After the match against Athletic Bilbao, rumors spread about Chen Zhong being a ball hog.

In the last moments of the match, the "internal conflict" that erupted on the field with Real Madrid also drew keen attention from fans. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Holding back for a long time, Guardiola finally couldn’t resist retaliating against Mourinho in the media. Of course, when talking about Chen Zhong, recalling the amazement at their first meeting and the inspiration for his current tactical system, Guardiola slightly toned down his remarks.

When reporters asked how he viewed the national derby, Guardiola candidly said, "The national derby has actually already begun; every match is preparation for that match."

In a way, this view is quite similar to Mourinho’s. After all, at the post-match press conference, when asked about how he viewed the match against Athletic Bilbao, Mourinho didn’t mention Bilbao’s provocations before the match but instead said, "After Barcelona’s 8-0 sweep of Almeria, we returned the favor with a 6:1. Chen Zhong’s outstanding performance proved we are at our best."

In this match, Mourinho did not mention Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick, but rather Messi, clearly making the point of who is truly Real Madrid’s star player.

Although Chen Zhong is already considered Real Madrid’s star player, some still believe the two Ballon d’Or winners are more qualified to represent Real Madrid.

Setting aside matters on the player level for now, people focused more on the chance both clubs have to break La Liga’s record for the best start.

This suspense will be unlocked during the upcoming national derby.

This has made supporters of both teams even more frenzied; there’s nothing more exhilarating than breaking a long-standing record at the expense of a derby rival.

Like the past six rounds, the two powerhouses maintain the same pace, with their form astonishingly good: They simultaneously broke the record for La Liga’s best start, leaving the greater record suspense for the derby a week later.

And in this match, the value of the players is also remarkable. Real Madrid is already soaring towards two billion, while Barcelona is not far behind, with their total value even exceeding 10 billion. Some are calling this national derby the 10 billion derby.

Of course, besides the value, La Liga has effectively become the top league, and the fiery form of both powerhouses is one of the many reasons attracting numerous fans to watch.

Domestically, many fans are eagerly promoting, with rhetoric like "You’re not a Chinese if you don’t turn it on" and "You’ll regret it for life if you miss it."

"Do you know! The national derby is about to start."

"This is the closest the two powerhouses have been in form. You’ll absolutely regret it if you don’t watch."

"The world’s two greatest powerhouses, the most awesome players, what? Barcelona and Real Madrid aren’t in the same league? Aren’t they six-time champions? I remember, I’ve always thought they’re on the same level."

The fiery form of both powerhouses is the closest in the last ten or even twenty years, with both teams having scored over 30 goals in the first 12 rounds of the league, marking the best record in the last ten or even twenty years.

Moreover, from the league table, the two teams are extremely closely matched.

They’ve also left the others trailing by nearly 7 points.

This has cemented a clear understanding of Spain’s two polar extremes.

points!

This has completely distanced them from other teams, truly not in the same league.

The hype for this national derby has far surpassed any in the past ten years, with many fans even calling it a true evenly matched battle of the century.

This is the best Real Madrid and the best Barcelona.

With Mourinho and Guardiola in the coaching positions, there are plenty of highlights.

On the players’ side, Real Madrid’s Chen Zhong, C. Ronaldo, Kaka, and other stars are dazzling, while Barcelona’s Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and other players are equally as impressive.

Spanish media state that although we cannot yet assert this as a record-breaking season, we can be sure that this national derby will deliver a match on par with a World Cup final.

With both teams in their best form, combined with the best coaches and players, naturally equates to the best match.

Especially since both teams have already dealt with opponents on the Champions League stage and have cleared the group stage without a hitch, they can now fully devote themselves to the preparation for the national derby.

Guardiola’s response also excited Mourinho, and in the war of words, Guardiola is clearly no match for Mourinho, who soon started actively relieving pressure for the players.

Guardiola told his players during training not to always think about the Real Madrid match. Additionally, Guardiola suggested that players isolate themselves from the outside world and not engage in any media interviews.

Barcelona initially planned to rest on Thursday, but Guardiola moved the rest day to Friday.

Regarding Barcelona’s football, there are not many secrets left: the ball control style, quick and fluid cooperation in the mid-front field, assists from side-backs, and front-field counter pressing are all successful factors for Barcelona.

After Guardiola’s retreat, Barcelona Club’s former technical director Bejiristan stood up and said, "It doesn’t matter what tactics Mourinho uses, because Barcelona can adapt by playing their own football, ensuring victory."