The match continued, with Real Madrid still holding the initiative and the lead.
For Bayern Munich, this period was the most difficult to endure.
Real Madrid didn't have a strong desire to attack, which made it difficult for them to launch counterattacks.
They wanted to advance by controlling the midfield, but Real Madrid had a stronger setup in the midfield, with more complete personnel.
It could be said that at this point in the match, Real Madrid truly gave Bayern Munich no chance of a comeback.
One step behind, always behind.
And at the final stage, it was almost impossible to turn the tide.
Especially for teams of the caliber of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, their handling of the end game was meticulously stable; as long as they didn't make mistakes themselves, they would completely wear down the opponent's offense.
"This is really…"
The German commentator's voice was weak; watching this match was utterly exhausting for him.
He saw hope, but it was also extremely frustrating to watch.
Did Bayern Munich have a chance?
Yes, they did!
However, Real Madrid set a trap in this regard, and Bayern Munich fell right into it, leading to various problems.
Even when adjustments were made, they were reactive, and they failed to gain a lead in the situation through these adjustments.
This also led to them having a very uncomfortable match overall.
It must be said that Ancelotti's Real Madrid was truly well-prepared for this Champions League, with an endless array of tactical approaches.
The current situation is also the result of Real Madrid's rich tactical reserves and the players' tactical execution.
Time was passing, and unknowingly, it entered the 85th minute.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich made substitutions simultaneously, using their last substitution slot.
Bayern Munich knew that hope was slim at this point, but they still had to fight.
As for Real Madrid, they continued to prioritize stabilizing the situation.
Match time was ticking away, but there was no turnaround in the situation.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also tightly marked by Real Madrid, and Robert Lewandowski frequently contested headers in the final moments, but failed to score.
In the final moments, Cristiano Ronaldo contested a header in the air.
This was likely their last attacking opportunity; Cristiano Ronaldo fought hard for the header, but barely managed to connect with the ball, and due to being sandwiched by two defenders, he couldn't hit the right spot, causing the ball to fly over the crossbar and out of bounds.
With that, Real Madrid took a goal kick.
And the moment the goal kick was taken, the Referee's sharp whistle sounded.
"The full match is over! This was a wonderful tactical battle, and the players' performances were impeccable!"
"As expected, Suker and Cristiano Ronaldo, these two key players, both scored goals, but tactically, Real Madrid was superior."
"However, there are still opportunities. In the next leg, when Real Madrid plays at home, Bayern Munich also has a chance to secure a spot in the final through victory. For them, the most important thing is to summarize this match well and consider whether Real Madrid will have any new tactical approaches!"
The full match has ended.
In the first leg of the 2013/2014 Champions League Semi-Final, Bayern Munich lost 1:2 to Real Madrid.
Real Madrid secured an away victory.
Having won, the Real Madrid players were very happy.
They all appeared particularly excited.
"This match was really frustrating."
Mandžukić, Vukojević, and others approached Suker.
Suker looked at Mandžukić and said, "Why is your style of play becoming more and more… 'lacking'?"
Suker saw Mandžukić choose to pass for assists several times when he had shooting opportunities.
He didn't quite understand this.
But Mandžukić didn't explain; to be honest, he was indeed a bit afraid to shoot.
On one hand, his role was more about being a pivot, and on the other hand, not shooting for a long time made him unwilling to take on that responsibility.
If he scored, it would be fine.
But if he missed, it would have a big impact on him.
After all, his ability to be a starter was mainly based on his pivot role.
He wasn't like Suker and Cristiano Ronaldo; those two guys didn't need to prove themselves with goals, and occasionally missing one or two shots didn't matter.
But for him, it was different; when he missed, fans would tell him to pass.
That was even more frustrating!
Suker didn't have much to talk about, so he mostly talked about the other person's affairs.
"When are you leaving?"
Suker looked at Vukojević and asked.
Vukojević had very few opportunities to play this season; even when Guardiola converted Lahm to a defensive midfielder, he still didn't use Vukojević.
Although this guy's technique was a bit rough, he was full of fighting spirit, had abundant stamina, and was very stable defensively.
But clearly, this was not the player Guardiola wanted.
"How are you so sure I'm leaving?"
Suker retorted, "Why would you stay? To continue being a substitute? Not playing football anymore?"
After these three consecutive questions, Vukojević shook his head slightly and waved his hand, saying, "I'm leaving after this season!"
"Where to?"
Suker was direct.
"Back!" Vukojević was concise.
Suker was stunned for a moment; "Zagreb?"
Vukojević nodded: "Yes."
Phew~~~
Suker exhaled: "After a period of adjustment, by next season or the season after, Dinamo Zagreb should be able to compete in the Champions League again!"
Currently, Dinamo Zagreb still has a few good young players, but what they lack is big-match experience and handling critical situations.
Srna has basically confirmed he will leave.
And it will be a free transfer!
And Vukojević is also returning to Dinamo Zagreb; others are still unknown, but there might be more returning.
His teammates who previously went to the Big Five Leagues with him are now starting to return and contribute.
While Suker was chatting, Lahm and Kroos stood together on the other side.
Lahm's expression held some regret; although he spoke of congratulations, it was not difficult to see disappointment in his eyes.
"Congratulations to you all, your performance in this match was excellent!"
Hearing Lahm's words, Kroos waved his hand: "I still have room for improvement."
After speaking, he turned to look at Suker in the distance, thinking:
'Only then can I live up to his expectations!'
Kroos held a special gratitude towards Suker.
After all, when everyone else doubted him, and even he himself was questioning himself, Suker reignited his confidence.
Kroos's current efforts are not just to prove himself.
He also doesn't want to let down Suker's expectations of him!
"Still want to return to Bayern Munich?" Lahm's sudden question made Kroos freeze.
He looked at Lahm in surprise, not expecting such a question.
Lahm knew better than anyone the unfair treatment Kroos had suffered at Bayern Munich; how could he go back?
Even if he did go back, it would be after Rummenigge retired.
Anyway, he didn't get along with that person and didn't want to work with him!
What's more, at this moment, he didn't even have the slightest thought of returning.
"Just kidding!"
Lahm smiled and waved his hand.
He was just testing him, and he didn't expect Kroos's expression to immediately turn cold.
Clearly, this guy was still very bothered by Bayern's actions back then.
Lahm had always felt a sense of guilt towards Kroos; he saw Kroos's talent and ability.
He believed that Kroos's departure was a dereliction of his duty as captain.
He failed to communicate well with the club and act as a bridge for communication between the two parties.
If only he had done a better job, the situation wouldn't be like this now, and Kroos should have been able to play a greater role.
It also would have helped smooth over Schweinsteiger's period of decline!
But now, it's too late to say all that!
Players from both sides were interacting with each other.
Although the match was over, their personal relationships were good.
Many of them were also National Team teammates, so their relationship was very close.
However, time was limited, and soon they all returned to the player tunnel, splitting off to their respective locker rooms.
At the same time, the post-match press conference was being arranged in full swing.
Reporters poured in, ready to go.
They had many questions about this match in their minds, and they wanted answers from both Head Coaches.
Before long, Ancelotti and Guardiola emerged from the left and right sides of the partition, making their appearance.
Despite losing the match, Guardiola, with his gentlemanly demeanor, proactively shook hands with Ancelotti before sitting down in front of the microphone.
With the press officer's hosting, the post-match press conference began.
A reporter from Kicker magazine raised his hand and asked a question:
"In this match, we saw many systems different from modern tactics, and even from a tactical perspective, they were more retro. For example, Real Madrid's 4-3-1-2 in the first half and Bayern Munich's 4-4-2 formation adjustment in the second half, these are not very well-matched with current mainstream tactics and positioning."
"My question is, does this mean that mainstream tactics are unusable, that they are all smokescreens, and that the true tactical core lies in the tactical systems employed by the two Head Coaches?"
This match was different from previous Champions League matches. The reason it was so exciting was largely due to the adoption of some retro tactical formations.
When everyone thought Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would both play with high pressing + possession + counter-attacking, their style of play was relatively more retro.
This also led many fans and journalists to question the current mainstream tactics.
After all, whether it's Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, these are representative teams in current football.
And when they suddenly changed their style of play, especially at such a crucial moment, it was natural for such questions to arise.
Regarding this question, Guardiola and Ancelotti exchanged glances, and the former extended his hand in a 'please' gesture.
Evidently, he was letting Ancelotti answer, and it was indeed Ancelotti's turn to answer.
Ancelotti readily accepted, clearing his throat and speaking into the microphone:
"One match doesn't mean anything. The mainstream tactics in football are not wrong. You can't judge the whole based on individual events. The reason this match was special wasn't because of the tactics, but because of the routines!"
"For example, we used a 4-3-1-2 formation, then changed our style of play in the second half, pushing Suker to the center forward position, and Bayern Munich countered with a diamond midfield 4-4-2."
"For football, tactics are not static; they are not about following a formula, but rather need to change according to the developments of the match."
"The reason we adopted retro tactics in this match wasn't because they were so strong, but because they were the optimal solution for targeting specific points!"
Listening to Ancelotti's answer, Guardiola also nodded slightly, his view aligned with Ancelotti's.
Another journalist raised his hand and asked: "In this match, you had Suker play two different positions, once as a center forward, and another time in a position between a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder. How do you define this role?"
The journalists again leaned in to listen.
Even Guardiola turned to look at Ancelotti; clearly, he was also interested in this question.
In the first half, the role Suker played left a deep impression on him.
Ancelotti smiled and replied: "This is a new position currently under development. Of course, I can't go into detail about its specific functions; it's still in the experimental stage. But as you've seen, this is neither a modern attacking midfielder (central midfielder) nor a classical attacking midfielder, but a brand new position that retains the characteristics of both!"
"However, I don't mind other teams imitating this tactic. As I mentioned earlier, this role is not yet mature, and I haven't fully grasped the specific work of this position or its overall arrangement. The main reason it was used in this match was to serve as a 'trap'."
"But the reason I don't recommend it is because this position isn't mature enough. The reason it was effective is due to Suker's extraordinary individual ability, not because this position provides some kind of bonus, that's all."
Guardiola pondered carefully; he couldn't be sure if Ancelotti was telling the truth.
But this position did seem a bit rigid.
As Ancelotti stated, Suker's extraordinary individual ability gave this position some unique characteristics.
If it were someone else, without that kind of individual ability, they might fall into the predicament of a 'classical attacking midfielder,' being targeted until they became the team's weak point.
Therefore, Ancelotti's advice was indeed sincere.
Not recommended for use, but can be continuously developed!
Afterward, Guardiola also answered some questions, but he attributed the responsibility for the loss to himself.
Since they lost, he had nothing much to say but to keep working hard.
After the post-match press conference ended, Ancelotti led the Real Madrid players to leave Munich overnight and return to Spain.
By the time the plane landed and they returned to the training base, it was almost midnight.
Under the fatigue accumulated from the intense match, the players were all yawning, looking very tired.
Ancelotti didn't keep them long either; the review could wait until tomorrow. The first priority now was 'rest'.
Dispersed on the spot, the players also went back to their respective homes.
Suker, Srna, and Kaka were still in the same car.
Kaka was already asleep in the back seat, while Suker was driving.
Suddenly, they saw some sanitation workers, under the cover of night, hanging promotional banners with the World Cup trophy on lampposts.
As the champions of the 2010 World Cup, Spain was still a favorite to win this World Cup.
Seeing this promotional banner, Srna suddenly sighed: "The World Cup is coming soon!"
All told, there was less than two months until the World Cup.
As soon as they finished the League season, they would immediately report back to the National Team and then embark on their World Cup journey.
The 2010 World Cup was the first time they participated in this major event.
They also achieved sufficiently excellent results, winning third place in the World Cup.
And this year, Croatia was at its strongest, with most players either in their peak or slightly past it.
Their overall condition and experience had all been accumulated.
It could be said that this was the most hopeful year for them to challenge for the World Cup.
Furthermore, Suker's rich tactical flexibility was enough to provide Croatia with different tactical templates, and there were many tactics that could be used in matches.
Therefore, Srna was very much looking forward to this World Cup.
What's more, this might be his last World Cup.
"How's everyone doing?"
Suker asked.
Srna nodded: "I've called them; everyone's fine, no one's injured!"
Hoo~~~
Suker exhaled.
He had repeatedly urged them not to get injured, and it seemed to have had some effect now.
Players like Rakitić, Vida, and Perisic had already started rotating for the World Cup.
The goal was to save their best condition for the World Cup.
Moreover, they generally had no League titles to contend for, unlike Suker and Srna, whose Champions League was still ongoing and who also had to push for the League title, so their overall pressure was less.
"My teacher just called me," Srna said.
"Bešić?" Suker turned his head.
Srna grinned: "He's also your teacher, right?"
Suker: "At most, a Head Coach!"
Srna shook his head. Suker and Bešić's relationship was awkward, so he didn't want to talk much about it.
"He came to watch the match just now, and he also confirmed our condition with me. He wants us to get a physical examination after the Semi-Final is over, when we have time!"
Suker nodded at this.
With a major tournament approaching, as the National Team Head Coach, Bešić needed to gather as much detailed information as possible.
Moreover, Suker and Srna were one the absolute core and the other the National Team captain.
An injury to either of these two would be a huge loss for Croatia!
"What's your current condition? Don't hold back. If you really can't handle it, then rest," Suker said sincerely to Srna.
He knew Srna was very competitive in matches.
He also played very hard.
But precisely because of this, he was also very prone to injury.
Suker was truly afraid of a repeat of the last World Cup, where Srna suddenly got injured when things were going well.
Of course, in major tournaments like the World Cup, injuries are unavoidable in fierce battles.
But Suker, Srna, and Modrić—these three could not get injured.
They were Croatia's most fundamental and core trio!
An injury to any one of them would be a huge blow to morale.
"Don't worry," Srna waved his hand. "This League season, I've rotated many times, had enough rest, and my physical condition is very good. I also kept something in mind and didn't play as hard in less important matches."
He paused, then exhaled: "After all, this might be my last World Cup!"
"Shut up!"
Suker didn't like to hear that.
Although this might be an unspoken truth—Srna might hold a National Team retirement ceremony in a match after the World Cup—that didn't mean Suker wanted to hear it!
What's more, not just Srna, but also Vukojević and Dujmović would successively retire within the next one or two years.
In the end, there wouldn't be many left from Croatia's super platinum generation!