After Real Madrid came from behind to take the lead, their mentality stabilized.

Gao Shen's strategy for this match was to emphasize passing and ball control, dominating possession and dictating the tempo, forcing Atletico Madrid to chase the game.

With a midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Modric, and Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid had strong control in the middle of the pitch.

More importantly, in just three days, Real Madrid would travel to Portugal to face Porto in their final Champions League group-stage match.

It would be their last, and also the most crucial game of the group stage.

Only a win would give Real Madrid a real shot at advancing.

However, the early goal they conceded had disrupted the original game plan.

Now that they had regained the lead, the players were calm again and more focused on executing the tactical instructions.

Especially on the right wing, where Di María continued to battle hard against Atletico's left-back, Díaz.

Atletico Madrid played rough, dirty, and extremely tenacious football.

Simeone was nicknamed the Bandit Coach, and his Atletico side resembled a gang of bandits under his command.

Even though Real Madrid controlled possession, Atletico never backed down and launched attacks whenever they saw a chance. They weren't afraid and even grew more aggressive after falling behind.

It was clear Simeone understood Gao Shen's tactical intentions and could read what Real Madrid wanted to do. But he had no plans to let them execute it freely.

He was happy to play the role of the constant nuisance.

Under these circumstances, the match settled into a stalemate.

It wasn't until the end of the first half that Diego Costa launched another attack down Real Madrid's left.

That area was a well-known weak point in their defense.

Whether it was Marcos Alonso or Nacho, they were often targeted by opponents.

But Marcos Alonso held his ground this time.

As soon as Diego Costa charged forward, Real Madrid's left-back got back into position.

The Atletico striker tried to cross to Falcao, but Ramos stepped in first and cleared it with a header.

The ball dropped near the edge of the box, where Mario Suárez was first to react and nodded it toward Turan.

As soon as Turan received the ball, Xabi Alonso came over to close him down, while Modric suddenly burst in from the side. The two midfielders forced Turan to turn the ball over to the right.

Di María had tracked all the way back and collected the loose ball in open space on the right flank. Atletico players quickly rushed at him.

Modric instantly understood and sprinted forward.

Di María looked up and played a long ball into the attacking third.

Benzema had just dropped back toward the right to fill the gap left by Di María's deeper position. Up front, Ronaldo was locked in a battle with Godín and Miranda.

The Portuguese star was quicker, anticipated the bounce, and used his body to shield Godín. When the ball dropped, he used the outside of his right foot to flick it backward into Benzema's path.

Benzema carried the ball toward the left edge of the box.

Ronaldo, after making the pass, made a sharp cut into the left side of the penalty area. Benzema wanted to return the ball to him, but four Atletico defenders had recovered, and Ronaldo was sandwiched by Miranda and Godín.

There was no clear passing lane.

In the chaos, Godín got a foot in and deflected the ball, but Benzema chased it down and regained control.

At that moment, he heard Modric call out and saw a white shirt sprinting into the area from the right side of the arc.

It was Modric, who had just tracked back into defense minutes earlier.

Benzema didn't hesitate. He threaded the ball between Mario Suárez and Díaz.

Everyone had shifted to the left, leaving the right side of the box wide open.

Modric arrived, controlled the pass, adjusted his footing, and fired before Gabi could close him down.

The ball flew past Asenjo and into the Atletico Madrid net.

3-1!

The entire Bernabéu, more than 76,000 Real Madrid fans, jumped out of their seats and erupted in deafening cheers, chanting for Real Madrid and Modric.

A full comeback!

A big reversal!

"Real Madrid's play has become more structured and well-organized, with increasingly refined teamwork."

"Whether it's positional play or quick counters, they're executing with intelligence."

"Three attackers completely outplayed six defenders. It's incredible."

"Atletico coach Simeone is furious on the sidelines. With six defenders in and around the box, he has every reason to be upset."

"But all their focus was on Ronaldo and Benzema, and they completely missed Modric's late run."

"Modric had stayed deep throughout the first half, but this sudden surge forward was devastating!"

"Now the pressure has shifted to Atletico."

…

The first half ended with Real Madrid leading 3-1.

It was clear to everyone that the result of this match was all but sealed.

Still, Gao Shen remained vigilant. During the halftime talk, he continued to urge caution.

Atletico Madrid were a resilient side. If given a chance, they could still make things dangerous.

This was one of the reasons why Gao Shen constantly complained about Real Madrid's schedule.

Whether it was Barcelona or Atletico Madrid, the most important La Liga fixtures were scheduled just before or after Champions League matches. And in Europe, they were drawn into the Group of Death.

That made things even worse.

Like now, should they go all-out to win the Madrid Derby?

But then, they also had to give everything against Porto in the final Champions League group-stage game.

How do you ensure peak performance in both matches?

This was a recurring challenge for Real Madrid this season.

Even with two top assistants, Buenaventura and Pintus, the scheduling gave Gao Shen headaches.

Of course, the main problem was the Champions League group.

Every game was a final. Who could keep up with that intensity?

During the break, Gao Shen continued to motivate his players for the second half.

"Atletico Madrid are always a tough opponent, so we must remain extremely focused."

He called out Di María again, praising his performance in the first half, and encouraged him to apply more pressure on Atletico's left flank.

Especially Díaz's position.

"I have to break them down on that side!"

Atletico were targeting Real Madrid's left with Marcos Alonso. Real Madrid, in turn, were attacking Díaz.

Fair is fair.

"Guys!"

Gao Shen stood in the center of the home dressing room at the Bernabéu, scanning the faces of his players.

Half a match had passed. They were tired, but under his gaze, each player perked up.

"I know you've all been working extremely hard lately, but I need you to hold on a little longer."

"No championship is won easily. Only those who overcome countless setbacks and keep going to the very end become true winners."

"It's a brutal schedule, but it has helped us grow stronger."

"Ronnie." Gao Shen pointed at Ronaldo.

"You're in the best form and posting the best stats of your career. If you maintain this momentum and we win something big, then who else but you deserves the Ballon d'Or next year?"

Upon hearing that, Ronaldo's expression sharpened. His eyes burned with determination.

He wanted his second Ballon d'Or.

He wanted it badly.

"And you, Angel. I dare say this is your best season so far. You've shown your true talent. Don't you want something to show for it?"

"Karim, you're not going to be a tame housecat forever, are you? Don't you want to be the one who bites back?"

"And the rest of you—after all the criticism, mockery, and doubt you've endured over the years, don't you want to shut everyone up?"

"Only titles can clear our name!"

"Only honor can wash away the shame we carry!"

"I believe all hardship and obstacles will only make us stronger."

"And right now, we are one of the best teams in the world."

"We've been in the Group of Death, battled Manchester City—two-time defending champions—we've beaten Dortmund and Porto. In La Liga, we've beaten Barcelona. Now we're about to take down Atletico."

"But believe me, this still isn't our peak."

"We have untapped potential. We can still grow, still improve."

"Trust me. Our goal isn't just La Liga."

"We're also going to win the Champions League!"

"If we can get out of the group, I'm confident we can win it all!"

"And in the league, we must keep the pressure on Barcelona."

"Starting with this win over Atletico Madrid!"

…

Gao Shen's speech fired up the entire team.

In fact, the players had already sensed the team's growth.

Not only themselves, but their teammates were improving as well.

Everyone could feel that this Real Madrid was not the same as at the start of the season.

Gao Shen's words gave them even more confidence.

So, when the second half began, Real Madrid came out calm and composed.

Faced with Atletico's intense press, they didn't panic. Instead, they continued to carve out chances with short passes and quick movement.

Di María, Modric, and Carvajal worked together aggressively on the right.

In the 59th minute, Di María received a pass from Modric on the right, shook off Díaz, and cut inside. As Atletico's defense shifted toward him, he slipped the ball to Benzema inside the box.

The French striker used his body to shield Godín and knocked the ball back to Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star dribbled inside, beat Mario Suárez, and unleashed a thunderous shot with his right foot.

The ball flew like a rocket and smashed into the right side of the goal.

Real Madrid scored again!

4-1!

Ronaldo roared with all his might and sprinted across the pitch.

This was his war cry.

A declaration for next year's Ballon d'Or!

He would never allow himself to be second to Messi!

(To be continued.)

***

For every 200 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on P/treon to read 30+ advanced chapters: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves

(Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)