Bernabéu's Hero

March 10, 8:45 p.m., Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain.

Yang Yang wore Real Madrid's white jersey and stood to the left of the center circle. Facing him was his teammate, Ibrahimovic.

Between them lay the Champions League match ball sponsored by Adidas.

Beyond the Swedish Striker was Robben, while Sneijder stood beside them, toward Real Madrid's half.

Xabi Alonso and Mascherano formed the Double Defensive Midfielders. Behind them were Marcelo, Vermaelen, Ramos, and Arbeloa, with Casillas guarding the goal at the back.

This was Real Madrid's main lineup in recent times.

Almost this exact same lineup had overturned Sevilla 6–1 at this very stadium three days earlier.

The score alone did not convey much. Even Real Madrid's 65.4 percent possession did not seem particularly noteworthy. But in that match, Real Madrid had taken a staggering thirty-five shots, the most they had managed all season.

Even looking back over the past few seasons, their match against Sevilla had featured the highest number of shots.

Thirty-five attempts, eighteen on target, and six goals—that conversion rate was outstanding. It also proved that Real Madrid were operating more and more smoothly, while their organization from midfield to defense was improving as well.

Sneijder had rediscovered his best form and become the team's finest passer. Xabi Alonso handled the buildup, while Mascherano took charge of defense. Real Madrid's midfield had achieved the balance between attack and defense that Benitez had placed such high hopes in.

But if the team's attack had merely been excellent, it would not have been a big deal. Since the winter break, Real Madrid's performances had improved from match to match. In particular, their attacking play had grown fiercer with every recent round. No one in the world would question Real Madrid's firepower.

Yet in the match against Sevilla, what truly showed