When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 244 A Turning Point in Fate: The Birth of the Champions League Quarter-Finals

3月8日，欧冠1/8决赛次回合，AC米兰主场1-0战胜曼联，总比分2-0晋级。

Crespo headed in a cross from Cafu to secure the victory, extending Milan's unbeaten home record against English teams in European competitions to 10 games.

During the match, Giggs and Kaká hit the goalpost and crossbar respectively.

Manchester United failed to break through Dida's defense throughout the match, and Ferguson's attacking lineup proved ineffective.

Milan advanced to the quarterfinals thanks to their solid defense and efficient counter-attacks.

Crespo told reporters in the mixed zone: "I am still owned by Chelsea, as stipulated in my contract. But I have had a very fulfilling time at AC Milan, a prestigious club with a rich history."

"Realistically speaking, I think it will be very difficult for me to get a place at Chelsea. The style of English football, the tactical system, and the climate have always been difficult for me to fully adapt to. This maladjustment is not only reflected in my performance on the field, but also affects my daily life."

"Regarding my future destination, I need to have formal discussions with Chelsea's management. But from a competitive standpoint, Milan is indeed an ideal choice. It's worth mentioning that Chelsea has shown tremendous competitiveness this season, and I think the two teams are very likely to meet in the final."

In the highly anticipated showdown between rising stars, Kaka proved his worth with his performance.

The post-match ratings from the British newspaper The Sun clearly reflect this: Kaká received a high score of 8 for both legs, while Rooney and Ronaldo only received 6 and 7 respectively.

Despite a slight advantage in France Football's pre-match assessment, the young English star failed to demonstrate the expected dominance in the actual match.

Kaká not only posed numerous threats in attack but also connected Milan's midfield and forward lines through his extensive running. In contrast, while Manchester United's two young attackers occasionally showed flashes of brilliance, their overall performance lacked consistency.

This gap in direct confrontation also reflects, to some extent, the difference in European competition experience between the two teams.

Lyon thrashed Werder Bremen 7-2 at home, advancing to the next round with a dominant 10-2 aggregate score.

French veteran Wiltord scored a hat-trick, Eichen scored twice, and Marouda and Befard each scored a goal.

Bremen's goals from Miku and Ismail were not enough to salvage the defeat.

Werder Bremen took the initiative in the early stages of the match, but Lyon scored on a counter-attack in the 8th minute through Wiltord.

The home team then unleashed their full attacking power, with Eheen scoring twice and Malouda adding another goal.

Despite Miku and Ismail pulling two goals back for the away team, Wiltord completed a hat-trick to seal the victory.

Substitute Befad converted a penalty to make it 7-2, setting one of the biggest margins in a single Champions League knockout stage match.

Lyon's attacking trident exploded in this match, with Govou providing two assists, helping the team score 7 goals in a single Champions League game for the second time, following their 6-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the group stage.

Werder Bremen suffered their worst defeat in European competition history, with the German champions losing by 8 goals over two legs and being eliminated in disappointment.

In a post-match interview, Wiltord calmly discussed several topics.

Regarding Lyon's title prospects, he said: "We are now only 3 points behind Monaco, and it is entirely possible for us to end their two-year winning streak this season. Our performance in the Champions League has also proven that the team is competitive enough."

When discussing his personal form, Wiltord said, "My match feel has definitely been slowly returning recently, and my goal-scoring efficiency has also improved. As a player, I always hope to continue playing for the French national team. I'm always ready whenever the national team needs me."

Regarding his relationship with Roy, he was very candid: "There has never really been any real conflict between us. Although we may not be friends, all the misunderstandings from before are in the past. We had a very sincere conversation, and we both apologized for our immature behavior back then."

"The number 11 jersey is now worn by Roy, and it wasn't until that conversation that I realized it wasn't really that important to him. All he cared about was scoring goals for the French national team. Looking back now, my obsession with the number was definitely my fault."

Wiltord concluded by saying, "Many people suggested that Roy take over the number 10 jersey, but he insisted on waiting for Zidane to return. I think that's why the French team is so strong; our core players are not only exceptionally talented, but also understand the value of humility and respect."

3月9日，在阿尔卑球场进行的欧冠1/8决赛次回合较量中，尤文图斯主场2-0战胜皇家马德里，经过加时赛后以总比分2-1晋级八强。

Ronaldo hit the post during the match, and substitute Trezeguet scored a brilliant bicycle kick in the 77th minute to force extra time.

In extra time, Zalayeta scored the winning goal, while Ronaldo and Tacchinardi were sent off with red cards in stoppage time.

This defeat means that all La Liga teams have been eliminated.

After Real Madrid's 1-2 defeat to Juventus ended their run in the Champions League round of 16, former Real Madrid manager Vicente del Bosque analyzed the team's current situation in an interview.

“Capello, I completely understand his situation. Coaching a team with so many superstars is never easy. Combining so many top players doesn't necessarily guarantee the desired results. Sometimes one plus one doesn't equal two.”

“I will always remember that night when EFE reporter Luis told me that I was no longer the manager of Real Madrid. Although I appeared calm, I was heartbroken. I had just led the team to a championship and was dismissed. But I remained composed because I will always be a Real Madrid man. Perhaps Florentino will not forgive my mistakes, but Real Madrid, this eternal club, will eventually understand.”

"As for Ronaldo, he may have been overrated, which is certainly related to his outstanding performance. Young people are bound to be a bit impetuous, but I think Ronaldo has always been a striker that football coaches aspire to be. We got along very well, and I will never forget the moment when he dedicated his goal to my deceased mother. Although his peak has passed, it must be said that Ronaldo at 50% of his potential is already very formidable."

In other matches played at the same time, defending champions Monaco defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-1 at home, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 aggregate score.

Monaco opened the scoring with an assist from Ribery for Adebayor. Although Haselink equalized for PSV Eindhoven, Arshavin's assist helped Bernardi score the winning goal in the 76th minute.

At the BayArena, Liverpool defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 away, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 6-2 aggregate score.

In the first half of the match, Spanish midfielder Luis Garcia displayed a keen sense of goal, seizing two opportunities to score.

After the break, Czech striker Baroš continued his excellent form this season, scoring his 13th goal to seal the victory.

Just before the final whistle, Krzynövík scored a consolation goal for Bayer Leverkusen.

This match was one of Benitez's best performances in European competitions since taking charge of Liverpool, with the Reds demonstrating strong attacking power and control.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, were completely outmatched in both legs and were ultimately eliminated by a large margin.

At 8 p.m. on March 9, 2005, a black BMW sedan slowly drove into the VIP entrance of Highbury Stadium.

Roy, dressed in a dark casual suit, stepped out of the back seat of the car, accompanied by his girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy.

Guided by staff, the two quickly walked through the players' tunnel and into the VIP box area of ​​the North Stand.

They came to watch the game at the invitation of Nike's European Sports Marketing Director.

Roy ran into Arsenal legend Ian Wright as he entered the stadium, and the two exchanged a few brief words.

"What are Chelsea fans doing here? Just wait and see how we turn the tide against Bayern and scare them to death."

“It doesn’t matter. You know I don’t care, Wright. Bayern and Arsenal were both my losers last year; they’re both my favorites, I absolutely didn’t favor one.” Wright was momentarily speechless, stammering, “Then you should still favor Arsenal.”

"Of course, Thierry is my good brother."

The match kicked off at 8:45 p.m. at Highbury Stadium, with Arsenal, trailing 1-3 after the first leg, needing to fight for a win.

Both sides played cautiously at the start of the game. In the 4th minute, Ballack's first threatening shot was blocked by Vieira.

Arsenal's defense performed admirably, with Senderos making two crucial saves against Pizarro in the 8th and 15th minutes.

Bayern launched a sharp counter-attack in the 18th minute through Guerreiro, but Salihamidžić's shot was ultimately blocked by Toure.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger still held a glimmer of hope before the match, but a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich proved extremely difficult.

数据显示，拜仁过去20个欧战客场仅有两次以两球劣势输球，那就是2001-02赛季在伯纳乌不敌皇马，以及2003-04赛季1-3在路易二世球场战败摩纳哥。

Arsenal have only won by two goals or more four times in their last 14 European home games.

Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath identified weaknesses in Arsenal's defense, and his carefully devised tactics completely limited Arsenal's attacking space.

In particular, the two Peruvian players, Pizarro and Guerrero, on the front line, made frequent attacks that allowed Bayern to completely dominate the game in the first 40 minutes of the first half.

Roy leaned against the railing of the private box, wearing sunglasses.

When the Arsenal fans below noticed him, a chorus of taunts immediately erupted from the stands.

"Hey Roy! Are you here to cheer for our guns?"

A fan wearing a Henry jersey shouted loudly.

Roy smiled, took off his sunglasses and draped them over his collar, and replied, "Come on, Gunners!"

A burst of good-natured laughter erupted from the stands.

The fan paused for a moment, then gave a thumbs up: "Well done! Just let us score two fewer goals in the next derby!"

Roy laughed and put his sunglasses back on.

"It's impossible to keep things separate."

Throughout the entire process, he maintained that roguish smile that opposing fans both loved and hated, displaying both grace and the arrogance unique to top Premier League strikers.

In the 66th minute, Ashley Cole crossed the ball from near the left sideline.

The ball flew in a flat, fast arc towards the left side of the penalty area. Bayern's center-back Lucio made a fatal mistake while retreating to defend. He misjudged the ball's trajectory and failed to touch it after jumping.

At this moment, Henry made a diagonal run from outside the penalty area and skillfully controlled the ball with his right foot near the penalty spot.

Facing the onrushing Kahn, the French striker made no adjustments and directly pushed the ball into the far corner of the goal with his left foot.

The ball rolled along the grass and into the net; the entire process, from stopping the ball to shooting, was completed in one smooth motion.

This was Henry's fifth goal in the Champions League that season.

In the final stages of the match, Bayern substituted Linke for Guerreiro to focus on defense.

In the 88th minute, Toure headed the ball after a cross from Fabregas, but Kahn made a brilliant save.

Van Persie then took a short corner, and Bergkamp's long-range shot went wide.

In stoppage time, Senderos made a mistake that nearly gifted a goal, but Lehmann fortunately averted the danger.

The final score was 1-0. Although Arsenal won, Bayern Munich still advanced to the quarterfinals with an aggregate score of 3-2.

Henry walked off the pitch with his head down, mechanically clapping to the fans.

Scattered applause rang out from the Highbury stands, but more often than not, there were long sighs.

Arsenal fans have been hoping to win the Champions League for years, but their hopes have been dashed once again.

That golden lineup that won two titles is long gone, and the legendary lineup of the "unbeaten season" will also be few and far between.

With 35-year-old Bergkamp nearing retirement, this could very well be the last time he and Henry play side-by-side in the Champions League.

Henry displayed a different performance in this match than he had in the past.

He didn't complain about his teammates' several passing errors in the first half; instead, he applauded and encouraged them.

He actively participated in defense throughout the game, making multiple steals and chases back, which is rarely seen in the past.

Most impressively, in the 82nd minute, when Ze Roberto was about to have a one-on-one opportunity, Henry sprinted back to his own penalty area and successfully thwarted the dangerous attack.

Just as promised before the match, Henry gave it his all and held nothing back.

After the match, Roy was immediately surrounded by a group of reporters who had been waiting for him as soon as he stepped off the field.

When asked about his thoughts on Arsenal's elimination, Roy calmly replied:

"As a London opponent, I actually hoped Arsenal could go further. It was indeed surprising that both Manchester United and Arsenal were eliminated; there should have been more English teams in the quarterfinals. However, the teams that eliminated them also deserve respect; that's the beauty of football."

"Liverpool and we at Chelsea are still in the Champions League. We will give it our all until the very last moment. I remember Deschamps telling me when he was at Monaco that nobody expected Marseille to beat Milan, but they did it. I have the same belief this season and hope to bring a Champions League trophy back to London. I believe that if we achieve this goal, Arsenal and Wenger will be happy for us."

Roy then spoke about Henry: "Henry is the kind of player who can change a game single-handedly, and we all know how threatening he is. Although luck wasn't on his side today, you can't deny the pressure he put on the opponent's defense. As a fellow player, I respect everything he has done for Arsenal."

"I understand the fans' expectations of Henry. When he's on the pitch, people always expect him to score. If the team is eliminated because they don't score, everyone blames him. But we have to be objective. Henry is just a striker, not Maradona. Look at the statistics: he has scored 36 goals in the Champions League, trailing only Van Nistelrooy with 42 goals and Raul with 49 goals on the all-time top scorers list. It's not fair to blame Arsenal's poor European performance entirely on him. As a player, Henry has given his all."

(I'm a bit too tired to write today. I haven't had a break this month.)

(End of this chapter)