NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 13: Chapter 13:
Chapter 13:
When Yang Hao stood at the intersection of Lavalleja Street in Las Heras, a southern district of Rosario, staring at the small, single-story house in the middle of the low-rise neighborhood, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion.
Who would have thought that after Maradona, Argentina's greatest football star would be born and raised here?
How small was the house?
Approximately a 10-by-10-meter square. There was no front door; the rooms, kitchen, and living room all opened directly onto the street.
On the east side of the house, near the intersection, was a small plot of open ground. At that moment, several children were playing football, chasing each other around, using a makeshift goal made of wooden sticks with a string stretched between them.
The kids were enthusiastically engaged in their "match," their cheers echoing constantly.
Yang Hao immediately recognized the future "King of Football."
Not just because he was the shortest one on the field, but also because his extraordinary skills on the makeshift pitch left an indelible impression.
Across the street from the "pitch" was a convenience store. Sitting outside were several idlers, shouting unsolicited advice at the kids, sounding like impromptu sports commentators.
It was clear they were well-acquainted with Messi's talents and no longer surprised by his brilliance.
Everyone in the neighborhood knew each other, so unfamiliar faces like Yang Hao and Mendiola—a mix of Asian and Caucasian men—immediately drew attention.
Scout Charles, who had been here before, confidently led Yang Hao and Mendiola straight to Messi's house.
From the outside, the home already looked small, and stepping inside confirmed it. It consisted of just two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, with no bathroom.
Messi's parents, forewarned by Charles of Yang Hao's visit, were waiting for them.
When they saw Yang Hao, they were surprised but avoided any awkward missteps. Clearly, they had done some research on Yang Hao and Atlético Madrid.
There had even been reports in the Argentine media about Yang Hao, with his photo appearing alongside the coverage. Argentine international Santiago Solari played for Atlético, and last season's thrilling Copa del Rey final was broadcast live in Argentina.
"We watched that match," said Jorge Messi, who bore a striking resemblance to Lionel. He was also of short stature.
Jorge worked at Rosario's Acindar Steel Company, which had suffered significant financial losses in recent years and could no longer provide employee insurance.
This was why Jorge was seeking help.
Previously, his monthly salary had been $1,600. After accounting for insurance and union subsidies, Messi's treatment costs required $900 out-of-pocket, leaving just $700 for household expenses. But now, without insurance or subsidies, the family was in financial trouble.
Yang Hao sat in the street-facing living room, glancing around. The term "bare-bones" would not be an exaggeration.
Shortly after they arrived, Messi's grandparents, uncles, and aunts began to trickle in.
His grandfather, Eusebio, claimed to be an architect but was essentially a mason. The family lived nearby, just around the corner.
A local club, Grandoli, where Messi first started playing football, was also close by.
The extended family greeted Yang Hao warmly, talking over each other to describe Messi's footballing genius. Every passerby who had seen him play was said to be amazed by his talent.
Eventually, even Jorge felt a bit embarrassed and politely ushered his parents and in-laws out of the room.
"Apologies, Mr. Yang. They all care deeply about Lionel," Jorge explained.
Yang Hao expressed his understanding and complimented the family on their close bond.
Regarding Messi, Yang Hao made no attempt to conceal the truth. He explained clearly that, as far as he knew, no European club was willing to cover Messi's treatment expenses, as it was not a trivial sum.
Jorge admitted that their contact with Barcelona had yielded no response, and Messi's treatment had been temporarily halted.
Even more pressing was the Argentine Football Association's rule that players aged 13 or older must be registered with a club. Jorge had managed to delay the process, but by January 2001, Messi would have to register with Newell's Old Boys.
Once registered, Messi would officially belong to Newell's youth academy, making any future transfers far more complicated.
Yang Hao explained Atlético's situation, addressing the club's concerns, but he assured Jorge of his firm belief in Messi's potential.
"I can't give you an official guarantee yet, but I am certain Lionel will become the best player in the world," Yang Hao declared with conviction.
Jorge was taken aback, as was Mendiola.
Everyone knew Yang Hao had high hopes for Messi, but they didn't realize the extent of his belief.
After all, Yang Hao had flown all the way to Argentina during a two-week international break, which spoke volumes about his sincerity.
Yang Hao promised that as a shareholder of Atlético, he would personally fund all of Messi's treatment expenses. He also offered to cover the family's rent in Madrid and provide a monthly stipend for Messi, equivalent to what Atlético offered Sergio Ramos and David Silva—€100 per month.
In return, Yang Hao required Messi to sign a pre-contract agreement with Atlético, committing to a professional contract upon turning 16. Any breach of the agreement would result in a substantial penalty.
To further demonstrate his sincerity, Yang Hao offered to pay Messi's first treatment fee of €2,000 on the spot and cover the family's travel expenses to Madrid for the trial.
Yang Hao's genuine commitment and financial support left Jorge deeply moved but also slightly apprehensive.
"Please trust me, Jorge. I don't want to see someone like Lionel suffer due to his condition. He needs to come to Europe as soon as possible to receive the best training possible," Yang Hao emphasized.
Faced with Yang Hao's heartfelt plea and tangible support, Jorge finally agreed.
Having already arranged visas for Spain through their agent's connection with renowned agent José María Minguella, the family was prepared to travel.
Jorge decided to take Messi to Madrid for a trial and evaluate the environment there.
Yang Hao seized the moment to cast doubt on Barcelona as an option.
Why?
"They actually speak Catalan there, not Spanish," Yang Hao explained. "When you move, adapting and fitting in could become an issue. But in Madrid, you won't have to worry about this at all. Every year, thousands of Argentinians come to Spain to build a new life. You know that, don't you?"
What Yang Hao said was true.
Ever since Argentina's economic downturn, countless Argentinians had migrated to Spain each year.
Hearing this, Jorge Messi became even more inclined toward Atlético Madrid and lost interest in waiting for Minguella's progress with Barcelona.
…
Yang Hao spent quite some time at the Messi household and was even invited to stay for a meal.
As he chatted casually with Jorge Messi and scout Charles, Yang Hao discovered an interesting detail about football in Argentina:
Poor kids couldn't afford to play football.
"Kids like Maradona, who came from the slums, are rare in Argentina. Most players come from middle-class families. Poor kids just don't have the money. Training, equipment, and proper nutrition all cost money," Jorge explained.
"Even getting a trial at a club requires connections and money."
Yang Hao couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu.
Jorge went on to explain that his job at Acindar Steel involved pressing steel products. As a workshop manager in middle management, he could comfortably support his family on his income—if it weren't for Lionel's medical condition.
This was why all three Messi boys were able to play football in the first place.
Talking about Lionel, Jorge became even more animated, sharing story after story.
For example, when Lionel was less than a year old, he had just learned to walk but already loved football. One day, while toddling after a ball, he wandered out of the house and was hit by a passing bicycle. His left forearm fractured from the accident.
"But he's always been incredibly strong, with an extraordinary ability to endure pain," Jorge said proudly.
After the meal, Yang Hao seized the opportunity to chat privately with Lionel in the open space outside the house.
The young Messi seemed well-prepared for his upcoming trip to Spain and showed no resistance to the idea.
When Yang Hao asked about his ambitions, Lionel replied simply, "I want to be a great player like Maradona."
That dream, however, required a healthier body and, ideally, a bit more height.
Yang Hao suddenly remembered Messi's childhood sweetheart, his future wife Antonela, who also lived nearby. With a mischievous grin, he teased Lionel, "I heard you've been secretly in love with a girl for years. Is that true?"
Messi's face instantly flushed red, and he stammered, "Wh-who said that?"
Yang Hao smirked, refusing to answer.
"It must have been Matías. That guy can't keep a secret," Lionel muttered, referring to his older brother.
"You're about to leave for Spain," Yang Hao said, encouraging him. "Don't you think it's time to do something about it? At the very least, let her know how you feel."
Messi looked tempted but quickly lowered his head. "I can't. Her family is well-off, and I…"
In that moment, he was just a shy and self-conscious boy.
"So what?" Yang Hao countered. "Once you become a professional player and start playing in Europe, making money will be the easiest thing in the world. Besides, I think you're quite handsome. Sure, you're a little short, but that's what the treatment is for. You'll grow taller."
After a pause, Yang Hao added, "Think carefully. Once you leave, who knows how long you'll be gone? If you don't let her know now, by the time you're ready to come back and tell her, she might already be someone else's girlfriend."
Yang Hao felt like a mischievous uncle leading a child astray.
And wouldn't you know it—Messi seemed swayed by his words.
He wasn't naturally timid, just a little self-conscious and introverted.
"Mr. Yang, would you help me?" Lionel asked, looking at him with hopeful eyes.
Yang Hao grinned, clapping a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Of course! I'll make sure you have a grand, unforgettable confession!"
In Yang Hao's previous life, there was a popular saying among male-focused online fiction writers: those who could write good romance scenes could be counted on one hand.
When it came to football novels, it was even rarer.
Yang Hao had written football novels for many years, and the biggest complaint from his readers was always the same: "Your romance writing is so good, please don't write it anymore!"
Every time a female lead appeared, those loyal readers who were his "bread and butter" felt like throwing up.
Eventually, Yang Hao accepted his fate.
After all, he was just a shut-in.
After crossing over to this new life, he had never seriously considered getting a girlfriend, let alone marriage. The reason was simple—he didn't need one for now.
With his current fame and status, finding a woman was the least of his worries. He could even set up a "rotation system" if he wanted.
As for his public image? He didn't care. He earned his living through his achievements on the football field, not his appearance.
This meant he had never truly studied how to flirt or confess love.
However, as someone who had read countless novels in his previous life—most of them male-oriented—his advice to Messi was entirely in line with the typical domineering CEO trope.
He bought 999 roses, arranged them into the shape of a heart on the school field, and wrote Antonella's name in the center.
At first, Messi was nervous, but with Yang Hao's persistent encouragement, he finally stood there resolutely.
Before long, a blushing Antonella heard the news, ran over, and dragged Messi away.
No wonder Messi hadn't dared to confess before; he was a full head shorter than the precocious Antonella.
Still, Yang Hao couldn't help but think that someday, after retiring, he could write an autobiography and include this story, revealing juicy details about Messi.
After all, he was the matchmaker for the "King of Football"!
When Messi returned, his shy face was flushed with the blush of young love, reminding Yang Hao of a classic line:
"Spring is here, everything is awakening, and it's the season when animals begin to mate..."
"Hey, did you confess?"
Messi walked with his head down, looking bashful. The answer was obvious.
"Did it work?"
The "King of Football" nodded slightly.
"Holding hands?"
Messi grew even shyer.
"Damn, don't tell me you kissed her?" Yang Hao was skeptical. Was this kid pretending to be a sheep while secretly being a wolf?
All innocence on the surface, but a true charmer deep down.
"No kiss, just…" Messi started to deny but then lowered his head in embarrassment.
"A cheek kiss."
Yang Hao burst out laughing.
Kids these days were bold—a simple confession had already escalated.
Seeing Messi's lovestruck expression, Yang Hao suddenly felt a surge of motivation.
He didn't even have a girlfriend yet!
No, he had to find an opportunity to meet some girls.
Sure, he had to keep his dignity and couldn't go as far as some "casting emperor" selecting concubines. But honestly dating a few women shouldn't be an issue, right?
It wasn't true love; it was just… too much love. He couldn't help it. The world had too many beautiful women!
...
During his time in Rosario, aside from helping the Messis handle their paperwork for moving to Spain, Yang Hao also explored the city and even visited another local team, Rosario Central.
Since he was in Rosario, there was no reason not to check out another of the city's rising stars—a future world-class player, Ángel Di María, the "Angel's Wings."
Di María was even younger than Messi, only 12 years old, and already training in Rosario Central's academy.
Reportedly, when Rosario Central signed him five years ago, they only had to pay 25 soccer balls.
Di María's grandfather and father were both footballers, though only average players among Argentina's countless talents. Unfortunately, his grandfather lost his legs in a car accident, and his father had to become a coal miner after retiring to support the family.
With strong genes and a family steeped in football, Di María's talent shone early. Even though his family was poor, his parents gritted their teeth and supported his dream of playing football.
They believed this was the only way to change their family's fate.
At Rosario Central, Di María's outstanding performances and potential were already recognized.
Yang Hao's negotiations with Rosario Central went smoothly, followed by discussions with Di María's parents.
Di María's father was of Italian descent, and his mother had Spanish roots, giving him dual Argentine-Italian nationality. There would be no issue with him moving to Madrid for further training.
Yang Hao offered excellent terms: food, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of 100 euros.
Initially, Di María's parents were hesitant, but after Yang Hao consulted Messi's father and suggested that Di María could live with the Messi family in Madrid, their worries eased.
Yang Hao also promised to cover the cost of two round-trip visits per year—whether it was family visiting Madrid or Di María returning to Argentina.
After meeting with Messi's parents, Di María's parents finally felt reassured and agreed.
...
Yang Hao and Mendiola had arrived in Argentina as a pair, but when they left, their group had grown to five.
For Yang Hao, adding Di María wasn't an issue. Signing one player or two made no difference.
Of course, Yang Hao couldn't go around signing players randomly. That would be pointless.
Without proper attention and training, even the most talented young players could fade into obscurity, failing to reach the heights Yang Hao remembered from his past life.
Signing Messi and Di María and placing them in Atlético's youth academy under his direct supervision significantly improved their chances of success.
As for the differences between Atlético's and Barcelona's youth systems, there wasn't much, especially after Atlético decided to increase its investment in the academy. Yang Hao's training philosophy focused on a technical style of quick passing and movement.
Once players like Ramos, David Silva, Messi, and Di María matured, Yang Hao believed Atlético would become a formidable force in European football.
His goal was to take Atlético to the next level with this homegrown talent.
What Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Gil couldn't achieve in the past, Yang Hao was determined to make happen.
…
Back in Madrid, Yang Hao immediately dived into an intense workload.
The first match of the La Liga season was about to kick off at the Calderón Stadium.
Their opponent? Real Oviedo, managed by Atlético's former coach, Radomir Antić.
Atlético and Oviedo had been like brothers in misfortune for a time. In some ways, Oviedo's struggles were even worse.
While Atlético managed to sell over a dozen players and rake in substantial transfer fees, Oviedo wasn't as fortunate.
After narrowly avoiding relegation under Luis Aragonés, Oviedo sold 13 players, with their highest transfer fee being just €770,000.
After Antić took over Oviedo, he stuck to his preferred 4-4-2 formation, using a combination of a tall and a fast striker up front—just like he had done at Atlético with Kiko and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
However, Oviedo's strikers were nowhere near Atlético's level.
With little money to spend on reinforcements, Oviedo's biggest summer signing was Spanish midfielder Rubén Reyes from Alavés, for €210,000.
Their main striker in preseason was 1.9-meter-tall Danish forward Peter Møller, who had only played 18 minutes in the previous La Liga season.
Even Luis Aragonés hadn't used him. Now, however, Møller was leading Oviedo's attack.
His strike partner was the pacy Roberto Losada, who would later play in Hong Kong and even win the Hong Kong Footballer of the Year award.
Though the opponent wasn't particularly strong, Antić was a capable coach, especially in organizing defenses.
Moreover, being the first game of the new season, with several Atlético players affected by international duties, Yang Hao was cautious and meticulous in his preparations.
Antić had already made bold statements, vowing to prove himself at the Calderón.
Would Yang Hao give him that chance?
Based on Antić's usual coaching style and Oviedo's overall strength, it was easy for Yang Hao to predict that Antić would use a defensive counterattacking strategy at the Calderón.
He would rely on the "tall and fast" striker combination to launch counterattacks.
Yang Hao's approach was to suppress Oviedo tactically and use his players' abilities to break them down.
However, Yang Hao underestimated Antić's determination.
…
The night of September 10.
The opening round of the 00/01 La Liga season saw Atlético hosting Real Oviedo at the Calderón.
Antić deployed a five-defender formation.
It wasn't the fluid five-man defense of someone like Vicente del Bosque—it was a true five-at-the-back system. Oviedo set up a tight defensive wall in front of their goal and supplemented it with three midfielders, leaving eight players camped in their half at all times.
Antić's game plan was clear. In the pre-match press conference, he had used provocation to goad Yang Hao, betting that Atlético would attack aggressively at home. His strategy was to defend deeply, wait for mistakes, and counter.
And it worked. Oviedo's deep block left Atlético's forwards struggling to find solutions.
This was a universal problem in football—breaking down a packed defense was a challenge for any team.
Oviedo's defenders also played rough, frequently fouling Atlético's players, drawing complaints from both the team and the home crowd.
In the first half alone, Oviedo received four yellow cards.
But it didn't matter—Antić had achieved his goal. At halftime, the score was 0-0, and Antić walked back to his bench with a satisfied smirk, as if everything was going according to plan.
To make matters worse for Atlético, their star striker Walter Pandiani, who had scored in both legs of the Supercopa, was targeted by Oviedo's players and limped off at halftime.
Yang Hao felt a growing sense of unease.
"This doesn't look good. It seems Pandiani is injured."
"In the 26th minute of the first half, he clashed with Oviedo defender Keita in a heated moment. The two almost came to blows, and Pandiani complained to the referee that Keita had stepped on his foot. In retaliation, he fouled Keita, and both were shown yellow cards."
"Now it seems Pandiani's injury might be serious."
The TV broadcast cut to the sidelines, showing Yang Hao's face, grim with frustration
"How is he?"
Standing on the sideline, Yang Hao asked Parales, who was assisting the injured Pandiani.
Parales, the team's physiotherapist who also acted as an assistant medic during matches, replied, "It's not too serious, but he definitely can't play in the second half."
Following Parales' gesture, Yang Hao noticed the swelling and redness around Pandiani's ankle.
"They're playing dirty," Pandiani grumbled.
Professional players all engage in small tricks to disrupt opponents, but the line between playing rough and playing dirty is clear.
Every professional knows the difference between going for the ball or targeting the player.
"Don't worry, rest up and go to the hospital for a proper checkup," Yang Hao reassured him before sending the Uruguayan striker into the tunnel.
Across the field, Antić had seen everything. When their eyes met, Antić even flashed a schadenfreude-laden smirk.
That aggressive tactic was clearly his doing.
Losing their top scorer in the opening round of the league was a huge blow for Atlético, especially against Real Oviedo's impenetrable defense.
How would Atlético fight back now?
Watching Antić and his team head down the tunnel, Yang Hao could guess that they were already plotting their second-half adjustments. Losing Pandiani could alter the game completely.
But...
Fine, no more pretending! Time to lay all the cards on the table!
This trump card was something Yang Hao had planned to hold onto for a bit longer. But under these circumstances...
Turning decisively, Yang Hao walked toward the bench. "Adri, come here!"
The hulking Adriano, who had been preparing to warm up, instantly rushed over at Yang Hao's call.
The way he moved was like a tank rolling into battle.
"Boss, I'm ready!" The Brazilian striker's eagerness was palpable.
"Is your dad here today?" Yang Hao asked.
Adriano turned his head, pointing toward the president's box. "He's sitting right there."
"Good. Let him see just how strong his son really is!"
Adriano's eyes glinted with determination.
He had been in Spain for a while and played in a few preseason games for Atlético, but with Pandiani in excellent form, Adriano hadn't had many chances to start.
Yang Hao had reassured him multiple times, telling him to be patient and wait for his moment.
Initially, Yang Hao had planned to let Adriano start in an upcoming UEFA Cup away match.
But now, plans had changed.
…
"Pandiani's been sent to the hospital."
In the visiting team's locker room, Antić was outlining the second-half strategy.
"This is a golden opportunity. On their bench, they only have an 18-year-old Brazilian kid."
"I've done my research—he performed decently in Brazil, but his results in major tournaments weren't impressive. Especially in the Youth World Cup, he's been mostly a substitute during preseason. He's just a promising prospect. This is our chance!"
Antić firmly instructed his players to stick to the defensive counterattack strategy in the second half but emphasized decisive and fast breaks when attacking.
"Even without Pandiani, their wings and Deco in midfield are still performing well. Stay vigilant and, if necessary, press forward to put pressure on them."
Antić's words boosted the confidence of Real Oviedo's players.
The Serbian coach was a world-class tactician, and his judgment couldn't be wrong.
They believed they had a real chance in the second half.
"I've told many people this match is my opportunity for redemption. But it's not just mine—it's yours too. Prove to the world that we're not just a relegation team!"
"Trust me, Atlético's fire sale over the summer has weakened them significantly. All we need to do is settle the score from last season and expose Atlético's disguise to the world!"
"Our goal isn't just survival!"
After a brief pause, Antić turned his gaze toward his defenders and added, "This Brazilian kid is young and inexperienced. Give him a scare right at the start. Shake him up."
His suggestive look left nothing to interpretation.
A harsh challenge early on could unsettle a rookie and leave him ineffective for the rest of the match.
Oviedo's defenders, seasoned players, understood the message perfectly.
…
At the start of the second half, Atlético substituted Adriano for the injured Pandiani.
Standing on the sideline, Antić watched the imposing Brazilian forward step onto the pitch.
His first impression was that the kid was massive—a pure center forward with an intimidating frame.
As the match resumed, Antić began noticing adjustments in Atlético's tactics.
While most positions remained unchanged, it wasn't simply a swap of strikers. The team's overall approach had clearly shifted.
Deco had dropped deeper, closer to the double pivot midfielders, leaving the central attacking area entirely for Adriano to exploit.
By now, it was difficult to label Atlético's formation as either a 4-2-3-1 or a Dutch 4-3-3.
The midfield used a double pivot instead of the single defensive midfielder typical of a 4-3-3.
But this change gave Atlético greater control in midfield and allowed their wingers more freedom to attack.
Just two minutes into the game, Baraja received a pass back from Joaquín on the right and sent a precise through ball down the flank.
Surprisingly, Adriano had drifted to the right to receive it.
The Brazilian forward controlled the ball skillfully and turned, facing left-back Milan Martynović. With the ball at his left foot, Adriano made a feint, hinting at cutting inside, but Martynović took him down with a hard challenge, leaving Adriano kneeling on the ground.
Whistle!
The referee immediately signaled a foul, prompting boos from the Atlético fans.
Antić frowned slightly.
Martynović, a fellow Serbian whom Antić had signed this summer, was a player whose abilities he trusted. To see him fail to take down Adriano was unexpected.
That Brazilian's ball control seemed decent, Antić noted.
But his frown quickly disappeared.
A Brazilian with good technique? That's normal.
With that physique, that muscle, and that frame, how good could his agility and speed be?
"Viktor."
Antić called over Viktor Onopko, Oviedo's towering Russian center-back.
At 1.90 meters, Onopko was the tallest and strongest player in the Oviedo squad.
"Stick to that brute," Antić instructed.
In his opinion, Martynović's initial challenge hadn't been rough enough. Onopko, however, was more than capable.
Unlike the 1.80-meter Martynović, Onopko's size and strength matched Adriano's, and with his 30 years of professional experience, the Russian veteran knew how to handle someone like him.
Satisfied, Antić crossed his arms and stood at the sideline, waiting for the show to begin.
…
"Hey, hey, hey, Lucio, get back! Cover the right side!"
"Mauricio, move up! Quickly! Block the left side. Yes, yes, like that!"
Van der Sar's voice boomed as he orchestrated Atlético's defense from his goal.
When Oviedo's counterattack reached Atlético's box, forward Losada received a pass from his teammate and found an opening for a shot.
However, by the time he took the shot, his angle was almost entirely cut off.
His forced attempt sent the ball straight into Van der Sar's hands.
The Dutch goalkeeper dropped to the ground with the ball secured in his chest, earning loud applause from the home crowd.
Both Pochettino and Lucio jogged over, their expressions filled with admiration as they watched Van der Sar rise with the ball still in hand.
"You good?" Pochettino asked with concern.
Van der Sar gave a slight shake of his head, holding the ball firmly in one hand.
Back during the summer training sessions, the team hadn't fully appreciated Van der Sar's defensive organization. Many players found his constant instructions grating, feeling like puppets on strings.
However, after the two preseason matches against Deportivo La Coruña, the players began to recognize Van der Sar's exceptional defensive leadership.
Carvalho, in particular, had apologized during a post-match review for ignoring Van der Sar's directions, which had led to two quick goals conceded.
In hindsight, had Carvalho listened, those goals could have been avoided.
Since then, the defenders—and the entire squad—had grown to respect and trust Van der Sar's commands. From his vantage point at the back, he had the best view of the game.
At Juventus, Van der Sar was just another player, but at the newly rebuilt Atlético, he was the leader.
Now holding the ball, Van der Sar stepped out of the box and motioned for his teammates to push forward.
Everyone knew what was coming—Van der Sar's signature skill.
A long pass.
Adriano, Vicente, and Joaquín were all already advancing.
With his height, long legs, and powerful arms, Van der Sar took a quick run-up and unleashed a precise long ball toward the front.
Adriano anticipated where the pass would land and sprinted to get into position, using his strength to shield the ball.
Onopko followed closely, trying to muscle Adriano off the ball.
The two collided forcefully, but Adriano didn't budge an inch.
Instead, the Brazilian leaned back, pressing Onopko behind him.
Too strong!
Onopko was stunned. Despite his best efforts, Adriano stood firm, his sheer power unmatched.
As the ball approached, Onopko felt a sudden release of pressure as Adriano stepped forward, chesting the ball down expertly.
Adriano brought the ball under control with his left foot and spun toward the center.
Onopko quickly closed in again, placing a hand on Adriano's shoulder and leaning in with his full weight, trying to pin the Brazilian in place.
But to his shock, Adriano didn't just resist—he shrugged Onopko off with brute force.
Even as Onopko tried to grab Adriano and reengage, the Brazilian slammed into him with his shoulder.
The collision was savage and overwhelming. Adriano sent Onopko stumbling away, all while keeping the ball firmly at his feet.
The Brazilian then exploded forward like a cheetah, accelerating toward the goal with the ball.
The entire Calderón erupted in deafening cheers.
"V-Vieri's spirit has possessed him at this moment!"
The TV commentator exclaimed in shock as Adriano powered past the towering Onopko.
Antić stood on the sideline, utterly stunned.
That was Viktor Onopko—1.90 meters tall, a physically imposing Russian defender. And yet Adriano had just bulldozed him?
Even more incredible, Adriano still managed to maintain control of the ball.
This was almost impossible to believe.
Who was the last player to barrel through defenders like this in La Liga?
Italian striker Christian Vieri.
And he, too, came from Atlético!
What left Antić even more speechless was Adriano's speed after breaking through Onopko. He surged forward, quicker than even Losada, Oviedo's fastest player.
Oviedo's defenders Boris and Danjou quickly closed in, blocking Adriano's path as he entered the penalty box. They positioned themselves between him and the goal, determined to stop him.
Adriano suddenly hit the brakes, stopping abruptly and dragging the ball sideways with his left foot.
He evaded Boris first, then Danjou, and was about to take a shot when Keita lunged forward to block.
But Adriano deftly poked the ball past Keita.
The ball rolled to the left side of the penalty area, where Vicente, completely unmarked, arrived. He controlled the ball with his left foot and fired a shot toward the near post.
The ball skimmed past the left upright and into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"51st minute, Atlético Madrid takes the lead!"
"An assist from Brazilian striker Adriano, and Vicente scores Atlético's first league goal of the season!"
"Oh my god, this is simply unbelievable!"
"Since coming on as a substitute, Adriano has showcased an astonishing ability to dominate physical battles. Oviedo's three central defenders have been completely unable to contain him. He looks like a heavy tank rampaging through a bustling city!"
"The last player to give us such a shock in La Liga was Italian striker Christian Vieri."
"But it's clear Adriano is not Vieri. His speed and explosiveness are superior, and his technical skills are even more refined."
"I don't know how to describe my feelings right now."
"This is simply unbelievable!"
"Perhaps we should all just listen to the roar of the 50,000 Atlético fans at the Calderón at this very moment!"
…
As the Calderón erupted in celebration, the club's top executives watched from the presidential box. Miguel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, and others accompanied Jesús Gil, who was also attending the match.
After seeing Adriano's assist for Vicente's goal, Miguel Gil couldn't contain his excitement.
"Did you see that, Father? That's Adriano—the player I told you about! Yang Hao said he's faster and more skilled than Vieri."
Having stepped down from the presidency, Jesús Gil had grown even heavier, but his demeanor was more composed and energized.
Watching Adriano sprint to the sidelines to celebrate, Jesús Gil's mind was flooded with memories of Christian Vieri.
Back then, before the euro, he had spent $16.5 million to sign the Italian striker from Juventus.
Vieri had been a goal-scoring machine, netting 24 goals in 24 matches. He terrified every defender in La Liga.
That season, Atlético's attack was the most fearsome in La Liga—unstoppable, powerful, and utterly exhilarating.
But they only finished seventh because their defense was one of the worst, conceding five more goals than Real Oviedo, who narrowly avoided relegation in the playoffs.
And who had been Atlético's coach that season? The very same Antić now standing on Oviedo's sideline.
It had been Atlético's last golden era.
"It's been so long since I've heard the Calderón roar like this," Jesús Gil said with satisfaction.
It was an affirmation of his son, Enrique Cerezo, and the new management team. Above all, it was an endorsement of Yang Hao.
As he glanced back at Antić on the opposing sideline, a sense of sweet revenge welled up inside him.
How does it feel to be crushed by our new Vieri?
…
Pandiani and Adriano were two completely different types of forwards.
The former was a pure finisher with limited technical ability and hold-up play, making him valuable primarily for scoring goals.
Adriano, on the other hand, was far more versatile. Yang Hao had brought him in specifically to destroy opposing defenses.
Adriano wasn't just a goal-scorer; he was the centerpiece of the attack, and tactically, he was far more important than Pandiani.
Naturally, this required adjustments to the team's formation to give the Brazilian more freedom.
Adriano roamed the front line with impunity, wreaking havoc on Oviedo's defense.
In the 63rd minute, right-back Belletti received a pass from Van der Sar and launched a long ball toward the front. Once again, the target was Adriano.
The Brazilian completely overpowered Oviedo's defenders, chesting the ball down before turning and charging forward.
Before the two defenders could converge on him, Adriano passed the ball to the right, where Joaquín was waiting, and sprinted toward the penalty area.
Joaquín faced Martynović on the right flank and executed a sharp, decisive move to break through the defense. Near the edge of the box, he delivered a precise cross into the center.
Adriano sprinted into the penalty area like a giant fortress on the move. He leaped high, his presence imposing and unstoppable, crashing through Oviedo's two center-backs.
With a thunderous header, Adriano sent the ball smashing into the right side of the net, leaving goalkeeper Esteban helpless.
2-0!
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"It's Adriano again!"
"A ferocious header from the Brazilian striker helps Atlético extend their lead over Real Oviedo!"
"This is unbelievable. Since coming on, Adriano has utterly dominated Oviedo's defenders, bulldozing through them as if they weren't there. It's impossible not to think of Vieri."
"Both are big, powerful, and unstoppable!"
"But today's Adriano is just 18 years old—18 years old!"
After scoring, Adriano ran straight to the sideline, stopping in front of the president's box. Raising his arms high, he gestured toward his father's seat.
No one else understood the gesture.
Only Yang Hao knew.
He was saying: Father, did you see that? I didn't let you down!
Adriano was quickly mobbed by his teammates, but after the celebration, he made his way to the sidelines to high-five and embrace coach Yang Hao. Turning toward the stands, he clenched his muscular fists and waved them at the Atlético fans, a display of raw power that electrified the crowd.
Yang Hao couldn't help but think that Adriano was like a fully upgraded version of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. He was certain Adriano would wreak havoc across La Liga and all of European football.
He would be every defender's worst nightmare.
Back in Brazil, Adriano already had an impressive scoring record, averaging nearly a goal per game—a rare feat.
In Yang Hao's previous life, Adriano showcased his talent after joining Inter Milan. Whether at Inter or Parma, his performances were outstanding, but his stats were held back by several factors.
For one, Serie A at the time was known for its suffocatingly tight defenses. But more importantly, neither Inter nor Parma provided him with sufficient midfield support.
If Adriano had played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, or any team with a more creative midfield—or even AC Milan or Juventus, with coaches who built attacks around him—he would have been a goal-scoring machine.
Now, Atlético had exactly the setup Adriano needed.
With Deco orchestrating the midfield, Vicente and Joaquín on the wings, and strong contributors like Baraja and Gravesen in the double-pivot, the team had the firepower to supply Adriano with endless opportunities. On the bench, they even had Xabi Alonso and Cambiasso as backups. With a lineup like this, they could "feed" Adriano to the top of the scoring charts and secure the La Liga Golden Boot.
More importantly, Yang Hao had taken a unique step to motivate Adriano by bringing his father to Spain. A prior hospital checkup had revealed some concerning health issues.
Years ago, Adriano's father had survived three gunshot wounds, one of which left a bullet permanently lodged in his skull, causing frequent headaches. Now, as he aged, he was also developing high blood pressure and needed daily medication.
Yang Hao suspected that Adriano's father's sudden death in the future was likely due to a heart attack caused by hypertension. By raising awareness of his condition early, Yang Hao hoped to prevent a similar tragedy.
This revelation gave Adriano a new source of motivation.
He needed to play well, earn more money, and provide his father with the best medical care possible.
This was why Adriano had been so relentless on the field tonight!
…
With Adriano wreaking havoc on Oviedo's defense, their attention was entirely focused on him, easing the pressure on Atlético's wingers.
In the 74th minute, Belletti overlapped down the right flank, combining with Joaquín. The Spanish winger broke through on the right and sent a low cross toward the near post.
Adriano used his strength to hold off his marker, controlling the ball with his left foot. His right-footed shot was deflected by a defender, and the rebound fell to the edge of the penalty spot.
Deco, charging in from midfield, unleashed a thunderous strike that tore through Real Oviedo's net once again.
3-0!
The Calderón erupted in cheers once more!
Atlético fans could hardly believe it—two home games this season, and their team had delivered such dominant performances in both. First against Deportivo La Coruña, and now against Antić's Real Oviedo.
Antić's so-called "redemption match" had turned into a complete farce.
In the final moments of the match, substitute José Antonio Reyes combined with Patrice Evra on the left. Reyes made a strong run down the wing, delivering a pass that set up Adriano perfectly.
Using his body to shield the ball, Adriano controlled it with his left foot before firing a shot into the net.
4-0!
Adriano had scored a brace and provided an assist on his debut!
When the final whistle blew, the fans at the Calderón chanted Adriano's name, having already fallen in love with the powerful Brazilian forward.
After the match, Yang Hao, as the host, made a beeline for the visiting team's dugout.
Before the game, Antić had repeatedly emphasized his desire to prove himself again at the Calderón. His comments were filled with subtle digs at Yang Hao, implying that Atlético's survival last season was thanks to the solid foundation Antić had laid.
Yang Hao, ever the straightforward person, believed in reciprocity. If someone treated him well, he would return the favor. But if someone played games with him, he would respond in kind.
So, with a wide grin, Yang Hao approached Antić, extended his hand, and cheerfully praised him.
"Your team played really well tonight, especially in the first half."
Antić's face twitched, but he forced himself to keep calm.
Had the scoreboard not read 4-0, he might have happily accepted the compliment. But now?
Prove himself?
Who had he actually proved?
This wasn't his redemption—it was Yang Hao's moment of triumph, delivered by Antić himself.
Yang Hao had even said as much:
"If not for Oviedo's solid performance in the first half, it wouldn't have just been 4-0."
Even with all his years of experience, Antić couldn't withstand such humiliation. With a cold snort, he refused to shake Yang Hao's hand and stormed past him into the tunnel.
Yang Hao looked at his outstretched hand, sighed, and shook his head.
"What poor sportsmanship from this old man!"
"Well, no matter. We'll meet again."
Hopefully, Antić wouldn't be sacked too soon.
…
The moment Yang Hao stepped into the tunnel, he was met with a hero's welcome.
First, by the club staff, then by the coaches and players in the locker room, and finally, by the journalists in the press conference room.
When Atlético had beaten Deportivo La Coruña 3-0 at home earlier, many attributed it to Javier Irureta's complacency.
But tonight, even after losing their starting striker in the first half, Atlético had scored four goals in the second. This wasn't luck; this was strength.
Even more impressive, Atlético had kept another clean sheet.
So far this season, after three matches, Van der Sar had achieved two clean sheets and delivered excellent performances.
However, Yang Hao didn't let this success go to his head.
In the post-match press conference, he heaped praise on his players, from Van der Sar to Adriano, highlighting their efforts. He expressed his satisfaction with the team's current roster but emphasized a key point:
"Our biggest issue right now is that we're still not fully in sync. Our tactical execution isn't yet at the level I want. I believe we can improve further. We can be even stronger!"
Yang Hao's confidence in this Atlético squad was growing, especially after Adriano's stellar display tonight.
How to describe it?
Brazilian players were often perceived as slender but physically resilient—like Neymar in Yang Hao's previous life. Neymar looked slight but had surprising strength. Without it, his flashy skills would have been useless.
For example, think of Cristiano Ronaldo during his early Manchester United days. He endured a lot of rough treatment before fully developing his physicality.
Neymar embodied the typical Brazilian style: slim but powerful.
But what about the strong ones?
Take Lucio, for instance. He was a Tyrannosaurus on the field.
Adriano was cut from the same cloth as Lucio. He looked strong and was, in fact, incredibly powerful.
The difference was that Adriano also had speed, explosiveness, and skillful footwork—a truly absurd combination.
Naturally, the reporters at the press conference were captivated by Adriano, asking why Yang Hao hadn't showcased this player earlier, only for him to explode onto the scene tonight.
Yang Hao laughed and replied, "He's still just a kid!"
The journalists' expressions contorted.
Many wanted to laugh but couldn't.
Come on! Look at him—his build, his violent elegance on the pitch—and you're calling him a kid?
Well, technically, he was—just 18 years old.
It was bizarre, even absurd, especially considering Brazil's tradition of producing strikers like Ronaldo and Romário.
When did Brazil suddenly produce someone like Adriano?
What about Jardel?
Did Jardel have Adriano's technique and speed?
What about Sonny Anderson, who played for Barça?
He was shorter than Adriano by quite a bit.
After the jokes subsided, Yang Hao earnestly explained.
The main reason was that Pandiani had been in excellent form. Yang Hao felt it was inappropriate to bench a player who was scoring consistently.
The other reason was that Adriano still needed to grow.
"At Atlético, we have a tradition of developing world-class strikers, from Kiko to Vieri, to Hasselbaink. Now we have Pandiani and Adriano, and let's not forget Fernando Torres in the youth team."
"I believe all of them have the potential to shock European football and capture the world's attention!"
Yang Hao concluded by reiterating something he had said before:
Atlético's goal was never just survival.
Previously, journalists and fans hadn't taken this seriously. But now, they were starting to pay attention.
La Liga, take notice—Atlético is on the rise!
…
Even Yang Hao couldn't quite understand why, when other teams won, the players received all the praise, but when Atlético won, the entire Spanish media spotlighted him instead.
Photos of him hugging Adriano were splashed across the front pages of numerous newspapers.
After reading several media reports in one sitting, Yang Hao couldn't help but question whether, after crossing over, he had somehow become the protagonist of one of his own novels.
No, even when he wrote about main characters, he wouldn't dare include a plotline like this.
That level of over-the-top writing was strictly for amateurs.
Still, seeing his face plastered across front pages all over town did bring a certain satisfaction.
Of course, Yang Hao had to admit that Atlético's 4-0 victory over Real Oviedo made headlines largely because Real Madrid and Barcelona had played their matches the day before, on September 9.
At the Bernabéu, Real Madrid came from behind to beat Héctor Cúper's Valencia 2-1, thanks to goals from Raúl and Figo after Mendieta had scored the opener. French superstar Zinedine Zidane came on as a substitute in the second half but was still adjusting to his new surroundings.
The Bernabéu stage was graced by three megastars: Raúl, Figo, and Zidane.
While stars like Roberto Carlos, Hierro, Casillas, and Morientes were undoubtedly influential, they fell just short of the "superstar" tier.
Meanwhile, Barcelona relied on a brace from Rivaldo to secure a 2-1 home victory over Málaga.
When all the first-round matches concluded, Atlético sat second in the league table with a superior goal difference, behind only Rayo Vallecano, who had crushed newly promoted Villarreal 5-1.
Adriano, with his two goals, was tied for first in the scoring charts.
The other players with braces were Rivaldo and ex-Barcelona academy player Sembranos, both of whom were 28 years old.
But Adriano was only 18.
This made the Brazilian striker a hot topic across La Liga and even among European clubs.
…
While the Spanish media were busy praising Adriano, the next morning at Atlético's routine coaching meeting, Yang Hao raised concerns about Adriano's performance.
It wasn't that the Brazilian striker hadn't been good—Yang Hao simply had higher expectations for him.
"For now, let's set up a training plan to strengthen his right foot. Focus on improving his technique and finishing with that foot," Yang Hao instructed.
As Yang Hao had mentioned before, Adriano's relatively modest stats in Serie A during his previous life weren't solely the fault of his clubs. Yes, factors like insufficient midfield creativity at Inter and Parma played a role, but Adriano also had his own shortcomings.
Anyone who had truly watched Adriano play wouldn't doubt his talent—his sheer presence on the field was electrifying and unique during the early 2000s.
So why didn't his stats reflect his immense potential?
The answer was simple: Adriano's right foot was practically useless.
Fans familiar with Adriano would recall awkward moments in matches where he would clearly have a better chance using his right foot, yet insist on shifting the ball to his left.
In Serie A, with its famously tight defenses, such tendencies were costly.
But what made Adriano so remarkable was his unmatched physicality. He was strong enough to shield defenders and create just enough time and space in crowded penalty areas to shift the ball onto his left foot.
This was a subtle detail that many of his fans missed in their praise.
Yes, Adriano was exceptional, but his glaring weakness made him easier to neutralize and capped his career potential.
Yang Hao was determined to fix this flaw.
"We can easily create a training plan and assign a coach to work with him," said Juanma Lillo, voicing a concern.
Yang Hao understood what he meant. "I'll handle Adriano. It won't be an issue."
Since bringing Adriano and his father to Spain, Yang Hao had noticed how well they had adapted, especially thanks to their shared fluency in Spanish.
Adriano, in particular, was deeply grateful to Yang Hao—not only for the opportunity but also for arranging and paying for his father's medical checkup and treatment upon their arrival. This had cemented an unshakable bond of trust between the young Brazilian and his coach.
Yang Hao was confident: if he asked, Adriano would comply.
If not, he could always involve Adriano's father—no one could refuse their dad!
"Additionally, we need to place more emphasis on improving our passing and movement. Our passing speed is still too slow, and the players' chemistry isn't where it needs to be yet."
Currently, Atlético excelled at high pressing and defensive intensity in the attacking third, but their one-touch passing and interplay still lacked polish.
This wasn't due to a lack of understanding of Yang Hao's tactical approach. Over the summer, Yang Hao had worked tirelessly to instill his strategies, including concepts like maintaining numerical superiority in localized areas.
He had also prepared two tactical systems for Atlético during preseason: a 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot and a 4-3-3 with three central midfielders.
This wasn't a random choice—it was a necessity.
After all, Atlético only had one Deco!
It's a well-known fact in football: the closer a player is to the opponent's goal, the more intense the defensive pressure becomes. This means that the demands on attacking players—technically, physically, and mentally—are significantly higher.
This is easy to understand.
The closer to the goal, the greater the defensive focus, and the more physical duels a player must face.
Yet the pitch size doesn't change; it's up to the players to exploit the available space.
If a team wants to exploit space behind the defense, it needs speed. For a player to hold their ground inside the box, physical strength and exceptional technique are essential.
If you've watched enough games, you'll notice that playing with one's back to the goal—receiving and holding up the ball while facing away from the attack—has become a widely used skill.
This isn't limited to strikers; every forward-thinking player in the attacking half must master it.
The further forward a player is, the harder it is to execute this skill. Yet its tactical value becomes exponentially greater.
Consider Xavi at Barcelona. From his youth academy days, he was trained as a traditional No. 4—a deep-lying playmaker in the same mold as Guardiola. Under Van Gaal's system last season, he also played as a defensive midfielder.
Why?
Because Xavi's ability to receive and play with his back to the attack was not particularly strong.
Similarly, Xabi Alonso faced this issue. Few people know that in Yang Hao's previous life, over the next few years, Xabi tried playing as a central attacking midfielder and playmaker but failed. The reason?
Playing with one's back to the goal is a completely different tactical environment compared to facing forward. The technical attributes required are entirely distinct.
Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Pirlo—all of them lacked this ability to play with their backs to the attack. That's why Pirlo struggled as an attacking midfielder but flourished after moving into a deep-lying playmaker role.
This isn't about superiority or inferiority—it's about finding the right fit.
However, players who can receive, turn, and initiate attacks in tight spaces under heavy defensive pressure have immense tactical value.
Strikers like Drogba and Benzema are prime examples.
In this Atlético squad, Deco is the only midfielder capable of this skill.
When Deco is available, Yang Hao employs a 4-2-3-1 formation. When Deco is absent, he switches to a 4-3-3 with three holding midfielders.
But this creates another challenge: how to break through defenses and progress the ball.
Surely, relying on long balls all the time isn't an option.
Adriano, at just 18 years old, cannot be overused.
Many fans in Yang Hao's previous life emphasized triangular passing, but this concept is superficial.
Any three players on the pitch can form a triangle. What, then, is the tactical significance of triangular passing?
In the match against Real Oviedo, Yang Hao observed some moments that provided answers to this question. He clipped these sequences and showed them during the team's review session the next day.
In one instance, Gravesen had the ball in Atlético's half, facing forward. Oviedo's defender, who had been marking Deco, immediately pressed Gravesen.
Yang Hao paused the footage.
"I want you to think carefully: if you were Gravesen in this situation, what would your first reaction be?" Yang Hao guided the players to think critically.
He didn't want them to simply follow his instructions. He wanted them to understand his tactical philosophy on a deeper level.
"I believe most of you would immediately notice that Deco's position is now open. Am I right?"
Most of the players nodded in agreement.
This was a natural reaction.
"Okay, let's see what happened."
Yang Hao resumed the clip. Gravesen indeed passed to Deco. However, the ball was intercepted en route, and although Deco managed to control it, another defender was already pressing him.
The result? Deco was forced to pass backward, and the attack fizzled out.
Yang Hao paused the footage again and allowed the players to reflect. After several moments of silence, he posed another question.
"Do you see it now? This was a trap. Their defense wasn't necessarily deliberate, but the open space was clearly a calculated risk."
The players nodded again.
Even before the ball reached Deco, the Oviedo defenders anticipated Gravesen's pass and reacted accordingly. It didn't require elaborate preparation—just instinctive, natural responses.
"Now, let's look at another clip."
In this sequence, Gravesen had the ball again, and Oviedo's defender once more left Deco to press him. The situation seemed identical to the previous one.
But this time, armed with the prior experience, Gravesen made a smarter decision. Instead of passing to Deco, he played the ball into Baraja's path.
Baraja's forward run caught the defenders off guard. The player who had been marking Deco immediately switched to Baraja, leaving Deco free.
Baraja waited for the defender to close in before passing to Deco. This time, the pass had enough lead to allow Deco to turn and face forward.
Although the attack didn't result in a goal, Yang Hao was very satisfied with the sequence.
After everyone had watched the footage, Yang Hao rewound to the moment when Baraja made the pass and paused the clip.
"Notice this time—Deco is truly freed up," Yang Hao emphasized.
This was the essence of triangular passing.
"When an opposing defender abandons their position, our corresponding player will naturally find space."
"This is something both we and our opponents understand."
"This means we can't just exploit that open player immediately. Instead, we need to create the most favorable attacking situation for ourselves. To do that, we need another player to step in, form a triangle, transition possession, disrupt their defense, and further stretch their formation."
"From start to finish, Deco is our target and the initiator of our attack, but we can't pass to him directly. We need to involve an intermediary—whether it's Baraja on the right, or Evra and Vicente on the left."
"Our goal is simple: draw a second defender out of position to further open the defensive lines. When the ball finally reaches Deco, he should have enough time and space to easily launch the final attack!"
The video clips Yang Hao had prepared were highly illustrative, drawn directly from the recent match against Real Oviedo.
The players could understand the footage clearly and began to grasp the tactical philosophy Yang Hao was instilling.
"In our system, the player who gets freed up doesn't always have to be Deco, and it doesn't always have to happen in central midfield. It can happen in the attacking third, midfield, or even the defensive third; on the left, right, or center."
"Every single one of you can become 'Deco.' At the same time, every one of you must also be prepared to be 'Baraja.' Only by playing both roles can you ensure that when you are 'Deco,' a 'Baraja' will step up to transition possession for you."
"This is what makes us a team!"
…
Yang Hao's tactical talk in Majadahonda was something he ensured would remain strictly confidential.
Although the club valued its relationship with fans and occasionally opened training sessions, tactical meetings like this were entirely off-limits.
No one outside the team knew what Atlético discussed in their review sessions or what they trained for.
The only visible evidence of their work was on the pitch.
Following their emphatic 4-0 home victory against Real Oviedo, expectations for Atlético rose.
But just as the momentum seemed to be building, Atlético embarked on a long trip to Slovenia, where they suffered a 0-1 defeat against Olimpija Ljubljana.
This marked Atlético's first European match in several seasons, and it ended in disappointment. It was also Yang Hao's first loss as Atlético's manager.
Fans and media alike noticed that Yang Hao had fielded a lineup of substitutes, leaving all first-team players behind. Up front, he even deployed veteran striker Kiko.
Despite the makeshift lineup, Atlético dominated possession and created numerous chances. Yet, they failed to score, and a counterattack from Olimpija in the second half sealed their defeat.
Following the loss, Spanish media shifted their tone, moving from praise to skepticism.
The more moderate outlets expressed concern, pointing to the pressure of the second leg. Others sensationalized the situation, spinning narratives about an "Atlético crisis."
The loss in the UEFA Cup wasn't the only issue. Atlético's upcoming La Liga match presented another challenge. They were set to face Real Valladolid away—a team that had haunted them for several seasons.
At the José Zorrilla Stadium, Atlético had lost three consecutive seasons.
Moreover, Valladolid had shown strong form last season and continued to look competitive. In their opening match, they secured a 1-1 draw away against Mallorca, coached by Luis Aragonés.
Although the scoreline was even, Mallorca scored within the first three minutes, and Valladolid had been the better side throughout.
With Atlético needing to juggle European commitments and coming off a loss, many were pessimistic about their chances in the second round of La Liga.
Some media speculated that competing on two fronts would be a significant challenge for a team like Atlético, especially given Yang Hao's and his staff's lack of experience managing dual competitions.
The defeat in Ljubljana was seen as evidence of an Atlético crisis.
Real Valladolid's Argentine coach, Francisco Ferraro, made bold statements:
"We're fully prepared and waiting for Atlético!"
Ecuadorian forward Iván Kaviedes, on loan from Celta Vigo, added, "I'm in excellent form and can't wait to score in this match."
"I have a feeling this will be a match for the home fans to celebrate!"
A head coach often has a clear grasp of a team's true strength.
Take Real Valladolid, for example. After their impressive performance last season, they showed little ambition to maintain their competitiveness this summer.
They sold their top scorer, Víctor Fernández, to Villarreal for €9 million and their first-choice goalkeeper, César Sánchez, to Real Madrid for €6.25 million.
And their signings?
The club saved wherever it could.
It's not that Valladolid lacked ambition; as a smaller club, they simply couldn't afford the risks.
It's like starting a business. Two young entrepreneurs might have equally promising projects, but a wealthy heir and someone from a farming family will make vastly different decisions—not due to a lack of vision or ability, but because their families have wildly different capacities for handling risk.
Coach Gregorio Manzano evidently saw the writing on the wall and left to manage Racing Santander rather than stay at Valladolid. The club then turned to 55-year-old Argentine coach Francisco Ferraro.
Ferraro had played professionally for Celta Vigo before retiring and spending most of his coaching career in Argentina, where he earned a reputation for defensive tactics.
Yang Hao's strongest impression of Ferraro was from 2005 when he led Argentina to victory in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.
This brings up an interesting dichotomy: attack versus defense.
Everyone knows Brazil has an abundance of attacking talent. But how did Brazil win the 2002 World Cup? Through Luiz Felipe Scolari's conservative defensive tactics.
Most fans only remember the dazzling "3R" frontline and the overlapping fullbacks, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. Few recall the controversy in Brazil over Scolari's ultra-defensive approach, particularly his use of the double-pivot midfield pairing of Gilberto Silva and Kléberson, which drew heavy criticism.
Yet, it was Brazil's disciplined defense combined with their stars' attacking brilliance that won them the trophy.
Ferraro's Argentina in the 2005 U-20 World Cup adopted a similar philosophy. He packed the midfield and defense with players and relied on Lionel Messi to spearhead the attack. This cautious approach delivered another title.
If Scolari's Brazil struck a balance between attack and defense, Ferraro's Argentina leaned heavily toward defense, relying almost entirely on Messi's individual brilliance.
From preseason friendlies to their opening La Liga match, Ferraro's Valladolid showed the same defensive tendencies. He stacked the midfield and defense, relying on quick counterattacks to exploit the individual talents of his forwards.
…
Against different teams, Yang Hao adapted his tactics accordingly.
For instance, against high-pressing sides like Deportivo La Coruña or Valencia, his strategy was to create a midfield battle, win possession, and use the speed of his attacking players to exploit the space behind the opposition's defensive line.
Following Atlético's summer squad overhaul, the team became younger, faster, and more dynamic, making this approach highly effective against high-pressing opponents.
Of course, this required a solid defense to hold its ground.
The Gravesen-Baraja double pivot provided Atlético's midfield with steel without sacrificing organization or passing ability.
But against a defensive-minded team like Ferraro's Valladolid, Yang Hao opted for a more direct approach:
No overthinking—just go for it!
With aggressive high pressing and relentless pressure, Atlético aimed to pin Valladolid in their own half and hammer them mercilessly.
Among Valladolid's players, three caught Yang Hao's attention.
First was Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo, whom Paulo Futre had recommended to Yang Hao. However, Yang Hao ultimately chose Van der Sar instead.
Next was left-back Gabriel Heinze, the future Manchester United and Real Madrid defender. Tonight, he would be directly up against Joaquín.
Lastly, there was José Luis Caminero, a former Atlético legend and future sporting director.
In European football circles, it was joked that Sevilla's Monchi excelled at finding players worth €0-15 million, while Caminero was a master at identifying €15-30 million talents.
Though meant humorously, Caminero's contributions to Atlético's resurgence in Yang Hao's previous life were significant. For now, however, he was still an active player.
…
As Yang Hao expected, Valladolid conceded possession from the start, retreating into a compact defensive shape near their penalty area. They made no effort to contest midfield control and instead set up to withstand Atlético's attacks.
Fully aware of Ferraro's intentions, Yang Hao still instructed his players to press forward aggressively.
He knew Ferraro planned to frustrate Atlético with his defensive setup and wait for opportunities to counterattack. This was a test for his side.
Yang Hao's response was simple: high pressing in the opponent's half. Lose the ball? Win it back immediately. Regain possession? Transition into attack without delay.
Just 4 minutes and 31 seconds into the match, Yang Hao's strategy bore fruit.
Valladolid's defenders struggled to cope with Atlético's relentless pressure. After one of their attacking moves was blocked, they attempted to counterattack, only for Gravesen to make a crunching tackle in the final third, regaining possession.
Baraja quickly picked up the ball and played it out to the right.
Joaquín stopped the ball near the sideline, his body angled diagonally toward goal, facing Heinze in a one-on-one duel.
The young Spaniard didn't hesitate, advancing with the ball and forcing Heinze to backpedal repeatedly.
As Valladolid's midfielder Caminero closed in to provide support, Joaquín made an audacious move. He suddenly dribbled to his left, cutting inside and appearing ready to burst through the narrow gap between Heinze and Caminero.
This forced Heinze to make a move as well.
Joaquín, though primarily a right-footed player, could manage simple actions with his left foot during matches.
This time, as he feigned a drive forward, he suddenly nudged the ball down the line with his left foot, followed by a quick stop and acceleration toward the baseline. In an instant, he left Heinze trailing a step behind.
By the time the Argentine defender turned to chase, Joaquín had already sent a cross from the right side of the box.
In the center, Adriano charged forward and leaped high, overpowering Bolivian center-back Peña. The Brazilian's header smashed Joaquín's cross past Ricardo and into the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Less than five minutes in, Atlético strikes first!"
"It's the 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy, Adriano, once again!"
"My word, this young player is unstoppable. He scored a brace in the previous round and has now opened the scoring tonight—three goals in two matches."
"Adriano isn't just tall and powerful; he's also incredibly skilled with the ball and remarkably quick."
"Many media outlets and experts agree: Atlético has unearthed a gem!"
…
Following Adriano's goal, the dynamics of the match remained unchanged.
Yang Hao didn't pull his team back to consolidate the lead. Instead, he urged them to keep pressing forward. Fueled by their early breakthrough, Atlético became even more aggressive.
In the 13th minute, Atlético's relentless high pressing at the edge of Valladolid's penalty area forced a defensive error. Baraja calmly threaded a pass through the defense, and Deco, making a forward run, controlled the ball, broke into the right side of the box, and fired a composed low shot into the net.
2-0!
On the sidelines, Yang Hao applauded enthusiastically, smiling as he celebrated Deco and his team's performance.
At this point, Atlético had scored two goals from four shots in just 13 minutes—a remarkably efficient display. But Yang Hao made no tactical adjustments, continuing to urge his team to attack relentlessly.
With a week's rest following this match, Atlético had the luxury of going all out.
…
The match fully shifted into Atlético's rhythm.
The team unleashed an overwhelming wave of attacks, bombarding Valladolid's defense relentlessly.
Whether it was Adriano and Deco in the center, or Vicente and Joaquín on the wings, even Gravesen and Baraja took turns attempting long-range shots. Left-back Evra, meanwhile, displayed confidence, driving into the box to show off his footwork and finishing ability.
The most dangerous moment came in the 28th minute when Evra executed a brilliant run down the left flank, bursting into the attacking third and delivering a cross to Vicente. The winger then passed it to the penalty spot.
Adriano used his body to shield the defender, trapping the ball with his left foot. The sequence was fluid and precise, and it seemed another goal was inevitable.
However, Adriano's preference for his left foot led to hesitation. Instead of taking the best option available, he had to adjust the ball to his left, costing him the opportunity to strike cleanly.
Despite this missed chance, Atlético continued their dominance. As the first half drew to a close, another quick turnover in Valladolid's defensive third saw Deco spread the ball to the left.
Evra sprinted down the left flank, controlled the ball, and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.
Adriano drew the attention of the defenders in the center, leaving Baraja unmarked at the far post. Baraja timed his run perfectly and scored with a close-range header.
3-0!
The José Zorrilla Stadium was left stunned by Atlético's unrelenting assault.
For the past three years, Atlético hadn't won a single match at this ground. Yet now, after just one summer, the team seemed entirely transformed.
Their aggressive pressing, incisive attacks, and ruthless efficiency left Valladolid completely overwhelmed.
…
In the second half, Atlético slowed the pace and tempered their attacking intensity but still maintained control of the game.
In the 61st minute, another combination down the left flank proved decisive. Evra linked up with Vicente, who received the ball at the edge of the box and drove into the area. Using his pace, Vicente burst past the defenders and squared the ball across the six-yard box.
Adriano, tangled with two defenders, lunged to the ground for a sliding shot. The ball deflected off Ricardo and rebounded to the right side.
Joaquín, completely unmarked, calmly slotted the ball into the net, adding another to Atlético's tally.
4-0!
That was the final goal of the match.
In the remaining 30 minutes, Yang Hao brought on substitutes Xabi Alonso, José Antonio Reyes, and Ricardo Carvalho, giving them time to adjust to La Liga's pace and gain valuable experience.
The match ended with a comprehensive 4-0 away victory for Atlético over Valladolid.
(End of Chapter)
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