Tensions flared quickly between the two sides. When Pavón, Bravo, Fran, and others entered the locker room and found out what had happened, they immediately backed Borja. The confrontation nearly turned physical.
It wasn't until captain Raúl stepped in that the situation calmed down.
As more players arrived, the atmosphere became increasingly strained and awkward. Many turned to look at Su Hang.
Technically, Raúl had the authority to resolve the situation on his own. But after last season's key matches, Su Hang had earned a certain standing within the team. On top of that, he had good relationships with stars like Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, and Beckham—especially Zidane.
So even Raúl had to respect Su Hang's opinion.
When Raúl also looked in his direction, Owen instantly realized Su Hang's true status within the squad.
This was bad!
Su Hang, a two-million-euro backup striker, actually carried more weight in the locker room than Woodgate—whom Real Madrid had signed for 18 million euros.
Raúl hadn't even glanced at Woodgate once.
It was shocking.
If Pavón, Bravo, Fran, and the others supported Su Hang because of positional competition with Woodgate, the attacking stars had no reason to side against a defensive asset like Woodgate—yet they still chose Su Hang.
"It's fine!" Su Hang stepped forward. "No need to get so worked up. Woodgate was right—I still have a lot to improve on."
"Of course, Woodgate, next time you've got something to say, just come to me directly. If it's during a match, talk to me or Captain Raúl afterward."
"We're a team. We all belong to Real Madrid. Pointing out a teammate's shortcomings and helping them improve—that's one of the core purposes of this locker room."
???
Owen was stunned.
Woodgate's face turned bright red. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
This Su Hang...
Was way too gracious!
"No one's perfect—we can all improve." Su Hang scanned the room, then pointed at Ronaldo. "You, Ronnie! I've got to call you out—you did something really wrong today."
Ronaldo frowned.
"You used the pendulum dribble again, didn't you?" Su Hang said. "Maybe you didn't swing it as much, but I saw it. You definitely used it."
"I've told you—you've got to take care of your knees! It's fine in official matches, but in training or friendlies, no pendulum dribbling!"
"That kind of overpowered move is for opponents only."
"If you're okay with it, my team can give you a therapy session tomorrow to ease the knee fatigue."
Samuel, the team's newest signing, quietly nodded to himself.
This kid's emotional intelligence was off the charts.
He called out Ronaldo, yet also built rapport with him—and at the same time, he redirected everyone's attention away from Woodgate.
What was this?
This was leadership.
He was a natural-born leader.
He knew exactly how to interact with "superiors," "equals," and "subordinates."
A rare talent.
Many great men have stumbled over something as simple as emotional intelligence.
Later, Su Hang announced he'd be treating everyone to a big dinner that evening to unwind!
Zidane was the first to nod in agreement, showing his support through action.
Naturally, no one else could refuse.
During dinner, Su Hang made sure to toast Borja and the others who had stood up for him, saying he'd never forget their loyalty and support.
Some of the younger Real Madrid players, already tipsy, were so moved they nearly swore brotherhood with Su Hang right then and there.
That very night, the news reached Camacho and Florentino.
Camacho came to realize just how influential Su Hang had become within the team.
Su Hang wasn't just a youth academy product or a squad filler.
If Camacho didn't deal with him soon, he risked completely losing control of the dressing room.
The next day, Camacho announced the starting lineup for the first leg of Real Madrid's European qualifying match, set for three days later:
Su Hang, Owen
Solari, Zidane, Beckham, Figo
Roberto Carlos, Samuel, Woodgate, Salgado
Casillas
Meanwhile, Celades, Borja, Pavón, Guti, and others were listed as substitutes.
Real Madrid's biggest star, Ronaldo, was left out due to "possible physical discomfort."
The media quickly broke down the lineup:
"Camacho's First Game in Charge! Real Madrid's Champions League hopes on the line—but Krakow isn't strong enough to pose a real threat."
"A big match with low difficulty—Camacho rests Ronaldo and Raúl while evaluating the new signings!"
"More of a tryout than a game. Those who perform well today could earn a place in Camacho's true starting eleven!"
"Golden Boy + Real Madrid's Crown Prince! Can this strike duo deliver a surprise for Madrid fans?"
"Samuel + Woodgate—will this expensive new center-back pairing hold up under pressure?"
Almost everyone approved of Camacho's decisions.
Injury-prone players were rested.
New signings got their chance.
The new formation got a trial run.
And most importantly, "Crown Prince Su" was finally getting a start.
Everything seemed perfect.
But Marca columnist Clara wasn't convinced:
"Camacho may appear to be listening to the fans by starting Su Hang."
"But don't be fooled—his intentions may not be pure."
"Up front, Owen and Su Hang have never played together. They've got zero chemistry."
"Su Hang had always played as a lone striker. Suddenly shifting to a two-striker formation could lead to tactical issues."
"And putting together two new center-backs with no chemistry? That's a disaster waiting to happen."
"If Su Hang underperforms or if the team doesn't win, Camacho will have the perfect excuse to drop him."
"In the second leg, with all the stars back, Real Madrid will easily secure a place in the Champions League."
"The contrast between the two legs will make Camacho's gamble seem justified."
"Camacho hit multiple targets with one shot—seizing control of the team in the process!"
"Camacho—his heart is ruthless!"
Clara's column received praise from some of Su Hang's fans.
The media later interviewed Camacho.
His bitter expression seemed to say, "Damn, they figured me out!"
But this was all out in the open.
Even Su Hang—or Florentino—couldn't do much about it.
...
August 11 — First leg of the Champions League qualifiers.
Krakow vs. Real Madrid.
With the home team hosting the first leg, the match was held at Krakow's Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium.
The venue had room for just 10,000 fans—but every seat was taken.
Outside, even more people gathered.
Even without Ronaldo and Raúl, the star power on display drew a huge crowd.
The Polish fans weren't fixated on the result.
For them, just scoring a goal would be a victory.
After all, the opponent was Real Madrid!