Chapter 175: Dortmund's Twin Engines Useless Before Li Ang
Real Betis tried a late surge of attacks, but Real Madrid's defense had already compacted. Even with a new face on the field, Madrid still switched into a three-defensive-midfield formation by the end.
Betis pushed with everything they had—and got nowhere. It was a painful sight, and not just for Betis fans. Neutral La Liga supporters watching couldn't help but feel a collective pain.
Because they realized something: that new kid Madrid brought on—he was vicious. Big tackles, aggressive coverage. Just ten or so minutes on the pitch, and already people could see his defensive intent.
No one had seen much of Casemiro's offensive skills yet, but just based on his defensive energy alone, fans watching could only mutter:
"Damn, looks like Madrid picked up another gem."
And that stung.
Madrid already had four players capable of playing as holding midfielders:
Two elite, one near-elite, and one seasoned vet whose level had just slightly dipped.
Now they'd brought in a potential fifth?
Meanwhile, other clubs were begging for a single decent defensive midfielder.
And here was Madrid—sitting one of their near-elite options on the bench!
Worse, Mourinho wasn't shy about using three or even four defensive mids when leading.
For anyone chasing the game?
It was a nightmare.
Watching Betis suffer like this, many La Liga fans shuddered thinking about what would happen when their team faced Madrid.
Misery loves company.
But for Madridistas?
Pure joy.
Casemiro's buyout fee? Just €6 million.
Six million for a 21-year-old with clear defensive upside?
Even if he never developed into an attacking threat, with that frame, grit, and aggression?
Totally worth it.
Madrid saw out a 3–0 win.
Casemiro's debut was brief—about 20 minutes—but effective.
His defensive positioning? Solid.
His physicality? Undeniable.
His mentality? All-in.
The Spanish media hyped him up, framing him as a potential future star after just one game.
But Casemiro knew the truth.
He wasn't a Brazilian wonderkid like Neymar, born into the spotlight.
His path had been slower, quieter, forged in hard work.
He had actually planned to move to Portugal first, build his name there, and then try to reach one of the big four European leagues in his mid-20s.
But when Real Madrid came knocking?
How do you say no?
Growing up playing alongside so-called "prodigies," Casemiro had learned early not to trust the media.
If everything Brazilian reporters said were true, half his childhood teammates should be starting for Bayern and Barcelona by now.
But most of them flamed out.
Overhyped.
Undisciplined.
Gone.
And here he was—not flashy, not "special"—but standing in Madrid's first team.
Li Ang's post-match encouragement hit him straight in the heart:
"Everything we have today is thanks to our own effort. Keep going, Carlos. Keep pushing until you grab your dream.
When you finally get there, you'll know—everything you went through was worth it.
You'll be the best Brazilian defensive mid in the world.
Just like the legends you look up to.
I believe in that day.
Let's go."
Li Ang was only a year older, but he spoke with the gravity of a veteran.
To Casemiro, that moment cemented his admiration—and trust.
The next day, while most of the team rested, Li Ang showed up early for extra training.
To his surprise, Casemiro was already sitting in the locker room waiting.
Li Ang laughed.
And just like that, the day's extra training group went from one to two.
By the time Ronaldo came in for physiotherapy around five, he found both of them drenched in sweat.
So the three trained, recovered, then went out to dinner together—Ronaldo footing the bill.
Li Ang didn't hold back. He ordered a feast.
News of the trio's post-training dinner hit the web by evening.
When Mourinho saw the headline, Karanka sent him a screenshot.
Mou grinned.
"This kid has a bright future.
Let Li Ang guide him.
Maybe we've got another surprise on our hands."
It wasn't a light compliment, but Karanka wasn't shocked.
Three years under Mourinho had taught him this:
Mou loves hungry, humble, hardworking talent.
Add "defensive midfielder" to the list, and it was basically a cheat code.
"Let's give him more minutes soon.
If all goes well, we'll keep him next season after Essien returns to Chelsea.
Four holding mids should be enough depth."
Casemiro had no idea that Mourinho was already plotting his rise.
He kept training, adjusting, bonding with the team.
But with the Betis match done, he'd have to wait a week before his next shot.
The upcoming fixture?
Madrid vs Dortmund.
Champions League.
First leg of the semifinals.
Not exactly a match for rookies.
On April 22, Dortmund's first team and staff arrived in Madrid for final preparations.
The city was electric.
Champions League buzz filled the air.
Even Atlético fans felt a twinge of jealousy.
Their rivals were about to play one of the biggest matches of the year.
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