SWR: Chapter 1116/1118

Chapter 1116: Who Can Snipe Real Madrid

Everyone was surprised to find that after Real Madrid, the Galácticos, had experienced stormy waves and entered calm waters, they suddenly broke out with amazing fighting power.

In the fifth round of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid hosted Anderlecht at home.

Gao Shen fielded a full substitute lineup. Except for goalkeeper Casillas, all ten outfield players were replaced.

As a result, even with a rotated squad, Real Madrid still defeated Anderlecht 3-1 at the Bernabéu.

The team's newly acclaimed young players once again performed impressively.

It is worth mentioning that after a post-match examination, Ronaldo, who was substituted last weekend due to injury, was found to have only a minor muscle strain. It was not serious and he just needed some rest.

This news made everyone at Real Madrid breathe a sigh of relief.

…

In the 15th round of La Liga, Real Madrid hosted Valladolid at home.

Jesé and Benzema, who replaced Ronaldo, each scored a goal, while Di María netted a hat trick.

This was the first time the Argentine had scored a hat trick since joining Real Madrid.

He had previously delivered hat tricks of assists, but this was his first scoring hat trick.

The Spanish media once again praised Gao Shen's coaching ability.

He had previously declared that Di María could achieve 20 goals and 20 assists this season, a claim questioned by many. Even Marca and AS, who are close to Real Madrid, remained cautious. However, from Di María's red-hot form recently, it was clear he was truly thriving.

While Real Madrid defeated Valladolid 5-0, Atletico Madrid beat Elche 2-0 away, and Barcelona lost 0-1 to Athletic Bilbao away.

…

Due to participation in the Club World Cup, Real Madrid made some schedule adjustments.

The second leg of the Copa del Rey fourth round, away against Spanish third division side Olímpic Xàtiva, was brought forward.

Real Madrid still played with a rotated lineup, but they were too relaxed.

According to the Copa del Rey format, after the away match, the second leg would be at the Bernabéu. So Real Madrid players were not particularly focused on the away game, which led to a lazy performance.

Olímpic Xàtiva lacked the strength to threaten Real Madrid and did not even register a shot, but Madrid themselves played poorly.

This was an old problem for Real Madrid, who had often slipped against lower-level opponents in the Copa del Rey.

At halftime, Gao Shen lost his temper and scolded the complacent players.

Soon after the restart, Pogba lobbed a pass into the box, Isco controlled it and finished with a low shot to break the deadlock.

Later, Isco threaded a pass and Jesé scored from the left side of the area.

In the end, Real Madrid won 2-0 away.

Three days later, with the same squad, Real Madrid defeated Olímpic Xàtiva 3-0 at the Bernabéu.

In total, Madrid advanced 5-0 on aggregate.

But the happiest side was Olímpic Xàtiva.

Despite all their struggles, they finally got the chance to play at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid.

For a third-division club, this was a historic and glorious moment.

Real Madrid even prepared a special gift for Olímpic Xàtiva to congratulate them, and afterwards both teams took a group photo.

In the locker room after the match, Gao Shen asked his players to think carefully about their opponents and the meaning of such matches.

…

After the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid headed north to London to face Manchester United away.

The Premier League had completed 15 rounds, and the picture was becoming clear.

Manchester United sat 9th, with Moyes' team performing poorly and calls for his dismissal growing stronger.

His only hope of survival was United qualifying from the Champions League group stage, even if just as second place.

This season, United had shocked fans by losing almost every big match except against Arsenal.

Moyes even lost to his former club Everton at Old Trafford.

Unacceptable.

With two matches a week in the Premier League, United's recent form was dreadful, with one draw and two losses in their last three games, including home defeats to Everton and Newcastle.

Leeds United, last season's dark horse, were now 8th, one place above Manchester United.

But Pochettino's side had also stumbled recently. After beating United, they lost 0-2 to Arsenal away, 1-3 to Chelsea away, and drew 1-1 with Manchester City at home.

Outsiders criticized Leeds' form, but within the club, management and players believed it was normal.

Firstly, many of the defeats were away to strong opponents. Secondly, the team had performed excellently in the Europa League.

Drawn in the same group as Valencia, Leeds beat them 3-0 away and then went on a winning run.

After five rounds, Leeds had four wins and one loss, already securing progression.

Their only defeat was at home to Valencia, but having already clinched top spot, they rotated the squad to save energy for Manchester City, eventually drawing 1-1 with them.

Given the circumstances, staying 8th in the league while topping their Europa League group was already a strong achievement.

This was also thanks to their excellent squad depth. Players like Rabiot, Bruno Fernandes, Fabinho, Mané, Zaha, Mahrez, and Sterling had all contributed.

The standout was Vardy.

With Icardi transferred to Arsenal, Harry Kane became Leeds' main striker. Yet Vardy's performances grew better and better. Alongside Martial up front, Leeds' attack remained sharp.

Both Gao Shen and Leeds were delighted with Vardy's rise.

He could not yet challenge Kane and even had to compete with Martial, but for a player from humble beginnings, this was highly commendable.

After all, Martial's natural talent and physique far exceeded Vardy's.

Leeds showed patience and faith in him, and Vardy worked tirelessly to improve, making Gao Shen optimistic about his future.

Outsiders, unaware of the truth, were puzzled.

With Vardy's level, how could he survive at Leeds?

Some media even dug deep and put forward conspiracy theories, claiming Gao Shen refused to admit he misjudged Vardy and forced Leeds to keep him.

Leeds ignored the speculation.

Gao Shen refuted it on Twitter, declaring his belief that Vardy would surprise everyone.

"No matter what others say, I believe in you."

"Run, Jamie!"

Against Manchester United, Real Madrid fielded a rotated squad and drew 2-2 away.

In the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid finished with five wins and one draw, topping the group.

United finished second, Leverkusen third, and Anderlecht fourth.

…

After returning from Manchester, Real Madrid briefly rested before traveling away to face Osasuna.

With all main players back, Madrid displayed their attacking firepower.

It is well known that northern Spanish teams are tough to play against, and Osasuna are among the fiercest.

But just three minutes in, without Ronaldo, Madrid struck first.

Benzema assisted Di María for the opener.

Osasuna quickly equalized after a defensive mistake.

In the 16th minute, Benzema restored the lead.

In the second half, Madrid pressed relentlessly. Benzema, Jesé, and Džeko all found the net.

In the end, Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 5-1.

It is worth noting that Isco, starting in Ronaldo's position on the left wing, struggled.

Gao Shen had wanted him to adapt to more positions, but Isco was tightly marked and repeatedly fouled.

After being substituted, he removed his socks and shin guards on the bench, revealing badly swollen legs from repeated kicks.

Gao Shen even went over to comfort him, a moment captured by live cameras and reporters.

Who says La Liga is all about artistry?

Damn it, La Liga teams often kick your players without mercy.

After the match, Gao Shen criticized Osasuna's rough play, saying it stifled technical football.

Osasuna center-back Arribas, who committed the most fouls, was eventually sent off, but Gao Shen believed it came too late. If the referee had not favored the home team, Arribas should have been dismissed in the first half.

Osasuna received seven yellow cards, while Real Madrid had two.

While Madrid battled to a tough away win, Barcelona edged Villarreal 2-1, and Atletico beat Valencia 3-0.

All three La Liga giants won.

But Madrid's momentum was undeniable.

Their stunning record of 16 straight wins drew the attention of the entire European football world.

Everyone believed this season's La Liga title was already in Gao Shen's grasp.

The real question now was, who could snipe Real Madrid?

Who could end their winning streak?

…

After facing Osasuna, Real Madrid returned to Madrid for a short rest before flying to Morocco to compete in the 2013 Club World Cup.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1117: Do You Really Think Gao Shen Is Made of Paper?

From Madrid to Agadir, Morocco, it is actually not that far.

It is even closer than away trips to the Canary Islands, like Las Palmas and Tenerife.

For Real Madrid, going to Morocco is like a sponsored trip.

But Morocco's security cannot be taken lightly.

After Real Madrid arrived in Agadir on a chartered flight, they immediately received head-of-state level security. The team took a bus directly to a five-star hotel ten kilometers from Agadir.

This place had been cleared days in advance specifically to host Real Madrid during the Club World Cup.

From the moment the plane landed, Moroccan TV stations followed and filmed the entire process. Passionate Moroccan fans also trailed the convoy, just hoping to catch a glimpse of Real Madrid's famous coach and stars.

Especially upon arrival at the hotel, a large number of fans gathered at the scene.

When they saw the Real Madrid bus, they all cheered excitedly.

But from beginning to end, Real Madrid never got off the bus until they entered the hotel.

This was also a request from the local organizers to avoid any accidents during Real Madrid's trip to Morocco.

…

Since the league champions from Gao Shen's home country, Guangzhou Evergrande, were also participating in this Club World Cup, the event carried a strong Chinese presence. Not only did media reporters flock in, more than a thousand fans traveled to Morocco to watch the matches.

Back home, coverage was intense and constant.

After arriving in Morocco, Real Madrid took a short rest, then went to Agadir Stadium in the afternoon for a familiarization session.

As usual, Real Madrid's training was open to the public for 15 minutes.

Most of those present were media reporters from around the world, the majority from Gao Shen's home country. There were also traveling fans, and they were very enthusiastic.

Gao Shen stood on the touchline as usual, leaving Carlo in charge of the session.

Real Madrid are very familiar with the open-training routine, so the 15 minutes were basically rondos. The drill is entertaining and a good warm-up, which is perfect for this window.

As expected, Real Madrid's fast, continuous passing drew gasps from everyone on site.

They then ran a simple pressing drill, which also excited the media and fans.

The key is that this kind of quick passing is very entertaining.

Many fans and reporters had seen similar drills at Barcelona, and they amazed the world. Few realized that not only Real Madrid could do this, but teams like Leeds United had also mastered it.

Gao Shen watched from the side and felt the players were in good physical and mental condition.

After 15 minutes, the media and fans left, and Real Madrid officially began their closed training.

In truth, there was not much to say, it was all routine work.

Agadir Stadium is a very good venue, and it was clear the organizers had put in real effort for the Club World Cup.

The head coach of the Yangcheng team is Gao Shen's old friend Lippi. Gao Shen knows Lippi's level well, but he also knows the level of domestic teams, so his instructions to the squad were simple. More running, more passing and penetration, and ideally take it easy to save energy for the final.

But at the subsequent press conference, Gao Shen realized he might have made a mistake.

…

The press room at Agadir Stadium was not large, and Gao Shen could clearly see everyone from his seat.

The opening questions were normal, about preparations and first impressions of Morocco. Gao Shen responded politely.

For example, he praised the Moroccan organizers and the enthusiasm of the fans.

These are tried-and-true lines that cover all bases.

Gao Shen has long been used to this.

What truly surprised him was a question from a reporter for a Yangcheng newspaper. He said that before departure, the Yangcheng team held a general mobilization, shed mental burdens, and won their first match in Morocco 2-0, a good start.

Facing Real Madrid, Guangzhou Evergrande's players were in high spirits and showed strong fighting spirit. The team's top star Conca even said he hoped to beat Real Madrid and win the Club World Cup.

"I would like to ask, Mr. Gao, facing such a team, what do you think are Real Madrid's chances of winning?"

Sitting at the podium, Gao Shen initially thought he had misheard.

Many in the room were using simultaneous translation and were also stunned. Several people even looked at the young reporter in surprise, wondering if they had heard incorrectly.

But the reporter repeated the question firmly.

Gao Shen turned his head away awkwardly and burst into laughter. After doing his best to calm down, he turned back.

His feelings were complicated.

He suddenly recalled the public discourse in the domestic media before the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

Especially after the group draw, countless outlets were charting the national team's path to the knockouts. Beat Costa Rica first, then draw with Turkey, then lose narrowly to Brazil, and qualify from the group.

It was all still vivid.

He never expected that it was already 2013, and there were still people acting the same as ten years ago.

"Lippi is a good friend of mine, and I know him well. He is a very experienced tactician who always builds tenacious teams with excellent defending. I believe it will be the same this time."

Gao Shen tried to soften his tone.

"We are full of confidence in this match, but we must not be careless, and we must not underestimate the opponent."

Gao Shen felt he had done his best to save face.

To be honest, he really did not see much chance of failure in this game.

Real Madrid's players were in good form with a strong lineup. The key point was that the opponent's level is what it is, so how could they lose?

"You are right, Mr. Gao," another reporter stood up. "Lippi has been the best head coach in the world in recent years. He has had plenty of opportunities to face top teams and has always achieved great results."

"Before the game, Lippi revealed he would use a defensive strategy against Real Madrid and that he had studied you thoroughly. In contrast, Real Madrid know nothing about Guangzhou Evergrande. Could this be a hidden danger for Real Madrid, making an upset possible?"

Gao Shen still felt embarrassed.

But he was also a little irritated.

Is Lippi the best head coach in the world?

If this were said elsewhere, not directly in front of Gao Shen, there would be no problem.

But with Gao Shen sitting here, to say Lippi is the best head coach, you should at least add "one of," as a basic courtesy, right?

Nothing? Upset?

"Yes, we did not know much about our opponents in the just-concluded Copa del Rey match, so we encountered some difficulties. But overall, we got through it in the end."

After a pause, Gao Shen looked at the reporter coolly again. "The Club World Cup is an excellent opportunity for exchange. Here, we can compete with the best teams in the world, and it allows us to see our shortcomings and gaps more clearly."

"I believe this will be an exciting game."

After speaking, Gao Shen did not take further questions. He raised his hand in farewell and ended the press conference early.

…

The reporters present were a little confused, especially the two domestic reporters who asked those questions.

"Dude, do you understand what you are asking?"

"Right, the person across from you is the best head coach in the world. Do you not respect him at all?"

"My God, go ask Lippi if he dares to call himself the best head coach in the world."

Even reporters from some authoritative domestic outlets shook their heads.

"I really don't know if you are ignorant or fearless."

But the two reporters clearly did not feel there was anything wrong with their questions.

Is Lippi not the best head coach in the world?

He is a World Cup champion.

A gold-medal coach from the tactical kingdom of Italy.

In terms of credentials and coaching level, is he not the best?

…

Half an hour later.

Lippi arrived at the press room. Before he even entered, his assistant briefed him on what had happened, and the Silver Fox's expression immediately darkened.

"It is over."

He knows Gao Shen very well.

If you confront him head-on like that, he would just flare up and let it pass. But now he said nothing and held it in, which clearly meant he wanted to settle it on the pitch.

"Damn it, where did those two reporters come from?"

"Our local newspaper."

"Go, do not let them ask questions later." Lippi was anxious.

Originally, given his friendship with Gao Shen, as long as both saved face, there would not be any big problem.

In other words, even if you lose, you lose with dignity.

But now it was different. Those two rookies were too ignorant.

Even Lippi wondered whether they understood football at all.

"How did they get here?"

"The boss arranged it to build momentum, right? They invited a lot of media to travel with the team and reimbursed flights and expenses. So many outlets we do not usually work with came along."

Lippi nearly fainted.

"I am telling you, I have tried my best. I cannot control how the game turns out."

"What do you mean?"

Lippi laughed in exasperation. "Just look at La Liga and the Champions League group standings right now."

What kind of people are these?

Oh my God, do you really think Real Madrid's superstars are the same as the so-called superstars on your team?

Are they even playing the same sport?

Please, it is not the same level at all.

No, it is not even the same dimension, okay?

It is fine for the players and head coach to talk big. They are the ones fighting on the pitch. Do they have to show weakness?

But in this situation, do you really think you can win?

Or do you think you can make up the massive gap in strength with fighting spirit alone?

Gao Shen is young, but who is he really?

A famous coach respected by countless professional head coaches in Italy.

Do you really think he is made of paper?

Like some domestic tabloid conspiracy theory that UEFA, La Liga, and European football created a bubble for the domestic market?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1118: Gao, How Many Goals Are You Planning to Score?

On the evening of December 17, at Agadir Stadium in Morocco.

In the Club World Cup semi-finals, Champions League winners Real Madrid faced AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou Evergrande.

As soon as the match started, Real Madrid quickly took control and launched an attack down the left.

Ronaldo carried the ball alone, first slipping past a Yangcheng player on the left touchline. As he drove forward, three defenders crowded him, and he dragged all three toward the left edge of the Guangzhou Evergrande penalty area.

Finally, one of them could not hold back and committed a foul, giving Real Madrid a free kick in the attacking third.

This scene made Lippi shake his head on the touchline.

Three men on one, and they still could not stop him. What can we do?

Di María stood over the ball, glanced into the area, and took a long breath.

He ran up and whipped a left-footed cross into the box. Ramos rose high and powered a header into the net.

The ball is in.

So clean and sharp.

Just over a minute into the game, Real Madrid had scored.

…

While many Yangcheng fans and domestic reporters on site were lamenting their bad luck, they soon discovered the nightmare had only just begun.

After the restart, Guangzhou Evergrande could not keep the ball at all.

Even their most prized foreign player, under Real Madrid's intense press, completed fewer than five passes after kick-off before losing possession outright.

Once Real Madrid won it back, Benzema tried a long-range effort from 20 meters, but the goalkeeper held it.

When the Guangzhou Evergrande keeper got up, he suddenly faced an embarrassing problem.

There were Real Madrid players everywhere. Where could he pass?

Everyone was puzzled.

What is going on?

In the end, the goalkeeper punted long, but the ball still fell to Real Madrid.

With quick, continuous passing, Guangzhou Evergrande could barely lay a foot on anyone, let alone win the ball.

The media and fans in the stands realized that yesterday's entertaining rondos in Madrid's open training looked like juggling. Now, they were just spinning the Guangzhou Evergrande players around the pitch.

Who looked better now?

The ball moved into the final third and seemed headed for Ronaldo's side. Even Marcelo joined in. Suddenly, Toni Kroos hit a long diagonal to the right side of the area.

A cross-field diagonal like that, with both pace and precision, is something you hardly ever see domestically.

Carvajal stepped up and took it down cleanly outside the right corner of the box. Before Guangzhou's defense could shift over, he drove another diagonal ball to the far post.

Evergrande's back line had just slid toward Carvajal, but they never expected a sudden hit from behind.

Ronaldo arrived at speed and headed it back across. Benzema tapped in on the line, and it was in again.

2-0.

Everyone was stunned.

Only five minutes had passed.

…

Guangzhou Evergrande kicked off again.

As soon as they passed back, the midfield and back line realized Real Madrid were swarming them again.

A brief hesitation, and Madrid were already on top of them. Their feet tangled, and they lost the ball again.

There was no choice but to drop deep quickly.

This time Real Madrid were not in a hurry, stepping forward methodically. By the time Guangzhou set their block, Madrid had advanced into position.

Then came another wave of attacks.

It felt like Real Madrid had rolled a cannon right up to Evergrande's box, firing shell after shell. Guangzhou had no way to stop it and did not even dare to foul.

Why?

Because Madrid's first goal came from a free kick in the attacking third.

Everyone knew that such passive defending could not last long.

But if they did not defend, what else could they do?

Finally, in the 11th minute, Real Madrid created another chance.

Marcelo made an overlapping run on the left, received from Ronaldo on the left side of the area, dribbled past his man into the box, and cut back. Ronaldo arrived to finish with his right foot and scored again, making it 3-0.

Ruthless.

Truly ruthless.

Not only were the players on the pitch bewildered, but the fans and media in the stands were stunned.

Even FIFA and the organizing committee were in disbelief.

Were Real Madrid being unsportsmanlike tonight?

Everyone knows the Club World Cup is basically a showcase. The competition itself has little real value, and many matches are not even as intense as friendlies.

If FIFA did not strictly require clubs to field their main players, Gao Shen probably would not have used a single starter tonight and still would have won.

So what did teams usually do before?

Play slowly, do not force it, take the pace down, even let the players have a bit of freedom. Ideally win by a small margin, three or four goals at most, and leave face for both sides and for FIFA.

After all, if the score is too lopsided, what is the point?

But Gao Shen was blowing it up tonight.

…

"What is going on?"

FIFA president Blatter sat in the stands, watching in confusion.

Real Madrid were treating Guangzhou Evergrande like Barcelona. Was that not ridiculous?

Now the Yangcheng team could not even hold the ball.

If you say you do not let the opponent cross midfield, that is fine. At least they can still retreat.

But how did Gao Shen's team do it?

They pressed so high that the opponent could not get out of their own half, even their own penalty area.

This was pure annihilation.

"Gao Shen has never been like this before. What happened? Is he in a bad mood?"

Blatter was puzzled. It felt over the top.

If it continued like this, the score could be enormous.

A FIFA official stepped forward and explained what had happened at yesterday's press conference. Blatter's face went stiff.

"Where did those two reporters come from?"

When he learned they had traveled with the Guangzhou team, he was speechless.

Well, it is your own mess. You deal with it.

"Do you want to tell Real Madrid?"

Blatter rolled his eyes. "That is Gao Shen."

Who is Gao Shen?

A five-time Champions League winner. In today's world football, if he calls himself second, who dares claim first?

At a time like this, who can persuade him?

Even if Blatter went himself, Gao Shen would not give him that face.

At that moment, someone hurried over from the nearby stands. Realizing the situation was getting out of hand, Guangzhou's officials were looking for a mediator and went straight to Blatter.

Champions of Europe and Asia both need to save face. They could not afford to lose too badly.

"Now you want Real Madrid to go easy?" Blatter was angry. "What about those two reporters last night?"

"Go back and tell them FIFA cannot handle this. They need to talk to Gao Shen themselves."

"And hurry, or it will be too late."

Every time he sees him, we have to be respectful and speak politely. But you insult him to his face. Were you looking for trouble?

Now you see how strong he is.

If he really goes all out, who knows how many goals he can score?

As he spoke, Real Madrid scored again on the pitch.

A long-range strike from outside the box by Toni Kroos.

In under twenty minutes, it was 4-0.

Blatter really could not watch any longer.

Gao, how many goals are you planning to score?

…

Lippi sat in the home dugout, his eyelids twitching.

Now, all the data was meaningless.

Guangzhou could not get the ball, and even when they did, they could not keep it.

Real Madrid looked possessed, winning it and attacking immediately. It was like slicing melons and vegetables.

Lippi certainly knew Real Madrid's strength, and he knew the true level of Guangzhou. They were simply not on the same plane.

So before the game he said the chance of winning was almost zero.

But many domestic media and fans did not believe it. They thought they could win, that there was a chance.

So what if they are Champions League winners?

We are AFC Champions League winners.

Several of our foreign players can hold their own in Europe.

But what about when the match actually starts?

Once Real Madrid charged forward, no one could stop them.

Only then did people realize.

Yes, we can establish ourselves in European leagues, but European leagues also have tiers.

Even within the top four leagues, the gap in strength is huge.

Do you really think a super giant like Real Madrid is a paper tiger?

This truly proves the saying, when a great power gets serious, the outcome can be devastating.

The unluckiest one is me, Lippi. Will I still be able to hold my head up in front of Gao Shen?

As Lippi sighed inwardly, another goal went in.

This time it was Gao Shen's favorite, Di María.

5-0.

Not even thirty minutes gone.

The fans and media who were cheering earlier were now crestfallen.

They finally realized the gap was enormous.

So big that they could not even touch or hold the ball. How were they supposed to play?

And everyone also realized that Gao Shen was truly angry this time.

He wanted everyone to see clearly that this is the true level of the world's strongest team.

Do not take those summer tours in China seriously. Even Barcelona were not playing in earnest, they were just performing.

In a real match, this gap is enough to make you despair.

Do not believe it?

Look at the Yangcheng team, completely shell-shocked.

Look, another long pass from Real Madrid to the right. Carvajal drove to the byline, suddenly cut into the box, and squared it. Guangzhou's center-back was caught off guard, and the ball sailed past him.

It went to the far post. Ronaldo chested it down and hooked it sideways into the Guangzhou net again.

6-0.

Only then did everyone fully understand that the gap was unbridgeable.

I suppose many people will accuse Guangzhou's players of not working hard, not running, or being too passive.

But the real reason is that the gulf in strength is simply too big.

So big that they cannot even show their effort.

Lippi was getting restless in the dugout.

He stood up, walked to the technical area, glanced at Gao Shen, and saw Gao Shen looking back.

The Italian's eyes were full of helpless resentment.

You are settling scores with others. Can you please not drag me into it?

I am old now and only want to make some money for retirement. Can you save some face?

(To be continued.)