Although this was Real Madrid's third consecutive year traveling to Japan for the FIFA Club World Cup, the most powerful team in the world was still enthusiastically welcomed by Japanese fans. As a Chinese player, Yang Yang was the most popular member of Real Madrid.
After the team arrived in Tokyo, they were met with fervent support from Japanese fans wherever they went. People seeking autographs and photographs came in an endless stream, while Yang Yang repeatedly made the front pages of Japan's authoritative media outlets.
Yang Yang Storm swept across Japan!
This was the phrase most frequently used by the Japanese media. After Yang Yang arrived in Japan, he was practically worshiped by Japanese fans. Many Japanese people even found it difficult to understand why their countrymen were so enthusiastic about a Chinese player.
In the end, they reached the conclusion that Yang Yang sparked a storm wherever he went—not only in Japan, but practically everywhere in the world—and received the passionate support of fans across the globe.
Because the Japanese fans were so enthusiastic, Real Madrid had no choice but to cancel the players' planned outings. This caused considerable resentment within the club, since they could only stay in the hotel throughout their time in Japan.
On the evening of December 13, the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal was held.
Real Madrid faced North and Central American champions Monterrey at Yokohama International Stadium in Japan.
Sixteen minutes into the match, Yang Yang calmly struck the ball into the net from near the penalty spot.
Just fifteen seconds after the second half began, Hazard dribbled past his man to the byline and cut the ball back. After making a slight adjustment, Yang Yang fired another shot, and the ball flew into the net. Two-nil.
Two minutes later, Yang