After all, Ronaldo and Zidane were always bound to clash.
They were both seen as the "best in the world" during the same era.
Even on the same team, a showdown was inevitable sooner or later.
Even if it didn't happen on the field, people would still compare them when evaluating their legacies.
With the South American camp gaining influence, Zidane's contributions would inevitably be downplayed, while Ronaldo would be hyped up. It wasn't up to them—it was simply how things naturally unfold.
...
November 14th, Matchday 11 of La Liga.
Real Madrid hosted Albacete at the Bernabéu.
To be honest, the Albacete players were probably the most frustrated people in the world at that moment.
What did they do to deserve treatment usually reserved for Barcelona?
A city emptied of people!
Eighty thousand home fans!
A sea of white scarves and banners!
If they weren't wearing Albacete jerseys, these players might've joined the Real Madrid fans themselves and cheered for Los Blancos.
This kind of home atmosphere was bound to affect the performance of both sides.
As the players lined up and entered the pitch, the stadium atmosphere hit its peak.
The camera kept focusing on Su Hang, who returned to the starting lineup today.
"After missing the squad for three straight matches, Su Hang is finally back—and straight into the starting eleven."
"There's been a lot of online chatter about Su Hang. Some say it's legit, others claim it's just fan-made hype trying to save face."
"But no matter what, we'll get our answer after this match."
"Also, after leading the team to three straight wins, Simon took the chance of Su Hang's return to show his understanding of Real Madrid. He's gone with a rare three-center-back formation today!"
"The front three: Su Hang, Ronaldo, and Raúl. Su Hang's traits actually suit the central role better, but out of respect for Ronaldo's status, Su Hang's been shifted to the left."
"Four-man midfield: Carlos, Zidane, Beckham, and Figo."
"Carlos is unusually deployed as a left midfielder, but many have always believed his technical skills make him a good fit for the role."
"The three center-backs: Samuel, Woodgate, and Helguera."
"Goalkeeper: Casillas."
3-4-3!
This was Real Madrid's first time using three center-backs in recent years.
After all, one of their biggest weaknesses had always been the lack of top-tier center-backs.
But thanks to Su Hang's suggestion, Simon saw the three-center-back system in a new light.
It's exactly because two center-backs can't hold the line that you need three of them!
It makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
With three center-backs, the defensive coverage is wider, which helps protect the space behind Beckham—whose defense has always been questionable—making up for that gap and indirectly strengthening the midfield's defensive line.
Of course, you gain some and lose some—Real Madrid's wing defense was essentially nonexistent now.
But honestly, Carlos was never known for his defense anyway. So why not give up the flanks and let him go all in on attack?
In the 3rd minute, Carlos immediately showed his offensive power.
He drove down the wing and sent in a low cross.
Unfortunately, he didn't know the opposing goalkeeper well. The keeper had a wide range and liked to charge out early—he dashed out and punched the ball away.
Zidane had a chance at the rebound.
But the opposing center-back had already stepped in, and Zidane ended up kicking the defender's ankle.
The referee blew the whistle—offensive foul by Zidane.
7th minute.
Carlos passed the ball across to Zidane. Zidane pretended to survey the field, then slipped the ball through the defender's legs with a nutmeg.
The defender, furious, wrapped up Zidane and took him down.
But the referee only gave a foul—no card.
Zidane was livid.
He felt that should've at least been a yellow.
But the ref had his reasons.
Just earlier, Zidane had committed a foul himself, kicking the opponent's ankle. He may not have meant harm, but it was definitely a yellow-card offense.
Since the game had just started, and with Real Madrid playing at home, the referee was under immense pressure and chose not to pull out a card.
Now, with this tackle, the ref decided not to card the opponent either—to keep things balanced.
But Zidane wouldn't let it go, continuing to press the issue.
To maintain authority, the referee had no choice but to show Zidane a yellow card—to silence the protests.
Zidane was furious.
The French maestro had everything—but sometimes, his temper got the better of him.
As he was about to continue arguing, Su Hang rushed over and pulled him back.
"Zizou, Zizou, chill. I'll handle him later. You just wait for your chance and bury one!" Su Hang half-coaxed, half-convinced him, finally managing to calm him down.
But strangely, normally no one could hold Zidane back.
He was the kind of guy who'd snap at teammates mid-game.
It had to be Su Hang—naive as he was.
After that, Su Hang dropped back twice, trying to build some link-up with Zidane.
But Zidane ignored him—didn't even look his way.
Raúl could only smile awkwardly up front.
Classic Zidane.
When he's pissed off, he doesn't even recognize his own teammates.
Looks like Su Hang wouldn't be getting a single pass from Zidane all day.
Even the commentators were criticizing Su Hang.
Since he was positioned as a winger, he should've been stretching the width.
By drifting into the center so often, he was cutting into Ronaldo's space.
13th minute.
Helguera launched a long clearance from the back.
Su Hang battled for position near the center circle.
Thump!
He leapt and nodded the ball back to Zidane.
Zidane immediately lobbed it over the top to Su Hang, then surged forward himself.
The Albacete players were dumbfounded.
Wait—weren't you not passing to Su Hang?
How come you two are linking up now?
Smack!
This time, Su Hang flicked the ball backward with a snap of his neck.
Zidane charged in, took the ball in stride, and broke into the box.
Suddenly, three Albacete players converged on him.
But Zidane wasn't just fast—he adjusted his angle with every stride, keeping defenders at bay.
Just when his pace slowed...
He suddenly cut hard to the right, creating space.
Crack!
From just outside the arc of the box, Zidane unleashed a long-range strike—like a bolt from the blue.
Zizou's long shots—absolute rockets. You know the drill!
Swish!
The ball rocketed into the top corner of the net.
A stunner from Zidane!
"GOAL! Zizou! Zidane!"
"1–0! Su Hang and Zidane pulled off a brilliant one-two header combo!"
"Zidane's surging run and world-class finish!"
"Su Hang delivered!"
"When he dragged Zidane away earlier, he must've said, 'I'll help you score!' And now, he's done it!"
"He's the only one who can control Zidane! The only one!"