SWR: Chapter 991/995

Chapter 991: Coach Showdown

On the evening of February 13, at the Bernabéu in Madrid.

In the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, Real Madrid faced Manchester United at home.

This was a match that overturned everyone's expectations from the moment the whistle blew.

Before the game, many believed Real Madrid would adopt a relatively cautious tactical style at home to prevent Manchester United from scoring an away goal.

There was no reason for the Red Devils to play too aggressively at the Bernabéu, especially since their lineup was not as strong as Real Madrid's.

The pre-match comments of the two head coaches, Gao Shen and Ferguson, seemed to confirm this view.

In Valdebebas, Gao Shen gave Ferguson high praise. Not only did he say that he had always maintained a good relationship with him, but he even expressed pride at being able to face Ferguson as an opponent.

His words were interpreted by the media as a sign that he intended to use a cautious approach at home.

"This is a match the whole world has been waiting for. Everyone expects us to be under pressure, but that is normal."

"Real Madrid and Manchester United are both top clubs, but one of us will definitely be eliminated. That is the cruel reality."

"But this is the match we wanted, and the match that all fans have been looking forward to."

Meanwhile, Ferguson, interviewed at Carrington, pointed out that Real Madrid was still two points behind Barcelona in La Liga and would soon face a brutal run of fixtures. It would be a very difficult schedule, and every match would be a challenge.

"Barcelona are in incredible form and are holding on to something special, so for Real Madrid, the Champions League should be their most likely breakthrough this season."

Ferguson concluded that Gao Shen's main battlefield would be the Champions League.

"That is certain, and it will make the game more difficult for us. But it will also add pressure on Real Madrid."

"We are in a different situation. We are leading the Premier League and competing for three trophies. For them, it will be harder."

Ferguson also described Gao Shen as a very intelligent and cunning opponent who enjoys playing psychological games before matches, but he insisted he would not fall for them.

"My advice to myself is never to let Gao Shen drag me into his tricks. He might deliberately show weakness before the game, but that is just psychological warfare. Let him play his game. I will not get involved."

"Yes, he just had a son. I called to congratulate him and told him that if he brings me a case of good wine during the match, I might spare him."

Finally, Ferguson stated that Manchester United would play more cautiously at the Bernabéu.

"It is inevitable. Playing at the Bernabéu is always tough, so we need to be more careful."

They both said they would not engage in psychological warfare…

Before the match, the two managers exchanged compliments, both trying to show humility.

But what was the reality?

…

From the very first whistle, both teams attacked without hesitation.

Gao Shen and Ferguson may have been polite before the game, but once it started, both went all out.

The two sides immediately launched into offense.

This completely surprised everyone.

What shocked people even more was that despite the fast pace and both sides attacking actively, no one could score.

It was obvious that the tactical discipline of both coaches was neutralizing the other's attacks.

Real Madrid still held the upper hand.

Their passing and ball control were superior to Manchester United's, so whether in possession or pass completion, Real Madrid had the edge. This naturally forced United to defend deep and look for counterattacks.

On defense, United deployed two players specifically to contain Ronaldo on the left.

Whenever Ronaldo received the ball, Schneiderlin and Rafael closed him down quickly, making it hard for the Portuguese star to create danger.

On Real Madrid's right, Manchester United relied on Evra and Welbeck to suppress Di Maria and Carvajal. Their defensive plan was clear from the opening minutes.

But Real Madrid was not easily subdued.

The first attempt of the match came in just over a minute, when Toni Kroos fired from long range.

Di Maria then beat Evra, cut inside, and curled a left-footed shot.

The real danger came in the fifth minute. Ronaldo dribbled past Rafael on the left, crossed before Ferdinand could intervene, and Benzema's shot was brilliantly blocked by De Gea, almost miraculously.

The Spanish goalkeeper looked in outstanding form on his return home.

Ferguson quickly realized Ronaldo was still unstoppable.

He had Valencia drop back to help as well.

Real Madrid pinned United back, launching wave after wave of attacks for over ten minutes, taking eight shots, yet none found the net.

Manchester United's first attempt only came in the 20th minute.

While their defense had done well to hold Real Madrid, United's own attack was equally stifled.

Real Madrid's defensive shape cut off the link between United's midfield and attack, leaving the Red Devils' forwards isolated, forced into solo efforts with no real threat.

Even Rooney's shot came from long range.

…

After more than ten minutes of probing, both managers understood how tough their opponent was.

Gao Shen adjusted. He signaled Modric, Kroos, and Xabi Alonso not to press so high, allowing Manchester United some space to breathe.

This was not underestimating the opponent, but a recognition that pushing too far forward compressed Manchester United's midfield and backline into a solid block, leaving Real Madrid no space to attack.

Manchester United's defense was no joke. Ferguson had once won the Champions League with counterattacking tactics.

Now his players were older, but also more experienced.

Pressing too far forward not only risked giving them more space to counter, but also flattened United's defensive shape, which made it harder for Real Madrid to break through.

Gao Shen also instructed Ronaldo, Benzema, and Di Maria to switch positions.

Soon, Real Madrid created the most dangerous chance of the first half.

Di Maria picked up the ball on the left. Before Schneiderlin could close him down, he drove at Rafael one-on-one and whipped a cross to the far post. Ronaldo burst in, leapt above Evra, and headed towards goal.

The ball crashed against the crossbar.

The Portuguese was left frustrated, and the entire Bernabéu sighed in despair.

What a golden opportunity!

Ferguson reacted immediately, making swift adjustments.

United had already prepared for such scenarios, and after regrouping, their defense steadied again.

Schneiderlin and Carrick, however, were under immense pressure in midfield against Real Madrid's trio.

Gao Shen kept tweaking his system, trying to rip United's midfield apart, but the Red Devils stayed resilient inside their box.

Ferguson was especially quick to respond, ordering his lines to drop deeper and stay compact.

That reduced their counterattacking threat, but their defense remained solid.

It was clear Ferguson's plan was to secure the goal first and wait for a counterattack opportunity.

…

After the break, the second half continued much the same. Gao Shen urged Modric to push higher, using his dribbling and link-up play with Di Maria.

Real Madrid started targeting the right flank, looking for a breakthrough there.

But Manchester United was prepared.

Ferguson made the first substitution, and as always, he did things differently. Sneijder came off for Giggs.

At first glance, it did not even look like a tactical change.

But in reality, Schneiderlin moved to the left, while Giggs dropped deeper to combine with Rafael in marking Ronaldo.

The effect was impressive.

Even Gao Shen was taken aback.

Ferguson's tactical sense was unique, and more importantly, his players could execute his plans perfectly.

The deadlock continued.

Time ticked away.

Neither side seemed capable of breaking the other.

Real Madrid's attacks were contained, and United's counters posed little threat.

The Sky Sports commentator remarked, "This is a match that belongs entirely to Gao Shen and Ferguson."

"It feels more like a back-and-forth chess match between two top coaches than just a football game."

But often, such tactical battles lack goals.

Just like the 2002/03 Champions League final.

It was a fascinating tactical duel, but ended 0-0.

…

Gao Shen stood on the touchline, silently watching the game unfold.

He made no substitutions, simply waiting.

Some say football is like war.

But real war is not like in the movies, where attacks come like storms, sweeping everything away in moments.

Real wars, especially between evenly matched sides, often become long stalemates, waiting for someone to slip.

Some might ask, what if neither side makes a mistake?

That is impossible.

Because war is a battle of attrition, and as time passes, conditions constantly shift, some factors rising, others falling. When a breaking point arrives, opportunities emerge.

Just like this match between Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Neither had erred, both had contained the other, creating a deadlock.

But it did not matter. The key was to keep going, to outlast the opponent, to see who breaks first under the pressure.

Of course, unlike war, football matches have a strict time limit.

After ninety minutes, if neither side gives in, it will end in a draw.

But Gao Shen did not see it that way.

With Real Madrid's strength, the relentless pressure would eventually overwhelm United. Ferguson's team would inevitably show cracks.

And when that moment came, it would be Real Madrid's chance.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 992: Change of Personnel?

Sometimes, Gao Shen feels that coaching is like playing a football manager game.

Players who are familiar with the game mechanics know that the outcome of a match has already been calculated by the system the moment you click to start.

After that, everything you see is just the result of that calculation.

By the same token, there is a saying in European football:

The moment you step onto the pitch, the outcome of the game has already been decided.

Everything else happens outside the competition itself.

Ferguson also made very careful preparations for this game.

For example, everyone knows that Michael Carrick is crucial to Manchester United and is the soul of their midfield.

Schneiderlin once played as a single defensive midfielder at Leeds United, but that was Leeds. Things were very different after he joined Manchester United.

The French midfielder was used more as a ball-winner in midfield, while it was actually Carrick who sat deeper.

Sneijder was responsible for passing further forward, but it was Carrick who organized and directed the attack.

Such an outstanding midfielder is seriously underestimated by the outside world.

But he is already 31 years old.

Aging is a serious problem facing Manchester United, and Ferguson could not ignore it.

Visiting the Bernabéu to challenge Real Madrid, Ferguson dared not be careless at all. Managing the veterans' workload and conserving their energy became an important issue for him.

On February 2, Carrick played the full 90 minutes in Manchester United's 1-0 away win against Fulham.

Later that week, England had scheduled a friendly against Brazil. As an England international, Carrick was called up by Hodgson, but Ferguson personally phoned the England manager and persuaded him otherwise.

Carrick did not feature in that friendly, and he did not even report to the national team.

On February 10, in United's match against Everton, Carrick came on as a substitute for just half an hour.

It was clear Ferguson only wanted him to warm up and get back into rhythm, not to overexert himself.

All of this was preparation for the battle at the Bernabéu.

Even tonight, in the second half, when Ferguson replaced Sneijder with Giggs, it was not only to further strengthen Ronaldo's containment on the right but also to share the workload of Carrick.

Unlike Carrick, the 32-year-old Evra had played the entire France vs Germany match. He had also featured against both Fulham and Everton because Manchester United had no other reliable option on the left.

On one hand, the veteran Evra was playing too intensively and expending a lot of energy. On the other hand, Real Madrid's right flank pairing of Di Maria and Carvajal was becoming increasingly dangerous, their combination sharper and more fluid with each attack. This made Ferguson clearly aware of the danger on that side.

Carrick alone could not cover it.

So in the first half, Ferguson had gone with Sneijder, hoping for a goal.

In the second half, when Real Madrid kept targeting United's left flank, with Gao Shen frequently urging Modric forward to link up with Di Maria and Carvajal, Ferguson had no choice but to adjust.

Giggs moved up to contain the right side, while Schneiderlin shifted left to support Carrick and Evra.

As a result, the game went back to a stalemate.

But United's midfield had completely lost its sharpness.

Of course, even then, breaking through their defense was no easy task for Real Madrid.

Gao Shen kept waiting, letting his players continuously wear down the opposition.

Real Madrid's players had both technical and physical superiority. They were younger, in better condition, were playing at home, and had enjoyed one more day of rest than United. All of this gave them the edge in a battle of attrition.

Gao Shen believed that sooner or later cracks would appear in United's iron wall, and opportunities would come.

Only then would it be time to make substitutions.

…

After sixty minutes, Ferguson could no longer sit still.

Others might not have noticed, but he understood Gao Shen's plan better than anyone.

It was an open strategy, not even hidden, and they were not afraid of Ferguson realizing it.

United's current problem was a troubling one: their players were aging, and they were at a disadvantage in a game that came down to stamina.

Ferguson could have substituted Smalling for Evra, but he could not be certain the defense would hold together after the change.

Sometimes it happens like this. Before a substitution, the defense looks stable, but after the change, the rhythm is disrupted. Not only does it fail to solve the problem, but it can also create even bigger ones.

Meanwhile, on Real Madrid's bench, players kept warming up.

This was also part of the strategy.

It put pressure on Ferguson, keeping him guessing about Real Madrid's substitutions.

This damn kid is getting more and more cunning.

Ferguson was so angry his teeth hurt.

On the pitch, Real Madrid probed repeatedly on both wings, keeping United's players on edge and nervous.

In the first half, Real Madrid had already taken 15 shots. And Manchester United?

Just 4.

In the second half, Real Madrid's constant pressure made Ferguson realize the crisis was far from over.

Even worse, after 65 minutes, Gao Shen still showed no intention of making substitutions.

This gave Ferguson a headache.

The initiative was no longer in Manchester United's hands. It was firmly controlled by Gao Shen.

Real Madrid's players could choose when to slow down, when to speed up, when to press, and United had no choice but to hang on tightly.

Because United were simply weaker than their opponent.

Then, something unexpected happened on the pitch.

After receiving the ball near the left side of the halfway line, Ronaldo turned to dribble but was tripped by Giggs.

The referee awarded Real Madrid a free kick from that position.

Toni Kroos stepped up, placed the ball, and acted as if he would pass short to Ronaldo nearby. Instead, he suddenly launched a long diagonal pass behind United's defense into the right side of the penalty area.

Di Maria made a blistering run, splitting Evra and Vidic, and surged into the right side of United's box. He controlled the long pass perfectly with his left foot.

Vidic was steady, closing him down immediately and shutting off his left foot, forcing the Argentine to shoot with his right. De Gea had the angle covered, and the shot was comfortably collected by the Spanish keeper.

The Bernabéu erupted in applause for the move.

Ferguson's heart jumped. He rushed to the sideline, shouting at Evra to stay focused.

How many times had this happened now?

In the first half, Real Madrid's best chance had come when Di Maria switched flanks and Ronaldo targeted Evra, who lost his man. Fortunately, the header hit the crossbar.

But they could not rely on luck every time.

"Boss, Patrick is running out of steam," Mike Phelan reminded him.

Ferguson saw it too. Evra was clearly struggling to keep up.

This is what happens when fatigue reaches a certain level.

"Substitution?" Phelan asked.

Ferguson hesitated.

All because of that damn Gao Shen.

He had wanted to sign Everton's Leighton Baines to rotate with Evra or even replace him.

And what happened?

Gao Shen signed him for Manchester City.

Now Evra was old and exhausted, yet still forced to hold on.

And that damn brat was exploiting United's weakness.

…

"Evra's activity level has dropped significantly," Carlos Vargas quietly reported to Gao Shen.

In the live data system, there was a metric that objectively reflected player activity.

It combined running, passing, and defensive actions to give a true picture of performance.

"His running distance has also decreased sharply. He looks out of gas."

After Vargas spoke, Zidane, Hierro, Carlo, and the others all turned to Gao Shen.

This was the signal they had been waiting for.

Gao Shen had emphasized before the match that United's left flank would be the weak point.

That was why Real Madrid focused their attacks on that side.

In the first half, Ronaldo's header had almost broken the deadlock.

If that had gone in, Real Madrid would have been under much less pressure.

"Substitution?" Hierro asked anxiously.

Gao Shen frowned and looked at United's bench. Ferguson was still seated, probably chewing gum. That was his habit.

A bit like the God of Gamblers in the movies, always eating chocolate.

"Wait a little longer," Gao Shen said.

Carlo and Hierro were both stunned. Still waiting?

Zidane, on the other hand, immediately understood.

"We've seen it, so Ferguson must have seen it too. He is holding back, waiting for us to move first."

"Exactly." Gao Shen glanced at Zidane with appreciation. His reaction was sharp, instantly grasping the situation and applying it.

"It is not us who should be anxious now, but Manchester United. Let's see whether Ferguson makes the substitution or not."

Tonight, United had only brought one defender to the Bernabéu, Smalling.

If Ferguson substituted, he would likely put Smalling on the left. Real Madrid had already prepared tactics for that scenario and would adjust accordingly.

"But it doesn't look like he'll make a change," Hierro said.

Gao Shen smiled. "That's fine. I've already waited seventy minutes, I can wait five more."

Then, his eyes flashed with determination.

"If he doesn't make a change now, then he won't get the chance anymore."

…

Ferguson must have weighed it all carefully and decided that substitutions might not help, so he held back. Instead, he dropped Welbeck deeper to work with Schneiderlin and bolster the left side.

But in the 74th minute, Gao Shen finally made his first substitution.

After receiving detailed instructions, Kaka walked to the sideline, waiting for the next stoppage to come on.

He replaced Toni Kroos.

The Bernabéu responded with warm applause, both to thank Kroos and to welcome Kaka.

On the visiting bench, Ferguson's heart sank as he saw Kaka enter the pitch.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 993: Finally Scored a Goal

After Kaka came on, Real Madrid's entire formation clearly retreated.

But for Ferguson and Manchester United, the pressure did not ease. It actually increased.

If Real Madrid had continued pressing high, United would have been able to stay compact and keep their defensive lines tight without added strain.

But now, with Real Madrid dropping back, it seemed like United had more space. In reality, it was even more dangerous.

Ferguson immediately noticed Gao Shen's adjustments.

Modric dropped deeper, closer to Xabi Alonso, while Kaka pushed forward, frequently moving into the half-spaces, constantly pulling and dragging Manchester United's double midfielders.

And who is Kaka?

The winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or in 2007.

He was once the best player in the world.

Even if his physical condition had declined, his vision and technique were still world-class.

A player of Kaka's caliber could change the game at any moment if underestimated.

But if they paid too much attention to him, how could they maintain their defensive shape?

Especially now that Real Madrid had dropped back and created more space to exploit, the threat to United's defense grew greater.

The most critical point was Evra.

Gao Shen's current strategy was simple. No matter what United tried, no matter how Ferguson adjusted, Real Madrid would keep hammering at that side relentlessly.

If you can, replace him.

Ferguson had to think carefully about whether he could still hold on if he made the substitution.

Evra's physical condition was fading, but his ability was not poor.

But if Smalling came on, could he really stop the waves of attacks from Di Maria, Carvajal, Kaka, and even Modric?

…

While United hesitated to act, Real Madrid pushed harder after Kaka entered the pitch, constantly searching for the opening.

Gao Shen's orders were clear. Attack United's left side with Di Maria and Carvajal, while Benzema and Ronaldo occupied the center and left.

The idea was obvious. Break through on the right, then create chances for the middle and left.

Kaka drifted between both flanks, but always waited patiently.

He knew how to maximize his influence.

Di Maria and Carvajal were tireless down the right, taking turns to push forward against United's left. Modric also advanced frequently to support them.

Kaka often operated in that channel, but occasionally moved inside or even drifted left, keeping Carrick constantly wary.

But United's midfield was running out of gas.

By the 80th minute, Carrick was visibly struggling to keep up with the tempo.

This gave Kaka even more confidence.

Cracks would eventually appear in United's iron wall.

In the 84th minute, Real Madrid attacked down the right again.

Di Maria's dribble inside almost broke through, but Schneiderlin came across to help.

The Argentine quickly shielded the ball and laid it back to Modric, who had stepped up.

At the same moment, Kaka, who had been standing opposite Carrick in the middle, seemingly harmless, suddenly accelerated. He cut diagonally into the right side of the box.

If time had frozen right then, it would have shown Carvajal pushing high, overlapping past Di Maria. The Real Madrid right-back's run drew Evra wide.

United's left-back was pulled too far out. A moment earlier, Di Maria had cut inside, and with Benzema occupying the center, Vidic could not step across to cover.

This left a small gap between Evra and Vidic.

Schneiderlin, who had been shielding the top of the box, was also drawn out by Di Maria and Modric's movement.

It was a chain reaction.

And in that split second, a diagonal gap opened from the top right edge of the box into the penalty area.

Kaka darted into it.

Modric had been watching him. The instant Kaka moved, the Croatian lifted a perfect lobbed pass.

The ball floated over Schneiderlin's head and dropped into the right side of the box.

Kaka accelerated, muscled his way into position, and met the ball with a deft touch of his right foot.

Vidic rushed to confront him but hesitated, wary of bringing him down.

With his back to the byline, Kaka controlled the ball, then quickly flicked a lobbed cross across goal.

It was a one-touch sequence, from control to cross, showing flawless technique. Vidic had no chance to react.

De Gea, guarding the near post, could not intervene.

In the center, Benzema and Ferdinand were caught just outside the six-yard box and could not cut it out.

The ball arced perfectly from the right side of the box to the left corner of the six-yard area.

Waiting there was Ronaldo.

He had anticipated it. The moment Kaka shaped to cross, he had already made his move. Using his body, he shielded Rafael, backing him all the way to the landing spot.

Giggs and Carrick both realized the danger and sprinted over, but they were too late.

Ronaldo did not even take a touch. He struck it first time with his right foot.

Kaka's cross dropped onto his boot, and he lashed it into the open left side of United's goal.

De Gea, still shifting across his line, could only watch as the ball flew past him.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"Eighty-fourth minute! Eighty-fourth minute!"

"Ronaldo! Ronaldo finally scores!!!"

The Bernabéu exploded.

The Portuguese forward raised both hands high, brimming with confidence.

Kaka's delivery was perfect, and Ronaldo's read of the play was impeccable. He had decided from the start to hit it first time.

With that ball and that angle, there was no chance of missing.

…

"Wow!!!"

On the touchline, Gao Shen leapt in celebration, roaring.

"Brilliant, Ronnie!"

"Kaka, fantastic ball!"

After shouting, he turned and pumped both fists at the stands.

The entire Bernabéu became a sea of joy.

On the bench, the substitutes and coaching staff rushed together, celebrating wildly.

It was a goal born from the link between two superstars.

Kaka was the first to celebrate with Ronaldo, soon joined by the rest of the squad.

Even Casillas sprinted up from his goal.

To everyone's surprise, they then lined up neatly on the touchline. Ramos called the count, shouting one, two, three.

Everyone lifted their jerseys to reveal white undershirts with prints of tiny baby feet.

The Bernabéu's cheers grew even louder.

Every fan knew the meaning. It was a tribute to the birth of their head coach Gao Shen's son.

When the broadcast cameras captured the moment and displayed it on the big screen, the entire stadium rose to its feet, applauding and cheering passionately.

Though Gao Shen had only been in charge for half a season, the fans had seen the transformation he brought, his contributions to Real Madrid, and the new life he had injected into the team.

They had not felt this thrilled or inspired in years.

Since the decline of the first Galácticos era, perhaps Real Madrid had never played football this exhilarating.

But now, Gao Shen had given it back to them.

…

In the presidential box, Florentino stood with a broad smile, applauding like the rest.

Gao Shen's bond with the players and the locker room was clear, and his popularity with the fans was something Florentino valued greatly.

He was very satisfied with Gao Shen's work so far.

Even if Real Madrid ended the season without trophies, he would do everything possible to keep him.

Because this season, Real Madrid finally gave people hope again.

And with hope, it meant the path was right. All that remained was to continue walking it.

More importantly, Real Madrid were competing strongly in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League, showing quality in all fronts.

Some even said that if not for Vilanova's illness, which had inspired Barcelona to extraordinary form, Real Madrid might already have been favorites for the league title.

But luck had not been kind this season.

Drawn into a super group of death in the Champions League, after finally advancing, they now faced Ferguson, who was staking everything on his swan song. What more could they do?

When Gao Shen's son was born, Florentino had been the first to send a generous gift.

He immediately registered the baby, Gao Ming, as a lifelong Real Madrid member, making him the youngest in the club's history.

Of course, it was also a perfect story for the media.

But fans around the world embraced it warmly.

"With this goal, the match is nearly done," Valdano sighed in relief.

Butragueño nodded, then quickly shook his head. "For tonight, yes. But the real test has only just begun."

Indeed.

Looking across the football world, which club had endured a season as turbulent as Real Madrid's?

Surviving the group of death, then immediately facing a brutal schedule.

Was there no end to it?

A 1-0 win at home against United was a strong first step, especially before heading to Old Trafford.

But it was certain Manchester United would be stronger in the second leg.

That was the Red Devils' fortress.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 994: Damn Red Card

Real Madrid narrowly defeated Manchester United 1-0!

After the match, Gao Shen's substitution received unanimous praise from both the media and fans.

As soon as the final whistle blew, Sacchi, his most loyal supporter, took to Twitter to shower Gao Shen with compliments, saying that both the timing and the target of the substitution were absolutely spot on.

"The experienced Ferguson almost took a draw away from the Bernabéu, but Gao Shen's decisive substitution at the crucial moment completely changed the game, especially with his use of Kaka."

Sacchi believed that while Kaka was no longer the player he once was, Gao Shen's use of him this season had been excellent.

The Brazilian superstar had not played many minutes, but whenever he did, he performed well, often stepping up in critical moments to change the course of matches. That left a much stronger impression than his performances over the past few years.

In the match against Manchester United, Kaka played a decisive role as a substitute.

The pass he received from Modric fully showcased his technical quality, and his assist to Ronaldo was perfectly placed. The Portuguese star volleyed it home for the winner.

Sacchi concluded that Real Madrid's squad depth was the key to their victory.

…

Sacchi was not the only one who thought so.

Henry White of the Daily Telegraph also wrote in his column immediately after the game, stating that Gao Shen's substitution was the turning point that broke the deadlock.

"Once Kaka came on, Real Madrid's tactics shifted significantly. Manchester United were unprepared for this adjustment and failed to respond in time. Cracks appeared in their defense, which allowed Real Madrid to seize their chance."

Henry White described it as a true tactical showdown between two of the world's top coaches, Gao Shen and Ferguson.

"Gao Shen had the last laugh at the Bernabéu, proving his tactical acumen."

But the British reporter also reminded readers that the Champions League knockout stage is a two-legged affair, and Real Madrid still faced a tough test at Old Trafford.

"That is what will really decide the outcome."

Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail echoed that view in his column, crediting Gao Shen as the main architect of Real Madrid's home win.

"But a 1-0 scoreline is not enough to guarantee Real Madrid's progression."

At his post-match press conference, Ferguson expressed satisfaction with the result, believing that it set the stage for a thrilling second leg at Old Trafford.

"This is the toughest competition in the world. Every detail matters. Real Madrid hold a one-goal advantage, which will have an impact, but at Old Trafford, they will face the real Red Devils."

The Times also insisted that Manchester United still had a strong chance to go through, especially with the return leg being played at Old Trafford.

Ferguson was throwing everything into his final season, determined to win both the Premier League and the Champions League.

"This away performance proved that Manchester United are capable of competing with Real Madrid."

"More importantly, Real Madrid face a brutal schedule leading up to the Old Trafford clash, including two decisive matches against Barcelona. If Real Madrid want to fight for La Liga and the Copa del Rey, they must win both Clásicos, and that will open the door for Manchester United."

The Times also pointed out that Real Madrid's squad, though full of energy, still lacked enough proven depth for battles at the very top level of the Champions League.

Gao Shen relied more on rotation in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, but this carried risks.

Too many young players made the team dynamic and explosive, but also inconsistent at times.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's extraordinary form under Vilanova had piled immense pressure on Gao Shen and Real Madrid.

"This is Manchester United's chance at Old Trafford," the Times concluded.

"As long as Real Madrid stumble before then, Ferguson believes he can turn the tie around."

…

The Spanish press, particularly those close to Real Madrid, remained optimistic.

A home win against Manchester United was still a very positive start.

Gao Shen himself admitted in the post-match conference that a one-goal lead was not enough to secure qualification, but he expressed confidence that his team could defend their advantage at Old Trafford.

"The key is that everyone must continue to give everything."

He praised several of his players, especially Xabi Alonso, who had taken on greater defensive duties this season.

"His role has changed a lot compared to previous years. He has had to shoulder more defensive responsibility, and so far, he has done very well."

Kroos and Modric also earned compliments, but Gao Shen gave special recognition to Kaka.

"Once again he showed why he is still a world-class player."

When asked about rumors of Kaka being sold at the end of the season, Gao Shen replied that he had received no such information and could not comment.

As for the upcoming schedule, he said the team would work hard to prepare.

…

After the Manchester United game, Real Madrid barely had time to rest.

In La Liga's 24th round, they hosted Rayo Vallecano at the weekend. With Higuaín injured, Morata started up front.

The front three were rotated, with Jesé, Vázquez, and Morata starting together.

Kaka, fresh off his impact against United, also played, supported by Verratti and Casemiro in midfield.

Real Madrid started aggressively.

In just the third minute, Kaka collected a pass from Vázquez and slid a perfect through ball into Morata, who finished clinically to give Real Madrid the lead.

After going ahead, they continued to push.

In the 10th minute, relentless pressure earned them a corner.

The delivery was swung in, Ramos rose highest, and powered in a header to double the lead.

2-0!

That goal nearly sealed the result.

Real Madrid then slowed the tempo to conserve energy.

After the break, they remained firmly in control.

In the 74th minute, Casemiro picked out Kaka in the box, and the Brazilian calmly finished to make it 3-0.

The scoreline held until the final whistle.

At his press conference, Gao Shen again praised Kaka's improving form, while also lauding the young players.

"Many doubt our reliance on young players, but so far they have been vital."

"I will keep saying it. Real Madrid will only gain momentum as the season progresses. As the young players grow, we will become stronger and stronger."

He highlighted Vázquez, whose right-wing play created the corner that led to Ramos' goal.

Ramos himself also earned high praise for his commanding header.

Gao Shen even declared that Ramos was entering his prime.

Judging by recent performances, he was right.

…

After facing Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid enjoyed a rare golden week of rest.

Gao Shen used it to let the team recover, while also addressing issues that had surfaced recently.

But more importantly, he prepared them for the upcoming brutal run of fixtures.

Next up was an away match against Deportivo La Coruña.

The Riazor had long been a difficult ground for Real Madrid, and this time was no exception.

Although Deportivo sat bottom of La Liga, they still had hope of avoiding relegation.

And that was the danger.

Everyone knows that the toughest teams to face in the second half of the season are those chasing the title and those fighting for survival.

Relegation candidates may lack quality, but they fight with everything, especially at home.

Depor were no exception, tough and gritty like most northern Spanish teams.

Before the trip, Gao Shen warned his players to stay calm.

But once the match began, problems arose.

Deportivo played rough at home, as expected.

Still, the match spiraled out of control in the 25th minute.

Their left-back, Savio, collided with Arbeloa and was injured, forced to leave the pitch. The incident enraged the home side and inflamed the atmosphere.

Within the first 25 minutes, Deportivo had only received one yellow card. But in the next five minutes, they picked up three more.

The problem was Ramos also went into the book.

From the touchline, Gao Shen shouted a reminder to him to be careful.

But in the 35th minute, disaster struck.

While contesting a high ball in the box, Ramos clashed with striker Ricky. Ricky fell to the ground, and the referee judged that Ramos had led with his elbow.

Penalty and yellow card.

Two yellows became a red. Ramos was sent off.

It was only the 35th minute, and Real Madrid were down to 10 men.

Damn red card.

What should Gao Shen do now?

How should Real Madrid play this match?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 995: Plan is Messed Up

When referee Álvarez Izquierdo raised the red card toward Ramos, Gao Shen turned away in frustration on the touchline, not wanting to see what was happening on the pitch.

He wiped his face hard with his right hand, trying to calm himself down.

Thirty-five minutes.

After just half an hour, they were a man down and had conceded a penalty.

How could they play like this?

How was he supposed to survive the next hour?

"Is he crazy?" Gao Shen walked to the bench and asked angrily.

Zidane, Carlo, Hierro, and the rest all shook their heads helplessly.

That was Ramos.

He carried the aura of a general and the presence of a leader, but sometimes he was simply too impulsive.

In truth, Ramos had been better this season. Gao Shen had deliberately kept him under control, even warning him that he would be punished if he picked up another card. Ramos had really reined himself in.

He even scored a crucial goal in the last round.

But now, here he was again.

The referee was clearly biased toward the home side, no doubt about it, but Ramos had brought this upon himself.

Now that the punishment had come, what could they do?

"What the hell!"

According to Spanish rules, a red card meant suspension. And the 26th round was none other than Real Madrid's home clash with Barcelona.

Before that, they were going to Camp Nou for an away Clásico.

That meant two consecutive matches against Barcelona within a week.

After those, they would travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Every single one of those was a crucial battle.

"I thought he was more stable now, but…" Gao Shen was furious.

Ramos walked off the pitch and stopped briefly at the bench, but Gao Shen turned his back on him, not even looking, making it clear: I am very angry now.

Very angry.

The Spanish defender glanced at Zidane and Hierro, hesitated, and then walked straight into the tunnel.

Only after his figure disappeared did Gao Shen turn back.

"We must teach him a lesson, or he will never learn!" Gao Shen decided firmly.

What should a coach do when something like this happens at such a critical moment?

The Riazor was already a difficult place to play. Now, after half an hour, they had given away a penalty and gone down to ten men. How could they manage this match?

Even Hierro, normally supportive of Ramos, agreed with Gao Shen.

"This is already the 15th red card of his career." Hierro shook his head, helpless.

That was Ramos. Always full of fire and spirit, but too often crossing the line.

In normal matches, it might not matter. But at such a vital moment, doing this left the coach helpless and deeply frustrated.

Gao Shen's mood was clear.

His plan had been to stay within two points of Barcelona, then turn the tables at the Bernabéu and take the lead in the title race.

But now?

That plan was ruined by Ramos.

Many people said Pepe was reckless and violent, but what was the reality?

The Brazilian defender was actually smart. He had received 10 red cards in his career so far, 5 of them in Portugal and only 5 at Real Madrid.

One in the Spanish Super Cup, one in the Champions League, and three in La Liga, with only one being a straight red.

And Ramos?

At Sevilla, he had never been sent off. But in his very first season at Real Madrid, he collected three red cards. Granted, that was at the end of the Galácticos era, when the defense was a mess.

Under Capello, he picked up one. Under Schuster, three in a single season.

By now, he had 12 red cards in La Liga, and with those in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, a total of 15.

"Zinedine, if I remember right, you had 14 in your career, yes?"

Zidane nodded awkwardly. He did have 14, two with France, including the infamous headbutt in 2006, and 12 with clubs, 11 of them straight reds.

Zidane had a bad temper, no doubt.

"Fernando, you played for so many years. I remember you had 19, but 6 were with Valladolid. At Real Madrid, you got 13. Not a small number."

"Roy Keane was notorious for his toughness, and he only had 11 red cards."

Then Gao Shen pointed toward the tunnel. "And he's only 26, and already has 15!"

At that, Carlo added, "But he's never received one with Spain."

Gao Shen nodded. "Exactly. That's the key."

On one hand, it was down to Real Madrid's instability in recent years. On the other, it was because the club had indulged Ramos for too long.

To put it simply, he played recklessly at Real Madrid.

From the day he joined, he had been seen as the future leader, burdened with huge expectations.

And that had made him careless.

Instead of restraining himself, he pushed the limits further.

Put nicely, he was full of fire. Put bluntly, he was spoiled.

Gao Shen resolved then and there to stamp this out completely.

He needed to end the uncertainty of not knowing when Ramos might self-destruct again.

…

After Ramos was sent off, Deportivo converted the penalty.

Gao Shen reacted immediately, sending on Varane for Higuaín.

It was cruel on the Argentine striker.

Already overshadowed by Benzema, he had finally earned a start, only to be sacrificed half an hour in.

But Gao Shen had no choice.

The flanks had to be covered, the midfield could not be broken, so the only solution was to pull a forward.

But playing with ten changed everything.

Before the red card, Real Madrid were dominating. After it, Deportivo grew in confidence and started attacking.

Varane, however, continued his steady rise.

With Gao Shen's constant encouragement, the young Frenchman looked sharper and more confident every match.

Tonight was no different.

He came on, and alongside Pepe, stabilized the defense. Deportivo's waves of attacks went nowhere.

Truthfully, Deportivo were not that strong. They were second from bottom in La Liga for a reason.

Once Gao Shen's adjustments settled the defense, his frustration returned. He was unwilling to lose.

In the 70th minute, Real Madrid made another change.

Kaka again.

Before sending him on, Gao Shen gave precise instructions.

"At the top of the box!"

"Depor defend deep through the middle. Their two defensive midfielders always drop very far. Work it out with Toni Kroos. One of you push up to stretch them, the other lurk at the edge of the box."

"Long shots!"

Kaka nodded firmly.

He replaced Casemiro.

…

Depor, desperate to avoid relegation, fought hard for points. After going ahead, they pushed for more but were cautious, not wanting to throw away their advantage.

Real Madrid's man disadvantage showed in attack.

The center lacked support, making it hard to build chances.

With Kroos and Kaka alternating forward runs, leaving only Verratti behind, it was always risky.

As Sky Sports' Solari said, Gao Shen still wanted points. He even wanted to win.

In the 78th minute, Real Madrid had their chance.

Kaka intercepted in midfield, gave it to Kroos, who slid a pass behind the defense. Ronaldo cut diagonally into the left of the box, controlled, and pulled it back.

Kroos met it at the top of the box and smashed a shot, only for the keeper to save brilliantly.

From then on, Deportivo tightened even more around the area.

The final ten minutes became an exhibition of Real Madrid attacking against Depor's block.

In the 88th minute, Deportivo captain Bellerón lost the ball to Verratti in midfield.

The Italian surged forward and released Kaka.

The Brazilian turned, drove ahead, and shifted it right to Di Maria.

On the left, Ronaldo pushed up, and Kroos stormed into the box, adding more pressure.

Di Maria cut into the corner of the penalty area but was quickly shut down. He stopped, shielded, and laid the ball back.

Kaka had hung back deliberately. He arrived at the right edge of the area, unmarked.

The nearest defender scrambled to close but was too late.

Kaka calmly trapped the pass with his left, then unleashed a right-foot rocket.

It flew like a missile. Keeper Aranzubia dived, but could not reach it.

The ball smashed into the right side of the net.

1-1!

All square!

(To be continued.)