Chapter 185: Penalty! Wonder Goal! Vengeful Madrid! The Red Lightning at the Bernabéu
The English Beast Becomes Arsenal's Worst Nightmare!
As Yang Cheng had predicted, the British media went wild after Bayswater Chinese's London Derby win at the Emirates, especially in praise of Andy Carroll's brace.
Several outlets even dubbed him the "English Beast."
With 8 Premier League goals, Andy Carroll had become the top English goalscorer in the league this season.
And the most remarkable part? He was only 20 years old.
The Sun dedicated nearly half a page to this rising "Air King" of English football.
"Andy Carroll was never an unknown in English football,"
"He made his debut for Newcastle in November 2006 and was their reserve team's top scorer in 2006/07."
"Since being called up to England's U19 squad in September 2007, he scored 4 goals in 8 appearances."
"He was already a promising name—but Newcastle continued to rely on veterans and never gave him a real chance."
"Now, after joining Bayswater Chinese, his entire career has turned around."
The Sun argued that Carroll's recent goal explosion was less about a fluke and more like a long-brewing breakout—years of energy finally unleashed.
With his rise, he was called up to England U21s in September. Manager Stuart Pearce gave him key responsibilities.
Carroll didn't disappoint.
In three U21 Euro qualifiers—against Macedonia away, Greece away, and Macedonia again at home—he scored five goals, leading England to two wins and a draw.
In the match at Coventry against Macedonia, Carroll scored a hat trick.
"In that match, he completely overshadowed established Premier League names like Wilshere, Cleverley, and Danny Rose."
The Sun credited Carroll's explosion to Yang Cheng's trust and support.
"Bayswater Chinese's commitment to wing play allowed Carroll's aerial advantage to flourish."
"With service constantly coming from wide areas and behind, he consistently found opportunities to threaten goal directly."
Reflecting on the Arsenal match, The Sun included detailed stats and made it clear:
Andy Carroll wasn't just a poacher or a big target man.
He contributed with interceptions, pressing, and link-up play.
"He's playing more and more like Drogba."
"Bayswater Chinese beat Arsenal at the Emirates by relying on Carroll's strength, and the pace of Bale and Walcott."
"This is a victory for English football."
"And Yang Cheng? This isn't his first time developing English talent."
In his first season at Bayswater Chinese, Yang Cheng had quickly developed Jonathan Stead, another highly promising target man.
"Stead was transferred to Blackburn under Souness for £8 million after only half a season of success."
"And in just six months, he conquered the Blackburn faithful and was hailed as England's next big hope."
"But after Souness left, Stead's career went downhill and he faded into obscurity, falling short of expectations."
"Six years later, we now see another rising English star—and it feels just like when we first saw Jonathan Stead."
The Sun urged Carroll and his agent Mark Curtis to be cautious and plan his future wisely—
"Don't walk the same path Stead did."
Interestingly, they even interviewed Jonathan Stead, who congratulated Carroll on his rapid rise and praised his talent.
"Carroll is even better than I was back then."
But he reminded Carroll that the support he was receiving now far exceeded what he had.
"He needs to stay grounded and understand his role in a team-focused system like Bayswater Chinese. Nothing is won alone."
Stead ended with a simple suggestion:
"He should stay at Bayswater Chinese. That would be the best outcome for him."
…
King of London!
The Guardian ran with that headline to describe Bayswater Chinese's win at the Emirates.
The respected outlet believed Yang Cheng's team had planted a flag in the heart of North London—a clear statement in the title race.
After this round, Bayswater Chinese had played just 8 matches, yet already secured 7 wins.
"Before the season started, many predicted disaster for Yang Cheng's team after selling four core players."
"But now we see Matic and Javi Martínez seamlessly replacing Yaya Touré, Piszczek and Marcelo locking down the flanks, and Carroll and Lewandowski stepping into Džeko's role."
"Bayswater Chinese's strength hasn't declined at all."
Even Ryan Bertrand, criticized pre-match, had a solid game.
"With a mature and stable tactical framework, Yang Cheng has maintained both the team's cohesion and competitiveness."
The Guardian concluded:
"This match proved it—Bayswater Chinese are the strongest club in London. The new standard-bearer."
They also revisited a quote from Yang Cheng before the season:
"We'll still be fighting for the title."
Looking back, it now seemed clear how confident Yang Cheng was in his squad.
But The Guardian also cautioned:
So far, Bayswater Chinese had only faced Manchester United and Arsenal in the league—one win, one loss.
The real challenge would come in the Champions League and the many big matches yet to come.
"If Yang Cheng's team wants to win the title, there's still a long way to go."
…
The Times columnist Howard gave his take, writing that this match wasn't just about Carroll's explosion—
It was a manager's victory.
"With four core starters lost over the summer, Wenger completely misjudged his position."
"He believed his Arsenal side had the upper hand on paper, and that cost him dearly."
"But He Seemed to Forget, the Premier League's Most Explosive Attack This Season Isn't Arsenal."
"They've only scored more because they've played one more match."
"And the best defensive team in the league? That's Bayswater Chinese."
"Yang Cheng's side has conceded two fewer goals than Hiddink's Chelsea—and everyone knows Hiddink is famous for his defense."
"So when Yang Cheng brought that rock-solid defense to the Emirates and used it to shut down Arsenal's attack, the Gunners' much-hyped firepower looked limp."
"They had only two shots in the entire first half—and not a single one on target!"
"Once Bayswater Chinese neutralized Arsenal's attack, the rest came down to whether Arsenal could defend."
In his column, Howard of The Times wrote that this match wasn't about player performance, but rather the decisions made by the managers. It was a tactical masterclass that separated the two teams.
"What's even more impressive is that Yang Cheng's team is facing far more difficult circumstances—they're scheduled to travel to Madrid in just three days to play Real Madrid."
"And yet, Arsenal still couldn't win at home."
Howard concluded:
"Yang Cheng's managerial skill has reached a masterful level. His team selection and tactics are simply outstanding."
"It's hard to believe he's only 30 years old."
"For years, people have said Bayswater Chinese's rise came from transfer deals, from their strong roster."
"But what's often overlooked is the man who always stands at the edge of the team photo—quiet and low-key—Yang Cheng."
"He's the one who orchestrated those transfers."
"He's the one who's led this young team to topple powerhouse after powerhouse."
"Football may be a stage built for stars—but this team belongs to Yang Cheng."
…
While the media frenzy raged on, over at Brent Training Centre, Bayswater Chinese were already fully focused on their next task:
The trip to the Bernabéu.
After playing Arsenal away on the 17th, the team held their final training session on the afternoon of the 20th. That evening, they boarded the club coach to Heathrow and flew out to Madrid on a chartered flight.
Nowadays, every away Champions League trip for Bayswater Chinese was a private flight.
Unfortunately, it still came out of the club's own pocket.
Yang Cheng had previously asked Adam Crozier to approach sponsors—perhaps an airline might step in.
They'd spoken to quite a few: Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa...
But nothing came of it. Mostly due to cost.
So for now, the club still paid everything themselves.
Even though the first team only had 23 players and just 18 traveled per match...
When you added coaching staff, medical staff, performance science team, new media department...
The chartered 60-seat Boeing for VIPs was packed to capacity.
Onboard, everyone was either listening to music, chatting, or snacking.
The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. Three hours later, they landed at Madrid–Barajas Airport.
After checking in at the team hotel, Yang Cheng still had things to take care of.
For example, the new media team had already finished editing the latest video.
The whole crew shared one trait: they were young and cool.
Boring training sessions and long road trips?
After their editing—with slick transitions and epic background music—it all looked dynamic and cinematic.
The slow-mo close-ups of players with dramatic cuts were just too good.
When it came to online marketing and media, Bayswater Chinese were ahead of every club in Europe.
Even clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid had started copying their approach.
Though with limited success...
"This is great. No notes," Yang Cheng said, returning the laptop to Jason, head of the new media team.
As Jason left, Yang Cheng found himself thinking:
Why hasn't the iPad come out yet?
Carrying a laptop everywhere was a hassle.
Moments later, assistant coach Brian Kidd knocked on Yang Cheng's door.
He brought concrete intel.
"Confirmed—Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered. He'll play this match."
Yang Cheng wasn't surprised. He nodded silently.
Ronaldo had picked up an injury in Matchday 2 of the Champions League against Marseille.
He'd missed two weeks of international duty and two La Liga games.
It had been more than 20 days—his return made sense.
The reason no one had confirmed it until now was a lack of solid sources.
"If that's true, then Real Madrid's starting lineup and tactics will definitely shift."
Ronaldo's presence made a big difference.
So far in La Liga, he'd played five matches and scored five goals.
Džeko had four goals.
Statistically, not much separated them.
But visually? The last two league games without Ronaldo had been brutal for Madrid.
For example, the 2–1 loss away to Sevilla in early October.
In that match, Džeko couldn't carry the team.
Three days ago, Madrid beat Valladolid 4–2 at home. Džeko scored once—but it was Raúl who netted twice.
That, in a way, cast doubt over Džeko's status.
More and more media were beginning to argue:
Džeko lacked Ronaldo's commanding, unstoppable presence.
People might dislike Ronaldo's arrogance...
But a team leader needs that attitude.
"We're guessing Pellegrini will stick with the 4-4-2 they've been working on all season," Brian Kidd said, handing over a handwritten starting lineup:
GK: Casillas
DEF: Drenthe, Ramos, Albiol, Maicon
MID: Ronaldo, Lass Diarra, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart
FW: Džeko and Raúl
From Yang Cheng's perspective, pairing Džeko and Raúl as a front two wasn't ideal.
Raúl was mobile and smart, but his positioning overlapped with Džeko.
The issue?
Raúl was club captain.
And now that Ronaldo had claimed the left wing, pushing Raúl out to the right just wasn't realistic.
So calling this a 4-4-2 was generous—it was more like an asymmetric 4-2-3-1.
Still, it had brought them a five-game winning streak in La Liga and two wins in the Champions League.
Nine games in total: 8 wins, 1 loss.
28 goals scored, 7 conceded.
A bit leaky at the back, sure—
but offensively, they were just as dangerous as Bayswater Chinese.
So heading into this match, pundits everywhere were calling it what it was:
A true clash of titans.
And almost certainly—a spectacular attacking showdown.
"Now That Ronaldo's Back, Should We Rethink Our Tactics?" Brian Kidd asked, a little concerned.
Yang Cheng's pre-match plan was to go toe-to-toe with Real Madrid in an attacking battle—even away from home.
But that was when Cristiano Ronaldo was still out injured.
And Madrid's midfield had looked fragile.
Now that the Portuguese star was back, was it still smart to play like that?
"What are you afraid of? We'll know if it works once we've played," Yang Cheng replied with a calm smile, full of grit.
…
October 21st, evening. Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid.
Champions League, Group Stage, Matchday 3.
Bayswater Chinese, away to Real Madrid.
As expected, Real Madrid's starting lineup was exactly as Yang Cheng and his team had predicted.
Higuaín was on the bench. Dutch midfielder Van der Vaart started on the right wing.
Yang Cheng also made some adjustments.
Starting XI – Bayswater Chinese:
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defenders: Marcelo, Thiago Silva, Pepe, Piszczek
Midfield: Matic (holding), Rakitic and Modrić (center)
Forwards: Di María, Lewandowski, Gareth Bale
Pellegrini's team wasn't your typical Latin-style side.
His version of Real Madrid, like his Villarreal before it, blended European structure with Latin flair.
His squads always emphasized movement.
Passing and off-the-ball runs were fluid and precise.
To counter that, Yang Cheng had his plan ready.
On defense, every time Madrid had the ball, Rakitic and Modrić dropped deep to align with Matic—forming a flat line in front of the back four, like a trio of defensive midfielders.
The front three also tracked back actively.
Bayswater Chinese's defensive shape became a system of three lines—
compact and layered, forming a dam in front of the defense.
Every time Madrid tried to enter the final third, they hit a wall.
No space. No lanes.
In the opening 10 minutes, despite Madrid's high tempo and pressing, they couldn't even penetrate the penalty area.
It looked exactly like the Arsenal game four days prior.
So Pellegrini reacted quickly.
Raúl began dropping deeper.
Van der Vaart cut inside more often.
They tried to work through the middle.
But that path was sealed.
Matic was an immovable wall, and with Modrić and Rakitic supporting him, central penetration was hopeless.
Then, in the 14th minute, just when a central passing move seemed to fizzle out and everyone expected Madrid to recycle…
Van der Vaart had a flash of inspiration—
He chipped a ball over Rakitic's head, landing it in the right side of the box.
Džeko got there first, using his body to shield Thiago Silva, chesting the ball down and gluing it to his foot.
With one turn, he feinted inside for a shot.
Silva, clearly outsized, lunged to block—
but it was a fake.
Džeko cut back, spun outside, and headed for the byline.
Silva was beaten.
In a panic, the Brazilian defender reached out and shoved Džeko to stop the run.
He managed to reach the ball and clear it—
but the whistle had already gone.
Belgian referee Franck De Bleeckere pointed straight to the spot.
Yellow card for Thiago Silva.
"The replay confirms it—undeniable foul. Silva struggled physically against his former teammate. Height and strength mismatch."
"This is the one area where Silva can be exposed."
Yang Cheng didn't dwell on the call.
He walked straight to the touchline and shouted to Silva, telling him to shake it off and keep going.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up.
He placed the ball, took a short run-up—
and calmly slotted it home.
1–0!
The Bernabéu exploded.
Over 80,000 fans went berserk.
Some even began taunting Yang Cheng from the stands.
He was, after all, one of the least welcome visitors in the Bernabéu in recent years.
Yang Cheng ignored the noise and waved toward Modrić and Matic, urging them to push the defensive line higher.
Don't retreat too deep.
Also—tighten the space around Raúl and Van der Vaart.
…
Three minutes after conceding, Bayswater Chinese struck back with a quick left-wing counter.
Di María hugged the touchline, accelerating past Maicon.
He didn't quite beat him but still managed a diagonal ball into the box, aimed for Lewandowski.
Casillas came out decisively and caught it before it reached him.
It wasn't a great chance—
Even if Casillas hadn't moved, Ramos probably would've stopped the Polish striker.
"So far, Bayswater Chinese have only managed two long-range attempts—not one has truly tested the Madrid goal."
But just two minutes later, another attack—again down the left.
Marcelo surged forward and played a direct pass to Di María.
The Argentine controlled it with his back to goal.
Maicon immediately applied pressure, keeping Di María from turning.
With no space, he passed back to Marcelo.
Xabi Alonso, who had been coming over to double-team Di María, turned instead to close down Marcelo.
The Brazilian stopped the ball, shifted slightly to the right—
and spotted Gareth Bale on the far side, signaling for the ball.
At that moment, Madrid's backline was aligned with Lewandowski at the top of the box.
Ahead of them?
Only Lass Diarra.
Marcelo didn't hesitate.
He sent a mid-range switch across the field—left wing to right half-space.
The pass was a bit high, but Bale brought it down smoothly.
By the time he settled it, Madrid's defense had already started shifting.
Drenthe, the left back, was sprinting toward Bale.
Lewandowski moved diagonally toward the right side of the box, drawing Madrid's line deeper.
Had they held higher, Bale could've chipped it in behind.
But since they dropped off, the midfield was now wide open.
Bale didn't pass.
He saw something else.
He shifted the ball inward and exploded forward—
driving into space.
With the momentum from his run, Bale reached the ball again and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike.
An absolute rocket from distance—stunning everyone.
Everyone expected a layoff to Lewandowski or a cross to Di María.
But Bale never hesitated.
He went for glory.
The Ball Shot Through the Air Like a Missile, Crashing into the Top Right Corner of Real Madrid's Goal
Even though Casillas flew across in a full-stretch dive, his reach—limited by height—wasn't enough. He couldn't get a fingertip to Gareth Bale's thunderous strike.
"GOAL!!!"
"An absolute screamer from Gareth Bale!"
"1–1!"
"In the 20th minute, from well over 30 meters out, Bale blasts one into the top corner of Madrid's net!"
"An absolute worldie!"
"Bale steps up in the biggest moment!"
"He's shown the world he's the most trustworthy player in this Bayswater Chinese side!"
"When the team needed him, he delivered!"
The entire Santiago Bernabéu erupted in deafening whistles and boos.
Every Real Madrid fan was venting their rage.
They couldn't believe it—on their home ground, that damned team had fired in a goal like that!
But the noise didn't faze Bayswater Chinese.
Their players celebrated openly and wildly, undeterred by the 80,000-plus Madridistas.
In fact, the jeers only fired them up more.
…
With Ronaldo's penalty and Bale's long-range missile, the game entered full-throttle mode.
At first, both sides had been cautious—especially Bayswater Chinese, playing away from home.
But as the game heated up and both teams began to identify the other's weak points, the tempo rose and the attacks became more daring.
Madrid were desperate to win at home.
But Yang Cheng wasn't backing down an inch.
Just five minutes after Bale's equalizer, he was tearing down the right again, latching onto a long ball from Pepe and sprinting past Drenthe like he wasn't even there.
Reaching the edge of the box, Bale stopped abruptly, cut back to his left foot, and fired in a low cross.
Rakitic came storming in to meet it near the top of the arc—
But Lass Diarra read it well, slid in, and cleared the ball before Rakitic could pull the trigger.
If Bale's screamer had been a statement, this was the follow-up punch.
Yang Cheng's intentions were clear: keep hammering Madrid's left.
Drenthe was the weak link.
But Madrid's offense was also coming from that flank.
In the 31st minute, a Real Madrid attack came down the left.
Džeko dropped deep, collected a pass near the edge of the box, and turned to slide the ball behind Bayswater's back line into the left side of the area.
Cristiano Ronaldo burned past Piszczek, latched onto Džeko's through ball, and calmly slotted it past Neuer.
2–1!
The Bernabéu erupted again!
Tens of thousands of fans roared Ronaldo's name.
The Portuguese star sprinted toward the corner flag, full of adrenaline, waving his arms at the television cameras.
"As the match progresses, the tempo just keeps climbing."
"Both sides are going end-to-end now—it's turned into a thrilling spectacle."
"Especially Real Madrid."
"That combination between Džeko and Ronaldo was executed perfectly."
Yang Cheng stood silently at the touchline, eyes scanning the field, mind racing.
It was clear now—Madrid were heavily favoring the left flank.
Ronaldo and Drenthe were tearing things up on that side.
Meanwhile, their right flank was more conservative, focused on defense.
That pinned Bayswater Chinese's right side—especially Piszczek—deep in their own half.
It also meant they couldn't support the attack much.
Even when Bayswater Chinese won the ball back, Madrid's immediate counter-press forced them to switch play to the opposite flank.
And after Bale's explosive run and goal, Madrid started locking down harder.
Sergio Ramos was glued to Bale.
Even Lass Diarra, who usually roamed the midfield like a sweeper, began sitting deeper—hovering specifically to shadow Bale.
Seeing all this, Yang Cheng moved to the touchline and shouted for Di María to come over.
The Argentine took advantage of a stoppage to jog over for a "water break."
Yang Cheng leaned close and spoke into his ear.
"Switch flanks with Gareth. You go right, let him come left."
Di María blinked, surprised.
Pre-match strategy had focused on targeting Madrid's left side—
which is why Bale had started on the right, where he could cut in on his left and go after Drenthe.
"Remember—hug the touchline. Pull their defensive shape wide."
Di María didn't ask questions.
There was no time.
"I got it," he said, and sprinted back onto the pitch.
Yang Cheng turned and looked toward Maicon, then across at Bale in the distance.
He couldn't help but feel a strange kind of amusement.
Of all people, Bale was once again facing off against Maicon.
Di María didn't hold much advantage over Maicon in terms of pace.
But Bale?
In a one-on-one situation, the Welshman could eat him alive.
…
Following Yang Cheng's switch, the players quickly adapted to the change in shape.
Bale soon picked up the ball on the left flank.
He tried to cut inside into the half-space and drive toward the box—
but was closed down by both Maicon and Xabi Alonso. They took the ball off him, and Bale fell at the top left corner of the penalty area.
Just three minutes later, Di María got his first real look on the right.
Receiving the ball, he faked past Drenthe, cut inside and threaded a path between Diarra and Ramos.
Then, with his left foot, he curled a shot toward the top-left corner.
The ball grazed past the post.
No goal—but Real Madrid's defense had a real scare.
Then came the 41st minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo, once again on the left, danced past Piszczek with a flurry of stepovers.
He cut inside from the edge of the box and unleashed a ferocious shot.
The ball had power and swerve—
a classic Ronaldo cannon.
Neuer read it well.
He dropped to make the save with both hands.
But to everyone's shock—he spilled it.
In a flash, Džeko pounced and tried to smash home the rebound.
Neuer reacted instantly, stuck out his left hand—
and blocked it.
But the ball rebounded again.
And there—hovering near the penalty spot like a ghost—was Raúl.
Before anyone could react, he slid in and passed it cleanly into the net.
3–1!
The Bernabéu exploded a third time!
Fans leapt out of their seats, screaming themselves hoarse.
The entire stadium trembled with noise.
"3–1!"
"This goal from Raúl is absolutely crucial!"
"It could be the dagger in Bayswater Chinese's heart!"
"Yang Cheng's team came to the Bernabéu and chose to press high, to go blow-for-blow with Madrid."
"They've beaten Madrid with this approach before…"
"But now, Madrid can proudly say—we are the unstoppable Galácticos!"
"It Shot Like a Missile, Blasting Into the Top Right Corner of Madrid's Goal"
The ball roared through the air like a guided missile, smashing into the top right corner of Real Madrid's goal with unstoppable force.
Casillas dove with everything he had, but his reach wasn't enough. Bale's cannon of a shot flew past his fingertips before he could even react.
"GOAL!!!"
"A thunderbolt from Gareth Bale!"
"1–1!"
"The 20th minute—what a screamer from over 30 meters out, shattering Madrid's goal!"
"An absolutely world-class strike!"
"Bale steps up at the critical moment!"
"He's proven himself as Bayswater Chinese's most trustworthy man!"
"He's kept them in the fight!"
The entire Santiago Bernabéu erupted into furious whistles.
Real Madrid fans were furious.
They couldn't accept that, in their own house, that damned team had just scored such an outrageous goal.
But that didn't stop Bayswater Chinese from celebrating.
They rejoiced without restraint, completely unbothered by the 80,000 furious Madridistas.
If anything, the boos fueled their fire.
…
With Ronaldo's penalty and Bale's screamer, the game entered full throttle.
Both teams had started cautiously—especially the visitors.
But as the match wore on, and as both sides began to expose each other's flaws, the game opened up dramatically.
Real Madrid, playing at home, were determined to win.
But Yang Cheng showed no intention of backing down.
Just five minutes after the equalizer, Bale picked up a long ball from Pepe on the right wing.
He took off at full speed, leaving Drenthe in the dust.
Near the right edge of the penalty box, he slammed on the brakes, cut back inside, and fired a left-footed cross.
Rakitic arrived at the edge of the box to meet it—
but Lass Diarra beat him to it and slid in to clear the danger.
If Bale's goal was a message, this play was a warning shot.
Bayswater Chinese were clearly targeting Drenthe's side.
He was the weak link.
But Madrid's attack was also focused on that flank.
In the 31st minute, Madrid came down the left again.
Džeko dropped to the edge of the box, turned, and played a through ball into the left channel.
Cristiano Ronaldo burned past Piszczek, met the pass in stride, and buried it past Neuer.
2–1!
The Bernabéu exploded in ecstasy.
Tens of thousands of fans screamed Ronaldo's name.
He charged toward the cameras, fists pumping, roaring with passion.
"As the game progresses, the tempo is skyrocketing."
"Both teams are pushing forward at full speed."
"Especially Madrid."
"That combo between Džeko and Ronaldo was sheer brilliance."
Yang Cheng stood silently, analyzing everything.
Madrid's offense was laser-focused on the left—
Ronaldo and Drenthe attacking aggressively.
Their right side was far more conservative.
This forced Bayswater Chinese's right flank—especially Piszczek—into constant defense.
Even when they won the ball, Madrid's press often forced them to switch the attack left.
After Bale's two surges, Madrid responded.
Ramos stuck close to him.
Lass Diarra, who once swept the midfield, now sat deeper, constantly shadowing Bale.
Yang Cheng walked to the touchline and called Di María over during a stoppage.
When the Argentine came over to "get water," Yang Cheng leaned in.
"Switch sides with Bale. You take the right, let him come left."
Di María was surprised.
Their original plan had been to overload Madrid's left and pressure Drenthe.
That's why Bale—more direct and powerful—was on that side.
"Stick to the touchline. Stretch their shape."
Di María nodded.
No time for questions.
"Got it."
He ran back on.
Yang Cheng looked to Maicon, then to Bale across the pitch, and couldn't help but smirk.
Who would've thought… once again, Bale was facing Maicon.
Di María didn't have much of an edge over Maicon in speed.
But Bale?
In a 1v1, the Welshman could eat him alive.
…
The tactical shift became clear immediately.
Bale now had the ball on the left.
He tried to cut inside—
but Maicon and Xabi Alonso double-teamed him, dispossessing him just outside the box.
Three minutes later, Di María got his first chance on the right.
He faked out Drenthe, cut inside, slipped between Diarra and Ramos, and fired a left-footed curler toward the top-left corner.
It missed just wide—
but Madrid's bench and fans gasped in panic.
Then came the 41st minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo, once again on the left, danced past Piszczek with slick stepovers.
He cut inside near the box and unleashed a thunderous shot.
It dipped and swerved dangerously.
Neuer had the angle, dropped down, and went to collect—
But the ball slipped through his hands!
Džeko pounced, fired again—
Neuer stretched and blocked it with his left hand!
The ball bounced out again.
And like a ghost, Raúl appeared out of nowhere, smashing it into the net.
3–1!
The Bernabéu turned into a madhouse.
Fans stormed to their feet, howling in celebration.
"3–1!"
"A huge goal from Raúl!"
"A crushing blow to Bayswater Chinese!"
"Yang Cheng's team came to the Bernabéu and chose to go toe-to-toe with Madrid."
"They've beaten Madrid this way before."
"But tonight, Madrid can proudly declare—we are the unbeatable Galácticos!"
…
But the drama wasn't over.
Right before halftime, just into stoppage time, Madrid attacked again—
but lost the ball outside the box.
Matic stripped Raúl and passed to Rakitic, who found Lewandowski.
One-touch to the left—
Bale.
He was near the touchline when he received the ball.
He tapped it ahead with his left foot and took off.
There was a gap—between Maicon and Xabi Alonso.
The two tried to close in—
but this time, Bale had space.
He took off like a Ferrari in launch mode.
A red flash.
He touched the ball forward again, splitting the two defenders—
then chased it down with blinding speed.
He looked like a jet accelerating down a runway.
Maicon and Alonso were left in the dust.
The Bernabéu was stunned.
80,000 jaws dropped.
Bale blazed into the box.
Albiol came to challenge—
But Bale hit another gear, blew past him, and fired from the left side of the area.
Albiol slid in—
but it was too late.
Bale's shot flew low and hard across goal—past Casillas before he could react.
Into the bottom right corner.
GOAL!!!
"My God!!"
"Did you SEE that?!"
"A solo run from Gareth Bale!"
"He scores!!!"
"He just ran from his own half, beat half of Madrid, and buried it to give Bayswater Chinese a lifeline!"
"I don't even have words right now!"
"This is one of the most electrifying goals you'll ever see!"
"If Bale's earlier worldie showed his power and precision, then this… this was sheer speed, endurance, and control!"
"His acceleration at top speed, his finish—he's a genius!"
"Remember this name, football fans watching at home—Gareth Bale!"
"The supernova from Bayswater Chinese!"
Bale sprinted toward the stands, roaring with emotion.
And the Bernabéu?
Dead silent.
80,000 Madrid fans—
and not a sound.
They couldn't even boo.
That English kid, celebrating right in front of them, had just scored one of the most incredible goals ever witnessed in their stadium.
And they couldn't bring themselves to hate him.
In fact, many felt like standing up and clapping.
This had only happened twice before:
Once for Ronaldinho.
Once for Messi.
But the way Bale moved—his explosive speed, the way he shredded defenders—it sent chills down their spines.
It was insane. But god, it felt so damn good to watch.
The one most affected by the goal?
Yang Cheng.
He had seen Bale destroy Inter Milan in his past life.
But replays couldn't compare to watching it live.
This wasn't just football.
It was witnessing a miracle.
Yang Cheng had never doubted Bale's speed.
Over the last year, he'd bulked up, built strength.
He was now physically dominant.
But even so, this performance blew Yang Cheng's mind.
It was every bit as incredible as Kaká's solo runs in the 2006/07 Champions League.
But different.
Kaká was speed and finesse.
Bale was raw power and speed.
And yes—people might miss the technical difficulty.
At that velocity, executing a perfect finish is almost impossible.
Only players who've tried know—
the faster you go, the harder it is to control the ball.
That goal?
It was Bale's technique on full display.
Yang Cheng turned back to his bench.
"That's it for the first half. Get ready—the second half is where the real battle begins."
Even without that goal, he had planned to push back after the break.
But now?
With Bale's brilliance, morale was soaring.
The score might still favor Madrid—
but Yang Cheng had never been more confident.
Madrid were growing.
But tonight, he still wanted to leave the Bernabéu with a win.
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