The second half of the season is about to begin, and the league is set to resume.

Compared to the first half, the tasks and schedule pressure in the second half are even greater.

The first half was more of an adjustment period, where wins and losses were acceptable as long as the point gap didn't become too large. However, once the second half begins, major key matches come one after another, bringing correspondingly greater pressure.

Real Madrid is still competing on three fronts this season!

After overcoming the injury crisis in the first half of the season, the overall form has been readjusted.

The only regret is that in the Copa del Rey match in December, Real Madrid lost to Valencia and failed to advance.

But there was no helping it—Real Madrid's schedule in December was too tight.

On one hand, they had to prepare for the league match against Barcelona, and on the other, they had to get ready for the Club World Cup as six-time champions. Mourinho also had no intention of letting Suker play in the Copa del Rey.

As a result, they lost that match due to shifted priorities.

However, it wasn't a big deal, as the Copa del Rey itself isn't a major attraction for Real Madrid.

Compared to the Copa del Rey, ensuring success in the league and the Champions League is far more important.

Moreover, due to some locker room issues, Real Madrid's current overall form isn't as strong as last season's.

Although the locker room conflicts haven't erupted, there are undercurrents brewing beneath the surface.

The players might not show it, but they can sense these tensions.

However, this is a game of chess among the three big figures—Casillas, Suker, and Mourinho.

Their best bet is to stick with their leader and see it through to the end.

But during the preparation phase for the second half of the season, this sense of conflict has somewhat eased.

Although they can still feel the tension, it's not as confrontational as before.

Especially between Mourinho and Casillas—their communication has become even scarcer, but they haven't completely stopped interacting.

As for Suker, he remains the same as before, not getting involved with either side and doing his own thing.

Regarding the Alonso situation, Suker and Casillas decided to keep it to themselves, and Mourinho wouldn't bring up such an embarrassing matter.

Thus, the three reached an unspoken understanding.

At the very least, for now, none of them want the team to fall apart. Their goal remains the same: to secure back-to-back Champions League titles.

That is the ultimate goal!

Under this overarching objective, a delicate balance has formed.

For Suker, maintaining this balance is good enough.

He doesn't expect a grand reconciliation between Mourinho and Casillas—that's practically impossible.

So, as long as the balance is maintained and the team's fighting spirit is preserved, ensuring they don't lose the Champions League due to internal locker room conflicts, that's sufficient.

As for what happens after winning the title, that can be dealt with later. Right now, Suker has too much on his plate to think that far ahead.

Most importantly, his salary must not be cut!

This season's tasks are too heavy, and there are too many issues. Although Suker doesn't want to bother with them, some things just keep popping up, and he finds it quite frustrating!

At times like this, he can't help but miss the carefree days under Maldini's protection.

After a day of training, the players headed to the showers.

Pepe, with a towel draped over his shoulder, turned to Suker, who was washing his hair, and asked, "What exactly did you guys talk about? It feels like the locker room atmosphere suddenly changed."

Suker ignored him and continued washing his hair.

After rinsing, Suker reached out for the facial cleanser.

"Here!"

Pepe handed him the cleanser.

Suker glanced at him and continued washing.

Pepe speculated, "Did you lay your cards on the table? I noticed you weren't involved before. Did Mourinho set a trap for you?"

"Wait, maybe Casillas said something to you?"

"Given your personality, you wouldn't get involved for no reason!"

Annoyed by the chatter, Suker turned and said, "Instead of wasting time on this, why don't you think about how to avoid getting so many cards!"

Pepe retorted, "See! You're changing the subject!"

Suker rolled his eyes and continued showering.

Just then, Casillas walked over and patted Suker on the back. "Don't forget, there's a gathering tonight!"

Suker nodded. "Got it!"

"A gathering? Why wasn't I informed?" Pepe said.

Suker replied, "Well, now you know. Come to the gathering tonight. It's a full-team gathering organized by Iker!"

"Full-team gathering?"

Pepe was surprised.

In the past two years, the Real Madrid locker room had almost never had a full-team meal together. Aside from title celebrations, they mostly kept to their own circles.

Moreover, Suker and Casillas had gotten along quite well before.

But thanks to Mourinho, while they weren't at each other's throats, they weren't exactly friendly either.

And now, they were having a meal together?

"Are you teaming up against Mourinho?" Pepe pressed.

"Why are you so nosy!"

Suker said irritably.

The guy had the face of a butcher but the curiosity of a gossip columnist.

He'd never seen anyone so inquisitive!

As Suker finished washing and was about to leave, Pepe quickly followed. "Are you really not going to tell—"

He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Srna walk in with a towel wrapped around his waist.

Pepe quickened his pace and left!

Meanwhile, the other Real Madrid players also subtly sped up their actions.

At Real Madrid, no one liked showering with Srna!

After showering and changing into fresh clothes, Suker started spreading the word about the gathering to his teammates.

This gathering was organized by Casillas.

After Suker and Casillas joined forces to apply pressure, their relationship had thawed.

Although they hadn't succeeded in suppressing Mourinho, they had managed to ease the tensions between them to some extent.

This time, Casillas took the initiative to organize the gathering, undoubtedly to reconcile with Suker and the others.

Previously, due to issues involving Diarra and Kaká, there had been some conflicts, but it was time to mend fences.

In truth, Casillas didn't want to be at odds with Suker.

He still greatly admired Suker. As a teammate, Suker had always been the most trustworthy person on the team.

Moreover, Suker didn't actively stir up trouble like Mourinho.

Although he also had his own circle, it was more about keeping to his own group of friends rather than encroaching on anyone else's interests.

That evening, everyone arrived at the gathering spot.

It was the same restaurant where they had celebrated their title win.

As everyone gathered again, chatting and joking, the atmosphere became very friendly.

"I feel like the food here is delicious!" Srna said.

Suker replied, "If it's delicious, it's delicious. Why do you need to 'feel' it?"

The others also looked over curiously.

Srna said dryly, "Because of a certain someone, I didn't get to taste any of it!"

Everyone recalled the night of the title celebration, when Suker took on the entire Real Madrid team in a drinking frenzy.

Srna hadn't even been into drinking, but he still ended up getting drunk by Suker.

Casillas also grinned wryly. "At that time, we were in the private room. He had already drunk Ronaldo and those old-timers under the table in just an hour. Then he came out and started on the rest of you!"

Back then, Casillas had sensed trouble and hadn't wanted to get involved, but Suker still managed to get him drunk.

"Because of the drinking, we even had to postpone the victory parade!"

Di María complained.

Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

It had felt absurd at the time, but looking back, it was also hilarious.

Bale listened with a curious expression. He had joined Real Madrid this season, so he hadn't experienced that incident and was full of curiosity.

"Rookie, let me warn you: never drink with him," Marcelo said in a seasoned tone, patting Bale's shoulder.

Suker smiled but didn't say anything.

He had achieved the effect he wanted. He didn't particularly enjoy drinking—having a bottle or two was fine, but he didn't like overdoing it.

However, in a male-dominated club, these kinds of competitions were inevitable.

So, if he didn't make a strong impression once and for all, these guys would keep pestering him.

When the time felt right, Casillas clapped his hands to get everyone's attention and said loudly:

"Over the past season, we've achieved results worth being proud of together. But I want to say, we are Real Madrid. Our journey doesn't stop here. When we represent Real Madrid, winning titles is everything. So, in the remaining half of this season, we still need to show enough fighting spirit!"

"Secondly, I apologize for not properly welcoming our newcomer due to some previous issues."

"Gareth Bale! Once again, welcome to our team. Your performance has earned the recognition of all of us, and I hope you can create an even more glorious future with us!"

Bale smiled sheepishly. He hadn't expected Casillas to suddenly call him out, but he was still very happy.

Casillas continued speaking enthusiastically.

Suker watched this scene and wondered, why couldn't he speak like this at the estate?

"Come on, lads, let's raise our glasses. I hope that when this season ends, we can gather again and celebrate together!"

"We can't gather!" Benzema suddenly spoke up.

Everyone turned to look at him.

What kind of thing was that to say at a time like this?

Benzema quickly explained, "I mean the Euros. After this season ends, we have to play the Euros! There won't be time to celebrate."

Everyone was speechless.

Suker pointed at Benzema. "You drink two glasses by yourself!"

Casillas said, "I agree!"

The others also joined in the teasing, and the initially awkward atmosphere became lively again.

The gathering lasted until 9 p.m., after which the players dispersed.

Throughout the event, no one brought up any locker room conflicts, deliberately avoiding the topic.

The 2011/2012 La Liga season resumed after the winter break, with the 18th round scheduled for January 8th.

However, due to Real Madrid's Club World Cup commitments overlapping, they had missed the 17th round. Therefore, on January 5th, they had to play a make-up match against Getafe.

So far, Suker had played 16 rounds and scored 29 goals.

Messi, on the other hand, had played 17 rounds and scored 28 goals.

This match was a good opportunity for Suker to widen the gap.

After all, goals would become harder to come by in the second half of the season, and with the pressure from other competitions, Suker wouldn't be able to score as freely as in the first half.

January 5th, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

La Liga Round 17 , Real Madrid vs. Getafe.

As it was a make-up match, the game was held on a weekday, but it still attracted a large number of Real Madrid fans.

After winning the sextuple, Real Madrid's match attendance and merchandise sales indicators had significantly increased.

Most astonishingly, Real Madrid sold out their season tickets for the new season in just three minutes.

Fans who hadn't managed to buy them were utterly stunned—the demand had never been this hard before!

But with the improved results, influence, and reputation, Real Madrid's club operations, commercial activities, and economic trends were very positive and optimistic.

Especially after the sextuple, their stock price rose again, and more high-quality endorsements poured in.

It seemed like endorsers worldwide were waving checks, eager to give money to Real Madrid, allowing the club to profit immensely.

Amid this enthusiastic atmosphere, Real Madrid kicked off the second half of the season early.

The starting lineups were as follows:

Real Madrid (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Casillas

Defenders: Srna, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo

Midfielders: Khedira, Kaká, Alonso

Forwards: Di María, Benzema, Suker

Getafe (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Moyà

Defenders: Masilela, Díaz, Miguel Torres, Barrera

Midfielders: Lacen, Castro, Rodríguez

Forwards: Sarabia, Ríos, Fedor

"With the lineups announced, Real Madrid's forward line consists of Suker, Benzema, and Di María. Bale is not starting!"

"Getafe's attacking trident comprises Fedor, Ríos, and Sarabia."

"So far, Real Madrid has played 16 league matches, and Suker has scored 29 goals. In this match, can Suker maintain his first-half form and continue his high scoring rate? How will Getafe defend against Suker?"

On screen, Suker was bouncing around during warm-ups.

Watching Suker's active pre-match warm-up, the Getafe players felt immense pressure.

Right at the start of the second half of the season, they had to face Real Madrid.

Although it might hurt morale, what did they have to compete with Real Madrid?

"Come on, lads! Let's win this match!"

Casillas loudly yell.

The whistle blew.

Getafe players took the kick-off first.

Real Madrid players immediately pressed forward, applying full-court pressure.

Getafe managed to play the ball out using agile movement and passing, though Real Madrid wasn't employing a high press.

They held their positions, forcing Getafe toward the wings.

Suker also dropped back a few steps.

Just then, Getafe winger Fedor suddenly dribbled forward, attempting to use his speed to beat Srna.

But Srna immediately reached out, pressing against Fedor's chest to prevent a sudden burst, and used that momentum to accelerate and reach the ball first.

Fedor tried to counter-press, charging toward the space between Srna and Ramos to cut off the passing lane.

However, Srna executed a reverse turn, spinning away from the touchline to evade the pressure and smoothly passed the ball to Kaká.

"Fedor tried to overpower Srna, but Srna's response was too composed. He immediately used his hand to control Fedor, quickly secured the ball, and when the passing lane was blocked, confidently turned away to escape. Since joining Real Madrid, Srna's performances have become increasingly stable. The right flank he anchors is undoubtedly Real Madrid's most solid defensive line!"

After successfully passing the ball, Srna didn't idle.

He noticed Kaká wasn't pushing forward, Suker was on the left wing, Benzema hadn't dropped back, and Di María was on the right wing.

The central area was open.

Srna's eyes lit up, and he immediately made a diagonal run into the center.

Srna's movement triggered shifts in the opponent's defense, drawing midfield and wide defenders toward him.

Kaká played the ball to the right.

Di María received it easily and lofted a cross into the penalty area.

"Benzema! No! It's behind!"

The Getafe defender quickly turned.

By then, Suker had already sprinted in at full speed, leaping high and powerfully heading the ball with his forehead.

Boom!

It was a fierce header.

The ball was smashed into the left side of the goal.

Just 6 minutes into the match, Real Madrid took the lead.

Suker's violent header secured the goal for Real Madrid!

"Goooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!!!!"

"Suker!!! His 30th goal!!!!——"

"30 goals in 17 matches! His incredible form continues!!!"

Suker got up from the ground, basking in the crowd's cheers, raising his head and spreading his arms.

That felt good!!

Being stuck at 29 goals had been agonizing!

Now, with this goal, he reached 30, and it was immensely satisfying.

He had originally planned to reach 30 goals by the 19th round, but achieving it two rounds early made Suker very happy.

Indeed, competition was bringing out his potential!

He was getting closer to his goal of 50+ goals this season!

After scoring the first goal, Real Madrid's attacks became even more fluid.

In the 19th minute, Suker cut inside with the ball and played a through pass to the advancing Di María, who swept the ball across the goalmouth, assisting Benzema's goal.

In the 35th minute, from a corner kick, Suker contested the header, the Getafe goalkeeper fumbled, and Benzema tapped in the rebound.

By halftime, Real Madrid led Getafe 3:0.

In the second half, Real Madrid focused on maintaining their defensive shape.

Suker didn't add to his goal tally.

He was substituted by Mourinho in the 67th minute.

Even so, Real Madrid secured a 3:0 victory at home.

They defeated Getafe 3:0 at home, claiming victory in the 17th round.

Benzema shone with a brace in this match.

Suker contributed one goal and an assist in the build-up.

Di María provided two assists!