Inside Florentino's estate, Suker and Florentino sat in the courtyard.

Florentino personally brewed a cup of coffee, occasionally taking sips while reviewing the team report in his hand.

Suker sat opposite, one hand propping up his chin, the other holding a coffee cup, but his eyes were fixed on the grapevine.

"I heard Mourinho and Iker have had a conflict?" Florentino said softly.

Without turning his head, Suker still stared at the grapevine and said, "I don't know!"

As long as they didn't tear into each other in front of the players, Suker would pretend not to see it.

Florentino slightly raised his head and looked at Suker. He noticed Suker wasn't looking at him.

Following Suker's gaze, he turned and saw the guy was staring at the grapevine!

"They're not ripe yet, stop eyeing them!" Florentino said somewhat annoyed.

Suker turned his head; "Haven't you thought about buying grapes from somewhere else? The temperature difference between day and night in Madrid is too small ; the grapes grown here aren't sweet!"

"I know! But I just like the grapes I grow myself." After saying this, Florentino took a sip of his coffee; "And... stop changing the subject!"

Suker grinned.

That trick didn't work anymore.

Sigh~~~

Suker sighed and looked at Florentino: "So, what do you want to talk to me about? I assume it wasn't just to have coffee with me, right?"

Florentino nodded: "What do you think about the conflict between Mourinho and Iker?"

Just as Suker was about to speak, Florentino said seriously:

"Don't say you don't know. I know you're very aware, you just don't want to get involved."

Hearing this, Suker sighed: "I really don't want to get involved in their conflict."

The conflict between Casillas and Mourinho alone was headache-inducing. If Suker got involved too, the Real Madrid locker room would collapse.

Currently, even though Casillas and Mourinho were very unhappy with each other, with Suker as a balancing point, a fragile balance was barely maintained.

Especially for those Real Madrid players who weren't entirely clear about the intricacies.

But under the conflict between the two locker room leaders, innocent people could easily get hurt.

Therefore, these guys started actively leaning towards Suker, seeking some solace in this natural safe harbor.

If Suker also got involved, the Real Madrid locker room would truly have nowhere left to hide.

"You've done very well!"

Florentino nodded.

He also didn't want the situation to continue fermenting, but Florentino was in a difficult position.

One was the team captain.

The other was the treble-winning coach.

If this conflict wasn't handled properly, Real Madrid would suffer greatly.

Florentino had also thought about making a clean break, but letting go of either one was inappropriate.

Therefore, he wanted to hear Suker's opinion. After all, as part of the locker room, compared to reports, Suker would have a more firsthand feel.

"My opinion?"

Suker looked at Florentino in surprise.

He didn't expect Florentino, who practically had absolute control at Real Madrid, to also be at a loss.

"Right! Which side are you more inclined towards?" Florentino asked; "Who do you think is right?"

Suker blinked.

This was putting him on the spot.

Who was right, who was wrong?

To be honest, this was a matter of personal interests; there was no clear right or wrong.

He didn't expect Florentino to ask such a naive question.

"I'm not siding with either! I don't think either is completely right!"

Suker could only continue being evasive.

But this time, Florentino clearly showed a hint of displeasure.

Seeing Florentino's expression, Suker sighed: "Don't pressure me either. I really don't want to get involved. Don't forget, I made a bet with you. If we don't win the Champions League this season, my salary gets cut!"

Hearing this, Florentino was taken aback; he had actually forgotten about that.

Suker continued; "So, the task right now is to retain the Champions League. For me, anyone who hinders our Champions League retention is the enemy. Therefore, I won't allow any locker room issues to arise this season."

"I've also subtly expressed my intention to them. I don't know if it worked, but they have been tolerating it."

"Anyway, I won't actively help anyone. But if someone proactively stirs up conflict this season and breaks the peace, causing locker room turmoil, then they are my opponent. I will join the other side to eliminate the root of the conflict!"

After a pause, Suker scratched his head and sighed: "Let me be blunt with you. The locker room is very complicated right now, more so than what you hear in reports. I'm trying my best to maintain balance this season because I have a reason to do so—I don't want a pay cut, so conflict cannot break out!"

"But the more you suppress something, the more troublesome it becomes. It will inevitably explode one day. Even if we get through this season safely, problems will erupt next season. So, I think you should be prepared!"

Suker continued; "You asked me at the beginning who I support more? My honest answer is, I really don't have a preference for either side. If you force me to choose a side, then I choose you!"

Florentino was stunned.

"Me?"

"Correct!" Suker nodded: "The root of handling the conflict still lies with you. So, once you make a decision, I will follow, even if you ask me to make a public statement, it's fine."

Florentino looked at Suker and couldn't help but sigh: "You always manage to persuade me with your words!"

"So please don't ask me to do anything. The locker room atmosphere is really delicate right now. One misstep and conflict could erupt. Actually, we have two choices!"

"First: Make a choice, pick a side, and remove the other."

"Second: Maintain the status quo, let the conflict develop naturally, wait for you to make a decision, and then handle it!"

"I prefer the second option because I don't want to give up on the Champions League this season. Even though the locker room is turbulent now, it can at least remain stable. Even if this stability is an illusion, as long as it lasts until the end of the season, it's fine!"

As for next season, whatever happens, happens!

Anyway, conflict will definitely erupt!

At worst, use one season to handle the locker room issues and then restore vitality.

Right now, Suker really didn't want to deal with this mess.

The pay cut issue meant the Champions League must be won!

The Ballon d'Or also needed to be competed for!

After this season ends, the Euros will begin, and many variables will emerge.

This season is also Messi's breakout period!

In short, Suker was under a lot of pressure right now!

Challenges were coming from all sides; he couldn't afford to be the slightest bit careless. If things really fell apart, all previous efforts would be wasted.

Suker couldn't let that happen!

Regarding this season's Champions League, it wasn't just about the pay cut; it was also about the peak rivalry between Suker and Messi.

As said at the start of the season, Suker didn't want to lose to Messi during his peak.

Not even once!

It would be like admitting his peak wasn't as good as Messi's.

Even if locker room issues caused the team to somewhat collapse, the result is the result; no one cares about the process.

It would inevitably leave a bad impression!

Therefore, Suker really didn't want these two to have a conflict now, and he couldn't let it happen.

Suker thought for a moment and suddenly said; "Can I ask you a favor?"

"What?" Florentino asked.

Suker: "Invite Mourinho and Casillas for a coffee, and subtly let them know that you are aware of their conflict."

Florentino raised an eyebrow; "What's the point of that? They should know I'm aware. After all, there are my informants within the team!"

"It's different!"

Suker waved his hand; "If you personally get involved, they will restrain themselves, at least for a while. If we can make it to the end of the season, I won't have to take a pay cut!"

Florentino chuckled teasingly; "Then why should I help you? If your salary is cut, the club can save a large amount of financial expenditure!"

Suker said quietly; "Don't you want to retain the Champions League? That would make us the Kings of Europe~~~"

Florentino: "."

Bang!

Suker got into the back seat of his Rolls-Royce, slammed the door shut, and couldn't help but exhale: "Let's go! Let's go! Hurry up and leave!"

Zorancic started the car and immediately drove forward.

"How did it go?"

"How do you think it went!" Suker said irritably; "That old man is very cunning. He doesn't want to show his face and wants to use me as a pawn!"

Zorancic frowned; "You can't get involved in this conflict."

Suker nodded: "I know! So, it took a lot of effort to persuade that old man. This is really damn annoying. Everyone is scheming against each other, each more cunning than the last. If you're a bit slow, you might get tricked without even knowing it!"

Zorancic; "So, it was resolved satisfactorily?"

"At best, it's stabilized!" Suker shook his head: "Florentino hasn't made up his mind yet. Without him taking action, maintaining stability is the best situation."

After a pause, Suker couldn't help but grit his teeth and clench his fist.

"Anyway, conflict cannot break out this season. Whoever starts trouble, I'll deal with them!"

He didn't care about the conflict between these two.

This season, Suker had important matters.

The pay cut issue!

The peak rivalry!

These all indicated that the team needed stability. If anyone broke this balance, then don't blame Suker for lashing out.

Suker went straight back to the training ground.

Many people knew Suker had been called by Florentino for coffee.

Regarding Suker's treatment, they couldn't help but sigh.

After all, in one season, Suker saw Florentino more times than some Real Madrid players did during their entire tenure.

Of course, some people asked Suker about the content of the conversation.

But Suker remained silent about it, not revealing any information.

The third round of the Champions League group stage ended, and the league entered its eighth round.

On October 12th, the Euro qualifiers had all ended.

Croatia, even with a full substitute team, still defeated Latvia 2:1, achieving a full victory record in the Euro qualifiers.

But it wasn't just Croatia; Germany and Spain also achieved full victory records.

Finally, the group winners of the Euro qualifiers were:

Germany, Russia, Italy, France, Netherlands, Croatia, England, Denmark, Spain.

These group winners will directly enter the Euro main tournament, competing in the 2012 summer Poland-Ukraine European Championship!

Another major international tournament year is approaching...

But before that, the league must be played well!

On October 16th, La Liga eighth round, Real Madrid hosted Real Betis at home.

Currently, Real Madrid ranked second in the league with a 7-0-1 record.

Barcelona ranked first on the table with a 7-1-0 record.

On the scorer's list, Messi also led Suker by one goal.

Therefore, in this match, Suker was determined to reclaim the top spot on the scorer's list.

Suker's high morale filled Real Madrid's offense with aggression.

"Suker is breaking through on the wing again..."

Commentator Gonzalez said loudly.

On the field, Suker led the ball forward with his right foot, head down, staring intently at the footwork changes of Real Betis full-back Dorado.

Dorado looked nervously at Suker.

Suker didn't perform any feints, but just standing in front of him was intimidating.

After all, Suker's way of dribbling past opponents was just that one move, but that one move was something most defenders simply couldn't catch up to!

Therefore, he had to...

Bang!

Suker suddenly pushed the ball forward.

Dorado was greatly alarmed.

He immediately turned to chase back, but in just the time it took to turn, the distance opened to one body length, and as they ran, the gap grew larger and larger.

"Dorado is left behind! Suker cuts diagonally into the penalty area!"

Gonzalez shouted.

Suker looked up towards the goal; in the central position, Benzema pointed to his feet, signaling a pass was possible.

Bale on the far side also ran into space.

Suker saw all this, but he didn't want to pass!

Suker knocked the ball with his left foot; the knock was a bit heavy. The Real Betis defender immediately judged he could intercept.

But just as he stretched out his foot, Suker bent his supporting knee, stretched his right leg, and pulled the ball back again.

Relying on his strong core strength, he pulled the ball back in one go.

The Real Betis defender missed completely, and by the time he turned around,

Suker had already adjusted his steps and took a powerful shot with his left foot!

Bang!

Suker was standing at the sharp angle of the small penalty area, too close to the goal.

Although the goalkeeper was near the left post, Suker's shot was powerful and aimed at the gap between the goalkeeper and the goalpost. The ball shot into the net like lightning.

"Goooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!!"

"Suker!!! A goal after only 2 minutes of play!"

"Real Betis's defense failed to quickly get into the game. Suker seized this opportunity, creating this goal with continuous breakthroughs on the left wing!"

"Real Betis's defensive intensity against Suker is still insufficient. They can't let Suker play like this; it's no different from letting him shoot directly!"

In La Liga's defense, a common consensus has now formed:

That only fouls can stop players like 'Suker, Messi'.

But even fouls might not completely restrict them, let alone Real Betis's kind of 'eyes-only defense'.

A goal was scored after only two minutes of play.

Real Madrid had a perfect start.

Afterwards, Suker's assaults continued, and the right wing also exerted force.

In the 18th minute, Kaka suddenly made a through pass, assisting Benzema to score.

Real Madrid led Real Betis 2:0.

In the 31st minute, Bale attempted a shot on the right wing which was blocked by the goalkeeper. Suker received the ball on the left wing at the edge of the penalty area and met it with a powerful volley, a long shot that once again pierced the net.

Suker scored a brace!

Real Madrid 3:0 Real Betis.

In the second half, the sides changed ends.

After adjustments, Real Betis's defense stabilized somewhat; they successfully limited Real Madrid's offense for a full 10 minutes.

But as time reached the 70th minute,

Suker launched an attack in the center, performing a one-two with Benzema. Suker successfully broke into the penalty area.

Facing the actively advancing goalkeeper, Suker chipped the ball into the net with his foot.

Suker completed a hat-trick!

Real Madrid 4:0 Real Betis.

In the 74th minute, Suker was substituted off.

In the 89th minute, Real Betis scored a consolation goal from a corner kick.

Finally, in the eighth round of the 2011/2012 La Liga season, Real Madrid defeated Real Betis 4:1, securing victory.

Catalonia, Barcelona!

Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——

"Messi has killed the suspense of the game! Barcelona defeated Tandil Athletic 3:0 at home! Messi scored a brace."

The entire Camp Nou erupted.

After 8 rounds of league matches, Barcelona once again became the league leaders.

However, they still couldn't relax, as the match against Real Madrid was the key.

After the game, back in the locker room.

Messi couldn't wait to take out his phone and open the live league data website.

He first checked Real Madrid's match.

Real Madrid 4:0 Real Betis.

Messi slightly frowned.

He opened the scorer list again!

First: Messi, 17 goals.

Second: Suker, 17 goals.

Messi's frown deepened sharply.

He had been frantically shooting and attacking, constantly refreshing his goal tally.

But he still couldn't widen the gap with Suker's goal count.

And this guy was getting closer and closer.

17 goals in 8 league rounds!

It could be said that Messi already felt his peak had arrived, but even so, he still couldn't widen the goal gap with Suker.

He had planned to use fierce attacks in the first half of the season to rack up some stats, because entering the second half of the season, as various teams entered the battle for points, it would become difficult to pad stats.

Therefore, he wanted to take advantage of now to widen the gap.

But the gap just wouldn't widen!

"This feeling is terrible!" Messi clenched his fist tightly.

He didn't know what kind of performance he needed to pull away from Suker.

But Messi had a feeling; this season, his form in all aspects had reached its peak. If he still couldn't widen the gap and produce results now, he might really be suppressed by Suker for life.

Professional players all want to fight for first place.

Not to mention Messi!

He wanted to imprint his name on this era, not become someone else's backdrop.