Chapter 682: Giving You the Second Place
Despite Real Madrid's resounding victory over Real Valladolid, there was still some not-so-good news. Firstly, Pepe suffered a muscle strain and would be unable to participate in the remaining matches of the season, including the Champions League final.
The misfortune didn't stop there. Di Maria twisted his ankle again during league preparations. He needed further diagnosis and treatment, although the club doctor, Balderas, believed the situation wasn't severe.
However, the entire Argentine national team was exceptionally concerned. They didn't want their winger to play injured in the World Cup, so they hoped he would take a good rest in the upcoming period.
There was often a dilemma between the club and the national team. Considering his impending departure, Di Maria informed the club of his intention to rest, although it might seem untimely, it was reasonable enough.
With Alonso, Di Maria, and Pepe, three key players unable to continue with the team, coupled with Varane's swollen right knee, the situation became quite tricky for the Galactic Battleship.
However, they wouldn't give up any honors. The players encouraged each other during training, knowing that the new peak was just three games away.
On May 11th, in the 37th round of La Liga, the Galactic Battleship welcomed Celta Vigo at home.
Ancelotti made extensive rotations, with Bale, Higuain, and Carvajal among those resting, while Morata and Hernandez earned starting positions.
The away team had recently secured three consecutive wins to avoid relegation, so the players were relatively relaxed.
In the 31st minute, Wang Feng intercepted Fontas at the edge of the penalty area, dribbled into the heart of the defense, bypassed the onrushing goalkeeper Sergio, and scored into the empty net, making it 1-0!
In the 68th minute, Celta Vigo's defender made another mistake, with Cabral's back pass to the goalkeeper lacking sufficient strength. The Chinese superstar pounced on it, intercepting the ball, and formed a two-on-one situation with the advancing Morata.
This time, he selflessly passed to the young Spanish forward, who faced an open goal and easily scored, further extending the lead.
The final score remained 2-0.
Two hours after the match ended, Atletico Madrid's game at the Calderon Stadium also concluded. Countless Bed Sheet Brigade fans' hopes and impassioned cheers turned into nothing as they watched their team being forced to a 1-1 draw by Malaga.
With one round remaining, Atletico Madrid fell four points behind Real Madrid, and the Galactic Battleship secured the league title in advance!
They welcomed their eighth consecutive league title!
The Real Madrid players in the dressing room, having watched the entire match, immediately cheered and celebrated. The staff handed them champagne that had been prepared long ago, and the spraying champagne and smiles filled the entire space.
"This is our second runner-up gift to Atletico. Guys, let's work hard again and make them the third runner-up!" Wang Feng passionately proposed.
The crowd fervently nodded. There was a time when they also gave Barcelona the third runner-up title. Now, it was their cross-town rivals' turn.
The Galactic Battleship showed everyone with facts that any team daring to challenge their dominance would suffer a painful blow!
On May 17th, in the final match of La Liga, Real Madrid traveled to face Espanyol.
The result of the match was inconsequential for them, so Ancelotti made as many as nine rotations, including Wang Feng, who was on the substitutes' bench.
This was also to prevent any unexpected injuries before the Champions League final. Atletico Madrid did the same, with Simeone being even more radical, fielding an entire starting eleven from the youth team.
In the end, the Galactic Battleship drew 1-1 with Espanyol, securing the league title with a record of 32 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, totaling 100 points.
Atletico Madrid lost to Barcelona in the final round, finishing as runners-up with 30 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses, and 95 points.
Barcelona had a relatively dismal performance, finishing third with 27 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses, and 87 points, trailing Real Madrid by 13 points and Atletico Madrid by 8 points.
This was the Catalan team's worst performance since the 2007-2008 season, when they also finished third, behind Real Madrid and Villarreal.
The fans didn't know who to vent their anger on anymore. Not only did they change coaches several times, but even the club president stepped down one after another, yet they couldn't save the team.
At this moment, all they could do was hope that time would pass quickly, allowing Wang Feng to grow old and fall from his pedestal. Barcelona was almost being suppressed into the dust!
Apart from these three teams, the last Champions League spot went to Athletic Bilbao, while Sevilla and Villarreal secured Europa League berths.
Osasuna, Real Valladolid, and Real Betis were unfortunately relegated, with Real Betis only managing to win 6 games and accumulate 25 points, confirming their relegation ten rounds before the end of the season.
Eibar, Deportivo La Coruna, and Cordoba were promoted from the Segunda Division to participate in the new season of La Liga.
In terms of individual statistics, Wang Feng scored 51 league goals, undoubtedly winning the La Liga Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe. This was his 12th European Golden Shoe award, and he reclaimed it after a year.
At the same time, he contributed 19 assists, securing the title of the season's top assist provider. Being both the top scorer and the top assist provider, as well as winning the championship trophy, the Chinese superstar easily locked in the season's best player for the eighth consecutive year.
Since they won the title in advance, the La Liga organized a brief award ceremony for Real Madrid at the Eibar stadium. Many Galactic Battleship fans from afar and curious Catalans were present.
When Wang Feng lifted the incredibly familiar trophy, tens of thousands of people applauded and cheered for them. This team was truly the undisputed king of Spain.
Florentino naturally also brought the senior management to witness this historic moment. He let out a long sigh of relief, showing an extremely pleased smile. The team's victory was his victory!
No one doubted that he had surpassed the legendary president Bernabeu. As long as he didn't mess up, by the time he retired, he would be the most successful helmsman in the club's history!
However, he soon came back to his senses from the joy. The summer transfer window would be a critical moment for his work.
Di Maria officially informed the club of his desire to leave. Although the Argentine was one of the strongest wingers currently, Florentino always felt that his commercial value was not high, and he was not irreplaceable. Therefore, selling him for a good price would be a wise choice.
"What are Wang's thoughts on his transfer?" the Real Madrid president suddenly asked.
Balderas replied, "He should have known already. If he had any objections, according to Wang's character, he would have communicated with us. But since he hasn't, I believe the Chinese superstar is tacitly agreeing."
"That's good. You should quickly contact the interested clubs."
"Okay, there are already several clubs showing strong interest. I believe his market value should not be less than 60 million euros."
Florentino nodded, "Regardless, Di Maria is also a meritorious player for the team, and his personal transfer wishes should be fully communicated and considered."
Then they discussed the situation of the team's goalkeepers' signings. Considering his performance in daily matches, Casillas could hardly bear the responsibility of being the first choice goalkeeper anymore.
"Courtois from Atletico Madrid is our main target. However, I'm worried that Chelsea will recall him to replace Cech after the season ends, so they won't easily sell him."
"The alternative is Navas from Levante. He has shown first-class performance this season, with 17 clean sheets in 39 goals conceded. I believe he might even beat Courtois to win the best goalkeeper of the season!"
At this point, Balderas couldn't help but show a surprised expression, "Levante is deeply mired in debt crisis, so they are certainly very willing to sell players."
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