Chapter 389: Dog Fetching Frisbee
There's a kind of game that involves interaction between a person and their beloved pet.
On a flat lawn, you throw a frisbee and let your pet chase after it.
Similarly, on the football field, there's a kind of tactic where the striker is treated like a dog on a leash.
No matter the method, the goal is simply to get the ball near the opponent's penalty area—after that, it's all up to the striker.
This tactic is famously known as "Dog Fetching Frisbee"!
As a distinctive style of play on the football field, "Dog Fetching Frisbee" has been widely adopted by many teams.
However, it requires high technical ability from players, which divides the teams using it into two categories:
One is precise and unexpected in execution.
The other is completely aimless and chaotic.
Undeniably, a team with Beckham naturally fulfills the role of the "frisbee thrower."
His precise long passes are like guided missiles—wherever he points, the ball lands!
At this moment, Real Madrid is utilizing this tactic to great effect.
Beckham throws the frisbee, and the three forwards in the front chase after it!
Time and again, Beckham's pinpoint passes land in AC Milan's half, forcing Milan's defenders into continuous duels with the Real forwards.
At the same time, the forwards are encouraged to use their personal abilities, choosing their own attack styles and methods of scoring.
Although this individualistic style lacks tactical synergy, it compensates with sheer volume and relentlessness.
If it doesn't work once, try again. If twice isn't enough, then three times.
Repeated attempts will eventually create scoring chances—or even lead to goals.
Under this tactic, Real Madrid's offense seems reinvigorated.
Van Nistelrooy and Raúl tirelessly attack the defense.
Robinho also fully showcases his individual talent.
With Beckham's passing raining down like guided missiles, the trio up front is firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, AC Milan is under mounting defensive pressure.
Bang!
The ball drops on the right. Van Nistelrooy controls it and tries to slip past Jankulovski.
But Maldini's close marking eventually brings him down just outside the box.
Real Madrid wins a free kick in a dangerous area.
As expected, Beckham takes the kick.
The ball floats into AC Milan's penalty area. Nesta leaps to clear it.
It lands at Pirlo's feet. In a panic, he quickly passes it to Suker.
Suker dribbles sideways and, seeing a teammate overlap on the left, sends a long ball.
The ball lands ahead of Seedorf, who strikes it fiercely.
Whoosh!
The ball hits the outside of the side netting.
Real Madrid keeps pressing. With clear signs that the tactic is working, they ramp up the pressure.
Beckham, staying around midfield, keeps delivering long balls—each with a signature Beckham curve.
"Beckham! His passing is piling pressure on AC Milan's defense!"—Commentator Aldo Serena, nervously
The game is slipping from AC Milan's control.
Especially now that Real Madrid has abandoned ground passing and relies solely on Beckham's long passes, the forwards' personal strengths are on full display.
Amid physical clashes and intense pressing...
Real Madrid keeps getting chances.
As mentioned, despite the lack of coordinated play, their sheer volume of attacks wears down the defense.
At the 34th minute, Beckham delivers another deadly curveball.
This time it's a diagonal cross.
The ball drops right behind Jankulovski.
Too focused on Van Nistelrooy, Jankulovski misjudges the drop point.
The ball bounces. Van Nistelrooy charges in from the side and volleys a cross into the center.
Raúl follows up with a shot.
Though his form is awkward, it still forces Dida into a save.
Bang!
Dida knocks the ball to the left.
Robinho charges in for the rebound.
Whoosh!
35th minute — Real Madrid scores the first goal!
"GOAL!!!!"
"Real Madrid! Thanks to Beckham's continuous deliveries, the strikers have found opportunities. Van Nistelrooy's pressure was crucial and helped close the score gap!"
"Most importantly, Real Madrid's offense is finally activated."
"Turns out, all they needed was a Beckham!"
A small number of Real Madrid fans erupt in cheers.
Even if the playstyle is ugly, a goal is still a goal.
The key is: they've rediscovered how to score—and the tactic works.
Coach Capello punches the air in celebration.
His reconciliation with Beckham turns out to be game-changing.
It ensures defense and activates the offense.
At that moment, Capello realizes—Beckham is still incredibly useful.
"Damn frisbee tactic!"Suker curses after the goal.
He thought it was just long balls, but this turned out to be a deadly strategy.
Play resumes.
Real Madrid grows in rhythm.
43rd minute, just before halftime, Raúl scores again with a header in the box.
Real Madrid 2:0 AC Milan!
Two goals conceded in the first half.
Beckham throws the frisbee, and the forwards chase it down like hounds.
Suddenly, Real Madrid's "Dog Fetching Frisbee" tactic seems to turn the tide.
Current match score: Real Madrid 2–0 AC Milan.Aggregate score: 3–3.
Thanks to away goals, AC Milan still has a slim advantage—but it's slipping fast.
Fortunately, halftime is near.
In the remaining minutes, AC Milan pulls everyone back to defend.
With no better options, they rely on deep defending to stabilize.
Real Madrid isn't in a rush—they're confident, riding the momentum, and Beckham is the focal point.
Finally, the whistle signals halftime.
Players head to the locker rooms.
Real Madrid players smile; they know they now have a real shot at turning things around.
In contrast, AC Milan players wear serious expressions.
"Mark the man! Not the ball!"Suker yells angrily, "This is a 'Dog Fetching Frisbee' tactic! The focus isn't the frisbee—it's the dog!"
While Suker rants, Pirlo strokes his chin in deep thought.
Ancelotti walks in and stands at the tactical board.
"Second half—Brochi will man-mark Beckham wherever he goes!"
Ancelotti knows the tactic's key isn't the chasers, but the frisbee thrower.
Only by neutralizing Beckham can they regain control.
That means sacrificing a midfielder to execute extreme man-marking.
The real issue is AC Milan's aging backline.
If it were last season, things wouldn't have looked this bad.
The two goals were major lapses.
Immediate adjustments are needed.
At this moment, Pirlo raises his hand.
"Actually, I can do that tactic too. I've got accurate passes. Suker and Kaká can be my dogs!"
The locker room falls silent.
Everyone stares at Pirlo—did he really just say that?
Make Suker and Kaká chase balls like dogs?
Suker and Kaká quietly stand up.
Suker rolls up his sleeves. "Let's beat him up."
"Not the face," Kaká mutters. "The media might make it worse."
"You're asking for it!" Suker shouts, charging.
Kaká also joins in.
Of course, they didn't actually fight. Maldini and Gattuso quickly held them back.
Pirlo's "Dog Fetching Frisbee" idea didn't materialize.
However, after this line, Ancelotti starts to seriously consider it.
Letting Kaká and Suker play as "dogs"?
It's a new angle.
These two are powerful and versatile.
The tactic tests both the thrower's precision and the chasers' individual skills.
Could Kaká and Suker perform like Real's forwards?
Ancelotti is clearly tempted.
He wants to try this tactic too—if it works, why not use it?