Chapter 678: This is Just the Beginning
"You can always trust Wang!" When the Chinese superstar scored a golden goal just before the end of regular time, Ancelotti raised his arms in wild celebration and excitedly shouted to Zidane beside him.
The Frenchman was equally thrilled. Among all the players he had encountered, Wang was the most special one, always responding to the coach and teammates' expectations, delivering the best results.
However, based on his understanding of Simeone and Atletico Madrid, the Italian believed they wouldn't give up easily. So, while everyone was celebrating, he cautioned not to be careless and to maintain the lead until the end.
As expected, when the game resumed, the Argentine immediately made the final substitution, replacing Felipe with Adrian in a desperate attempt.
The players of the Bed Sheet Army on the field did not give up either. They pressed forward into the opponent's half, intercepted Ramos's clearance, and immediately launched a counter-press, using all their remaining strength to chase and block the ball.
Despite their relentless pressure, Atletico couldn't create a miracle. In the 95th minute, the referee blew the final whistle of the game, accompanied by the deafening cheers of the Real Madrid fans.
Tonight, the Mestalla Stadium belonged to Real Madrid!
They defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 and lifted the Spanish King's Cup championship!
In sports, the victor reigns supreme. At the moment the game ended, the Atletico players seemed drained of their last ounce of strength, with many of them unable to sit down.
Diego Costa covered his face and wept bitterly. This was supposed to be his shining season, starting with the King's Cup as a springboard, and then winning the league and the Champions League in one go. It would have been such glory.
But now, by the narrowest of margins, it seemed like a thousand miles away. The Brazilian felt an ominous feeling in his heart. Did they really have a chance to beat Real Madrid?
Simeone stepped onto the field, pulling up each of his beloved players, embracing and comforting them. "Guys, this is by no means the end. You did great, just lacking a bit of luck."
"There are more important challenges waiting for us next. Turn sorrow into strength. You can do it!"
The passionate coach also felt some reluctance and frustration in his heart, but he didn't show a trace of it. If Wang Feng was the spiritual leader of Real Madrid, then to some extent, Simeone was the spiritual sustenance of Atletico Madrid.
With nothing to show for their efforts, only able to watch the live broadcast at home, Messi's heart was filled with mixed feelings. At that moment, the camera happened to capture the scene of the spirited Wang Feng being carried by his teammates around the field.
This man was too powerful. He dominated an era, an era that was once brilliant for Barcelona!
Now, the Galactic Battleship remained dominant, while the Bed Sheet Army quietly rose. But what about Catalonia? They were in decline, in demise!
Thinking of this, the Argentine star couldn't help but feel a bit panicked. With Baldestein's departure, Puyol's retirement, and Xavi, the symbol of the strongest midfield, gradually aging, Barcelona had shown signs of fatigue.
Something had to be done! Messi vaguely understood. The new chairman, Bartomeu, seemed to dislike and disrespect him, but for the sake of his own and the team's future, he had to step forward and exert influence.
The simple award ceremony stage was set up, and the 76-year-old Spanish King Juan Carlos I had a smile on his face as he handed the King's Cup trophy to Wang Feng.
At this moment, he was particularly pleased. The old king had decided to officially pass the throne to his son Felipe in June of this year. What could be more pleasing than seeing Real Madrid lift the King's Cup before retirement?
The Galactic Battleship lifted the King's Cup, and the Chinese superstar boldly declared that this was just the beginning! The eyes of the world were focused on the news of the Spanish King's Cup belonging to Real Madrid, and the post-match declaration of Wang Feng, who secured the victory with a double, stirred up even more discussion.
"Being able to lift the first heavyweight trophy of the season makes us very happy, but more importantly, it inspires and encourages us. We won't fall behind in the league and the Champions League that follow," the Chinese superstar confidently spoke to the reporters.
"So, this is just the beginning. You understand what I mean. The Galactic Battleship will surely have a bountiful harvest!"
A netizen from Italy commented, "So domineering! Wang is marching towards consecutive championships, and from the current situation, there's nothing that can stop him!"
English fans expressed, "This is a true declaration of greatness. Cristiano needs to learn a thing or two, instead of getting slapped in the face every time he speaks."
Having offended England in the World Cup, coupled with the transfer drama between city rivals, Ronaldo has the most "haters" in England among his fans, and some even make compilations of Wang Feng and Ronaldo's tough talk.
"When Wang speaks, we know Real Madrid is solid. When Ronaldo speaks, the team falls apart."
Of course, many people sneered at the Chinese superstar's words. German netizens left comments on social platforms, "Defending the Champions League? Ask Bayern if they agree!"
"They're too arrogant and frivolous! They haven't even made it past the semifinals, yet they're already thinking about the championship? Bayern will have their revenge."
Ignoring the numerous distractions on the internet, after returning to Madrid, the club held a small celebration banquet for winning the King's Cup, as the grand celebration ceremony was usually reserved for the end of the season.
The participants were only the first-team players and coaching staff, with Florentino representing the management. He encouraged everyone not to slack off and to continue their efforts.
"It's not easy for the team to come this far. Our only goal is to keep going. I believe you all understand that the club will never treat you unfairly!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the players smiled knowingly. Honor plus money had always been one of the important driving forces behind Real Madrid's standing.
Despite having an average salary, according to media statistics on the global football club salary rankings, they ranked fourth, behind Manchester City, the New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Barcelona ranked just behind Real Madrid, but the difference between the two clubs was small, with an average expenditure only 50,000 euros less. It's no wonder that many Catalonia club members felt dissatisfied; they were paid almost the same, yet one team was constantly winning while the other was left with nothing.
Apart from Bayern Munich, the top 20 teams on the list were all from the Premier League, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. The fact that the "BIG4" were all present showed the Premier League's powerful revenue-generating ability.
This figure only accounted for dead wages from signings, not including Real Madrid's exceptionally generous event bonuses.
Every time they won a championship, from small warm-up events like the Spanish Super Cup and the UEFA Super Cup to major competitions like the league and the Champions League, Florentino would give everyone generous rewards.
Even some substitutes or players temporarily called up from the youth team had formed a situation where their "bonus income" exceeded their wages, showing a glimpse of the situation.
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