Beep-
[The 2009-2010 Champions League final has finally begun. First, Real Madrid on the left came out with their existing 4-2-3-1 starting formation.]
[Coach Scolari, you've made a choice worthy of a tournament winner. It's a tactic that's neither excessive nor insufficient. I guess it means you're confident even if the opponent uses a tailored tactic.]
[Since it's the final, you're saying you're not going to gamble and will play it safe. So, this could also be considered part of the psychological warfare.]
But it wasn't a simple tactic.
As usual, Woo Ho-young was placed as the team's focal point, with Ronaldo and Robben on the wings. However, a key adjustment was made—Ronaldo was placed on the left and Robben on the right.
[Robben's specialty is aiming for a left-footed curl shot after a diagonal penetration—predictable, yet unstoppable. Robben's physical condition is crucial, but Inter will have to come up with a new defensive strategy just because of his presence.]
That wasn't all.
Up front, Gonzalo Higuain was used, a choice that completely overturned expectations that Raul, with his vast Champions League experience, would play.
[Scolari's style of boldly disregarding reputations is well reflected here. It seems to be an attempt to target Inter's new central defender, Lucio, who was recruited this season.]
Lucio.
Considered one of the best attacking center-backs of the 2000s, he was a veteran who had recently turned 32, but his physical condition remained at an incredible level.
In the last Champions League quarterfinals, he completely neutralized world-class Zlatan Ibrahimović, and under Mourinho, he was showing even better form than in his prime.
In particular, he had achieved the great feat of winning two titles this season, anchoring a rock-solid defense alongside Maicon, Walter Samuel, Chivu, Zanetti, and Cambiasso.
In other words, he was a formidable player with excellent attacking ability as well.
For that reason, Scolari sent out a younger and more nimble player than Raul.
Real Madrid's defense consisted of Arbeloa, Pepe, Albiol, and Ramos, focusing more on defense rather than overlapping runs.
[Meanwhile, Inter came out with the 4-2-1-3 formation, which is hailed as Mourinho's greatest tactic ever. Eto'o, Milito, and Pandev were deployed as the front three, with Sneijder orchestrating as the attacking midfielder.]
[This is Sneijder's tactic. You could say he's the player who has defined Inter's playstyle this season.]
It was ironic.
Wesley Sneijder, who had been overshadowed by Zidane and Woo Ho-young at Real Madrid, had become the key player leading the team after moving to Inter.
There was even a saying that Inter's victory or defeat hinged on Sneijder's performance.
Many believed that if he achieved the treble and performed well in the World Cup, the Ballon d'Or would be his for sure.
Today, too, Inter was being led by him.
[Wesley Sneijder receives a pass from Cambiasso and calmly distributes the ball, evading Gago's pressure.]
Around eight minutes into the first half.
Neither team had created a clear scoring chance, but Inter had looked slightly stronger overall.
However, as time passed, the flow of the game began to change.
Sneijder, who was supposed to dictate the tempo and transition smoothly between offense and defense, was unable to perform at his usual level.
Not only was he struggling in his dual role, but his playmaking was also stifled.
This disrupted the 'fast and decisive transitions' that Mourinho emphasized.
[Wesley Sneijder is struggling more than usual. He has been under relentless pressure from Real Madrid since the game started.]
[That means Real Madrid's midfield is strong. They know exactly how to disrupt Inter's attacks. The defensive tactics Scolari has prepared are working well.]
"Lower the line!"
"We need to press the central area!"
"Hey! There's space on the right!"
"Cover it!"
Woo Ho-young's involvement in midfield was a huge burden on Inter.
It was definitely a stumbling block for Sneijder, who was trying to control the game and create attacking plays.
[Woo Ho-young is pressing Sneijder hard. He's narrowing the passing lanes and cutting off space as much as possible.]
[It's difficult for Sneijder, who is responsible for the second line alone. He won't be able to deal with Woo Ho-young's intensity by himself.]
Sneijder tasted bitterness.
'As expected, strong.'
Wesley Sneijder.
At one time, he had been so favored by the coach that people called him Bernd Schuster's adopted son. But as he gradually fell out of the starting lineup, he eventually transferred to Inter.
And in hindsight, it turned out to be the best move of his career.
Under Mourinho's guidance, his skills had developed significantly.
At Inter, everything was going well.
But as fate would have it, he was now facing his former club in the Champions League final.
That's why he absolutely had to win.
A revenge match.
Not just for Mourinho, but for him as well.
He wanted to prove to himself how much he had improved since then.
Sneijder's eyes burned with determination.
'In the end, we will win.'
If Real Madrid had the best squad in the world, Inter had the best strategist.
José Mourinho.
Sneijder believed in him.
No matter what Real Madrid had prepared, he was convinced that Inter's tactics were superior.
And from that moment, the game became tighter.
[Inter's players are brimming with confidence. Defensive midfielders Cambiasso and Zanetti, forming the double pivot, are blocking spaces through coordinated defense. They're shutting down Real Madrid's attacking routes early.]
[At the same time, they're applying high pressure at key moments. Their defensive structure—incorporating defenders, midfielders, and even attackers—is incredibly solid. It's like they've built an impenetrable fortress.]
Mourinho observed the pitch, furiously scribbling notes with his pen.
'Woo Ho-young's area of influence is expanding.'
As soon as he analyzed Ho-young's movement, he shouted out an order.
"The defensive line must stay at 30 meters!"
He instructed his players to hold their defensive shape, keeping the line low.
At the same time, they intensified their pressing on Woo Ho-young and Xabi Alonso to prevent their killer passes.
However, to avoid excessive fatigue, he continuously communicated with his players, ensuring they applied pressure only at crucial moments.
This was Mourinho's football philosophy.
And everything had been meticulously prepared in training over the past few weeks.
Moreover, Mourinho had already faced Woo Ho-young once before.
His confidence grew.
'Okay. Let's stick to this plan.'
With the game progressing like this, he had no doubt that Inter would score first.
[Twenty minutes into the first half, the intensity is rising. Inter has dropped deep, preventing Real Madrid from advancing. They're rendering Real Madrid's passing play and build-up meaningless.]
[That's right. The ball is barely moving past the halfway line. Inter's coordinated defense and space control are suffocating Woo Ho-young. It's incredible that a team could establish such a perfect defensive system in just a year. No wonder Mourinho is called the Special One.]
Inter had turned their previous weaknesses into strengths, improving their ability to break through pressure and build up play.
And with that, they began to gain control of midfield.