From Arsenal to the Ball God

”The throw-in is taken by Gibbs, tossed to Arteta, with Sven Bender intercepting the ball upon returning!

”It’s an opportunity for Dortmund to counter-attack as they push forward, shifting to a 3-4-3 formation!

”....Now Götze is in possession, this German young general is only 19 years old, yet he has already won a Bundesliga championship and a cup championship!

”He is a hot contender for this year’s Golden Boy Award, and his biggest rival is none other than Ma’el, who just held the ball. The outside world has dubbed this match their Golden Boy showdown!”

At Westfalen Stadium, under the cheers of over 70,000 Bumblebee fans, the team’s attacking core Götze drives the ball forward, facing Arsenal’s central defender Koscielny.

His dribbling is exceptionally good, with the ball seemingly glued to his feet, swirling continuously with his movements.

”Boom!”

After dodging Koscielny, he swiftly delivers a through pass toward the center of the penalty area, piercing through Arsenal’s defense.

Due to its precise force, goalkeeper Szczeny doesn’t dare to charge forward, only able to watch as the Polish forward Lewandowski charges into the box with the ball.

”Screech!”

Luckily, just a moment before Lewandowski’s shot, a long leg suddenly appears in front of the ball, blocking his shooting path.

It’s Mertesacker, who came in to cover, anticipating Lewandowski’s shooting route.

Lewandowski’s eyes widen in surprise, instinctively nudging the ball to the outside of Mertesacker’s tackling leg, losing the best opportunity to shoot.

”Boom!”

Koscielny, turning around, returns and clears the ball, neutralizing this attacking opportunity.

”Clap clap clap.....!” Applause immediately breaks out in Arsenal’s away fan section, acknowledging the difficulty of playing away and offering some reassurance seeing the defense in form.

A round of enthusiastic applause resounds from the home team’s fan section, engulfing the stadium, naturally encouraging the team for their brilliant counterattack.

After winning the domestic double crown last season, their confidence and desire have been swelling, hoping the team achieves something significant on the European stage!

In the box of the North Stand, Isabella and Gilbert push open the glass door to stand outside, clapping excitedly.

Surely they’ve watched Champions League matches before, but this is the first time they’ve seen a match with a personal friend battling below.

This feeling is naturally different; you sense a strong connection to the important match, as if you too are part of it.

Don’t be fooled by how Gilbert is now a Premier League player, or how Isabella, born into a wealthy family, seems to lack neither fame nor fortune.

But....this is the UEFA Champions League, where the highest level of confrontation occurs, representing the clash of the best against the best!

Before this, they had no friends playing on this stage.

”The atmosphere here is great.”

Gilbert sweeps his gaze around Westfalen Stadium, declaring excitedly, ”I can’t imagine what it must feel like to score a goal here.”

Isabella nods slightly, resonating deeply, her eyes filled with anticipation, ”Once Ma’el scores, we’ll surely feel some of it.”

”I hope so.”

Gilbert, observing the momentum and atmosphere of the home venue, doesn’t hold too much hope, ”But this is his first Champions League match in life, and he’s facing Piszczek; I reckon the scoring chances aren’t high.

”As an Arsenal player, I still pray with him that Arsenal can achieve final victory.”

”That’s not certain.”

Isabella looks at the figure on the sideline, raising her prepared cheering sign, ”He always performs well in his debut matches; I don’t believe Piszczek can contain him.”

......

Below in the stadium, the bearded young German coach Klopp stands proudly at the sideline, calmly observing the play on the field.

At 41, he took over the reins of Bundesliga powerhouse Dortmund, leading them to reclaim the Bundesliga title and the German Cup last year, breaking Bayern Munich’s monopoly and achieving a double crown.

As a coach, he clearly has reasons to be proud.....Twice as head coach, twice achieving success, he has never failed.

Given enough time, he can turn decay into magic and lead the team to where it rightfully belongs!

”Boom!”

Suddenly, Arsenal’s backfield plays a diagonal long pass to switch the play, finding Ma’el in front of Klopp, who once again presses down Piszczek’s area with the ball.

Klopp watches Ma’el’s back with admiration and desire in his eyes; such a sharp winger, what coach wouldn’t love him?

Unfortunately, he still wears an Arsenal jersey now, attacking towards Klopp’s team.

But looking towards Piszczek again.....Klopp feels rather reassured, believing this experienced, physically exceptional defender can stop Ma’el.

”Boom boom boom....!”

In front of Dortmund’s backline, Ma’el controls the ball toward Piszczek, seeking opportunities for breakthrough with focused determination rather than a tentative mindset.

”Piszczek! Piszczek...!”

”Let the Brits taste your defense! Make him cry on the flank!”

”He’s a Frenchman; quickly send him back to France to find his mother!”

”I think he’s an orphan....raised by his uncle and aunt.”

”Ah? Sorry.”

Chants rise from the stands from Dortmund fans, seemingly having unwavering faith in Piszczek.

Ma’el doesn’t pay it much mind; after all, he can’t understand it....he can only guess there are certainly words against him.

He remains focused on the field, intently observing Piszczek’s knee balance and shoulders, anticipating the opponent’s next moves.