He is Back
"Real Madrid's tactics tonight are quite intriguing."
At the tenth minute of the game, seeing Real Madrid once again repel Atletico's attack, Honorary President Di Stefano remarked softly, his tone tinged with admiration.
This remark surprised Florentino, Tapias, and others seated on the sidelines.
On the contrary, Butragueno, Valdano, and others nodded in agreement, while Carlo, further away, wore a pensive expression, prompting curious glances.
"It feels reminiscent of Valencia back then," Valdano remarked with a slight smile.
"Yes, it's somewhat akin to Liverpool's current style," Butragueno added.
Whether the comparison holds true or not, professionals can generally discern patterns after observing for a few minutes.
Just like tonight's Real Madrid, every move contains substance. From the start until now, Real Madrid hasn't launched a single attack and has been on the defensive. However, Real Madrid's defense is noticeably different, showing a well-organized structure.
Many fans watching the match believe that mistakes are solely tactical, but that's not always the case.
Mistakes on the field sometimes stem from tactical flaws and other times from player execution.
Tonight, Real Madrid's issues clearly stem from execution. The most glaring problem is their lack of cohesion, evident from the players' initial struggles, which saw them being pushed around by Atletico Madrid from the outset.
But gradually, they began to stabilize and find their rhythm.
After observing a few more minutes, Valdano nodded approvingly, stating, "Indeed, it's Benitez's setup with double midfielders. Graveson and De La Reid are playing roles similar to Albelda and Baraja of yesteryears. Zidane, on the other hand, resembles Aimar."
As a renowned coach, Valdano possesses keen insight.
It was at this moment that everyone truly believed Gao Shen hadn't adopted Carlo's style.
Carlo himself couldn't employ this style.
Real Madrid has experimented with the 4-2-3-1 formation but encountered numerous issues. Had Carlo been adept at this approach, he would have utilized it long ago, rather than suffering the humiliating defeat against Zaragoza in the King's Cup.
"Interesting kid," Di Stefano praised with a smile.
Given his penchant for watching youth team matches, he holds Parejo in high regard, even dubbing him the best product of Real Madrid's youth academy. Di Stefano's impression of promoting Parejo to the first team has been positive.
However, liking a player does not imply agreeing with Gao Shen's appointment as Real Madrid coach.
That's preposterous!
But now, witnessing Gao Shen effect changes at Real Madrid, Di Stefano doesn't mind acknowledging his success.
"Is this style of play truly effective?" Manuel Redondo assisted his leader in voicing the questions baffling many.
Valdano then explained patiently, "It's not simply a matter of effectiveness. This style emphasizes offensive-defense balance, particularly enhancing defensive capabilities through zonal marking."
"In simpler terms, Atletico Madrid's 4-4-2 employs three lines, whereas our 4-2-3-1 deploys four. Notice Torres and Kežman's positions—they often receive the ball ahead of Woodgate but behind our midfield duo, Graveson and De La Reid. These two are crucial in shielding our defense. Just now, Lucin was tackled by De La Reid, preventing him from directly threatening our defense."
Though it sounds potent, the field remains chaotic. Real Madrid's defense still exhibits vulnerabilities, suggesting they could concede at any moment.
Manuel Redondo voiced everyone's lingering doubts.
This time, Butragueno responded, "It's normal. Tactics depend on player execution, and players make mistakes. No matter how strong the tactics, errors can lead to lost possession or worse. As Benitez once said, give him eleven robots, and he could win every match."
"Considering our current game start, our defense is quite solid. The few lapses leading to dangerous moments have stemmed from player errors, not tactical flaws. The improvement is significant."
Di Stefano grunted, adding, "Most of our starting lineup tonight are debutants or players with minimal playtime this season, like Woodgate and Graveson. It's expected they might take time to find form."
"It hinges on player performance. If they continue to improve and grasp the tactics, our defense will stabilize. If mistakes persist and the opposition scores, the outcome remains uncertain."
Football matches are unpredictable, and that's the allure.
Florentino, Tapias, and others aren't football pros, but gleaned from Di Stefano's words that this young lad, Gao Shen, has genuine capability.
Could it be that Martin truly valued his prowess and appointed him head coach?
Yet, their thoughts quickly changed as Martin's shouts echoed from the adjacent box, visibly displeased with Real Madrid's game status, feeling they weren't playing the offensive football he desired.
Judging by Martin's demeanor, if the Chinese lad fails to secure victory against Atletico tonight, he could face dire consequences.
...
...
No one knew the discussions in the VIP box, but spectators witnessed Atletico Madrid coach Murcia's agitation beside the away team's coach on the sidelines.
Even when he moved to direct play from the sideline, he strayed too far from the designated coaching area, prompting a warning from the fourth official to return.
In contrast, aside from occasional shouts, Gao Shen remained remarkably composed on the Real Madrid sideline.
Such contrast was stark.
Initially, as Real Madrid struggled to gain momentum and failed to mount effective attacks while Atletico dominated play, Bernabeu fans booed in dissatisfaction.
How could this happen at Bernabeu?
Gradually, especially after 15 minutes, as Real Madrid's defense stabilized and Atletico found it increasingly challenging to breach their penalty area, onlookers began to realize Real Madrid was regaining control.
On the pitch, every Real Madrid player ran tirelessly, with even Zidane noticeably more active than usual.
From the chaotic start, the defense began to stabilize, tactics emerging.
By the 20th minute, Atletico struggled to penetrate Real Madrid's penalty area, reassuring many fans with signs of defensive stability.
Once the defense steadied, Real Madrid patiently awaited their chance to strike.
In the 24th minute, Real Madrid secured their first shot of the game—a long-range effort by Beckham from 20 meters out. Unfortunately, it sailed over the crossbar.
Just three minutes later, Raul executed a brilliant pass from the left flank into the penalty area. Negredo shielded an Atletico midfielder and nodded the ball back, setting up Zidane for a direct shot that narrowly missed the target.
Zidane clapped his hands in frustration, clearly displeased with his attempt.
But spectators could see Real Madrid beginning to assert dominance.
Ever since returning to La Liga, Atletico had adopted a defensive counter-attacking strategy. They were among the league's top defensive teams but struggled offensively.
In tonight's derby, their pre-game intentions to assert themselves at Bernabeu translated into aggressive tactics, players eager to attack, and a progressively advancing formation.
In the 31st minute, Torres attempted a breakthrough against Woodgate but was thwarted by the English center-back.
Graveson seized possession and swiftly launched a long pass, finding its mark in the forward line.
Negredo anticipated the trajectory, used his body to hold off Perea, and headed the ball back to Zidane.
With graceful ball control, the French midfielder passed to Beckham on the right flank.
Beckham received the ball, surveyed his options, and with his trademark precision, delivered a diagonal cross that bypassed Pablo Ibanez and found Real Madrid captain Raul.
Raul, displaying his superstar prowess, expertly controlled the ball, stopping it dead in front of him before firing a ground shot.
The ball sailed over Franco's outstretched arms and nestled into the net.
Raul's celebration was ecstatic. He raced towards the stands, kissing his left ring finger passionately, cheering and roaring with excitement.
This marked his sixth La Liga goal of the season!
He hadn't scored in nearly five months!
Raul's jubilance overflowed as he shouted fervently towards the stands.
He's never relied on strength, physicality, or aerial prowess. His game is built on finesse, intelligence, and impeccable footwork.
The Golden Boy, Raul, was back!
...
On the sideline, Gao Shen erupted with joy as he saw Raul's goal. He dashed out of his coaching area, fists clenched in celebration, cheering, shouting, and roaring triumphantly.
He was elated!
Raul's goal validated his tactics tonight!
It affirmed his ideas and proved he could deliver!
"Oh my God, is this real?"
Turning around, Gao Shen found Lucas behind him, wearing an incredulous expression. "Gao, did we really score?"
"We scored!" Gao exclaimed, "One-nil, we're in the lead!"
"Wow!!"
Lucas cheered excitedly, rushing towards Gao Shen and embracing him tightly.
"Fantastic! We scored! We scored!!"
The Real Madrid bench erupted in jubilation.
Scoring goals has never been a challenge for Real Madrid; it's practically routine.
But tonight's goal was different.
It wasn't just a goal.
It heralded a new era.