With the Champions League fast approaching, all the major teams have entered intense preparation mode.
Naturally, Real Madrid is one of them.
This Round of 16 matchup in the Champions League is of utmost importance to them.
They've been knocked out in the Round of 16 for five consecutive seasons—it feels like a curse they just can't shake. This has left Real Madrid fans deeply frustrated.
However, a lot has changed this season.
Firstly, Florentino Pérez has resumed his position as club president, bringing in big-name stars like Suker, Alonso, and Benzema.
So far, the team's chemistry has been pretty decent. Despite the media's hype around Real Madrid, their fans have grown cautious after too many disappointments.
"Please don't jinx us!"
Real Madrid fans can't bear to hear any more overconfidence.
The much-hyped first era of the Galácticos was top-heavy, with a severe imbalance between offense and defense, leading to eventual failure.
Under Calderón's leadership, the club was thrown into chaos, and the once-glorious Real Madrid began its decline, even being mockingly labeled as the "Round of 16 Specialists."
Five seasons!Five straight seasons failing to get past the Round of 16—Real Madrid is desperate to break the streak.
That's why many of their fans have traveled to Lyon for this game.
They want to witness the match in person—even if most don't have tickets and can only wait outside the stadium, they still made the trip.
On February 16th, the entire Real Madrid squad arrived in Lyon, France—a day ahead to prepare for the Champions League Round of 16 match.
¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid!The entire airport echoed with the chants of Real Madrid fans.
From the moment the players arrived, their chants never ceased.
Benzema took off his headphones and looked out through the glass walls of the airport. Outside, tens of thousands of fans were packed together, forming a sea of people.
"So many people!"Benzema exclaimed.
Normally, about 5,000 fans travel with the team to away games. But this time, tens of thousands gathered in Lyon.
Even though most couldn't get tickets, they were still determined to be there and hear the news of victory as soon as it came.
Yes—This time, they believed Real Madrid could overcome the hurdle.
They simply cannot afford another Round of 16 elimination.Another failure could shatter fan confidence entirely.
As the Real Madrid team bus left the airport and headed for the hotel, fans erupted into louder cheers.
Some even raised their hands and chanted Suker's name:
Suker!!!!!!! — Suker!!!!!!! — Suker!!!!!!!
As the €100 million man, Suker has lived up to expectations.
Much of Real Madrid's strong performance this season is thanks to him.
Though the team has shown signs of "Suker dependency," that's better than losing.That dependency can be adjusted later through better tactics and systems.
As long as Suker stays in form, fans believe there's still hope.
At the hotel entrance, a crowd of reporters waited.
"No interviews today!"Pellegrini declared firmly.
This time, he stood his ground.
In the past, he had always been pressured and forced to compromise.But now, he had signed a do-or-die pact—win the Champions League or lose his job—so there was no room for leniency.
Interviews?Not a chance!
Real Madrid's players unusually skipped all media interaction and quietly entered the hotel.
This puzzled many journalists.
That night, all the major outlets released headlines about Real Madrid:
"Real Madrid Enters Hotel Quietly, Preparing for Champions League Clash!"
"Another Life-or-Death Match: Real Madrid in Tense Preparation!"
"Pellegrini Declares: No Media Interviews During Champions League Campaign!"
Rumors and reports flew everywhere.
Real Madrid's preparation seemed fine, but for Suker, something felt off.
"Is the Round of 16 now considered life-or-death?" Suker shook his head.
This is Real Madrid! The club with the most Champions League titles in history, and now they're in such a pitiful state.
In years past, Real Madrid was unbeatable.In years to come, they'll dominate again.But right now—they're stuck in a very awkward phase.
"Any word from the club?" Suker asked Casillas.
Lying on the bed, Casillas shrugged:"He stepped on Florentino's landmine again."
Suker sighed.
Pellegrini, again...
He had already fallen out with Casillas, Pushed Suker to the side, And now, outright refused interviews—something Florentino values greatly.
The president loves media buzz—he'd love it if Real Madrid players made tabloid headlines every day!
Now Pellegrini had cut off the flow entirely—self-sabotage at its finest.
With the Champions League match imminent, Suker didn't tease his teammates, not even Ramos.
The next day at noon, Real Madrid players arrived at the Stade de Gerland for their pre-match training.
There were mixed emotions.
In the last five seasons, Real Madrid had been knocked out twice at this very stadium.
Although things had changed, the memories still stung.
Lyon is no pushover.Though critics say they've lost key players, retired stars, and their core has weakened,A new generation has risen to uphold the Pride of Gerland.
Lyon is no easy opponent.
Especially considering Real Madrid's current defensive line.
After a brief warm-up and familiarization with the pitch, the players returned to the hotel to await the match.
As dusk fell, the sky was set ablaze with red and gold—like a firestorm across the horizon.
Fans who had worked all day changed out of their uniforms, put on their favorite players' jerseys, and marched toward Stade de Gerland.
Champions League! It's here!
"Who are we?"
"Lions!"
"Gerland?"
"Lions!"
"Tear the enemy apart!"
"Tear the enemy apart!"
"You'll taste defeat here!"
Tens of thousands of Lyon fans, forming a massive block, emerged from alleyways with raised arms and roars.
"Victory belongs to Lyon!!!!"
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, the city was plunged into night.
Lights lit up, neon signs began to flash,And the stadium lights of Stade de Gerland blazed to life.
The area around the stadium was packed.
Lyon fans were confident—they were the Gerland Lions,They'd knocked out Real Madrid in the Round of 16 twice before.This time, they were sure they'd do it again.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans began entering the stadium as well.
Lyon had only allocated 2,000 away tickets, a pitiful number compared to the tens of thousands of Real Madrid fans who had come.
Most of them could only remain outside in designated areas.
Luckily, a giant screen was mounted on the outer wall of the stadium, showing the match live (with a slight delay).
But fans didn't care.
They just wanted to fight with their team.
In the locker room, Pellegrini gave the final tactical briefing:
Govou, Lyon's right winger: deadly shooting skills, decisive in matches. He's the danger man.
Pjanić, Bosnian midfielder: all-rounder, launches counterattacks with surgical passes.
Vukojević, defensive midfielder: tireless, excellent defender—a wall in front of Lyon's backline.
Real Madrid players listened carefully.
Though Pellegrini and Casillas were at odds,This is the Champions League—no room for personal grudges.Lose, and they'd all face the heat.
Warmups finished.Suker pulled on his #9 jersey, cut slits into the back of his socks for better stretch, then laced up his boots.
As Pellegrini finished speaking, Suker clapped his hands and shouted:"Let's go, guys! This is our moment. Don't doubt yourselves—your hard work won't betray you. Same rule as always—can't find a passing lane? Just pass it to me!"
His face radiated confidence.
The rest of the team, originally tense, relaxed a bit.
Suker's performances and stats were convincing.
They believed—When the moment gets tough, Suker will step up for Real Madrid.
Casillas put on his gloves and clapped his hands:"Time to fight!"
ROAR!!!!!!!
The players echoed in unison and followed Casillas out.
At the tunnel:
Both squads were lined up, ready.
Lyon fielded their best.
Even though they'd eliminated Real Madrid before, they dared not underestimate them—especially with Suker now onboard.
Vukojević took a deep breath and twisted his waist, but something felt off.
He turned and noticed—Suker was staring intensely at his legs.
The two locked eyes.
Suker gave a sheepish smile.
Vukojević glared.Still staring?!
Suker looked away and sighed.
He had basically given up.If Vukojević was against it, and their national team and coaches disapproved, then there was no point in forcing it.
Even if he wanted to "take him out" for the team, it had to be coordinated—not just a reckless lunge.
Suddenly, the referee turned and signaled:It's time.
The atmosphere instantly tightened.
BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A deafening roar erupted.
Stade de Gerland exploded like a volcano.
As players stepped onto the pitch, the crowd roared with passion.
In the south stand, the few Real Madrid fans chanted,but were quickly drowned out by Lyon's massive support.
Outside the stadium, Real Madrid fans watching on the big screen erupted too:
"Let's go, boys!"
A thunderous cheer followed, echoing like rolling thunder.
Soon, a unified chant rang out:
Hala Madrid! Hala Madrid! Hala Madrid!
Inside and outside the stadium, their voices briefly overpowered the Lyon fans.
This enraged the home crowd, and their chants grew even louder.
The match hadn't even started, and the noise battle was already in full swing.
"So loud!"Benzema couldn't help but marvel.
He had played here for years, but the Gerland Stadium had never been like this.
Real Madrid fans had stirred the hornet's nest.
Starting lineups:
Lyon (4-3-3):GK: LlorisDF: Réveillère, Cris, Boumsong, SissokoMF: Toulalan, Vukojević, PjanićFW: Govou, Lopez, Delgado
Real Madrid (4-3-3):GK: CasillasDF: Arbeloa, Garay, Ramos, MarceloMF: Granero, Diarra, AlonsoFW: Higuaín, Suker, Benzema
"This is the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg: Lyon vs Real Madrid!"
French commentators gave detailed intros.
Captains completed the coin toss.Real Madrid kicked off.
Suker and Benzema stood at midfield.
"Want to go for an early rush?" Suker asked.
"Better not," Benzema replied."Lyon's counters are lethal. Pjanić's passes and those wingers are dangerous. Press too hard, and it might backfire."
"Alright, we'll do it your way," Suker nodded.
Benzema was surprised—Suker was being this agreeable?
Yes, Suker had his stubborn side,But he wasn't stupid.Benzema knew Lyon best.
The whistle blew—kickoff!
Lyon didn't press immediately. They set up cautiously.
Suker began drifting inward, then cut across the middle.
His runs formed an L-shape.He wasn't a pure winger—he had a huge range.
Pellegrini gave him total freedom—not just to shoot at will, but to roam as needed.
Sometimes, he dropped behind Benzema and Higuaín to dictate play.Other times, he moved wide for one-on-ones.
How he moved was up to him.
Even in Milan, Suker never had this much tactical freedom.
But with all the responsibilities, his firepower was somewhat diluted.
What Real Madrid really needed was a playmaker.
And Kaká would've been perfect.
With Kaká, Suker could focus entirely on breaking through defenses.
But for now, he had to do it all.
Pass!Suker laid the ball off to the wing, then darted forward for the return.
Vukojević stayed glued to him, refusing to let him turn.
To be fair, Vukojević had improved greatly—he could challenge Suker.
But…
Bang!
As Suker turned, Vukojević launched a sliding tackle—taking him down hard.
Suker hit the ground, chest aching.
Damn it!
I didn't go for a slide tackle!And this guy strikes first?!
Suker shot a glare at him.
Vukojević looked rattled.
Suker's turn had been too fast—If he hadn't tackled, Suker might've burst through.
If Suker broke through the midfield, he'd face the backline alone.That would be a disaster for Lyon.