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The day after the Juventus match, a Marca reporter sat down with Luis Enrique. The Spanish national team manager made no secret of his intentions: he wanted André in his squad.
The moment the interview hit the sports pages, it ignited a firestorm.
André's performances against Real Madrid and Juventus had proven his ability beyond any doubt. But given his age, debate raged over whether he was ready for international football. As the arguments intensified, the pro-André voices gradually gained the upper hand. Some pundits were even publishing tactical analyses of how Enrique could best utilise him within Spain's system.
What everyone seemed to forget was whether André actually wanted to join.
Three days later, the Portuguese Football Federation made the question irrelevant.
They announced their squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. André Cristiano's name was prominently listed.
The news shattered any remaining speculation about Spain.
Shortly afterwards, André confirmed it himself in a post-training interview: he would be representing Portugal.
The tug-of-war was over.
The twenty-fifth round of La Liga arrived.
Atlético Madrid hosted Villarreal at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Back when André had been at Oviedo, Villarreal had pursued him—but they couldn't match Atlético's financial muscle and missed out. Tonight, André would personally demonstrate that their initial assessment had been spot-on.
Sixteenth minute. André delivered a precise cross from the flank, finding Griezmann perfectly. The Frenchman made no mistake.
1-0.
Late in the first half, André collected the ball deep and dribbled past two Villarreal centre-backs in succession. Facing the goalkeeper at a tight angle, he produced a delicate chip that floated into the net.
2-0.
Fifty-ninth minute. André's close control in the penalty area drew a desperate challenge. The defender caught him rather than the ball. Penalty.
Griezmann stepped up and converted.
3-0.
Shortly after establishing the three-goal cushion, Simeone withdrew both André and Griezmann. The scoreline held until the final whistle.
Elsewhere, results went as expected.
Real Madrid won 2-1 away at Levante. Barcelona dismantled Sevilla 4-2, despite the Andalusians' strong early-season form.
All three title contenders had won. The standings remained unchanged.
But there was cause for optimism: the following round would see Real Madrid host Barcelona at the Bernabéu. Whatever happened in that El Clásico would benefit Atlético. The ideal scenario? Real Madrid beating Barcelona. That would be perfect.
Luck, however, wasn't on Atlético's side.
The twenty-sixth round arrived. Atlético's fixture was scheduled for the following day, meaning they could only watch as the Clásico unfolded first.
In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Barcelona had humiliated Real Madrid 5-1 at the Camp Nou. The Bernabéu faithful were desperate for revenge.
They didn't get it.
Real Madrid were destined to be Barcelona's whipping boys this season. The result also accelerated the countdown on Solari's tenure.
Rakitić and Sergi Roberto combined with a slick one-two in the twenty-sixth minute. Rakitić finished with a tight-angle chip that nestled into the Real Madrid goal.
It was the only goal of the match.
Barcelona 1-0 Real Madrid.
Barcelona had completed the league double over their rivals. Their grip on first place tightened further.
The following day, Atlético travelled to the Anoeta Stadium to face Real Sociedad.
Goals from Griezmann and Costa secured a 2-0 away victory. André was rested on the bench throughout—Simeone already had one eye on the Champions League second leg.
Three points collected. Job done.
Then came the European nights.
If the Clásico defeat had started Solari's countdown, what happened at the Bernabéu a few days later finished him completely.
Real Madrid had won the first leg 2-1 in Amsterdam. Their supporters were already dreaming of defending the Champions League title. Nobody thought elimination was possible.
Ninety minutes later, the scoreboard told a different story.
Real Madrid 1-4 Ajax.
The Bernabéu erupted—but not in celebration. Boos cascaded down from every tier. Ajax had dismantled the holders on their own pitch, winning the tie 5-3 on aggregate.
Real Madrid's Champions League defence was over.
In the VIP box, Florentino Pérez had already left at halftime, his face a mask of cold fury.
Within hours of the final whistle, the club held a press conference. Santiago Solari was dismissed as interim manager. No replacement was announced, but Zidane's frequent appearances in the stands during recent matches told everyone what was coming.
The return of the king was imminent.
For Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid's European exit was a double-edged sword.
On one hand, their city rivals had been humiliated. On the other, Real Madrid would now focus all their energy on the league.
The standings painted a clear picture: Barcelona led Atlético by three points. Atlético led Real Madrid by eleven. Twelve rounds remained.
Atlético were fighting on two fronts—still alive in the Champions League, still chasing the title. Above them sat a Barcelona side riding a ten-match winning streak. Behind them lurked a wounded, desperate Real Madrid with nothing left to play for except La Liga.
The pressure was mounting from both directions.
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