Starting With Real Madrid

Before the match, the entire world knew that Real Madrid needed to attack and expected Wenger to set up targeted tactics against Real Madrid's attack, perhaps even laying traps to bring down the Galacticos at Highbury Stadium.

As it turned out, Wenger did adopt a more balanced, even defensive lineup and tactics.

However, Real Madrid did initiate their offensive strategy right from the start.

But no one anticipated just how resolute Real Madrid would be in their attack.

From the outset, the Galacticos displayed an intense pressing game, sparing no effort to push Arsenal back.

Despite Arsenal's preparations, they found it challenging to cope with Real Madrid's aggressive approach. Particularly after Raul's close-range header, everyone was left in a nervous sweat.

If not for Lehmann's heroic save, Real Madrid would have equalized.

Real Madrid continued to dominate, making it nearly impossible for Arsenal to move the ball past midfield.

The entire team, from Negredo to Raul, from Beckham to Zidane, despite his towering height and typically slower pace, exerted themselves tirelessly across all three lines, from midfield to the right wing.

Wherever the ball went, Zidane was there.

This gave the impression that they intended to play a full-court press.

In a football match lasting 90 minutes, such relentless effort begs the question: what will they do in the second half and the closing stages?

Yet, Real Madrid showed no signs of relenting, throwing themselves into continuous pressing and pushing, showing a determination to break through.

Initially, many thought their intense pressing might last only five minutes. After ten minutes passed, it was clear Real Madrid had no intention of letting up, maintaining pressure on Arsenal in their own half.

Fifteen minutes into the game, signs of fatigue began to show for Real Madrid, yet they persisted with their aggressive stance.

Throughout, Gao Shen stood stoically on the touchline, unmoving.

As the head coach, he couldn't play, but his presence signaled solidarity with his players.

When Negredo intercepted the ball in the attacking third and quickly played it back, he found Cesc Fabregas, who dribbled forward and swiftly passed to a dropping Henry.

Henry courageously took on the challenge, shaking off De La Redd before Ramos could intervene, then quickly sending a through pass behind Ramos.

Ljungberg sprinted forward at full tilt, beating Elguera to the ball and piercing into Real Madrid's penalty area, setting up a beautiful solo opportunity.

Instantly, Highbury Stadium erupted.

This was Arsenal's first threatening counterattack of the game.

Previous attempts had been stifled by Real Madrid deep in their own half.

This time, Elgra's reaction was a beat too slow, and Ljungberg broke through cleanly.

The Swedish star raced after the ball. Casillas hesitated in goal, unwilling to commit.

At the critical moment, Ramos, having just tackled Henry, sprinted back with incredible speed, catching up just as Ljungberg burst into the penalty area. He positioned himself well, using his body to block Ljungberg and force him off balance, ultimately tumbling into Real Madrid's penalty area, pulling Ramos down with him.

Casillas pounced on the loose ball.

Highbury Stadium fell silent.

Was it a penalty?

All eyes turned to referee Lubos from Slovenia.

Lubos waved away Ljungberg's appeal, indicating no foul had occurred.

Boos cascaded from every corner of Highbury Stadium.

...

Gao Shen gritted his teeth on the sidelines.

Moments ago, he appeared calm, but inside, nerves were taut.

A penalty could spell the end of Real Madrid's hopes in this match.

In football, even with meticulous preparation, the outcome hinges on the players' performance on the field and the referee's decisions.

All a coach can do is minimize the margin for error.

Glancing at the home team's bench, Gao Shen noticed Wenger protesting vehemently at the fourth official over the non-call, a sight that secretly filled him with pride.

Wenger's reaction confirmed that Real Madrid posed a genuine threat, increasing the pressure on Arsenal.

Could there be a clearer validation than this?

"Elgra lacks confidence," assistant coach Maguida remarked, joining Gao Shen's side.

Gao Shen nodded knowingly. Elgra had hesitated in that defensive moment.

This was not unexpected. Since Hierro's departure, Real Madrid's defense had seen numerous changes. Even world-class players like Samuel and Cannavaro, or future Ballon d'Or winner Cannavaro, left the club without regaining their peak form.

What other reason could there be for Woodgate, Samuel, and Cannavaro to deliver world-class performances after leaving Real Madrid?

So, could Gao Shen blame Elgra for lacking confidence?

"Should we ease up?" Maguida suggested, clearly worried. Another sustained period of pressing could lead to Real Madrid's own collapse before Arsenal's.

But Gao Shen shook his head resolutely, stepping to the touchline and calling out to his players by name. He signaled them to maintain their aggressive stance, instructed Ramos to keep a close watch on Elgra, and advised Beckham to drop back more frequently.

It was a bold declaration:

Keep pressing, keep attacking!

...

The outcome would be decided in this contest!

This was the message Gao Shen had instilled in his Real Madrid players in the days leading up to the match, in the pre-game pep talks, and through in-game adjustments.

His determination and resolve were palpable, aimed at breaking through Arsenal's defenses decisively.

If they couldn't score against Arsenal, let Arsenal score against them!

Real Madrid had no other choice!

After losing 0-1 at home in the first leg, their fate was sealed.

Yet Gao Shen had made adjustments.

Negredo hadn't found much success against Senderos.

Despite Senderos's earlier struggles against African players like Andy Cole, his physical attributes and defensive abilities remained strong, earning him trust from Wenger at a young age.

Negredo wasn't finding much space against Senderos, weakening Real Madrid's attacking pivot in the front line.

So Gao Shen shifted his strategy, moving Zidane forward.

Zidane was a unique player.

While fans around the world saw him as a classic midfielder, that label only scratched the surface.

A closer look revealed that Zidane wasn't ideally suited to an attacking midfield role due to his physicality.

At 1.86 meters tall, he possessed a robust physique akin to an iron tower, rare among top players. His delicate footwork, ability to shield the ball, and turning skills were world-class. Moreover, his running ability was underestimated, honed during his time at Juventus, enhancing his defensive acumen.

Former French national team coach Jacquet had remarked on multiple occasions that Zidane's true potential had yet to be fully tapped at Real Madrid.

Behind this statement lay the belief that Real Madrid had utilized Zidane primarily as an attacking force, neglecting his running and defensive capabilities.

A player of such versatility and skill, shouldn't he be deployed further up the field, playing a more pivotal role?

The issue lay in his physicality.

Despite his African roots providing remarkable agility, his high center of gravity, slower pace, and lack of explosive speed made Zidane less suited to a forward role.

It was a blemish in his otherwise stellar career.

But his towering stature, elite ball control, and deft handling skills meant he rarely lost possession in his prime.

Even now, Zidane's abilities remained intact.

Gao Shen's decision to push him forward was aimed at maximizing his strengths and compensating for Negredo's containment.

This approach had been practiced extensively in targeted training sessions the day before.

...

Twenty minutes into the match, Arsenal began to challenge Real Madrid and frequently crossed the halfway line.

Yet, Real Madrid persisted.

Whenever they had an opening, they quickly formed a high press in the attacking third, attempting to pin Arsenal deep in their own half.

Arsenal also capitalized on defensive lapses by Real Madrid, mustering a shot that sailed wide of the post.

In the 22nd minute, Felipe battled Hleb on the right wing, winning Real Madrid a throw-in opportunity. The Brazilian full-back quickly launched the ball back into play.

Negredo controlled the throw-in with his chest, shielded the ball with his back, and swiftly laid it off to Gravesson to reset the defensive line.

Several passes later, the ball found its way to the right flank, where Beckham was waiting.

Receiving the ball, the English midfielder glanced upfield and executed another long, diagonal pass.

The ball traversed most of the pitch, landing precisely on the left side of Arsenal's penalty area.

Zidane, appearing seemingly out of nowhere, plucked the ball from the air with a delicate touch. Facing a double-team from Eboue and Kolo Toure, he deftly sidestepped them and swiftly returned to the edge of the penalty area.

Raul dashed into position, poised to strike, only for Gilberto Silva to slide in and trip him from the front of the penalty arc.

Referee Lubers blew his whistle decisively, brandishing a yellow card for Gilberto Silva.

Deafening boos erupted anew from every corner of Highbury Stadium.

Real Madrid had won a free kick in a highly advantageous position.

Zidane and Beckham stood poised at the spot.