When playing football, you should call it GOAT.

Chapter 91 ROI's War Room (1.3 words)

August 28, 2003, Grimaldi Conference Center, Monte Carlo.

The intense Mediterranean sun shone down, illuminating the red carpet in front of the conference center.

UEFA flags fluttered gently in the breeze, while security personnel stood ready to maintain order.

Reporters had already set up their cameras and microphones, with flashes going off constantly, capturing every arriving football star.

A black Mercedes-Benz sedan slowly came to a stop. The door opened, and Florentino stepped out first, dressed in a sharp suit with a composed expression, followed by sporting director Valdano.

Following closely behind was Ronaldo, wearing sunglasses, his signature smile particularly striking in the sunlight, eliciting screams as he waved to the fans.

Raul, on the other hand, kept a low profile. He wore a dark suit with the Real Madrid crest pinned to his chest, his gaze gentle yet firm.

Carlos and Beckham got out of the car at almost the same time. The former still looked relaxed and casual, with a short-sleeved shirt revealing his muscular arms; the latter was wearing a perfectly tailored suit, his blond hair shining brightly in the sunlight, which drew screams from countless female fans.

Zidane and Figo were the last to get off the car. They walked side by side, with Zidane looking calm and Figo smiling and nodding to the media.

"Real Madrid's goal is always the championship," Valdano briefly stated to reporters, while Ronaldo playfully flashed a "V" sign at the camera.

As the reigning Champions League champions, Milan's appearance was imbued with an aura of prestige.

Galliani and Ancelotti walked ahead, both smiling, clearly confident in the team's title defense.

Maldini and Costacurta followed closely behind, both dressed in suits with gold badges symbolizing their championships pinned to their chests, their gazes calm and resolute.

"We are still one of the strongest teams in Europe," Maldini said in an interview, while Ancelotti humorously added, "Hopefully the draw will be kind to us."

The atmosphere at the scene instantly heated up when the Manchester United team arrived.

Sir Alex Ferguson led the way, his signature red nose and sharp eyes commanding respect.

Behind him stood Captain Roy Keane, his face grim and his steps steady, as if he were already in battle mode.

Giggs and Van Nistelrooy walked side by side, the former exuding elegance while the latter looked relaxed. Van Nistelrooy, with his outstanding performance last season, was the strongest contender for the European Golden Boot.

"We're not here for tourism, we're here to win."

Ferguson was blunt with the media, while Keane added, "There are no weak teams in the Champions League, but we are not afraid of any opponent."

Hoeneß and Kahn entered the venue one after the other.

Bayern's manager, dressed in a dark red suit, smiled and nodded to the reporters.

Kahn, with a stern face and his hands in his pockets, walked briskly, seemingly oblivious to the flashing lights around him.

"Oliver, can you say a few words?" a reporter called out.

Kahn simply shook his head, without stopping.

Sauer and Ze Roberto, who were behind him, slowed down and answered a few questions briefly.

New signing Makaay appeared somewhat reserved, quietly following at the back of the team.

The Bayern delegation did not linger and quickly disappeared at the entrance of the venue.

Hoeneß walked and talked with the staff, while Kahn maintained his serious expression as if the match was about to begin.

Moggi and Lippi walked into the venue side by side, both with solemn expressions.

Their defeat in last year's Champions League final made them extra cautious about this draw.

Del Piero followed closely behind, wearing a sharp dark suit, and nodded to the cheering fans.

“We are ready this year,” Lippi said briefly to reporters. Del Piero added, “The Champions League is every player’s dream.” Standing to the side, Buffon remained silent; the strongest contender for the best goalkeeper simply adjusted his cuffs quietly. The Juventus delegation quickly entered the venue without lingering.

Wenger walked alone, his expression focused. Behind him stood captain Vieira, tall and imposing, his gaze piercing. Henry and Pires, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed, chatting as they walked. Henry even winked at the camera, eliciting laughter from the reporters.

"The Champions League is the best stage to test a team," Wenger said casually, while Henry added with a smile, "We will make all of Europe remember the name Arsenal."

Moratti smiled, flanked by head coach Cuper and captain Javier Zanetti. Inter Milan have ambitious goals for this season, and Moratti made no secret of his ambition when facing the media: "We aspire to go further in the Champions League."

As the host country, Monaco drew all eyes when the delegation arrived. Deschamps led the way, impeccably dressed in a suit, his expression composed. Giuly followed closely behind, his curly hair neatly combed, a rare sight, a confident smile playing on his lips.

Giuly whispered to Deschamps, "If we draw Real Madrid, I'll have to treat Morientes to a meal."

Deschamps smiled slightly as he scanned the venue—he knew that all of Europe was watching this rising star of Ligue 1.

Roy, who was the last to get off the bus, instantly became the focus of the media's attention. He wore a tailored peak lapel suit, and a deep red silk tie created a striking visual contrast with his white shirt. His meticulously styled black hair was slightly curled, and his jawline sculpted in the sunlight.

"Mr. Roy!"

An Italian journalist squeezed to the front, his microphone almost touching the Windsor knot of his tie. "Is it nervous to be participating in the Champions League draw for the first time?"

Roy stopped in his tracks, his dark eyes gentle yet profound.

He reached out and gently touched the reporter's shoulder to help him regain his balance, a gentlemanly gesture that prompted more camera shutters to click.

"Compared to the boos at Champions League away games"

He tilted his head slightly, revealing his signature single dimple, and said, "It feels just like being in my own living room."

The Porto delegation, led by Mourinho, entered the venue.

The head coach, dressed in a dark suit, raised an eyebrow slightly when asked by reporters: "I'm more concerned about tomorrow's match against Milan than the draw."

His gaze briefly swept over the Monaco players who had just entered the field, and Roy's figure disappeared behind the door.

Deco followed quietly behind Mourinho. The midfield maestro did not give an interview, but simply nodded politely to the camera.

The lights in the Grimaldi Conference Center dimmed, and UEFA Secretary General Gerhard Eigner stood in front of the transparent draw cylinder, with special guest Gerd Müller beside him.

Eight crystal-clear glass tanks shimmered with a cold light against a blue backdrop, each containing a small ball bearing the team logo.

"The draw for the first pot teams will now begin." Aigner's voice echoed throughout the venue through the loudspeaker.

Müller reached into the tank and pulled out the first thing—"Bayern Munich! Group A!"

Hoeneß nodded slightly, while Kahn's lips tightened even more. When Lyon was drawn into Group A, Bayern's manager quickly jotted something down in his notebook. Bayern's former top scorer, Elber, had just transferred to Lyon. Bayern's other two group opponents were Scottish Premiership side Celtic and Belgian side Anderlecht.

"Arsenal, Group B!" Wenger adjusted his glasses. A commotion erupted in the hall when Inter Milan was subsequently drawn into the same group. Moratti frowned, while Cuper stared thoughtfully at the big screen.

"Dynamo Kyiv, Group B!"

This result brought a sigh of relief to both Wenger and Cooper.

The two men exchanged a glance across the aisle, both seeing relief in each other's eyes. After all, on this night, the last thing any of the top two teams wanted was to be drawn against Monaco, who were placed in the third pot—despite being the Ligue 1 champions, their two seasons of absence from European competitions had resulted in a significant drop in their European points ranking, directly leading to their lower pot ranking.

Wenger straightened his tie, thinking: at least we've avoided Deschamps' young team, which is full of unknowns.

Cooper, meanwhile, was already planning how to counter Arsenal's fast counter-attacks.

"Next up are the draw results for Group C."

UEFA General Secretary Aigner's voice echoed in the hall.

Gerd Müller reached into the glass tank and took out the first ball.

"Top-tier team: Deportivo La Coruña!" In the Spanish box, President Lendoiro forced a smile. Coach Irureta's fingers tapped unconsciously on his knee; this once-mighty Deportivo was facing the problem of its core players aging.

Müller continued drawing: "Second tier teams: PSV Eindhoven!" Dutch coach Guus Hiddink frowned slightly, quickly scribbling something in his notebook. His assistant leaned in and whispered, "At least they avoided Real Madrid."

When Müller announced "Third-tier team: Monaco," a commotion arose in the hall. Deschamps maintained his signature poker face, but Giuly and Roy exchanged an excited glance. Deportivo La Coruña's entourage visibly tensed, with some starting to flip through Monaco's player profiles.

"Fourth-tier team: AEK Athens!"

The Greek delegation applauded politely, but everyone knew that the real competition would take place between the top three teams.

The camera pans across each team's reactions:

Deportivo La Coruña coach Irureta is having a heated discussion with his assistant coach.

Hiddink repeatedly adjusted his glasses, his gaze shifting between Deschamps and Monaco's young players.

Deschamps adjusted his suit cuffs, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Roy stared at the group information on the big screen, tapping his fingers on his knees.

"This group is more dangerous than it looks," a Spanish journalist said into the microphone. "Monaco may only be a third-tier team, but they have the most formidable young attacking line in all of Europe."

At this moment, the broadcast switched to representatives of other top clubs. Ferguson, looking at the Group C results, said to his assistant, "Luckily it wasn't us." Mourinho, meanwhile, stopped his conversation with Deco and looked thoughtfully in the direction of the Monaco delegation.

Manchester United, Group E!

Sir Alex Ferguson's face lit up with satisfaction upon hearing the result. He turned slightly to his CEO, David Gill, beside him and whispered a few words, to which the latter nodded and smiled. This draw was a resounding success for Manchester United—avoiding all the traditional powerhouses and formidable second-tier teams.

Manchester United's opponents are Panathinaikos, Rangers, and Stuttgart.

Throughout the draw, Ferguson maintained a composed demeanor. When it was finally confirmed that there were no strong opponents in Group E, he even leisurely took a sip of water. This group could be considered a "gift group," making Manchester United's chances of advancing very bright.

Real Madrid, Group F!

When the name "Real Madrid" was announced, applause erupted in the hall. Florentino Pérez smiled, while Jorge Valdano beside him nodded slightly. Raúl and Figo exchanged a glance—as the defending La Liga champions, they were looking forward to proving themselves again in the Champions League.

"Porto!" Mourinho's eyebrows rose slightly as soon as Müller finished speaking. He turned and whispered a few words to Deco, whose expression was serious. Porto had just won the Europa League, but they knew it would be a tough battle against Real Madrid.

"Marseille!" Manager Alain Perrin took a deep breath, his face ashen.

“Partisan Belgrade!” Coach Lothar Matthäus gave a wry smile. He knew this group was an almost impossible task for them. Unless he were twenty years younger and played himself.

The grand finale is "Group H – AC Milan!"

Maldini rose to acknowledge the applause, while Ancelotti stared at the badges of Celta Vigo and Ajax, who had just been drawn into the same group. Celta Vigo remained strong in La Liga, while Ajax, a young team, had caused trouble for Milan last year, as well as Club Brugge.

As the final group draw was settled, Deschamps and Giuly high-fived, Hoeness was whispering with Kahn, and Mourinho had already gotten up and left the room—tomorrow they would face Milan in the Super Cup, and tonight's draw had already set the stage for the entire season's European competitions.

The Champions League group stage draw ceremony is usually followed by the UEFA awards ceremony.

UEFA President Lennart Johansson walked onto the dark blue carpeted podium, with a giant LED screen behind him playing highlights from last season's Champions League.

"Now, we begin the UEFA Awards ceremony for the 2002-03 season," Johansson solemnly announced.

At that moment, Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton emerged from the side door of the stage, holding in his hands the elegant, pure silver trophy, which would be awarded to the most outstanding player of the night.

Sir Charles Charlton stood to the side of the stage, his gentle gaze sweeping over the contemporary football stars seated below.

When the camera focused on the English football legend, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Sir Alex Ferguson nodded slightly in acknowledgment, while players associated with Manchester United, including David Beckham, stood up to pay their respects.

"It is an honor to witness the brilliance of a new generation of players."

Sir Charles Charlton spoke into the microphone, his voice gentle yet powerful, "This trophy represents the highest honor in European football, and tonight it will be awarded to the most deserving recipient."

[Best Goalkeeper]

"First, we'll present the Best Goalkeeper Award."

As soon as Chairman Johansson finished speaking, a slight commotion arose in the room.

As is customary, the awards ceremony usually begins with smaller awards, but this time the first award presented was the highly prestigious Best Goalkeeper Award.

The big screen began playing highlights of Buffon's amazing saves from last season:
In the Champions League semi-final, he single-handedly saved Figo's sure goal.

He made three incredible saves against Barcelona.

He blocked Inzaghi's close-range shot in the final.

The camera cuts to the Juventus area, where Buffon is talking quietly to Nedved beside him. When he hears his name called, he raises an eyebrow in slight surprise.

"The winner is—Gianluigi Buffon!"

When Buffon accepted the heavy trophy, he smiled shyly and said, "Thank you to all my teammates, especially the ironclad defense formed by Thuram, Montero, and Iuliano."

Just when people thought the process was about to continue, Johansson suddenly announced: "At the same time, Buffon was also selected as the European Most Valuable Player."

Buffon himself was stunned, and almost dropped the trophy.

He took a deep breath: "This is completely unexpected. If the best goalkeeper belongs to the defense, then this MVP honor belongs to the entire Juventus – from the coaching staff to the medical team."

[Best Forward]

The big screen played a highlight reel of Van Nistelrooy's goals, showcasing all 12 of his Champions League goals one by one.

"Best Striker – Ruud van Nistelrooy!"

The Manchester United striker straightened his suit and went on stage to express his gratitude in English: "Special thanks to Beckham for the pass."

Beckham, sitting in the Real Madrid section of the stands, smiled and gave a thumbs up.

[Best Guard]

Carlos's incredible long-range free kick was replayed on the big screen.

"Best Defender – Roberto Carlos!"

The Brazilian jogged onto the stage, the trophy appearing small in his hands.

He said in Spanish: "It is an honor to play for Real Madrid."

[Best Forward]

The camera flashed across Nedved, including his dejected moment when he missed the final due to a yellow card.

"Best midfielder – Pavel Nedved!"

The Czech player walked onto the stage with a solemn expression, and after a half-minute silence, slowly said: "Not being able to participate in the final is my biggest regret, but today's award is an affirmation of the whole team."

Lifetime Achievement Award

After a three-minute highlight reel of Maldini's career was played, the entire audience rose to their feet and applauded.

"Lifetime Achievement Award – Paolo Maldini!"

He also became the first player to win this award.

With tears in his eyes, the Milan captain embraced Ancelotti for a long time before going on stage: "For 18 years, the red and black stripes have been in my blood."

European Golden Boot Award

Makaay's 29th La Liga goal flashed across the screen.

"European Golden Boot winner – Roy Makaay!"

Makaay stood up, high-fived his Bayern teammates, and walked onto the podium.

He accepted the heavy Golden Boot trophy, took a deep breath, and said in fluent Spanish:
“First of all, I want to thank Deportivo La Coruña – without my time at Riazor Stadium, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Thank you Coach Irureta, Valerón and all my teammates, you made me a better player.”

He paused briefly, glanced at the Deportivo La Coruña delegation below the stage, nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and then switched back to his somewhat hesitant German:
"Of course, I also want to thank Bayern Munich for their trust in me. I will continue to score more goals for the fans."

[Best Coach] Tactical footage of Ancelotti and Mourinho is played alternately.

"Best Coaches – Carlo Ancelotti and José Mourinho!"

The stadium erupted in enthusiastic applause as UEFA officials made their announcement.

Ancelotti and Mourinho walked onto the podium from opposite sides at the same time.

Ancelotti gentlemanly gestured for Mourinho to speak first.

Mourinho took the microphone and said earnestly, "This award belongs to the entire Porto team – from the players to the staff; it is their hard work that has created this miracle."

He paused briefly, his voice softening further: "I would also like to express my special thanks to my wife Mathilde and to Mr. Pinto da Costa, the president of Porto, for his trust."

The camera then pans to Ancelotti, whose eyes are now red-rimmed, a sign of his usual composure.

When it was his turn to speak, he took a deep breath: "This trophy is dedicated to President Berlusconi and to everyone who supports AC Milan."

His voice choked with emotion, “After so many years of waiting, we have finally stood at the top of Europe again.”

He paused for a moment, then suddenly straightened his back and, with his signature gentle smile, spoke into the microphone the words that ignited the passion of all AC Milan fans:

"Forza Milan!!!"

This heartfelt slogan immediately drew applause from the AC Milan entourage.

Maldini, Nesta, and other players all smiled knowingly. Even the usually serious Galliani couldn't help but nod and smile.

Mourinho stood to the side, watching Ancelotti's genuine expression, and unusually refrained from displaying his signature provocative expression, instead nodding slightly in respect.

At the very end of the awards ceremony, the two coaches shook hands on stage. This simple gesture was deeply meaningful – because just tomorrow, their teams would face off at the Stade Louis II in Monaco for the European Super Cup title.

As the two walked down the steps side by side, Ancelotti quietly wiped away tears from the corners of his eyes, while Mourinho gazed thoughtfully into the distance.

This award ceremony seemed to be the prelude to the Super Bowl final.

[Fair Play Award] The scene of Celtic fans cheering for their team and applauding their opponents during the UEFA Cup final moved the entire stadium.

"Fair Play Award – Representing Celtics Fans!"

Three Scottish fans wearing green and white jerseys came up on stage, one of whom, an elderly man, choked up and said, "Football should convey friendship."

[Special Award] Figo's stunning long-range shot against Manchester United once again drew admiration.

"Goal of the Week – Luis Figo!"

The Portuguese star expressed his gratitude gracefully.

Finally, former Lazio Dutch midfielder Winter received a Special Tribute Award for his efforts in fighting racial discrimination.

All the winners posed for a group photo.

Buffon and Maldini stood in the center, with flashes of light going off one after another.

The awards ceremony concluded with the Champions League theme song, and staff began setting up the venue for the banquet.

After the draw ceremony, the mixed zone for interviews.

Flashbulbs went off like a storm as Roy was surrounded by reporters from various countries as soon as he stepped out of the venue.

He stopped, his dark eyes remaining calm even in the bright light, a signature faint smile playing on his lips.

A reporter from L'Équipe preemptively asked:
"As a Champions League newcomer, Monaco has been drawn into a group of death. What are your thoughts on their matches against Deportivo La Coruña and PSV Eindhoven?"

Roy adjusted his cuffs slightly: "The group of death? I prefer to call it the group of proof."

He paused, then added, “Deportivo has Valerón, PSV Eindhoven has Kezman, and we have over twenty players eager to prove themselves.”

Marca followed up with:
"You trained at Real Madrid's youth academy. If you qualify, you may return to the Bernabéu as an opponent (we might meet if you advance to the knockout stage, and Marca predicts that Monaco will most likely qualify as the second-place team in the group). Will you have any special feelings about this?"

Roy's smile remained unchanged: "In the world of football, reunions are always beautiful. But now..."

He shook his head. "We only care about the six group stage matches."

Gazzetta dello Sport posed a pointed question:
"Deschamps said your goal is the quarterfinals, but some people think Monaco's chances of advancing from this group are very slim. What's your opinion?"

Roy suddenly laughed, his dimple on his left cheek deepening: "At this time last year, some people were saying that Lyon or Paris would win the Ligue 1 title. The most amazing thing about football is that 45 minutes can change all predictions."

A Guardian reporter interjected:
"Sir Alex Ferguson said he was glad he didn't draw you guys. Was that a compliment to Monaco?"

Roy glanced at Deschamps, who was being interviewed not far away: "I feel honored, and I also regret that I cannot learn skills from Giggs or Van Nistelrooy."

He suddenly switched to English to add, "Of course, that's assuming we all advance from the group stage."

A reporter from The Sun squeezed to the front row, a sly smile on his face:

"I heard your girlfriend is Dutch?"

He deliberately dragged out his words, "Will you go easy on PSV Eindhoven?"

Roy's lips curled into a sly smile. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "I'll let you in on a little secret: she's an Ajax fan."

Laughter and whistles erupted instantly from the crowd. A reporter from the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf immediately raised his recorder and shouted in heavily accented Amsterdam English, "Ha! The PS Vita is in big trouble now!"

His tone was full of barely concealed schadenfreude.

August 29, 2003, Stade Louis II.

European Super Cup.

AC Milan vs. Porto.

Monaco's Stade Louis II gleamed under the evening lights, but tonight it practically became AC Milan's home ground.

The south stand was completely occupied by AC Milan, with more than 15,000 Milan fans waving team flags and singing "Milan, Milan".

There was only a small group of Porto fans in blue and white at the North Stand, about two thousand people, and their cheers were completely drowned out.

The neutral stands were also infiltrated by Milan fans, with many Italians driving all the way from the Ligurian coast.

AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti retained the core of the team that played in the Champions League final, only replacing the injured Kaladze with new signing Pancaro.

Captain Maldini made a miraculous comeback, partnering Nesta in central defense, while Simic beat Cafu to take the right-back position.

In midfield, Rui Costa made a rare appearance in the right winger position.

For Porto, manager Mourinho fielded a 4-4-2 formation, with new signing South African striker McCarthy partnering up front with UEFA Cup Golden Boot winner Derley.

With left-back Valente suspended, Ricardo Costa was called upon to fill the void.

Outside the VIP box at the Stade Louis II, Monaco manager Didier Deschamps and his protégé Roy attentively watched this clash of titans.

Deschamps and Roy leaned against the railing of the stands, each holding a glass of ice-cold beer.

A gentle night breeze blew, and the stadium lights reflected on the two men's faces. Laughter from Roy's girlfriend and Deschamps' daughter could be heard from the VIP box behind them.

Deschamps took a sip of beer, his eyes still fixed on the Milan players warming up on the field: "See? Ancelotti's up to something new again today."

"Do you remember that game last season when Milan played Parma away?"

Roy nodded: "Is that the game where you dominated the whole match but still lost 0-1?"

“That’s right,” Deschamps tapped his fingers lightly on the railing. “Ancelotti’s formation back then was almost exactly the same as tonight’s. Milan created so many chances in that game.”

Roy chimed in: "I watched the highlights. They had at least three clear-cut chances, and the referee disallowed one of them."

Deschamps gave a knowing smile: "The most ironic thing is that Parma only had one decent attack the whole game, and that's how they scored. Football is sometimes just that unfair."

"So Ancelotti later abandoned this formation?" Roy asked.

“The pressure from the media and fans is immense,” Deschamps shrugged. “A game where you dominate but still lose is enough to make any coach change his mind. But it seems he hasn’t really given up on the idea.”

“That’s right, exactly the same 11 players. But the positions have all changed.” He put down his wine glass and gestured with his hands. “In last season’s Champions League final, Rui Costa was the attacking midfielder and Gattuso was on the right.”

Roy pointed to the field: "Now Gattuso and Pirlo are the two holding midfielders, and Rui Costa has been moved to the right winger position."

"They lost last time, so why did Ancelotti dare to use them today?"

Deschamps smiled: "That's where Ancelotti's brilliance lies."

He explained, counting on his fingers, "After the last loss, the media criticized him too harshly, so he had to switch back to 4-3-1-2."

"But the Champions League final proved that there were problems with that approach too."

"Now is the perfect time to try out a new recipe with Porto during the Super Cup."

Roy took a sip of his drink: "So it's about reworking failed products?"

Deschamps laughed loudly: "No, it's adding a new ingredient to failure!"

He pointed to Shevchenko, who was warming up: "Costa used to play as an attacking midfielder, and Shevchenko could only play as a striker."

"Now that Costa is on the wing, Shevchenko can drop back and link up play."

The 3th minute of the game.

The cheers of the Milan fans swept across the stadium like a tidal wave, so loud that the glass in the VIP boxes trembled slightly.

Deschamps suddenly patted Roy on the shoulder, leaned close to his ear, and shouted in a loud voice, "Look! Gattuso and Pirlo are now a parallel double pivot! Gattuso is in charge of pressing, and Pirlo is in charge of passing!"

Roy covered his ears and shouted with a laugh, "What?! I can't hear you!"

Roy looked around, shaking his head at the roar of the Milan fans: "If I closed my eyes, I wouldn't even know where I am! I thought I was at the San Siro!"

Deschamps laughed and raised his voice: "What? Feeling uncomfortable not hearing this stadium call you 'Devil' anymore?"

The two exchanged a smile, and Deschamps continued to point at the field, using exaggerated tactical gestures to explain the positioning of the two defensive midfielders to Roy amidst the noisy cheers.

7 minutes.

The cheers of the Milan fans suddenly rose – Shevchenko gracefully chested down the goal kick from Porto goalkeeper Baya, and with a deft change of direction, he evaded the disheveled Ricardo Costa.

A cross from the right wing of the Ukrainian player streaked across the night sky, and Inzaghi, sporting a buzz cut, was already in position inside the penalty area.

"PIPPO!"

Tens of thousands of red and black supporters in the stands shouted in unison.

Inzaghi unleashed a powerful volley, the ball whistling past the right post! The entire Milan bench jumped up, and Ancelotti scratched his head in frustration before giving a thumbs-up to the field.

Meanwhile, Mourinho on the other side had a gloomy face and gestured to the defense to adjust their position.

10 minutes.

Rui Costa danced the tango on the right flank, evading the defenses of Costinha and Ricardo Costa in quick succession, instantly tearing a gap in Porto's blue and white striped defense.

The cross from the Portuguese midfielder was like a precision-guided missile. Shevchenko darted out like a cheetah, outmuscled Ferreira at the edge of the six-yard box, and smashed the ball into the bottom right corner with a powerful header!
The entire Stade Louis II erupted in cheers. Milan die-hards in the south stand waved their red and black scarves wildly, and some even climbed over the railings to try and rush onto the field.

The broadcast cameras captured:
Ancelotti celebrated with a rare fist pump, but quickly regained his poker face, though the curve of his lips betrayed his joy.

Mourinho kicked the turf hard, then turned and roared at the substitutes' bench for tactical adjustments.

Shevchenko spread his arms and ran toward the corner flag, Inzaghi jumped on his back, and the two were overwhelmed by the swarm of teammates.

Porto goalkeeper Baya knelt on the goal line, staring at the ball spinning in the net, his eyes filled with despair.

Meanwhile, the chants of Milan fans echoed through the Monaco night sky: "Ole Ole Ole, Milan Milan!"

Porto launched a furious counterattack immediately after conceding the goal, but Milan's defense was like an impenetrable wall. Although the Portuguese dominated possession, they couldn't find a real scoring opportunity.

Mourinho on the sidelines was so anxious he was stamping his feet. He kept waving his hands to signal his players to push forward, but Milan's defenders were too well-coordinated.

Nesta and Maldini stood like two iron towers, firmly guarding the central area.

Every time a Porto player tried to break through, they were either fiercely intercepted by Gattuso or thwarted by Seedorf's timely intervention.

What troubles Porto the most is Milan's overall movement.

When the Portuguese pass the ball to the wing, the entire red and black defensive line tilts orderly to that side like a tide.

Even Pirlo roamed in front of the defensive line, acting as a sweeper, using his accurate anticipation to repeatedly pressure the opposing players' space.

While watching from the stands, Deschamps analyzed to Roy: "See that? That's the Italian-style chain defense. The distance between each player is just right, like it's been measured with a ruler."

Roy nodded, noticing that whenever a Porto player got the ball, there would always be two or three Milan players surrounding them.

Porto could only pass the ball around the perimeter, occasionally attempting a few long-range shots, but they either went wide or were blocked by Milan defenders.

Deco tried to break through the defense with through balls, but his passing lanes were always anticipated.

In the 37th minute, Alenichev finally got a shot off just outside the penalty area, but the ball flew directly into the stands.

"That's what makes Ancelotti so great; when he's leading, he makes it difficult for his opponents to even get a decent shot on goal."

Looking at the Porto players struggling on the field, Roy suddenly understood why Italian teams were always so difficult to deal with.

Deschamps and Roy leaned against the railing, ice-cold beers in their hands, overlooking the match between Milan and Porto on the field.

Deschamps took a sip of beer, his gaze never leaving Shevchenko.

Deschamps pointed the wine bottle at Shevchenko: "See? Ancelotti made Shevchenko both the striker and the playmaker—that's the job I want you to do."

"Rothen needs to cut inside like Seedorf to give Evra space on the wing, Giuly should learn from Rui Costa but be faster, Pulso and Morientes should be responsible for marking the center-backs and making runs into the box, and you need to be like Shevchenko, able to both make runs into the box and drop back to organize, making the opponent's defensive midfielders run around in circles."

Deschamps suddenly stood up straight, gesturing with his left hand to Roy's retreating motion, and waving a beer can with his right hand to simulate a center forward pressing forward: "When Giuly is dribbling, you first pretend to move forward and then suddenly retreat to the space between the opponent's defensive midfielder and defender. Morientes or Pulso will help you draw the center back and create passing space."

He took a swig of beer, squinted, and said, "Last season you only averaged 6 defensive retreats per game? That's too few. This season I want you to do at least 10 per game!"

Roy raised an eyebrow, a confident smile playing on his lips: "Ten times? Coach, you underestimate me. As long as the midfield can pass the ball out, twelve times is no problem. However..."

He paused deliberately, "I need them to treat me to dinner, since I need to help him boost his assist stats."

Off the field, Gattuso was viciously fouling Deco.

Deschamps chuckled and pointed to Pirlo's elegant pass after receiving the ball on the field:
“We don’t have a true passing maestro like Pirlo, nor a mad dog like Gattuso. But Pedretti and Bernardi together can barely put together a ‘poor man’s version’ midfield combination.”

He held up two fingers and said, "Pedretti is more aggressive in tackling and more reliable in short passes, so let him be responsible for close marking and quick ball distribution. His long passes are also passable, although two or three out of ten will eventually fly into the stands."

"As for Bernardi, that Argentinian, his feet are like they've been oiled, quite delicate. Remember that series of dribbles against Lyon last season? You were still on the bench then, but both of them had to participate in the defense!"

Roy couldn't help but interject: "So it's like splitting Pirlo and Gattuso's tactical roles in two, and then piecing them back together?"

"That's right!"

Deschamps snapped his fingers. “But remember, neither of them is the true playmaker. The real organizer is you. When they pass the ball to you, you're the engine. Pedretti's tackles, Bernardi's escapes—in the end, it all comes down to you, the 'false nine,' delivering the decisive blow. It's much more tiring than being a pure striker, but…”

He deliberately left his sentence unfinished, only giving Roy a meaningful look.

Roy replied knowingly, "But how can we completely disrupt the opponent's defense?"

Their voices were almost drowned out by the deafening roar of "Forza Milan." Deschamps tilted his head back and finished the last sip of his beer: "Don't expect them to be as fluid as Milan's midfielders. However..."

He blinked. "Put their strengths together, and add your talent, and that'll be enough to give those wealthy families a run for their money!"

Milan only played well for 15 minutes before being contained by Porto, who launched wave after wave of attacks into Milan's penalty area.

After the start of the second half, Porto completely controlled the rhythm of the game, and Milan were pinned down in their own half, struggling to defend.

Deschamps crossed his arms and nodded slightly: "Mourinho's adjustments were incredibly precise."

Roy: "They completely controlled the midfield."

Deschamps: "It's not just about control, they're executing a kind of pressing football that's almost an art form."

46 minutes.

Porto made a series of passes down the left flank, and Maniche suddenly cut inside. Facing Nesta's block, he deftly curled a shot that grazed the crossbar and flew out.

Deschamps' eyes lit up: "See that? Mourinho keeps switching Maniche and Deco's positions, and Milan's defensive midfielders can't keep up with the pace at all."

Roy: "Pirlo and Gattuso are being pulled too far apart."

Deschamps: "That's Mourinho's tactic - to break down the defense with fluidity."

65 minutes.

Derley received the ball with his back to goal, flicked it with his heel, and Maniche's follow-up shot was blocked. Jankauskas, who was close to goal, missed the target.

Deschamps shook his head in admiration: "This teamwork is like they've practiced it a hundred times in training!"

Roy: "Milan's defenders were completely outplayed."

Deschamps: "In Mourinho's team, every player knows their role, even the smallest movement."

81 minutes.

Under pressure from Maldini and Nesta, Delley controlled the ball with his back to goal, then suddenly leaped into the air and unleashed a bicycle kick aimed at the top corner, but unfortunately it went just wide.

Deschamps slapped the glass, a rare occurrence for him: "If this ball goes in, it will be an absolutely historic goal in the Champions League!"

Roy smiled: "Dida has already surrendered."

Deschamps: "Mourinho's players are not only technically gifted, but also full of imagination."

Half an hour before the end of the game.

Porto had over 65% possession, forcing Milan to retreat and defend.

Deschamps pointed to the field: "Look at their passing network, Deco, Maniche, Alenichev, everyone is moving, Milan's defense is being torn apart."

Roy: "Ancelotti is too conservative."

Deschamps: "It wasn't that we were conservative, it was that we were suppressed. Mourinho's tactical execution was too strong, and they completely controlled the rhythm of the game."

When referee Babel's three long whistles pierced the Monaco night sky, the Stade Louis II erupted in deafening cheers.

The entire stadium seemed to be set ablaze, with waves of red and black surging across the stands.

Shevchenko was the first to rush to the sidelines, his golden hair gleaming under the spotlight. The Ukrainian opened his arms to welcome his teammates who swarmed towards him.

Inzaghi jumped onto his shoulders from behind, waving his fists excitedly like a child.

Maldini and Nesta, the two stalwart center-backs, embraced tightly, with tears glistening in the old captain's eyes.

On the sidelines, Ancelotti finally shed his usual composure, waving his arms excitedly, his suit jacket already soaked with sweat.

The substitutes rushed onto the field like beasts unleashed from their cages. Gattuso even took off his jersey, revealing his muscular physique as he ran wildly in the stands.

The Milan fans in the stands had already gone wild.

The chant of "Milan! Milan!" resounded through the sky, and countless red and black scarves danced in the stands, forming spectacular waves.

Even a serious-looking elderly fan couldn't help but be moved as he watched his young son celebrate on the field.

His name is Cesare Maldini.

At the other end of the pitch, the Porto players, though disappointed, still left with their heads held high, with the young Carvalho covering his face with his jersey.

Mourinho strode toward Ancelotti, and after a brief handshake, the Portuguese coach immediately turned and headed toward the locker room, his back view filled with resentment.

On the podium, Maldini raised the gleaming Super Cup trophy high, the silver trophy reflecting a dazzling light under the glow of fireworks.

Confetti rained down, transforming the entire stadium into a sea of ​​red and black.

At this moment, AC Milan's glory shines once again at the pinnacle of European football.

Deschamps took a deep breath: "Porto are the real winners in this match. Even when Mourinho's team loses, they still command respect from their opponents."

Roy stared at Mourinho, who was giving a pep talk on the sidelines, and took a thoughtful sip of his beer: "On the scoreboard, the loser is always the loser."

"However, in tonight's tactical battle, Mourinho really gave Ancelotti a lot of trouble."

Upon hearing this, Deschamps smiled slightly: "Well said, that's why football is always so captivating. Remember tonight, Roy, these two teams are a perfect example of top-level tactical execution."

Mourinho slams referee after match: unfair calls killed the victory.

At the post-match press conference, Mourinho could not hide his anger. He placed his hands on the table, his sharp gaze sweeping over the reporters present, his tone clearly filled with dissatisfaction.

“Seedorf should have been sent off long ago!” Mourinho said firmly. “Everyone saw the foul; it was definitely a yellow card. If he were a Porto player, the referee would have pulled out a card without hesitation.”

He recalled his argument with referee Graham Babel: "I asked him directly why Seedorf was still on the field. His answer was 'fair officiating'—but what was the truth? We were deprived of an advantage that should have been ours."

Mourinho emphasized that Porto was the team that truly controlled the game: "For 75 minutes, we completely dominated AC Milan. They only played like European champions for 15 minutes, while we? We played like a real strong team, but went home empty-handed because of bad luck and the referee's decisions."

He added sarcastically, "Some people may think the 1-0 score is fair, but anyone who actually watched the game knows that the victory should have been ours."

Mourinho also criticized the condition of the pitch at the Stade Louis II: "This pitch is simply not suitable for high-level football. Our passing was completely hampered by the terrible turf, and the players couldn't even run properly."

Finally, Mourinho said meaningfully: "I look forward to seeing real fairness in the Champions League. If the refereeing standards remain like this, then football is no longer a competition, but a game of luck and prejudice."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving the reporters in the room looking at each other in bewilderment.

This defeat clearly left the "madman" with a lingering rage.

On August 31, Monaco will play against Metz at home.

Deschamps opted for significant rotation in this round of Ligue 1, with several key players such as Roy and Giuly sitting on the bench. In their place, Pulso and the 19-year-old Adebayor formed the attacking line, and Ribery also got a rare starting opportunity.

However, Metz manager Jean Fernandez's team demonstrated amazing tactical execution, repeatedly thwarting Monaco's attacks with a tight 4-2-3-1 formation.

In the 65th minute, seeing that the team was unable to break the deadlock, Deschamps finally made a crucial adjustment.

He turned to Roy on the bench and shouted, "Warm-up's over, it's your turn to play!"

In the 79th minute, the decisive moment arrived: Ribery received a pass from Evra on the left wing, and facing the defense of the Metz right-back, he used his signature change of direction to break through to the byline.

Just when the defender thought he was going to cross, "Scarface" suddenly delivered a brilliant triangular back pass with his left foot.

The ball found Roy precisely at the edge of the penalty area, who deftly passed it across to the onrushing Pedretti. Pedretti unleashed a powerful shot, the ball flying like a cannonball into the bottom right corner of the goal!

The Stade Louis II erupted in cheers! Pedretti sprinted towards the corner flag to celebrate, followed closely by Roy and Ribery, the three embracing tightly.

Deschamps clenched his fist and roared on the sidelines, while the substitutes rushed out to celebrate the hard-won goal.

Ultimately, Monaco secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Metz thanks to this brilliant teamwork.

Post-match statistics showed that although Monaco had a possession rate of 62%, the team only truly found the key to breaking down Metz's defensive wall after Roy came on.

At the press conference, Deschamps specifically praised Ribery's breakthrough and Roy's selfless assist: "This is the team spirit we need; everyone contributed to the victory."

On September 1, Monaco issued an official injury report.

Roy suffered a minor sprain of his right ankle (grade I lateral ligament injury) during training. The team doctor diagnosed him with slight swelling and bruising, and poor joint mobility.

Expected recovery period: 7-10 days.

As a precaution, the medical team advised the player to return after the away league match against Lille on September 13 to ensure he is in top condition for the first Champions League group stage match on September 17.

France will miss the European Championship qualifiers on September 6 at home against Cyprus and on September 10 away against Slovenia.

Since the French team had already secured qualification for the European Championship finals, coach Santini offered only a perfunctory consolation after learning of the injury and did not raise any objections to the call-up.

The Monaco medical team has submitted a detailed examination report to the French team doctor to ensure transparency in injury management.

Deschamps said at the press conference: "We will handle Roy's recovery process carefully, as his health is key to our long-term plans."

"Kaka's moment has arrived. He receives the ball in the backfield, stops, observes, and delivers a beautiful and precise pass to Cafu on the right wing. Cafu then passes the ball to Shevchenko in the middle, and it's in! Kaka uses his creativity to help Shevchenko score his second goal on the counter-attack."

— Gazzetta dello Sport marvels at Kaká's debut.

"Good evening, Monaco! Ding-dong~ Dear listeners, this is RMC Monte Carlo Radio! Attention everyone! Attention everyone! Your favorite 'King of the Penalty Area' Roy is about to take over our radio waves!"

“Starting from September 15th, tune in to the Monte Carlo radio program 'ROI's War Room' for one hour two days before each Champions League match day.”

"That's right, it's Roy, the guy who gives defenders nightmares!"

"Our studio has been transformed into a tactical command center! Roy will be dissecting the opponent's defense live with his 'death stare'! Want to hear how to elegantly outmaneuver the goalkeeper? Want to know how to make the opposing coach cry with just one sentence?"

"Warning! Warning! This program may include: tactical analysis that will keep opposing fans up at night, sharp commentary that will leave the host speechless, and he will be taking calls from fans live, but please make sure your heart is strong enough before asking a question! Of course, it may also include 'friendly advice' to the referees, and our legal team is on standby!"

"Therefore!!! Opponent fans beware! Roy's sharp tongue may cause psychological trauma. Even our station has taken out insurance on the studio to prevent Roy's scathing remarks from shattering the glass. Viewers are advised to prepare blood pressure medication and use it when Roy says 'This game is easy'."

"Special reminder: All staff must wear bulletproof vests to work! Because every word Roy says is as deadly as his shot!"

"Remember our channel: FM10.0! That's right! It's Roy's jersey number! On September 15th, let's join the Demon King in conquering Europe!"

"This is not a TV show; this is Roy's military command center as he leads us to conquer Europe! From this day forward, every second in the war room will be a strategic prediction of victory!"

— Radio Monte Carlo (RMC Monaco)

(End of this chapter)