Carlo was right.

  From every angle, Real Madrid had no ce.

  In Gao Shen's previous life, Real Madrid had also drawn 0-0 with Arsenal away, only to be knocked out in the round of 16 with an aggregate score of 0-1.

  In the subsequent years, Real Madrid never surpassed the round of 16, earning them the niame "Round of 16 Kings."

  But so what?

  Gao Shen couldn't tell Carlo that he was a traveler gifted with fht, he couldn't reveal his exteactical knowledge, and he couldn't fess that even if he lost the game or was dismissed from Real Madrid, he would persevere at all costs.

  In his previous life, he had been too average, too ordinary.

  Now, he wao shine ahe whole world see his brilliance.

  Seeing Gao Shen's resolute demeanor, Carlo couldn't dissuade him, so he sighed and muttered to himself, "I really don't uand what you young people are thinking."

  Yet, Carlo still chose to support him.

  ...

  When Real Madrid prepared to face the Madrid derby at the Bernabeu, Arsenal also had a local derby in London.

  In the Premier League's 28th round, Arsenal pyed away against Fulham.

  The Gunners' performance was even more dazzling than Real Madrid's. Henry scored twice, Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas each tributed a goal.

  Carlo and Gao Shen watched the match repy in the living room, primarily to dissect Arsenal's current tactical approach.

  In this match, Wenger deployed a 4-4-2 formation.

  Lehmann was in goal, with Fmini, Senderos, Kolo Toure, and Eboue in defehe midfield sisted of Ljungberg, Diaby, Gilberto Silva, and Hleb, while Henry and Adebayor formed the striking duo.

  Adebayor had joined from Mona January for nine million euros. He was tall, strong, and possessed delicate footwork, addressing Arsenal's previous striker deficies.

  While Henry was not a ventional ter-forward, he operated more as a free-roaming attacker.

  Many believed that Henry and Adebayor formed an ideal partnership upfront.

  During the Fulham match, Adebayor paired up with Henry to score three goals.

  However, what caught Gao Shen and Carlo's attention was that all four of Arsenal's goals inated from through passes in midfield, all targeting the left side.

  In the 31st minute, Diaby threaded a through ball to Henry, who shook off Fulham's right-bad volleyed from the edge of the penalty area's left fnk.

  Four mier, Ljungberg sent a through pass towards the left side, evading Fulham's defense. Adebayor tapped the ball into the effortlessly, making it 2-0.

  Ih minute of the sed half, Ljungberg again pyed a through pass to the left fnk. Henry slotted the ball into the far er, sg his sed goal.

  Ih minute, Ljungberg provided ahrough pass. Fmini made a run from the left fnk, returning the ball to Cesc Fabregas, who came on as a substitute. Fabregas fired a low shot from the ter, sealing the score at 4-0.

  All foals stemmed from direct passes, with three directed towards the left side of the penalty area and oowards the byline, where left-back Fmini overpped aurhe ball to the ter.

  While Gao Shen was familiar with Fmini as a defensive midfielder, his versatility now allowed him to py equally adeptly in midfield and as a full-back, bolstering Arsenal's left fnk along with the capable Eboue on the right.

  "sidering this match, Ljungberg will undoubtedly start. His performance was exceptional, and Wenger ot afford to bench him at this point. The question now is whether Wenger will stick with 4-4-2 or switch to 4-2-3-1," Carlo inquired after they analyzed the game.

  Both formations were well-practiced by Arsenal this season, each serving different tactical purposes. The ultimate decision hinged on Wenger's assessment of the game.

  Moreover, if Wenger opted for a 4-4-2, how would he figure the front line? Would it be Henry and Adebayor, or perhaps Reyes alongside Henry? Alternatively, could it involve Bergkamp partnering with Henry?

  If 4-2-3-1 were chosen, would Adebayor remairal while Henry operated wide?

  Different figurations would ate varying tactical styles, refleg the head coach's strategic preferences.

  Wenger, a seasoned manager, boasted an Arsenal squad boastiility, allowing for the seamless blending of diverse tactid pying styles as needed.

  What about Real Madrid?

  The starting lineup was retively predictable.

  Upon taking charge, Gao Shen had marginalized the Brazilian ti and initiated signifit tactical overhauls, a fresh perspective for the csh against Atletiadrid.

  This was merely on a tactical level; what about the pyers?

  "In truth, everyone knows—Ronaldo, Zidane, Carlos, even Raul and Beckham—they remain world-css in terms of skill and game intelligence, but their physical capabilities are no match for Europe's top teams," ented with a despo expression.

  "At this juncture, you've made decisions that many, including myself, have long desired but cked the ce to implement—embrag youth, iing vitality into the team. However, it's insuffit, and your time is limited," he added.

  Gao Shen nodded knowingly.

  Pyer fitness posed a severe issue.

  Real Madrid's defensive frailties were well-doted, but how could they be remedied?

  Presently, emphasis was on collective and zonal defense, ating active participation from every team member.

  Herein y the dilemma—many stars cked the requisite physical prowess, such as Ronaldo, Carlos, and even Zidane.

  Physical fitness derived from daily training sessions, yet Real Madrid's training regimen was subpar.

  Why the deficy?

  The aging superstars.

  Ramping up training iy risked obje from these stars, and even if they seheir advanced age dictated sluggish recovery rates. How could they mawice-weekly fixtures?

  Reduced training iy allowed occasional fshes of brilliance, whereas intensified regimehem depleted.

  Team-wide training levels plummeted, causing even physically adept pyers tress—a vicious cycle.

  Low training standards meant dimiamina and petitiveness.

  Gao Shen refrained from revising the training program—timing wasn't ripe.

  Carlo's critique—time was of the essence—resonated deeply.

  The Premier League, synonymous with high-oe py, physical demands, and rigorous tact, pced Real Madrid at a distinct disadvantage against Arsenal.

  Lag tactical supremad physically imposing pyers, what remained?

  Their first-leg 0-1 home loss nearly sealed Real Madrid's fate.

  As Carlo had stated, only a miracle could salvage their prospects.

  The perti query surfaced—who could orchestrate such a miracle for Real Madrid?

  ...

  ...

  It neared midnight when Gao Sheed Carlo's residence.

  Carlo pledged ongoing assistance; should Gao Shen require aid, he need only ask—a promise he meant to keep.

  Yet, Valdebebas evoked sorrow.

  Pedaling home, Gao Shen's spirits dipped.

  Analysis with Carlo underscored aable defeat against Arsenal.

  Even replig their previous life's nil-nil draw was a endable oute.

  Now, he faced graver odds—his disba of the Brazilian ti had rendered Real Madrid less potent than in his previous tenure.

  Was Arsenal truly uable?

  Cyg homeward, the frigid wind pierced his down jacket, chilling him.

  Gradually, exertion warmed him, sparking ption.

  Days earlier, critics forecast his defeat to Atletico.

  What unfolded?

  A resounding three-goal victory.

  Criticism now dogged him anew.

  Could Real Madrid truly not prevail?

  Unthinkable!

  Impossible!

  His appoi as Real Madrid coach embodied the paramount variable.

  Carlo spoke from experience—valid points, yet experience alone.

  Why would Real Madrid succumb? Why e Ajax, champions against the odds?

  Absence of the Brazilian ti aside, gifted young pyers abounded.

  Arsenal funted prodigies; Wenger's trust reposed in youth—Fmini, Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Eboue, Senderos, Kolo Toure, Diaby, Adebayor.

  Would these prodigies eclipse Real Madrid's young talents?

  Doubtful!

  If Wenger's tyros reached Champions League finals, why not Real Madrid's?

  Resolved, Gao Shen halted his bike, gasping for breath, inhaling the crisp night air.

  Home.

  Epiphany struck.

  Resolve crystallized.

  Desires fervent.

  "He who fervently desires to realize a wish... the universe spires to help."

  Each crafts their destiny—quitters capitute, perseverers endure.

  "Strong desires," pao Shen.

  Deade, he hesitated no longer.

  Diaken earlier at Carlo's, a shower, then bed.

  Yet, into the tactical repository he delved, re-readiez—Liverpool cshes with Arsenal.

  Since 2004, Benitez and Wehree enters, two wins, one loss.

  hy, post-Real Madrid y Arsenal, Liverpool to follow.

  Also, Ferguson's tome—tactical duels with Wenger.

  Against the world's judgment, he'd wage all-out war against Arsenal.

  Oute in the wind.

  With head held high, he'd s.