The High Level Test Has Just Begun
Real Madrid's weakest link suddenly became stronger!
Seizing Highbury, Real Madrid defends its last dignity!
Hidden dangers behind the best game of the season, Real Madrid will stop in the Champions League quarter-finals!
The full moon scimitar reappears at Highbury, and the youth training teenager saves Real Madrid!
...
The next morning, many newspapers featured front-page headlines about Real Madrid's 2-1 away victory and 2-2 aggregate score to reverse Arsenal. Despite lingering doubts, overall praise dominated the headlines.
Aspen reported the battle with a front-page headline, asserting that Real Madrid exhibited the spirit of Juanito at Highbury Stadium, demonstrating tenacity and determination. Not only did they secure passage to the quarterfinals, but they also delivered their best performance of the season.
According to Aspen, at Highbury Stadium, Real Madrid outclassed Arsenal, though they paid the price with Zidane and De La Red leaving due to cramps, leaving a lasting impression on all Real Madrid fans.
In terms of possession, Real Madrid held 55%, while Arsenal held 45%, giving the Galacticos a slight advantage.
This was expected, given Real Madrid's superior technical abilities over Arsenal.
Similarly, Real Madrid posed a greater offensive threat, especially in terms of shot count, though they slightly lagged behind Arsenal in shots on target. This highlights Real Madrid's ongoing offensive transformation.
Contrary to possession statistics, Real Madrid excelled in steals compared to Arsenal.
During the 90-minute match, Real Madrid made 41 steals compared to Arsenal's 27, marking a significant defensive effort from Real Madrid, who pressed intensely and placed substantial pressure on Arsenal's players, particularly during the crucial first and second halves. Such a mental outlook had been rare in previous Real Madrid outings.
Previously, coaches like Queiroz, Lusenberg, and Camacho had all departed amidst complaints about the stars' mentality and game commitment.
However, at Highbury, Real Madrid displayed a revitalized and entirely new performance.
Aspen believes this marks a significant breakthrough for Real Madrid after being backed into a corner.
The report from Aspen didn't heavily emphasize the role of the head coach, instead attributing Real Madrid's victory key to the players' transformation, supported by the team's array of superstars.
Aspen also highlighted the performances of young players such as De La Red, Abeloa, and Felipe.
Whether it was offensive heroics from De La Red, or the consistent performances from Felipe over two games, and Abeloa's solid defensive showing against Reyes and Henry, these players left a profound impression.
Real Madrid's youth academy is known for its talent, yet these players had previously been underutilized.
...
In contrast to Aspen's brief yet impactful coverage, Spanish media tycoon Alfredo dedicated an extensive column to the topic.
Having previously advocated for Gao Shen's dismissal, Alfredo began his column with an apology to Gao Shen, acknowledging that some of his earlier concerns were unfounded.
From Atletico Madrid to Arsenal, Real Madrid showcased an impressive transformation in their last two games, particularly in defense.
Alfredo asserts that under Gao Shen's coaching, Real Madrid's defensive improvements in these two games were not coincidental. Gao Shen's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation emphasizes a balanced approach to offense and defense, with double midfielders effectively protecting the backline.
"Many observers noted that in these two games, Real Madrid did not exhibit the intricate attacking combinations seen before, nor the subtle interplay between Ronaldo and Zidane. However, it's important to recognize the significant defensive strides made in these encounters."
Alfredo expresses a conflicted stance, acknowledging that Gao Shen's methods appear beneficial for Real Madrid in the long term. By sidelining the Brazilian contingent and promoting numerous youth players, Gao Shen has demonstrated tangible results.
Alfredo's dilemma lies in his concern that this might be a fleeting success.
Concluding his column, Alfredo suggests that while Real Madrid seems to have emerged from their predicament, new challenges await.
"The real test has only just begun!"
...
Dela Morena also praised Gao Shen's tactical decisions and in-game management in his program, attributing these, along with his willingness to integrate the superstars, as pivotal to Real Madrid's miraculous comeback at Highbury Stadium.
In his program, Dela Morena commended Real Madrid's defensive solidity and the players' execution based on video analysis. However, he also pointed out several underlying issues and vulnerabilities within the team.
For instance, in defense, the central defensive partnership of Elgra and Ramos displayed significant vulnerabilities, exploited several times by substitutes like Henry, Reyes, and Adebayor. Yet, Casillas displayed bravery, conceding only one goal for Real Madrid.
Furthermore, whether it was Raul, Zidane, Beckham, or Gravesen and Elgra, Dela Morena noted a lack of sharpness in Real Madrid's training sessions, a persistent issue.
From the two-legged tie against Arsenal, Dela Morena speculates that if Real Madrid were competing in the Premier League, they might struggle to secure even a top-four finish.
"Whether at the Bernabeu or Highbury, Henry delivered standout performances, posing the most significant threat and overshadowing the Real Madrid superstars on the field. His performances underscored his status as a true superstar."
Dela Morena argues that Real Madrid is in decline and undergoing a metabolic phase, necessitating increased opportunities for young players to develop.
"However, this approach will inevitably limit the playing time of established superstars, creating an irreconcilable contradiction!"
Dela Morena's views align closely with Alfredo's. While acknowledging Real Madrid's historic comeback against Arsenal, they both contend that the club's crisis remains unresolved.
"The true challenge lies ahead!"
...
...
Gao Shen proceeded with his usual routine. He purchased several newspapers and skimmed through them, noting that, aside from a few like Alfredo, most reports did not focus on him. This left him feeling somewhat disheartened.
Yet upon reflection, he realized that his absence from the media spotlight during these last two games, coupled with the media's previous skepticism about his Real Madrid tenure, meant that winning them over wouldn't be easy.
However, upon arriving at Valdebebas, Gao Shen received special treatment.
Today, at the training base entrance, many Real Madrid fans had gathered spontaneously. Unlike previous protests, they were here to show support after Real Madrid's victory over Arsenal and advancement to the quarterfinals.
As Gao Shen rode his bicycle towards the entrance, he noticed the fans watching him from a distance.
Clearly, the media had reported on Gao Shen, the interim head coach of Real Madrid, commuting to work by bicycle.
This marked the first time in Real Madrid's history that a head coach had commuted by bicycle.
Approaching the entrance, Gao Shen felt a twinge of nervousness upon seeing the fans. As he neared, however, he realized they meant him no harm, so he confidently approached the side entrance.
As he drew closer, several fans waved at him, and amidst the crowd, he faintly heard greetings directed at him.
"Good morning."
Initially taken aback, Gao Shen suspected he had misheard. Momentarily stunned, he awkwardly raised his hand in response.
"Good morning."
Yet inwardly, he felt a warmth wash over him.
It turned out that the fans recognized and appreciated his efforts.
Though everything he did was out of self-preservation, he had never aimed to be a hero for Real Madrid fans. Still, he felt proud and content to be recognized, even if only by a handful of supporters.
Back at the training session, the atmosphere was light. Training intensity was reduced to focus on recovery and relaxation.
Gao Shen offered praise, particularly to those players who shone at Highbury. He commended their efforts.
Moreover, Gao Shen granted the team a half-day off.
Since assuming office, the team had not had a single day off in ten days. Now, after consecutive victories over Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, it seemed only fair to grant the players some respite.
Though brief, it was enough to lift spirits.
Yet Gao Shen reminded the players to rest early that night and not compromise tomorrow's training. Failure to comply would result in severe consequences.
The players readily agreed.
After all, they faced a crucial match over the weekend: an away game against Valencia.
Superstars like Zidane, Raul, and Beckham faced considerable fatigue from their efforts against Arsenal. Their availability for the Mestalla match remained uncertain, their physical condition precarious.
The challenges facing Gao Shen and Real Madrid remained daunting.
After wrapping up the morning session, the players enjoyed a half-day off, and Gao Shen departed Valdebebas.
He had an important matter to attend to.