berlusconi, Maldini, Gattuso, Inzaghi, and others, they taught me many things. I have always been grateful to them. Without a doubt, I love Milan! Even now, that's still true. That period imprinted a deep red and black knight spirit on me, and it is precisely because of that that I have been able to grow to where I am today!"
"Real Madrid's help to me was equally important. Mr. Perez believed in me, and my teammates trusted me. We fought together for the team's honor. During that time, I was also growing, and they told me how to become an even better professional player!"
"So, regarding your question, I cannot compare them, just like asking whether I like my dad or my mom more. I cannot make a choice because I love them both!"
Suker's words were very sincere, which made Florentino and Casillas unable to help but applaud.
Florentino also smiled and said, "This is also why I chose Suker. This kid was born to play for Real Madrid. Whether it's his talent or other aspects, I firmly believe he is the white warrior in our hearts!"
Castro: "In 2009, Real Madrid's transfer targets were Suker and Ronaldo. Why was Suker ultimately chosen?"
Florentino: "I want to state first that I was always firmly set on Suker from beginning to end. Calderón chose Ronaldo, but fortunately, I won the public election and brought Suker to Real Madrid. This is also the most correct decision I have made so far!"
"Can we talk about Mourinho?" Castro's interview pace was fast, and the topics discussed were all targeted.
Suker subconsciously glanced at Florentino, who had a calm expression.
Suker wouldn't believe it wasn't arranged by Florentino!
With these topics, would this guy dare to bring them up without Florentino's approval? "
"Of course!"
Sure enough, Florentino nodded.
Immediately, Florentino showed a bitter smile; "This was a failed collaboration. Of course, I am not blaming Mr. Mourinho; he did a great job, and his achievements speak for themselves."
"But he focused too much on results and overlooked other aspects, such as the locker room issue."
Castro looked at Suker, and Suker immediately responded:
"It's regrettable, but some relationships are just like that. Mr. Mourinho didn't do anything wrong, and neither did we, but the mistake was a lack of communication."
Listening to Suker's answer, Florentino showed a satisfied expression.
"So, the locker room problem arose due to a lack of communication?"
Suker nodded; "I believe so. Mr. Mourinho emphasized that the Head Coach manages the first team, and for that reason, during that period, Mr. Perez would not interfere in these matters, but the problem often is—"
Before Suker could finish, Florentino suddenly spoke up.
"Problems often arise due to a lack of communication."
Florentino glanced at Suker, who immediately shut his mouth, realizing it wasn't his turn anymore.
Clearly, Florentino intended to use this exclusive interview to completely erase the previous public opinion.
"Mr. Mourinho has his own persistence; everything he did was for results, which we all understand, but sometimes when the methods are too drastic and there's a lack of communication, conflicts will breed!"
"It's regrettable that as the club's President, I failed to mediate this conflict, and therefore I also bear an undeniable responsibility!"
"Iker is an impulsive person, and Mr. Mourinho couldn't communicate well with him, ultimately leading to turmoil in the locker room. You all saw the final result, and we are also very regretful."
Suker looked at Florentino again; he was bringing up Casillas.
He was going to pin the blame on Casillas and prepare for a reckoning.
For the rest of the time, Suker stopped speaking. Clearly, this exclusive interview had special arrangements.
It involved self-promotion, but also Florentino's considerations.
The entire interview lasted over an hour, covering many topics, and finally concluded.
"We will edit it tonight, and it will be on TV tomorrow!" Castro said to Florentino, then looked at Suker again and extended his hand, "Congratulations again."
After speaking, he took a football from his assistant, showing a slightly embarrassed expression, and said, "You know, there are many of your fans throughout Madrid, and my son happens to be one of them. Could you…?"
Suker chuckled, took the football, signed it quickly, and even wrote a blessing.
Only then did Castro leave contentedly.
After Castro left, the staff began moving Suker's trophies, returning them to Suker's villa.
Suker, meanwhile, walked with Florentino towards the office building.
In the evening, the weather was a bit chilly.
Suker tightened his down jacket, hands in his pockets, walking beside Florentino.
Florentino wore a long woolen overcoat, a scarf around his neck, and leather gloves on his hands.
He took out a cigar from his pocket, lit it, took a deep puff, and said without turning his head:
"Speak your mind!"
Suker: "Are you really going to settle accounts with Iker?"
Florentino: "You already know, don't you!"
Suker: "I thought you would delay it a bit, at least until the World Cup ends."
Casillas is currently the captain of the Spain National Team. Settling accounts with Casillas at this time would not be easy for Real Madrid.
"If he stays, would you be happy?" Florentino retorted.
Suker couldn't help but sigh.
There was no direct conflict between him and Casillas, but his big-mouthed girlfriend's remarks caused Suker and Casillas' relationship to plummet.
Moreover, Suker didn't believe it was a fabricated story by that woman.
Casillas definitely said such things, though it might have been in anger, he did say them, which is why the other party remembered and exposed them.
It could be said that with Casillas active in the locker room now, Suker genuinely wasn't very happy.
Although he tried to pretend not to see it, he couldn't truly achieve that level of obliviousness.
"The board also discussed this issue with me, and people from the National Team have also come," Florentino said.
Suker said in surprise, "The Spain National Team knows too?"
Florentino nodded; "I don't know their source of information, but they do know, and they hope we don't sell Casillas, just as you said, at least keep him until after the 2014 World Cup!"
Suker nodded; it was correct for the National Team to have this consideration.
"So, you still plan to sell him?"
Florentino stopped in front of a small mound. The cold wind rustled, blowing through Florentino's white hair. The old man sniffed and pointed at the mound, "This used to be a youth training ground. From here to the foot of the mountain, it was all youth training. Iker grew up here, from a small, ordinary kid, all the way to becoming Real Madrid's starting Goalkeeper, Captain, and even the National Team Captain!"
At this point, Florentino narrowed his eyes: "He grew up relying on Real Madrid's promotion system, but now he has started to defy discipline. Two years ago, he repeatedly caused trouble and questioned the board's decisions!"
"Back then, for your sake, I sent Raúl away!"
Upon hearing this, Suker sigh and waved his hand: "Let's not talk about that!"
Florentino turned his head: "It was like that with Raúl, and it's like that with Iker. I need to make those kids understand that Real Madrid can give them everything, and it can also take everything away!"
"They depend on Real Madrid, and are not above the team!"
Suker raised an eyebrow slightly.
Was the old man giving him a warning?