Starting as a Defensive Midfielder at Real Madrid

Chapter 21: Mourinho's Real Madrid Sets Sail

Li Ang had no idea that Mourinho was placing such high expectations on this newly formed midfield trio.

His goals were still practical and grounded—all he wanted was a solid performance in his first Champions League match.

If Real Madrid could win, that would be the best outcome. He was eager to unlock the Champions League victory reward pack, and more importantly, see how many system points a UCL win would net him.

As long as they won, he'd be satisfied. Whether it was a narrow win or a blowout would depend on whether the forwards were wearing their scoring boots tonight.

And if they didn't win...

Well, Li Ang preferred not to think about that possibility.

After all, this Ajax side had long fallen from its former European dominance. They hadn't been the same since their heyday.

While Real Madrid had been mocked in recent years as the "Round of 16 Kings," at least they were still regular participants in the Champions League.

Ajax, on the other hand, hadn't played in the group stage for four straight seasons.

The last time Ajax featured in the Champions League proper was the 2005–06 season, when they reached the Round of 16 before being knocked out by Mancini's Inter Milan.

That squad had since been dismantled. Most of their key players were long gone.

In other words, Real Madrid—with all its experience—was facing a team that was essentially new to the Champions League.

If they couldn't win this opener, forget the fans rioting—even the players might not forgive themselves.

So, Li Ang felt no pressure. If the sky fell, he had taller teammates to hold it up. He wasn't going to stress over facing a few Eredivisie players.

Still, while Li Ang was calm, his midfield partner Xabi Alonso was taking extra care of him in the early minutes of the match.

He limited the number of passes to Li Ang, stayed close to help him defend, and called Khedira over to assist in distributing the ball under Ajax's pressure.

Alonso, ever the teacher, was being as supportive as possible. Mourinho had no complaints about starting off cautiously.

And when he saw that Li Ang remained steady—no signs of nerves, no unforced errors—Mourinho relaxed and gave a satisfied nod.

He hadn't blindly trusted Li Ang. The media had raised valid concerns about the pressure of a Champions League debut.

Mourinho had prepared a backup plan. If Li Ang flopped, he'd drop Khedira deeper and use a three-man midfield to stabilize the defense.

If that didn't work, he'd have Gago or the backup attacking midfielder warm up.

But now?

That backup plan wasn't needed at all.

Li Ang's calm and reliable performance reassured Mourinho, Karanka, and the rest of the team.

Alonso gradually handed off more defensive responsibility to Li Ang, freeing himself to focus on ball distribution and picking out forward passes.

Marcelo pushed up with more confidence.

Carvalho became bolder organizing the backline—even newly returned Pepe, watching from nearby, clicked his tongue in admiration.

Pepe hadn't played with Li Ang in a competitive match before. But seeing how much trust the team had in him, he too began to feel at ease.

And the happiest guy on the pitch?

Khedira.

The man's week had been a rollercoaster.

After being subbed off at halftime in the last league match, and watching Li Ang perform impressively, Khedira had seriously considered changing his playing style.

Then came Mourinho's experimental scrimmage.

Khedira had been reborn.

He didn't have to constantly worry about his defensive positioning anymore. He could focus on what he loved most—making forward runs—and know someone had his back.

It was glorious.

Charging up the midfield with the ball at his feet, Khedira felt like he was back in Stuttgart again.

Mourinho had told him to cover more ground and be careful with his shot selection.

He wasn't bothered.

After being benched and humbled, Khedira now fully accepted the tactical demands Mourinho placed on him.

And in this new system, free of defensive shackles and eager to prove himself, Khedira began to shine.

His dribbling wasn't top-tier, his passing wasn't elite, and his shooting was suspect—but he didn't take wild shots anymore.

Most importantly, his stamina was outstanding.

He could be everywhere. He could set the tempo. He could support anyone who needed it.

His technical limitations didn't matter.

Real Madrid's front line was full of technical wizards. They didn't need Khedira to weave through defenders.

He just needed to connect plays and support the strikers.

And on defense?

His large-area pressing and coverage slowed down Ajax's counters significantly.

No, he wasn't a great tackler. His recovery speed wasn't impressive either. Just a week ago, that would've been a fatal flaw.

But now?

He had Li Ang and Alonso behind him.

Khedira was the first layer of Real Madrid's midfield filter.

If he could intercept early, great. If not—no big deal.

Li Ang would follow up with aggressive tackles and recovery sprints.

Alonso would fill any gaps that remained.

Together, the three formed a clear, effective, and ruthless "midfield meat grinder."

That's why Li Ang had joked before that they should call themselves the "Ironclad Trio."

Were they tough?

Absolutely.

Among all of Europe's elite clubs, once this trio hit full stride, their defensive capabilities would be terrifying.

Layered structure. Physical dominance. Mobility. Ground tackles. Aerial duels.

Everything was there.

They weren't flashy in attack, but with Alonso's surgical long balls, Real Madrid could still counterattack with deadly efficiency.

What would happen when they faced Barcelona's midfield? That was a problem for another day.

Tonight, Ajax barely lasted 30 minutes before breaking down.

This Real Madrid midfield?

Khedira crashing forward, Alonso pinging passes, Li Ang anchoring from behind…

Add in the blistering pace and technique of Cristiano Ronaldo and Di María on the wings?

Ajax's defense was in total disarray.

And whenever Ajax finally managed a counter?

They had to first break through Khedira's high-octane pressing, and then deal with the brick wall of Li Ang and Alonso.

Li Ang, in particular, was driving them mad.

Nineteen years old. Built like a tank. No hesitation, no mercy.

He out-jumped, out-muscled, and out-tackled them at every turn.

And the worst part?

He didn't care about the pain.

In the first 30 minutes alone, Li Ang recorded four successful one-on-one tackles—sending Ajax's midfielders into total despair.

Their counterattacks dried up.

Real Madrid seized control.

And though fans expected Ronaldo or Di María to score first, the opening goal came from a different source.

Higuaín.

After "charging up" for 36 minutes, he finally broke the deadlock with a brilliantly timed off-the-ball run, finishing a perfect through ball from Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo's through pass! Beautiful run by Higuaín—he's one-on-one with the keeper—chips it! GOOOAAALLL!!!

Thirty-six minutes into the first half, Real Madrid finally cracks Ajax's defense!

This new-look Madrid team is simply stunning!"

Commentator Jian Jun could hardly contain his excitement.

This Real Madrid—stronger, more balanced, more reassuring—was starting to show its full potential.

And Li Ang? He was at the heart of it all.

He smiled, high-fived Khedira and Alonso, and once again found himself in the spotlight of the broadcast camera.

No longer just a promising youth.

He now stood beside an in-form Xabi Alonso, an unleashed Khedira, and together they formed a formidable, ironclad midfield.

For Mourinho, this might just be the final piece of the puzzle.

Looking at him and Karanka celebrating together on the sideline, every Real Madrid fan watching had the same thought:

"This is it. Mourinho's Madrid… has officially set sail."

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