SWR: Chapter 1024/1026

Chapter 1024: Buy someone

After the sides switched for the second half, the match continued in the same pattern as the first.

Real Madrid kept control of possession, while Paris Saint-Germain stayed compact, defending and waiting for counterattacks.

At the start of the half, Real Madrid launched several waves of attacks and created chances, but they still couldn't break through PSG's defense.

Ancelotti's ability to organize was on full display. He was excellent at managing details.

Although PSG's defenders weren't especially strong and had their flaws, once Ancelotti adjusted them, drilled routines, and managed those details, PSG's defense was solid enough to carry them to the Champions League semi-finals.

This reminded Gao Shen of Real Madrid's Champions League win in 2021, before he transmigrated.

Many fans called it "metaphysics", but how much metaphysics could there really be?

Once or twice might be coincidence, but again and again, it becomes inevitable.

Still, no matter how good Ancelotti was, he couldn't overcome certain hard facts.

For example, Ibrahimovic's complete unwillingness to defend.

According to Ancelotti's plan, Cavani should have pushed high and pressed Real Madrid's centre-backs, while Ibrahimovic dropped back to link play. But as the match went on, Cavani did all the defensive work, while Ibrahimovic drifted forward.

It was awkward.

One player worked too hard, the other not at all.

The tactics collapsed.

Ancelotti could understand why Ibrahimovic refused to run, but in modern football, if you don't run, you don't get chances, and you only make your team more passive.

And Ibrahimovic's problem wasn't only not running, but the tempo he played at.

Like in the 61st minute.

Cavani tracked back to the halfway line, pressed Carvajal, and knocked down the right-back.

Carvajal still got the pass away, but it was poor, and Matuidi intercepted it.

PSG countered immediately.

Matuidi carried the ball forward, with Pastore and Ibrahimovic sprinting ahead. The Swede pulled out wide into the space behind Carvajal to receive.

When Ibrahimovic got the ball, he drove diagonally into the left half-space, heading towards Pepe.

What frustrated Ancelotti most was that after passing, Matuidi didn't move into a supporting position inside, but instead tried to overlap Ibrahimovic down the wing.

What kind of logic was that?

Did he really think Ibrahimovic would give up the ball?

Even worse, Ibrahimovic slowed the play down.

From the way he dribbled, he clearly wanted to take on Pepe one-on-one, but Alonso had already recovered to form a two-man block.

When Ibrahimovic finally reached the box, he tried to take both on, failed, and was forced wide, where he clashed with Matuidi.

Their positions overlapped badly.

Just before losing possession, Ibrahimovic finally released the ball to Matuidi, then moved into the middle. Matuidi was forced to play a pass into the box, but it was weak. Casillas reacted quickly, smothering it before Pastore could get there.

On the sidelines, Ancelotti spread his hands in exasperation, dissatisfied with his players' movement and coordination.

Matuidi had never been known for attacking ability, but that run was beyond strange.

And Ibrahimovic, this was the Champions League semi-final. Couldn't he at least speed things up?

Not 1.5x speed, fine, but at least don't slow it to 0.5x.

Was he putting on a show?

Finally they got a counter, and he wasted it.

This was why Ancelotti didn't want Ibrahimovic as his front man. He slowed down transitions far too much.

But what could he do?

Cavani was running himself into the ground on defense.

If he hadn't, he might already have clashed with Ibrahimovic.

This was PSG's biggest problem.

In Ligue 1 against weaker sides, it didn't matter. But in the Champions League, especially the knockouts, it was fatal.

…

Casillas got up, raised his right hand to signal he was fine, and Real Madrid pushed forward again.

The captain glanced ahead, then quickly launched the ball forward toward Benzema.

Thiago Silva reacted fast, stepping up smartly to win the header.

Maxwell darted up, controlled it before Di Maria could, and passed inside to Matuidi before moving forward, looking for a one-two.

But as Matuidi laid it back, Carvajal appeared from behind.

The right-back, who had been dispossessed earlier, redeemed himself, pressing aggressively to intercept the return ball.

Carvajal wasn't tall, but he was quick and agile.

He shifted the ball from his left foot to his right, sidestepped Maxwell, then nudged it forward and burst past him in one stride.

In a blink, he was away.

The Parc des Princes grew tense again.

Real Madrid's counter surged into PSG's box.

Benzema positioned himself at the top of the area, with Di Maria wide on the right, ready to support.

Carvajal dribbled into the right corner of the penalty area, cut inside, and whipped in a cross with his right foot.

He didn't aim for Benzema or Di Maria. Instead, he picked out Ronaldo, unmarked at the far post.

The Portuguese arrived about ten meters out on the left, timed the cross perfectly, and before Jallet or Beckham could close him down, struck it first time on the volley.

The ball rocketed off his boot, flying straight into the net.

Sirigu was rooted, unable to react.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES!!!"

"Real Madrid strike again!!"

"My God, what a ruthless counterattack! PSG's defense panicked and completely lost track of Ronaldo, their most dangerous man."

"This was a huge mistake!"

"Jallet, the right-back, was caught far too high up."

"2-0!"

"PSG are in serious trouble now."

…

On the sideline, Gao Shen had already sensed it. The moment Carvajal hit the cross, he knew.

The ball was in.

When Ronaldo volleyed, Gao Shen leapt up in excitement.

Goal!

He turned and high-fived Carlo, Zidane, Hierro, and the others as they rushed from the bench.

On the pitch, Real Madrid players swarmed Ronaldo, who struck his signature Eiffel Tower celebration pose by the sideline.

Pretentious or not, the pose looked sharp.

Rumor was he had even trademarked it.

"I didn't expect PSG's defense to break down like that," Hierro admitted in surprise.

But Gao Shen wasn't surprised.

"Have you heard of the barrel theory?"

Hierro nodded.

A barrel's capacity is determined by its shortest plank.

"A deadlocked match tests a team's overall strength, especially their weakest link."

This goal exposed many of PSG's problems.

Forget their attack.

Cavani was running tirelessly, winning applause, but as a striker, that wasn't his job.

What was a striker's duty?

Not running endlessly, not constant tracking back.

It was pressing centre-backs, disrupting defenses, scoring himself or creating for others.

Ibrahimovic's pace had long been exposed as a weakness in the Champions League knockouts.

Matuidi, for all his effort and energy, had questionable positioning.

Ancelotti had to buy players urgently.

Maxwell and Jallet too. Especially Jallet, who lost Ronaldo completely…

Not deliberately, just panicking.

That was football. It changed in an instant.

"Damn, I won't get to use my killer move," Gao Shen muttered, disappointed.

Zidane and Carlo exchanged glances and chuckled.

What was Gao Shen's trump card?

It was Isco, sitting on the bench.

If PSG had continued sitting deep, Gao Shen was ready to switch to 4-4-2 and unleash Isco to dribble at the defense, drawing fouls around the box.

And with Ronaldo, Kroos, and Alonso all free-kick specialists, that would have been deadly.

But now it was already 2-0. Was there still any need?

"Save it for the Bernabéu. Give Ancelotti a proper beating there," Gao Shen said resentfully.

He had shifted all his frustration at not using his trump card onto Ancelotti.

At that moment, Zidane felt a flicker of sympathy for the Italian.

Conceding twice at home and still carrying all the blame, Ancelotti was the perfect scapegoat. It was too harsh.

But Zidane also admired Gao Shen's sharpness, his tailored tactics, and his in-game adjustments, which had completely unsettled PSG.

For Real Madrid, a 2-0 away win almost guaranteed qualification.

Combined with their double victory over Juventus in the quarters, Real Madrid under Gao Shen truly looked like a team of depth and quality.

And they were playing better and better.

Zidane couldn't help but look forward to it. Just how much of a storm could Real Madrid and Gao Shen stir up in Europe?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1025: The Champions League Man is Here Again

The nightmare of the Champions League, that man is here again!

After the decisive match at the Parc des Princes, L'Équipe ran this headline, dedicating it to Gao Shen, who had led Real Madrid to a 2-0 away win over Paris Saint-Germain.

In its report, L'Équipe wrote, "The La Liga giants are now very close to the Champions League final. Real Madrid holds a massive advantage going into the second leg. Gao Shen will once again reach the Champions League final."

The paper reminded its readers, "From his first Champions League final in 2006 until now, Gao Shen has reached four finals and won all four, never once losing."

This means that the fifth coach in history to win five Champions League titles may very well be crowned this season.

"It will be an exciting Champions League final," L'Équipe concluded.

The French outlet gave a glowing review of Gao Shen's record, stating that he had made history in the Champions League, built a brilliant coaching career, and brought outstanding success to every team he managed.

Take Real Madrid for example.

Since their last title in 2006, they had failed to even reach the quarterfinals. In recent years, they even struggled to escape the group stage. Without their star-studded lineup, Real Madrid would have long lost their aura as a European giant.

Yet this season, under Gao Shen, a Madrid side that had slipped to the third tier of Europe's hierarchy beat the Bundesliga champions Dortmund and the Portuguese champions Porto in the "group of death," advancing alongside Manchester City.

In the knockout rounds, they faced the Premier League leaders, Serie A leaders, Ligue 1 leaders...

None could stop Gao Shen and Real Madrid.

L'Équipe analyzed the first leg of the semi-final, pointing out weaknesses in Ancelotti's setup.

Most notably, he didn't start faster players like Lavezzi, Lucas Moura, or Ménez.

When PSG were 0-2 down late in the match, they switched to a 4-3-3 with Lavezzi and Lucas Moura, and their play suddenly became more aggressive, sharper, and quicker.

So why did Ancelotti start with a defensive 4-3-1-2, fielding both Ibrahimović and Cavani?

L'Équipe called this a highly questionable choice.

The paper also highlighted the counterattack in the 61st minute, when Ibrahimović's slow tempo killed PSG's chance.

"He has never performed well in Champions League knockouts," they wrote.

Too much could not be expected of him at this stage.

"Even at the Bernabéu, if PSG want any hope of a comeback, they must drop Ibrahimović and play 4-3-3. This is their only way out."

But L'Équipe admitted such a decision would take immense courage. Ibrahimović was the team's biggest star, and he was never easy to sideline.

"Perhaps Ancelotti should consider selling Ibrahimović to Real Madrid," the paper joked.

This echoed a Spanish tabloid report.

That report claimed Higuaín was leaving Madrid, and the Galácticos were searching for a new striker, with Ibrahimović among the options.

It also recalled how last summer, neither Ancelotti nor PSG had wanted Ibrahimović. With Cavani already signed, there was no need for him. But to sign Thiago Silva, AC Milan had forced PSG into a package deal, and they reluctantly took both.

That compromise was now PSG's biggest headache.

How could Ibrahimović and Cavani adapt together in the Champions League?

…

After the match, Spain's Marca ran the headline: "The madness continues, Real Madrid win 2-0 away at Paris Saint-Germain."

The Madrid-based paper praised the performance, noting that Real had every advantage. Gao Shen's tactical plan gave the Galácticos control, and they struck with two decisive away goals.

"Goals from Toni Kroos and Cristiano Ronaldo have all but secured Real Madrid's ticket to London."

However, when Ancelotti replaced Ibrahimović and switched to 4-3-3 late on, PSG launched a frenzied assault. Real were forced to absorb pressure, keeping the return leg at the Bernabéu alive with some suspense.

"Regardless, this was the performance of a top team," Marca wrote.

"The great Gao Shen, leading his loyal Real Madrid, crosses the English Channel and marches toward Wembley Stadium in London!"

The paper noted that the 2-0 away win gave Madrid a commanding lead, allowing them to play with less pressure at home.

"At Wembley, it is highly possible we will see Gao Shen against his old club Manchester City."

In the group stage, Real Madrid had failed to beat City twice, nearly costing them qualification. Gao Shen had been visibly frustrated.

Now, a reunion in the Champions League final loomed, and it promised to be a classic showdown.

"A clash between two sides of such high quality would make for a thrilling final."

Alfredo, editor-in-chief of AS, also wrote in his column that Gao Shen's victory was deserved and had written a new chapter in Real Madrid's history.

He described the win as "extremely convincing," praising Gao Shen's transformation of the team.

"Since Marcelo's return, we have seen a Real Madrid unlike any in recent years."

"With Marcelo and Carvajal on the flanks, and the midfield supporting the front three, Madrid now show an attacking power and control that has never been seen before."

Radio SER's De La Morena went further, saying this Madrid was not yet at full maturity but already dominant. "Given time, this could become an epoch-defining team, one that even surpasses Barcelona."

…

If French and Spanish media reflected their national biases, Germany's Bild took a more neutral view, writing that Real Madrid had stripped PSG of their glamorous facade.

Bild credited Ancelotti for guiding PSG to the semi-finals, while acknowledging the club's huge investment. Many had believed PSG could become a second Manchester City, a rising power in Europe.

But the reality at the Parc des Princes shocked those optimists.

"Simply piling up stars is not enough to build a champion," Bild wrote.

PSG's spending was heavily concentrated up front, leaving their midfield and defense thin. This dragged down the team's overall competitiveness.

They compared PSG to a mercenary squad with no core structure, unlike Napoli or Manchester City, who were carefully built.

Even at Real Madrid, Gao Shen had immediately installed a local backbone: Ramos, Xabi Alonso, and Benzema formed the spine.

"But in PSG, the balance between Ibrahimović and Cavani, the attacking setup, and the backline configuration are all flawed."

Worse still, media had previously reported PSG's shortage of French players. Many of their domestic signings were simply to meet registration rules, weakening the squad.

Bild concluded that PSG looked strong and arrogant, but were fragile in truth.

"At the Parc des Princes, Real Madrid's performance taught them a harsh lesson."

The German paper also reviewed Madrid's journey this season, highlighting their struggles in signings, the group stage, and injuries to Marcelo and Arbeloa.

But Gao Shen absorbed the pressure, trusted young players, and refined tactics, producing a brilliant resurgence in the second half of the season.

Since Marcelo's return, Real Madrid had won three straight knockout ties in the Champions League without conceding a single goal.

"This record is astonishing!"

"Real Madrid now have the strength to win the Champions League and are the top favorites."

But Bild also issued a warning. Heynckes' Bayern and Pellegrini's Manchester City remained major threats.

"Bayern, in particular, have improved after last year's disappointment. With new signings and better cohesion, they look far stronger this season."

"Heynckes' team will be eager for revenge. It is not impossible they eliminate City and then face Madrid at Wembley."

The paper noted that such a clash would bring Gao Shen face to face with Heynckes again, while Kroos and Khedira would meet their old club.

"More importantly, Heynckes is determined to settle scores."

Still, Bayern first had to get past Manchester City.

As the only club to defend the Champions League since its reformatting, City remained formidable. Even after Gao Shen's departure, Pellegrini had guided them strongly.

This was why the British media were broadly optimistic before Bayern's tie with City.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 1026: Lights Out

On the evening of April 24, at the Etihad Stadium.

When the Hungarian referee Kassai blew the final whistle, the entire stadium fell silent. Everyone stared at the scoreboard in disbelief.

0-1.

By convention, the home team's score comes first.

Manchester City had actually lost at home.

Head coach Pellegrini stood in front of the dugout. He looked calm in his suit and tie, but his face could not hide the disappointment. When he turned back, his lonely figure revealed his helplessness.

The mighty Manchester City had been beaten.

And at home.

Heynckes and Bayern Munich were ecstatic.

The players celebrated wildly.

They had finally avenged last season's defeat. Even though this Manchester City side was not as deep as before, Bayern were still delighted.

First they beat Manchester City, then they would go after Gao Shen.

It had been a very tough game.

Bayern, away from home, had only 34% possession, only 4 shots, and just 1 on target. But that one effort was enough, as Thomas Müller scored past his German international teammate Neuer.

The keeper had no chance, the distance was too close.

Who could stop a shot like that from inside the box?

Manchester City had 15 shots, 7 on target, but failed to score.

In Gao Shen's previous life, the veteran goalkeeper Butt, who should have long retired, had once again produced a brilliant performance. He was about to turn 39 on May 28, yet left a deep impression.

There were even reports that Bayern were considering renewing his contract for another year.

Based on his performance at the Etihad, he had earned it.

Bayern's defense of Alaba, Dante, Van Buyten and Lahm, a midfield of Schweinsteiger, Gustavo and Vidal, with Ribéry, Mandzukic and Müller up front…

This lineup, with its immense pressing power, handed Manchester City a crushing defeat at home.

For over 80 minutes, City battled. Then in the 83rd minute, Alaba made a sudden overlapping run, received a clever pass from Ribéry, and whipped in a low cross. Müller finished from close range at the back post.

It was Bayern's only shot on target all game, and it went in.

What could Pellegrini say?

When he turned to his assistants, then looked at the disappointed fans, the Chilean engineer felt heavy. He knew full well that everyone in the stadium, aside from Bayern, was thinking of his predecessor.

Only yesterday, that predecessor had led Real Madrid to a 2-0 win at the Parc des Princes against a star-studded PSG, almost securing a place in the final.

Tonight, Pellegrini had lost at home to Bayern.

He could give countless explanations, but none could hide the truth.

Comparison was the cruelest of all.

And Pellegrini was not the first victim, nor would he be the last.

…

"He's not Gao after all."

In the chairman's box, Manchester City chairman Mubarak lowered his head, watching the players leave the field, frustrated.

The last three years had been glorious, but tonight was bitter.

He had dreamed of three straight Champions League titles.

Now that dream looked increasingly out of reach.

It was not a question of strength, but Pellegrini's lack of authority.

All season, City had struggled with how to manage their front-line superstars.

Gareth Bale, Van Persie, Suárez, Robben, Robinho, Sturridge, Hazard…

During Gao Shen's era, with four competitions to play, City had built two strong lineups with depth on the bench.

From investment to results, it was cost-effective. From player value growth, it was a goldmine.

Gao Shen had brought not just trophies, but a treasure chest of talent.

But Pellegrini was no Gao Shen. He lacked Gao Shen's authority and ability, and could not control the dressing room.

As a result, issues surfaced this season.

Robinho and Sturridge, left without minutes, became discontent.

Under Gao Shen, even as subs or rotation players, they would never have dared to complain. Now, they openly voiced dissatisfaction to the media.

That was City's biggest problem.

Tactically too, Pellegrini relied too heavily on his stars. The balance between attack and defense was lost.

In the league, Manchester United pressed them down. In Europe, Bayern beat them at the Etihad.

This season had been unlucky and difficult.

There was no need to sack Pellegrini, but the truth was clear.

He was not the right successor to Gao Shen.

"Brian, what does your technical team make of Sarri?" Mubarak asked.

Leeds United had performed well this season, holding sixth place in the Premier League.

Interestingly, just as Gao Shen was known as the king of cup competitions, Sarri seemed to share the same trait.

Leeds had done well not only in the league but in the cups.

For example, in the League Cup.

In March, they thrashed Bradford 5-0 to win the trophy.

It wasn't a major honor, but it was silverware, and earned them a Europa League place.

They had even reached two consecutive League Cup finals.

Last season they lost to Gao Shen's Manchester City as the underdog. This season they beat Bradford in a Yorkshire derby to lift the cup.

And Leeds had also reached the FA Cup final, beating Millwall 2-0 in the semis.

City themselves had beaten Mourinho's Chelsea 2-1 to also reach the final.

Top of the league and finalists in both domestic cups, Sarri had earned a reputation as a cup specialist.

Naturally, this caught the attention of many European clubs, especially in Italy.

Manchester City knew him well and were paying close attention, given Pellegrini's struggles.

"We all feel Sarri is still far behind Gao Shen, and may not even be better than Pellegrini," Brian Marwood shook his head.

Mubarak nodded. It was only natural.

There was only one Gao Shen. A unique figure.

Even Guardiola, Gao Shen's own recommendation, might not match him.

"You spoke to Gao Shen before. What did he say?" Mubarak asked.

Marwood smiled.

"He pulled a clever trick."

City's CEO Gary Cook had been dismissed after an email controversy, leaving the CEO role vacant.

They had wanted Guardiola. But he didn't want to inherit Gao Shen's job straight away, so he went to Bayern. City, however, still wanted him.

With Gao Shen committed to Real Madrid, Guardiola was the next best choice, and a disciple of Gao Shen too.

So Mubarak asked Marwood to consult Gao Shen.

Gao Shen suggested recruiting former Barcelona vice president Ferran Soriano and former technical director Txiki Begiristain. Both were highly capable, and could then lure Guardiola.

"That's a good move!" Mubarak laughed.

It was unconventional, but brilliant.

"I checked them out. They're very competent, and close with Gao Shen," Marwood confirmed.

He wasn't worried about his own role at City. Even if he handed over technical duties, he would remain on the board.

Mubarak nodded. "Then make contact. I'll arrange to meet them."

Marwood agreed.

"By the way, Rudolf Borrell called me."

"What about?" Mubarak asked, surprised.

Borrell, Gao Shen's former assistant in charge of youth, had since joined Leeds as technical director.

"They're rebuilding their youth setup."

"Yes, I heard they're scouting worldwide. It came up at the Premier League summit."

"He's calmer now, but still targeted us. Remember, he used to run our youth academy."

"Who?"

"Sterling and Rabiot, plus youngsters like Sancho and Alexander-Arnold. They're all interested."

Since the FA's youth reforms, young players could "transfer" with compensation.

City's academy was strong, but players like Rabiot, turning 18, and Sterling had no first-team chances.

The squad was too stacked. The pathway was blocked.

Under such conditions, it was hard to keep them.

Loans or sales were the only options.

But City never saw themselves as a development club.

Their strategy was simple: let others develop the youngsters, then buy them back when needed.

It was the model of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United.

And also Manchester City.

"Alright, let them pay the fee," Mubarak said flatly.

(To be continued.)