The All-Around Center Forward

Barcelona, primarily focused on control, constantly shifted the ball from side to side, but lacked some forward momentum.

Messi often had to drop back to receive the ball, then turn and advance.

But in such situations, Real Madrid could also react.

Iniesta also attempted breakthroughs, but he didn't dare to push too far forward, which could lead to Real Madrid launching counterattacks.

As for Xavi.

Xavi's form had indeed declined significantly; he attempted two through balls, but both were intercepted.

The second through ball was clearly forced, a gamble on luck.

And this through ball almost led to a Real Madrid counterattack; if Barcelona hadn't intentionally fouled, it would have been dangerous.

After this attempt, Xavi no longer excessively played forward passes, instead focusing on control.

Xavi began to control the tempo, and Barcelona's overall passing and possession rhythm also became sluggish.

Suker also looked towards the opponent's half, constantly shifting horizontally, but without any forward progression.

This was ineffective possession!

Guardiola, although also emphasizing control, stressed progression even more!

But clearly, his Assistant Coach had not learned the essence; control was there, but not enough progression.

However, Real Madrid was content to take it easy.

After all, their tactics in the first half were primarily defensive, with the intention to exert force in the second half.

It could be said that, based on Suker's goal, Real Madrid equalizing the score was already an over-fulfillment of their task.

Next was simply waiting for the second half of the match.

The match became dull, but the fans still didn't dare to relax, as both teams were masters of rhythm, and a sudden change in tempo could happen at any moment.

But until the match entered halftime, this change in tempo did not occur.

At halftime, the score was 1:1!

"We have too few forward pushes!"

Inside the Barcelona locker room, Fabregas said anxiously, "I asked for the ball several times, and you didn't pass!"

Iniesta: "Your position was marked; otherwise, we would have passed!"

"But that was still an opportunity! You can trust me to get past him or create a chance!" Fabregas complained, "If we keep moving the ball from side to side like this, it's slow death!"

"Are you questioning my tempo?" Xavi asked.

Fabregas cursed inwardly, but didn't dare to speak out, only saying, "I'm not questioning you, I just hope we can increase our forward progression. We can't play like this!"

Everyone suddenly fell silent.

How to progress?

No matter how they thought, there was only one option!

That was to substitute Xavi and let Fabregas take on the role of the central midfielder.

It's not that Xavi was bad!

But his form was indeed not good, and the success rate of his forward passes was low.

Relying solely on Messi and Iniesta's breakthroughs would not be enough to completely tear apart Real Madrid's defense.

But Xavi was the captain after all!

And so far, he was still the core of the team!

Fabregas's words were tantamount to telling others to get Xavi out.

Xavi's expression was also somewhat gloomy.

He didn't particularly like or dislike Fabregas.

But now, he found him a bit annoying.

Xavi admitted that his form was not as good as before, but at least he could still maintain it.

Moreover, the club also intended for Fabregas to inherit Xavi's position.

But... why are you in such a hurry?

I can give you the core role!

But you can't snatch it!

"Alright, no more arguing. Cesc is not wrong; let's discuss it properly!"

Puyol spoke up, and the elder brother's words were effective; everyone quieted down.

However, this time no one continued to speak.

Clearly, Xavi was displeased, and he also didn't agree with Fabregas, but he gave Puyol face, so he chose not to argue.

With Xavi silent, Iniesta and others naturally no longer paid attention to Fabregas.

Fabregas continued to express his views, but no one listened.

On the other side, in Real Madrid's locker room, Mourinho was also arranging tactics.

There were many problems in the first half, such as that conceded goal was also an issue.

But Mourinho did not criticize them now; that would only lower morale. Even if he were to lecture them, it would be after the match ended, for a lecture and summary.

"I hope our running can be more active. I won't name names, but I hope certain players understand in their hearts that this is a match about the honor of the entire team, not your personal show!"

Benzema's expression was a bit grim.

He knew Mourinho was pointing at him.

In the first half, he had a few unreasonable touches.

Perhaps he had passed the ball too many times, and his ambition had swelled, wanting to hold onto the ball.

But he didn't hold it for long, at most five touches, yet he was still criticized by Mourinho.

After all, in Mourinho's philosophy, a target man like Benzema most needed to distribute the ball as quickly as possible.

Not to show off his own skills.

Of course, Benzema didn't lose possession.

But his holding of the ball delayed the attacking opportunity, which was a major problem. Mourinho planned to talk to Benzema after the match.

After a simple warning, Mourinho re-emphasized some tactics.

At the same time, he also sent out the players who would be substituted in the second half to warm up.

Once preparations were complete, both teams returned to the field.

"The second half of the match is about to begin. After the first half, both teams are currently tied 1:1, with Messi and Suker each scoring a goal."

"From the situation in the first half, Barcelona had more possession, but Real Madrid's counterattacks were more incisive, but problems also existed, which was that the defensive line was not stable enough!"

"As for Barcelona, they also need to increase their forward pushes and runs into space."

"In summary, both teams have some issues; it just depends on which side can adjust better during halftime!"

The commentator González said.

On the field, both teams swapped sides, ready to start the match.

The stands were still roaring with cheers, and under the camera, the expressions of both teams were incredibly solemn.

In the new season's El Clásico, the two teams still showed a tightly contested situation.

Messi's expression was incredibly heavy.

Three seasons, three consecutive seasons suppressed by Suker.

Last season, Messi felt his form had reached its peak, but Suker showed even more terrifying efficiency than him.

Although Messi had more assists than Suker, Suker still led in terms of goals scored.

This was even more true in terms of honors!

Since Suker joined Real Madrid, Barcelona has almost been cut off from honors.

In three seasons, they only won one Copa del Rey!

And based on this terrible result, Guardiola even took responsibility and resigned.

It's no exaggeration to say that Guardiola was forced out by Suker and Real Madrid.

The club needed someone to take the blame and be responsible for the poor results.

And that person could only be Guardiola!

Messi believed his own form was good, but he still couldn't understand how good Suker's form actually was?

Or rather, had this guy always been at his peak?

Messi shook his head, shaking the chaotic thoughts out of his mind.

At this stage, the most crucial thing was the match!

"These two guys are in too good form, aren't they?"

In Germany, inside Bayern Munich's tactics room.

Watching the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Mandžukić said with emotion.

He knew Suker's form very well; it was simply like seeing a ghost.

But Barcelona's Messi was also in explosive form!

Thinking back to losing to such a guy, such a team last season, although there was some reluctance, it was also understandable.

However, this season was different.

They also had a monster in their squad!

Cristiano Ronaldo!

In seven Bundesliga matches, he scored 14 goals.

An average of two goals per game!

In two Champions League rounds, five goals!

His form was incredibly hot.

In just two months, this guy had completely conquered the demanding fans of Bayern Munich.

Even Robben and Franck Ribéry were somewhat convinced and willing to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo.

No choice!

Looking at such terrifying statistics, they had to admit that this guy was simply a goal machine.

"What do you think?" Lahm asked Cristiano Ronaldo.

Currently, the three top superstars in football are Suker, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi!

These three are almost in a transcendent position, a notch above other stars.

Of course, if one were to be precise, then Suker is one level higher than the other two.

Suker currently has four Ballon d'Or awards!

Messi has one Ballon d'Or!

Cristiano Ronaldo had not yet won the Ballon d'Or, but his ability was recognized throughout Europe; he was a deserving 'uncrowned king.'

Here, 'crowned' doesn't refer to a championship, but to the Ballon d'Or!

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Bayern Munich was also to compete for the Ballon d'Or.

Bayern also guaranteed that as long as the results were good enough, they would fully help Cristiano Ronaldo win the Ballon d'Or.

"Messi focuses more on technique; of course, his finishing ability is also very strong, but his mental fortitude is slightly weaker!" Cristiano Ronaldo paused, "If it were Messi, pressure would make him feel frustrated, depressed, and other emotions. We can use this to pressure him and defeat him!"

Lahm nodded, "What about Suker?"

Cristiano Ronaldo pursed his lips and took a deep breath, "Suker is too well-rounded, and that applies to his mental aspect as well! Pressure makes Messi feel frustrated, but pressure makes Suker explode!"

"Of course, football is not a one-man sport, and one person's influence is limited. Suker is certainly troublesome, but Real Madrid also has some weaknesses in other positions! We can exploit these things. At the very least, if it's the current Real Madrid, we can defeat them!"

Listening to Cristiano Ronaldo's words, a smile appeared on Lahm's face.

He turned to look at the television, his eyes shining!

First, beat Real Madrid, then settle scores with AC Milan!

After a pause, Lahm shook his head.

The order needed to be changed; first, beat AC Milan. He was afraid AC Milan wouldn't last until the Champions League quarterfinals!

At Camp Nou, gasps from Barcelona fans rang out.

Sukic was continuously changing direction along the central axis.

Busquets was in front of Suker.

Suker pushed the ball, and Busquets turned to the right.

Suker pulled the ball back, and Busquets quickly turned to the left.

The continuous changes of direction from pushing and pulling the ball almost made Busquets dizzy.

Suddenly, Suker came to an abrupt stop.

Busquets immediately turned to face Suker, and at that moment, Suker started again.

Busquets wanted to chase again, but his center of gravity had not yet shifted, so he could only fall backward, landing hard on his backside.

"Oh~~~ Busquets has been beaten again!"

González grinned; he felt that every time Busquets faced Suker, he was like a lamppost. Normally, he was a world-class defensive midfielder.

Even in a single defensive midfielder position, he was very stable.

But once he went up against Suker, he was completely at a loss!

Look at this terrible performance!

The Barcelona fans in the stands couldn't stand it anymore.

"Get him off quickly!"

"What is he doing? Is he a clown?"

"He's almost been made dizzy by Suker!"

"He's completely useless, why not substitute him?"

On the sidelines, Barcelona's Head Coach Vilanova also stood there, his eyes filled with panic.

Watching Suker approach the penalty area step by step, his heart beat faster and faster.

"Block him!"

Vilanova suddenly roared.

Mascherano on the field also immediately rushed forward.

At the same time, Suker suddenly flicked the ball with his foot.

The ball went over the head of the advancing Mascherano and dropped behind him.

And there, Benzema ran diagonally, meeting the falling ball, and lightly jumped. He actually used his heel to trap the ball and, towards the position behind him, executed a perfect pass.

The ball rolled near the penalty spot.

One of the two center-backs was drawn away by Benzema, and the other turned to look at Benzema.

At the same time, Suker had already run diagonally to the penalty spot, meeting the ball with a precise push shot.

Barcelona Goalkeeper Valdes made a desperate save; he successfully judged the direction of the ball, but Suker's shot was too tricky and the ball speed was very fast.

The ball slipped through Valdes's hands and flew into the goal.

Swish!

The ball hit the net, and the net trembled.

Suker made a turn and ran towards the corner flag.

He stood with both feet planted and pointed to the stands.

The stands were silent!

The Barcelona fans, who had been shouting and booing earlier, now looked stunned and dejected.

Camp Nou experienced a brief silence, like a library!

Soon, accompanied by the cheers of the Real Madrid away fans, the stadium gradually regained a hint of life.

"A perfect combination! Suker scores the second goal!"

"A brilliant shot, a brilliant pass!"

"Karim Benzema trapped the ball with his heel and laid it off for Suker. The continuous passing completely disrupted Barcelona's defense, and Suker's shooting is always so precise!"

"After a brief deficit, Real Madrid scores again, leading Barcelona 2-1 away!"

González continued, "Barcelona needs to get serious. If they don't respond, this could be another defeat!"

At the same time, Vilanova on the sidelines made a change.

Alexandre Song stood on the sidelines, ready to come on.

Fabregas took a quick look; a substitution was necessary, as Busquets had been made dizzy by Sukic.

If they couldn't guarantee defense, Barcelona wouldn't have opportunities to attack either.

Suddenly, Fabregas froze.

He saw that the number being substituted was 4!

It was Fabregas's jersey number!

"Damn it!"

At this moment, intense anger surged in Fabregas's heart.

What a lousy substitution!

Clearly, his performance was better than others.

What about Xavi?

Iniesta?

Why was he substituted? To put it bluntly, they still didn't trust him enough.

At crucial moments, these guys still trusted Xavi and Iniesta more.

Alexandre Song also stood on the sidelines somewhat awkwardly.

He saw Fabregas walk over angrily, not bothering to acknowledge him, but directly passing by and yelling at the Head Coach:

"You will pay for this substitution!"

Fabregas roared at Vilanova, then kicked over a nearby water bottle.

The Assistant Coach quickly walked over to console him.

Vilanova, however, gave him a cold glance, then turned to look at the field.

This scene was also captured by the camera.

"Fabregas is very angry; he believes he shouldn't have been substituted. But I'm also a bit puzzled; Fabregas's performance was indeed good. Why not try having Xavi swap positions with him? Perhaps it could have some effect?"

But now it was too late to say anything.

Barcelona had already completed the substitution.

Iniesta moved forward to the left-wing forward position.

Xavi played as a central midfielder.

And Barcelona appeared for the first time with a double defensive midfielder setup.

Busquets + Alexandre Song!

Sukic also noticed Barcelona's change and couldn't help but sigh.

He had pushed Barcelona to a point where they seemed to have run out of options.

Barcelona had always used a single defensive midfielder setup, partly due to Busquets's excellent performance and ability to precisely deliver the ball to Xavi, Iniesta, or Messi in complex situations.

This way, Barcelona didn't need to waste resources again in the defensive midfield position, but instead filled the remaining players into attacking positions.

In the original timeline, Barcelona also played with two defensive midfielders!

But that was much later in the future, even after the MSN forward trio, and only when Busquets's form completely declined did Barcelona reluctantly implement the Busquets + De Jong double defensive midfielder tactic.

After Barcelona made adjustments, the positions in the midfield and attack completely changed.

Midfield: Busquets, Xavi, Alexandre Song.

Forwards: Messi, Pedro, Iniesta.

With Xavi in the central midfield position, Messi could no longer play as a false nine.

When Messi dropped back, his and Xavi's areas would overlap, thus the formation changed.

However, this tactical change was clearly something Barcelona had considered.

Messi and Iniesta played on the wings, providing continuous threats with their sharp dribbling.

Pedro waited for opportunities in the center, and could even support both flanks.

Most importantly, Xavi's position was pushed further forward.

He penetrated deep into enemy territory, standing in a more dangerous position.

Plus, with two defensive midfielders, his defensive workload could be reduced.

Crucially, Alexandre Song took on the defensive duties on the right, directly matching up against Sukic.

At the same time, Busquets was moved to the other side to provide cover.

This change was clearly well-designed.

Of course, replacing Busquets with Fabregas would have been more threatening.

However, in that case, Xavi would have to sacrifice some possession!

But Xavi clearly wasn't willing!

So Barcelona Head Coach Vilanova didn't do it.