Chapter 303
The eve of the epic clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona brought a flurry of anticipation and tension. The entire Barcelona team flew to Madrid, checking into a local five-star hotel. As their bus approached the hotel, it was met by a sea of Real Madrid fans brandishing provocative slogans and bitter mockery. The rivalry between the two clubs and their fans was intense, fueled by memories of past encounters and the desire for supremacy.
Real Madrid supporters held signs proclaiming "Wang Feng will beat you again," and some went as far as displaying photos of Barcelona players in moments of defeat. The atmosphere was charged with animosity, especially towards players like Iniesta and Ronaldinho, who had made mistakes in previous matches. Puyol attempted to console Iniesta, emphasizing that victory over Real Madrid and Wang Feng would erase the shame from the previous year.
Barcelona's coaching staff, recognizing the need to motivate their players, organized a meeting. Rijkaard impassionedly addressed the team, highlighting the mockery they faced and calling for revenge. The players responded with fervor, expressing their determination to defeat Real Madrid and prove Barcelona's invincibility, especially against Wang Feng.
Contrastingly, in the Real Madrid camp, the atmosphere was less charged. The day before the game focused on tactical drills and relaxation training. Schuster opted not to conduct additional training, allowing players to disband early. However, all members were required to spend the night at the training base. In the evening, players gathered in the rest area, some engaging in video games.
Wang Feng, seeing the players planning to play video games, suggested a switch to table tennis. He engaged in friendly banter and games with Raul, enjoying the camaraderie. Raul, in a candid moment, praised Wang Feng for transforming the atmosphere in the locker room and encouraged him to lead the Galacticos to greatness.
The next morning, as the players gathered for breakfast, Real Madrid Chairman Florentino and high-level officials awaited them. Each player received a cordial greeting, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming match against Barcelona. The club's meticulous care for the players was evident, ensuring they were mentally and physically prepared.
Reports suggested that the Spanish national derby garnered global attention, with over 50 media outlets broadcasting it to an estimated 1.2 billion viewers. Fans worldwide, particularly in China, were eagerly awaiting the showdown. The streets of Madrid were filled with fans in team jerseys discussing game predictions, and heavily armed police patrolled to prevent potential conflicts.
With tickets sold out long before the league's opening, fans without tickets sought the vibrant atmosphere of bars projecting the match. The anticipation for the national derby was palpable, and the world was poised for one of football's most iconic clashes. The stage was set, and the much-anticipated battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona was about to unfold.