The All-Around Center Forward
Chapter 934 - 933: Final Night
Munich, Germany!
At night, the Allianz Arena was like an oval pink bubble capsule, displaying different colors with the changing lights.
Although Bayern Munich, the host, failed to reach the Champions League, the Champions League was still very popular.
Especially with Chelsea once again reaching the Champions League, and Real Madrid hoping to replicate AC Milan's Champions League, this Champions League match naturally became full of hype.
"This is Champions League Frontline, and I am Sky Sports commentator Mike Rowell!"
As a veteran commentator, Rowell began his pre-match introduction, detailing Real Madrid and Chelsea's various statistics.
"In this season, Real Madrid's top scorer, Suker, scored 60 goals in 38 League matches, which shows Suker's terrifying goal efficiency and scoring ability. In contrast, Chelsea experienced early season turmoil, so they didn't have much data advantage in terms of goals. Drogba only scored 5 goals this season, while Lampard and Sturridge scored 11 goals, accounting for most of Chelsea's goals!"
"However, in the Champions League, Drogba is still among the top scorers with 5 goals!"
Looking at these statistics, the Premier League commentator became less confident.
Chelsea's total goals in the Champions League couldn't even match Suker alone.
And as for the League, there was no need to mention it.
Fortunately!
He simply closed the unsightly data; the game isn't played by data, performance in the match is key.
The guests for this commentary were two famous Premier League commentators, Sir Alex Ferguson and Wenger.
They were old rivals!
The two fought independently for most of their lives, but in their later professional years, their relationship became much more harmonious, without the same sharp antagonism as before.
However, Wenger's expression was still very bad.
The reason was simple: Sir Alex Ferguson, that old guy, was trying to lure their 'captain' Van Persie to join Manchester United, and Van Persie also seemed tempted, which made things very difficult for Wenger.
First, he lost Fabregas, and now he was about to lose Van Persie.
After losing key players one after another, he gradually began to feel lost about the future.
"Professor?"
Rowell suddenly spoke.
Wenger came back to his senses and turned to look.
Rowell repeated the question: "The outside world is speculating that Real Madrid can easily defeat Chelsea. What are your thoughts on this?"
Not only Rowell, but Sir Alex Ferguson was also smiling at him.
Wenger pondered for a moment and said, "Real Madrid's squad advantage is obvious, but I don't think this match will be as one-sided as the outside world imagines. In fact, after experiencing a terrible situation, Chelsea is adjusting its form at a visible speed. Now, Chelsea's morale has reached its peak, especially their defense, which is very stable!"
"The only thing to watch out for is whether the substitutes can maintain their form, as Terry and Ivanović are both out of this match. This is the problem Chelsea needs to overcome!"
"Furthermore, they must defend well. If they concede a goal too early, allowing Suker to fully unleash his form, even Chelsea's backline won't be able to withstand that pressure!"
Wenger spoke eloquently: "So, I think, for Chelsea, they need to defend well in the early stages, mark Suker, and it's best not to over-think about counter-attacking in the first half."
Commentator Rowell continued to ask: "Have you considered Suker's burst problem? Combining various data, Suker is more threatening in the second half."
Upon hearing this, Wenger frowned and fell silent.
He hadn't thought of that point.
Or rather, his mind was a bit chaotic, preoccupied with how to keep Van Persie, so he hadn't deeply considered this issue at all.
Seeing Wenger's silence, Sir Alex Ferguson, who was beside him, chuckled and waved his hand;
"Let me answer for Mr. Wenger. Football matches always have uncertainties, and there are no absolute tactical arrangements in this world. It also depends on the individual performance of the players; tactical planning is one thing, and how to execute the tactics is another!"
"Wenger has made it very clear: Chelsea must withstand the early attacks. If they can't, they've basically lost the game!"
"Once they withstand it, they will have the capital to compete against Real Madrid! Although the situation will still be very difficult, there will still be opportunities on the counter-attack."
"This is a test of will and tenacity."
Sir Alex Ferguson narrowed his eyes, re-emphasizing his subjective 'iron-blood theory'.
As the three warmed up for the match, the camera shifted to the Allianz Arena.
The camera circled in the air, showing a large number of fans entering the stadium from different entrances. Soon, the previously empty stadium was filled with Chelsea and Real Madrid fans.
One half was blue, the other half white.
Both sets of players were met with intense cheers from the stadium.
"So many people!"
In Real Madrid's VIP box, Florentino, Zidane, Davor Šuker, and others were all present.
However, their gaze also lingered on Sukic.
As Suker's son, he was naturally very popular there.
"Come!" Davor Šuker grabbed Sukic under his armpits and lifted him onto his shoulders, allowing him to see more clearly.
Wow~~~~!!!!!
Sukic became even more excited.
"I feel like we're stronger!"
Sukic said loudly, and at his tender voice, the smiles on everyone's faces deepened.
Davor Šuker chuckled; "Of course, you see how amazing your father is!"
"Papa is very amazing!" Sukic said happily; "But he said Mr. Perez is even more amazing!"
Everyone was stunned for a moment.
They looked at Sukic in surprise.
Children of this age don't know how to flatter. Could it be Suker or Zorancic who taught him?
But no matter what, this single sentence made Florentino's smile blossom like a chrysanthemum!
"Let me hold him!"
Florentino said to Davor Šuker.
Florentino held Sukic and asked kindly, "Who told you that Mr. Perez is very amazing?"
"Many people say that!" Sukic counted on his fingers: "Dad, Dad's friends, and even our football school coaches and teammates all say that!"
Florentino's smile grew even wider. He turned to his secretary and chuckled, "Ask the organizers for a child's chair."
After speaking, he looked at Sukic and said, "How about you watch the game next to Grandpa?"
"Okay~~~"
Sukic sweetly called out, showing no shyness at all.
Zorancic, who was standing by, couldn't help but grin. He truly was Suker's child!
Like father, like son; a chip off the old block.
Suker naturally possessed tenacity and the ability to read people, and Sukic was even better.
This little guy knew better than anyone how to make himself comfortable.
He didn't recognize Florentino?
Nonsense!
In the corridors of the Real Madrid football school and at the Real Madrid training ground, there were portraits of Florentino.
Although the old man rarely appeared, Sukic definitely recognized him.
Zorancic suddenly sighed to himself.
No wonder the football school coach strongly hoped Sukic would play midfield.
With this ability to read people and this shrewdness, it would be a pity not to play midfield.
At this moment, both teams' players began to enter the field.
The previously relaxed atmosphere also became tense.
Everyone looked at the players from both sides walking out onto the field.
They focused more on Chelsea's lineup. Besides a few key starters, several substitutes were also warming up with the coaches.
This likely meant they would be starting.
For example, Kalou, Bosingwa, Bertrand, and so on.
As for Real Madrid, they were mainly using their main players.
Florentino's gaze fell on Mourinho on the sidelines, his heart filled with conflicting emotions.
Mourinho's coaching ability was very strong.
Last season, he won six trophies, and this season, having secured the League Championship, he was now aiming for the Champions League.
And it wasn't just his coaching ability; he also generated a lot of buzz.
One could say that if Mourinho hadn't wanted to meddle in the technical department and control transfers, his abilities would have greatly satisfied Florentino.
However, this guy wanted to control the first team, grasping all powers, big and small!
But this was not something Florentino could allow.
In fact, so far, Florentino also had a glimmer of hope.
What if, after Real Madrid won the Champions League, Mourinho suddenly became more compliant?
If he no longer demanded power over the technical department, Florentino could completely allow him to continue coaching Real Madrid, and even support him.
The warm-up session quickly ended.
Both teams returned to the locker room for their final preparations.
"There's no turning back! We can only move forward!"
Lampard, wearing the captain's armband, shouted, "Let's win Chelsea's first Champions League trophy in history!"
Inside the Real Madrid locker room, Casillas said in a deep voice:
"We are Real Madrid! Our performance deserves the Champions League, don't doubt yourselves, play at your usual level, the championship belongs to Real Madrid!"
With the final speeches from the two captains, the enthusiasm of both teams was ignited.
Finally, both teams appeared in the player tunnel.
The camera filmed from front to back.
At this moment, the world's attention was focused on this Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
The camera gave Suker a long close-up.
After all, he was the most-watched player in this match, so he naturally had some privileges.
In the camera, Suker's expression was calm, without any hint of nervousness.
Although Chelsea was resilient, Suker was still confident he could break through Chelsea's defense.
Of course, this wasn't an easy task, but he was sure he could do it.
"Ready to enter!"
The Referee in front shouted.
Both teams took a deep breath; the Champions League final was about to begin.
May 20th!
Germany, Bavaria, Munich, Allianz Arena!
The night in Munich was slightly cool.
A gentle breeze blew, bringing a touch of coolness.
This weather was perfect for playing football, but more people chose to watch this Champions League final on television.
As both teams entered, the starting lineups also came into view.
Real Madrid (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Casillas.
Defenders: Srna, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo.
Midfielders: Khedira, Kaka, Alonso.
Forwards: Bale, Benzema, Suker.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Čech.
Defenders: Bosingwa, Cahill, David Luiz, Ashley Cole.
Midfielders: Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Kalou, Juan Mata, Bertrand.
Forward: Drogba.
"We must stay focused and pay attention to Suker's runs, at least hold them off for the first half!"
Lampard roared with all his might.
His emotions were very agitated; on one hand, it was the excitement of the Champions League final, and on the other hand, under immense pressure, he had to set an example.
Terry was out of the match, so as the on-field captain, he had to boost morale.
And not just offense, he also needed to defend.
His right flank corresponded to Suker's left flank, so he had to constantly track back.
Bosingwa was a substitute after all, and having him mark Suker was inherently very unstable, so he naturally needed help from his teammates.
Even Ivanović couldn't single-handedly defend Suker.
Therefore, Chelsea's right-wing defense was under immense pressure.
Suker bounced around on the field to further activate his body, and all the Chelsea fans were looking at Suker.
They knew very well that limiting Suker was the key!
If Suker couldn't be contained, this match would truly be unplayable.
Soon, both teams lined up on the field.
In the first half, Real Madrid kicked off first.
Suker stood on the ball, waiting for the kickoff, and at the same time, turned to look at his own half, giving a thumbs-up, signaling his teammates to stay alert.
"This is the 2011/2012 Champions League final, Real Madrid versus Chelsea.
After a whole season of fierce battles, two teams have reached the Champions League final stage, and after this match, the champion will finally be decided!"
"Will Real Madrid be able to retain the Champions League! Or will Chelsea make history and lift the Champions League trophy!"
"No matter which side wins the championship, this will be a historical moment!"
Commentator González provided the pre-match commentary.
Just then, the Referee stepped out of the center circle and blew his whistle.
Beep!
Under the sharp whistle, the match began.
Suker kicked off immediately and ran forward.
Once Suker entered Chelsea's half, he felt the pressure suddenly increase.
Lampard, John Obi Mikel, and Bosingwa formed a triangular stance, surrounding Suker.
This not only blocked Suker's receiving space but also quickly formed a containment net.
And in this marking, John Obi Mikel needed to do a lot of running and also needed to have a keen awareness.
"Chelsea did not rush into Real Madrid's half, apparently they are not preparing for too intense pressing, but rather lining up in their own half, trying to ensure defensive safety as much as possible!"
Without Chelsea's high-pressure interference, Real Madrid's half-field passing was also very relaxed.
Although Drogba constantly ran to interfere, it had little effect.
Bang!
Srna threaded the ball to Kaka.
But Kaka didn't stop the ball, instead, he passed it back to Alonso.
When Kaka turned his head, Kalou was right beside him.
"The pressing speed is so fast!"
Kaka sighed to himself.
Chelsea's defensive setup was very cautious, especially when the ball entered Chelsea's half, their reaction would become very intense.
But they still had to try to push the attack.
Kaka continued to run horizontally, and when he reached the right flank, he stood sideways, opening his body.
He received a pass from Khedira again and passed it wide to Bale.
After Bale received the ball, he first looked far to Suker on the other side.
He noticed that Lampard and Bosingwa were almost sticking to Suker, leaving virtually no space for a pass.
And Ashley Cole was also eyeing him menacingly.
"Let's try!"
Bale turned his body, ready to break through.
He feinted with his foot, then immediately burst forward.
But just as he was about to accelerate, Ashley Cole made a precise judgment, darted in, and blocked Bale from behind, interfering with his second touch.
Yet Bale, relying on his speed, managed to circle around from the outside and catch up to the ball.
However, he still hadn't shaken off Ashley Cole.
"Damn it!"
Bale cursed under his breath.
He saw Ashley Cole's cautious positioning and knew there was no opportunity, so he chose to pass back.
Bang!
The ball was passed back to Kaka's feet, Kaka passed it horizontally to Alonso, and Alonso diagonally threaded it to Suker.
As soon as Suker touched the ball, Lampard and Bosingwa quickly closed in.
Unlike Bale, this time it was a double-team, and John Obi Mikel was also quickly following up.
Suker dragged the ball with his right foot, evading Lampard's press, then connected with his left foot to push it sideways, while using his shoulder to forcefully bump Bosingwa, preventing him from getting a chance to poke the ball.
Bosingwa was knocked off balance by Suker's bump.
He hadn't expected Suker to actively seek a confrontation, and his physicality was not weak.
"John!"
Lampard roared.
Suker was about to break through!
Just as John Obi Mikel was about to step in, Suker feinted with his right foot over the ball, causing John Obi Mikel to pause, and at the same time, Suker's right foot landed, shifting the ball to his left foot, and his left foot pushed it forward.
With a la Croqueta, Suker was about to break through the encirclement.
"Oh~~~ Suker! Continuous dribbling and breakthroughs in a tight space!"
Just as Suker was about to break through, someone rushed over from behind at high speed and kicked the ball away fiercely.
"Cahill's precise anticipation! When Suker briefly lost control of the ball, he boldly pushed forward and cleared the ball.
Even Suker, facing a double-team, John Obi Mikel's interference, and Cahill's clearance, still couldn't maintain possession of the ball.
However, Cahill was able to clear it without turning over possession!"
The ball was easily controlled by Marcelo from behind, and Real Madrid still maintained possession.
The camera searched for Suker again.
Suker was seen slightly licking his lips, his eyes constantly scanning left and right, occasionally accompanied by a frown, showing that Suker's situation was not very good at the moment.
"Chelsea's defense is doing very well!"
Faria frowned and said, "At first, it was Lampard and Bosingwa's combined press.
Suker controlled the ball, and under John Obi Mikel's interference, Suker barely broke through, but this also briefly lost control of the ball.
Cahill then stepped in to clear it!
They have studied how to defend Suker very carefully!"
Mourinho also nodded, but he was not in a hurry.
"Let's see, every time Suker breaks through, he puts a lot of pressure on Chelsea.
How long can they last?"