The Manchester United players sat neatly, looking at the man whose head had been balded by time.
“We all know this will be a tough match. Our opponent is Real Madrid, the king of the Champions League. Are you afraid?”
“We fought our way to the final, we eliminated one opponent after another, and today, we stand here.”
“They should be the ones who are afraid. Today’s match will be the toughest for them.”
“We are the best, you just need to show it, to compete, to fight as a team at all times.”
“Lads, listen up. We’ve had a great season, don’t feel any pressure. The outcome of the match is no longer important. Here, all you need to do is enjoy football. Everything is ready.”
After arranging the tactics, Erik ten Hag’s speech didn’t take up much time.
Every Manchester United player was seizing the last moments, actively adjusting their condition.
Gao Nuo closed his eyes, recalling the defensive habits of Militão and Antonio Rüdiger.
Seeing Gao Nuo’s brows furrowed and his fingers trembling slightly, Casemiro spoke.
“Kid, relax!”
Gao Nuo seemed not to hear, still keeping his eyes closed.
Casemiro was a little worried; he thought of his first Champions League Final.
He was 22 years old then, and his performance on the field was far inferior to this yellow-skinned kid in front of him.
Even as a substitute back then, he was already so nervous he didn't know what to do.
Recalling that feeling, Casemiro knew he could help Gao Nuo with his experience.
“Listen, Gao Nuo, tension and pressure are things you must face. It’s painful, you must adapt to the pain of the final, then be your best self and break through it all.”
Gao Nuo had just reconfirmed his opponent's habits and characteristics. Hearing Casemiro’s words, he opened his eyes, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.
“Thanks, but I’m not nervous at all. Today’s match makes me extremely excited.”
He said, raising his hand, “See? So excited my fingers are trembling. Don’t worry, I’m ready to break Real Madrid’s goal.”
With that, Gao Nuo stood up and walked towards the player tunnel, leaving Casemiro with a stunned expression.
As the two teams’ players entered the field, a familiar voice rang out in the Chinese live broadcast room.
“Hello, audience friends, for the Champions League Final, Manchester United against Real Madrid, bringing you the commentary for this match are Zhan Jun and Zhang.”
“Today’s match has a different significance for Chinese fans. This is the first time a Chinese player has stood on the Champions League Final stage.”
“Manchester United star Gao Nuo has already made history.”
“Ah, yes, in Champions League history, during the 07-08 season, also at Manchester United, Chinese player Dong Zhuo had previously won a Champions League winner’s medal with the team.”
“That’s right, but Dong Zhuo did not appear on the final stage. If Manchester United wins today, Gao Nuo will be the first Chinese player to win the Champions League as a starting player.”
“Ah, and the top scorer list, Mbappé is currently first with 14 goals, Gao Nuo is second with 12 goals.”
“Yes, we shouldn’t put too much pressure on Gao Nuo. Helping the team win the championship is already the best result. As for whether he can complete a hat-trick and win the Champions League Golden Boot, I don’t think it’s important.”
At 3:00 AM in China, several times more fans than in previous years were waiting in front of their screens. Today was a football feast belonging to Chinese fans.
“Speaking of the Golden Boot, it makes me angry. What was Erik ten Hag (Baldy) thinking, letting Gao Nuo play one less game? Otherwise, he would have already tied Mbappé.”
“Who says not? Why buy Abraham? Wouldn’t it be better to buy some defenders?”
“Abraham stole many of Gao Nuo’s playing opportunities in the first half of the season.”
“They are fighting for the team leader position. Gao Nuo has performed too well in the past two years; it’s possible they are afraid.”
“Is it that melodramatic? Last year’s Premier League Golden Boot, didn’t the team still help Gao Nuo win it?”
“Look at Manchester United’s locker room this year, it’s a mess, so it’s really possible.”
“Damn it, as a Liverpool fan, whether Manchester United wins or not has nothing to do with me. Gao Nuo’s hat-trick is the most important thing.”
“Real Madrid fans are split today, hoping Gao Nuo gets the Golden Boot and Real Madrid wins the championship.”
The floating bullet comments were very lively.
The warm-up on the field ended, and both teams returned to the player tunnel, ready to enter.
“Alright, the match is about to begin. Let’s first look at the starting lineups for both sides.”
“First up is Real Madrid, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, with a 4-3-3 formation.”
“The goalkeeper is Courtois.”
“The defensive line from left to right is: David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, Militão, Noussair Mazraoui.”
“In midfield, Tchouaméni is the single defensive midfielder, with Camavinga and Bellingham partnering in the midfield.”
“Upfront, Vinicius is on the left, Harry Kane is in the center, and Rodrygo is on the right.”
“For Manchester United, coached by Erik ten Hag, today’s formation is still 4-2-3-1.”
“Goalkeeper, Nübel.”
“The defensive line from left to right is: Luke Shaw, Pau Torres, Niklas Süle, Vanderson.”
“In midfield, Declan Rice and Casemiro are the double defensive midfielders, and Bruno Fernandes is still in the attacking midfield position.”
“Upfront, Rashford and Antony are on the wings, and our Chinese star Gao Nuo is in the center.”
Zhan Jun quickly read out the starting lineups, and Zhang began to analyze.
“Ah, both teams are in their regular lineups. On Real Madrid’s side, the new midfield trio is strong, and upfront, the England national team’s top scorer, Harry Kane, is in his prime, having already scored 36 goals for Real Madrid this season.”
“Ah, on Manchester United’s side, apart from Neymar, who is out due to injury, deploying Süle in the defense is a bit surprising.”
“Ah, Varane has been plagued by injuries this season, with consistently poor performances, so it’s understandable for him to be on the bench. However, compared to Süle, Martinez should be a better choice. I wonder what Erik ten Hag is considering.”
Zhan Jun speculated, “Zhang, I think Erik ten Hag should be considering Kane’s heading ability; Lima’s disadvantage in aerial defense cannot be compensated for.”
Zhang still found it hard to agree, “Ah, that’s true, but facing Real Madrid, their two wing breakthroughs and midfield runs are very strong. Lima’s flexibility can provide more help to the team.”
Zhan Jun did not discuss the topic further because the entrance ceremony had already concluded.
“Thanks for the analysis, Zhang. Both sides have exchanged pennants and are in position on the field. The match is about to begin.”
“Beep——,” with the Referee’s whistle, the 2024-2025 season, Champions League Final, officially began.