Angels and Devils (Seeking Collection, Seeking Recommendation)

The Real Madrid players were left somewhat dazed; having conceded three goals in the first half, and to a mere 19-year-old at that, left the club looking rather embarrassed.

In the final five minutes of the first half, Real Madrid launched a frantic offensive against the Barcelona goal.

However, having already netted three, the seasoned Barca side knew Real Madrid would be desperate to claw back the deficit before the break. Once the celebrations concluded, Messi instructed everyone to shift into a full defensive formation.

Real Madrid's tidal wave of attacks crashed against Barcelona's defense, which stood as immovable as a reef, unable to advance a single step.

After Karim Benzema sent a long-range shot from thirty-five meters out flying into the stands, the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the first half.

The first half concluded.

Barcelona headed into the locker room with a 0:3 lead over Real Madrid, thanks to a hat-trick from their superstar prospect, Li Mingyu.

Though the Barcelona locker room was small, it had become an ocean of joy.

Every player greeted Li Mingyu with great excitement, though their methods were limited to ruffling his hair and patting his back; Li Mingyu remained so vigilant that those attempting to kick his backside had to sheepishly retract their feet.

Koeman walked in with a beaming smile, but upon seeing the jubilant atmosphere, he reined in his expression, cleared his throat, and said, "Gentlemen, now is not the time for celebration. We are at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium; do not let your guard down. I trust Real Madrid will unify their strategy during the break. Everyone, the second half is where the real battle begins."

The Barca players in the locker room fell silent. Given the team's recent winning streak, Koeman's authority had grown daily, and the squad had become very obedient in his presence.

Satisfied with their reaction, Koeman looked at Li Mingyu with indescribable joy and said, "Li, your performance in the first half was outstanding!"

Gone was the dominance Li Mingyu displayed on the pitch; he simply grinned and rubbed his hair.

However, Koeman's expression shifted as he asked, "But, how much longer can your stamina hold out?"

Li Mingyu wanted to thump his chest and claim he could take on ten men—no, that he could play the full match—but everyone knew his previous fitness levels. If he suddenly displayed the stamina to play ninety minutes, it would only invite unnecessary trouble.

After a moment's thought, Li Mingyu nodded and said, "Coach, I believe I can hold on for at least another 30 minutes."

Koeman nodded, clearly satisfied, and said, "Very good. I want you to continue applying pressure to the Real Madrid backline in the second half so they won't dare to push up so easily!"

Looking at the group, Koeman continued, "We are adjusting our tactics for the second half. The focus will be on defense. Real Madrid will surely press high in the opening ten minutes to close the gap quickly. I need our backline to hold firm and ensure they don't get the ball through easily."

"Griezmann, Messi, you two must increase the intensity of your interceptions in midfield. Busquets, focus on protecting the area around the arc of the penalty box. Pique, you must take charge of the backline—do not let there be any lack of coordination!"

Finally, Koeman looked at Li Mingyu with hopeful eyes and said, "Your task for the second half is to attack. Even if they break through your side, don't worry about it. As long as you stand firm in midfield, you will at least keep the Real Madrid defense from daring to cross the halfway line!"

Li Mingyu nodded solemnly and replied, "Coach, you can count on me!"

With those instructions, Koeman and his assistant coaches left the locker room, leaving the players to discuss amongst themselves.

Meanwhile, in the Real Madrid home locker room.

It was ten thousand times more luxurious than the visitors' quarters.

Each player had an individual locker adorned with a large poster of themselves wearing the white Real Madrid home kit, looking as dashing as the wind.

Yet, the atmosphere inside was stifling.

No one is happy when they concede three goals in the first half on their own home turf.

Zidane was nowhere to be seen; he was just outside the entrance, discussing second-half tactics with his assistant coaches.

The heavy silence was broken by Karim Benzema.

As the only reliable attacker left in the squad since Cristiano Ronaldo departed, Benzema threw his shin guards down in anger and spat, "Are you not ashamed? Being broken down and scored on by a 19-year-old kid—how many more goals do you intend to let in?"

Benzema's words were clearly aimed at the defenders.

Although Benzema was a prolific scorer with seniority, Real Madrid was a team rife with factions.

As soon as Benzema spoke, the defender Vazquez retorted with a sneer, "You talk a big game, but you didn't score in the first half either. You had so many chances—did you capitalize on any of them? You were either dispossessed or sent the ball into the stands. You have no right to lecture us!"

Benzema glared and snapped, "Are you expecting me to take the fall for your defensive blunders? I didn't score? I'll score in the second half, eventually. Can you even say you'll be able to stop that Chinese kid?"

Ramos, who had been silent until now, said coldly, "Benzema, do your own job. The backline is none of your concern!"

Benzema faltered; he dared to challenge Vazquez, but he would never dare to provoke Ramos.

Ramos was not only the captain of Real Madrid but also the most senior veteran in the squad; no one dared to offend him.

Benzema pursed his lips and turned away, saying nothing more.

Ramos looked at his fellow defenders and said in a deep voice, "Our defensive work in the first half was indeed subpar. We didn't give Li enough respect, which is why he found his opportunities. I want everyone to sharpen up in the second half and not give this kid another chance to break through!"

A hint of malice crossed Ramos's face as he added, "If he dares to be that arrogant again, I wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson he won't soon forget."

A chill ran through the Real Madrid players.

Ramos: a combination of angel and devil.

To Real Madrid, he was an angel.

But to every other team, he was more terrifying than a devil.