Chapter 387: Beckham’s Comeback

The second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 is here.

Real Madrid are playing away, facing AC Milan at the San Siro Stadium.

The outcome of this match, combined with the score from the first leg, will determine who advances.

You could say Real Madrid is walking a tightrope.

But there's good news: the conflict between Capello and Beckham has been resolved.

In just two weeks, both have presented a united front publicly.

Capello stated, "Beckham's professional attitude moved me, and that's why I've decided to lift his suspension. I welcome any player who wants to help us win."

Beckham also made a statement, saying that the misunderstanding between him and Capello has been cleared.

They had a conversation and exchanged views. Beckham agrees with Capello's philosophy, and Capello also expressed his understanding.

However, the reconciliation between the two stirred up some drama.

Real Madrid's current president, Calderón, claimed credit for mediating the misunderstanding and bringing harmony back to the team.

Clearly, Calderón—who's had a string of recent setbacks—was trying to boost his image.

But soon after, media reported that both Capello and Beckham were seen separately visiting former Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez's residence. The very next day, both announced their reconciliation.

Many believe it was actually Florentino's doing.

Florentino made no comment.

But precisely because of his silence, the media believed their deduction even more. As a result, Calderón's self-praise made him look like a clown, whether or not he truly played a role.

Regardless, Beckham has been successfully reinstated.

He will travel with the team to the San Siro for the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

With Beckham back, Real Madrid fans now have more reason to hope.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy made a bold public statement:

"David's return is a positive sign. It means we are reenergized in the Champions League, and we will prove it in this match!"

This was reported on Italian television.

Suker, watching van Nistelrooy speak confidently on TV, shook his head and said:

"Making bold claims before the match? That's a jinx!"

Kaká commented, "Seems like Real Madrid really likes Dutch players."

"It's not Real Madrid—it's Calderón who does," Suker shrugged.

More Dutch players would join later, becoming part of Calderón's Real Madrid era—until Florentino returned and began rebuilding, launching the second phase of the Galácticos.

"With Beckham back, this match won't be easy," Kaká said seriously.

Suker turned to him. "That's why you need to step up."

"What more do you want me to do!" Kaká said, frustrated. He felt he was already performing well.

Compared to previous seasons, he had been more prominent.

But Suker still thought it wasn't enough.

Suker felt helpless.

Kaká had no idea just how terrifying his peak form could be.

Suker's presence had taken a lot of the tactical spotlight, which also prolonged Kaká's peak years.

Kaká didn't know he had "God-slaying" potential.

But Suker knew!

And not being able to fully unlock that potential was agonizing!

Suker was the type who didn't like to force things, but if he could force something, he'd be pretty pleased about it.

But Kaká was just so passive, content to ride the wave.

At times, Suker even thought, "What if I fake an injury and sit out for a few months to force this guy to take charge?"

Of course, it was just a thought—he'd never actually do it.

Still, he was frustrated!

That's God-mode Kaká, after all!

This is one wave I have to ride.

No matter how long it takes, or when it happens—Suker was here to stay.

"You're looking at me weird," Kaká suddenly shivered.

Suker chuckled, putting his arm around Kaká's shoulders.

"Bro, let's be teammates forever. Wherever I go, you go."

"What?" Kaká looked confused. "Where are you going?"

Suker cleared his throat.

He had accidentally said his inner thoughts out loud.

"Never mind, let's head to training!"

As the second leg of the Champions League approached, AC Milan was training hard.

Compared to Real Madrid, AC Milan already had the advantage of winning the first leg—and with three away goals. They were in a commanding position.

For Real Madrid to advance, they'd need to score three goals and stop AC Milan from scoring.

That's a very tough task.

First, AC Milan's defense is not easily broken.

Even though veterans like Maldini are aging, their experience makes the backline solid.

Second—and this is the harder part—how do you stop Suker, the goal-scoring machine?

Real Madrid's defense was seriously stressed about this.

They were practically praying for Suker to get injured, but he was like an ironman—showing no signs of slowing down.

"In the next game, we must mark Suker closely," Capello told Ramos.

He was assigning a big responsibility to the young player.

Ramos felt bitter.

He'd only just made it into the first team, and already he was being asked to carry such a heavy load. Wouldn't that risk burning him out?

What about Cannavaro? He's the top defender!

Cannavaro said nothing.

Honestly, he wasn't too confident about marking Suker either.

Defenders are reactive by nature.

If it were a different type of striker, Cannavaro would have more tools at his disposal.

But Suker? He was too versatile.

He didn't just sit up front waiting to be marked. He was constantly moving and disrupting the defensive line like a twist of rope—until it snapped.

Cannavaro wasn't shirking responsibility, but he did think younger players should take on more.

As long as he didn't have to do it, he was fine.

The next day, San Siro Stadium was ablaze with lights.

The dome lights lit up the pitch, and tens of thousands of AC Milan fans erupted into cheers.

The crowd waved banners, and their choreographed TIFOs were a visual spectacle.

In one corner of the south stand, the "Cello" fan group unveiled a special TIFO:

A goat-headed figure wearing AC Milan's red and black No.10 jersey.

The goat—symbolizing "Greatest Of All Time."

Suker saw the TIFO and smiled.

"That's gonna bring some heat on me."

Young fans can be impulsive and do bold things.

But Suker's current status was still far from GOAT-level. That TIFO was basically asking for critics to attack him.

Still, he couldn't really ask the fans to tone it down, could he?

"Let them have their fun," Suker shrugged, and turned to focus on warming up.

For this match, Beckham was not only back in the squad but also starting.

With both Guti and Beckham in midfield, Real Madrid's control would be more stable.

Though Suker had confidence in his own midfield, this time it would be harder to defend as effectively as in the first leg.

Stopping their buildup would be difficult.

But even so, Suker remained confident.

His confidence came from his current form and his scoring efficiency.

Back in the locker room for final preparations...

Ancelotti reminded everyone, "Don't rush. Control the ball, slow the tempo. The midfield must dominate. If their pressing is too intense, Suker will drop back to help."

Suker nodded. "Got it."

"Alright, let's win this game!" Ancelotti shouted passionately.

The AC Milan players responded with energy.

As they entered the tunnel, Real Madrid's players were already lined up.

Their expressions were serious—understandably so, as they carried the weight of the first-leg loss.

Beckham was among them.

As the AC Milan team appeared, Beckham turned and made eye contact with Suker.

He blinked, as if to say hello.

Suker smiled in return.

Both teams lined up.

A great battle was about to begin.

For Real Madrid, this match was everything.

Could they finally shake off the "Round of 16 Curse" and make a comeback?

As for AC Milan—reigning Champions League holders—their sights were set much higher.