Chapter 869 - 85: Champions League Final!
London, Wembley Stadium
The night sky was illuminated by the lights of Wembley Stadium as the melody of the Champions League anthem echoed in countless households, and commentators began speaking about this Champions League final. In the stands, Real Madrid and Manchester United fans formed seas of red and white clashing against each other.
Madrid fans waved scarves adorned with golden stars, symbolizing the number of Champions League trophies they held, singing "Hala Madrid" in unison. Meanwhile, Manchester United supporters were loudly chanting "Glory Glory Man United," igniting red smoke to express their passion.
Today, on this day, two top clubs will decide the final ownership of the championship at Wembley Stadium.
At home, the commentator spoke excitedly: "CCTV, CCTV!"
"We are live broadcasting the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League Final!"
"After a short pre-game performance, fans of both teams are now entering the venue in an orderly manner."
"In this match, we can see Real Madrid players wearing pure white kits. As he enters, Chen Zhong touched the emblem on his left chest and had the five-star red flag of China dyed into his hair."
"This is the first time in Champions League history that a Chinese player is participating in the final, making history once again."
"The camera also focused on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Can Real Madrid’s attacking line, composed of three Ballon d’Or winners this season, secure three titles for Real Madrid?"
"Achieve the club’s first-ever Triple Crown?"
"Let’s wait and see!"
When Real Madrid players entered the field, the fans in the stands erupted in loud cheers, with many waving the national flags of the players’ countries, and for the first time, the Chinese flag appeared at a Champions League final.
This scene gave many Chinese fans an indescribable feeling, as if something was about to burst forth from deep within their hearts.
Even though it was just a simple image of the national flag, countless fans watched it repeatedly, even taking screenshots to use as avatars or shared it on their social media.
And when Chen Zhong appeared, seeing his hair dyed with the "five-star red flag" on both sides, this unconventional act moved many Chinese fans immensely, some were even in tears.
"Over here are the Manchester United players, with their star player Rooney."
"His hairline seems a bit urgent."
"Park Ji-sung is also starting in this match. This is the first time two Asian players are participating in a Champions League final."
"Some players have even called it the Asian Derby!"
"Before the match, many were worried that Park Ji-sung might not play, but the pre-match news was accurate. This is Park Ji-sung’s debut in a Champions League final after previously missing out for various reasons."
This match has garnered massive attention, with London Wembley Stadium, the temple of football, once again becoming the focus of the football world today.
This stadium, which has witnessed countless classic moments, will bear witness to the peak duel between Real Madrid and Manchester United in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, in China, Chen Zhong’s family also attended the event, not only watching the match live but also using a tablet to listen to commentators analyzing the game seriously.
"There are many highlights in this match!"
"First of all, this historic breakthrough! A milestone for Asian players!"
"Chinese player Chen Zhong has become the first Chinese player to appear in a Champions League final, and his hair dyed with the five-star red flag resonated strongly with domestic fans; Korean player Park Ji-sung also made his career debut in the Champions League final, creating history with the first-ever match featuring two Asian players."
"Then there is Real Madrid’s attempt at the Triple Crown, led by Ballon d’Or winners Chen Zhong, C. Ronaldo, and Kaka, attempting to achieve the club’s first-ever Triple Crown feat."
"If anyone opens their social media now, they will definitely see a lot of news about the Chinese national flag appearing on the final stage."
"The Chinese national flag’s debut at the Champions League final stands will surely become a hot topic on domestic social media."
Seemingly aware of the fans’ anxious emotions, the opening ceremony was kept very simple, and the celebrities quickly exited, while the players in red and white kits stood ready in their positions.
On the sidelines, Mourinho and Ferguson engaged in a friendly handshake and conversation.
Back when Mourinho was coaching Chelsea, they were opponents.
Ferguson looked at Mourinho and joked, "I was thinking about consulting you for advice if Barcelona made it to the final!"
"Haha," Mourinho laughed without saying much else. What concerned him more in this match was Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been under some criticism before the game.
In certain crucial matches, Cristiano Ronaldo hadn’t scored, and his performance on the field led some players and coaches to believe he should focus more on the team’s overall play.
Born in 1985, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals across all competitions this season, breaking numerous records in the history of Spanish football.
In the 34 La Liga matches he participated in, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 40 goals, surpassing the 38-goal record set by predecessors Zarra and Hugo Sanchez.