Fan: "Hey, Su, how's it going? Are you able to play yet?"
Su Hang: "Not a chance. I can't put any real strain on it right now."
Fan: "Your recovery's a bit slow. I remember someone else had a bone fracture and was fine in a month."
Su Hang: "That's different — I also strained my soleus muscle. If I don't heal properly, it could leave lingering damage."
Fan: "Is it true Müller-Wohlfahrt said you're not in good shape?"
Su Hang: "I don't know, but that's exactly why I need to avoid becoming a Glass Man. I have to be fully ready before I play again."
Fan: "Fair enough. Better safe than sorry. Besides, the team's not in a rush — they're on a rare winning streak."
Su Hang: "Exactly! Figo's been incredible! And Zidane too — they're both playing like they're at their peak!"
It's not often you'd imagine players and fans chatting like this, but outside Real Madrid's training ground, it was a daily sight.
Luxemburgo drove in and caught sight of Su Hang laughing and joking with supporters, letting out a cold snort. Did he think winning over the fans like this would matter? Fans are forgetful — disappear from the pitch for a while, and most will forget the so-called crown prince of Madrid. It's not as if the club hasn't had plenty of crown princes already. Aside from Raúl, who else do people still remember?
Inside the car, Roberto Carlos spoke up.
"Boss, things are going great. Should we move on to the next phase of the plan?"
Carlos had been working closely with Luxemburgo, playing with real commitment lately, and the results showed — seven straight wins had cemented Luxemburgo's authority within the club. Many said he looked every bit a top-tier manager.
Luxemburgo nodded.
"These international superstars really are powerful. I haven't been able to spark conflict between them… but I have used them to keep the Spanish clique in check. Next, I want you to pull a few South American youngsters from the academy. If they seize the chance, they might make their mark."
Carlos's eyes lit up — the more protégés he promoted, the greater his influence in the squad.
"Leave it to me. I've got a few promising lads in mind!"
February 12, La Liga Round 23.
Several unfamiliar faces appeared on Madrid's bench — youth academy products, all South American youngsters. Luxemburgo's public explanation was simple: they were talented, and the club should give young players opportunities. With results going well, the fans didn't object.
But after Madrid went two goals up early, Zidane, Figo, and Beckham were all substituted. The three academy players struggled badly, and the game grew nervy. In the dying minutes, Madrid nearly let the opposition equalize.
They held on for a 2–1 win, but it was hardly convincing.
February 19, La Liga Round 24.
Rather than learn from that close call, Luxemburgo doubled down — starting two academy players. One took the right-back spot, the other displaced Owen and Raúl.
As leader of the Spanish clique, Raúl couldn't exactly speak out against promoting youth. He swallowed his frustration. If Raúl stayed quiet, Owen had even less room to complain.
The result? A 0–2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
The Bernabéu erupted in boos — how could La Liga's top side lose to Bilbao?
But Su Hang had seen it coming from the moment he saw the lineup. Bilbao's style is hard-nosed and physically relentless. Every player is a warrior. They've always been strict about only signing players of Basque heritage. The pool is small, but it forges unmatched spirit and cohesion.
Luxemburgo's South American youngsters, by contrast, might look fine with the wind at their backs — but under pressure, they crumble. In a bruising, physical battle, they were hopelessly soft.
That's why the fans jeered. It's not that Madrid can't lose — but they can't lose like that. You've got to go down swinging.
February 22.
The match everyone cared about most: Champions League Round of 16, first leg.
Real Madrid hosted Italian giants Juventus — a clash of star-studded squads.
Madrid's names spoke for themselves. On Juve's side: Del Piero, French marksman Trezeguet, former Eredivisie Player of the Year and new Juventus "Prince," Swedish prodigy Ibrahimović. Emerson, one of the world's top defensive midfielders. Two-way engine Zambrotta, tireless on either flank. Wide man Camoranesi. Italy's top centre-back Cannavaro. Beastly defensive rock Thuram. And Italy's "Gigi," Gianluigi Buffon, in goal.
Luxury vs. luxury. The only shame was that last year's Ballon d'Or winner, Nedvěd, was injured — otherwise fans could have witnessed Zidane's heir facing Zidane himself.
The match nearly took a turn. A brilliant Figo–Zidane combination opened the scoring for Madrid.
But at 70 minutes, Luxemburgo sent on his South American youngsters, as if determined to prove they could be trusted. Juventus immediately launched a fierce assault. If not for Casillas' heroics, the visitors would have equalized.
Madrid scraped a 1–0 home win — but everyone knew the return leg would be brutal. Juve had every chance not only to level the tie, but to knock Madrid out.
"Madrid win 1–0 in the first leg, but expose fatal flaws in the final 20 minutes!"
"First-leg defeat means nothing — Juve confident of reaching the last eight at home!"
"Ibrahimović: Figo and Zidane are the real deal, but beyond them Madrid has no surprises. We'll be the ones to go through!"
"Trezeguet: The Bernabéu atmosphere affected us. Back at the Delle Alpi, we'll knock Madrid out with twice the goals!"
"Del Piero: This Madrid side has gaps in its play — we're not worried about the return match."
On social media, Madrid fans were in despair. Some felt worse after the win than after a loss — everyone knew the odds of Madrid losing the second leg were high.
Over the next ten days, Madrid played three league matches, but their seven-match winning run was gone. With the youngsters getting more minutes and key players being subbed off early, both individual form and team rhythm wavered.
The results: one win, one draw, one loss.
...
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