The match between Real Madrid and Granada was almost a complete rout.
After the offensive line exerted pressure, Granada's defense couldn't hold up and was on the verge of collapsing.
And once Real Madrid scored two goals, the match was basically over.
During halftime, Ancelotti substituted Suker, allowing him to conserve more energy and maintain his form for the Champions League.
Ancelotti was very considerate of Suker.
He wouldn't overuse Suker like Mourinho did; he would give him appropriate rest time to recover his form and physical condition.
In the previous two seasons, under Mourinho, Suker played every single match.
But Ancelotti wouldn't do that!
Of course, for Suker, physical issues weren't a concern since he had the State Recovery Card, but he still needed some mental recuperation.
Long periods of high-intensity matches, even for Suker, were difficult to endure.
Moreover, in almost every match Suker played, he had to shoulder the role of the main attacker.
Therefore, this current balance of work and rest was very comfortable.
He would coast when he could, and exert himself when needed.
Currently, Suker mostly focused on passing and advancing the ball, rarely getting involved in direct confrontations.
Of course, it wasn't that Suker was incapable; it was just not his time to exert himself.
Heavyweight weapons should be deployed at critical moments, and there was no need to put Suker on the front line to break through Granada's defense.
In the second half, after Suker was substituted, Pato came on.
Ancelotti was also closely monitoring Pato's condition.
Pato couldn't move through the team as freely as Suker; even if he wanted to, the others wouldn't allow it.
Suker was Real Madrid's absolute ace; his honors, ability, and experience were all proven, so the players were convinced.
But Pato was not!
He was a core player at Milan, but at Real Madrid, who hadn't been a core player at some point?
Pato was more of a left-wing attacker, and when Pato came on, Benzema would drop back more.
Bale also wanted to move towards the center more, like Suker, to seek more scoring opportunities.
But Bale wasn't Suker!
His heading, finishing, and ability to seize opportunities in the penalty area were all a notch below.
It could be said that Bale was threatening on the wing.
But if he was placed in the center, the effect would be greatly diminished.
"Bale is still more suited for the wing!" Zidane nodded slightly, watching Bale's performance.
Ancelotti didn't speak; he wouldn't make judgments easily.
However, from the current situation, Bale's effectiveness in the center was indeed poor; it not only compressed Benzema's space but also didn't increase efficiency.
Moreover, if Bale kept running to the center, what would Benzema think?
He let Suker have it, and that was that!
But with Bale, he was both a partner and an equal forward player.
If he had to give up his position to Bale, he would feel aggrieved.
Phew~~~
Ancelotti shook his head; having a group of star players meant strong ability, but also many hidden agendas.
No one was willing to yield to anyone; trying to integrate these people was not a simple matter.
"Let's take it slow!"
Ancelotti said slowly:
The pace of the second half slowed down, and Suker was almost falling asleep watching.
Lots of passing, but no attacking.
Of course, there was an element of Kaka trying to run down the clock, but for the fans, it was indeed a bit dull.
Watching this match, the fans couldn't help but look forward to the start of the Champions League even more.
The Champions League is a competition between football teams from different Leagues, so every match is extremely exciting.
The clash of different tactics and styles makes the matches even more thrilling.
Real Madrid was drawn into Group E in this Champions League.
Champions League Group E: Real Madrid, Chelsea, Schalke 04, and Steaua Bucuresti.
The overall intensity was quite good.
Of course, it wasn't as brutal as last season's Champions League group stage.
At that time, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund were all grouped together.
However, it still couldn't be underestimated.
Mourinho had just joined Chelsea and initiated the Blue Army 2.0 mode.
Schalke 04 also had considerable fighting power and was considered the most competitive team besides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Finally, there was Steaua Bucuresti, a Romanian football club that had fought its way up from the qualifiers and was also a local powerhouse.
In ancient times, they were the winners of the 1958 European Champions Clubs' Cup, and also the first Eastern Europe team to lift the Champions League!
This season's Champions League group stage still had plenty of highlights.
Of course, strong teams in other groups also needed attention.
Real Madrid's goal wasn't just to advance from the group stage, but to go straight for the Champions League title.
Therefore, in addition to the teams in their own group, strong teams from other groups also needed attention, for example, Bayern Munich was one of them.
Before long, the match in the stadium ended.
Under the dull second half, the fans were also a bit sleepy.
But they didn't make too many criticisms; they knew the team was preparing for the Champions League and various other competitions, and a reckless charge would be a problem.
Ultimately, Real Madrid defeated Granada 3:1, securing two consecutive wins.
Suker, with a goal and an assist in this match, maintained his stable performance.
"I'm quite satisfied with my performance. Our biggest goal at this stage is to integrate the team and form the best fighting force for this season, so compared to the score, we pay more attention to the content of the match!"
Suker spoke eloquently in front of the media.
One naive young man, seemingly a new reporter, suddenly spoke up: "Suker, your goal count has clearly decreased a bit. Does this mean your form is also declining?"
Hearing this, Suker turned to look.
And the reporters around him also looked disgusted.
What a idiotic question!
Before Suker could speak, a Marca reporter next to him looked down at the other's work badge; it was a rookie reporter sent by an unknown small media outlet.
The Marca reporter retorted directly: "Goals don't represent everything. You need to understand the content of the match, and also..."
The reporter pointed at Suker and said, "Does he need to prove anything with goals?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding reporters applauded.
Suker also smiled and gave a thumbs-up to this reporter.
As for the rookie reporter who was rebutted, he was clearly a bit flustered, his face flushed, and he quietly retreated from the crowd.
"Alright, gentlemen, that's all for today's interview. I should go back!"
Suker smiled and waved his hand, then turned and left.
As soon as he reached the locker room door, he saw Bale and Benzema arguing fiercely, as if they were quarreling.
Their arguing attracted the attention of many staff members around them.
These people stopped to watch.
Soon, Ramos came out of the locker room and pulled both of them inside.
Suker also glanced around, then quickly walked into the locker room.
"You always move towards the center, where do you want me to go? Your position is on the wing; you can't always come and invade my position!"
"I think there's an opportunity in the middle, and your position is being tightly marked. I can run around from behind!"
"Nonsense! You run over and immediately draw the full-back as well. What was originally a one-on-one directly becomes a two-on-three!"
"Doesn't Suker run like that too?"
"Suker and I have intersecting runs, not like you, just forcing your way in?"
"Then you should also make intersecting runs with me!"
"I won't! Why should I give up my position to you?"
The two argued fiercely, and Ramos and the others on the side also looked like they had a headache.
On the field, the two had already been bickering a bit.
Benzema kept expressing his dissatisfaction to Bale.
Bale said he understood, but he still kept drifting towards the center again and again.
It almost made Benzema lose his cool!
Bale always drifted towards the center, forcing Benzema to the wing.
He not only lost scoring opportunities but also played aggrieved.
It was clearly his position, so why should he give it up?
Suker also understood.
Bale always ran towards the center in the second half; he had seen that scene too.
And that position belonged to Benzema.
One or two times, fine, Benzema would let it go.
But if it happened every time, no matter how good Benzema's temper was, he couldn't stand it.
"Gentlemen, you need to calm down."
Ancelotti walked in to stop the argument.
Seeing Ancelotti, Benzema immediately complained furiously, looking exactly like a child telling on someone.
Bale, on the other hand, had a tight face, clearly unhappy.
Ancelotti patted Benzema's shoulder and comforted him, "I'll handle it, trust me, okay?"
Benzema nodded only after listening to Ancelotti.
After that, the two of them stopped talking.
"Aren't you going to try and persuade him?"
Srna leaned over and asked.
Suker looked up, "It's normal to have a little disagreement; as long as no one resorts to violence, they're still friends."
Kaka, who was nearby, also nodded and said, "The boss will handle it!"
Ancelotti was adept at resolving such conflicts; he was skilled in this area even during his time at Milan.
Upon returning to the training ground, Bale and Benzema were both called away by Ancelotti, presumably for a discussion.
Suker was just about to head home when Ramos and Casillas approached him.
"Do you have time?"
It was Casillas who spoke.
Suker was somewhat surprised; since the various incidents of last season, he and Casillas had rarely communicated.
This time, it was Casillas who had actively sought out Suker.
"I've prepared some food that you like. How about we have dinner together tonight?" Casillas seemed a bit anxious, as if very worried that Suker would refuse.
Suker glanced at Ramos, who was standing nearby; he grinned and nodded slightly at Suker.
Suker then said, "Alright! If it's not good, I won't pay the bill!"
Casillas immediately smiled, "I invited the best Chinese chef in Spain!"
Suker shrugged, "Sounds good."
Suker didn't drive; he directly rode in Casillas's car, and together with Ramos, the three of them headed to Casillas's villa.
Upon arriving at the villa, Suker was still quite worried about encountering Casillas's big-mouthed girlfriend, as she had often spoken ill of Suker.
It would inevitably be very awkward if they met.
But Suker was overthinking; Casillas wouldn't be that foolish!
The entire villa only had the three of them, and a sumptuous Chinese meal was already prepared on the dining table.
Suker liked home-style Chinese dishes, and Casillas, somehow knowing this, had even asked the chef to prepare such a meal.
Suker ate very contentedly.
As a professional athlete, he couldn't always eat rice, so he seized this rare opportunity and ate his fill.
Up to this point, Casillas hadn't mentioned anything, until after dinner, while drinking coffee, Casillas solemnly said,
"Suker, on behalf of Sara, I sincerely apologize to you again!" Casillas said earnestly.
Suker was about to speak, but Casillas directly cut him off.
"We are getting married!"
Suker: "..."
Now, Suker couldn't say, "You are you, and she is her."
Casillas sighed, "She has already received enough punishment; she has been dismissed and blacklisted in the media industry. I know she was at fault, but I hope you can forgive her."
Sara is still unemployed at home; after being a journalist for half her life, the connections and circle she built were ruined by her own big mouth.
The power that blacklisted her came from high-level government officials, a height Sara could not reach.
Even with Casillas pleading on her behalf, it would be difficult to lift the ban.
Therefore, the one who tied the bell must untie it; Suker is the key.
Secondly, Casillas is about to leave Real Madrid; his heart has gradually grown old, and he has begun to entertain thoughts of retirement.
Perhaps after the 2014 World Cup, he will gradually retire.
And after retirement, he will inevitably return to Real Madrid, as this is his base, to rebuild his football career from there.
But the problem is, if his misunderstanding with Suker is not resolved, there will always be a rift in Real Madrid, and his future development will be hindered.
Therefore, Casillas has completely bowed his head this time.
Following his struggle with Mourinho and the suppression by Florentino, he is now destined to leave.
Casillas has now lost his former sharpness, and he has become much more adaptable.
He knows that if some things are not done, they will ultimately harm him.
For his future development.
For Sara's future.
He must bow his head!
Ultimately, it wasn't about being wrong, but about being afraid!
Suker also looked at Casillas, but in his mind, he saw them when they first met.
Casillas was full of vigor then.
Suker was coming and going in Madrid at that time.
Then, the two were kindred spirits; for honor and for victory, they were the closest comrades-in-arms.
Entering a prestigious club is like entering a deep sea; some things must be fought for.
And because of this, their relationship was no longer so harmonious.
Suker didn't know if Casillas's apology was sincere, but it no longer mattered.
What was there to quibble about with someone who was about to leave?
Moreover, Casillas was, after all, the former leader of Real Madrid, and his influence there was still considerable.
It could be said that for Suker and Casillas to continue their animosity would not be good for either of them.
"I will clarify the issue with Sara. Of course, I can't guarantee whether the ban can be lifted, but I can certainly speak up!"
Suker said straightforwardly.
Upon hearing this, Casillas couldn't help but exhale and nodded, "Thank you!"
"There's nothing to thank me for." Suker waved his hand, then sighed, "Football should be a simple sport; besides involving wins and losses, there shouldn't be anything else, but... the current situation is indeed a bit complicated."
"There's no way." Casillas also smiled bitterly and shook his head, "People want too much, and resources are limited. If you don't fight for it, you won't get it, especially in an era where commercialization is rampant; some things are beyond your control."
Suker couldn't help but grin and said, "What are your plans?"
"No plans really." Casillas waved his hand, "After this season, I'll most likely transfer and leave. As for what happens next, I'll take it one step at a time."
He didn't bring up the topic of retirement, as Ramos was right there.
Some things, if heard by his National Team teammates, would certainly harm morale.
Therefore, Casillas had no intention of announcing this news before the 2014 World Cup.
Suker nodded, then suddenly said, "Are you interested in playing in Croatia?"
Upon hearing this, Casillas was stunned for a moment.
"Croatian League?"
This League was still somewhat unfamiliar to him.
Suker thought for a moment, then smiled and waved his hand, "Never mind, pretend I didn't say anything!"
Casillas going to play in the Croatian League would definitely raise the competitive level somewhat.
But the problem was that the Croatian League was too low-tier, and its competitiveness wasn't particularly outstanding.
Although Croatia and Portugal are now known as the producers of 'black shops' in Europe.
But the Primeira Liga is clearly the most competitive League outside of the Big Five Leagues, even showing signs of replacing Ligue 1 when it was in a slump.
Porto, Sporting Lisbon, Braga, Benfica—these are all Champions League regulars.
Among them, Porto and Benfica have even won the Champions League twice.
This achievement alone leaves the Croatian League far behind.
After all, Dinamo Zagreb, as the dominant team in the Croatian League, their best Champions League performance was the quarterfinals, achieved by Suker and others.
Although the players in the Primeira Liga, in terms of their market value, show a certain degree of inflated performance.
But the young players in the Croatian League also have the same problem.
Why are they called 'black shops'?
Their market value might be hyped up, and their cost-effectiveness isn't high, so they naturally get criticized.
But the allure of a Cristiano Ronaldo, a Suker, is too great.
Many people scout for talent in the Primeira Liga and the Croatian League, ultimately wanting to take a gamble.
What if a Suker or a Cristiano Ronaldo comes along?
Then their value would skyrocket, wouldn't it?
And for these reasons, it's almost impossible for Casillas to go play in Croatia.
Suker also stopped pressing this issue.
After Srna and the others return, let's first raise the League's competitiveness.
Suker didn't stay there for too long; after dinner, coffee, and discussing matters, Suker immediately left.
Ramos also left with Suker.
And looking at their departing backs, Casillas's eyes seemed a little dim.
Others were in their prime, while he was growing old!