Chapter 114: Bosque’s Expectations
For Real Madrid fans, the passivity of their team in the first half was completely unexpected. When the referee blew for halftime, a collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout the Bernabéu.
The half ended 0–0, with Real Madrid, playing at home, managing to salvage a draw despite a noticeably subdued performance. Ever since Bosque took charge, he had emphasized a meticulously organized defence. Whether it was his three-centre-back system last season or his current pair of holding midfielders, his tactical philosophy was clear: maintain offensive potency while bolstering the defence to preserve balance. This approach had enabled Madrid to avoid conceding despite being under pressure.
Mallorca's best chance in the first half came in the 30th minute when Eto'o, receiving a pass from Ronaldinho, created an almost breakaway opportunity for Luke. However, Luke's shot—disrupted by persistent pressure—was spectacularly saved by Casillas, who dove to clear the ball and keep Madrid's clean sheet intact.
As the teams returned to the locker rooms, Coach José's brow remained furrowed. He was surprised that Real Madrid, despite being visibly on the back foot for much of the first half, had managed to hold on without conceding. His original plan was to take the initiative in the first half with an aggressive, proactive tactic and then rely on counterattacks in the second half to preserve and extend the lead. With no lead at halftime, he worried that the second half might bring even more trouble.
Yet, for fans and commentators alike, the fact that Mallorca managed to neutralize Real Madrid's attacks—and even create a slight edge—was nothing short of astonishing, especially considering that in the previous eight league games, Madrid had been almost invincible, defeating every opponent convincingly.
"Mallorca has successfully stifled Real Madrid's attack in the first half and even held a slight advantage. However, they've also expended a great deal of energy; if they run out of steam in the second half, it could turn against them," remarked Iván Hidalgo during halftime.
Xavier Bonés offered a contrasting view. "Not necessarily. While Mallorca may be struggling, Real Madrid might not be in the best shape either. Both teams are playing almost one match a week. Moreover, Mallorca fielded a largely substitute lineup in the Copa del Rey, so in terms of fitness, both sides are on a level playing field. It all comes down to how José and Bosque adjust in the second half. The difference between victory and defeat might be razor-thin."
While the two commentators debated, Coach José had already made up his mind. After a ten-minute break, he gathered his players and said, "Guys, we continue our attack in the second half. We press hard in midfield. With our attacking system, Real Madrid has few answers. The first goal of the second half will set the tone for the entire match! If we can break Real Madrid's formidable home unbeaten record this season with that opening goal, we'll tilt the game in our favor. Casillas is in great form—if he's given a moment to collect himself near the goal, he can't stop us. And on defence, stick with our first-half strategy. Control Figo in midfield, even if it means picking up extra fouls, as long as you avoid dangerous areas inside the box. Their form isn't as strong as it appears; this is our chance to defeat them!"
After pondering the first-half performance, José concluded that Real Madrid's players simply weren't firing on all cylinders—perhaps due to too many victories flattening their intensity—while Mallorca was on the rise. Now was the time to seize the moment and beat them!
Meanwhile, in the Real Madrid dressing room, Bosque was making his own tactical adjustments. He instructed Carlos to increase his assist output in the second half, while Savio was told to help drive the attack through the middle, thus clearing space on the left flank. After Carlos's forward passes, Maklélé and Grémi were to cover any resulting gaps.
"They want to trade blows with us? Then let's show them who's boss! This season, Real Madrid's attack is the best in La Liga—nobody can match it! How could a team like Mallorca possibly hope to beat us at the Bernabéu with mere counterattacks? We'll let our performance speak for itself and prove that we are the true masters of this stadium!" Bosque's voice resonated through the room as he rallied his players, instilling in them a fierce determination to defend their home record.
Although Bosque was not one to habitually shout motivational slogans, his carefully chosen words in matters of pride and legacy always ignited the fighting spirit of his players.