Atlético Madrid had reached the Champions League final.
That was massive news in Madrid. If Real Madrid made the final, no one would be surprised. But Atlético? Atlético Madrid?
In recent days, Atlético fans had been walking the streets with smug grins.
"Good morning, Ederson."
"Good morning, Mrs. Mary. Did you hear Atlético made the Champions League final?"
"I didn't ask."
"Our opponent is Bayern Munich, by the way."
"I'm not intere—"
"We beat them twice in the group stage. Twice."
"Oh... that's nice."
"So when are you guys sacking Mourinho?"
"Well..."
"Goodbye, Mrs. Mary."
"You little—"
Conversations like this played out all over Madrid. For Atlético fans, reaching the final was a historic moment.
Media outlets around the world covered it extensively.
Bayern Munich had reached the final for the third time in four seasons. They had lost the previous two, in 2010 to Inter Milan and in 2012 to Chelsea. But Bayern were regulars at this stage. When fans heard Bayern were in the final again, the reaction was mild.
"Really? Bayern again?"
"Are they about to finish second again?"
"They're starting to look like Juventus."
But when people heard Atlético Madrid were in the final, the reaction was very different.
"Atlético?"
"They actually made it?"
Compared to Bayern, Atlético had far fewer appearances at this stage. Some fans could barely remember the last time Atlético even won a knockout tie in the Champions League.
Media across different countries focused on one thing. Shane Carter.
There was a near-universal conclusion. Atlético's run to the final was built on him. Fourteen goals. Thirteen assists. He had almost carried the team there by himself.
The coverage also reminded everyone of something else. The 2012 to 2013 season was nearing its end.
For La Liga fans, aside from the upcoming Champions League final, there was still one massive question left. The title race.
In rounds 34 and 35, both Atlético and Barcelona won their matches. Atlético defeated Deportivo La Coruña and Celta Vigo. Barcelona beat Osasuna and Sevilla.
The Spanish media joked that these four teams had been "very cooperative." No upsets. No interference. Because now, in round 36, everything came down to one match.
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona. At the Calderón.
Winner takes control of the title race.
After 35 rounds, both teams had identical records. 29 wins, 4 draws, 1 loss. 93 points. Atlético sat first, thanks to the head-to-head advantage.
Ninety-three points. What did that mean? In most seasons, it meant the title. Over the past ten La Liga seasons, only three champions had surpassed 93 points. Barcelona in 2009 to 2010 with 99 points. Barcelona again in 2010 to 2011 with 96. And Real Madrid in 2011 to 2012, Mourinho's team hitting a record 100 points.
In the other seven seasons, 93 points would have been enough to win the league.
And now? This was after just 35 rounds. With three matches still to play, the maximum possible total was 102 points. Of course, only one team could reach that. Because next round, they faced each other.
This was the true title decider.
All eyes were on it. Media and fans analyzed form, tactics, and past encounters.
A few outlets mentioned that Shane had scored headers in two consecutive matches. But most people didn't pay much attention.
Simeone did.
Because what Shane had shown in training was different. That level of aerial ability wasn't normal.
Two headed goals in matches were already proof. Of course, at 1.85 meters, Shane wasn't weak in the air before. But this? This was something else.
The public didn't notice. They hadn't seen training.
During set-piece drills, Shane had approached Simeone with a suggestion. Previously, he had taken all attacking set pieces. Now, he wanted Griezmann to take the wide free kicks and corners. He wanted to attack the box himself.
"I think my heading is really good, boss."
He couldn't exactly explain why. He wasn't about to say he had gained Jan Koller's ability from a system. Simeone would think he'd lost his mind.
But football had a simple rule. Test it.
So they did. During attacking set-piece training, Shane joined Godín, Miranda, Costa and the usual aerial threats in the box. A simple routine was designed. Griezmann delivered the ball. Shane attacked it.
And when he rose, high above the defenders, and powered the header into the net, the entire training ground fell silent.
Only Shane, landing and raising his arms, broke the stillness.
Simeone blinked.
"This kid... he jumps that high? And his control... that precise?"
Was he serious?
Excitement flickered in Simeone's eyes. If this was real, then against Barcelona, he had a few new ideas.
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