SWR: Chapter 1030/1032

Chapter 1030: Enter the Finals

On the evening of April 30th, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.

In the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, Real Madrid hosted Paris Saint-Germain at home.

In the 51st minute of the match, Paris Saint-Germain created a shooting opportunity outside the Real Madrid penalty area. The ball deflected off Pepe and went out of the baseline, resulting in a corner kick.

Real Madrid's players immediately dropped back into the penalty area, showing unity and high morale.

Paris Saint-Germain took the corner quickly, but Ramos rose to head the ball clear.

Outside the penalty area, Ronaldo reacted first. He sprinted out, touched the ball forward before anyone else, then burst into a full sprint to ignite Real Madrid's counterattack.

Ronaldo carried the ball, accelerating rapidly.

Ahead of him, Benzema pulled away from the defenders, cutting diagonally towards the right flank of the attacking third.

Di Maria drifted wide to the left, both creating space and giving Ronaldo options to push forward.

The Portuguese star crossed the halfway line at full speed.

PSG players like Matuidi and Chantôme chased hard, but by the time Ronaldo reached the 30-meter zone, he had multiple passing choices.

Di Maria was free on the left, and Benzema was clear on the right, having stretched the PSG defense.

Ronaldo slowed slightly, taking small steps to adjust, quickly glanced at the situation, and then released a precise pass to the right before suddenly accelerating again, sprinting straight toward the box.

When Benzema received Ronaldo's pass, he was already on the left side of the penalty area.

Benatia immediately closed him down.

But Benzema stopped suddenly, pushed the ball forward, and with his right foot quickly rolled it across into the center.

Benatia anticipated the cross and stretched to block, but the ball slipped right through his legs.

At that moment, Real Madrid's two attacking lines surged into the box.

Ronaldo darted in front of Thiago Silva, while Di Maria arrived just behind him, creating a double threat right in front of goal.

Ronaldo struck first, sweeping Benzema's cross into the net past Sirigu.

"Goooooooaaaal!"

"Cristiano Ronaldo! Ronaldo!"

"Real Madrid score!"

"In the 51st minute, Real Madrid break the deadlock!"

Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, pumping his fists.

The Bernabéu erupted, with more than 76,000 Real Madrid fans leaping from their seats, roaring for Ronaldo's goal. On the pitch, his teammates rushed over and embraced him on the sidelines.

1-0!

The aggregate score stood at 3-0!

"This goal has killed the game!"

"Paris Saint-Germain started with very aggressive attacking football tonight."

"Ancelotti abandoned the 4-3-1-2 from the first leg for a 4-3-3, going for all-out attack at the Bernabéu."

"But Real Madrid's defensive counters have been razor-sharp, consistently tearing holes in PSG's back line."

"And now, this lightning counter has completely undone Paris Saint-Germain."

"3-0 on aggregate. PSG need three goals to turn this around, but that is virtually impossible."

The live broadcast camera panned to the sidelines.

Gao Shen kept gesturing to his players, urging them to stay calm, stay organized, and not relax.

At the Champions League semi-final stage, even the smallest lapse could flip the game.

Gao Shen remained composed and rational. Although Real Madrid had underperformed in the Champions League in recent years, the squad was full of world-class stars who understood exactly what their coach wanted.

The more critical the moment, the calmer they had to be.

No one wanted a repeat of the dreaded three black minutes.

…

After conceding, PSG launched wave after wave of attacks.

Ancelotti quickly realized the situation and threw on Cavani, hoping to snatch a goal back as soon as possible.

Paris Saint-Germain's firepower was overwhelming, forcing even Real Madrid to retreat and defend deeper.

Gao Shen decisively tightened his back line, waiting for a chance to counterattack.

For more than half an hour, the match became a furious back-and-forth.

Once Real Madrid adapted to PSG's pressure, they hit back with several sharp counters, each one cutting open the French champions' defense and forcing them to ease off and pay more attention at the back.

As the match neared its end, PSG's confidence crumbled.

Scoring three straight goals at the Bernabéu was impossible.

Although Real Madrid were on the back foot for periods, their 1-0 win at home, combined with the 2-0 away win, secured a 3-0 aggregate victory and a place in the Champions League final. For the fans, it was an incredible achievement.

Who could have imagined this a year ago, when Gao Shen had just taken over the team?

When the final whistle blew, the Bernabéu became a sea of celebration.

More than 70,000 fans rose to their feet, showering the players with thunderous applause.

The players sprinted onto the pitch, celebrating wildly.

On the sidelines, Gao Shen finally allowed himself to breathe out in relief.

Behind him, Carlo, Zidane, Hierro and the rest of the staff huddled together, cheering and celebrating.

When Gao Shen turned around, he was immediately swarmed by his assistants and players.

"Fantastic!"

"The Champions League final!"

"We're back in the final again!"

"Wow! We've returned to the Champions League final!"

The Bernabéu roared with joy.

After escaping the crowd of players and coaches, Gao Shen went to the PSG bench to shake hands with Ancelotti. The two agreed to share a drink after the press conference.

This was the etiquette of European football.

Though disappointed, Ancelotti still accepted.

There are always winners and losers in football, but grace is required.

Soon after, the Italian led his PSG side back to the dressing room.

Tonight, the Bernabéu stage belonged only to Real Madrid.

…

"I still remember what Gao Shen said."

In the presidential box, Florentino spoke with excitement.

On the surface, he remained calm, but inside, his heart surged with emotion.

He was as thrilled as anyone.

Even the King of Spain in the box was on his feet, celebrating with joy.

At this moment, if someone asked him to hand over the throne to Gao Shen, he might actually agree.

Valdano, José Sánchez, Butragueño and the others were equally excited, praising the team's performance.

Florentino took a deep breath before continuing, "There is a saying: if one soldier is incompetent, the entire army becomes incompetent. Now I finally understand what Gao Shen meant by that."

Everyone fell silent for a moment, then nodded.

Has Real Madrid changed much?

Yes, and no.

Gao Shen had restructured the midfield and adjusted player roles, making the team more cohesive, steady, and complete.

In the past, Real Madrid under Pellegrini and Mourinho always played on the edge, thrilling but unstable.

Now, under Gao Shen, Real Madrid inspired confidence.

The clearest comparison was Manchester City.

Pellegrini's City had lost to Bayern Munich at home in the first leg of their semi-final.

With a nearly identical squad, Gao Shen had defeated Bayern in last season's Champions League final.

The context was different, but it was still a reference point.

Sacchi had analyzed that City lacked margin for error this season, especially tactically.

This led directly to costly mistakes in the semi-final, which Bayern punished.

By contrast, during Gao Shen's time at Manchester City, his tactics and squad selection always left enough room for error.

That was the hallmark of a head coach.

It was also the true reflection of Gao Shen's value.

"Two cup finals, and the league…"

Florentino sighed deeply. "If Ramos hadn't made that mistake, we would be leading La Liga now. Things wouldn't be like this."

He exhaled again.

Sometimes, no matter how perfect a manager's plan and tactical setup, it still depended on execution. If players made mistakes, the coach was powerless.

When Gao Shen punished Ramos, many had doubts.

Now, looking back, his punishment seemed too lenient.

If not for Ramos' red card, Real Madrid might be chasing the first treble in Spanish football history.

What an achievement that would have been.

But now?

La Liga still depended on Barcelona's results.

"Your technical team must speed up the summer transfer plans. We will do everything to meet Gao Shen's requests and also move quickly with contract renewals."

Florentino gave instructions to José Sánchez and Valdano.

Both nodded firmly.

"Finances are not a problem. We even have a large credit line available at the bank. No matter what, we must strengthen the squad this summer!"

Florentino's ambition was clear.

Looking at Real Madrid's current squad and the players' average age, what did it mean?

This team would remain competitive and full of fight for years.

Florentino knew this side could create unprecedented history.

They could even reshape the history of European football.

And he, Florentino Pérez, could become the greatest president in Real Madrid's history because of this team.

Not one of the greatest. The greatest.

That had always been his ultimate dream.

At such a critical moment, he would never allow anyone to disrupt or destroy what he had built.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1031: Alien?

Although the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has more than 60 years of history, it remains the most desirable football ground in the world.

Even if you just stood in a corner of the stadium, watching the bustling crowd outside surging like a tide, you could not help but feel excited and restless.

But as soon as he thought about the match that had just unfolded on this pitch, Ancelotti's mood soured instantly.

This was not his home. This was not his stage.

Standing by the window, looking out at the crowd, Ancelotti wondered. Was it the stadium itself that commanded such awe? Or was it the 76,000 passionate fans? Was it the star power of this team?

Or was it the dazzling golden badge of Real Madrid?

Who could say?

Humans have always been complex, and it is hard to separate such things clearly.

"Sorry, Carlo, I'm late."

As soon as Gao Shen opened the door and walked in, he smiled and apologized.

Ancelotti turned his head and saw his smiling face. Handsome, yes, but irritating no matter how you looked at it.

There was nothing he could do. This man had just won.

"Go on then, I'll give you one minute to explain," Ancelotti said, not bothering with formalities.

Gao Shen was slightly taken aback, then laughed. Instead of explaining, he asked, "Are you sure you want to hear it?"

This time it was Ancelotti who was caught off guard.

Wasn't it obvious?

What excuse did he need for being late right now?

Of course they were celebrating. Why bother asking?

"Alright, you win," Ancelotti muttered, dropping the subject.

Gao Shen quickly stepped forward, opened a bottle of wine, and poured him a glass. For himself, he opened a bottle of water.

The reason he was late was because King Juan Carlos of Spain had gone into the Real Madrid dressing room with Florentino.

Gao Shen had not been prepared and only received the message after the press conference. He had to rush over to meet the King, build rapport, and remind him about that promise of abdication.

It had been years, yet still no action.

How long did he have to wait to see his ambition fulfilled, to unify Europe and build the Spanish royal family with three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines?

…

"Honestly, you made mistakes in the first leg, and your adjustments in the second weren't ideal either."

After a couple of glasses of wine, Gao Shen started talking with Ancelotti.

"Center forward?" Ancelotti asked.

In fact, he already knew.

Gao Shen nodded. "Ibrahimovic's pace is too slow."

Individually, the Swedish forward was outstanding. His ability was unquestionable. But he always played to his own rhythm, and his style was slow.

That was normal.

After all, how could a forward of his size possibly move with quick feet?

This was a common problem with tall center forwards, but most adjusted their style. Ibrahimovic never did.

In his eyes, if he changed, would he still be Ibrahimovic?

"So the rumors about you wanting to sign Ibrahimovic are false?" Ancelotti smiled faintly.

Gao Shen noticed the hint in his expression.

Maybe if Real Madrid really were chasing Ibrahimovic, Ancelotti would be relieved. At least then PSG wouldn't have to deal with him.

In reality, PSG never truly wanted Ibrahimovic. What they wanted was Thiago Silva.

But his wages were so high that AC Milan insisted they sell the pair together or not at all.

At that time, Barcelona were also pursuing Thiago Silva, and there was no shortage of buyers.

Now with both Cavani and Ibrahimovic in the squad, PSG had the problem of who to play and who to leave out.

"I can't handle that gentleman," Gao Shen said with a smile, waving his hand.

The technical team had studied him, but only in the early stages. Gao Shen rejected the idea as it became clear that Ibrahimovic would not suit Real Madrid.

It wasn't a question of quality. It was a question of control. Ibrahimovic was not easy to manage, and Gao Shen wasn't sure he had the ability to do so.

Of course, if Real Madrid wanted to build their entire attack around him, that would be a different story.

…

"I want to ask you something."

Ancelotti suddenly changed the subject.

"A private matter."

Gao Shen nodded. "Go ahead."

"Would Leeds United consider selling Jorginho?"

"Jorginho?" Gao Shen was surprised. "Weren't you after Gündogan?"

The media had already reported it, including L'Équipe, saying that PSG were targeting Gündogan.

Ancelotti chuckled. "Others might not know, but you don't?"

No need for more words.

Gündogan was clearly a midfield talent emerging in German football, but he had flaws.

For example, his defensive ability was poor.

Looking at it now, Ancelotti still wanted to play a 4-3-3 with a single defensive midfielder.

In that system, Gündogan was not suitable.

Jorginho, however, had a similar build but much stronger defensive awareness.

It wasn't about who was better. It was about who was more suited.

"As for Leeds United, that's up to them. I don't interfere. The market is the market," Gao Shen replied.

With that, Ancelotti understood.

"You've got a treasure chest of talent on your hands," Ancelotti said enviously.

Leeds had performed brilliantly in the Premier League. As a newly promoted team, even if not as sensational as Napoli once were, they had done incredibly well.

"Don't be envious. I've got a headache. Sometimes I feel the whole world is watching me with greedy eyes," Gao Shen joked.

Ancelotti laughed. "And whose fault is that?"

"From the moment you built that tactical system at Leeds United, you must have known the kind of players European football would be crying out for in the coming years. The players you trained are exactly the rarest type in European football right now."

The more he said it, the more convincing it sounded.

"Take the single pivot defensive midfielder, for example. How many in Europe right now can run the game alone?"

Without waiting for Gao Shen's answer, Ancelotti started counting.

"Pirlo, but he's getting old. Carrick and Xabi Alonso, also aging. Illarramendi has done well in La Liga, but has flaws. Gündogan is a double pivot, not a single. So who's left?"

"I heard Guardiola wants one for Bayern too. He's looking at Thiago and Jorginho."

Ancelotti shook his head slightly.

Didn't Bayern already have Schweinsteiger?

Apparently Guardiola didn't think he fit his system.

Who knew?

"In the end, this is your conspiracy," Ancelotti said, pointing a finger.

"What conspiracy?" Gao Shen asked helplessly.

"You're setting the tactical trends while also producing the players to fit them. Not just Jorginho. Pogba too. Players like that are now the most sought-after in Europe. Even Barcelona might want them."

Barcelona preferred small, quick, agile players. Pogba, tall and slower, might not suit them.

But with his physique and technical ability, it wasn't impossible either.

"Sometimes I wonder what your brain is made of. How are you always ahead of us?" Ancelotti sighed.

People often said European football tactics developed in cycles.

That might be true from a distance.

But managers in reality thought about more immediate things. How to counter an opponent. How to maximize their own side.

Tactics developed in that process.

But Gao Shen? He was always in front.

Year after year, he stayed ahead.

Now, not only the team he coached, but also the team he built, were ahead of the rest.

Ancelotti had even heard Leonardo mention Koulibaly more than once.

Why?

Because he was young, strong, a great passer, and physically excellent.

Any one of those would make him a top prospect. He had them all.

And after proving himself in the Premier League, there was no question about his level.

Why wouldn't every top club in need of a center-back chase him?

"Tell me honestly, are you from outer space?" Ancelotti fixed his eyes on him.

If Gao Shen really came from another planet, Ancelotti would feel better.

At least then, they hadn't lost to another Earthling.

Gao Shen sighed. "So you've finally figured it out."

"Alright, no more pretending. I'm from the Planet of Light, in the M78 Nebula, three million light-years from Earth."

Ancelotti stared blankly, not recognizing the reference.

What did that have to do with anything?

"I was traveling through the universe and saw how poor football was on Earth, so I came to help. Honestly, my mission is almost complete. I may return home any time now."

"And then?" Ancelotti asked, holding back laughter, playing along.

"You'd better cherish the time with me. Treat me well. Buy me more dinners. Lose to me more often. And most importantly, don't reveal my identity. If you do, I'll end up cut open in a lab, and my brothers and sisters will come destroy Earth."

Even without knowing Ultraman, Ancelotti could tell Gao Shen was just messing with him. He laughed so hard he couldn't stop.

"No wonder people say you're the best bluffer. Now I see why your players fall for it."

After a pause, Ancelotti sighed again.

"If you told me you're an alien, I wouldn't believe it. But sometimes I feel like you really can see the future."

Gao Shen's heart skipped a beat.

Damn, you noticed that?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1032: The Storm is Coming

After saying goodbye to Gao Shen, Ancelotti quickly walked back towards the team gathering.

Along the way, he met many Real Madrid staff members. Everyone recognized him and greeted him warmly.

When he finally arrived, he saw Leonardo, the sporting director who had accompanied the team to Madrid. Ancelotti immediately called the Brazilian over and moved with him to an empty corner.

"I just met Gao Shen," Ancelotti said right away.

"What did he say?"

"He said he doesn't get involved and wants us to deal directly with Leeds United. Personally, I think it's just a matter of money."

Leonardo shook his head. "It won't be easy."

After a pause, the Brazilian frowned. "I contacted Leeds United's technical director, Rodolfo Borrell, before. He told me they won't discuss player transfers until the end of the season. But I've heard something."

"What is it?"

"Leeds United have several players going to this year's U20 World Cup in Türkiye. They'll likely delay transfers until after the tournament. If those players perform well, their price will skyrocket."

"Damn it," Ancelotti cursed angrily.

From a business standpoint, there was nothing wrong with this. But for anyone wanting to poach Leeds United players, it was a nightmare.

"I've also heard that Barcelona have signed Neymar. They spent heavily," Leonardo added.

Being Brazilian, he had excellent contacts in Brazil.

"How much?"

"I don't know."

"Even you don't know?" Ancelotti was surprised.

"This deal is complicated. Too many people and interests involved. It's messy. I doubt anyone except those directly involved can explain it clearly, not even Santos. But I guarantee it will be more than the number reported publicly."

"The speculation outside is 50 million euros."

"I can promise you it's more than that."

Ancelotti was stunned.

It was madness. A Brazilian player who had not yet proven himself at international level or even in Europe, commanding such an outrageous fee. Yes, Neymar had talent, but still.

"What about Thiago…" Ancelotti asked cautiously.

He had never revealed the full truth.

To the media, he let it be known he wanted Dortmund's Gündogan. To Gao Shen, he mentioned Jorginho.

But in reality, his first choice was Barcelona's Thiago Alcântara.

Thiago was the kind of midfield talent that made you believe at first sight.

"I contacted Barcelona, but they're not too keen."

Ancelotti frowned.

"We should prepare for both possibilities," Leonardo reminded him.

Ancelotti looked serious. Signing a playmaking midfielder was vital to the success of his tactical system.

"I also heard that Manchester United and Liverpool are tracking Jorginho. He's really in demand," Leonardo warned.

Liverpool's season had been poor compared to Leeds United, but their stature in English and European football was unquestionable. Moving from Leeds to Liverpool was perfectly logical.

Leonardo's words were meant as a reminder: Thiago was appealing, but could PSG realistically get him?

They had to be careful not to miss out on Thiago, only to also lose Jorginho in the process.

A defensive playmaker like Jorginho was valuable in any league or team.

Germany's Bild newspaper had already reported: if you wanted Dortmund's Gündogan, don't bother unless you had 40 million euros.

By comparison, Thiago's release clause was only 18 million.

For PSG or Bayern, the money itself wasn't the obstacle. The real question was whether the player would come.

Barcelona's handling of Thiago was amateurish.

Look at how AC Milan sold Thiago Silva. They made big promises, got him to sign a long-term deal, then sold him for a high price. That was smart business.

"I think Jorginho isn't as strong as Thiago in some aspects, but he has his own advantages. He's only 21, very moldable, and plays as a single pivot at Leeds United. We should open talks with them."

Leonardo could see Ancelotti still hadn't let go of Thiago.

If he truly wanted him, he should go all in now. Why hesitate?

…

After Ancelotti left, Gao Shen led his squad back to Valdebebas.

Once the players were dismissed and the day's tasks wrapped up, he returned home and immediately called Fernando Lucas in Leeds to get the latest updates.

"Manchester United, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all asked about Pogba, and so have Paris Saint-Germain."

"How did you respond?"

"That we won't discuss transfers until the season ends."

"But the season is nearly over."

"You mean…"

"I've received word that Monaco have already reached an agreement with Atlético Madrid for Falcao."

"Falcao?"

"Yes."

"When he moved from Porto to Atlético, the fee was 40 million euros."

"That's right, though not all came from Atlético. From the start, Falcao's rights were split between third-party ownership groups, like Jorge Mendes."

It was the same kind of mess as Neymar's transfer to Barcelona.

"So this transfer will be huge?"

"At least 60 million, maybe more."

Gao Shen wasn't sure, because the storm in European football had arrived earlier than in his previous life.

Russian billionaire Rybolovlev was still intent on making Monaco another PSG, throwing money around recklessly. He would soon realize it was pointless.

Monaco would then change approach, working with agents like Mendes, developing young talent, and producing players like Mbappé and Martial.

They would transform from a rich man's plaything into a talent hub.

But right now, Monaco's transition wasn't easy.

Because Leeds United had already taken the lead.

Still, Leeds United also faced problems.

Sarri had officially informed the club, and had already called Gao Shen, to say he would return to Italy to coach Napoli after this season.

De Laurentiis and Marino had swooped in, stealing Gao Shen's trusted man.

At least both had called Gao Shen directly, offered to take him to dinner, and said plenty of nice words.

Gao Shen said little and let Sarri go.

Pochettino had been in Madrid for six months, shadowing Gao Shen. If Sarri left, Gao Shen would let Pochettino take over.

But what concerned him most was how many Leeds players could be kept this summer.

With their success, too many clubs were circling.

Koulibaly, Jorginho, Pogba, Icardi…

Gao Shen had given clear instructions. Next season's target was still survival.

If they wanted to stay in the Premier League, the backbone couldn't be stripped out.

Koulibaly could be sold, but José Fonte had to stay. The goalkeeper too.

Icardi could be sold, but the rest of the front line had to remain. Coutinho, Salah, and others were untouchable.

Only that way could competitiveness be guaranteed.

If everyone was sold, how could Leeds survive in the Premier League?

"How are things with Manchester City?" Gao Shen asked.

The plan to raid City's academy had been his idea.

And why not?

Those players were all originally scouted by Gao Shen and Borrell. With Borrell now Leeds' technical director, of course they would try to lure them.

Besides, did City even have the environment to nurture young players?

Would Rabiot or Sterling ever get real chances there?

Better to bring them to Leeds.

For City, it wasn't a big deal.

Just like when Real Madrid loaned young players like Sarabia to Getafe. If they did well, Madrid would buy them back, like De la Red and Negredo before.

That was how elite clubs operated.

Even Barcelona's Dream Team III wasn't all homegrown.

Fabregas and Piqué were developed by Arsenal and Manchester United.

And how many years did it take for Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi to become who they were?

Messi was a prodigy, yes, but Xavi and Iniesta nearly left Barcelona several times.

It proved big clubs could never rely solely on their academies.

"It's done. We'll pay the transfer fees and buy them."

"Who?"

"Rodolfo picked Rabiot, Sterling, and Alexander-Arnold. Cost us £4 million in total."

Three teenagers, 15 to 18 years old, already showing great potential. With proper development at Leeds, they could become crucial assets.

This kind of deal was essentially risk-free.

"Did City demand clauses?"

"Yes, but we refused to give them a sell-on percentage. We only granted them first refusal."

Sell-on clauses were common in youth transfers.

But in that case, Leeds' £4 million offer was already high. If they'd agreed to a sell-on, the fee would have been lower.

That would mean Leeds developing players for City's benefit. Why would they accept?

"Where's Rodolfo? What's he busy with these days?" Gao Shen asked.

"Him?" Fernando Lucas chuckled. "He's gone to France again. I'm starting to think he's using this job for free vacations."

The last part was a joke.

"Mbappé again?"

"Yes. Fifth trip, no agreement yet. But he's stubborn. You told him Mbappé had the potential to be a star, and now he won't stop chasing him."

Gao Shen nodded and said no more.

Borrell was reliable.

That was why Gao Shen had entrusted Leeds United to him and Lucas in the first place.

(To be continued.)