Capítulo 123: High-Level Tricks
The closer the finals came, the more rumors spread.
All kinds of news and reports, like snowflakes, rushed in from all directions.
Rijkaard had been following Gao Shen's every move closely.
He clearly remembered how, at Camp Nou, Gao Shen had outsmarted him using Ronaldo. This time, he would never allow himself to be outmaneuvered again.
Various analyses emerged from the media, and a mainstream opinion suggested that Real Madrid was likely to give up the last round of La Liga and focus entirely on the Champions League. The reasoning was simple: for Real Madrid, the risk in the final round was too high and the probability of success too low.
Even if they won against Sevilla away, they would still depend on Barcelona slipping up, which seemed unlikely. Therefore, it made more sense to abandon La Liga and focus on the Champions League final.
Real Madrid had always prioritized the Champions League over La Liga. If Gao Shen decided to do so, it wouldn't be surprising.
Rijkaard often put himself in Gao Shen's position, considering what he would do under similar circumstances.
The team was at a disadvantage in terms of strength, physical condition, and schedule. What would he do?
Making appropriate sacrifices and focusing on one front seemed wise.
But would Gao Shen really do that?
Rijkaard couldn't be sure.
...
**knock knock knock**
Rijkaard heard a knock on the door. He looked up and saw Ten Cate walking in with a report.
"The latest information from Madrid. Real Madrid's schedule has been set."
Ten Cate spoke in a hurry, handing the report to Rijkaard.
The two La Liga teams meeting in the Champions League final meant not just a contest of strength and tactics, but also a contest of logistics. Both sides were well-prepared.
Barcelona's itinerary was set. They were staying in a luxury hotel converted from an old monastery in the Versailles district of Paris to avoid disturbances.
A large truck full of team supplies had already set off from Barcelona to Paris, carrying everything from training equipment to a large bottle of champagne to celebrate their hoped-for second Champions League win.
Real Madrid was similarly prepared.
The report detailed every move of Real Madrid, including their hotel, supplies, and team members.
What caught Rijkaard's attention was Real Madrid's schedule in Sevilla.
That is, the thirty-eighth round of La Liga, Real Madrid's away game time.
"What's going on?" Rijkaard asked with a frown. "Is the information accurate?"
"It's confirmed. It can't be fake," Ten Cate replied confidently.
The report showed that Real Madrid flew to Sevilla in the afternoon and came back in the middle of the night.
The last round of La Liga was a unified kickoff time, scheduled for 2:00 in the evening, ending around midnight. This meant Real Madrid hardly intended to linger in Sevilla.
They arrived in the afternoon, played the game after a short rest, and returned to Madrid right after. The entire trip might take less than 12 hours.
It was hurried and didn't look like a team meticulously prepared to win.
Given the risks of such a rushed schedule, it seemed they weren't taking the game seriously.
"Real Madrid's management is excellent in logistics, but this is too rushed and very risky. Just to save a bit of time, is it worth it?" Ten Cate was skeptical.
Rijkaard agreed but thought of another possibility.
"Is there a chance they didn't take this game seriously at all?"
Ten Cate fell silent; it was indeed possible.
There had been speculation that Real Madrid would likely give up on the league and focus on the Champions League, given the low chances of reversing the league standings.
If that's the case, then Real Madrid's hasty schedule makes sense.
But would Gao Shen really do this?
"Henk, consider the possibility: if we exert ourselves in Bilbao and Real Madrid doesn't take Sevilla seriously, saving their energy for the Champions League, then..."
Rijkaard stopped mid-sentence, but the implication was clear.
Barcelona still had the advantage, but Real Madrid's chances in the Champions League final would significantly increase if they conserved their energy.
Especially considering their defensive improvement since the Camp Nou encounter, Barcelona would have to be cautious.
If Real Madrid really gave up La Liga to focus on the Champions League, then Barcelona had to be vigilant.
Rijkaard sighed heavily, feeling caught in a dilemma.
If only they had maintained their lead in the league, they wouldn't be in this tough spot now.
Of course, he blamed the cunning Chinese manager who had miraculously revived Real Madrid, forcing Barcelona into this awkward position.
Playing their best against Athletic Bilbao would certainly impact the Champions League final three days later.
But holding back would be risky too, potentially losing points away.
Rijkaard was torn.
"Henk, what do you think?" Rijkaard asked with a sigh.
Ten Cate understood Rijkaard well. He knew the coach was often torn between pursuit and caution, striving for perfection in every aspect, but sometimes struggling to make decisions.
"We have the advantage in strength and a higher fault tolerance rate. We can afford to gamble. What are you afraid of?" Ten Cate was confident.
Rijkaard looked at his assistant deeply but didn't express his position on the spot.
His biggest concern with Ten Cate was his gambling nature.
As the team's head coach, Rijkaard had to consider everything comprehensively and find the best balance.
"I'll think about it again," Rijkaard said.
Ten Cate saw the change in Rijkaard's expression, knowing he would ponder for a long time, so he didn't push further.
...
Real Madrid's away schedule was decided by Gao Shen, confirmed with Buenaventura and the team doctor, and deemed feasible.
It was an hour flight from Madrid to Sevilla, with minimal time lost in travel.
The main purpose was to maximize preparation time in Madrid and to confuse Barcelona about their real intentions.
Including the questionnaire surveys conducted by AS and Marca, it was all part of Gao Shen's plan to influence and interfere with Barcelona.
If Barcelona went all out against Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid's chances of winning the league were slim. Therefore, Gao Shen's interference aimed to confuse Rijkaard.
These tricks, small as they might be, were part of Gao Shen's strategy.
Ultimately, the outcome depended on Rijkaard's choices.
Gao Shen disliked feeling that his destiny was controlled by others, but at this moment, he had no choice.
Who made that damned Luxemburgo lose so badly at the Bernabeu?
At the same time, Gao Shen is also carefully preparing for the game against Sevilla.
To put it bluntly, no matter how Rijkaard chooses, Real Madrid can only win the title if they beat Sevilla.
Otherwise, everything Gao Shen did would be just a joke after all.
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