Barcelona made substitutions, and Real Madrid immediately responded with corresponding changes.

Faria followed Mourinho's instructions, bolstering the defensive strength.

In fact, Mourinho had wanted Real Madrid to make substitutions immediately after the first goal, fall back entirely, and defend the lead at all costs.

But for some reason, Faria held back at the time.

Watching Suker sprinting across the pitch, he felt they could score again.

Sure enough, Suker dispossessed Busquets and assisted Bale for a goal.

With a two-goal lead, Faria didn't hesitate any longer and immediately made substitutions.

Bale and Benzema came off.

Carvalho and Arbeloa came on.

Real Madrid reinforced their defense, leaving no opportunities for Barcelona.

For the remaining time, Real Madrid defended their goal resolutely.

In other words, they parked the bus!

The term "parking the bus" did indeed become famous because of Mourinho.

But initially, it was a term Mourinho used to criticize Tottenham.

In his first season coaching Chelsea, they played a dull draw against Tottenham.

Tottenham endlessly reinforced their defense, refusing to come out of their half to attack.

This left Chelsea with no space to advance or score.

After that match, Mourinho said Tottenham had parked the bus in front of their goal.

Thus, the term "parking the bus" was born!

However, because Mourinho prefers defensive counter-attacking football, many people associate "parking the bus" with him.

But if you follow Mourinho, you'll realize this guy is about attacking football, not parking the bus!

What is parking the bus?

It's when the entire team retreats into their own half and defends stubbornly.

Like a turtle with a hard shell, even if there's a counter-attacking opportunity, only a few players will carry it out, while the vast majority stay back to continue defending.

That's exactly what Real Madrid was doing now!

No matter how you lure them or stretch them, they just won't come out.

Sometimes, Suker felt he and Mourinho were the same type of people.

They both didn't care about the process, only the result.

In other words, for victory, whether the play is beautiful or ugly doesn't matter, as long as they win.

As for the so called face, they don't care either; glory belongs to the victors anyway!

Time has reached the 80th minute.

Barcelona used their final substitution, bringing on Sánchez to strengthen the attack.

At this point, Guardiola couldn't worry about the defense anymore.

If they didn't score, they would lose again.

However, Real Madrid wouldn't give them that chance.

Faria also used his final substitution to add more defense.

Carvajal got his chance to play.

And his task was to mark Sánchez closely for the remainder of the match.

That's right!

They had to shut down Sánchez completely, not let him perform.

During stoppage time.

Barcelona won consecutive corners.

But facing Real Madrid's iron-clad defense, they could only miss header after header.

Ramos and Pepe formed the heading duo, jumping like rabbits to clear the ball again and again.

In the final moments, Xavi couldn't resist trying a long-range shot from outside the box.

The ball accurately hit Suker's butt and flew out of bounds.

Suker rubbed his stinging butt and turned to look at Xavi's furious eyes.

Did it feel like he aimed specifically at him?

The three minutes of stoppage time ended.

The sharp whistle blew again.

"The match is over! The match is over!"

"Both legs of the Spanish Super Cup are finished. With an aggregate score of 8:5, Real Madrid defeats Barcelona and will lift their fourth championship trophy!"

"Since last season, Real Madrid has shown brilliant performances and excellent form. Entering this season, they have again defeated Barcelona in both legs!"

"Barcelona's performance was already excellent, but they still lost to Real Madrid. I think Barcelona needs to seriously reflect, find the root of the problem, only then can they defeat Real Madrid..."

On the field, Bale excitedly ran out from the substitute bench. He was about to charge onto the pitch when he saw his teammates quickly leaving the field.

"Aren't we celebrating? Aren't we receiving the trophy?"

Bale asked, puzzled.

Suker grinned.

You're really something.

Can't you see those nearly insane Barcelona fans?

Receiving the trophy at this moment, who knows what these fans might do.

For their personal safety, they needed to leave quickly.

They weren't afraid of Barcelona!

But they were afraid of Barcelona's fans!

No choice!

There were a full 100,000 of them!

One punch each, and they'd be beaten into pulp!

Every time Real Madrid leaves Barcelona, they make a quick getaway.

You'd think they lost the match.

But in reality, they were afraid of retaliation from angry Barcelona fans.

When Real Madrid's bus drove away, Barcelona fans had already started gathering around the venue, gradually forming a crowd.

If they had left even slightly later, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

But the outcome was still good!

"Come on! Let's rock together!"

On the bus, Marcelo twisted his hips dancing in the aisle.

The others were very supportive.

Smiles covered their faces.

They had won their fourth title, so they were incredibly happy.

Of course, the preseason preparations weren't over yet.

"In one week, we will go to Monaco for the UEFA Super Cup final!"

"We will face Porto in this match. Everyone, be prepared!"

Mourinho gave them no breathing room.

However, after winning the fourth title, they should aim for the fifth.

As for Porto!

They've already gotten past Barcelona; are they afraid of Porto?

The bus was still filled with laughter and joy. Bell watched everyone dancing with a silly grin, feeling extremely happy inside.

This was his first title since joining Real Madrid!

Just one month after joining, he won his first championship.

What a rapid victory!

Of course, this was also due to Real Madrid's outstanding performance last season.

Moreover, Bale scored in both matches; he contributed to this title. He didn't sit and win a championship; he genuinely performed.

Therefore, Bale felt particularly at ease with this championship identity!

The Real Madrid players flew back to Madrid.

When they arrived in Madrid, it was already around 10 PM.

But the airport was still surrounded by fans waiting to welcome them.

They weren't just there to welcome Real Madrid; they were there to welcome their fourth title!

When Casillas held the trophy high, the crowd erupted.

Real Madrid fans loudly chanted '¡Hala Madrid!' and followed the bus all the way into the city.

They even followed them to the training base, watching until the bus entered the base before reluctantly leaving.

"No post-match analysis today—"

Before Mourinho could finish,

Faria said helplessly; "Shouldn't you be the one reflecting the most?"

Everyone struggled to hold back their laughter.

Faria held a grudge. After all, in such an important match, they almost lost because of him. That kind of pressure was something he never wanted to experience again.

If it were just any ordinary Spanish Super Cup, it might have been fine.

But this was the fourth title!

So many people were eagerly waiting.

At this critical moment, the head coach being suspended for improper remarks was just too much.

Mourinho also felt somewhat awkward and waved his hand, signaling the players could leave.

Suker and the others immediately turned and headed to the underground garage, driving back to their own homes.

That night, major Spanish newspapers also reported the news.

"Real Madrid Wins Spanish Super Cup Again, Lifts Fourth Title!"

"Barcelona Suffers Another Double Defeat! Busquets' Repeated Mistakes, Disastrous Performance!"

"The Galácticos Set Sail!"

"Madrid's Madness! Three Seasons, Nine Consecutive Wins Against Barcelona!"

"Is Spain About to See a True Dominant Era?"

"The Era of the Big Two is Over! La Liga Enters the Era of a Single Dominant Force!"

After Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup, discussions about La Liga entering an era of dominance became extremely heated.

In the past, La Liga was characterized by the coexistence of Real Madrid and Barcelona as the two giants.

But over the last three seasons, Real Madrid and Barcelona have played a total of ten matches!

Real Madrid won nine and drew one. With such a record, Barcelona's competitiveness and various performances naturally came under pressure.

Especially after losing the league last season and then the Champions League, both times suppressed by Real Madrid, these discussions became even worse.

"Barcelona lost again!"

In a villa in Manchester, England.

Modrić sat in a lounge chair, reading the newspaper.

In the photo, Suker was leaping high, celebrating with a fist pump.

Below was a large headline:

"The King of Comebacks! Suker!"

Modrić nodded slightly. He agreed with this evaluation. Any teammate who had played with Suker knew his importance in crucial moments.

It could be said that when the game was deadlocked, many would choose to pass the ball to Suker.

Even Modrić himself had thoughts of relying on his superstar teammate.

Thump!! Thump!! Thump!!

On the lawn not far from Modrić.

Ronaldo held two thick battle ropes, squatting down and vigorously swinging the ropes with his arms.

This was battle rope training, effective for improving muscular endurance, cardio, and core strength.

Under Ronaldo's bronze skin, his muscle definition was clearly visible. Though not as streamlined as Suker's muscles, they appeared tougher.

Suker's muscles still had some fat.

But Ronaldo's body showed clear muscle with very low fat content.

Watching Ronaldo training tirelessly, Modrić couldn't help but sigh.

Ever since hearing the news of Suker winning his fourth title, this guy had been training like crazy, from morning until now.

"How long are you going to keep training?"

Thump thump thump!

The battle ropes rhythmically slapped the ground, producing crisp sounds.

Ronaldo didn't turn his head. "My mind is a mess!"

Modrić sighed.

This guy was stimulated again.

But it was understandable. After all, both Ronaldo and Messi saw Suker as their competitor.

Now, Suker had three Champions League titles and three Ballon d'Ors.

He had left both of them far behind. Moreover, Suker's performances were still so outstanding. The pressure and urgency were real.

Thump!!

Ronaldo forcefully threw the battle ropes to the ground and turned around. "Will that guy's form never decline?"

He was also extremely frustrated!

His own form had fluctuations too!

To maintain his condition, he disciplined himself strictly, but he still couldn't match Suker's form adjustments.

He sometimes felt Suker was a robot. Competing with such a guy felt like torture.

Ronaldo walked over and gulped down a glass of ice water, instantly feeling much cooler.

He plopped down on the chair next to Modrić and sighed. "We lost to them last season. This season..."

Ronaldo fell silent.

Last season, they lost to Real Madrid in the final and lost the Champions League.

After this season, Manchester United's overall form began to decline again.

Except for a few individuals, the form of most players dropped off a cliff.

Captain Neville transferred away.

Giggs was also getting old.

The older players' form declined, and the new signings weren't reliable.

It could be said that Manchester United was entering another period of transition.

Ronaldo clenched his fist tightly.

Why did it have to be now!

He didn't have time to wait for them.

Both Suker and Messi were charging forward fiercely, constantly striving for more honors and titles.

But he seemed to have been stuck in place for a long time.

Most crucially, Ferguson's health was already very poor.

Previously, Ferguson's health had been found to have some issues, leading to rumors of his retirement.

Although they were quickly denied.

But Ronaldo and a few others knew that Ferguson's had health problems.

Moreover, Ferguson's energy was limited now; he no longer had the drive of before.

Asking the old man to push for another treble might cost him his life.

Modrić watched Ronaldo's changing expression and suddenly said, "Do you want to transfer?"

Ronaldo looked up sharply, wide-eyed, somewhat surprised, but more embarrassed at being seen through.

"What... what are you talking about?"

Modrić chuckled. "Your face already shows your thoughts."

"To be honest, Ronny, you don't need to feel burdened. Since 2003, you've been at Manchester United for seven seasons. During this time, you've won many honors for the club. Actually, everyone knows what you want. The Gaffer knows it too."

Modrić sighed. "The old Manchester United had the confidence to give you these honors, but now they're in a adjustment period. It might take 1-2 seasons to adjust. If Gaffer really retires, then the future becomes even more unpredictable."

"Sigh~~~ Ronny, go tell the him your true thoughts. We will all understand you!"

Ronaldo's face still showed struggle.

He wanted to win more honors, but he was also unwilling to leave like this.

Creak!

The sound of stepping on the lawn sounded.

Modrić and Ronaldo looked up and saw Ferguson standing not far away.

"Sir?"

"Why are you here?"

Modrić and Ronaldo quickly stood up.

Ferguson smiled and waved at them, signaling them to sit down.

"You weren't at the training base, so I came to find you myself!"

Ferguson said cheerfully.

Modrić and Ronaldo exchanged glances.

'Did you offend him?'

'I didn't do anything!'

Watching their eyebrows dancing, Ferguson chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm not here to scold you. I just want to talk with you."

He paused. "Ronny, I heard Mendes went to Bayern Munich again."

Ronaldo looked up. "Probably for someone else. He has clients at Bayern too!"

Ferguson was silent for a moment, then took a fax from his briefcase.

"This is an offer Bayern sent this morning, for you!"

"An offer from Bayern?"

Ronaldo said in surprise.

Ferguson nodded. "£100 million. Converted to euros, that's the highest transfer fee in history!"

Ronaldo's lips trembled slightly.

He wanted to say 'I won't go,' but swallowed the words.

Modrić looked left and right.

This had nothing to do with him.

He just picked up his water glass and took a sip.

"This is an offer for Luka! £70 million!"

Ferguson placed another transfer offer on the table.

Modrić choked on his water and coughed violently.

"I have one too?"

Modrić said in surprise.

Ferguson nodded. "What are your thoughts?"

Ronaldo and Modrić looked at each other.

Modrić suddenly said, "I'm not leaving. I said I'd wait until you retire. If I'm unhappy then, I'll leave!"

Ferguson nodded, then turned to Ronaldo.

"Ronny?"

Ronaldo looked distracted. He wanted to say he wouldn't leave, but he also longed for better results, more titles, more honors.

Could Manchester United, in its adjustment period, really give him these things?

Ronaldo fell silent.

Sigh~~~~~

Ferguson sighed.

He understood Ronaldo's meaning.

The garden fell into silence; none of the three spoke.

Finally, Ferguson adjusted his mindset and suddenly said, "Ronny, play one more season at Manchester United. After this season ends, I'll let you go."

Hearing this, Ronaldo looked up sharply!

Ferguson smiled and stood up. "That's all I wanted to say. I'll take this offer back. This time, I will reject it. If you trust me, stay one more season."

Ronaldo stared blankly at Ferguson.

"Sir..."

"Good lad!" Ferguson smiled. "Don't feel guilty. You've done well enough, done more than enough. I know what you want, so I won't stop you."

"Actually, I could also continue at Manchester United, as long as... as long as..."

Ronaldo pursed his lips, not knowing what else to say.

Ferguson patted Ronaldo's shoulder with a smile. "I'll head off now. You two continue training."

He paused and looked at Modrić. "Luka, watch your weight recently. According to the physical data, your weight has increased. The fitness coach suggested I put you on a diet."

Modrić's face reddened, and he quickly nodded. "I understand!"