Yang Yang's goal had not only helped Real Madrid equalize the score, but had also further steadied the team's morale.
After that, Real Madrid continued to apply a High Press against Barcelona, constantly suppressing Barcelona's midfield while launching wave after wave of attacks down Barcelona's left flank and continuously wearing down their midfield—especially Xavi.
Although this tactic was indeed too cruel for a thirty-four-year-old veteran, that was football.
From the moment Louis Enrique sent Xavi onto the pitch, it had been destined that Xavi would become Barcelona's weak link.
Barcelona's midfield lacked impact. Although they also adopted a high press and could win the ball back, it was difficult for them to launch quick counterattacks. More often than not, once they entered Real Madrid's thirty-meter area, Real Madrid would win the ball back instead.
In the twenty-fourth minute, Isco lost possession while dribbling forward. Barcelona tried to launch a quick counterattack, but when the ball reached the edge of Real Madrid's penalty area, Toni Kroos and Modrić blocked it together. Barcelona were forced to switch play to the right to find Messi, but Marcelo got there first and cleared the ball straight out.
Ramos rushed out of the penalty area at once and headed the ball toward Isco.
This time, Isco had learned his lesson. He did not hold onto the ball or keep dribbling, but sent it straight over the halfway line with one touch.
Yang Yang controlled the ball along the left touchline and quickly charged forward.
"Real Madrid have launched a quick counterattack."
"Yang Yang is carrying the ball down the left flank, and he looks extremely comfortable. He's very fast, while Alves is staying alongside him and waiting for an opportunity."
"Now he's reached the edge of the penalty area. Yang Yang is still one-on-one, but