Chapter 122: Champions League Second Match! Manchester City Is Coming!

Jack Grealish sat by the window, gazing through thin clouds. He could barely make out the dots of buildings below and the crisscrossing streets. Beyond the city lay a forest, and Grealish knew that within that forest stood a modest stadium.

He knew that every brick and tile of that stadium had been built by the fans themselves. It was where he had fought for a season. Generally, players stay at a club for at least two or three seasons before seeking a transfer. However, Union Berlin's outstanding performance last season had attracted attention to its players.

Grealish was one who left after just one season, and he often felt guilty about it. If he had stayed a few more seasons, perhaps he could have won more championships with Su Luo. But who could refuse the call of Manchester City? Who would turn down so much money?

Hometown England, a higher probability of winning the Champions League than in Berlin, and a salary that had doubled several times. Grealish felt he had made the right decision. He didn't care about the abuse from Union Berlin fans. Returning to Berlin this time, Grealish wanted to prove to his former teammates and fans that his choice was not wrong.

"Are you thinking about the past again?" Kevin De Bruyne asked, seeing through him.

"Yes, I can't help but recall," Grealish admitted. "After all, you're talking about the double champions, a team that created miracles. It's a rare experience in world football."

Kevin De Bruyne envied him. The reason he left the Bundesliga was that there was no hope of winning the championship in Wolfsburg, and he didn't want to join a team like Bayern. Unexpectedly, as soon as he signed the contract, Union Berlin won the championship. Someone really could break Bayern's dominance!

"If I had received an invitation from Berlin at that time, would I have accepted it?" De Bruyne wondered, thinking about the possibility of fighting side by side with Su Luo. There were still two days before the second round of the UEFA Champions League, and he was actually considering wanting to be teammates with his opponent.

"What are you two whispering about?" Aguero asked from the back row. He was the "big brother" of the Manchester City team, a person who liked to join in the fun, with a lively personality and good popularity. Seeing the low spirits of De Bruyne and Grealish, he couldn't help but want to liven up the atmosphere.

"Jack wants to prove himself against his old club," the honest De Bruyne blurted out.

"Oh? That's good. I'll pass the ball to you then," Aguero said.

"No, Aguero, I'll pass the ball to you," Grealish laughed hurriedly. Aguero was the team's terminator; it wasn't reasonable to pass the ball to himself.

"No worries!" Aguero replied cheerfully. "We're all here to win. Whoever scores, scores."

"Yes, you are both part of Manchester City. Just do your best when the time comes," added David Silva, the team's brain.

"If your position is better, I'll assist you," Silva continued.

"Yes, and me," De Bruyne nodded.

With the team's leaders and the future assist king offering their support, Grealish felt flattered. He suddenly understood the most fundamental reason why he left Union Berlin. If he stayed there, he would remain in Su Luo's shadow for a long time. It's not that Su Luo was a ball hog, just that he was so exceptional it was hard to imagine surpassing him. In Manchester City, Grealish saw an opportunity to stand at the highest point.

"Thank you, I will do my best to win this game," Grealish promised.

Nearby, the "Chilean Engineer" Pellegrini watched his players' enthusiasm and nodded with satisfaction. After losing 1-2 to Juventus in the Champions League and suffering two consecutive Premier League losses to West Ham and Tottenham, he was under immense pressure. Rumors circulated that boss Mansour was impatient and in contact with Guardiola. Pellegrini did not want to lose such a high-paying position and planned to fight to the end. This Champions League match was his lifeline! If he won, he could continue; if he lost, he might be out at any time.

"Should be able to win," Pellegrini thought, gaining confidence as he looked at his players. According to the coaching staff's analysis, Union Berlin was not invincible. Their numerous goals this season had come from overwhelming their opponents, rendering their tactics ineffective. Surviving the first wave of Berlin United's attack and then launching a concentrated counterattack was the key to victory!

As he looked at Berlin below, Pellegrini was ready to conquer.

That night in Berlin, the bar business in the base area was steady. The regulars were mostly familiar faces. Hogan was behind the bar, wiping glasses, when two unfamiliar faces walked in.

"Hey, mate! Two Scotches with ice!" one of them called out with an English accent.

Manchester City fans here already? Hogan squinted at them and calmly poured two glasses of Scotch.

The two Englishmen chatted amongst themselves.

"Do we need to write the article in advance this time? The deadline is tight."

"Of course, write part of it before the game and fill in the blanks based on the match."

"How should we predict it, from Manchester City's perspective?"

"Obviously. Don't be fooled by their strong firepower; they're actually all flash and no substance."

An older, veteran reporter made no secret of his opinion around the Germans. "Pellegrini can definitely contain the Chinese guy. Manchester City, having suffered a three-game losing streak, will be desperate. They're strong, and if they work hard, they can win!"

"What if Su Luo can't be contained?"

"How is that possible? Su Luo is not a god. And we have Jack, Aguero, and Kevin. Worst case, we'll score more goals than the opponent."

Despite Manchester City's recent losing streak, new recruits Grealish and De Bruyne were in excellent form. They had quickly integrated into the team and developed a strong understanding with Aguero. The power of the front three gave the England reporters confidence.

At the next table, Uncle Hans, Bard, and other core fans quietly listened to the two Englishmen boast about the match.

"It's a bit arrogant. Should we teach them a lesson?" Bard suggested.

"Forget it. There's no need to fight. We'll teach them a lesson on the field," Uncle Hans replied.

"But Manchester City is indeed very strong, and there are no obvious weaknesses in their lineup. Jack's performance has also been outstanding," another fan commented.

Speaking of Jack Grealish, the Berlin fans felt a twinge of discomfort. Grealish had been a hero last season, helping the team win the double, but his departure had been too sudden and resolute, turning their love into hate.

"Are we ready? We must welcome that kid home properly," Hans said.

"It's done. Grealish will be in for a surprise!" Bard added with a laugh.

The two English reporters looked over, puzzled by the Germans' laughter.

"Manchester City is fighting to the death. This Champions League match must be ours!" one of the English reporters declared.

Game Day

Su Luo woke up in his mansion and habitually reached out, but the bed was empty. He remembered that Josephine had gone to Milan again. The world of supermodels was complicated, and she was working hard for her career, moving from one show to another. Despite the glamorous surface, there was no time to eat properly, and her visits to Berlin were rare.

Su Luo made a simple breakfast for himself and headed to the training base to warm up. There was an important game in the afternoon, and he needed to use scientific methods to get his body in the best condition.

His Aston Martin Vulcan was a famous sight on the streets of East Berlin. Pedestrians would wave as they saw the car, knowing it belonged to the hero of East Berlin. The fans were clearly excited about game day.

At the Stadium

The Old Forest Management Stadium was hosting a formidable foreign team for the first time in its history: Manchester City. Except for season ticket holders, the rest of the grandstand tickets had sold out a month ago. Early in the morning, people outside the stadium were already holding signs begging for tickets. Even with common Champions League tickets selling for 10,000 euros, few were willing to sell. This was a historic home match in the Champions League!

Many Berlin fans had hardly slept the night before, eager to get to the stadium. The streets were bustling. Su Luo felt a pang of emotion. After a hundred years of football tradition, he wondered when China would see such a scene.

On the way, his phone rang, but he ignored it until he arrived at the training base. It was Grealish.

"Berghain is my treat tonight. Don't forget our agreement: the winner invites."

This kid, always playing mind games. Su Luo replied lightly, "I hope after the game, you'll still be in the mood to go."

No matter how good their relationship was before, on the field, they were enemies.

In the Locker Room

"Today's opponent is different from the past. The second European match is not the same as the last one!" Neuhaus addressed the team seriously.

He noticed that the players had seemed a bit complacent during the week's training. This was normal after a winning streak, but relaxation could be beneficial for performance. However, Manchester City was a formidable foe. Despite their recent three-game losing streak, they were still a significant threat.

The players listened, but their minds seemed to be elsewhere. Neuhaus swallowed his words, deciding to let the game teach them a lesson. What if Su Luo continued his godlike performance and led the team to victory?

After a reminder from the assistant coach, the players changed into their gear and headed to the tunnel. This was the first meeting between the two sides, and there was no prior animosity. The atmosphere was calm, without tension. Quinine, Fabianski, and others even had a cordial chat with Grealish.

Starting defender Richards felt uneasy seeing his former teammates. He had played for Manchester City for 12 years but was abandoned by the club. Treated indifferently by Pellegrini, no one had spoken up for him. Richards had a love-hate relationship with Manchester City. When the draw was announced, he clenched his fists, as he did now.

"Mika, show them it was a mistake to give up on you," Su Luo encouraged, patting Richards on the shoulder.

Richards nodded firmly. "Yes, Su! This game is really important to me."

At that moment, the French referee looked at his watch and called to the players, "Ladies, are you ready?"

"It's showtime! Let's give them a game to remember!"

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