SWR: Chapter 1144/1145

Chapter 1144: Eight-minute Hat Trick

"Real Madrid attacked from the right. Modrić received the pass from Carvajal and carried it across the middle."

"The diagonal ball went to Benzema, but it was headed away."

"But the ball was still with Real Madrid and came back to Modrić."

"Then switched to the left."

"Di María had already moved to the left wing, close to the touchline, took it down, glanced into the box, then swung in a cross."

As Di María's cross dropped in front of Barcelona's six-yard box, Benzema and Ronaldo burst in at high speed at the same time, one at the near post and the other central, forming double coverage and both attacking the best spot.

In the end, it was Benzema at the near post who overpowered Thiago Motta and headed it.

Benzema's header flew straight into the right side of Barcelona's goal.

"Goallllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!"

"3-0!!!"

"Benzema!!!"

"My God, Real Madrid have scored three in under half an hour."

"It's only the 26th minute of the first half and Real Madrid already lead by three."

"Let's look at the slow-motion replay. Benzema and Ronaldo formed a double-ghost finishing pattern."

"It was a high ball against Barcelona and Alves did not close down Di María immediately, which was fatal."

"You have to know Di María is not Ronaldo. You cannot defend Di María the same way you defend Ronaldo."

"Of course, we also know Di María is very difficult to deal with."

"If you get too tight, he is agile enough to shake free and use his speed to force the breakthrough. If you stand off a little, like just now, he will seize the chance to deliver."

"If Di María on the right is a world-class inverted-winger, then Di María on the left is also world-class."

"3-0!"

"The situation is very unfavorable for Barcelona."

…

"Barcelona kick off again."

"We can see Real Madrid have changed their tactical approach again."

"Just now, they pushed the whole block up, pressed like crazy, and created goals one after another to build a three-goal lead."

"Now that they have the advantage, Gao Shen is clearly asking the team to play steady and cautious."

"This is a world-class coach. He makes the adjustment before you even react."

"Real Madrid have returned to their signature approach, focusing on the midline. Benzema is rarely pressing the back line, instead he is focused on pinning Busquets. This is already Real Madrid's old tactic against Barcelona."

"Barcelona do not really have a good or effective solution to this."

"Just as other teams find it difficult to contain Barcelona's passing-and-possession."

"But we can see Di María is still on the left, while Ronaldo is on the right."

"It is obvious that Real Madrid's main attacking point tonight is Benzema. Both Ronaldo and Di María are stretching for Benzema."

"Look now, Pepe steps in for the ball, great tackle."

"Then plays it right to find Ronaldo, who returns it to Modrić."

"Modrić switches it across to Pogba."

"Pogba carries it forward and Barcelona's defense drops off."

"Let's see how Real Madrid handle it."

"Pogba pauses, waits for Marcelo to overlap, finds Di María, no opening, so back it goes."

"Real Madrid have created a three-on-three on the left."

"Then it is played across to Marcelo."

"Marcelo drives forward down the left and forces the issue, but Alves and Xavi are in position. Look now."

"A straight pass to the byline, Di María cutting in from the half-space."

"A beautiful give-and-go from Real Madrid."

"Di María drives to the byline and cuts it back toward the six-yard box."

"Benzema is free here!!!"

"Thiago Motta missed the header, Benzema chests it down, hits it again!!!"

"The ball is in again!!!"

"4-0!!!"

"Real Madrid lead 4-0!!"

"Benzema at the double!"

"It's really a Benzer Tyrannosaurus Rex!"

"In less than three minutes, Benzema has scored twice."

"Barcelona's entire defense has been ripped apart."

"Thiago Motta failed to win the header at the key moment and clearly misread the flight."

"That is Barcelona's problem."

"Barcelona really have a big problem defending high balls."

…

"Barça restart."

"Real Madrid are still playing it safe."

"Barça look a bit anxious."

"But the most important thing now is to control their emotions."

"Here comes a Barcelona free kick in the attacking third."

"Cristiano Ronaldo has already dropped back to defend."

"Barcelona's shot hits the wall, Real Madrid break quickly."

"Ronaldo is driving along the left touchline and this time Di María is ahead of him."

"Di María receives from Ronaldo and continues toward the byline along the left."

"He stops sharply, cuts back, then bursts to the byline. Di María forces past Alves and clips to the far post."

"Benzema again!!!"

"No one around him!!"

"Oh my God, chest it down and right-foot shot..."

"It's in again!!!"

"Hat trick!!!"

"Benzema!!!!"

"5-0!"

"Real Madrid score five in the first half, with Benzema completing a hat trick."

"My God, Real Madrid have scored three goals in less than ten minutes."

"From Benzema's first to his third, it took only eight minutes."

"This should be one of the fastest hat tricks in La Liga!"

"Real Madrid win no matter how they play, Barcelona lose no matter how they play."

"Defense, defense!"

…

The moment Benzema scored, Gao Shen leapt from the technical area and roared with joy.

He was immediately grabbed in a hug by Zidane, Hierro and the others rushing from behind.

On the bench, Real Madrid's players piled together, celebrating wildly.

No one expected Real Madrid to play with such insane momentum in the first half.

It was obvious that in the last few minutes, Barcelona's mentality had completely shifted, leaving them rattled.

Martino failed to adjust in time, which let Real Madrid hit them precisely.

Especially Di María's positional switch.

Alves never figured out how to mark Di María.

In other words, facing Di María, Alves was overwhelmed and could not judge the distance.

"The sudden high press right after the start was decisive." Zidane, even in excitement, summed it up clearly.

Everyone thought about it and nodded.

In fact, from kickoff, Gao Shen's in-game command was decisive and his sense for the game was sharp.

For example, he reminded Carvajal to watch the left.

Sure enough, Barcelona struck from that side.

If Iniesta's shot had gone in, the whole picture would have flipped.

After reading Barcelona's tactics and intentions, Gao Shen made a decisive shift, telling the team to push up aggressively, press high, and go head-on.

As a result, they scored in quick succession, with head and foot.

After a spell of pressure and taking control, Real Madrid dropped off and played steady. Barcelona exposed their own issues, which Real Madrid kept exploiting on the counter for more goals.

Especially later, Di María's move to the left was brilliant.

All three of Benzema's goals were assisted by Di María. Amazing.

This is the value of in-game command.

It can truly turn a match on its head.

And Gao Shen is definitely the best at it.

In Sacchi's words, sophisticated in-game command is an art.

…

After Real Madrid's three quick goals and Benzema's hat trick, the team did not continue to push recklessly, but managed the game. Barcelona, wounded, also became conservative.

The tempo slowed, but that did not mean Real Madrid had no chances.

On the contrary, through compact defending and counterattacks, Real Madrid repeatedly carved out opportunities. Ronaldo, Pogba and Benzema all had shots.

Especially Benzema. In first-half stoppage time, Carvajal whipped in a cross from the right, creating a great near-post chance for Benzema, beating Piqué to it.

But the Frenchman's header was slightly off, flying wide and kissing the outside of the post.

After the hat trick, Benzema relaxed a bit and started searching for angles. The result was...

Second half

After the restart, Real Madrid launched a quick attack right away, but it did not come off.

Instead, in the 51st minute, they broke quickly from the back. Di María dribbled through three Barcelona defenders in succession and slid a left-footed through ball, creating another one-on-one for Benzema.

This Tyrannosaurus Rex missed again, his shot going straight at Valdés.

Gao Shen was so angry he hopped on the touchline and immediately replaced him with Morata.

Come on, after a hat trick, is it sage mode already?

The Bernabéu still gave Benzema a warm ovation.

This hat trick was the highest affirmation for Benzema.

After that, Real Madrid continued to manage the game, while Barcelona, afraid their defense would be ripped again, returned to their usual style, focusing on passing and possession.

With both sides playing this way, the second half could not produce the same avalanche of attacks and fast counters as the first.

The match became a bit dull.

Gao Shen even wondered whether Real Madrid and Barcelona would really settle at 5-0.

Otherwise, how do you explain Real Madrid being unable to score after making it 5-0?

They created several great chances, so why no finish?

Moreover, Valdés suddenly looked inspired.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 5-0 at home, with Benzema's hat trick and five first-half goals.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1145: Winning the Championship in Advance

Magically profound!

This was the headline given by AS after Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 5-0 at the Bernabéu.

This game not only attracted the attention of fans and media reporters from all over the world, but also caused a nationwide excitement in Spain.

After Real Madrid's 5-0 victory, almost the whole of Spain was shocked.

All the fans and media were discussing this key game wildly. They were all in disbelief about Barcelona's crushing defeat, and at the same time, they were incredulous about Real Madrid's performance.

Professionals analyzed the game in more depth.

As the mouthpiece of Real Madrid, AS believes that the biggest contributor to Real Madrid's victory is head coach Gao Shen.

"He used his incredible in-game command to help Real Madrid win this crucial match, securing their place in the La Liga championship this season. It also allowed the world to witness once again that Real Madrid had completely conquered Barcelona."

"The Barcelona dynasty has collapsed!"

AS believes that the first half was when Gao Shen's command was most evident and when Barcelona was completely defeated.

Martino tried to create an unexpected situation by changing the formation, hoping to achieve a surprise victory, but Gao Shen's sophisticated in-game command prevented that surprise from working. Neymar on the right became the worst-performing player in the game.

More importantly, he did not defend actively, which allowed Marcelo to push forward repeatedly and become one of the most active players on the pitch.

"Real Madrid's attacks down the left created goals one after another and were key to Benzema's hat trick."

AS believes that the first half of this game was the most exciting and entertaining of the La Liga season.

This was not only because Real Madrid scored five goals, but also because of the head coach's selection and in-game command.

AS interviewed several Real Madrid players after the game, including Carvajal and Xabi Alonso. Almost all of them agreed that the sophisticated in-game command was the key factor in Real Madrid's victory.

AS believes that Gao Shen has become the most indispensable figure at Real Madrid.

"Today's Real Madrid could do without Ronaldo, Benzema, Di María, or any other player, but it cannot do without Gao Shen."

"He is the most important person at Real Madrid."

AS called on Real Madrid's management to complete Gao Shen's contract renewal as soon as possible and keep him at the Bernabéu.

"After a 5-0 home win over Barcelona, the suspense over this season's La Liga title is basically gone. Although Atlético Madrid are currently second in La Liga, it is difficult for the Colchoneros to threaten Real Madrid's championship throne."

"This crushing defeat made Barcelona's third place even more secure."

…

Marca also believes that Gao Shen's team has once again conquered the Bernabéu.

Benzema's hat trick was certainly the focus of the game, but Marca reminded everyone not to ignore another player. Although he was not selected as the best player on the night, he was actually the best performer.

That was Di María.

Throughout the first half, the Neymar and Alves partnership on the right was completely beaten by Marcelo and Di María, and even Pogba broke through Barcelona's defense from that side.

The main reason for this was that Neymar did not defend actively and did not even participate in the defensive work.

"Martino realized this problem in the first half, so not long after the second half began, Sánchez left the bench to warm up, but everyone knew it would be difficult for him to shake Neymar's status at Barcelona."

In order to sign Neymar, Barcelona even ousted their president Rosell.

This shows that Neymar is no longer just a player at Barcelona, but the successor to Messi chosen by the club.

In this case, Sánchez cannot shake Neymar's position at all.

But after Sánchez came on, Barcelona returned to their old 4-3-3 passing and possession style, and Neymar returned to the left.

This created an interesting situation.

When Barcelona adopted their passing and possession game, they had a clear advantage on the pitch, and Real Madrid had to adopt strict defensive tactics to contain Barcelona. Although Barcelona had the advantage, it was difficult to convert it into real threat.

But at least their defense was relatively stable.

When Martino tried to win by surprise, he exposed their defensive problems more clearly, and their right side was repeatedly broken by Real Madrid's left.

In the first half, most of Real Madrid's attacks came down Barcelona's right.

Marca believes that Martino's formation change was a complete failure, while Gao Shen's in-game command received full marks.

"In this match, Gao Shen once again demonstrated the command of a world-class coach. He used an almost perfect tactical performance to show Martino the level of a world-class manager."

…

Both Sport and Mundo Deportivo also pointed the finger at Martino's formation change.

Changing formation on the spot is a major taboo.

Both Barcelona mouthpieces blamed Martino, believing that he fell behind at the most critical moment.

Sport cited Neymar as an example.

The Brazilian's defensive statistics such as tackles, interceptions and clearances were all zero throughout the game.

Yes, not even once.

He was not willing to defend, not even symbolically.

This can only be described as embarrassing.

Sport believes that this was because Neymar was very dissatisfied with Martino's decision to play him on the right.

"His best area is on the left, but Martino insisted on leaving that side to Iniesta and Alba, forcing him to the right, which made Neymar uncomfortable and unhappy."

The Brazilian also posted another match-high statistic, a total of five turnovers.

Mundo Deportivo also believes that Neymar's mistakes dealt a huge blow to Barcelona.

"Messi is still working hard to prove himself and is eager to lead the team to create more threat, while Neymar is like an angry child who prefers to do nothing."

"He is using this silent way to resist head coach Martino."

Mundo Deportivo believes that Martino has lost authority and trust in Barcelona's dressing room and is becoming an obstacle to the club's progress.

Barcelona's mouthpieces rated players from both teams after the game, and two Barcelona players received the lowest marks.

One was Alves, who got the lowest score of 3, and the other was Thiago Motta, who got 4.

However, compared with the much-criticized Alves, Thiago Motta did not receive more criticism, largely because he has played very little this season.

Sometimes, Martino would rather use Alex Song than Thiago Motta.

Another player with a 4 was Fàbregas. He was placed in midfield but did not contribute as expected and made many passing errors.

Barcelona's mouthpieces believe Barcelona's current problems are structural and reflect imbalance in the squad.

Why was Thiago Motta starting in such an important game?

Because Barcelona have no center backs.

Why use Fàbregas in midfield?

Sport quoted Martino's explanation in the post-match press conference, saying that Barcelona needed to strengthen the running and cover in midfield, and he believed Fàbregas could provide all of that.

But this raises more questions.

Both of Barcelona's two mouthpieces agree that the suspense over this season's La Liga title is gone, and Real Madrid have effectively won it early. There is not much to say about that. The key is whether Barcelona can achieve anything in the Champions League and Copa del Rey final.

"Perhaps, firing Martino is a good option," suggested Mundo Deportivo.

But another question arises. If Martino is fired, who will take over Barcelona in a hurry?

Luis Enrique, the club legend who previously competed with Martino for the Barcelona job, is currently coaching Celta Vigo in La Liga. It is obviously unrealistic to ask him to abandon Celta Vigo, rush to Barcelona mid-season to put out the fire, and immediately start three consecutive matches against Real Madrid.

"But if Martino is retained, the remaining three Clásicos will be difficult to win."

…

Not only Spain, but the entire European football world, and even media and fans around the world, are talking about this Clásico.

In particular, they praised Gao Shen's game plan and in-game command.

According to L'Équipe, this match once again established Gao Shen as one of the world's top coaches.

"The in-game command in the first half was textbook-level."

According to news from the Coverciano training base in Italy, the famous Italian coach Renzo Ulivieri believes that this half is enough to become teaching material and a key study case in the Italian head coach training course.

"It was not just 45 minutes, it was like the essence of a thousand matches, ever-changing and unpredictable."

"But Gao Shen, as head coach, keenly captured signals, analyzed trends and changes, led the team to shift styles and break the game open. This is what deserves the most attention."

Germany's Bild even believes the La Liga champion was decided after this game.

After many years, Real Madrid finally won La Liga again.

Gao Shen also led his Real Madrid to take another step on the great journey toward a treble.

"After winning the Champions League for three consecutive seasons, Gao Shen is likely to win it again this season."

The Times also believes that with the La Liga situation clear, Real Madrid will effectively win early, which will allow them to devote more energy to the Champions League and the Copa del Rey final.

The biggest suspense is undoubtedly the Champions League, but the opponent in the quarterfinals is still Barcelona.

"The Bernabéu match is a good start for the next three Clásicos. The team is obviously ready for the Champions League semi-final."

The Times believes that whether it is the quarterfinals or the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona have lost their edge and will probably find it difficult to threaten Real Madrid again.

The only thing that can stop Gao Shen and his Real Madrid from winning the treble is the Champions League, and the semi-finals will be crucial.

But from the current perspective, everyone knows who Real Madrid's opponent could be in the semi-finals after they overcome Barcelona.

Guardiola's Bayern Munich? Ancelotti's Paris Saint-Germain? Pellegrini's Manchester City?

Maybe either is possible.

(To be continued.)