Chapter 388: The Tree-Bearer

Starting Lineups:

AC Milan (4-3-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Dida

Defenders: Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Jankulovski

Midfielders: Gattuso, Pirlo, Brocchi

Forwards: Kaká, Suker, Seedorf

Real Madrid (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Casillas

Defenders: Cicinho, Ramos, Cannavaro, Helguera

Midfielders: Guti, Diarra, Beckham

Forwards: Van Nistelrooy, Raúl, Robinho

The camera pans to both head coaches.

There is a stark contrast in expression between Ancelotti and Capello.Ancelotti looks calm and composed, while Capello has a furrowed brow.

Ancelotti remains relaxed, largely due to Milan's strong performance in both the league and Champions League. His team has exceeded expectations this season.Before the season began, he had even considered sacrificing one of the competitions — either the league or the Champions League.But as things stand now, everything is going smoothly.As for the Coppa Italia, it's not a priority.If they can play, great. If not, getting eliminated doesn't matter.He's sending a full reserve team to play in that tournament and doesn't pay much attention to it.

For Real Madrid, things aren't going as well.

They're trailing Barcelona in La Liga.The last El Clásico was a disaster — not only did they lose, but Capello's coaching was called into question.Of course, Capello knows that the criticism is not just about losing, but also about his tactical style.Look at Mourinho — he's thriving at Chelsea.Capello, however, only cares about winning, whether the game is entertaining or not.But now he's in a tough situation — especially with the Champions League.A 1:3 home loss to AC Milan sparked heavy criticism, even from the club's board and executives.Capello now has to prove himself again.Under all this pressure, Capello can't look happy — he appears burdened.

On the pitch, players have finished the opening ceremony and returned to their halves.

Real Madrid to kick off.AC Milan is ready to press.The whistle blows, and the stadium erupts in cheers.

Real Madrid kicks off, but AC Milan immediately presses forward.

In the Italian commentary box, Aldo Serena and Tiziano Crudeli are teaming up once again.Crudeli shouts with passion:"The match has just started and Milan are already pressing hard. That's exactly what they need to do! Don't give Real Madrid any room to breathe, cut off their passing lanes!"

Aldo Serena glances at the old man.Crudeli is completely biased toward AC Milan — he always has been.Even when commentating on other Italian teams, he often refers back to Milan's playing style.But he's a Milan fan, and his audience is too. That's his brand.

Aldo, being the official commentator, has to remain more neutral."Real Madrid has been playing quite well, especially with Beckham on the pitch. He's stabilized their midfield. Van Nistelrooy will be even more dangerous now with Beckham's support."

No sooner had Aldo finished speaking than Crudeli blurted:"No worries! Kaká and Suker will show them how to win!"

Aldo just grins — clearly, they're not on the same wavelength.

Back on the field — Gattuso lunges in with a sliding tackle, stealing the ball from Guti and knocking him to the ground.The referee makes no call.

The ball rolls toward the top of the penalty area — Suker and Cannavaro chase it.Cannavaro gets there first and shields the ball.Suker immediately applies pressure, preventing Cannavaro from turning.In the struggle, Cannavaro is forced to pass the ball back.

At that moment, Suker suddenly charges forward.Casillas could've easily cleared the ball, but seeing Suker's sudden burst of speed startled him.In a panic, he boots the ball away.

Bang!Suker dodges, but the ball hits his armpit, drops to the ground, bounces up, and then hits the crossbar before rebounding out.

Casillas scrambles and dives onto the ball, smothering it.Suker had arrived — but just a moment too late.

Aldo Serena exclaims:"That was so close! Gattuso's tackle was key, and Suker's relentless pressing has caused chaos in Real Madrid's defense. Just a little less luck for Madrid, and that would've been a goal!"

Crudeli throws his hands in the air:"Suker! Keep going! More pressure! Break them down!"

Real Madrid's goal kick.Casillas thinks about playing it to the wing, but Suker is eyeing him like a hawk.After the earlier scare, Casillas doesn't dare take any chances.He hoofs the ball downfield.

Suker stays in the forward position, waiting for another chance.

Meanwhile, the midfield battle intensifies.Gattuso is running everywhere, defending ferociously.As the lone defensive shield in front of the backline, he plays a crucial role.

Milan's "Christmas Tree" 4-3-2-1 formation — often described as attacking-heavy — relies heavily on a sturdy defense and a strong holding midfielder.That's why Gattuso, the "Tree-Bearer," is so vital.

A regular defensive midfielder wouldn't be able to handle it.Milan's success with this tactic comes at the cost of Gattuso's stamina and perhaps his career longevity.He's not just Pirlo's bodyguard — he's also a key part of Milan's defense.

Gattuso crashes into Robinho, throwing the Brazilian off balance, though Robinho still manages to pass the ball.But the pass lacks precision.

Gattuso sees the opening and immediately surges forward again.Before Beckham can make a play, Gattuso stretches out a leg and blocks the pass.

Bang!The ball bounces off Gattuso's shin and goes out of bounds.

"ROAR!!"Gattuso leaps up, beating his chest and shouting.

Suker gives him a thumbs-up:"Gattuso! You're awesome!"

"ROAR!!!!"Gattuso yells even louder.

"Awesome! Awesome!!"

"ROARRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"

Maldini: "Cut the crap! Get back on defense!"

Gattuso reluctantly retreats — but he's clearly fired up.

On the sidelines…

Assistant coach:"Gattuso is having a great game."

Ancelotti:"Stats show that Ivan (Gattuso) has been trending upward in the second half of the season. That's a big reason for our current stability."

Assistant:"With Suker in attack and Ivan in defense, we're going to win this!"

Ancelotti nods — but stays cautious.It's still early.Even with the lead, Real Madrid is not to be underestimated.

Real Madrid is frustrated, unable to break through.Their ground attacks are sluggish — they need more decisiveness.

Guti shouts:"David! Get the ball to Van Nistelrooy!"

Beckham nods.Just then, Suker passes by and perks up his ears.He doesn't understand all the Spanish, but picks up a few key words — like "David" and "Van Nistelrooy."Suker immediately shouts toward his teammates:

"Boss! Watch Van Nistelrooy — Beckham's looking for him!"

Beckham and Guti turn and glare at Suker.Guti frowns.Beckham just sighs.

What sharp ears this guy has…!