The All-Around Center Forward

Deportivo La Coruña, officially known as Real Deportivo La Coruña.

Between 1992 and 2004, the legendary "Super Depor" echoed across Europe. With Belaíron as their core and star strikers Tristán and Makié, in those 12 years they won:

1 La Liga title

4 La Liga runner-ups

3 La Liga third places

They participated in the UEFA Champions League for five consecutive years with outstanding results. In 2004, their UEFA club coefficient ranked them 5th in Europe.

They defeated Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan, Juventus, and Bayern Munich both home and away with exquisite skills and dazzling teamwork, gaining widespread fame.

During this period, they exerted great pressure on giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona for the league title.

However, after Makié was poached by Bayern Munich in the 2002/03 season, Deportivo gradually declined.

Their performance slipped towards the mid-table of La Liga. Though occasionally causing upsets, they had lost their previous ferocity.

Now, Deportivo had lost most of their "Super Depor" era players, with only 34-year-old veteran Belaíron remaining loyal.

Though still a legend, Belaíron lacked firepower partners like Makié and Tristán.

In this match, they faced a significantly strengthened Real Madrid, and the pressure was immense.

Belaíron glanced at Real Madrid's lineup.

Raúl still led as captain up front.

But the presence at the back of the lineup gave them the most pressure.

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner, one-time FIFA World Player of the Year, multiple European Golden Shoe and Serie A top scorer awards…

The greatest striker of this century!

Suker's transfer to Real Madrid was a major power move, leaving many La Liga fans breathless—except for Barcelona fans.

Belaíron's peak didn't overlap with Suker's.

During "Super Depor," Suker was still struggling in the Bosnian league. By the time Suker became great, both "Super Depor" and Belaíron were on the decline.

Still, Belaíron fully understood Suker's threat.

Before this opener, Deportivo held meetings on how to contain Suker—but no conclusion was reached.

Like Messi at Barcelona or Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Suker's defensive demands were a dilemma.

Putting too many men on Suker would awaken others.

Loosening up meant risking Suker's explosive power, which might even surpass Messi or Ronaldo.

A truly headache-inducing player tactically, only human wave defenses could hope to stop him.

Deportivo was going in gritting their teeth.

They could only hope Suker and Real Madrid's chemistry wasn't yet good enough—there was almost no other option.

"Ready to go on!" Raúl called.

Suker turned:

"No chants?"

Everyone looked at him.

Chants?Forget it!They were Real Madrid.

Suker scratched his cheek awkwardly.

Casillas winked at Suker and smiled kindly.

Soon, both teams entered the field.

The moment they appeared, a massive roar exploded throughout the stadium.

The stadium DJ announced the players one by one, with detailed profiles on the big screen.

When Suker's image appeared, the crowd erupted without needing any prompt from the DJ.

SUKER!!!!!!

The cheers shook the whole arena.

Suker waved from side to side, still puzzled why he was so beloved at Real Madrid.

But the feeling was definitely great!

Starting lineups:

Real Madrid (4-3-3):GK: CasillasDefenders: Pepe, Albiol, Ramos, MarceloMidfield: Gago, Diarra, AlonsoForwards: Higuaín, Raúl, Suker

Deportivo La Coruña (4-4-2):GK: AranzubiaMidfielders: Laure, Felipe, Lopo, CastroMidfield: Rodríguez, Luca, Belaíron, GuardadoForwards: Álvarez, Riki

Both teams took part in the opening ceremony and charity photoshoot.

All proceeds from the match would be donated to charity.

After the group photo, the captains came forward for the coin toss.

Suker and teammates took their places at midfield, ready.

Real Madrid fans watched Suker with unblinking eyes, never feeling they had seen enough.

Their heads were almost spinning with joy.

Oh my God!

Suker was wearing the Real Madrid jersey.

Under the fans' gaze, Suker began his signature warm-up: bouncing his legs to activate the muscles.

A simple move—but it sparked an explosive cheer.

WOOOAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

The roar was so sudden even Suker was surprised.

He didn't mind.

Spreading his arms, he encouraged the crowd to cheer louder.

Sure enough, the cheers grew even louder.

He blinked and pointed to the left stands.

A tidal wave of cheers.

Then to the right stands.

The crowd surged again.

Suker alternated pointing left and right.

Wherever he pointed, the stands erupted.

Before kickoff, Suker was playing around like a kid.

"That guy…" Ramos shook his head.

But it felt good—the nerves were easing.

Then Ramos noticed Suker's fingers darting rapidly back and forth like a machine gun.

The stadium fell silent.

"Too fast!" Higuaín complained loudly."How can they keep up?!"

Suker suddenly pointed at Higuaín.

Higuaín froze.

What did this mean?

Suker was telling him to cheer.

Higuaín turned away, ignoring him.

Then he recalled his goals might be thanks to Suker.

He clenched his fists, suppressing discomfort.

"Keep it up!" Suker smiled in approval.

Raúl noticed all this.

At first, Suker seemed steady.

But over time, Raúl felt a bit uneasy.

No matter—steady play was key.

Suker and Raúl stood at center circle.

Real Madrid kicked off.

"Captain, ready to charge?" Suker asked.

"How?"

Suker smiled:

"You just follow my lead."

He gestured to Alonso.

Alonso paused, then nodded.

"What's going on?" Gago asked.

Alonso: "Long ball counterattack. Suker wants to pressure early."

Gago nodded.

A surprise attack at the start is common.

Before the opponents settle, a sudden strike can work wonders.

The whistle blew.The match began.

Spanish commentator González exclaimed:

"Welcome to the first round of the 2009/2010 La Liga season—Real Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruña! Wait!!"

He saw Deportivo pressing in Madrid's half, then Alonso immediately launching a long ball.

Boom!

The ball flew forward.

Suker exploded into a sprint toward it.

"Oh~~ Alonso's long ball to Suker! Suker…"

González's eyes widened.

Suker ran hard, with Felipe—Deportivo's center back—just ahead.

Felipe's heart raced nervously.

Alonso's pass was lofted into the penalty area.

As the ball dropped, Felipe stepped forward to pressure Suker.

Even without contact, he could pressure hugely.

The ball fell right in front of Suker.

Suker lightly jumped, lengthening his stride.

His right leg lifted.

The ball brushed his right thigh, stopping perfectly two meters ahead in mid-air, matching Suker's sprint.

"Oh my God!"

Felipe was stunned.

Suker had bypassed him, sprinting to a sharp angle near the small box.

The ball was just in front of Suker.

Without hesitation, he swung his right leg and struck a fierce side volley.

Bang!

The ball hit the ground and bounced, slipping under the Deportivo goalkeeper's legs into the net.

Swish!

The net rippled.

Only 1 minute and 12 seconds into the match, Real Madrid took the lead.