Chapter 170: The Tug-of-War

Bayern Munich's home stadium wasn't the world-renowned Allianz Arena yet—it hadn't even begun construction at this point and was still in the planning phase. Instead, Bayern played their home games at the Munich Olympic Stadium. Though the venue had been in use for over 20 years, it remained a top-class stadium, fully qualified to host European competitions.

For this match, Ottmar Hitzfeld fielded his strongest lineup. His biggest concern was whether José would adopt the same ultra-defensive approach he used in the away match against Arsenal—locking down the game just to secure a point. Bayern would undoubtedly struggle against such tactics, as their forwards, Elber and Pizarro, were more technically skilled than physically dominant.

However, José surprised everyone with an aggressive starting eleven. Rufete, Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Luque were all in the lineup—clearly emphasizing attack. The only pure defensive-minded player in midfield was Kaladze, while Motta played a deeper playmaking role. The full-backs, Capdevila and George, were also offensively inclined.

After much reflection, José concluded that Mallorca's inconsistent performances at home and away weren't just due to climate differences—it was largely a mindset issue. In key away matches, the team had played well, but in regular away games, they seemed to care less about results than they did at home. This mental approach often led to subpar performances. Unlike home games, where the team was focused solely on winning, they appeared more relaxed in away fixtures.

So, ahead of this match, José balanced his motivational speech—reducing pressure while emphasizing the importance of the game. Now, it was time to see if the approach worked.

Bayern had both physical strength and technical ability, but José believed Mallorca could match them in both areas. As long as the players had the right mentality, they could fight on equal terms—even away in Munich.

While the first match of the group stage was important, even a loss wouldn't be catastrophic. The group's composition wasn't too challenging, and there would still be opportunities to recover. This mindset allowed Mallorca to enter the game with a relaxed yet competitive attitude.

As over 60,000 Bayern fans roared in support, the home side patiently built up their attack. Meanwhile, Mallorca set up a midfield defensive line, staying compact while looking for counterattacking opportunities. Their technical players up front aimed to maximize their advantage in possession and skillful interplay.

Despite Bayern's contingent of South American and French players, their Bundesliga identity remained dominant. The league wasn't known for its technical play, and while Bayern's blend of physicality and skill gave them an edge in Germany, that advantage wasn't as pronounced against Mallorca.

Likewise, Mallorca's physical presence was notable in La Liga, but against Bundesliga opposition, it wasn't as overwhelming. That's why, against Schalke 04, José emphasized technical superiority and quick movement. Against Bayern, he took the same approach—focusing on skill and agility.

Bayern's only true defensive midfielder was young Owen Hargreaves. Though he had exceptional work rate and defensive awareness, dealing with Ronaldinho was another matter entirely. Similarly, José doubted that Kuffour and Robert Kovač alone could contain Luque and Eto'o's attacking threat.

If it came down to an attacking battle, so be it.

Bayern cautiously advanced through midfield. Compared to his prime two seasons ago, Effenberg's influence had waned. Age was catching up with him, and as Bayern's midfield leader, his performances this season had been merely decent.

Motta stepped up to challenge him. Instead of forcing a dribble, Effenberg lifted his foot and passed to Salihamidžić, who was making a run down the right flank.

Nicknamed "The Angel's Wing," Salihamidžić was one of Bayern's key wide players—fast and direct. But he had met his match in Kaladze. While Kaladze wasn't as quick, his relentless marking made him a tough opponent to shake off.

Salihamidžić surged forward but couldn't fully escape Kaladze's pressure. Before he knew it, Capdevila joined in, double-teaming him near the sideline. With no other option, Salihamidžić turned and played the ball back to Willy Sagnol.

Sagnol also struggled to find a forward passing lane and switched play to Hargreaves in midfield. However, just as Hargreaves attempted another forward pass, Motta anticipated the move, stepping in front of Effenberg to intercept!

"Brilliant interception!" José shouted before turning to Ngonga with a grin. "Thiago is looking more and more like you in your prime."

Ngonga chuckled. "He's already better than I ever was. At least in attack. And defensively, he's catching up fast."

"You're too modest!" José laughed heartily.

After winning possession, Motta didn't rush a pass. Instead, he evaded Effenberg's attempt to reclaim the ball and made a daring forward run.

His stride wasn't the fastest, but his long legs covered ground quickly. As he advanced, Rufete moved into position on the right, while Ronaldinho adjusted his run in midfield.

Hargreaves hesitated—should he track Ronaldinho or stop Motta? Ronaldinho was Mallorca's primary playmaker, but Motta's run also posed a significant threat.

Fortunately for Bayern, Sagnol recovered in time to mark Ronaldinho, allowing Hargreaves to step up and challenge Motta. However, before he could get close, Motta made his move—just outside the center-circle arc, he sent a precise through ball behind the Bayern defense!

The ball split Kuffour and Kovač. Kuffour attempted a last-ditch slide tackle but missed, and Eto'o sprinted onto the pass at full speed!

Like a bolt of lightning, Eto'o raced towards goal as Oliver Kahn charged out like a roaring lion.

As Eto'o reached the ball inside the box, he adjusted his body and aimed a low shot towards the far post!

José leapt from his seat, watching anxiously—if they scored now, the rest of the game would be much easier!

Kahn reacted instantly, stretching out his arm—he got a fingertip to the ball! The trajectory changed just enough, and the shot skimmed past the far post, rolling out for a goal kick!

"Oliver Kahn! The Bayern captain comes up with another massive save!"

The Munich Olympic Stadium erupted in cheers, as over 50,000 Bayern fans exhaled in relief.

Eto'o, who had already begun to celebrate, froze in disbelief before clutching his head in frustration.

He hadn't expected Kahn to react so quickly. No wonder he was one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

José clenched his fist—this was the difference a world-class goalkeeper made. Bayern's defense wasn't flawless, especially after Matthäus' departure, but with Kahn in goal, they remained a formidable unit.

To beat Bayern, they first had to beat the lion that was Oliver Kahn.

For the young "Leopard" Eto'o, solving that puzzle had become his immediate priority.

"I will score," Eto'o muttered, shooting Kahn a determined glance before jogging back to his position.

"Mallorca with an early warning shot! Eto'o's speed is a nightmare for any defense, especially with playmakers like Ronaldinho and Motta supporting him. Bayern's backline needs to be cautious, particularly with Sagnol and Lizarazu frequently pushing forward."

"Both teams rely on pace and technical ability up front, but neither has particularly quick center-backs. The biggest headaches today might just belong to the four central defenders."

Mallorca won a corner, with Van Buyten joining the attack while Nadal stayed back.

Rufete delivered the cross towards Van Buyten, who towered over the rest…

But once again, Kahn came to Bayern's rescue, punching the ball clear before colliding with Van Buyten.

The clearance fell to Effenberg, who launched a counterattack—Bayern raced forward!

The tug-of-war had begun. This was going to be a grueling battle.