Starting With Real Madrid

The free-kick was awarded on the right side of the top of the arc, about 20 meters away from the goal.

Beckham was familiar with this position.

Even three years had passed, but he still vividly remembered that night at Old Trafford.

That was the last time he played in the Champions League for Manchester United against Real Madrid.

He even clearly remembered the date: April 23, 2003.

At that time, the game was in the 71st minute, and he had just come off the bench for less than ten minutes.

The position of that free kick was almost identical to the position Real Madrid had now.

He wondered, was this a reincarnation of fate?

...

Back then, it was just two months after the Flying Boots incident, and his relationship with Ferguson, whom he once regarded as a father, had dropped to freezing point.

The whole world was saying he would move to Real Madrid.

It was the second round of the Champions League quarter-finals. The first round was at the Bernabeu, and Manchester United had lost 3-1.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United were tenacious. Real Madrid's superstars were exceptionally brave. Manchester United came from behind twice to equalize twice, but Ronaldo still scored the third goal and completed a hat-trick.

Beckham was ordered to replace the sluggish Veron.

Eight minutes later, Manchester United won a free kick in a similar position, about 20 meters from the goal.

Beckham did his part and stood at the penalty spot.

He channeled all the accusations from Ferguson, the resentment from the Flying Boots incident, and all the pressure from media and fans regarding the transfer rumors into that kick.

In that game, Beckham came off the bench to score twice, becoming Manchester United's best player. They reversed Real Madrid 4-3 but still lost on aggregate and were eliminated.

Two months later, Beckham moved to Real Madrid.

For three years, he had been trying to prove to everyone that his decision was right.

He wanted to prove to Ferguson, to Manchester United, to the British media, to all British fans, to the world, that he was right!

Marrying Victoria! Off-field business operations! Leaving Manchester United and moving to Real Madrid!

But unfortunately, since he joined, Real Madrid's lineup had completely lost its balance.

Many said he brought a curse with him because since his arrival, Real Madrid hadn't won any major titles.

Beckham refused to accept that. He tried and fought, but it was useless.

He fell at the door of the championship time and time again, suffering countless abuses and ridicule.

But in his heart, he never gave in!

That red card in 1998 made him the public enemy of England, but he didn't give in.

This time, he wouldn't either.

The emergence of Gao Shen was like a light in the darkness, illuminating Beckham's life.

Gao Shen was young but always confident, able to convince Beckham and lead the team to victory.

Although many criticized Gao Shen's conservatism, those inside Real Madrid knew he was right.

Why get scolded for being right?

Real Madrid's players were full of energy, fueled by external questioning, ridicule, and sarcasm. The dressing room was filled with fighting spirit.

Gao Shen led the team, hitting everyone in the face with one victory after another.

Finally, Real Madrid caught up with Barcelona in the league.

Finally, Real Madrid stood at the door of the Champions League final once more.

Finally, Beckham stood at this familiar penalty spot again.

He seemed to be back three years ago.

...

No one knew what Beckham was thinking as he stood in front of the penalty spot, head up, eyes closed.

Gao Shen didn't know either, but he guessed it must be very emotional.

Before crossing, Gao Shen had personally experienced Beckham helping Real Madrid win the championship in 2007. He followed every game and watched them, feeling Beckham's determination through the TV screen.

Since this time, he felt it even more deeply.

Not just Beckham, but the entire Real Madrid team showed a tenacious and unyielding spirit.

This was the key to reconciling the local and Brazilian factions.

They all had one common goal: a championship!

Standing on the sidelines, watching Beckham raise his head and close his eyes, Gao Shen suddenly had a strong premonition.

They would score!

AC Milan felt the threat too. They had five men in the wall, and goalkeeper Dida was commanding his defense as if facing a formidable enemy.

The entire Bernabeu stadium fell silent, everyone waiting for the moment of explosion.

Gao Shen, gritting his teeth and clenching his fists, waited anxiously.

He heard the crisp whistle from the referee Sars, and Beckham slowly ran forward.

AC Milan's wall jumped high, but Beckham bent his bow and kicked a full moon scimitar.

The ball flew over the wall with such speed it was indistinguishable to the naked eye.

When Gao Shen looked again, it had entered AC Milan's goal.

At that moment, Gao Shen felt an uncontrollable surge of energy, and he roared, his whole body bursting with excitement.

On the pitch, Real Madrid's players rushed to the sidelines, chasing Beckham.

The entire Bernabeu turned into a vast ocean of celebration.

...

"One to zero!"

"In the 23rd minute, Real Madrid took the lead with a goal against AC Milan."

"It was a direct free kick from Beckham, a wonderful scimitar."

"Real Madrid have been very proactive since the start, pressing AC Milan hard. The Rossoneri seem uncomfortable and unable to keep up with Real Madrid's rhythm."

"Now, we look forward to seeing if Real Madrid can take down AC Milan at home tonight."

The live TV footage gave a close-up of Beckham celebrating with his teammates.

After the celebration, Beckham walked back to the field, turning to the home team's bench to high-five Gao Shen.

"From their interaction, we can see Gao Shen is indeed supported by the Real Madrid superstars."

"It's unbelievable because just a month and a half ago, when Gao Shen started coaching Real Madrid, he was at odds with these superstars. Now, they are willing to play for him."

The live footage switched to Gao Shen.

"This is Real Madrid's coach, Gao Shen, only 25 years old, the youngest coach in Champions League history."

"Every step he takes now is making Champions League history."

"This mysterious Chinese coach is hailed by some as a genius in coaching."

...

After conceding, AC Milan tried to press forward, but Real Madrid, instead of being cautious, continued their high-intensity pressing.

Stimulated by the goal, Real Madrid's players exerted even more effort.

More importantly, Real Madrid's pressing was a team effort.

No matter which side AC Milan had the ball on, the nearest Real Madrid player would rush immediately, with others forming a tight pressure around the ball, making it difficult for AC Milan to play their game.

Especially since AC Milan's midfield and backline preferred gradual advancement, making it even harder.

Real Madrid's stars weren't the fastest, but AC Milan was slower, except for Kaka, of course.

But the Brazilian was held back tonight by Gravesen and De La Red, while Pirlo was kept in check by Zidane, containing AC Milan's most threatening points.

The Rossoneri had no choice but to play sideways.

With Cafu replaced by Stam, Serginho took on the role of advancing the ball more.

But in the 27th minute, only four minutes after the last goal, Serginho was tackled by Beckham as he tried to break through.

After the ball was taken, Serginho counterattacked immediately, but Beckham passed to Zidane in the frontcourt.

Zidane turned defense into attack, receiving the pass from Beckham, and got rid of Pirlo, dribbling to the left of the top of the arc.

Ronaldo ran over, received Zidane's pass on the left side of the top of the arc, stopped, and pushed.

Zidane passed and moved behind Gattuso. Receiving the knockback from Ronaldo, Zidane blocked Gattuso with his body and, before Stam could react, sent a through pass.

The ball slid to the left side of the penalty area behind Stam.

Raul rushed in, stopped with his left foot, and pushed with his right.

The whole world knew Real Madrid's captain had a golden left foot, so Dida covered the near post. But Raul, prepared, stopped with his left and shot with his right.

The ball slid past Dida, hitting the inside side net of the right goal.

Two to zero!

The entire Bernabeu erupted!

In less than five minutes, Real Madrid scored twice!

God, is this a joke?

Real Madrid fans cheered heartily, some crying with joy.

The storm of goals they longed for was finally here!

From the start, Real Madrid had played aggressively against AC Milan.

The live broadcast showed Gao Shen on the sidelines, jumping, raising his arms, shouting, and raising his fists in triumph.

"This is the offensive football you want!"

Previously, media and fans criticized his coaching style, finding it unattractive.

Tonight, at the Bernabeu, against AC Milan, Gao Shen let loose, playing exhilarating offensive football.

Real Madrid, like tigers unleashed, were unstoppable, suppressing AC Milan with no chance for the Rossoneri to fight back.

Two wonderful goals were the best proof!