Real Madrid

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Real Madrid
Original Name	皇家马德里
Alias(es)	“Galactic Battleship” 114
Location	Madrid, Spain 174
Affiliation	La Liga 174
Occupation/Role	Professional football club
President	Florentino Perez 114
Home Ground	Santiago Bernabeu Stadium 174
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 70

History

Florentino Perez era

Florentino Perez became president in July 2000 after defeating Lorenzo Sanz with 55% of the vote. His campaign centered on the promise to sign Barcelona captain Luis Figo; Figo arrived for a then-world-record $56.1 million. 114

Perez also sold the city-center Deportiva training ground to Madrid’s municipal government for €480 million. The sale cleared the club’s €270 million debt and funded a larger, better-equipped suburban training base. 114

His first presidency built the “Galactic Battleship” through one major superstar acquisition per year:

Year	Signing	Notes
2000	Luis Figo	Signed from Barcelona for $56.1 million. 114
2001	Zinedine Zidane	World Cup and European Championship winner. 114
2002	Ronaldo	Signed as the world-conquering “alien.” 114
2003	David Beckham	Added as the club’s most marketable star. 114
2004	Michael Owen	England forward signed as part of the annual superstar policy. 114

Perez expanded Real Madrid’s commercial identity beyond player trading, using sponsorships, club-branded sportswear, and international franchised stores. His administration promoted the image of Real Madrid as football’s “best, noblest, and richest” club. 114

Despite its wealth and star power, the club repeatedly struggled to match expectations on the pitch. From 2001 to 2013, it changed managers twelve times—including Capello, Mourinho, and Del Bosque—and won the UEFA Champions League only once, in 2001–02. 114

“If I am elected, the first thing I will do is bring Luis Figo to the Santiago Bernabeu.” 114

Early Chen Anno recruitment

Real Madrid began scouting Chen Anno while he was still at Sao Paulo. Its report identified his 30-meter dribbling sprint at 3.85 seconds—only 0.1 seconds slower than Gareth Bale—and highlighted both his appearance and Chinese heritage as commercially compatible with the club’s branding. 23

Florentino instructed sporting director Zinedine Zidane and chief scout Juni Calafat to contact Chen’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro. The club was determined not to repeat its failure to sign Neymar and was especially unwilling to allow Barcelona to acquire another Brazilian prospect. 23 24

The pursuit was initially so aggressive that Real Madrid considered signing Chen even if he required youth-team development, principally to keep him away from Barcelona. 23

Subsequent rebuilding

After failing to sign Chen Anno, Real Madrid shifted its attention to Colombian World Cup standout James Rodriguez, signing him from Monaco for €80 million. 272

In the 2014–15 season, the club suffered a major early crisis after Atletico Madrid defeated it 10–2 on aggregate in the Spanish Super Cup and then won another league derby at the Bernabeu. Rafael Benitez was dismissed less than two months into his tenure, and Zidane was promoted from assistant coach to interim manager. 282 292

In a subsequent summer transfer window, Real Madrid repurchased Alvaro Morata from Juventus for €30 million and finally secured Toni Kroos from Atletico Madrid for €80 million after pursuing him for two years. 433

Kroos’s arrival, together with Casemiro’s return, revitalized the midfield and reduced the burden on Luka Modric to connect every phase of play by himself. 657

James Rodriguez later left on loan for Bayern Munich after becoming frustrated by his situation at Real Madrid. 680

Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract renewal became a major internal issue, as Florentino’s administration demanded a UEFA Champions League title as proof that his requested terms were justified. Ronaldo eventually left for Manchester United, where he resumed scoring Premier League hat-tricks. 476 702

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The Santiago Bernabeu opened on December 14, 1947. It is Real Madrid’s home ground and also serves as a home venue for the Spain national team. 174

Hosted final	Year(s)
UEFA Champions League / European Cup final	1957, 1969, 1980, 2010 174
UEFA European Championship final	1964 174
FIFA World Cup final	1982 174

The Bernabeu is described as the first European stadium to host both the European Championship final and the World Cup final. 174

Supporter culture

• Real Madrid supporters commonly fill the stadium and surrounding streets in white shirts, scarves, and flags while singing “Hala Madrid.” 174 287
• Fans regard the club as Madrid’s sole true representative and view Atletico Madrid as challengers beneath their status. 287
• During tense derbies, supporters have used the Bernabeu atmosphere to pressure opponents, including sustained boos toward Chen Anno after he chose Atletico Madrid. 292 343
• Even amid poor results, supporters continued to attend in force and back the team at home. 287
• Trailing heavily in the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal return leg, more than eighty thousand supporters continued singing “Hala Madrid” in an attempt to drive the team’s comeback. 394

Football

2013–14 tactical profile

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s projected starting shape featured Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Adrián Ramos, and Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Modric, and Isco or Casemiro; plus Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, and Gareth Bale. 174

The side’s defining attacking approach was rapid wing play and counterattacking, with Ronaldo and Bale providing pace on either flank. 174 185

Tactical element	Description
Wing attacks	Real Madrid’s trademark was to advance rapidly down both flanks. 174
Counterattacks	The front three rarely tracked back, allowing the team to commit quickly into space after turnovers. 185
Midfield adaptation	Ancelotti introduced Casemiro for Xabi Alonso to add defensive cover against Chen Anno, freeing Modric to contribute at both ends. 179
Modric’s role	Modric could form a deeper double pivot with Casemiro when defending, then use disguised long passes and outside-of-the-foot deliveries to launch attacks. 179

2014–15 tactical profile

Rafael Benitez initially retained Ancelotti’s 4-3-3, fielding Casillas behind Marcelo, Adrián Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal, Isco, Modric, James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale. 275

Under Zinedine Zidane, the team remained built around the BBC front line—Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo—but became faster and more direct on the counterattack. Modric was given expanded freedom to organize play, while the side could also dominate possession against weaker opponents. 330

A recurring weakness was midfield ball-winning. Against Atletico Madrid, Khedira was often the only dedicated protector available, forcing Pepe and Adrián Ramos to leave the defensive line to assist against Chen Anno. 330

Later Zidane-era tactical profile

With Toni Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro together in midfield, Real Madrid developed a highly controlled possession game. Kroos and Modric acted as metronomes, while Casemiro swept up behind them and protected the side against midfield pressure. 657 660

The team could deliberately slow possession to draw an opponent’s press forward before suddenly accelerating through transitions. In the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, Casemiro was also tasked with following Chen Anno’s movements as far as the center circle. 663

Tactical element	Description
Midfield triangle	Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro combined ball retention, tempo control, defensive coverage, and progressive distribution. 660
Right-sided transition	Modric could launch counters with long passes to Carvajal, whose crosses supplied Cristiano Ronaldo. 660
Tempo variation	Zidane’s side slowed the game to disrupt Liverpool’s high press, then accelerated abruptly into attack. 663
Late attacking adjustment	Zidane replaced Benzema with Isco and shifted to a 4-3-1-2 during the Champions League final. 664

Management

Manager	Documented role and outcome
Carlo Ancelotti	Managed Real Madrid during the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League meetings with Borussia Dortmund; adjusted the midfield by introducing Casemiro and giving Modric greater freedom. 175 179
Rafael Benitez	Began 2014–15 as head coach but endured heavy defeats to Atletico Madrid, including a 3–4 home derby loss. He was dismissed after less than two months. 275 292
Zinedine Zidane	Took over after Benitez’s dismissal, initially as interim manager. His first official match ended in a 5–1 victory, and he later prepared Real Madrid’s attempts to end its derby losing run. Under his later management, Real Madrid reached the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool and relied on the Kroos–Modric–Casemiro midfield triangle to control the match. 292 295 385 660

Transfers and Recruitment

• Early Chen Anno scouting — Real Madrid monitored Chen at Sao Paulo, identifying his elite sprinting, commercial potential, and status as a Brazilian prospect Barcelona also wanted. 23
• Chen Anno pursuit — Florentino tasked Marcelo with building a relationship with Chen Anno during Brazil national-team duty and persuading him to join Real Madrid. 94
• Chen Anno pursuit — Real Madrid offered Borussia Dortmund €90 million and proposed a €7 million annual salary plus a signing bonus of at least that amount. 116
• Chen Anno pursuit — Florentino later considered an offer of €110 million plus a €10 million signing bonus, partly valuing Chen Anno’s Chinese commercial potential. 115
• Chen Anno pursuit — Chen rejected Real Madrid’s initial approach and signed a new Borussia Dortmund contract despite the club’s €110 million bid. 143
• Chen Anno pursuit — Chen initially agreed to join Real Madrid after the World Cup final, but halted negotiations following the Lorenzo Sanz incident and ultimately completed his transfer with Atletico Madrid instead. 253 265 268 412
• James Rodriguez — Signed from Monaco for €80 million after Real Madrid failed to secure Chen Anno. 272
• Toni Kroos — After two years of pursuit, Real Madrid signed Kroos from Atletico Madrid for €80 million. 433
• Alvaro Morata — Repurchased from Juventus for €30 million. 433
• James Rodriguez — Loaned to Bayern Munich after becoming frustrated by his limited situation at Real Madrid. 680

Rivalries and Major Arcs

Borussia Dortmund confrontation

Real Madrid drew Borussia Dortmund in the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after eliminating Schalke 04 9–2 on aggregate. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in each leg against Schalke and reached thirteen goals in the competition. 173

In the first quarterfinal leg at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid drew 3–3 with Dortmund. Ancelotti’s side relied on sustained pressure, wide attacks, and midfield adjustments to contain Chen Anno. 175 179 181

Bale opened the scoring after racing beyond Dortmund’s high line, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid sought to seize control. Chen answered with a long-range goal, and Dortmund ultimately equalized in stoppage time at 92 minutes and 48 seconds. 177 179 180 186

Chen Anno transfer rejection

Real Madrid’s pursuit of Chen Anno created the expectation among many supporters that he would join the club. His decision to sign for Atletico Madrid instead was treated by Madridistas as a personal betrayal. 116 267

The move intensified hostility between Chen Anno and Real Madrid supporters, who considered Atletico an inferior rival and resented his rejection of the club’s offer. 267 292

2014 Spanish Super Cup defeat

Real Madrid lost the first leg of the 2014 Spanish Super Cup 2–6 at the Bernabeu. Chen Anno scored four goals, while Pepe was sent off after a reckless tackle. 280 282

Atletico then won the second leg 4–0, completing a 10–2 aggregate victory. Real Madrid’s supporters turned on Benitez and the team, while the club faced further scrutiny over Pepe’s foul. 282

Pepe later received an additional five-match league ban and a €100,000 fine, while the Spanish Football Federation issued Real Madrid a warning to improve its control of malicious fouls. 283

Early-season league derby crisis

In the third Madrid Derby of the season, Real Madrid lost 3–4 at home to Atletico Madrid. Chen Anno scored four goals after Gareth Bale had equalized at 3–3, making Chen Anno’s tally eight goals in two Bernabeu matches. 291 292

The defeat led directly to Benitez’s dismissal. Zidane was appointed in his place amid mixed media and fan reactions. 292

Copa del Rey pursuit of revenge

By the Copa del Rey Round of 16, Real Madrid had lost its previous three meetings with Atletico Madrid and treated the tie as a matter of club pride. 324 329

Zidane’s 4-3-3 used Modric, Khedira, and James Rodriguez behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, and Bale. The side remained dangerous in transition but continued to struggle with Atletico’s midfield pressure and Chen Anno’s dribbling. 328 330

Atletico won the first leg 5–2, with Chen Anno scoring a hat-trick despite Real Madrid’s attempts to use Khedira, Pepe, and Adrián Ramos to contain him. 330 331 332

After another derby defeat, Real Madrid had lost five consecutive matches to Atletico Madrid. Florentino personally addressed the squad before their next meeting, demanding a victory to restore the club’s dignity. 364

UEFA Champions League quarterfinal defeat

Real Madrid entered the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals seeking to end a six-match losing streak against Atletico Madrid. Zidane emphasized a plan centered on containing Chen Anno and countering Atletico’s high press and rapid transitions. 385 364

Atletico won the first leg 4–1 at the Calderon. Chen Anno scored twice, including a solo run past five Real Madrid players, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late goal. 389 390 391

In the return leg at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid began 1–4 down on aggregate and fielded its strongest attack. Chen Anno scored twice as Atletico advanced 6–3 on aggregate. 394

Later all-Madrid UEFA Champions League final

In a later UEFA Champions League final at San Siro, Real Madrid opened the scoring through Adrián Ramos after a Modric corner was flicked on by Gareth Bale. Atletico Madrid equalized through Chen Anno and won 2–1 in extra time when Godin headed in Toni Kroos’s corner. 430

UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool

In the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, Real Madrid settled after an early Liverpool press and opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Cristiano Ronaldo’s header from Carvajal’s cross, supplied by Modric. 660

Liverpool later led before Casemiro equalized from long range in the 61st minute. Cristiano Ronaldo then scored his second goal in the 73rd minute from Modric’s heel-pass assist, putting Real Madrid 3–2 ahead at that stage of the match. 664

Relationships

• Florentino Perez — President whose commercial strategy, star-signing policy, and demand for elite results define the club’s direction. 114 364
• Zinedine Zidane — Former Galactico signing who became manager after Rafael Benitez’s dismissal. 114 292
• Cristiano Ronaldo — Central attacking star and the player expected to lead Real Madrid’s challenge against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Chen Anno. He remained decisive in later UEFA Champions League matches, including a two-goal performance against Liverpool in the final. His difficult renewal talks with Florentino’s administration eventually preceded his move to Manchester United. 114 330 476 664 702
• Toni Kroos — Initially a player Real Madrid failed to sign before he joined Atletico Madrid, Kroos was later acquired for €80 million and became a central component of the club’s midfield control alongside Modric and Casemiro. 277 433 660
• Casemiro — Defensive midfielder whose return strengthened Real Madrid’s midfield balance and enabled Modric and Kroos to dictate play more freely. 657 660
• Atletico Madrid — Bitter city rival; Atletico’s repeated derby victories caused major pressure on Real Madrid’s coaches, players, supporters, and president. 282 364 394
• Borussia Dortmund — UEFA Champions League quarterfinal opponent in 2013–14; the previous season’s defeat remained a source of revenge motivation for Real Madrid supporters. 174
• Liverpool — UEFA Champions League final opponent whose high press was met by Real Madrid’s experienced midfield control and tempo changes. 660 663
• Chen Anno — Targeted by Real Madrid before joining Atletico Madrid; became the club’s most feared derby opponent. After scoring in the Champions League quarterfinal return leg, he signaled “21” toward the Bernabeu crowd to represent his goal tally against Real Madrid that season at that point. 116 394
• Sergio Ramos — Real Madrid defender who attempted to pull Chen Anno down during the UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool, prompting a direct confrontation after Chen avoided injury. 663

Trivia

• Real Madrid’s €101 million signing of Gareth Bale is presented as the transfer that officially began football’s hundred-million-euro era. 143
• The club’s supporters call the Bernabeu a “white temple” and see it as a symbol of Real Madrid’s status in Madrid. 287 394
• Florentino’s 2000 Figo pledge included a promise to personally buy season tickets for every club member if he failed. 114
• Chen Anno’s eight goals across two matches at the Santiago Bernabeu made his name one that Real Madrid supporters particularly hated and feared. 292
• Chen became the first Atletico Madrid player to score a hat-trick at the Santiago Bernabeu during the 2014 Spanish Super Cup first leg. 278