Starting With Real Madrid

Napoli's Italian striker Pelle vividly remembered what had happened earlier that morning. After the team meeting, head coach Gao Shen, as usual, had called the players to his office one by one for a candid conversation.

This was nothing new. It was a tradition in the Napoli camp, a daily practice that all the players had become accustomed to.

Sometimes, these talks were just casual check-ins. Gao Shen would ask how they were doing, inquire about their families, and even discuss personal matters.

When Cavani had encountered relationship troubles, Gao Shen had immediately granted him three days off to sort out the issue. Another time, when Hamsik was robbed in the center of Naples, with the thieves smashing his car window and taking his backpack, Gao Shen intervened. The bag didn't contain anything valuable, but Hamsik had been upset.

Gao Shen had not only pressured the local police to expedite their investigation but had also made public statements and tweets, urging the return of Hamsik's belongings. Three days later, the stolen backpack was mysteriously left at the gates of the San Paolo Stadium security office—with all its contents intact, even the cash.

The story had made headlines, and Gao Shen had publicly "thanked" the thief on social media, jokingly expressing his gratitude.

Whether it was finding housing, sorting out children's education, or handling other personal problems, Gao Shen was always willing to help his players. When needed, he'd ask captain Montervino or Cannavaro Jr. to lend a hand.

This unwavering support earned him immense respect in the locker room. The players trusted him completely and wouldn't hesitate to approach him with any issue.

Critics might argue that Gao Shen was meddling or overly involved in his players' personal lives, but to his players, it was evidence of his charisma and dedication.

Combined with his tactical brilliance on the field, Gao Shen's genuine care for his players gave him unparalleled authority in the Napoli dressing room.

When Gao Shen spoke, the players listened.

Many wondered why Napoli was so stable, even with intense internal competition and constant squad rotations, while other teams fell apart under similar circumstances.

Pelle believed the answer was simple, this was why.

…

Earlier in the morning, Gao Shen had met with a few players individually.

Lichtsteiner had gone in before Pelle.

At the time, Pelle hadn't thought much of it. But when the game began, he realized Gao Shen's meticulous planning wasn't random.

The head coach had clearly anticipated that he might need to substitute Lichtsteiner with Maggio during the match. Gao Shen had prepared Lichtsteiner in advance, explaining the situation and earning his understanding.

The same action, if done on the spot without warning, might have caused resentment or misunderstanding.

This foresight made all the difference.

When Pelle was called into Gao Shen's office, he received a similar heads-up.

"If necessary, I might let you and Cavani play together," Gao Shen had told him.

"You know, Graziano, I've always believed you're a player with a great sense of team spirit. You're the type of center forward every team needs. You're selfless, always willing to prioritize the team over yourself, and that's something I deeply admire about you."

Gao Shen had praised Pelle's strengths and even discussed specific details of his partnership with Cavani.

"I'm not the type of coach who only values goals," Gao Shen said. "What I care about most is the team's overall performance. But on a team, everyone has their role to play. When the time comes, I'll need you to create opportunities for Cavani and your teammates. That's your strength, and you excel at it."

There was something about Gao Shen's words that made Pelle feel deeply appreciated. By the end of the conversation, Pelle found himself nodding and agreeing to everything without hesitation.

Some might say Gao Shen was using psychological tactics to manage his players.

But Pelle didn't care. To him, Gao Shen's willingness to have these conversations, sometimes even "coaxing" his players, was proof of his respect and care.

What more could a player ask for?

…

Before Pelle entered the field as a substitute, Gao Shen pulled him aside for a final pep talk.

He provided specific instructions, even walking through a tactical routine that he, Zidane, and Carlo had designed for this exact moment.

"You'll start by pushing toward the penalty spot," Gao Shen explained. "You and Cavani will force their defense to collapse inward. Then, you'll suddenly retreat to the edge of the box. Mikel will probably be there."

"Defensively, Mikel has his weaknesses," Gao Shen added. "Break through him and look for the pass."

Pelle stepped onto the pitch, waiting for his moment.

He made several attempts to follow the routine. Sometimes his teammates didn't recognize the opportunity. Other times, the passes didn't connect. Frustration began to creep in as time ticked away.

Then, a familiar voice boomed from the sidelines.

"Take your time! Don't rush! It's okay! Be patient!"

Pelle glanced at the touchline and saw Gao Shen standing there, calm and composed, his suit immaculate despite the chaos of the match.

Pelle checked the clock, almost 90 minutes had passed.

The score was still 1-1.

For most teams, an away draw would have been an excellent result.

But not for Napoli.

The word "satisfaction" didn't exist in Napoli's dictionary.

…

Napoli attacked again, this time down the left flank.

Sanchez and Vargas worked together to break through.

Ivanovic defended tightly, intercepting Vargas's attempted pass to Sanchez and deflecting the ball high into the air.

Sanchez reacted quickly, leaping to head the ball forward toward the penalty area.

Pelle, positioned with his back to the goal, immediately dropped deeper to receive it.

Mikel and Ballack rushed in, but Pelle's size and strength gave him the advantage. He reached the ball first, cushioning it with a deft touch and shielding it with his body.

Mikel, unable to dislodge him, focused on preventing Pelle from turning.

Pelle stayed calm. With a subtle flick, he lifted the ball over his shoulder and into the path of Cavani, who was charging into the box.

As Pelle released the pass, he shouted, "It's yours, Edinson!"

Cavani had been watching closely. As Alex moved to track his run, Cavani feinted a retreat before spinning past the defender and surging forward.

Pelle's pass was perfectly timed. Cavani met the ball with a powerful header, directing it toward the far corner of the net.

Cech, caught off guard, reached out but couldn't stop the ball as it flew past him.

Terry's desperate attempt to clear the ball came too late. The Chelsea captain collided with the ball, but both ended up in the back of the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"In the 88th minute, Napoli has scored again!"

"2-1!"

"Napoli has turned it around at Stamford Bridge!"

Cavani roared with delight, sprinting toward the sideline to celebrate. He shouted Pelle's name, pointing to his teammate in gratitude for the perfect assist.

Stamford Bridge was stunned.

Napoli fans in attendance erupted in celebration, while Chelsea supporters were left in disbelief.

"Napoli has done it! They've completed an incredible comeback away from home."

"This is Stamford Bridge!"

"We have to admire Gao Shen's tactical mastery. His substitutions and adjustments have been nothing short of genius."

"Against Hiddink, one of the world's most respected coaches, Gao Shen has not only held his own but has outmaneuvered him."

"This young coach has proven once again that age is irrelevant when it comes to talent and intelligence."

On the sidelines, Gao Shen was elated. He jumped into the air, fists clenched in triumph.

"2-1!"

He had gambled and won.

Had he settled for the first goal, there would have been no second.

But now, he could say with pride: "I won!"

As Zidane, Carlo, and the coaching staff rushed to embrace him, Gao Shen reminded himself to stay grounded.

This was just the first leg. The journey was far from over.

The Champions League knockout stages had only just begun.

***

Another bonus