August 13th, the eve of the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup.

During team training, Suker performed with exceptional intensity, throwing himself into an almost frenzied state.

His desire for goals had become incredibly fervent.

In the past, Suker would drop back somewhat to share defensive duties, but starting today, he spent more time waiting for attacking opportunities in the forward line.

"What did you talk to Suker about yesterday?"

Watching Suker's performance on the field, Faria asked curiously.

After training ended yesterday, Suker had sought out Mourinho for a conversation.

The two had spent over an hour in the tactic room.

He was very curious about what they discussed.

Mourinho said calmly: "Suker asked me to reduce his defensive duties so he could focus more on attacking."

Faria blinked: "More focus on attacking? He already scored 46 goals last season. Does he really need more attacking resources?"

Mourinho was silent for a moment: "It probably has to do with Messi."

"Messi?" Faria was taken aback. "You mean that news?"

In the past two friendlies, Messi had scored four goals in each match.

Although it was just rumor, without confirmed verification, and Barcelona hadn't admitted it, it was clear that Messi was in fiery form this season.

Mourinho believed that Messi's hot form had stimulated Suker, making him seek more attacking opportunities and goals.

"So, you agreed?" Faria asked.

Mourinho nodded: "Could I refuse?"

At this stage, his relationship with Casillas was stained. He was in the process of suppressing the Spanish contingent, and he certainly didn't want to antagonize Suker at this time.

Moreover, Suker's request wasn't unreasonable.

These were things he could accommodate.

"What is he really thinking?" Faria wondered, puzzled.

Swish!!!!

Suker scored a goal, turned, and ran back to the center circle, shouting: "Again!"

"Again?" Ramos complained. "The match is tomorrow. Are you trying to break our morale?"

In the scrimmage, Suker had already completed a hat-trick.

If this continued, he might have to make a tackle!

Hearing this, Suker calmed down slightly and nodded: "Alright, let's rest!"

Suker turned and walked toward the sideline, but his expression was grave.

Ramos and Srna exchanged glances.

"What's wrong with him?" Ramos asked.

Srna shook his head: "I don't know either. He suddenly became like this."

Two days ago, Suker had suddenly become impatient, demanding more from training and his own form, even becoming stricter with his teammates.

It was as if something was driving him.

If the usual Suker was a tiger resting lazily, now he seemed terrifying—baring his claws and fangs, ready to tear into his opponents at any moment.

This version of Suker was far more intimidating than usual.

"What's really going on?"

Srna and Kaká walked over.

Di María and Bale also approached, curious.

Suker said gravely: "Haven't you heard the news? Barcelona crushed their opponents in two friendlies."

Srna and Kaká exchanged glances. The former shrugged: "We could do that too if we were determined. No need to be so anxious, right?"

"It's different!" Suker turned. "You don't understand shit!"

Srna: "Why are you cursing?"

Suker shook his head, not explaining.

How could they understand? It had only occurred to him two days ago.

This was the 2011/2012 season!

This season, Barcelona would reach another level, becoming exceptionally terrifying.

But that wasn't the key—Messi was the core.

This season, Messi would reach the peak of his career.

That's right!

The 2011/2012 season would be Messi's most brilliant individual season.

He would sweep the league and Champions League Golden Boot awards.

He would even set a terrifying record of 50 goals in the league.

Currently, Suker had pushed the La Liga single-season record to 46 goals, but he was still four goals short of 50.

To get more shooting opportunities, Suker had asked Mourinho to exempt him from defensive duties.

All of this was to prevent being overshadowed by Messi.

It could be said that this season, Suker faced the biggest challenge of his career.

He had to suppress Messi this season to consider it a complete success.

Suker took a deep breath and said seriously: "We must be fully focused for tomorrow's match! If we're not careful, we could crash at home!"

Srna, Kaká, and the others exchanged glances. Though somewhat baffled, they nodded seriously.

The next day, Suker woke up early.

From morning onward, he diligently activated his body's functions.

He needed to be in optimal condition before the match. Starting with this game, his showdown with peak Messi would begin.

For this moment, Suker had prepared for many years.

He didn't want to fail here.

To ensure his condition, Suker didn't make breakfast but went to the training base with his teammates to eat.

Suker strictly followed pre-match dietary standards, minimizing physical burden while keeping his stomach light yet nutritionally satisfied.

In the morning, Mourinho held a training session, and Suker listened attentively.

Perhaps influenced by Suker's serious attitude, the other players also immersed themselves in pre-match preparations.

At noon, Suker ate lunch and took a short nap.

Rested, Suker went for a slow jog to reactivate his body.

Seeing Suker treat the match so seriously, the Real Madrid players also grew somewhat tense.

Suker noticed this.

He believed pressure would help the players get into match mode more effectively.

So, Suker didn't mind some pressure.

It was all to defeat Barcelona and win the match.

The reason Suker was so vigilant was that this season, Messi would indeed reach his most terrifying form.

This season, Messi's combined goals and assists would reach 100+.

That meant over 50 goals and over 50 assists!

Last season, Suker had 46 goals, and with Champions League goals, his total reached 64.

But in terms of assists, Suker's numbers weren't as strong.

He was a main attacker, not a playmaker.

So throughout the season, he only had 20+ assists.

Combined, that was 84, still some distance from 100+.

Therefore, Suker had to deliver even more.

Whether goals or assists, he needed to excel in both.

Only by defeating Messi in his peak individual season could Suker claim to have surpassed him.

Moreover, after this peak, Messi's style would gradually shift in other directions.

If he lost this season, Suker would never get another chance for revenge, so he had to suppress Messi now.

Around 3 p.m., the bus parked in front of the locker room.

Players began boarding the bus one after another.

Suker also headed to the match venue in his best condition.

August 14th, the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona at home.

The Bernabéu was boiling.

Thanks to suppressing Barcelona over the past two seasons, Real Madrid fans were incredibly passionate.

They expected the team to defeat Barcelona again and continue dominating their derby rivals this season.

In this season, this match was particularly crucial.

They had to start strong.

Amid the Bernabéu's intense boos, Messi was warming up.

His expression was more serious and excited than usual.

After two friendlies, he felt his body was lighter than before, and his shooting, dribbling, passing, and other skills were more refined. Mentally, he felt more confident.

The poor performances of the past two seasons hadn't broken him. He believed he was reborn, and the counterattack started now.

Messi turned to look toward the other end.

His gaze fixed on Suker.

The guy who had suppressed him in every way, keeping him down for two consecutive seasons.

This time, he would definitely defeat this guy.

With his peak form, Messi believed he could beat any opponent now.

"Leo! We should head back!"

Fàbregas looked at Messi, then followed his gaze.

He also saw Suker.

He couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

For Fàbregas, like Messi, Suker was also an opponent he had to defeat.

"Let's go!" Messi said calmly.

Barcelona began heading into the player tunnel, occasionally glancing toward Real Madrid's side, or rather, toward Suker.

Suker also noticed these gazes.

Damn it!

Why is everyone staring at me?

Are you the Avengers or something?

Suker muttered inwardly.

You were suppressed by me before, so keep lying down!

Want to turn the tables?

Dream on!

Of course, Suker was also very vigilence, quietly motivating himself while knowing he needed to deliver a strong performance.

In Real Madrid's locker room.

Mourinho emphasized tactics again.

"In the first half, while pressing high, we also need to defend well. Khedira and Alonso will play as double pivots, Kaká as attacking midfielder, Suker and Bale as left and right wingers, and Benzema as center forward!"

"For this match, we'll play a 4-2-3-1!"

Mourinho said gravely.

Suker looked at Mourinho and nodded slightly.

As expected of Mourinho—even after winning two trebles, he didn't get carried away.

Other coaches might become arrogant after such achievements, but Mourinho remained grounded, still focused on building the team.

He understood better than anyone that Real Madrid still needed to play defensive counterattacks.

Suker's biggest fear was that the players wouldn't get complacent, but the coach would—fielding a technical midfield trio like Di María, Alonso, and Kaká. That would allow Messi to easily break through, and they'd be crushed in the first half.

Fortunately, Mourinho was steady as ever!

But even so, Real Madrid needed to respond calmly, because this Barcelona team, driven by Messi, would launch frenzied attacks from the start of the season.

The players from both teams gathered in the player tunnel.

The atmosphere was instantly charged with explosiveness.

Every Spanish Clásico, both sides fought tooth and nail, unable to stay calm.

But this match concerned Real Madrid's fourth trophy, so while physicality was expected, rationality was still needed.

For Barcelona, it was the same—they needed to defeat Real Madrid.

So clashes were inevitable, but they had to stay calm.

"Don't get carded!"

Suker reminded Pepe and Ramos.

This kung fu center-back duo was the most prone to losing their heads—a constant headache.

Ramos gave a thumbs-up: "Don't worry!"

Pepe grinned: "I know my limits!"

Suker rolled his eyes.

You two know shit!

"Both of you must stay calm. You can't get unnecessary cards this time."

Casillas also turned to remind them.

With both locker room leaders issuing warnings, Ramos and Pepe slightly reined in their restless hearts.

Offending one might be manageable, but offending both would be hard to explain.

Casillas looked past the players toward Suker at the back and nodded.

Suker also took a deep breath.

At that moment, the referee indicated it was time to take the field.

Whoosh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——

At the Bernabéu, over 90,000 fans had gathered, erupting in cheers.

Fans on both sides of the player tunnel shouted excitedly.

"Suker! We came to watch you play!"

"Suker!!come on! Defeat Barcelona!"

On the right side of the player tunnel, football blogger Miguel cheered loudly.

However, Suker looked straight ahead and didn't see him, but Miguel still cheered for Suker.

Miguel had been an Atlético Madrid fan—not a die-hard one—so after playing with Suker, he immediately switched allegiance to Real Madrid.

Now, his channel's bio read: [Suker fan and match teammate].

It had to be said, that amateur match had made his channel explode, with video views soaring.

"The Spanish Clásico! I'm so nervous!"

Miguel rubbed his hands together.

He looked at Suker.

The Suker now was completely different from during their amateur match.

With them, he was just playing around.

But in such an important match, facing Barcelona, Suker's expression was extremely serious.

"Who do you think will win?"

A companion asked nervously.

Miguel said proudly: "Definitely Suker. You haven't played with him—he's terrifyingly strong!"

The companion said: "But Messi is also tough to handle!"

Miguel glared: "Suker is the strongest. You haven't played with him—you don't get it!"

The companion looked at Miguel speechlessly. This guy had turned "I played with Suker" into a catchphrase.

They had seen the match video.

Miguel was just a background prop—hardly a teammate!

"It's about to start!" Miguel shouted loudly: "Let's go Suker!!——"

The starting lineups were as follows:

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Casillas

Defenders: Srna, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo

Midfielders: Bale, Khedira, Kaká, Alonso, Suker

Forward: Benzema

Barcelona (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Valdés

Defenders: Alves, Piqué, Puyol, Abidal

Midfielders: Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Fàbregas

Forwards: Messi, Sánchez

"This is the first leg of the 2011/2012 Spanish Super Cup: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona!"

"The holiday is over, and the new season begins. In La Liga's pre-season, it's another match between Real Madrid and Barcelona."

"Last season, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup to lift the trophy. This season, Barcelona is back for revenge. Can they break free from Real Madrid's dominant? Can Messi find his form and break out from under Suker's shadow?"

"Folks, the battle is about to begin. Barcelona will kick off the first half!"

Suker stood in his own half, constantly jumping to warm up.

His eyes were fixed on the opposition, already preparing to sprint.

Peep!

The whistle blew, and Barcelona kicked off.

Real Madrid's entire formation charged forward.

Barcelona passed back repeatedly, spreading play to the wings.

"Watch the flanks!"

Suker shouted, rushing toward Piqué.

He wanted to cut off Puyol's passing lanes.

At that moment, Xavi dropped back to receive the ball, helping relieve passing pressure from the back.

With Xavi dropping back, Fàbregas held the midfield, the two connecting with each other.

Thanks to the two midfielders coordination, they quickly moved the ball out.

Seeing the ball successfully cleared and entering their own half, Suker gradually slowed down.

As agreed, he wouldn't drop too deep.

But Suker felt uneasy.

Barcelona had clearly adapted to Real Madrid's high press, using Xavi's drop-back to create more passing options.

Fàbregas and Iniesta stayed upfront, forming a midfield combination of Busquets, Xavi + Fàbregas, and Iniesta.

Midfield stability had increased.

The ball moved smoothly among Barcelona players' feet.

As everyone knew, once Barcelona started passing the ball around, it wasn't good news.

Sure enough, after continuous passes, Iniesta suddenly slipped a through ball forward.

Messi made a run to receive it, then used a clever shoulder drop + double scissor to bypass Khedira, charging straight at the defense.

Just as Ramos was about to step up, Srna moved first.

"I've got him!"

Srna rushed toward Messi, but at that moment, Messi suddenly took a shot.

The shot was extremely unexpected.

It skimmed along the ground toward the bottom left corner of the goal.

Just four minutes into the match, Barcelona had scored.

Messi's lateral run and cool finish had pierced through Real Madrid's goal.

The goal came too suddenly, leaving Real Madrid players stunned.

By the time they reacted, they were already behind!

Real Madrid 0-1 Barcelona!