At noon on March 10, Real Madrid traveled to face Eibar in round twenty-eight of La Liga.
Although the team rotated its lineup, Yang Yang volunteered to start and scored a brace, helping Real Madrid beat Eibar 2–1 away from home and claim another three points.
After this match, Real Madrid finally had a chance to rest and catch their breath in midweek, their first such opportunity in nearly eighty days.
The next morning, after recovery training, the team announced a day off.
The news lifted spirits throughout Real Madrid.
For more than three months since the winter break, Real Madrid had not had a single day off. Every player had been on edge, fully committed to preparations and matches, leaving them utterly exhausted both mentally and physically.
With the rare luxury of just one match that week, Yang Yang and Zidane arranged two days off. But with the league entering its final stretch, they had to manage the players' form, so the two days had to be spaced apart.
The players understood and were still delighted.
Taking advantage of the break, Yang Yang made a special trip to Amsterdam.
It was rare for Yang Yang to find the time, and Van Gaal, Van der Sar, and the others were delighted to see him.
Ajax's situation had not improved after the managerial change.
Reiziger had largely continued the approach previously used by Yang Yang and Kezier, insisting on attacking down the left. But opponents could easily neutralize that style, especially once they gradually figured out the team's approach.
That was how professional league football worked. One trick could only take a team so far. Only a sufficiently varied tactical and technical repertoire could provide enough ways to beat opponents.
After twenty-seven rounds of the Eredivisie, Ajax sat second with