González stretched his neck to look at the big screen, his whole body almost leaning over the commentary desk.
"Let's watch the slow-motion replay and see exactly how Suker got there. When Marcelo dribbled towards the baseline, the entire defensive line tightened around the small penalty area. At that moment, Suker didn't move forward; instead, he ran backward to the spot behind Sisoko. This run hid Suker in Sisoko's blind spot. Meanwhile, when Marcelo passed diagonally behind to Benzema, their eyes were all on Benzema, and Sisoko completely forgot that he needed to mark Suker!"
"And Suker was just hiding there."
In the footage, when Benzema took the shot, Suker was a fraction late but immediately started moving toward the goal, as if he already knew Lloris would mishandle the ball.
Seeing this, González shook his head with admiration.
"This is the goal-scorer's instinct—Suker seemed to just know there would be an opportunity there and decisively ran into position, which allowed him to seize the chance for the rebound!"
"Such a brilliant run!"
Feeling upbeat, González joked, "Looks like Suker learned a lot of useful movement skills from Inzaghi."
Around the Gerland Stadium, Real Madrid fans were ecstatic.
Under the night sky, they stood around the stadium, raising their hands, clapping and cheering.
Even though their palms turned red from clapping, it couldn't dampen their enthusiasm.
Real Madrid hadn't played such a thrilling Champions League match in a long time.
Despite some "minor" troubles in the first half, they quickly adjusted.
In the second half, Suker's performance was astonishing.
Only two shots on goal—both converted!
How could they not love such an efficient striker?
Inside Gerland, Lyon fans had lost all fighting spirit.
As Real Madrid overturned the score, they became sluggish and lost their earlier arrogance.
That conceded goal hit their morale hard.
In contrast, Real Madrid's morale soared; everyone knew exactly what to do next and how to secure the win.
When thoughts converge in the same direction, strength focuses on that point.
Defense!!!
Defense!!!
Defense!!!
The Real Madrid fans cheered loudly.
Although there were more Lyon fans in the stadium, it was no longer as lively, so their voices could be heard clearly by the players.
The fans' shouts provide huge support and motivation for the players.
During Liverpool's famous "Istanbul Night" comeback, a major reason was the relentless singing of "You'll Never Walk Alone" by the away fans, which energized the team and helped create a legendary night.
The relationship between fans and players is like this—it's not just watching a game; their voices and cheers bring players continuous strength and fighting spirit.
The pace of the match began to stabilize.
Lyon's attacking pressure started to drop, especially after the morale blow from the comeback; everyone's steps became heavier.
Suker saw Vukojevic seemed to be running out of steam.
Seeing this, Suker felt a little helpless.
Vukojevic's stamina wasn't normally this poor; it was the toll of playing every game, causing severe muscle fatigue and reducing his endurance.
So yeah, better to tackle him more!
At the 85th minute, Real Madrid made their last substitution.
Suker was taken off alone.
Instantly, the stadium exploded with applause from Real Madrid fans.
Amid the applause, the fans gave Suker huge recognition.
Suker's performance in this match could no longer be described as merely "outstanding."
It was an extreme display of individual heroism.
Although sometimes Real Madrid fans wished other players could also contribute more to better integrate Suker into the team,
under the current situation, Real Madrid still needed to rely on Suker's ability.
"Well played!"
"Great job!"
When Suker left the field, the bench erupted in applause.
The substitutes looked at Suker with amazement.
They knew Suker was strong, but his performance in this match had gone beyond "strong."
Think about it—down in the scoreline, with only two shooting chances, anyone who seizes one would be a hero.
But Suker took both!
This showed a super big heart and absolute ability.
Suker sat on the bench catching his breath. This match was exhausting—not just physically but mentally.
When teammates couldn't help, the feeling of fighting alone was terrible.
But the result was good!
Still, Suker felt a little helpless.
If playing against Lyon was this hard, how would it be facing Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or Manchester United?
Suker peeled a banana and started eating.
"Oh well, let's just take it one step at a time."
This Champions League season was already tough to compete for anyway.
Beep beep beep!
Three whistles blew.
The full-time whistle.
"The match is over! The first leg of the 2009/2010 Champions League Round of 16: Lyon hosted and lost 1-2 to Real Madrid!"
"Lyon played a great first half but were overcome by Real Madrid's two second-half goals, with Suker being the key player."
"His performance was consistently excellent, undoubtedly the best player on the field!"
González shouted excitedly.
Such a thrilling comeback left him extremely exhilarated.
Lyon didn't play badly, but they still couldn't withstand Suker.
Especially after Real Madrid switched to the "dog-chasing frisbee" tactic in the second half, Suker showed his outstanding individual ability up front.
With the match over, Suker was called for an interview.
"It was a very tough match; we faced many problems, but the result is very good."
"Lyon caused us lots of trouble, which shows we still have many unresolved issues. We hope to play better in the future and bring more exciting matches to the fans."
"The most impressive opposing player? Of course, Vukojevic!"
Suker smiled at the camera, with a hint of puzzlement: "However, I noticed his stamina seemed a bit off. I heard he's been playing every game. I suggest the Coach let him rest because he seemed unable to keep up in the second half."
"Ogren is a very kind person; he wants to play more for Lyon this season and perform better. I think that means something the fans understand well. But he's not an ironman. I also hope Lyon fans and coaching staff give Ogren a more relaxed environment, letting him rest about a week to recover. I believe Ogren will perform even better when he returns."
Even during the post-match interview, Suker didn't forget to mention Vukojevic.
No way—he still can't stop him from tackling him.
Now, Suker could only hope to use his influence and fame to make this matter get some attention, letting the European media notice how Pierre is overworking Vukojevic to the point of exhaustion.
Whether it helps, Suker doesn't know.
But he's done what he can!
After the interview, Suker returned to the locker room.
Real Madrid players were ecstatic.
After all, they had come from behind to win a Champions League match, beating Lyon on their home turf and taking three points.
Although much of the credit went to Suker, they were genuinely happy.
"Suker!! Suker!! Suker!!"
As Suker entered the locker room, everyone surrounded him, clapping like welcoming a hero.
Benzema even got down on one knee, placing Suker's boots on his thigh and bowed his head to polish them.
Others gathered around and lifted Suker high into the air together.
"Mr. Pérez, we took the game 2-1!"
On a plane flying to London, the secretary was reporting to Florentino.
Upon hearing this, Florentino raised an eyebrow, a faint smile spreading on his face.
The secretary continued: "Suker scored two goals in the second half, turning the game around. And he only had two shooting chances in the entire match!"
Florentino was momentarily stunned, then burst out into hearty laughter.
"Our one hundred million man! His performance was excellent!"
Suker was definitely Florentino's favorite.
This was evident from how Florentino treated Suker. During his tenure as Real Madrid president, no other player had such a harmonious relationship with him.
A big part of the reason was Florentino's deep fondness for Suker.
It's simple.
Suker was Florentino's first big transfer after taking office, and an unprecedented success.
Suker's performance boosted Florentino's reputation and also sharply increased the fans' support for Florentino.
During the first Galácticos era, Florentino's policy was to pile up stars, buying whoever was famous.
This caused an overloaded attack and a weak defense, resulting in the failure of the first Galácticos, leading to Florentino's resignation.
When Florentino returned, he learned enough lessons and experience.
This time, he wouldn't ignore defensive issues.
And this trip was for that purpose.
The plane circled over London, neon lights flickering below.
Looking out through the window, Florentino narrowed his eyes slightly.
He wanted to inject fighting spirit and soul into Real Madrid!
At Stamford Bridge Stadium.
The Round of 16 Champions League match had just ended.
Chelsea lost 1-2 at home to Inter Milan.
The "Special One" Mourinho faced his old club and wielded the knife to claim victory.
In this match, Ancelotti and Mourinho showed top tactical battles, and the players performed excellently, but Mourinho's steel defense eventually prevailed.
Though victorious, Mourinho didn't look too happy.
"Let's talk about our issues," he said in the locker room.
Everyone exchanged glances.
Cambiasso raised his hand: "I didn't retreat in time."
Stankovic also raised his hand: "I should have tucked in more."
Finally, Zanetti raised his hand: "I shouldn't have pressed so aggressively."
Mourinho glanced at Zanetti, who was trying to take the blame for his teammates.
Zanetti's pressing was understandable—at that moment, if he hadn't acted, he'd have just watched Drogba score.
Although he failed to stop it, the decision to press was correct.
But Mourinho knew he had near-obsessive defensive standards.
"Gentlemen, I'm not here to blame you, but we must understand one thing—there's only one Champions League, especially in knockout rounds."
"Don't think conceding one goal is a small matter. If we don't fix this problem, next time opponents will score using the same tactic."
"The Champions League is a stage for mutual adjustment and improvement. If you can't get to your best state, you won't go far."
"We conceded a goal; despite winning, this proves the problem exists. So, after we return to the training base, we will review this goal in detail."
"Any questions?"
"No questions!"
They all shouted in unison.
Mourinho nodded: "Good. But since we won, we'll stay in London for a day to rest, returning to Milan tomorrow. But I warn you—don't let me see any news or media reports about your activities tonight!"
Back at the hotel, Mourinho changed clothes and prepared to go out.
"Sir, where are you going?"
In the hotel corridor, Zanetti asked.
Mourinho turned: "I'm going to my house in London to get something."
"Okay! Be careful on your way!"
After saying this, Mourinho left.
Outside the hotel, he looked left and right, finally spotting a vehicle with hazard lights flashing at a bus stop on the right.
Mourinho walked over directly.
Click!
He got into the back seat, and the car quickly drove off.
Five minutes later, Mourinho appeared at a private club.
Florentino was sitting by a fireplace, a blanket over his legs.
Mourinho sat opposite Florentino.
"Didn't expect you to come personally," Mourinho said, surprised.
Florentino smiled: "For anyone important to us, I always personally invite them—like you. Today's match was great; I saw a steel defense repeatedly blocking Chelsea's attacks."
"Of course, your post-match criticism of Abramovich was also impressive."
Mourinho raised an eyebrow: "You don't like that approach?"
Florentino immediately waved: "No no no! I like it, very much!"
Mourinho looked at Florentino: "My team has already contacted you. Mendes said you want to invite me to coach Real Madrid?"
"Yes."
Florentino nodded: "We think only the best coach is suitable for Real Madrid."
This pleased Mourinho greatly.
"But I have no plans to leave Inter Milan at the moment."
Mourinho's response was firm.
At Inter, he'd only won one Serie A title; no European or Italian cups yet.
He didn't want to leave without more achievements.
"Of course, we respect your decision, but we do need an outstanding coach for Real Madrid."
Florentino gestured, and his secretary handed over a laptop.
Florentino opened it and showed it to Mourinho.
"This is Real Madrid's match video?"
Mourinho raised an eyebrow: "Our coaching staff have studied Real Madrid. Of course, we also study other possible European opponents."
Florentino said, "This is the second half of the recently finished Round of 16 Champions League match. We were trailing by one goal. I want you to watch the whole half patiently."
Mourinho glanced at Florentino, then focused on the screen to watch quietly.
Mourinho had already summarized many problems with Real Madrid—so many it was shocking.
It was hard to imagine how bad Pellegrini's management was to let things get this bad.
Suker carried too much of the tactical weight. Although a strong point, piling all tactics on one player makes it easier for the opponent to focus on him.
Like Lyon did well this match.
But the turning point came quickly.
Suker's reaction to Alonso's lob caught Mourinho's attention, his eyes trembling slightly.
Mourinho suddenly asked, "How many shooting chances did Suker have in the first half?"
"None," Florentino shook his head. "That was the first one."
Mourinho was stunned.
First shot and goal? The efficiency was amazing.
Still, he continued watching patiently.
When Suker scored his second goal, Mourinho leaned back to hide his shock.
He covered his mouth and nose, brow furrowed.
But his eyes already showed intense greed.
Such an efficient striker.
Such a strong defensive breakthrough ability—it was rare in Mourinho's career.
Still, Mourinho carefully asked, "Can I have more detailed data on Suker?"
As soon as he said it, he felt uneasy.
"Sorry! That was an unreasonable request."
Florentino laughed and said, "We can't provide Suker's precise data unless you become Real Madrid's head coach. Then, you won't just be the coach of a top club but will also have a superstar like Suker. Moreover, Real Madrid will buy players according to your requirements and build the squad."
"Of course, don't worry about salary."
Florentino raised two fingers.
"Double!"
Mourinho pursed his lips.
Florentino's offer was tempting.
Moreover,
Mourinho's eyes kept glancing at the screen where Suker was stretching out his arms, shouting in victory.