226. Champions League Second Final (1)
[Real Madrid has won its 33rd La Liga title.]
[It's incredible. You could say the era of Real Madrid has truly begun. Didn't they prove they are the best in Spain by defeating Barcelona in just 35 rounds?]
[Yes, and now it's time to go beyond that and become the best in Europe.]
"Madrid! Madrid! Hala Madrid!"
"This is me! This is me (Y nada mas)!"
"Hala Madrid!"
"Wow, wow, wow, wow!!"
***
Santiago Bernabéu
The official anthem rang out as the La Liga trophy was presented to the players.
The voices of the spectators echoed through the stadium, still packed despite the time that had passed since the final whistle.
The cheering never stopped.
Some were so overwhelmed that they hugged each other, shedding tears of joy.
Wasn't this their fourth consecutive league title?
Real Madrid had twice achieved five consecutive league championships in their history, but this was their first four-in-a-row streak in the 21st century.
It had been a season full of controversy and challenges due to Chairman Pérez's scandal, but in the end, they successfully defended their throne.
A remarkable feat that stunned football fans worldwide.
And above all, it was the best news for President Calderón.
In the VIP Box
"Congratulations, Chairman. Now that we can fully focus on the Champions League, I feel more relieved. This is all thanks to your brilliant leadership. Hiring Scolari was a stroke of genius."
"Hmm."
Despite Captain Mijatović's flattery, Calderón looked troubled.
The results were more than satisfactory, but he couldn't simply smile, as the club's financial situation was still precarious.
Not to the point of bankruptcy, but enough to require careful management.
'I just need to hold out until the end of the year.'
With the club generating high revenue, operations could stabilize by next year. But in the meantime, urgent funds were needed to sustain the club until then.
The summer transfer market was crucial.
Players had to be sold before their value declined.
Calderón's gaze turned to the field.
Several players, including Arjen Robben, caught his eye.
Immediate financial inflow was necessary.
Even if a full transfer wasn't possible, various options could be explored, such as loaning players for a short period.
'Everything will be fine if we just win the Champions League.'
With that, the club could gain overwhelming public support.
And the financial fire could be put out later.
***
On the Pitch
"Downpour!"
"Wow!"
All Real Madrid players, starters and substitutes alike, wore their white uniforms with pride.
They linked arms, bouncing together in celebration, sharing the trophy among themselves.
The reward for their relentless efforts over the past nine months was immense.
Though it couldn't be measured solely in monetary terms, the total prize money for the players was estimated at around 12 billion won in Korean currency.
This was nearly double last year's figure and was expected to keep increasing, approaching the English Premier League's prize pool of nearly 50 billion won.
Hoyoung was set to receive the highest individual bonus of approximately 800 million won, with an additional 200 million won per contractual clauses.
'I can finally catch my breath.'
This victory was significant.
Not only had they secured a fourth consecutive league title, but they had also acquired Robben's talent.
As soon as the match ended, they had the opportunity to witness Noven's signature curling kick (U).
'It should blend well with Henry's kicking ability.'
The next goal was clear.
A hidden condition had to be fulfilled: 'Score a goal or assist after running more than 30 meters in the Champions League final.'
In addition, the talents of Raúl and Alfredo Di Stéfano were at stake in the final.
That match was what truly mattered.
The Champions League Obsession
Real Madrid poured every effort into preparing for the Champions League final.
The best facilities and medical teams were brought in to ensure the players remained in peak condition. Special programs were implemented daily to keep them mentally sharp.
It was an obsession.
After all, this was a golden opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time in eight years.
Last year, they lost the title to Ferguson's Manchester United, but this time, the board was determined to win.
Since La Liga was already secured, key players were rested, while substitutes were given chances to play in the remaining league matches.
However, Hoyoung and Ronaldo were brought on briefly to score goals, ensuring the season ended on a high note.
As a result, by May 16th, they had secured 33 wins, 101 points, and 113 goals—a historic record.
***
May 19th - Barcelona's Copa del Rey Victory
With the cool weather persisting, Spanish football fans turned their attention to Barcelona.
The Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid at Camp Nou was the talk of the town, with most predicting a Barcelona victory.
And indeed, they won.
[Barcelona beats Atlético Madrid 4-2 with Messi's hat-trick. They've secured their second consecutive Copa del Rey title.]
Guardiola lifted the trophy, his expression bittersweet.
If only this had been the La Liga trophy instead...
But that was just wishful thinking.
His final moments as manager were commemorated by many players who attended his official resignation ceremony.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, still at odds with him, did not attend, but Guardiola understood.
He blamed himself for the team's internal conflicts.
And thus, his tenure ended.
***
As he left the ceremony and headed home, his phone rang.
A familiar voice came through.
"Nice to meet you, Coach Guardiola."
"Who is this?"
The man introduced himself confidently.
"I'll make you an offer you can't refuse."
Guardiola chuckled at the man's words.
Something big was about to shake the football world.
The Final Countdown
By mid-May, most European players were on break, preparing for international duty in the upcoming World Cup.
But two clubs were still grinding harder than ever.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Players trained rigorously, maintaining peak conditioning.
Coaches worked tirelessly, fine-tuning tactics, formulating strategies, and preparing countermeasures.
With the final being a single-leg match, every move had to be meticulously planned.
One columnist wrote:
[Inter Milan is performing at an extraordinary level under Mourinho's leadership. They've already won two trophies and are on the brink of a treble. But no matter how formidable their tactics, they fall short of Real Madrid's sheer strength.
Moreover, Real Madrid already defeated Mourinho's Inter last year.
Considering all these factors, my bet is on Real Madrid. The key lies in Woo Ho-young's form and Scolari's counter-strategy.]
Scolari, though in his first Champions League final, was known for excelling in high-stakes knockout matches.
That was one of the main reasons President Calderón had hired him.
His true test was set for May 22nd at Santiago Bernabéu.
May 22nd - The Grand Finale
"Woooooooooooooooooo!"
"Madrid! Madrid! Madrid!"
A deafening roar from 80,000 fans filled the Santiago Bernabéu as the players walked out of the tunnel.
The Champions League anthem played, marking the entrance of 22 warriors set to determine the best club in Europe.
[The 22 players who will decide the champions of Europe are stepping onto the pitch.]
Tension gripped every player as they faced the Big Ears trophy.
Even the most experienced stars couldn't escape the nerves.
Hoyoung took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and exhaled heavily.
'No mistakes this time.'
Then.
Beep—
The match began with Real Madrid striking first.