After the match between Arsenal and Manchester United, Fleet Street began to heavily hype the upcoming "Arsenal vs. Real Madrid" match a few days later.
Compared to the almost suspense-free "Manchester United vs. Schalke 04."
The second leg between Arsenal and Real Madrid was clearly more captivating.
Although everyone following the match knew that Arsenal, with Fly, was invincible at home.
This didn't mean Real Madrid had no chance at all....
At least compared to Schalke 04, who were crushed 5-1 by Manchester United in the first leg, Real Madrid, having only lost by two goals, had a greater chance.
It was amidst everyone's anticipation that the second clash between Arsenal and Real Madrid arrived.
.....
May 4th.
The date for the second leg of Arsenal vs. Real Madrid officially arrived.
London's sky was covered by thick clouds, as if accumulating strength for the upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg.
On the day of the match, Emirates Stadium, Arsenal's home ground, stood like a coiled beast, silently in the city, awaiting a globally anticipated football spectacle.
Hours before the match, the area around Emirates Stadium was already bustling.
The streets were crowded with people, and fans in red Arsenal jerseys gathered in groups towards the stadium, their faces beaming with confident and expectant smiles, waving flags with the Arsenal crest and player portraits, and singing the team's anthem, their voices echoing through the streets.
"We are the invincible Arsenal!!!"
"We Arsenal are unbeatable!!!"
Such impassioned shouts rose and fell, demonstrating the fans' support and unwavering belief in their team.
Among the many Arsenal fans, there were also some away fans wearing white Real Madrid jerseys.
Although their numbers were relatively smaller, they showed no weakness, occasionally engaging in "shouting matches" with Arsenal fans, trying not to lose out in terms of momentum.
"Fxxk....we'll blow you away this match!"
"Real Madrid will show you who the king is!"
"The loss at Bernabéu was just an accident, watch how we turn the tables tonight!!!"
The "contest" between the two sets of fans gradually escalated from initial verbal sparring to "group brawls."
If the London government hadn't preemptively arranged riot police to maintain order for this major event, a large-scale brawl involving thousands of people might have erupted.....
The pre-match clashes between the fans created a tense atmosphere even before the game began.
Street-side shops and stalls also entered their peak business period.
Vendors loudly hawked various match-related souvenirs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid jerseys, scarves, keychains, and posters with photos of star players from both teams.
Fans stopped to browse, adding a memento to this important match.
Meanwhile, the bars and restaurants outside the stadium were already packed with fans, with large screens continuously replaying highlights from the first leg between the two teams. People drank beer, ate fish and chips, and enthusiastically discussed the potential outcome of tonight's match.
"Frey Adams was amazing last game, he'll definitely score again tonight!"
"Of course....when has Fly ever disappointed us? Never!"
"Cristiano scoring two goals in the last match was an exceptional performance. You know, this portuguese has only scored 9 goals in the Champions League this season so far, so scoring 2 goals in one match against us was already very surprising....."
"9 goals? Oh my god...if I remember correctly, how many goals has Fly scored in the Champions League this season? 25 or 26 goals? Sorry, I can't remember..... Anyway, it's much more than Cristiano....."
"26 goals. Fly scored 11 goals in the group stage and has already scored 15 goals in the knockout rounds, almost three times Cristiano's goal count. I don't know what's the point of those media outlets comparing these two? Cristiano and Fly are not on the same level of player..."
"That's right, I'll never forget what that despicable portuguese did in the 2006 World Cup..... He was just lucky to have an annoying guy like Sir Alex Ferguson coaching him. Without Sir Alex Ferguson, the portuguese would probably still be struggling for survival on an island."
For Arsenal fans, Cristiano Ronaldo, who came from Manchester United, was already a very annoying person.
Now, in a direct Champions League confrontation with Arsenal, he was at an absolute disadvantage...
London local fans would absolutely not miss this opportunity to mock him.
If in the past Arsenal fans were very envious and jealous of Manchester United having a superstar like Cristiano Ronaldo.
Then now, their mentality is: "Cristiano Ronaldo? Not even a dog would want him...."
Arsenal fans, possessing the super weapon Fly, were just that confident.
In the stadium's press conference room, media reporters from all over the world were packed, their cameras and microphones pointed at the coaches and players of both teams who were about to enter.
Arsenal manager Wenger was the first to enter the press room. He wore a sharp suit, his steps steady, but a hint of tension and caution was evident in his eyes.
Facing the reporters' questions, Wenger calmly replied:
"We achieved a great victory in the first leg, but that doesn't mean we can relax."
"Real Madrid is a very strong team; they have climbed to the top of Europe nine times, truly the Kings of the Champions League."
"At the same time, they also have many world-class stars: Cristiano, Higuain, Xabi Alonso, Casillas... all of them are world-class players."
"Facing such a strong opponent, we must go all out, pay attention to every detail, to fight for the chance to advance."
"Of course... since the opposing coach is José (José Mourinho), I think our chances of advancing are greater than 50%, after all, José's 'park the bus' tactic can't achieve a comeback when trailing by a large margin."
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho then appeared in the press room, his signature'special one' aura still present, with a faint smile on his lips.
Judging solely from his facial expression, those who didn't know would even think Real Madrid had won the first leg.....
"The loss in the first leg was just a minor hiccup; my players are ready."
"Tonight, we will take the victory at Emirates Stadium and successfully advance!"
"This is Real Madrid's mission, the confidence and attitude that the Kings of the Champions League should possess....."
Even knowing that this match would be very difficult, José Mourinho still adopted the posture of a "winner."
Because he knew very well that at this stage, he had to boost the team's morale, he had to make the players believe they could do it!
Otherwise, this match, with an already slim chance of advancing, would probably be completely hopeless.....
However, fortunately, a few days ago in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, Real Madrid avenged their past humiliation, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the only goal of the entire match with a header in extra time.
With this goal, Real Madrid finally defeated their arch-rival Barcelona, who had been dominating them for several years, and successfully lifted the trophy.
This championship was also Cristiano Ronaldo's first trophy since transferring to Real Madrid.
It was also José Mourinho's first trophy as Real Madrid manager.
It was truly significant!
The arrival of this trophy before the Champions League semi-final second leg was a strong shot in the arm for Real Madrid.
Both Real Madrid players and José Mourinho began to believe they could achieve a comeback against Arsenal.
When asked by reporters about what Wenger had just said, José Mourinho curled his lip and said with disdain:
"I'm not interested in what a specialist in failure has to say..... You know, I've already won two Champions League titles, what about the specialist in failure?"
"It's a pity.... he hasn't won even one, and even this time, I will personally stop him."
The sharp words between Wenger and José Mourinho also made the media reporters present smell the strong scent of gunpowder.
They eagerly recorded this exciting dialogue, preparing to spread it around the world as soon as possible...
In Arsenal's locker room, the players were making their pre-match preparations.
As the team's pillar, Fly sat in front of his locker, his eyes firm and focused.
His hat-trick in the first leg had made him the team's hero, but he knew that tonight's match was the real test.
Although their current lead was very large.... who knew if a situation similar to the second clash with Barcelona would occur?
Plus, whether that group of bastards at UEFA would want to see an "Premier League civil war" in the Champions League Final was a big question mark.
At least Fly was very clear.... the current UEFA President Platini would absolutely not want to see it.
After all, how could the french, who advocated supporting smaller teams and opposed money-driven football, want to see the world's most "money-driven" League achieve great success?
However, thinking about his "Black Whistle Buster" still having one chance unused, and "All Blame Benzema" also not being used, Fly's confidence suddenly soared.....
With a guaranteed fallback, what was there to fear?
Just do it!!!
"We can't get carried away by the last victory; Real Madrid will counterattack with all their might."
To prevent his teammates from getting complacent, Fly decided to speak to them.
"We need to stay calm, follow the coach's tactical arrangements, and play our style. As long as we are united, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome."
"Even if there really is.... you know, just give the ball to me, and all problems will be solved..."
His teammates nodded in agreement, their eyes also filled with fighting spirit.
Van Persie, while adjusting his cleats, said, "Fly, don't forget me.... I scored last time too, and tonight I'll continue to contribute to the team and help Arsenal reach the final!"
Nasri chuckled upon hearing this, pointed to himself, and reminded, "Don't forget, me too. Although it's just icing on the cake, 5-3 is still a bigger advantage than 4-3, right....."
"Hahaha, Samir (Nasri), we won't forget your contributions....."
A relaxed yet determined atmosphere filled the entire locker room.
In Real Madrid's locker room, the atmosphere was somewhat subdued.
The first-leg defeat had left the players with a pent-up drive; they yearned to prove themselves tonight.
Cristiano Ronaldo stood in the center of the locker room and loudly declared, "Brothers, we cannot let the first-leg defeat happen again."
"Tonight, here, at Arsenal's home ground, we will reclaim our victory!"
"I believe in our strength; as long as we perform at our normal level, we will definitely defeat them!"
"A two-goal deficit is not impossible to overcome....."
"We defeated Barcelona, who had been dominating us for several years, a few days ago and won the Copa del Rey."
"Now, what reason do we have not to believe we can reverse Arsenal?"
Casillas, Ramos, and other veterans also encouraged morale, and their words gradually helped the younger players regain their confidence.
José Mourinho quietly watched his players from the side. He knew that this match was crucial for Real Madrid, and he had to ensure the players were fully prepared psychologically and tactically.
"Arsène (Wenger), it won't be that easy to step onto the Champions League Final stage over my shoulders....."
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