Battle of the Golden Boys
The team match ended with the yellow vests, representing the main force, losing 1-2 to the red vests. However, contrary to expectations, the players in the yellow vests were not as disheartened as anticipated. They were somewhat disappointed but also pleasantly surprised.
Abeloa, Felipe Luis, De La Reid, and Negredo—four youngsters from the second team, all in their early twenties—displayed commendable strength. Particularly impressive were the two full-backs, who showed solidity in their roles.
Abeloa, positioned on the right, focused on defense and effectively neutralized Robinho, frustrating the Brazilian star throughout the game. Felipe Luis on the left contained Cassano and contributed several excellent left-sided passes that created dangerous attacking opportunities.
Players can often gauge their capabilities after a match, even without having fully adjusted to new tactics. With more time to gel, these two promising players are expected to perform even better.
Negredo, a rare high center-forward in Real Madrid, scored the only goal for the yellow vests in this match. His header, assisted by Beckham's precise cross from the right, beat Mejia and briefly brought the Yellow Vests back into contention.
Negredo also created numerous aerial threats, which provided opportunities for Raul and Zidane—something rarely seen in previous Real Madrid tactics, where Ronaldo seldom contested for such positions.
Zidane, positioned in midfield, was granted significant tactical freedom by Gao Shen, who entrusted him with the responsibility of orchestrating attacks without the burden of defensive duties.
From Negredo's contributions up front to Raul's leadership, complemented by Beckham's crosses and the stability provided by double midfielders Gravesen and De La Reid, along with a disciplined defensive line, Real Madrid displayed a cohesive defensive structure that put players at ease.
The central defensive pairing of Woodgate and Elgra had a mixed performance, conceding two goals that highlighted areas needing improvement. With more time to develop understanding and coordination, particularly between the midfield and defense, their partnership is expected to strengthen.
Despite the setbacks, the team's defensive posture provided reassurance to central defenders, who no longer needed to worry about exposed flanks or sudden dribbles by opponents.
Overall, the tactical framework showed clear organization, well-arranged lineups, and a comfortable playing environment for the players, especially on the defensive end.
Captain Raul, approached by Gao Shen after the match, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the young players. He acknowledged their potential but emphasized the need for further integration and evaluation in upcoming official matches.
"This was a team match," Raul explained. "Performance in training doesn't always translate to success on the field. These players have the potential to shine, but we must see how they perform under match conditions."
Gao Shen also inquired specifically about Negredo's performance, underscoring his strategic reliance on the center-forward's physicality to free up Raul's attacking capabilities.
This comment resonated deeply with Raul, who, despite losing prominence amidst the arrival of superstar players, found renewed hope in Gao Shen's tactical plans.
"At twenty-eight," Raul mused, "I still have much to offer. Let's show Atletico and Torres who the true 'golden boy' is in this upcoming derby!"
Encouraged by Gao Shen's faith, Raul felt a surge of motivation to reclaim his former glory.
Seizing the moment after training, Gao Shen engaged Ramos, Guti, and Gravesen in individual discussions. Ramos, suspended for the upcoming derby, was urged to assume a pivotal role in defense akin to his idols Maldini and Hierro.
Guti, positioned as Zidane's primary backup in the new tactical setup, received assurances from Gao Shen regarding his importance to the team's midfield dynamics.
Gravesen, familiar with Gao Shen's tactical preferences from their time together at Everton, was encouraged to support the restructuring effort and promised to regain his top form before the weekend.
Later that evening, Gao Shen visited Carlo's residence in the Odaleza District, though Carlo was absent. Speaking to Carlo's wife, Gao Shen conveyed a message of solidarity, assuring her of his commitment to the team's improvement and hoping for Carlo's return to assist in navigating Real Madrid's current challenges.
Reflecting on Carlo's conservative approach and his own strategic direction, Gao Shen recognized the need for bold action to restore harmony within the team. Unlike Carlo, who managed conflicts among superstar players without confronting deeper issues, Gao Shen aimed to decisively address internal factions and restore balance.
Returning to his rental house, Gao Shen reviewed tactical materials late into the night, combining insights from the day's training with strategic principles gleaned from Benitez's coaching philosophy. As he immersed himself in tactical study and preparation for individual player discussions in the coming days, news of Madrid's latest controversies began to circulate once more.