Chapter 116 True Champions League Death Group! What Hellish Lottery!

After beating Stuttgart 6-0, Union Berlin didn't relax despite their two consecutive victories. Every player knows that the Bundesliga is a long journey. A winning streak doesn't mean much. Some teams start strong but collapse in the spring of the following year.

Everyone kept a level head. No one got carried away by the dream start. According to Su Luo's observation, everyone trained with utmost seriousness.

At the end of the training day, the players gathered at Su Luo's mansion for a small party. Only good friends from the club were invited: Christopher Quinn, Forsberg, Nabi Keita, Pickford, veteran captain Matuschka, Kimmich, Pavard, and Sane. These were Su Luo's close friends in the club.

Su Luo's former best friend and nightclub wingman, Jack Grealish, had moved to England. Otherwise, he would have been at the party too. Su Luo eagerly anticipated meeting this good brother on the field again.

At Su Luo's party, the players brought their "family members." Matuschka brought his wife, while others came with their girlfriends, many of whom were supermodels with impressive figures. The pool party at Su Luo's mansion was naturally full of beautiful women.

Of course, Su Luo's girlfriend, Josephine, stood out among the supermodels. Teammates envied him. Su Luo wasn't just a talented footballer; he was also incredibly good-looking. He seemed to defy the law of conservation of appearance and skills on the field.

Female fans waited outside the training base every day, with 90% of them there for Su Luo! Last season, he publicly displayed his affection for Josephine, and this season, the news of him rescuing her at a nightclub had spread.

Everyone swam, drank, ate barbecue, and had a great time. As the night went on, Su Luo knocked on a goblet to get everyone's attention.

"Brothers, tonight's main event is about to start. There are fresh towels and toiletries over there. Clean up in the pool's dedicated bathroom, and then come to the living room."

The group of teammates and their guests dried off and changed their clothes before gathering in Su Luo's spacious living room. Nearly 20 people filled the room, but it didn't feel crowded. A huge, clear projection screen displayed the live broadcast of the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony.

This was the highlight of the party—the UEFA Champions League draw! The whole club had been waiting for this moment. Everyone was excited about their upcoming European campaign.

"Do you think we'll get drawn against Real Madrid or Barcelona? I'd love to play them!"

"Better not end up in the Group of Death. We need an easier path to qualify."

"I don't mind who we face, as long as we play Real Madrid in the knockout rounds."

Everyone had different expectations and hopes for the draw. Some wanted to experience playing against top European clubs, while others hoped for an easier group to increase their chances of advancing. Drawing teams like Basel, Porto, Benfica, or Shakhtar Donetsk would give them hope of qualifying from the group stage. As long as they didn't end up in a group with giants like Juventus, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, they'd be happy.

As they discussed, the unexpected happened. UEFA awarded the best player and best goal award for the previous season's Champions League. The winners were Barcelona superstars, including the world's number one, Messi.

Messi had shone in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances, tying with Ronaldo for the top scorer. Watching Messi receive his awards, Su Luo couldn't help but feel inspired. Josephine, holding Su Luo's hand, said thoughtfully,

"Next season, it'll be your turn on that stage."

"With your support, I have to work hard."

They smiled at each other as Su Luo pulled her into his arms. Josephine was the perfect girlfriend—distant with others, but tender and loving with Su Luo.

Soon, after Messi's awards, the UEFA Champions League draw ceremony began. UEFA Secretary-General Infantino and Competition Director Marchetti hosted the draw. Milan legend Maldini and Inter Milan legend Zanetti were the guest draw conductors.

Pot 1 included PSG, PSV, Benfica, Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Zenit St. Petersburg. Despite winning the Champions League a year ago, Real Madrid's previous inconsistent performance placed them in Pot 2. Giants Manchester United, who narrowly qualified, were also in Pot 2. Union Berlin, having won the Bundesliga double last season but scoring 0 points in European competition, were placed in Pot 4.

This meant there was a possibility of a "Group of Death" with Barcelona, Manchester United, Lyon, and Union Berlin.

As the draw began, Su Luo noticed his teammates growing nervous. The lively, laughter-filled atmosphere gradually quieted down.

Everyone stared intently at the screen.

Group A: Paris Saint-Germain was drawn first, followed by giants Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk...

Before the last fourth lottery slip was revealed, the teammate next to Su Luo held his breath. If Union Berlin ended up in Group A with PSG, Real Madrid, and Shakhtar, it would definitely be the Group of Death. Fortunately, Malmo was the unlucky team. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

The tension from Group A hadn't dissipated when Group B was completed: PSV, Manchester United, Spartak Moscow, and Wolfsburg.

"That's a pretty good draw," someone said. "Spartak Moscow, PSV Eindhoven, and even Manchester United aren't unbeatable. If Union Berlin were in Wolfsburg's place, we might have had a chance at topping the group."

"Don't look at Manchester United as a giant. They're practically a second-rate team in Europe now," another teammate added.

Every match in Group B seemed winnable, with everyone having a fair chance of qualifying.

Group C: Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, and Astana; a group without much excitement.

Group D, however, quickly became interesting and had great potential as the Group of Death. Juventus was drawn first, followed by Manchester City. The next team to be drawn was Sevilla, considered the strongest in the third tier.

"It's probably not going to be us," Quinnine said nervously.

The old captain Matuschka smiled and scolded, "Don't jinx it, kid."

As Maldini, the legendary Rossoneri, reached into the lottery pool and took out a small ball, Su Luo suddenly felt ominous. He vaguely remembered that Borussia Mönchengladbach was the last team in this death group in his previous life. But history had changed with Su Luo's "butterfly effect," leading to Berlin finishing first, Bayern second, and Wolfsburg third.

When Maldini unfolded the note, the room fell silent. The air seemed to drop several degrees.

"Union Berlin," Maldini announced.

It was indeed the Group of Death! The last Champions League runner-up, Serie A giant Juventus, the Premier League powerhouse Manchester City, and one of the strongest second-tier teams in Europe, Sevilla. And now, Union Berlin, who were playing in the second division just two seasons ago.

Even the lottery scene was in an uproar. Someone heartlessly started clapping, and soon, the whole room was applauding. Maldini, holding the microphone, couldn't help but laugh, "Hahaha, this group is really interesting."

Not so good. To compete for qualifying places, these teams were going to fight fiercely.

Shortly after the draw results were announced, Su Luo's phone buzzed with several messages. Josephine, hurt, glanced at his phone, worried some beautiful woman might be harassing him.

The first message was from his betrayed brother, Jack Grealish.

"Hey, Bro! I didn't expect to meet in the Champions League. Come to Manchester when the time comes. I'll invite you to the best nightclub!"

After that, he sent another message: "Of course, after we win."

Su Luo chuckled and shook his head. "I haven't seen this guy for three months, and he's already learned to taunt."

He replied casually, "We'll win. I'll wait for your treat."

The next message surprised Su Luo.

"Su, I didn't expect to meet again in the arena so soon. I won't lose this time. Show your strength, and let's have a good fight."

Kevin De Bruyne! Su Luo had almost forgotten. Since De Bruyne's transfer to Manchester City, he hadn't seen him in the Bundesliga. The last time, De Bruyne was still upset about being eliminated in the German Cup.

"It seems he's treating me as an old rival," Su Luo thought, intrigued.

"Very good. Let's fight with all our strength!"

A good friend, an "old enemy." Su Luo was looking forward to the battle against Manchester City, and of course, Juventus. And soon, matches against Barcelona and Real Madrid. Su Luo hadn't felt this excited about European competition in a long time!

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