Since the Asian Cup was scheduled for January 2015, all of the China National Team's recent warm-up matches had been arranged around it. But because stars such as Yang Yang would not participate in the Asian Cup, the National Team temporarily had no duties.
By mid-October, when the other players had all returned to serve the National Team, Yang Yang continued holding the fort at Valdebebas. He maintained two training sessions every day, keeping himself in form and adjusting his physical condition.
Ramos was another unfortunate player still holding the fort at Valdebebas. However, he had not been left out of the Spain National Team; he was injured, which prevented him from participating in the National Team matches and forced him to remain behind for observation and treatment.
The two men had different mindsets, but they kept each other company. In a way, they were sharing the hardship.
After finally enduring two weeks, the internationals gradually returned, and La Liga burst back into life.
On the afternoon of October 18, in the eighth round of La Liga, Real Madrid visited Levante.
Real Madrid lined up in a 4-3-3 Formation, with Jesé and James Rodríguez joining Yang Yang in the Trident up front.
Just over a minute into the match, Modrić won the ball in midfield and immediately launched a counterattack. After shaking off an interception from a Levante midfielder, he drove forward at speed before suddenly sending a low, long pass straight to Yang Yang's feet.
Yang Yang beat the offside trap, brought the ball forward, and quickly stormed into the box. Despite interference from the defender on the right, he calmly struck with his left foot against the goalkeeper and sent the ball straight into the near corner.
One-nil!
Just over a minute later, Yang Yang drifted toward