SWR: Chapter 1039/1040

Chapter 1039: Simeone, Do You Dare?

With a 1-0 lead, Real Madrid went into halftime with a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.

Gao Shen had just finished a quick meeting with his coaching staff to review the first half before stepping into the players' rest area.

The squad was almost fully settled, all eyes turning toward their head coach.

The first-half situation had played out just as Gao Shen expected.

That was his trademark. His preparation was meticulous. He could deduce every possible scenario, ensuring every player knew exactly how to respond when situations arose during the match.

Panic?

For a mature, well-trained side, it simply did not exist.

"Two things," Gao Shen began directly. Time was too precious for unnecessary words.

Behind him, Zidane had already set up the tactical board, with pieces laid out representing both teams' formations.

"The first is our defense."

Gao Shen pointed at Atletico's front two, No. 9 and No. 19 on the board.

Number 9 was Falcao. Number 19 was Diego Costa.

"In the first half, when Atletico countered, they relied on the simplest two-man combination after winning the ball. Falcao's individual ability is strong, and Diego Costa is dangerous attacking the space behind our back line."

As he spoke, Gao Shen used his pen to mark the gap behind Real Madrid's defense.

It was the classic risk of a high defensive line.

The space in behind.

"There was one occasion where Ramos defended it well, but we must stay alert, especially in midfield."

"Xabi," Gao Shen called, pointing his pen at Alonso. "Foul if you have to. Don't let Falcao play comfortably."

"Just avoid a red card. We don't care about yellows."

After all, this was the Copa del Rey final. A yellow card suspension would only matter in the league. What was there to fear?

The priority now was the two finals. Everything else could wait.

"Atletico will always look for that two-man combination after a steal. If the first wave fails and we win it back, they immediately swarm with a second wave from midfield, like a pack of wolves."

This was something Gao Shen himself used often.

The benefits were obvious.

If the quick counterattack failed, the second line arriving behind could immediately counterpress, recover possession, and launch another attack.

This constant cycle of pressure suffocated opponents, forcing mistakes if they lacked composure.

Real Madrid themselves had racked up big wins this way.

Atletico, under Simeone, had clearly adopted the same method.

So Gao Shen's message was clear: Real Madrid players had to stay mentally sharp, ready for Atletico's immediate counterpress after turnovers.

Real Madrid's passing and composure could withstand their pressing, but only if they kept focus.

"The second point is our attack."

Gao Shen turned and adjusted the tactical pieces, laying out their attacking structure.

Benzema through the middle, Ronaldo and Di Maria on the flanks, Kroos and Modric outside the box, Marcelo and Carvajal providing width, Alonso, Ramos and Pepe anchoring.

"When we attack, we must stretch the pitch. The striker and wingers must attack the penalty area. Full-backs must provide width, to open up spaces out wide."

"We are not Barcelona. Our midfielders are not Messi, Fàbregas, Agüero or Sánchez. Our penalty box threats are Benzema and Ronaldo. Both are aerially dominant, both are world-class scorers."

Barcelona's attack, Gao Shen explained, had an unavoidable weakness: lack of penetration into the box.

Messi, Fàbregas, Sánchez—none offered true penalty-box presence. Agüero was better, but not a traditional center forward.

They played fast and technical, but without a battering ram.

And the world now knew how to defend them.

Real Madrid were different.

Benzema and Ronaldo were powerful, aerially dangerous, and deadly finishers.

Marcelo and Carvajal could overlap or cut inside, depending on combinations.

But the key was width.

"Stretch the play," Gao Shen emphasized.

Then came the switch.

Draw Atletico's defense to one side, then move the ball quickly across to the other.

This was Real Madrid's greatest strength.

No matter how fast Atletico's defense shifted, it could never match Real Madrid's long diagonal passing.

That movement would eventually expose gaps.

"Even our front three can rotate, as they usually do, to create local overloads on the wings, breaking down their shape and creating breakthroughs."

Marcelo and Di Maria, both left-footed, had already shown their chemistry with Ronaldo and Benzema. The same was possible on the right.

"Open the pitch. Switch the play."

Gao Shen looked around the room, his expression firm.

"Remember, we must score again in the second half!"

His confidence lifted the players. Gao Shen's judgment had never been wrong.

This time would be no different.

…

"Atletico's long clearance."

"Pepe wins the header, knocking it back."

"Mario Suarez boots it forward again."

"Ramos battling with Falcao in the air."

"Alonso drops deep, passes back to Casillas, telling teammates to settle."

"The tempo was getting a bit too fast."

"Seventeen minutes into the second half. Real Madrid still lead 1-0."

"Now Real Madrid look to build. They're working down the right."

"Carvajal plays across to Modric, closed down quickly, lays it back to Alonso."

"Kroos drops in for the ball."

"He hits a long diagonal to the left."

"Ronaldo is sprinting hard."

"Real Madrid suddenly change the pace."

"Ronaldo drives into the left side of the box, Kroos' pass finds him perfectly."

"Miranda comes across."

"One-on-one now."

"Ronaldo accelerates, takes it to the byline, and cuts it back."

"Benzema!!"

"Blocked by Godin on the slide!"

"The ball's still alive in the box, Di Maria follows up, left-footed strike!!!"

"The ball is in!!!"

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"63rd minute, Real Madrid score again!!!"

"A breakthrough down the wing, Ronaldo's drive creates the chance, and Di Maria hammers it home!"

"2-0!!!"

"Real Madrid double their lead!"

…

On the sidelines, Gao Shen leapt up from the turf, pumping his fists and roaring in celebration as Di Maria's shot rippled the net.

2-0!

This match was as good as won.

He landed, laughing loudly, before hugging each of his assistants and rushing to the touchline to hail the players' effort.

Especially Ronaldo, whose run had unlocked the defense.

Ronaldo was no longer just a pure scorer. He was more complete, more selfless.

Breaking defenders one-on-one to create goals for teammates had become a regular sight.

"In the past, if he hadn't scored here, he'd have been frustrated," Zidane chuckled.

Ronaldo's competitiveness was a double-edged sword. It drove him, but sometimes made him impatient, forcing too much.

But under Gao Shen this season, he had been reshaped. From preseason guidance, to tactical adjustments, to helping him outscore Messi, Gao Shen had shown Ronaldo the path.

Now, as long as Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey and Champions League, even if Messi took La Liga, the Ballon d'Or would belong to Ronaldo.

Gao Shen had made it clear: the team would fully back Ronaldo in chasing that honor.

It was the ultimate motivation for the Portuguese star.

So even when not scoring himself, he was determined to help the team.

He knew well, the more trophies Real Madrid lifted, the higher his own chances for the Ballon d'Or. His goalscoring numbers already spoke for themselves.

Now, every other contribution only highlighted his completeness.

And Gao Shen had reinforced this mindset in private.

"We are in a strong position now. Next comes the Champions League final. This Bayern side won't be easy, but if we maintain our level, I am confident," Gao Shen said calmly.

"In the past, Bayern punished us. Now it is time they feel the power of Real Madrid's youth storm."

His tone was measured, but his confidence was absolute.

Zidane, Carlo and Hierro exchanged glances, smiling.

That was Gao Shen's way.

Even before this match ended, his eyes were already on the next.

But at 2-0 up, victory was nearly assured.

If Atletico wanted to get back in it, they would have to throw numbers forward.

At 1-0, Real Madrid might have feared mistakes. But at 2-0, what was there to fear?

On the contrary, Gao Shen now welcomed Atletico's aggression.

Perhaps they could add another goal or two.

But would Simeone dare?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1040: The Birth of the Great Real Madrid

Before referee Carlos Gomez blew the final whistle, nearly half the fans in the stands had already risen to their feet, singing Real Madrid's anthem and celebrating victory.

This was the first trophy Florentino had lifted since his second return to Real Madrid.

Not only the Madridistas, but even Florentino in the presidential box was visibly emotional, his eyes slightly red, overwhelmed by the atmosphere inside the stadium.

2-0!

Real Madrid had given Atletico Madrid very few clear chances throughout the game.

The Colchoneros fought tenaciously and played well, but Real Madrid were better.

Especially tactically.

Whether in deployment or in-game adjustments, Simeone had been denied opportunities.

Atletico's fighting spirit was admirable, but in terms of overall quality, they were still a step below Real Madrid.

Looking down at the pitch, one could see that the moment the whistle went, the entire Real Madrid bench and coaching staff rushed onto the field, celebrating wildly.

On the pitch, players embraced in groups, cheering arm in arm.

"It's hard to believe our dressing room was in chaos just last season," José Sánchez said with emotion.

Watching the Real Madrid squad celebrating now, who would have thought they were once divided and at odds?

The change came down to one key figure.

Gao Shen had not only brought silverware back to Real Madrid, he had restored unity and stability.

Just like in tonight's game, Ronaldo did not even score, yet he played with maturity and composure, never forcing things.

Ramos and Pepe were calm too, far more disciplined than in years past.

This was something unseen in Real Madrid for a long time.

Even under Mourinho, the team had never been this steady.

And the key was, they still played exciting football with tremendous attacking power.

"I still remember that year in Naples, Gao Shen, Zidane and I sat together in his seaside villa, drinking and talking for hours about football, especially his vision for the future of the game," Valdano recalled, eyes filled with nostalgia.

It had been years ago. Gao Shen was not as renowned as he was now, but Napoli and Guardiola's Barcelona were the two hottest teams in Europe.

Even then, Gao Shen had critiques of Guardiola's Barcelona.

For instance, he believed their defensive organization was weak.

"At the time, Gao Shen argued that high pressing, or total football, could only be a temporary strategy to control matches, not something sustainable for 90 minutes."

"He saw that even with two of the world's top fitness coaches, Buenaventura and Pintus, and tireless players like Cavani, Hamsik, Rakitic and Biglia, Napoli could not maintain that intensity for a full match."

"Not even 75 minutes, let alone 90."

"He realized that Barcelona's high press was designed to mask their defensive flaws. It drained energy up front to compensate at the back."

Valdano's analysis was professional, but the Real Madrid executives around him understood it clearly.

Guardiola's Barcelona could never press relentlessly for 90 minutes.

They eventually leaned on possession, with pressing in bursts to launch quick counters after losing the ball. But if they failed to win it back quickly, their defensive weaknesses were exposed.

It was impossible to keep chasing like madmen.

"In 2009, he told me that no modern team could afford to have two players in attack and midfield who didn't press or defend. He said football had changed."

Back then, even Florentino and Valdano had doubted him.

But Gao Shen had been right.

At Manchester City, he evolved further.

He abandoned full-pitch pressing, dropped his defensive line to the halfway line, and built balance between attack, organization and defense.

The result was a City side that played with stability, attacked fiercely, and defended solidly.

Now at Real Madrid, Gao Shen refined it even more. He built a truly all-round tactical system, with versatile midfielders like Kroos, Modric and Xabi Alonso.

The same balance extended to the wings and attack.

This Real Madrid could press high or sit deep. They could play possession football or unleash fast, direct attacks.

It was a special team.

Sacchi had even said it was the closest thing to a perfect side European football had seen in decades.

So complete and versatile, it seemed to have no single strength, but in reality had strengths everywhere.

"I think you nailed it," Butragueño said, himself once a great professional. He agreed with Valdano.

"Every era produces a great team that reaches the summit."

"People used to say Italian coaches built tactical systems, English football was attacking, and the Dutch and Germans emphasized movement. High pressing came from the Netherlands, which Gao Shen used to challenge Italian football, but he also absorbed the best of Italian defensive organization."

"At Real Madrid, he optimized both attack and defense with Italian tactical principles, rebuilt the squad, and retained players who had both impact and skill, like Ronaldo and Di Maria. He also emphasized work rate, passing, and control."

"He is essentially transforming Real Madrid into a new kind of total football side, blending many philosophies."

"I believe this team has the potential to rival the great Michels Ajax or Sacchi's Milan dynasty."

Butragueño's words shocked Florentino and José Sánchez.

Wasn't that too high an evaluation?

Those were sides that defined an era.

"In 2009, people debated whether Gao Shen's Napoli or Guardiola's Barcelona were more revolutionary. But now, I think the answer might be neither," Valdano added.

"Napoli and Barcelona were just prototypes. The Real Madrid Gao Shen has built may be the true great team that defines the era."

He turned to Florentino, nodding with a smile. "Whether this season or next, we may witness the birth of a great Real Madrid."

At Florentino's age, few things stirred deep emotion anymore.

But as Real Madrid's president, and as a fan who always aspired to follow in Bernabéu's footsteps, Florentino felt his whole body ignite after hearing Valdano and Butragueño.

It was more exhilarating than the thrills of youth.

Because for the first time, he truly saw his lifelong dream within reach.

…

No one in the stadium knew what Real Madrid's top brass were discussing in the box.

No one knew this conversation would push Florentino to a decisive resolve.

All that was visible was Gao Shen lifting his first trophy of Florentino's Galácticos II.

Even if it was "only" the Copa del Rey, it was worth celebrating.

Especially since next Saturday, Real Madrid would head to Wembley in London for the Champions League final.

That was the real stage.

To prepare for it, Real Madrid requested the Spanish FA to adjust their last two league fixtures. The 38th round remained the same, but the 37th round away to Real Sociedad was moved to midweek.

The purpose was simple: to focus fully on the Champions League final after the Copa del Rey.

After beating Atletico 2-0 to claim the Copa, Spanish media exploded with coverage.

Real Madrid-affiliated outlets were especially relentless, trying to build on the momentum and pressure Barcelona in La Liga, hoping the Catalans might slip.

This way, Madrid could dream of a treble.

Barcelona felt the pressure.

In the 36th round against Valladolid at the Camp Nou, they struggled. After conceding first, they came from behind with two second-half goals to scrape a 2-1 win.

They won, but the weight on them only grew heavier.

Even Catalan outlets voiced concern. If Valladolid caused that much trouble, could Barcelona really win their last two matches?

But this time, Gao Shen broke from his usual habit. He stopped playing mind games with Barcelona. Instead, he focused solely on the Champions League final.

The Spanish press saw it differently.

After Madrid's Copa win and Barcelona's narrow escape, media frenzy surged, portraying Madrid as if destined for the league title.

Finally, Gao Shen had Butragueño's PR team step in to calm the noise.

Still, as La Liga neared its conclusion and the Champions League final loomed, Real Madrid was the center of global attention.

Especially Gao Shen. Every move he made was scrutinized worldwide.

But the more the spotlight grew, the more low-key he became. He stayed home, shuttling between Valdebebas and his residence, declining all interviews.

Real Madrid's closed training camp lasted until the day of departure for London.

The squad flew directly from Madrid to London on an Emirates charter.

That evening, they trained at Wembley and attended the official UEFA pre-match press conference.

It was there that Gao Shen came face to face with Heynckes, someone he had not seen for a long time.

(To be continued.)