As expected of a Champions League powerhouse, AC Milan refused to go down without a fight.
And they had their answer: Alexandre Pato.
"Woahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
His goal and triumphant roar silenced the Santiago Bernabéu, halting Real Madrid's fiery momentum in an instant.
It was the 57th minute of the second half.
[AC Milan is ahead again. Real Madrid needs one more goal to force extra time.]
[It's going to be tough, but there's no room for discouragement yet. On paper, Real Madrid still holds the advantage.]
They dominated in possession, passes, and shots. The stats were in their favor, and if they could just regain control, the goals would surely follow.
"It's okay, there's still time. We're doing great, and we can do even better," Ronaldo encouraged.
"Everyone, listen up," Ramos added. "We were three goals down at the start. Now it's just one. This is nothing. We're winning this. We have to believe it."
"Right," Ronaldo nodded. "Young, you'll lead the attack."
All eyes turned to Hoyoung. After a quick exchange with Scolari, he addressed the team.
"Here's the plan. From now on, we're focusing everything on one approach. If we don't score, we'll substitute. If we do, we go all out for the finish."
The players huddled in a tight circle. There wasn't much time—discussions had to end before play resumed.
Hoyoung took the lead, explaining the tactics with clarity and speed.
"First, Ronaldo and Yuri will stretch the defense. I'll drop deeper to support Alonso, buying time. Ramos and Marcelo will push up the flanks. When the defensive line spreads, Ronaldo and Yuri will cut inside while Higuaín drags Nesta forward. I'll exploit the gaps and dismantle their defense."
It was a bold, intricate strategy devised by Hoyoung and Scolari in mere moments.
"That's it," Ronaldo said, determined. "We just need to push harder. Look at them—they're exhausted. We'll outwork them and score twice if we have to. Young, take every chance you see."
The players exchanged firm nods, each voice rallying the group.
"Let's go out there and show them," Ramos grinned. "We'll make them regret everything."
"Keep your focus," Casillas added, his calm tone grounding them. "I've got the backline covered."
Finally, the referee's whistle called them back to the pitch. Hoyoung's voice rang out one last time.
"We're winning this. Twice more at the Bernabéu, remember? ¡Vamos!"
"¡Vamos!" the team roared in unison.
---
The second half resumed with 60 minutes on the clock. The battle for space was fierce.
[A heated midfield struggle begins!]
[The ball reaches Xabi Alonso. Gattuso charges in!]
"Alonso! Back!"
"Here!"
The ball transitioned smoothly.
[Woo Ho-young receives the pass securely!]
[Real Madrid retains possession, dominating at 70%.]
The tide was shifting. While AC Milan's counters were deadly, Real Madrid's attacks grew sharper and relentless.
"Kick it out! Silva, move!"
"What are you doing?! Give me a proper header!"
"If I'm pressured, how can I?! Thiago, get it together!"
AC Milan's defenders were bickering, using the chaos to fuel their resolve. But Real Madrid pressed harder.
[Real Madrid continues to sharpen their offense. AC Milan's shield may not hold for long.]
Milan's defense bent but refused to break, even launching a golden counter in the 68th minute.
[Zambrotta intercepts! He finds Pirlo! AC Milan counterattacks!]
[A through ball to Pato! He's sprinting down the right!]
Pato was a nightmare to contain—his explosive runs and dazzling footwork left defenders scrambling.
But then, an intruder appeared.
[Woo Ho-young is closing in on Pato!]
Hoyoung, sprinting like a predator, caught up with Pato, overtaking him with sheer determination.
[Woo Ho-young steals the ball cleanly!]
[He doesn't pass back—he moves forward!]
Hoyoung surged forward, turning defense into attack in a flash. It was chaos for Milan.
---
In the 75th minute, Leonardo played his ace, substituting Kaka for a final push. In response, Scolari bolstered Real Madrid's defense with Lassana Diarra.
As the clock ticked to the 89th minute, Hoyoung orchestrated the final assault.
"Dugi! Move left! Pull Zambrotta out!" Hoyoung shouted.
Douglas Costa complied, dragging defenders wide. Meanwhile, Hoyoung exchanged crisp passes with Alonso, raising the tempo.
[Real Madrid floods the attack with seven players!]
[AC Milan's defense is reeling under the pressure!]
Gattuso, relentless as ever, shadowed Hoyoung, but the midfielder bided his time.
Then, the opening came.
[Woo Ho-young breaks free! Gattuso is left behind!]
In seconds, Real Madrid's formation shifted into a ferocious beast. Ronaldo and Douglas stormed the box, Marcelo and Ramos widened the flanks, and Higuaín pulled defenders out of position.
Hoyoung received the final pass from Higuaín. He drove forward, Maldini closing in.
[Ronaldo calls for the ball!]
Hoyoung passed to Ronaldo, then bolted into the box. The return lob from Ronaldo was perfect.
Hoyoung, back to the goal, leapt into the air.
[A stunning bicycle kick!]
[GOOOOOOAL!]
The net rippled, the Bernabéu erupted, and Hoyoung celebrated amidst the roaring crowd.
Real Madrid held on through stoppage time. When the final whistle blew, the score read 6–5.
Real Madrid had done it. They were through to the semifinals.