August 19, Bernabéu Stadium.
The first round of the 2012–2013 La Liga season: Real Madrid hosted Valencia.
After a month of intensive training and tactical integration, Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation for this match.
Casillas was in goal, with Marcelo, Pepe, Ramos, and Arbeloa in defense. The midfield three were David Silva, Mascherano, and Xabi Alonso, while the Trident up front consisted of Hazard, Yang Yang, and Di Maria.
This was Real Madrid's best and most consistent starting lineup over the past month. After several warm-up matches, Hazard had basically earned everyone's recognition, while Azpilicueta sat on the substitutes' bench.
Valencia, meanwhile, had been badly affected, especially in defense. Mathieu had transferred to Barcelona on short notice, and Valencia had not yet had time to bring in reinforcements. As a result, Los Murciélagos had been forced into a hurried response.
From the very start, Real Madrid launched the first attack.
Just over a minute into the match, the entire Real Madrid team pushed forward. As they reached the front third, Yang Yang suddenly appeared on the left wing and raised his hand for the ball.
Marcelo quickly sent a straight pass toward the left side of the penalty area.
With his back to goal near the left touchline, Yang Yang suddenly turned, cut inside horizontally with the ball, shook off his marker, and fired directly with his right foot. His powerful long-range shot flew toward goal, only for Diego Alves to tip it over the crossbar with both hands.
It had not produced a goal, but it had established Real Madrid's momentum and completely set the Bernabéu alight.
Hazard stood outside the penalty area, listening to the deafening cheers. More than eighty thousand Real Madrid supporters were shouting Yang Yang's name, making Hazard feel as if