Starting With Real Madrid

Because of Gao Shen's remarks before the game, coupled with his tactics in the Champions League quarterfinals, Napoli's away match against Arsenal had become a focal point for fans and professionals worldwide.

Inter Milan's coach, José Mourinho, was no exception.

In Milan, Mourinho and his coaching staff gathered in front of the TV, watching this highly anticipated clash.

The outcome of the match surprised them.

Napoli didn't adopt their usual aggressive high-pressing approach, their signature "three-axes" that typically allowed them to seize the initiative early. Instead, they chose a more cautious and stable start.

In contrast, Arsenal came out aggressively, looking to attack with intensity. But while their opening momentum was strong, their efforts lacked real bite and failed to threaten.

What truly caught Mourinho and his staff off guard was the execution of Napoli's first goal. David Luiz's long pass was exceptional, and Cavani's header was perfectly placed.

For a moment, Mourinho reflected on Cavani. While the Uruguayan wasn't as classic a target man as someone like Pelle, that didn't diminish his effectiveness as a center-forward.

Sanchez's assist for Rakitic showcased the Chilean's keen awareness, while Rakitic's touch and finish demonstrated technical brilliance.

The Croatian midfielder had become increasingly dangerous with his late runs into the box.

Gao Shen seemed to have noticed this trend, as Rakitic had been given more freedom recently. The result? Goals in three consecutive Champions League knockout matches.

Mourinho couldn't help but compare Gao Shen's use of Rakitic to his own utilization of Frank Lampard during his Chelsea days. The difference, Mourinho thought, was that Rakitic possessed superior technical skills and passing ability.

"Psychological warfare has played its part," Mourinho muttered with a mix of exasperation and admiration.

Baresi, Boas, and Faria exchanged confused glances.

"Psychological warfare?"

Mourinho looked at them, shook his head, and chuckled bitterly. "Do you really think that kid would make such bold statements for no reason?"

The coaching staff paused to consider it. Indeed, it seemed unlikely.

Gao Shen had always come across as mature and composed, well beyond his years. He was methodical and precise, rarely making mistakes. Yet, leading up to this match, he had suddenly turned uncharacteristically high-profile, publicly claiming he would demonstrate to the world how to beat Arsenal.

"Hmph, his usual 'good boy' image is deceiving. It's fooled everyone into forgetting that he's as cunning as they come," Mourinho grumbled, more to himself than anyone else.

"What the hell is this? I've engaged in psychological warfare plenty of times and been labeled a madman for it. Yet this guy says even more outrageous things, and everyone thinks he's some innocent, harmless genius. It's ridiculous!"

He sighed before continuing, "From claiming he would show the world how to beat Arsenal, to referencing how he led Real Madrid to victory against them, to mocking Wenger and Arsenal's lack of ambition, everything he said before the match was part of a calculated psychological warfare strategy."

Mourinho shook his head with a tinge of reluctant respect. "He doesn't use it often, but when he does, it's devastating."

He then posed a series of questions to his assistants.

"Let me ask you this: Didn't you find him insufferably arrogant? Didn't you feel like Arsenal needed to teach him a lesson? That he needed to be brought down a peg?"

Baresi and the others nodded in agreement. They did feel that way.

It wasn't just them. Apart from Napoli supporters, neutral fans enjoying the spectacle, and those who admired Gao Shen, most people, including those who held grudges against him likely found his pre-match statements annoying.

"Now think about it, if we're feeling this way, how do you think Arsenal's players feel?"

The realization dawned on them.

Even as mere observers, Mourinho and his staff had felt a certain eagerness to see Gao Shen fail. For Arsenal's players, the stakes were personal.

"So, you saw what happened. Arsenal's players were overly motivated from the start. Wenger's tactics weren't conservative, and the Gunners came out playing at a frenetic pace. Their pressing was relentless, and their full-backs pushed so high they looked like wingers."

Mourinho gestured toward the screen. "And look at Song. He's running around like a headless chicken in midfield, leaving Fabregas to cover defensively. That's why Fabregas couldn't stop Rakitic's late run just now."

As Mourinho explained, his assistants' understanding of the match deepened. They couldn't help but admire the young coach on the Napoli bench.

"Is this guy even human?" someone muttered.

"He's like a monster," another agreed.

"Do you think Napoli can actually win this match?" Baresi asked, still astonished.

Mourinho curled his lips in disdain. "What's so impressive about beating Arsenal away? Any strong Premier League team with title aspirations has done it. It's not a big deal."

The room fell silent.

Mourinho's comment wasn't just a dig at Arsenal; it was also a subtle jab at AC Milan and Roma, both of whom had failed to defeat Arsenal.

"Wenger must be losing his cool now," Mourinho added with a smirk. "If he doesn't get his players under control, mark my words, Arsenal will concede again. And soon."

"Soon? How soon?"

"Within ten minutes." Mourinho's confidence was absolute.

---

Arsenal didn't retreat after conceding the first goal. Instead, they continued to play aggressively, pressing forward in search of an equalizer.

Wenger, visibly frustrated by the early setback, was determined to turn things around quickly.

However, Napoli's defense was disciplined and well-organized. Despite playing a 4-3-3, they effectively collapsed into a compact shape when defending. Both Biglia and Rakitic dropped back to shield the backline, making it nearly impossible for Arsenal to find space in the center.

In the 13th minute, Arsenal launched another attack.

The ball was cycled through the midfield before being passed to the right, where Sagna overlapped Vargas and delivered a cross into the box.

Benatia was perfectly positioned to win the aerial duel against Adebayor, heading the ball out of the penalty area to the left.

Di Maria, tracking back, intercepted the ball and made a clever move. With a quick touch, he backheeled it into the path of Cavani, who was already sprinting forward.

The Argentine winger's creativity often bordered on the bizarre, but it was undeniably effective.

Cavani surged forward, covering ground with long strides. Approaching the center circle, he spotted Sanchez making a run on the left and delivered a precise diagonal pass.

Sanchez, sprinting at full speed, controlled the ball expertly. Sagna was chasing him down, while Toure retreated toward the box. The ball landed perfectly in Sanchez's path, allowing him to maintain his momentum.

At the same time, Di Maria, having just made the backheel pass, was now charging forward down the right flank.

Clichy, trying to recover, struggled to keep up after being caught out of position.

Sanchez reached the edge of the box and suddenly stopped, cutting the ball back with his right foot. This created space and allowed him to deliver a sharp diagonal pass into the penalty area.

The ball threaded perfectly between Toure and Gallas, finding Di Maria on the right. The Argentine took one touch with his left foot and fired a shot past the onrushing Almunia.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!"

"In the 13th minute, Napoli strikes again!"

"An incredible counterattack—Napoli leads 2-0!"

---

After scoring, Di Maria ran toward the corner flag, forming a heart with his hands as he celebrated.

The Napoli players swarmed him, their excitement palpable. Sanchez, who had now registered two assists, was also mobbed by his teammates, receiving well-deserved praise.

"Arsenal has conceded two goals in less than fifteen minutes. This is a devastating blow for the home side."

The TV broadcast cut to the dugouts.

Wenger was furious, his frustration evident.

In contrast, Gao Shen was ecstatic, celebrating wildly as he shouted instructions to his players.

"Before the match, many thought Gao Shen's talk of demonstrating how to beat Arsenal was arrogant. Some were even waiting for him to fail spectacularly."

"Instead, in just fifteen minutes, Gao Shen has delivered a masterclass."