Starting With Real Madrid

Highbury Stadium, built in 1913, features only two tiers of stands with open corners, which makes it difficult to create closed sound waves during matches, significantly reducing the atmosphere.

Due to its long history and the British government's mandate to convert all stadiums to seat-only configurations, Highbury can accommodate only 38,000 spectators, a relatively small number among its larger counterparts. Securing tickets in bustling London is an even greater challenge.

Arsenal, hindered by these constraints, opted to build a new stadium with a capacity of 60,000 seats and various VIP boxes, expected to significantly boost matchday revenues.

Real Madrid's away match against Arsenal was dubbed the "first thing that came to mind this morning" by British fans, drawing global media and fan attention, and filling Highbury Stadium to its capacity.

The experienced referee for the match was Lubos Michael from Slovenia.

Amidst the cheers, the teams entered the stadium led by the referee.

Gao Shen, standing at the player tunnel entrance, caught a glimpse of himself on the stadium's big screen. In that moment, the live TV broadcast captured him in a close-up shot.

Just three days after becoming La Liga's youngest head coach, tonight marked another historic moment as he became the youngest manager in Champions League and possibly Europa League history at the age of twenty-five.

Despite achieving such legendary status at a young age, many believed tonight would mark an abrupt end to his journey.

...

"Hello, young head coach."

As Gao Shen stood at the player tunnel entrance, an unfamiliar deep voice reached his ears.

Turning towards the source, he saw Arsène Wenger approaching.

The professor appeared thinner than on TV, with deeper wrinkles and gray hair, a testament to the immense pressure and burden of coaching at the frontline for years.

Meeting Wenger's outstretched hand, Gao Shen quickly reciprocated.

"Hello, Professor, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Wenger's face displayed a kind smile, appearing harmless. "Honestly, you've really surprised me."

"Really?" Gao Shen's expression showed flattery. "Back in college, we often discussed you. It's an honor to compete against you, something I never imagined before."

Wenger didn't seem fazed; he'd likely heard similar sentiments many times.

"I'm curious, how do you plan to play tonight?" Wenger tentatively asked.

Gao Shen's smile faded momentarily before he replied slyly, "Guess."

Wenger chuckled, his gaze becoming more discerning. This kid was clever in a way that revealed cunning.

"I don't need to guess to know you've left out Ronaldo and Carlos. I suspect it's to maintain the team's rhythm. Their presence might influence it, so I guess you're opting to attack."

Gao Shen couldn't help but laugh now.

Seeing his reaction, Wenger knew he'd hit the mark.

"If I were you, I'd consider starting with an aggressive approach, trying to score early to seize control of the game's tempo and initiative. Once the score's level, we'd be on the back foot."

Wenger's insights were spot on.

Gao Shen felt Wenger's eyes, seemingly seeing through him. Before those eyes, he felt laid bare, uncomfortable with the lack of secrecy.

"Professor, then tell me why I didn't start Woodgate?" Gao Shen didn't allow Wenger to continue.

Caught off guard, Wenger knew Woodgate was benched despite a stellar performance in the recent derby.

Gao Shen opted for Helguera and Ramos at center-back, a move Wenger hadn't anticipated.

Typically, with Woodgate in form and familiar with the Premier League and Arsenal, starting him would seem logical.

"I rotated him specifically to have him fresh for the weekend match against Valencia."

As he spoke, a knowing expression hinted to Wenger, encouraging him to ponder carefully.

Wenger found himself at a loss; he couldn't discern if it was truth or strategy.

Could this kid truly hold a hidden trump card? Was he this confident in his tactics?

Only Gao Shen knew why he deliberately rotated Woodgate.

In truth, the team doctor had doubts about Woodgate's ability to play a full match. Strongly advising against starting him, Gao Shen opted for Helguera instead.

Why else would Gao Shen bench Woodgate?

He certainly wouldn't divulge this to Wenger, leaving the Arsenal manager to speculate.

...

Despite being the away team, Real Madrid donned their white jerseys while Arsenal sported dark brown with white shorts.

Raul was in high spirits, correctly anticipating Henry's move and winning the coin toss for Real Madrid.

As the teams lined up, Gao Shen immediately assessed Arsenal's formation.

It was somewhat unexpected.

Against Fulham, Ljungberg played left midfielder. Today, Wenger positioned him more centrally, in an attacking midfielder or shadow striker role. Reyes played left wing, with Hleb on the right flank and Henry in the center.

Observing this, Gao Shen signaled to Dela Redd and Gravesen from the sidelines, emphasizing attention to Ljungberg's threat. The Swede had been in fine form lately.

For Beckham, timely defensive returns were crucial, supporting the backline and double pivot.

After setting his instructions, Gao Shen glanced at Arsenal's coaching bench. Arsène Wenger sat composed, seemingly in control of the situation.

At the referee's signal, Rubers blew his whistle, and the game began.

...

When Negredo passed to Raul, who then passed back to Zidane, Henry, Ljungberg, and Reyes all surged towards Real Madrid's half simultaneously.

Rather than passing back, Zidane moved left and played the ball to Felipe, but Hleb swiftly closed down Felipe, forcing the left-back to pass to Gravesen.

Another pass ensued, and Ramos controlled the ball.

By this time, Real Madrid's midfield and forward line had advanced quickly.

After a brief exchange between Ramos and Abeloa, the ball reached Elgra.

As the central defender halted play, he was already near the center circle.

Surveying the field ahead, Elgra launched a long ball forward.

Zidane shielded Cesc Fabregas, chesting the ball down before passing sideways to the edge of the penalty area.

Negredo headed the ball forward towards the penalty area.

Raul suddenly darted in, but goalkeeper Lehmann decisively intercepted the cross before Raul could reach it.

Though unsuccessful in his attempt to claim the ball, Raul acknowledged Negredo's effort with a thumbs-up.

Highbury Stadium erupted in applause for Lehmann.

...

The initial attack didn't yield results, and Arsenal quickly countered.

Flamini received the ball and passed to the returning Reyes.

Before Reyes could advance with the ball, Abeloa slid in and cleared it out of play.

Instead of immediately retreating to defense, Real Madrid's right-back followed Reyes and positioned himself near Arsenal's 30-meter area. As Arsenal prepared to take the throw-in, Real Madrid's formation remained aggressive, pressing forward.

Negredo, Beckham, Zidane, Dela Redd, and Abeloa applied pressure, preventing Arsenal from taking their time. Abeloa headed the throw-in back, and Beckham played it to Zidane.

Zidane dribbled horizontally before threading a through-pass to Raul.

The Real Madrid captain shook off Kolo Toure and sent a cross into the penalty area.

However, Negredo misread Raul's intentions, missing a prime opportunity.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid maintained their high press, refusing to retreat.

It was clear to all:

Real Madrid was gearing up for another attack!

...

Even prepared as he was, Wenger couldn't hide his surprise as he watched Real Madrid aggressively press and dominate Arsenal's half, preventing the Gunners from advancing beyond the center line.

While outwardly composed, Wenger felt a mix of admiration and apprehension toward Gao Shen. To field such an attacking lineup against Arsenal without Ronaldo required immense courage and conviction.

At the same time, Wenger admired Gao Shen's tactical acumen, evident in his ability to deploy stars like Zidane, Beckham, and Raul to press and cover ground tirelessly. Such capability explained why Real Madrid had overcome Atletico Madrid.

With these thoughts, Wenger stepped out of his coaching bench for the first time, signaling his team to reorganize and prioritize defensive stability.

Despite Ronaldo's absence, the presence of Raul, Zidane, and Beckham formed a formidable lineup not to be underestimated. Wenger dared not underestimate these stars, particularly when Real Madrid displayed such assertive intent.

As Real Madrid continued their assault near the center line, Gravesen intercepted and swiftly moved towards the right flank.

Abeloa passed to the right side of the frontcourt, where Zidane awaited. After receiving the ball, Zidane was closed down by Flamini, preventing him from crossing. Instead, Zidane played a quick pass back to the edge of the penalty area.

Beckham adjusted his position before sending a precise diagonal cross into the penalty area with his right foot, targeting the back post.

Raul cleverly timed his run, outmaneuvering Kolo Toure to head towards the bottom left corner.

The attack was dangerously sudden and incredibly close, with Beckham's pinpoint cross nearly finding the net. Fortunately for Arsenal, Lehmann made a diving save at the crucial moment, tipping the ball out for a corner with one hand.

The ball skimmed the post, narrowly missing a goal.

Highbury Stadium buzzed with surprise, followed by applause for Lehmann.

This marked the first shot of the match, courtesy of Raul's close-range header.

It was a near miss, leaving Arsenal momentarily relieved.

Nevertheless, the attack was enough to leave Arsenal on edge.

Beckham's return to the right flank showcased remarkable strength, especially in his delivery.