At Bastia Training Ground
There was no training that day, only physiotherapy and recovery sessions.
The team doctor became the busiest person.
While helping Julien relax his muscles, Fabruetto asked, "Do you feel any discomfort? When I touch your muscles, I can feel some tension. It might be from muscle overload."
Julien carefully recalled the match and how he felt during warm-up, then shook his head. "No discomfort. Just during the game, when I sprinted at maximum capacity, there was this feeling of muscle tightness, like a rubber band stretched to its limit."
Fabruetto smiled helplessly. "That's because you're too fast. And normally, after your muscles suffered multiple injuries before, they should be more fragile. But I've discovered they've actually grown stronger. According to the medical reports the doctor gave me initially, you should have already pulled a muscle last night or even torn one in a severe case."
Julien nodded. Of course, he wouldn't mention this was due to his injury resistance attribute.
Fabruetto still warned him, "Be careful in the next match. Don't push so hard. Sprint less. Even if your muscles were made of iron, they couldn't withstand this kind of punishment with repeated high-intensity sprints in such a short time."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Julien replied.
"Ah! Ow!"
Suddenly, a scream came from the treatment room.
It was Lukaku.
Everyone outside exchanged knowing smiles. Some muscle relaxation techniques were no less painful than drawing pounds of blood.
But soon they couldn't laugh anymore. It seemed everyone had to take their turn. So throughout that afternoon, the screams of players echoed across Bastia's training ground.
The closer it got to the weekend, the heavier the atmosphere in Bastia became. From the initial dissatisfaction with PSG, to now where every fan hoped the team wouldn't lose—emotions kept building.
The match would be held at Paris's Parc des Princes, and they had only given Bastia three hundred away tickets.
This was far from enough.
It was even several hundred fewer than what other away teams had received.
At Sunset Café Bar
Modoso was very dissatisfied, slamming the table and cursing PSG. "They're afraid of us! They know our support is powerful. I bet they didn't want to give us a single ticket."
Others echoed his sentiment.
After the commotion died down, Modoso revealed a smile. "Never mind. We'll give them something special! Just wait and see! Hahaha!"
Though Modoso didn't say what it was, many in the bar knew he'd been busy with this project for days.
Everyone started to anticipate it.
Bertrand said, "Be careful. I hope I don't end up seeing you on a crime show."
Modoso just smiled without answering, continuing to drink with the others.
This was their pre-battle drink.
They had to drink heartily and enjoy it to the fullest!
Time flew by.
Saturday morning, Bastia's entire squad departed for Paris.
That afternoon, in the lobby of their hotel, they held a pre-match press conference.
This match was the Ligue 1 top-of-the-table clash, the central point of the entire league.
Everyone knew that currently, the strongest teams in Ligue 1 were Bastia and PSG. Both were on winning streaks in European competitions.
Now it was truly a battle of kings.
Reporters naturally started with questions about PSG refusing Bastia's request to postpone the league match, directing them at Hadzibegic.
As an experienced coach, Hadzibegic handled it smoothly.
"First, I want to congratulate my players for delivering an outstanding victory against Tottenham in the Europa League.
It was a night to be proud of, earned through tremendous effort.
Regarding this upcoming league match and Paris Saint-Germain's refusal of our postponement request, my position is clear: we must respect the rules and the decision made by the Paris club.
This is part of competitive football and a challenge we must face when choosing to climb to the summit.
To be honest, facing high-intensity European competition consecutively, especially immediately after finishing an away trip and then encountering a title rival, places enormous demands on our physical reserves. This is an undeniable fact.
But true champions refuse to make excuses in adversity and forge their will through exhaustion.
Bastia's spirit is to never back down, never surrender prematurely.
Tomorrow's match isn't just about defending points—it's about defending our dignity and value as a team."
Reporters then asked about Julien, particularly his fitness and whether he would start and play the full match.
Hadzibegic continued, "Regarding Julien, this young man who has shown tremendous heart—his contribution to the team is invaluable.
But we bear the responsibility of protecting the future of a genius. Managing his workload wisely is absolutely crucial.
I won't risk any player's health, especially a rising star who carries our future.
His playing time will be based on the latest physical assessments, tactical needs, and long-term vision.
Please forgive my secrecy, the answer will be revealed one hour before the match."
Finally, discussing the match itself, he said, "Facing Paris Saint-Germain with their luxurious squad, well-rested, especially at the Parc des Princes, we're fully aware of the difficulty.
During my playing days battling great forwards, I deeply understood: great defense is itself an art and the foundation of victory.
Tomorrow, we'll construct a mobile fortress. Everyone will fight for their teammates with everything they have, contest every inch, communicate seamlessly, and make the most efficient choices under pressure.
Paris seeks control and domination. We'll be ready, using tight organization and decisive transitions to find our chances."
Hadzibegic's response was watertight.
On the other side, PSG's sly Ancelotti was similarly cautious.
"I must express respect for Bastia's achievements this season, they are Ligue 1's undisputed leaders.
This is reflected not just in points, but in their vibrant style of play, which cost us in that 3-2 encounter at Stade Armand Cesari.
I remember that defeat vividly.
In that match, especially De Rocca's performance—if I recall correctly, he scored twice and provided an assist, teaching us an important lesson.
His speed in counterattacks, composure in decisive moments, and increasingly mature decision-making are the hallmarks of a top attacker.
For an 18-year-old to have such profound impact in matches against top teams speaks volumes.
Our respect for his potential has, through the Cesari experience, transformed into maximum vigilance on the pitch.
We cannot give him space to run or go one-on-one anymore.
Tight organization, compressing space, and coordinated defense from the flanks and center will be key.
Of course, Bastia's success doesn't rely solely on De Rocca. Kanté's sweeping efficiency in midfield, De Bruyne's exquisite passing and set-piece threat—these all constitute a cohesive and efficient system.
They deserve their current position. But we're also in good form. Our midweek Champions League victory gave us confidence, and we also have players who can change the game.
Last time, Zlatan also scored twice at Cesari, demonstrating his ability to decide matches in any venue.
At the Parc des Princes, our team has both the responsibility and capability to correct the errors from the first meeting.
This requires intense focus, teamwork, and the wisdom to leverage our experience advantage."
Naturally, Ancelotti couldn't escape questions about Paris refusing the postponement.
He responded, "Regarding the recent fixture discussion? We respect Bastia's situation, but the rules are set. Paris Saint-Germain is focused on playing our best football in front of our fans, taking three points, and continuing to pressure the league leaders.
The Parc des Princes needs our response—a victory that demonstrates our determination and quality."
Finally, reporters asked about whether Beckham would appear.
Ancelotti remained evasive, saying only, "David is already an important and beloved member of our team. He brings not just the aura of his name, but invaluable professionalism, incredibly precise passing, and masterful vision for reading the game.
Especially in set-piece situations, his ability is one of our precious weapons.
As for his role tomorrow? He's training very hard, in good condition, and is an available solution for this important match. I'll consider bringing him on at the right moment based on the match flow and tactical needs."
Both coaches were veterans, leaving no verbal vulnerabilities.
Both sides appeared "refined and courteous."
But in reality, tensions were already running high, most visibly on social media.
Bastia and Paris fans had already been arguing fiercely.
Paris had the advantage in numbers. But every Bastia fan was a top-tier warrior, holding their own in the verbal battles.
The two groups argued about everything from football to historical matters.
Once history was involved, Bastia fans stood even taller!
"Two hundred years ago, a Corsican boy named Napoleon Bonaparte set out from our little island! He mounted his horse, wore his saber, led his army all the way to Paris, trampled your proud crown underfoot, and crowned himself Emperor of all France!"
"Today, it's our turn! We'll conquer the damn 'blue' of Parc des Princes with Corsican 'blue'! Julien is our Napoleon! Starting from Corsica to conquer Paris! Just you wait!"
Amid this escalating atmosphere, match day quietly arrived.
That morning, Julien opened his window to see Paris's prosperity and bustle. But today he had no time to appreciate Paris.
Everyone assembled at a training ground the team had rented to warm up for the evening match.
While jogging, players chatted.
Lukaku turned to Julien and asked, "Did you see the online comments? They're calling you Napoleon, about to conquer Paris again."
Others chimed in.
Rothen said, "What's so special about that? Julien has long been considered Napoleon by Bastia's people. Go look at that mural on the Terra-Vecchia central building—see the 'N' and 'B' initials? That's the Bastia fans' attitude."
De Bruyne and others who came during the summer window naturally knew this.
Van Dijk, who arrived later, wasn't quite clear, so Rothen explained it to him again.
This made Julien's image even more magnificent in Van Dijk's mind.
Van Dijk gave Julien a thumbs up. "To have an entire city call you a legend—that's truly remarkable."
Julien accepted these words seriously, knowing his teammates weren't joking but were sincere.
But he changed the subject, saying to Van Dijk, "Let's see tonight if you can stop the Swedish tower."
Hearing this, Van Dijk's expression became somewhat stern. He just nodded in response. "I'll give it everything I have!"
Angoula nudged Van Dijk's arm from the side, laughing, "Kid, don't be nervous. I'll help you."
The group continued jogging for several laps.
Nearby, Hadzibegic stood with Dominique, Chataigner, and others.
Chataigner said, "This is wonderful. I see a team with tremendous cohesion and full of ability. I never thought Bastia would have a day competing for the Ligue 1 title. Even ten years ago when we briefly became Ligue 1 leaders, I didn't believe the team would win the championship. But now it's different—I truly believe!"
Hadzibegic nodded. "I believe too."
His heart burned intensely. This was the strongest team he'd ever coached. Perhaps also his last.
At this thought, his expression dimmed slightly. After this summer window, how many of these current players would remain on the team?
But his hunger for the championship immediately dispelled these worries.
Gentle sunlight fell on everyone, reflecting different patterns of light.
At 7 PM at Parc des Princes
The area around the stadium was already dominated by PSG's blue.
Countless blue jerseys gathered together like waves, surging into the stadium.
The Ligue 1 commentators had already started building excitement—
"Dear viewers, the Parc des Princes ignites tonight! League leaders Bastia travel to face Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in no ordinary league match!"
A top-of-the-table clash full of sparks! Bastia leads Paris by 7 points, and in the first meeting this season, these Corsican eagles upset PSG 3-2 at Stade Armand Cesari! In that battle, 18-year-old winger Julien De Rocca shone with two goals and an assist, becoming the absolute hero of the upset!"
Bastia just endured a blood battle against Tottenham in the Europa League and travel-weary; Paris, controversial for refusing to postpone, sits at home with revenge burning! Ibrahimović also scored twice in the first meeting—tonight he'll lead Paris's powerful attack!"
A match involving the league summit, full of grudges, old versus new, and undercurrents.... about to explode!"
Stay tuned to TF1—the match is about to begin!"
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