SWR: Chapter 982/983

Chapter 982: I Must Surpass Him

The strongest is the weakest!

Gao Shen was increasingly impressed by what Beckenbauer had said back then.

When you use every possible means to create the strongest attacking point, it often becomes your most fatal weakness.

Just like Barcelona's tactical play, where they desperately tried to control possession, in the end it was this passing and possession system that became a rut, preventing further improvement.

Not only was it difficult for players outside the system to adapt to it, but even the players within it were increasingly constrained, losing a clear understanding of themselves and repeatedly making the same mistakes.

In Gao Shen's previous life, many people knew about Barcelona's problems. Even Barcelona themselves were aware of them, yet they simply couldn't change.

Every head coach who tried to make changes ended up with poor results.

The stronger the dominance at that time, the greater the resistance to reform.

This was almost identical to what happened when Ferguson retired from Manchester United.

Now, the same was true for the Barcelona side he was facing.

When Xabi Alonso found himself without any defenders around, the Spanish midfielder's advance put immediate pressure on Barcelona's back line.

Di María cut inside, received Xabi Alonso's pass, and turned forward, forcing Jordi Alba to follow and mark him. At that moment, Carvajal was sprinting up the right flank.

Alba was suddenly caught in a dilemma.

Should he defend Di María or Carvajal?

The result was that Di María passed to the right. Carvajal took the ball in stride to the byline, accelerated at full speed, and charged straight into the right side of the penalty area.

Both of Barcelona's centre-backs had already retreated, but Puyol was forced to shift right, while Piqué kept his focus on Benzema, completely ignoring Ronaldo arriving from behind.

Carvajal whipped in a cross that flew across the penalty area and dropped just beyond the far post.

Ronaldo made a blistering run, leapt high, and powered a close-range header into the left side of Barcelona's net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!"

"In the 19th minute, Real Madrid have scored again!"

"Cristiano Ronaldo with a brilliant header extends Real Madrid's lead."

"2-0!"

The entire Santiago Bernabéu erupted like a festival.

Real Madrid fans leapt from their seats in frenzy, cheering and shouting at the top of their lungs.

So fast, so exhilarating!

From the interception to the goal, the entire sequence unfolded in seconds, catching Barcelona completely off guard.

Even many Real Madrid supporters in the stands didn't clearly see how it happened before the ball was already in the net.

It was this lightning-fast counterattack and goal that drove the home fans into even greater excitement and euphoria.

The whole Bernabéu was shaking with chants of Hala Madrid.

2-0!

Real Madrid had further widened their advantage.

…

Central Park, New York City, USA.

Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, sat in their living room watching the crucial clash taking place in Madrid.

At this moment, hundreds of millions around the globe were tuned in, a testament to the influence of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But in this world-famous fixture, Barcelona had been hit hard by Real Madrid right after kick-off.

In terms of possession, Barcelona had nearly 70%, while Real Madrid held only 30%.

On paper, it looked like Real Madrid were playing far too conservatively.

But looking at the attacking threat and the flow of play, that impression was completely overturned.

Despite dominating possession, Barcelona had barely threatened. By the 20th minute, they had only managed one attempt, and it failed to hit the target.

By contrast, Real Madrid, with less possession, were far more incisive, producing five shots, three on target, and two goals scored. A remarkable level of efficiency.

Behind that efficiency was Real Madrid's deadly counterattack.

When those counterattacks repeatedly tore open Barcelona's defence, the threat level naturally soared, and so did the conversion rate.

"What's going on?" Cristina asked with a frown.

She was also a Barcelona supporter and good friends with Gao Shen, but in this match, their whole family firmly backed Barcelona.

Yet now, Barcelona were being outplayed.

"We've fallen into a fatal trap," Guardiola said helplessly.

"Fatal trap?"

Guardiola didn't explain. To clearly outline Barcelona's Achilles' heel would take a long conversation. Even then, Cristina might not understand, as such things weren't as simple as fans imagined.

In his eyes, Barcelona had not only been targeted at their weak spot, but the players on the pitch also lacked the ability to adapt.

They kept playing at the same rhythm.

By contrast, Real Madrid's rhythm shifted constantly.

In defence, they used one tempo. In counterattack, another.

Even their pressing varied in intensity.

Under such conditions, Barcelona, despite their high possession, found it difficult to dictate the rhythm.

That was truly a dangerous situation.

Cristina didn't dare ask whether things would be better if he were in charge.

She knew well that Guardiola and Vilanova had fallen out.

Although Guardiola had helped while Vilanova recovered, a fallout was still a fallout.

"If you were managing this match, would you have a chance of winning?" she asked from a different angle.

Guardiola shook his head. "No."

The answer was short and clear.

"Barça have a very strong squad."

"Really not!" Guardiola repeated firmly.

Cristina still didn't quite understand.

"Gao Shen can get Real Madrid to play this kind of defensive counterattack, but no one can get Barcelona to play it," Guardiola said with a sigh. "That's the gap between ideals and reality."

Even if he were Barcelona's head coach, he wouldn't employ defensive counterattacks.

But he had to admit that against Barcelona, a defensive counterattack was the smartest approach.

Who in the world could outdo Barcelona in possession and attacking play?

However, Guardiola now had another pressing question — how to deal with this powerful Real Madrid?

It was obvious they had been honed to perfection.

What Gao Shen needed next was to further refine and strengthen his team.

With his meticulous nature, he could easily play around with different systems at Real Madrid, whether it was the 4-3-1-2 he had used before or other tactical variations.

Gao Shen had never been a restrained coach. On the contrary, he was more daring and spent more than anyone else.

But he was also highly pragmatic and never gambled recklessly with results.

"Do you regret accepting Bayern's offer?" Cristina asked.

Not long ago, Guardiola had met with Bayern's top management in New York for the second time, finally accepting the invitation of Rummenigge and Hoeness. After Heynckes announced he would retire at the end of the season, Guardiola had agreed to take over.

It was Ferguson who had facilitated the contact. At the time, Ferguson was in the United States for a Manchester United commercial event, and arranged for Guardiola to have dinner with Bayern's executives.

At the time, Guardiola thought Ferguson was going to invite him to manage Manchester United.

But now, coaching Bayern didn't seem like the ideal choice.

Because this powerful Real Madrid was about to rise.

"No, you're wrong, Cristina," Guardiola said, shaking his head.

His expression was solemn, but there was a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"I can't wait any longer. I need more pressure to figure out how to counter Gao Shen's tactics. For that, I must manage a top club that can face Real Madrid."

After speaking, Guardiola couldn't help but laugh.

"In my coaching career, Gao Shen is like a towering mountain. I must surpass him!"

His eyes shone with determination.

…

The first half ended with Real Madrid leading 2-0.

This was largely because, after conceding twice, Barcelona became more cautious.

While Barcelona held the advantage in passing and possession, Real Madrid played steadily and didn't rush to win the ball back.

Gao Shen had repeatedly reminded his players before the match that the most important thing against Barcelona was unity, and no one could act alone.

Either stay in position, or if you move, the whole team moves together.

When the players walked off the pitch, they were visibly excited. As they high-fived Gao Shen, they wore satisfied smiles, clearly pleased with leading Barcelona 2-0 at home.

Gao Shen was also pleased with the result.

Barcelona had created a few chances, the most dangerous being a direct free-kick from Xavi, but Casillas pulled off a fine save.

This confirmed that Gao Shen's decision to let Casillas play in the cup and Courtois in the league was an effective way to motivate both keepers, keeping them disciplined and in form.

So far, Gao Shen's handling of Casillas had been praised unanimously by the club's management, fans, and media. Considering the disputes Casillas had with Mourinho last season, Gao Shen's approach was excellent.

More importantly, Casillas's girlfriend had barely been in the headlines lately.

It was clear Casillas had also reined her in.

This love-struck guy needed some pressure.

Gao Shen didn't hesitate to give praise.

Back in the dressing room, the first person he complimented was Casillas.

Varane had also performed superbly, earning Gao Shen's approval.

The young defender had worked tirelessly tonight, especially in keeping Messi under control.

Gao Shen encouraged him to keep it up and try to keep Messi scoreless in the second half.

"If you can shut down Barcelona's attack through the middle, I'll give you the credit for tonight's game!" Gao Shen said with a smile.

Ronaldo was the first to respond, promising to treat Varane to a meal.

The others quickly joined in, shouting that everyone should get a share.

Everyone knew Ronaldo had scored already, and if Barcelona and Messi stayed goalless, it would be a win in every sense.

In high spirits, the Portuguese forward agreed.

Gao Shen then addressed a few issues from the first half, but stressed that the second half would be even more important.

"Once again, until the final whistle, everyone must stay 100% focused and follow the tactics. Only then can we beat Barcelona!"

"I'm very confident we can score more goals in this game!" Gao Shen said firmly.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 983: Use Barcelona's Best Tactics to Score Against Barcelona

"Welcome back to Sky Sports."

The studio camera zoomed in from a wide shot, showing the host and commentator sitting upright in their suits.

The commentator for today's match was former Real Madrid star Santiago Solari.

He played for Real Madrid from 2000 to 2005, during which he won a Champions League title. Coming from a football family, his father and uncle were both Argentine internationals, and his brother-in-law was former Real Madrid legend Fernando Redondo.

In January 2011, Solari officially announced his retirement and soon returned to Spain to attend the Spanish coaching training program.

Now, while completing his coaching studies, he also works as a television commentator.

This is a common path for many former professionals.

The second half was about to begin, and Solari's assessment of the first half was unexpected.

"Ronaldo's free-kick was quite a surprise.

I think all fans familiar with Ronaldo will agree, because in the past we rarely saw him play like this. Now, he gives off the impression of someone with a strong sense of team honour."

"Another surprise was the dominance Real Madrid showed.

Yes, they were at an absolute disadvantage in terms of possession, but judging from the match itself, I think everyone can see that Real Madrid had the upper hand, especially in terms of creating threatening chances."

"Gao Shen has brought about huge changes at Real Madrid, solving problems that have lingered for years."

"I think even the most critical Real Madrid fan would have to admit that."

"He truly shows the value of a world-class coach."

Solari believed Gao Shen was the key factor behind Real Madrid's outstanding performances this season, calling it a textbook example.

"I've been taking coaching training in Spain. Our instructor asked us to analyse Real Madrid's tactics and match preparation. He believes everything Gao Shen has done at Real Madrid is worth studying and learning from for all coaches."

"You know, at the start of the season, when the La Liga fixtures came out, we all knew Real Madrid would have a tough time because the Champions League group stage schedule is fixed. Combining that with the league schedule, there was no escaping a nightmare run. It was brutal."

"But when the Champions League group draw came out, we all went crazy. The schedule was insane!"

"You have to understand, our training class is made up entirely of former professionals, many with international caps. Everyone knows football, but when we saw this schedule, especially after Marcelo and Arbeloa were injured, we all thought it was crazy."

"But Real Madrid still qualified second in their group."

Solari clapped his hands hard, praising them repeatedly. "I can't understand why there are still people doubting them. Criticising is always easier than solving problems, but when you try to actually do it, you realise how hard it is."

"Looking at Real Madrid at the start of the season compared to now, the change is enormous."

"Ramos suspended? Look how well Varane has played. Messi has barely had a good moment tonight. Wherever he went, Varane was there."

"Arbeloa playing left-back is normal for Gao Shen. He did the same when he first took charge. And Carvajal on the right, my God, he's definitely a gem Gao Shen has unearthed for Real Madrid."

"My former teammate Carlos had a falling out with Gao Shen and still hasn't let it go. But after seeing Real Madrid this season, he told me, 'Oh my God, Carvajal is just like me back then.'"

"But what surprised me the most is Real Madrid's tactical system. It is so stable, it doesn't feel like the old Real Madrid at all."

"In recent years, Real Madrid's defence always felt unstable, relying too much on individual ability, which left people uneasy."

"But this season, even tonight, Real Madrid give a sense of security."

"I even have a strong feeling they'll score again in the second half."

As he spoke, the live broadcast showed players from both teams walking back onto the pitch.

The feed switched to the Bernabéu.

…

With the whistle to start the second half, it was clear Real Madrid had made changes.

From the kick-off, they were noticeably more aggressive in pushing forward.

After losing the ball in the final third, they changed the first-half approach, committing more players to counter-pressing near Barcelona's penalty area instead of retreating quickly to the halfway line.

The pressing was coordinated across the whole team, not just a few players chasing.

This was clearly a tactical instruction from Gao Shen.

Barcelona still controlled the ball with their slow passing, but under Real Madrid's pressure they struggled to advance. Even Messi was forced to drop deep to collect the ball and help build up play.

Real Madrid's players worked as a unit. When they saw they could not press further, they immediately retreated to positions near the halfway line.

This brought the match back to the pattern of the first half.

Barcelona tried to move the ball forward repeatedly, looking to push Real Madrid into their defensive third, but Real Madrid maintained heavy numbers between the 30-metre zone and the halfway line, refusing to drop deeper.

As soon as Barcelona's passes entered this area, they were quickly surrounded.

Barcelona were also consciously avoiding playing too much down the flanks.

In the first half, Real Madrid often defended in a compact, fan-shaped formation. On the wings, where space is naturally limited, this was particularly effective, and Barcelona had lost the ball there many times.

In the second half, however, the focus shifted to the middle.

But everyone knows the middle is the most crowded area to attack.

Barcelona kept trying vertical passes and lofted balls, but almost none reached Real Madrid's 30-metre zone. Forced back, they often had to recycle possession.

In just over a minute, the two sides had already exchanged several attacking and defensive sequences.

But Barcelona were pushed all the way back into their own half.

Puyol received the ball without immediate pressure.

The captain took two steps forward before seeing Benzema close him down. Alba had already advanced on the left, but Di María tracked him all the way, preventing Puyol from passing there. He was forced to hold the ball.

At that moment, Iniesta dropped back from the front, raising his hand for the pass.

As soon as Puyol's ball reached him, Iniesta felt pressure from behind. Just as he tried to turn, the two collided heavily.

Iniesta lost his balance, stumbled, and the ball escaped his control.

"Modric with a great interception."

"Iniesta down on the pitch, but the referee waves play on, no foul."

"Benzema beats Busquets to the ball and lays it off to Di María."

Di María brought it in with his left foot and played diagonally towards the middle. Benzema moved to the right, while Ronaldo cut inside from the left channel, ready to support.

Real Madrid's front three combined in perfect synchrony.

Di María took two quick touches, and before Xavi could close him down, passed to the right with his left foot before sprinting into the middle.

By now, Ronaldo had advanced to the right side of the D.

If you froze the frame, you would see Barcelona had seven defenders near the penalty area, while only three Real Madrid players in white were attacking.

Even so, Benzema held off Alba, played a diagonal ball into the right side of the box, and then made a horizontal run into the middle.

Ronaldo burst into the right of the penalty area. Instead of taking the pass for himself, he shielded the ball from Puyol and Piqué and flicked it back with the outside of his right foot into Benzema's path.

Two Real Madrid attackers had broken through four Barcelona defenders.

Benzema received the ball on the right corner of the six-yard box, leaving Alba, Iniesta and others trailing.

Puyol reacted quickly, turning and charging at Benzema to block a shot.

But Benzema feinted, didn't strike, drew Puyol into a sliding block, and slipped the ball across to the left side of the penalty spot.

Di María, who had sprinted forward after his earlier pass, was perfectly positioned. He controlled with his left foot and instantly shot with the same foot.

The ball flew almost in a straight line into the bottom left corner of Barcelona's goal.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!"

"Di María!"

"Real Madrid's third goal!"

After scoring, the Argentine winger turned and sprinted towards the stands, making a heart gesture with his hands.

His teammates chased after him and surrounded him in celebration.

"Barcelona's defending there!"

"Seven defenders undone by just three Real Madrid attackers."

"Yes, it was a fast counterattack, but Barcelona's defensive organisation has serious problems."

"No structure, no flexibility, and torn apart in seconds."

"The combination play between Real Madrid's front three was breathtaking, completely outplaying Barcelona."

"We all know this used to be Barcelona's specialty, but now Real Madrid are using it to score against them."

"3-0!"

"This is a very bad situation for Barcelona."

"Real Madrid score again within two minutes of the restart."

The Bernabéu roared with the celebrations of the home fans.

The camera cut to the touchline, where Gao Shen was pumping his fists in delight.

He had said they would score again in the second half.

But no one expected it to happen so quickly.

As he had repeatedly told his players, Barcelona's defence was actually very poor.

In the past, their strong possession play and dangerous counterattacks had masked these flaws.

Now, with their counterattack weakened and their running power reduced, the issues were fully exposed.

"Believe it or not, I feel like we can score again," Gao Shen said to Zidane.

Zidane laughed aloud.

(To be continued.)