Capítulo 25: He got it
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!"
"Zidane! Zidane scored!"
"After a wonderful chest control, he volleyed directly into the net. Although Atletico Madrid's goalkeeper Franco managed to touch it, it was already too late. Zidane missed a chance just moments ago, but this time he found the back of the net."
"Two-nil!"
"This is the superstar! This is Real Madrid!"
"Tonight, Real Madrid has displayed an impressive level, particularly as a cohesive team, whether in attack or defense. It's a stark contrast to the disjointed performances we've seen in recent years under coaches like Lusenberg and Carlo."
"Despite Florentino implementing the Zidane-Galacticos policy, there hasn't been a standout player in recent years. Is it possible that Real Madrid lacks talent?"
"Clearly not. It's astonishing that a talent like Eto'o couldn't find his place in Real Madrid."
"Tonight's Real Madrid is a shining example. Not only have they shown tactical discipline, but the young players have also demonstrated high levels of skill. Even the veteran Woodgate, returning from injury, has had his most stable game since joining Real Madrid."
"I wonder what Florentino is thinking right now as he watches from the VIP box?"
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How Florentino feels, I don't know, and I won't speculate.
All he knows is that he's in a good mood now, but under considerable pressure.
Zidane's goal concluded the first half, with players leaving the pitch to applause from the Bernabeu faithful.
Meanwhile, Gao Shen was ready with Lucas in the locker room.
Upon their return, he immediately began the halftime debrief.
The team performed well, but that doesn't mean there are no issues. Whether it's the initial confusion or subsequent mistakes, Real Madrid needs to minimize them.
From the workplace to the stadium, no team is flawless. They're constantly evolving through trial and error, improvement and refinement. It's in this spiral cycle that teams grow and improve.
Overall, the first-half performance was impressive, with the score as testament.
"I believe by now you can trust me!" Gao Shen finally had the confidence to address the group of superstars before him, the talented young rookies he had silently harbored doubts about.
Without tangible results, who would believe in you?
Raul and the other players exchanged nods of agreement.
Football is a realm that respects strength. Demonstrating your prowess earns you respect.
"In the second half, we can't push forward recklessly. We need to remain composed, ensure our defense stays solid, and free ourselves up for counterattacks." The first-half results bolstered Gao Shen's confidence, prompting him to outline his ambitious plans.
"Atletico Madrid is a formidable opponent. They won't accept losing this match lying down, so expect them to fight tooth and nail. This will give us an opportunity to test our defensive resolve because, after this, tougher opponents await next week."
Gao Shen's words left the locker room stunned, eyes wide with disbelief, fixed upon him.
Preparing for the Arsenal match next Wednesday already?
Unbelievable!
While they were still fretting over the weekend derby, Gao Shen was thinking ahead to the Champions League knockout next week.
"Of course, that's still a ways off. For now, our focus is on playing well in the second half."
Having said enough and dangling the carrot before them, Gao Shen quickly refocused their minds.
"I'll set you a task for the second half: score another goal and keep a clean sheet!"
Real Madrid performed admirably in the first half. Despite fluctuations, they ended with a commanding lead, their morale soaring.
Gao Shen's task wasn't daunting. Maintaining a clean sheet was a natural extension of their first-half performance, while scoring another goal was well within Real Madrid's capabilities.
This was also the goal Gao Shen wanted to achieve.
If the task had been too difficult, the players might have resisted or even resented it. For the current Real Madrid squad, however, the task was merely a matter of diligence and achievement—a source of motivation.
Dangle the carrot before the donkey, giving it the illusion that it can reach forward, and it will continue moving.
Players aren't donkeys, but the principle remains.
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At the start of the second half, Atletico Madrid launched a fierce assault.
Real Madrid used their right to kick off and patiently controlled possession in midfield and defense. Atletico Madrid pressed aggressively, applying high pressure on Real Madrid's midfield and defense.
Their intent was clear: disrupt Real Madrid's rhythm, increase pressure on the backline, swap defense for offense, and sow chaos in Real Madrid's half in hopes of turning the tide.
Murcia's strategy was predictable. If they didn't want to lose the derby, this was their natural recourse.
Both Gao Shen and Real Madrid were prepared. As Atletico Madrid surged forward, Real Madrid tactically retreated, drawing them in.
Real Madrid might not match Barcelona in passing and ball control, but against Atletico Madrid, they handled themselves with composure.
Seeing Atletico's intentions from the sidelines, Gao Shen gestured instructions to Beckham, who was nearby after the break, as well as to Zidane, Gravesen, and others. He then signaled to Felipe Luis on the left.
With all arrangements made, Gao Shen waited.
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Minutes passed.
Atletico Madrid's high press lasted about ten minutes, during which Real Madrid weathered the storm adeptly. Woodgate and Elgra were solid in defense, ensuring no risks, save for one attack where Casillas plucked a high ball from Kežman out of the air.
After an initial flurry, Atletico Madrid's attack gradually lost steam.
Once Real Madrid found their footing, they began to assert themselves. On each turnover, they swiftly shifted play to the right.
Beckham was particularly menacing in this game. Both first-half goals came from Beckham assists, and many other threats originated from his crosses, keeping Atletico Madrid on their toes.
The English midfielder didn't press blindly but hugged the midline, sticking to the right flank for ball reception.
De La Reid, Zidane, and Negredo responded promptly, drawing Atletico's defense leftward. Antonio Lopez frequently vacated his position to pressure Beckham.
As a result, Atletico Madrid's formation tilted leftward.
However, in the fifty-seventh minute, Beckham spotted an opening. Receiving a pass from De La Reid, he adjusted his stance and delivered a right-footed cross.
The ball swiftly transitioned from the crowded right to the open left.
Real Madrid left-back Felipe Luis surged forward, hugging the touchline, scanned for Beckham's cross, controlled it calmly on his chest, and accelerated with the ball.
"A beautiful switch of play!"
"Real Madrid's switch was exquisite this time. Watch their attack unfold."
Atletico Madrid's right-back Belasco rushed to intercept, but Felipe Luis maintained his pace, advancing directly into the box. Despite Belasco's challenge, Felipe Luis delivered a precise left-footed cross.
The ball returned to Atletico Madrid's penalty area.
There, Negredo darted toward the far post, meeting Felipe Luis's cross with a header that forced Perea into a desperate clearance.
Although Atletico Madrid's goalkeeper Franco managed to block the ball with his foot, a white-clad figure pounced on the rebound ahead of Pablo Ibanez, slotting it into the unguarded net!
The player celebrating the goal sprinted toward the sidelines.
Although the crowd couldn't see his face, they caught sight of his jersey number.
Number seven!
Raul!!
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"
The entire Bernabeu erupted once more.
Real Madrid fans surged from their seats, chanting Raul's name with fervor.
Raul sprinted off the pitch in jubilation, rushing to the sidelines, roaring to release the pent-up excitement and joy within.
He felt an unparalleled euphoria!
A brace!
Even more satisfying, he felt utterly at ease on the field!
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"Yeah!!"
Excitedly witnessing Raul's goal, Gao Shen leapt up, pumping his fists toward the sky.
Three-nil!
The game was effectively sealed!
Since the second half's outset, he had been waiting for this precise opportunity for ten long minutes.
Ten tense minutes—if Real Madrid had faltered during that time, if Atletico Madrid had scored, everything could have changed.
Thankfully, Real Madrid withstood Atletico Madrid's onslaught.
Once again, this confirmed that Gao Shen's decision was sound, and his tactical approach was the perfect fit for Real Madrid.
Raul exchanged high-fives with teammates flooding the sidelines to celebrate the goal. Upon returning to the pitch, he even jogged over to the home team's coaching bench, high-fiving Gao Shen and embracing him.
This was the captain's signal from Real Madrid!
Mission accomplished!
Despite playing just one match, Raul had already begun to believe in Gao Shen's vision.
Now, the 75,000-strong crowd at the Bernabeu had mixed feelings.
Initially, they had jeered and insulted vociferously, but now, they felt regret.
Especially witnessing their team leader, Raul, offering high-fives and hugs to Gao Shen, they realized their misjudgment, their grievous mistake.
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