When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 133 I’m back
Real Madrid suffered a serious injury crisis ahead of their Copa del Rey final match against Zaragoza.

Although Ronaldo has resumed training and jogged for 15 minutes the day before yesterday, the club officially confirmed that his thigh muscle strain has not fully recovered and he will miss this crucial battle.

Even more surprisingly, starting goalkeeper Casillas was also given a rest, and substitute goalkeeper Cesar will get a starting opportunity.

Real Madrid manager Carlos Queiroz admitted in the pre-match press conference: "Ronaldo's absence will definitely affect our attacking firepower, but other players must step up and take responsibility."

When asked about the decision to rotate Casillas, the Portuguese coach explained: "It was based on considerations for the entire season, and Cesar is fully capable of taking on this position."

At the end of the interview, Queiroz also spoke about the upcoming Champions League match against Monaco: "Roy is the hottest striker in the entire football world, and we must mark him closely. Helguera will be responsible for limiting his space and preventing him from easily getting the ball and turning. At the same time, we need to cut off his connection with Morientes."

When asked if he would continue with the rotation strategy used in the Copa del Rey, Queiroz emphasized: "Each game is independent, and we will make the best choice based on the players' condition."

2004年3月17日，法国杯1/8决赛在摩纳哥的路易二世球场打响。

Monaco displayed overwhelming dominance from the start against Châteauroux, a team from Ligue 2.

In the 8th minute, Roy received the ball on the left wing. He first feigned a cut inside to deceive the defender, and then suddenly accelerated down the wing.

As he approached the byline, he made a sudden stop and change of direction to shake off the defender who was covering him, and then used his right foot to push the ball into the far corner from 18 yards out on the left side of the penalty area.

The ball rolled along the grass and into the net, 1-0.

Just three minutes later, Giuly broke through on the right wing and delivered a precise cross.

Morientes outjumped the opposing center-back on the edge of the six-yard box and unleashed a powerful header that the goalkeeper could touch but couldn't prevent from finding the back of the net, making it 2-0.

In the 18th minute, Evra made a high-speed run down the left flank and passed the ball back in a triangular pattern near the byline.

Roy followed up promptly and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper from near the penalty spot, making it 3-0.

Châteauroux's defense has been completely overwhelmed.

In the 25th minute, Rothen received the ball in midfield, observed the movement, and delivered a precise through ball that pierced through three defenders.

Morientes broke the offside trap and had a one-on-one opportunity, easily slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 4-0.

In the 33rd minute, Giuly received the ball on the right wing, cut inside, and after a series of changes of direction to get past two defenders, unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.

The ball arced through the air and nestled into the top left corner of the goal, making it 5-0.

Just before halftime, Maicon crossed from the right, and Roy volleyed home at the far post to complete his hat-trick, making it 6-0.

After the break, Monaco continued to extend their lead.

In the 51st minute, Roy received a pass back from his teammate at the edge of the penalty area, made a slight adjustment, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that flew into the net like a cannonball, making it 7-0.

In the 63rd minute, Monaco won a corner kick.

Givet's header was saved by the goalkeeper, but Morientes reacted quickly on the rebound to complete his hat-trick, making it 8-0.

In the 78th minute, substitute Adebayor received a corner kick and headed the ball powerfully into the goal at the near post, making it 9-0.

In stoppage time, substitute Gallardo took the free kick.

His kick went around the wall and into the top corner, 10-0.

Throughout the match, Monaco completely controlled the game.

Statistics show that they had 75% possession and 20 out of 32 shots on target.

Châteauroux goalkeeper Roche made 10 saves, but was powerless against such a fierce attack.

Monaco's attacking trident of Roy, Morientes, and Giuly combined for 9 goals, with Roy scoring four, Morientes completing a hat-trick, and Giuly contributing one goal and two assists.

This record-breaking victory not only showcased Monaco's formidable attacking firepower but also boosted their confidence for the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals.

For Châteauroux, this night is destined to be one of the darkest chapters in the club's history.

After the match, Deschamps stood on the sidelines and gave an interview to the media.

Despite having just led his team to a resounding 10-0 victory, there wasn't a trace of a smile on his face.

“It was a normal game,” Deschamps said sternly. “We just did our job.”

He kept his hands in his trench coat pockets, never looking at the reporter.

When asked about Roy's four-goal performance, Deschamps simply replied, "He did well, but there's still room for improvement."

When pressed by reporters about whether the resounding victory would affect preparations for the Champions League, Deschamps finally raised his head.

“Châteauroux and Real Madrid are completely different levels of opponents,” he said, frowning. “We should forget about this match now.”

"Against Real Madrid, we need 200% focus. The Bernabéu is not the Stade Louis II; every minute there will be agonizing."

After saying that, Deschamps turned to leave.

The last reporter loudly asked if he was worried that Real Madrid would study the video of the match, to which Deschamps waved his hand without turning his head: "Let them see, we will have new preparations."

As Deschamps walked into the players' tunnel, his pace was noticeably faster than usual.

This 10-0 victory seemed to him to be nothing to celebrate.

In the locker room, the players sang and danced, celebrating the resounding 10-0 victory.

Roy sat in the corner, watching his teammates celebrate wildly.

Suddenly, he stood up and clapped his hands: "Guys, listen to me."

The locker room gradually quieted down.

“You played well today,” Roy said calmly, “but do you think Real Madrid will give us as many chances as Châteauroux? To be honest, we wasted too many chances today.”

Morientes nodded.

The other players also gradually stopped celebrating.

Roy looked around at his teammates and said in a low voice, "You guys remember Nonda, right? That guy's at Arsenal now. Arsenal haven't lost to Chelsea this season."

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood what he meant.

Roy said quietly, "You guys don't want to watch Nonda play in the semi-finals from home, do you?"

On March 17, 2004, the Copa del Rey final in Spain took place at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium in a thrilling and dramatic match.

Real Madrid and Zaragoza battled for 120 minutes, but the Galacticos ultimately lost 2-3, extending their Copa del Rey drought to 11 years.

The match started with a tense atmosphere.

In the first minute, Zaragoza striker Cani's powerful shot was brilliantly saved by substitute goalkeeper Cesar.

Real Madrid quickly regained their composure, and in the 24th minute, Beckham scored the opening goal for Real Madrid with his signature free kick that curled into the top corner.

But their good fortune didn't last long. Five minutes later, Zaragoza equalized through Dani receiving a cross from Savio.

The tide turned dramatically in stoppage time of the first half.

Guti recklessly fouled Villa in the penalty area, and the referee promptly awarded a penalty.

Villa himself scored, giving Zaragoza an unexpected lead.

After the break, in the 48th minute, Carlos equalized for Real Madrid with a powerful free kick that could have traveled over 100 kilometers per hour.

The competition then became extremely intense.

In the 67th minute, Zaragoza midfielder Cani was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.

However, Real Madrid, despite having a one-man advantage, lost their composure, and in the 95th minute, Guti was sent off with a red card for a malicious foul.

In the 111th minute of extra time, Galletti capitalized on a defensive error by Real Madrid to score the winning goal.

Although Raul scored in the final moments, the goal was disallowed due to offside.

Throughout the match, Real Madrid had a possession rate of 62%, but their attacking efficiency was low.

Beckham and Carlos, two free-kick masters, scored all the goals, while other players repeatedly missed good chances.

Zaragoza displayed remarkable resilience, securing a dramatic victory despite being down a man.

This defeat extended Real Madrid's Copa del Rey curse, and manager Queiroz's lineup and tactics have been heavily criticized.

Zaragoza, on the other hand, created a classic battle of underdog victory, avenging their loss to Real Madrid in the final 11 years later.

(Real's last Copa del Rey victory was in the final against Zaragoza)

On the night Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-3 defeat to Zaragoza, Florentino's political enemies launched an attack.

Lourenço Sanz gave an interview to El País immediately.

Sitting in a high-end restaurant in Madrid, cutting his steak, he told reporters, "Look, this is the price of neglecting youth training. Cesar? He's not even Casillas's backup."

"Florentino only cares about selling jerseys!"

The former president specifically pointed out: "The most absurd thing is that Florentino spent tens of millions of euros to buy star players, but let go of Roy, who came from our youth academy, for only 300,000 euros. When that striker, who can now easily score ten goals in the Champions League, came to Castilla from Lille's youth academy in 1998, I was the president."

Ramon Calderón sat around a table with several core board members at an oak barrel at a secluded winery on the outskirts of Madrid.

“I’ve always emphasized this,” Calderon said, “buying more attacking players won’t solve the problem. Look at our defense, it’s full of holes.”

He specifically mentioned Makelele's transfer: "Letting Makelele go was a major mistake. And now, we have to face another mistake: Perez let Roy go."

Calderón made it clear to those present: "If I am elected president, my first priority will be to correct these mistakes. We must strengthen defensive cores like Makelele, and as for Roy, I will personally bring him back to the Bernabéu."

The media's attacks were even more intense.

Eduardo Inda of Marca called an editorial meeting overnight, and the headline on the front page read: "A Night of Shame!"

When laying out the layout, he deliberately enlarged the photo of Cesar's save error, "so that fans can see clearly that this is the goalkeeper trusted by the chairman."

Juan Carlos of AS went even further, digging up data that "youth training spending has decreased by 47% in the past three years," and accompanied it with a photo of Florentino Pérez in a private conversation with a builder, implying that he is more concerned with real estate projects.

AS newspaper has brought up the old issue again, bringing up Florentino Pérez's controversial decision to sell the sports city site at the beginning of his term in 2001.

The report points out that although three years have passed since the deal, its negative impact is gradually becoming apparent in the youth training system.

"The €4.8 million deal back then did alleviate the debt crisis," an anonymous youth training director said in the report. "But look at Valdebebas' training ground now, 25 kilometers from the city center. How many talented kids have given up their football dreams because of transportation issues?"

Several parents of youth training players complained: "The new training base is too far away. The children have to spend three hours on the road every day for training."

"This is not a simple relocation; it's undermining Real Madrid's foundation."

An anonymous youth training coach said with heartache in the report.

“We have recently lost three promising first-team players because their parents could not afford the daily commute.”

In his column, former president Sanz pointedly stated: "The money from the land sale in 2001 bought Zidane, and in 2003 we bought Beckham, but our youth training system is paying the price. Look at tonight's starting lineup, besides Raul and Casillas, who else came from our own youth academy?"

"This is not just a matter of geographical distance; it is a matter of severing the blood ties between Real Madrid and the city of Madrid."

He raised the question of "killing someone by attacking their spirit": "Who can guarantee that the kid who left the team won't become the next Roy? Back when Roy was in Castile, he could get to the training ground in ten minutes by bicycle every day."

"While Real Madrid is grieving the loss of the Copa del Rey, they may be losing even more. The future stars who should have grown up on the pitches of the training ground are now quietly slipping away because of that wrong decision three years ago."

The opposition members acted swiftly.

Lawyer Miguel Angel drafted an open letter overnight and led more than 200 members to protest in front of the Bernabéu early the next morning.

They held up a banner that read "We want competition, not commercialism," and one excited longtime member even threw his season pass into the trash can.

“This was passed down to me by my father,” the old man said, his voice choked with emotion as he spoke to the television cameras, “but now this team doesn’t recognize itself anymore.”

These attacks were quickly reported to the Real Madrid president's office.

At 7 a.m., the newly appointed secretary, Maria, hurriedly entered the president's office carrying a stack of newspapers and videotapes.

As she hurriedly placed the documents on the table, several newspapers slipped to the floor.

Florentino frowned, his gaze lingering on the young female secretary for a few seconds.

The former secretary in this position was photographed by Marca leaving Ronaldo's apartment late at night last year, and the next day Florentino transferred him to a foundation responsible for community welfare under the pretext of "organizational restructuring".

There's an unspoken rumor circulating within the club that the blonde beauty's daily job is to count the old jerseys donated to the slums, and Ronaldo can't even remember her full name.

The secretary in front of me, who had just been transferred from the public relations department, was clearly not used to her new job yet; her fingers were trembling slightly as she organized the documents.

“Mr. Chairman,” Maria stammered, “this is all the news about the match this morning, and...and the CCTV footage of the protests outside the stadium.”

She frantically picked up the fallen copy of AS, and on the front page, Sanz's criticism of youth training policies was clearly visible.

“Mr. Chairman,” she pushed up her glasses, “since last night, 17 media outlets have published negative reports, and the Members Service Center has received 83 protest calls.”

Florentino slowly flipped through the materials, spending the most time on Sanz's interview page.

Finally, he closed the folder and instructed the HR manager: "Notify the youth training director that a comprehensive training evaluation of the U19 teams will begin next week, especially the team coached by Sanz's son."

He paused for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. "As for the funding issue (embezzlement) mentioned in the audit report, let's put it aside for now and see the evaluation results."

Then he turned to his secretary and asked, "Has Calderon's business trip for next week been arranged? Let him go to Japan on a business trip."

Florentino stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, gazing at the Madrid skyline.

He held the latest issue of L'Équipe in his hand, which featured Wenger's heartfelt declaration of love for Arsenal.

"I'm already in 'football paradise,' why would I still want Real Madrid?"

"A football paradise?"

He murmured to himself, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

He turned and walked to his desk, picked up another newspaper, and carefully read the exclusive report in The Times.

The article quoted an "insider" as saying that Roy had privately said: "Wenger's football philosophy is fascinating. Apart from Deschamps, he is the manager I most want to play for."

The report specifically emphasized that the French striker's only concern was Arsenal's precarious financial situation.

Although the article did not specify the source, a knowing smile appeared on Florentino's lips.

This typical "British leak" achieves the goal of striking at the opponent while preserving a semblance of dignity.

This is clearly Ferguson's precise retaliation for Wenger's comments last week.

After Manchester United's Champions League exit, Wenger publicly mocked the team, saying that "real strong teams need to get used to competing on four fronts." Now, Ferguson is using the media and Roy's words to refute Wenger's statement.

Ferguson played this move brilliantly, both retaliating against Wenger and avoiding personal involvement. Anyone with eyes could see who those so-called "insiders" were.

He then turned his gaze to another newspaper on his desk.

That was a report from the French local newspaper Nice-Main. When Roy was asked about it, he simply shrugged: "I never deny what I've said, but I also don't explain the occasion." Clearly, Roy didn't care at all about Ferguson's little trick of deliberately leaking the contents of the conversation.

This detached attitude only made the rumors more damaging, confirming Wenger's appeal to him and suggesting that Arsenal did indeed have financial problems.

Florentino lightly flicked the newspaper. This was exactly the kind of player he admired: someone who knew how to use the media to create momentum, yet wouldn't be led by the nose by public opinion.

A bold plan was taking shape in his mind: what a powerful blow it would be to bring both Wenger and Roy to the Bernabéu at the same time! He would gain the most tactically astute manager in Europe and bring back the youth academy gem that had been mistakenly let go.

This detail made a glint of light flash in Florentino's eyes.

He turned and took out a folder labeled "Project New Era" from the safe. Inside were two files neatly arranged: Wenger's tactical analysis report and Roy's transfer feasibility study.

"The perfect closed loop"

He whispered to himself.

If Real Madrid can sign both Wenger and Roy this summer, it will not only solve the long-standing problem of lacking a tactical system, but also make up for the mistake of selling off youth talents at a low price in the past.

More importantly, this will completely shut up Sanz and others. What could be a more convincing response than welcoming back their own youth academy gems and having them coached by top European coaches?

He pressed the call button: "Arrange a meeting between me and David Dunn (Arsenal vice-chairman), without alerting the other members of the board."

At the G-14 summit held in Valencia not long ago, the two sides made tentative contact regarding Henry's transfer, and even discussed the sensitive topic of Wenger possibly coaching Real Madrid.

It is worth noting that Arsenal's management did not show a strong rejection of this.

（G14是2000年由欧洲14家顶级足球俱乐部（后扩至18家）成立的临时性利益联盟，旨在与国际足联、欧足联争夺赛事话语权和商业利益，2008年解散。）
Florentino was well aware that this plan had to bypass the existing coaching staff and transfer committee.

He is brewing a bold two-pronged transfer plan, preparing to form a secret negotiation team to simultaneously work on the signings of Wenger and Roy.

The core of this strategy is to leverage the mutual appreciation between the two individuals.

He will hint to Wenger that Roy is about to return to Real Madrid, while convincing Roy that Wenger's appointment as manager is a done deal.

This plan was based on several key factors: Roy had publicly stated that he most wanted to play for Wenger, and Wenger had not only praised Zidane and Roy's talents on multiple occasions, but had also always longed to build his own football dynasty; in addition, Zidane had already extended his contract until 2007, and Florentino was prepared to do what he did when he brought in Figo: by showing both of them certain facts, he convinced them that the other was about to join, thus facilitating this perfect double signing.

Florentino walked back to the window, his gaze seemingly already illuminating the exciting scenes of the upcoming season.

Wenger stood calmly directing the team from the sidelines, while on the pitch, Roy, dressed in a pure white jersey, formed an invincible trident with Raul and Ronaldo.

This perfect attacking combination will inject long-lost youthful energy and tactical wisdom into the "Galácticos," giving Real Madrid's forward line both Raúl's flair and Ronaldo's explosiveness, while also adding Royna's signature precision shooting skills.

He could almost hear the thunderous cheers from the stands and see Roy celebrating his goal with his arms outstretched on the Bernabéu pitch.

That former youth academy player, once sold for a paltry 300,000, has now returned as a top star.

This scenario will not only silence all critics, but will also be the most brilliant comeback of his career: it corrects last year's mistakes and brings the most advanced tactical concepts to Real Madrid.

At the same time, Florentino also prepared an alternative plan: to bring in Wenger and Henry as a package deal.

This proposal is attractive to all three parties: Arsenal would receive a huge transfer fee to alleviate their financial crisis, Wenger could continue coaching his protégés, and Real Madrid could solve both their attacking and coaching problems at once. Given Owen's recent slump, the club has temporarily shelved its plans to sign the English striker, making Henry a more realistic target for reinforcement.

This alternative plan retains the team-building philosophy of "coach and core players" and can be activated immediately if the main plan is blocked.

On March 20, Monaco will face Sochaux at the Stade Louis II.

The match ended in a 2-2 tie, but that one point was enough to send the entire stadium into a frenzy.

Roy and Morientes both scored for Monaco, with Roy netting a goal and providing an assist, while Rothen contributed a key pass.

After this draw, Monaco has achieved an impressive record of 26 wins and 3 draws in 29 rounds of Ligue 1, reaching an astonishing 81 points. With 9 rounds remaining, second-placed Lyon has only accumulated 57 points.

Monaco only need 3 more points to catch up with Lyon's theoretical maximum points.

They are just one step away from winning the championship ahead of schedule.

(There has only been one instance in Ligue 1 history of a team winning the title eight rounds early, namely Paris Saint-Germain in the 2015-16 season.)

Thierry Rolland's voice was hoarse, but still full of power: "Ladies and gentlemen, remember this moment! This Monaco team is making history! 29 rounds unbeaten, 81 points, just one victory away from the championship!"

"Look at their journey! Six wins in six Champions League group stage matches, defeating PSV Eindhoven, Deportivo La Coruña, and AEK Athens. Facing Bayern Munich? 5-3 on aggregate, sending the Germans home!"

"But now the real test is here. In four days, they will stand on the Bernabéu pitch and face the most awe-inspiring giants in European football. That stadium holds too many legends; the figures of Di Stéfano, Puskás, and Gento still linger in the stands. Nine Champions League trophies shine in the Hall of Fame, more than the total European honors of all French football."

"Waiting for them there is Zidane, the pride of French football, a magician who can dance ballet on one foot, whose Marseille turn will be a nightmare for defenders. Figo, the most dangerous winger in the world, whose dribbling and changing of direction can make any defender's knees tremble. And Raul González, the ghost who always appears in the most deadly position at the most deadly moment, whose ring-kissing celebration has become an iconic image of the Champions League."

"The lights at the Bernabéu will be as bright as day, and the roar of 80,000 people can shatter even the strongest will. The grass there has witnessed too many miracles and buried too many dreams. But this is the cruelest and most fascinating aspect of the Champions League. We created miracles at the Stade Louis II, we rewrote history in Munich, and now, in front of the most sacred temple of football, the young men of Monaco will face the ultimate test."

"Remember this moment of cheers and glory, and let it fuel your courage to go to Madrid. In that place known as the 'cradle of champions,' you will either write your own legend with your own two feet, or become the backdrop for someone else's legendary story. The Bernabéu has no pity for the weak, but it will always revere the true warriors."

The camera on the screen in front of Roland suddenly switched to a close-up of Roy.

The 19-year-old slowly took off his sweat-soaked red and white jersey, revealing his well-defined upper body muscles.

He clenched his jersey tightly into a fist in his right hand, as if holding a battle flag.

A deafening roar erupted from the stands, with shouts of "Roy! Roy!" spreading from the die-hard fans' section to the entire stadium.

The camera zooms out, and the entire Monaco team is now standing shoulder to shoulder near the center circle.

Giuly had his arm around Roy's left shoulder, Rothen had his arm around Morientes' back, and Deschamps stood on the far side of the team. Everyone was bouncing up and down to the rhythm of the fans.

In front of the television, 65-year-old football fan Jacques trembled as he took off his glasses and wiped his moist eyes with his sleeve.

He murmured to his grandson sitting on the sofa, "Son, I've watched football for fifty years. From Fontaine to Platini, from Papin to Zidane, I've witnessed Kopa's flair, Cantona's dominance, and Henry's explosiveness."

"When we won the World Cup in '98, I thought I would never be so excited about football again in my life. But this kid reminds me of the first time I watched Kepa play on a black and white TV."

Amidst the commentator's shouts on television, Jacques suddenly raised his voice: "Listen! If he can maintain this level, in the next five years—no, three years!—he will surpass all his French predecessors!"

After saying this, he was stunned and quickly took another sip of beer, as if he had been frightened by his own prediction.

The wave of people in the stadium had circled the field three times.

Several young people on the top level of the North Stand were capturing this historic moment with their cameras, their lenses showing Prince Albert of Monaco standing up and applauding in the VIP box.

On the sidelines, in the press box, L'Équipe's senior reporter, Duruk, was scribbling furiously in his notebook: "This Monaco team is reminiscent of Marseille in 1993, but Roy's talent is clearly even greater than back then."

Deschamps stood on the field, his eyes already red.

He quickly wiped the corner of his eye with the back of his hand, but couldn't stop the tears from flowing.

This scene was captured perfectly by a photographer on the sidelines.

The moment the flash went off, he felt as if he were back on that night ten years ago, before the 1993 Champions League final, wishing Papin were still in Marseille's squad.

But fate is cruel. His former teammate is now wearing an AC Milan substitute's vest, silently watching him from the opposite bench.

Roland delivered his final closing statement: "Roy, remember tonight's cheers! Pack them in your suitcase and take them to Madrid!"

All of France is talking about Monaco.

From the fan bars of Paris Saint-Germain to the fish market in the Old Port of Marseille, from the lunch break canteen of a textile factory in Lyon to the student dormitories of the University of Bordeaux, all the French people who follow football are talking about this red and white team.

There has never been a team like this in the history of Ligue 1: 29 rounds unbeaten, 26 wins and 3 draws, 81 points, just one win away from winning the title eight rounds in advance.

This Monaco team is creating an unprecedented miracle in French football.

The café's TV was playing their goal highlights on a loop, the subway station's newspapers were full of Roy's headlines, and even the street vendors selling crepes were arguing with customers about Monaco's Champions League prospects.

The fact that two French teams have reached the Champions League quarterfinals should have been a cause for celebration for fans.

But everyone knows that while Lyon is indeed strong, the team that truly carries the hopes of French football is that invincible team from the Mediterranean coast.

The elderly people dug out old photos from 1956 and compared them to Reims during the Kopa era. They reached the Champions League final but lost to Real Madrid. The following year, Kopa joined the opposing team and formed a dream attacking line with Di Stéfano and Puskás that swept across Europe.

Middle-aged people reminisce about Marseille's Champions League victory in 1993.

The young people firmly believe that this Monaco team is stronger than any French team in history.

There's always a hint of worry in the discussions on the streets: if even a team like Monaco can't lift the Champions League trophy, French football might have to wait another ten, twenty years, or even longer.

A customer in the bakery stared at the television screen and muttered to himself, "This kind of opportunity might only come once in a lifetime."

The radio commentator put it even more bluntly: "Either now or forever."

On the afternoon of March 21, a subtle atmosphere permeated the lounge at the Monaco training base.

The hum of the air conditioner couldn't mask the players' deliberately hushed conversations, but anyone could tell they were nervous.

For the third time, Evra casually brushed past Morientes, looking at the former Real Madrid striker with a hesitant expression.

Morientes was lying on his back in the physiotherapy chair, a hot towel covering his eyes, only his tightly pursed lips were visible.

He only let out a few comfortable groans when the physical therapist pressed hard on his shoulders.

As Evra cleared his throat for the fourth time, Morientes suddenly lifted a corner of the towel: "Just ask whatever you want, Patrice."

Evra finally spoke up and asked, "Tell me about Real Madrid's current squad."

Morientes removed the hot towel from his face: "Didn't the coaching staff show you the tactical analysis and game footage?"

“But you came from there,” Evra wanted to ask further.

Morientes shook his head: "It's no use saying more. You'll understand once you stand on the Bernabéu's grass and figure it out with your own feet."

He pointed to the card table, "Instead of wasting time, why not go play some cards to relax?"

In a corner of the lounge, Roy, Giuly, Rothen, and Pulso were playing French poker around a small table.

Deschamps forbade them to gamble, so Roy suggested that the losers stick stickers on their faces.

Now, seven or eight strips of white paper are stuck to Rothen's face, fluttering gently with his breathing.

"Lost again?"

Juli tore off a piece of sticky note, moistened it with water, and stuck it on Rothen's forehead.

Pulso pressed down on Rothen, who was trying to dodge: "Don't move, this one needs to be in the center."

Roy, shuffling the cards, said, "Whoever loses next round has to stick it on their nose."

Giuly immediately retorted, "You said the same thing last time, and Rothen ended up losing every time."

Deschamps came in to get the tactics board, glanced at Rothen whose face was covered in notes, and asked, "Are you guys trying to wrap him up like a mummy?"

After saying that, he shook his head and left, followed by a burst of laughter.

Evra walked over to the card table and said to Roy, "You used to be at Real Madrid, tell me about the characteristics of their players."

Roy continued shuffling the cards: "I played in the youth team, I've never played against the first team."

He handed the cards to Evra, "Want to play a round?"

Evra shook his head: "We're about to play Real Madrid, and you guys are still playing cards?"

Juli interjected, "It's better than just sitting there and thinking aimlessly."

He pointed to the note on Rothen's face, "Look, this guy has lost so much he has nowhere left to stick it."

Rothen blew on the note: "Again! This time we'll definitely turn the tide."

"If you don't want to play poker with us, go find your nightclub bartender and play poker with her. You're to abstain from sex for the next few days. Don't even think about the girls in Madrid sneaking into the hotel hidden in the laundry basket or your suitcase."

Evra waved his hand and took the cards from Roy's hand: "Then I'll play one."

Roy ripped the note off his face, stood up, and said with a smile, "I'll be going now then? See you at the airport tomorrow morning."

He turned to Evra and said, "Remember to set an alarm, don't make the whole team wait for you like last time."

The crowd burst into laughter.

Evra looked down and saw a terrible hand: the 7 and J of spades, the 8 and Q of hearts, the 9 and K of diamonds, and the 10 and A of clubs—all scattered low cards and isolated high cards, making it impossible to play.

After getting this kind of hand, you can't even win a single round; you can only passively follow suit and watch your opponent score.

No wonder Roy was chuckling before he left.

This hand is a complete "trap".

In the upscale boutique district of Salamanca, Madrid, Vitoria Morientes, wife of Raúl Márquez, and Mamén Raúl, wife of Raúl Márquez, walked past one store after another, carrying several shopping bags.

They went into the corner café that was always filled with flowers and sat down in their usual spot by the window.

Mammon placed the Chanel shopping bag at his feet and casually asked, "How's the situation in Monaco?"

Victoria took off her sunglasses: "Fernando said the whole team was holding back, especially that kid named Roy. He said he had never seen a player like him before. The stronger the opponent, the more excited he became. He ran like a perpetual motion machine, and even his teammates got excited."

Mammon stirred his coffee gently: "Sounds like a young Raul."

Victoria glanced out the window: "Fernando always says that playing with Roy is like taking performance-enhancing drugs. Against Bayern, that kid single-handedly broke down the entire defense."

Mammon nodded, his gaze falling out the window: "Raul has been doing extra training lately, and when he gets home he just watches game videos."

She paused for a moment, then said, "Sometimes I think, would it be simpler if we could treat life like a game, just like athletes do?"

Several fashion magazines were spread out on the table. On the cover of the top issue of "Hola," Raul was kissing his wedding ring to celebrate a goal.

“I just can’t stand the other Victoria,” Mammon tapped the rim of his glass lightly with his spoon. “She and Beckham are always putting on a show for the media. Helen (Figo’s wife) says so too.”

Victoria glanced at Mammon's bare ring finger, where the wedding ring that should have been on the magazine cover should have been.

Last week, the website Vanadu reported that Raul and Mammon's divorce lawyers were renegotiating the division of their assets.

If the marriage of this golden couple were to truly break down, the entire city of Madrid would likely be shaken, just like the bombing at Atocha train station three weeks ago.

Outside the window, newsboys were hawking the day's Marca newspaper, with a front page featuring a photo of Raul training, accompanied by the headline: "Captain Focused on Champions League."

On March 22, Monaco's chartered plane landed at Madrid-Barajas Airport.

Morientes gazed out the window at the familiar city skyline; this was his first return as an opponent since leaving last summer.

He turned to look at Roy beside him.

Roy was wearing a black eye mask and appeared to be asleep.

Morientes gently nudged his shoulder.

Roy groggily took off his blindfold and squinted to adjust to the light.

After taking in the view outside the window, he smiled slightly and said softly, "I'm back."

(There's still a large part of the competition left. I'll finish writing it and post it all at once. The workload is bigger than I expected, and I'm writing slower than I anticipated, but I'm sure I haven't been sleeping while writing.)
(End of this chapter)