But Luxemburgo could never accept this suggestion.
Because Florentino would never allow it.
I've been in Spain for so many years!
I've spent so much money!
I've signed so many superstars!
And now you're telling me to give up on the league?
Florentino wouldn't think twice—he'd blow his top!
Besides, if you abandon the league, can you guarantee the Champions League title?
You can't?
Then what the hell are you giving up for!
So Luxemburgo had no choice but to keep pushing on both fronts.
On April 10, in the 31st round of La Liga, Real Madrid fielded nearly a full-strength lineup at home against Villarreal.
The Yellow Submarine, as Villarreal is called, was no pushover.
In the end, with Samuel's header and Beckham's free-kick goal, Real Madrid edged them out 2–1.
The league form looked fine.
But everyone was worried about Real Madrid's condition in the Champions League just three days later.
After all, the players had no time to rest.
On April 12, Chelsea's squad landed in Madrid.
Chelsea were in great shape, having rotated their lineup in the previous league match.
After two straight seasons of massive investment, Chelsea's power and influence had been growing rapidly.
Their announced starting lineup showed almost no weak links.
Up front, the strike duo of Gudjohnsen and The Drog.
Gudjohnsen, son of Iceland's football legend, made his national team debut at just sixteen—coming on as a substitute for his own father, a famous story in world football.
For years, there's always been a "Gudjohnsen" in the Iceland squad—truly a football dynasty.
Now at Chelsea, Gudjohnsen was carving out a reputation of his own, earning the nickname "Icelandic Sniper."
Even after Chelsea splashed a record transfer fee on Didier Drogba, The Drog, Gudjohnsen still held his spot and started frequently.
Gudjohnsen's quality spoke for itself, while Drogba's power hardly needed introduction.
His explosive physique was the envy of countless players, the perfect center-forward mold in the eyes of many coaches.
If Su Hang had even half of Drogba's physical gifts, the media would never have written off his career as hopeless despite his stellar numbers and performances.
That said, Drogba hadn't yet fully hit expectations—nagging injuries had held him back.
But once he was completely fit, he could truly live up to his reputation.
Chelsea eagerly awaited that day.
Chelsea's midfield lined up in a diamond.
Attacking midfielder Lampard—the core of England's national team, the Premier League's best midfielder.
A long-range strike specialist feared across Europe.
A complete, all-around warrior!
Together with Liverpool's Gerrard, the two were hailed as the "Two Lions of England"!
If England could unlock their chemistry, they would be contenders in any major international tournament.
On the left, Damien Duff—blistering pace, one of the best dribblers in the Premier League.
On the right, Joe Cole—not as fast, but technically brilliant.
Together, their twin-wing threat had terrorized defenses all season.
And anchoring midfield—Makélélé.
No Real Madrid fan needed an introduction.
It was his departure last season that left Madrid's defense in ruins, making everyone realize just how vital he was.
Now regarded as one of the very best holding midfielders in the world, he was also key for France.
At the back, John Terry stood as a rock for both Chelsea and England.
Not the tallest, but aggressive, fast, strong in duels, precise in interceptions, and even dangerous on set pieces.
One of Chelsea's most reliable players.
And in goal, Petr Cech—the Czech prodigy.
He had fulfilled his promise, already crowned Best Player at the European U21 Championship and Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2003–04.
Barring any surprises, he was certain to win Czech Footballer of the Year in 2005, and had practically secured the Premier League's Best Goalkeeper award.
His Champions League displays had been just as decisive, putting him in line for UEFA's Best Goalkeeper honor as well.
If Real Madrid were the wealthy nobles of tradition, Chelsea were the new rich of Europe.
This was a clash of old guard versus new.
For this match, Ronaldo made a return for Real Madrid.
His injury had been minor, so he was cleared to play.
But Su Hang didn't agree with the decision.
Minor injuries pile up, and constant strain takes its toll.
Ronaldo's knees were already fragile, and with so many lingering issues, a major breakdown seemed only a matter of time.
Still, Su Hang understood Ronaldo's dilemma.
As just another Real Madrid player, he could wait until he was fully recovered.
But as the face of the Brazilian clique, he had to step up when the team needed him most.
It wasn't for nothing that he had been so revered.
Now, under Luxemburgo, Madrid needed to keep their Champions League run alive.
So Ronaldo had to step onto the pitch like a god and prove the worth of the Brazilian contingent.
His partner up front was Su Hang, who had been in excellent form lately.
Especially in the Champions League, fans universally expected him to start.
Having struck down both Roma and Juventus, his record was dazzling.
Owen could only sit on the bench behind him.
In midfield, Real Madrid also lined up in a diamond.
Zidane and Beckham on the flanks.
Figo, red-hot in form, at attacking midfield.
And Gravesen holding as the first barrier in defense.
He had been performing decently.
But Su Hang believed Gravesen's apparent improvement came largely because Figo and Zidane had regained form, boosting Madrid's attack and reducing pressure on the defense.
Judging him on ability alone, Gravesen was not outstanding.
Certainly no comparison to a world-class anchor like Makélélé.
The back four, from left to right: Roberto Carlos, Samuel, Helguera, and Raúl Bravo—Madrid's usual defensive line.
And in goal, Casillas—the face of the new generation of goalkeepers.
His fame and honors already outshone Cech's, though their actual abilities were evenly matched.
After all, Cech's physical attributes gave him a unique advantage: tall frame, long reach, extraordinary natural gifts.
...
The Santiago Bernabéu was a sea of white, over 80,000 fans packed inside.
The roar was deafening.
Real Madrid's Champions League do-or-die battle had begun.
???
Why did it feel like every one of Madrid's Champions League games this season was a do-or-die battle?
The group stage clash with Roma.
The last round against Juventus.
Now this showdown with Chelsea.
...
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