I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

After the transaction was pushed forward, many Villarreal fans vented on Twitter, "Selling him will at least get us two good players, much better than keeping him to watch the water cooler."

Some veteran fans dug up the stats, showing that with Baena joining for three years, Villarreal transformed from a relegation team to a regular in the Champions League, proving this trade is not a loss at all.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s side, the general manager personally sent a message to Baena, "The club has arranged a personal nutritionist for you, ensuring you can gain three pounds more than you did at Villarreal."

Baena’s transfer triggered a chain reaction.

Actually, at that time Barcelona and Real Madrid both sent people to scout on-site, but Atletico Madrid acted swiftly and intercepted directly.

While they were sending people, the Spanish media directly broke the news that Baena had already agreed to a 5-year contract with Atletico Madrid, his post-tax annual salary raised to 5 million Euros, plus a custom Porsche.

Many fans unfamiliar with this player jokingly said, "Atletico Madrid spent this price to buy him, it’s equivalent to spending 500 million to buy a Chinese Super League foreign player." Atletico Madrid’s transfer is somewhat hard to describe, especially since their initial introduction of Golden Boy Felix was a golden sign.

Atletico Madrid also had its glorious days, during that time they were even considered a possible third force in La Liga, but subsequently, their performance weakened.

After last season concluded, Simeone said in an interview, "I’m not satisfied with third place, I believe we should leave a legacy worth reminiscing for future generations..."

There was a period when Simeone’s Atletico Madrid was seen as no longer fit for the times, seen as about to be eliminated.

But in recent seasons, Atletico Madrid started to rejuvenate again.

Some fans were confused about this, with some even asking online which side Atletico Madrid belonged to.

In Spain’s football geography, Real Madrid and Barcelona stand at the apex of the food chain, with their competition extending beyond the pitch to the entire ecosystem of La Liga.

This competitive relationship has fostered the so-called "Real Madrid Faction" and "Barcelona Faction."

Some wish to know which side Atletico Madrid aligns with, but actually, they stand on neither side, charting their own unique independent path between these two forces.

The formation of the "Real Madrid Faction" and "Barcelona Faction" is not accidental, having deep historical, geographical, economical, and political contexts.

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona began in the early 20th century, with grudges tracing back to the 1902 Spanish King’s Cup final, when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid for victory, sowing seeds of hatred.

Subsequently, during the Spanish Civil War, the political standings of both teams further intensified their opposition; Real Madrid became associated with Franco’s dictatorship, while Barcelona represented Catalonia’s independent spirit.

This historical enmity has led both teams to form their own factions in the league, other clubs choosing sides for survival and development.

Economic and political factors also play significant roles in this.

As La Liga’s two giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona boast strong financial power and widespread influence.

They forge connections with other clubs through player transactions and commercial collaborations.

For example, Real Madrid often sends young players to clubs like Real Sociedad and Getafe to strengthen ties; conversely, Barcelona maintains good player exchange with clubs like Sevilla and Villarreal.

This binding of economic interests makes some clubs more inclined to support their "big brother" in crucial matches, thereby forming factions.

Geographical factors are similarly non-negligible. Real Madrid, located in Spain’s capital Madrid, symbolizes the central government; whereas Barcelona, situated in Catalonia Region, harbors strong independence sentiment.

This geographical difference further exacerbates the rivalry between the two teams, with other clubs choosing sides based on their location and political stance.

Within this larger backdrop, Atletico Madrid forged its own unique independent path.

Atletico Madrid shares Madrid with Real Madrid, making them city archrivals.

The conflict between both teams carries deep class hatred and historical enmity. Atletico Madrid has long been seen as representing the working class, while Real Madrid symbolizes the middle class and upper society. This class opposition makes the relationship between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid irreconcilable.

In the league, matches between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are always filled with gunpowder, with fierce and competitive confrontations.

Simultaneously, Atletico Madrid’s relationship with Barcelona is relatively better, mainly due to the principle of "the enemy’s enemy is a friend."

Because of Atletico Madrid’s opposition to Real Madrid, they sometimes lean more towards collaboration with Barcelona.

However, Atletico Madrid also maintains its independence, not fully relying on Barcelona.

On the competitive level, Atletico Madrid has its goals and pursuits, not easily swayed by other teams.

Under Simeone’s leadership, Atletico Madrid has its style and tactical system, not easily influenced by other teams’ tactics.

Under Simeone’s coaching, Atletico Madrid developed a unique defensive-counterattacking tactic, achieving significant results.

Atletico Madrid also has its strategy in the transfer market, not completely depending on player supply from Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid has its operational model economically, not completely reliant on economic support from other teams.

Through its commercial operations and brand development, Atletico Madrid continually enhances its economic prowess.

In recent years, Atletico Madrid has been gradually expanding its influence in the international market, attracting numerous sponsors and partners.

Atletico Madrid has its own team culture and tradition, not altering its culture due to relations with Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid’s fan culture also differs from other teams. Atletico Madrid’s fans are known for their passion and loyalty. Their fans always provide unconditional support to the team during matches, underpinning Atletico Madrid’s independent character.

Hence, Atletico Madrid maintains its independence in the La Liga, not entirely belonging to the "Real Madrid Faction" or the "Barcelona Faction."

Atletico Madrid’s deadlock with Real Madrid makes it hard to establish a close connection with Real Madrid, while its subtle relationship with Barcelona prevents full dependency on Barcelona.

This independence not only allows Atletico Madrid to maintain its uniqueness in the competitive La Liga but also earns it respect and support from numerous fans.

In simple terms, if you want to serve Real Madrid or Barcelona as your big brother, then go ahead!

I definitely won’t!

I want to be the boss myself!

Yeah, that’s roughly the mindset.

This city’s derby was quite complex, because in the matches Chen Zhong has played in, not only has the national derby never been lost, but the city derby neither.

Although the first time Chen Zhong came on as a substitute Simeone wasn’t coaching Atletico Madrid yet, since Chen Zhong, the win-draw-loss relationship between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid shifted, matches that should’ve been victories ended as draws.

Especially when Atletico Madrid barely reached the Champions League final, Real Madrid sent them back, Chen Zhong sent them back, made them the stepping stones for Real Madrid to claim the Champions League title.

This made everyone at Atletico Madrid, from the top, coaches, players, to fans, remember the name Chen Zhong deeply.

Only two people have achieved a hat trick against Atletico Madrid, they are Chen Zhong and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Simeone has already gotten past Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now there’s only Chen Zhong left.