The All-Around Center Forward

Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain.

Under the night sky, lights flickered, and a large number of fans, dressed in white jerseys, had already entered the stands.

In no time, cheers and shouts filled the entire stadium.

Amidst waves of cheers, both teams' players were systematically warming up.

Real Madrid in white jerseys.

Borussia Dortmund in yellow jerseys.

For the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund was a "newcomer." Before Klopp arrived, this was a team struggling in the upper-mid table of the Bundesliga.

But after the scruffy German took over, the entire team completely changed its previous state.

In just four years, he transformed Borussia Dortmund into a new Bundesliga powerhouse capable of threatening Bayern Munich, even breaking Bayern Munich's dominance over the Bundesliga, and now they are challenging for the Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund is a young army, but compared to other young armies in history, they seem to be more impactful and vibrant.

Thanks to the great success of German youth training, combined with Borussia Dortmund's characteristic of nurturing young players, plus the talented players Klopp scouted from other Leagues, this Black and Yellows has already shown signs of soaring.

Of course, this match was still very stressful for Borussia Dortmund.

After all, standing opposite them was the reigning Champions League champion, and currently the most prestigious Real Madrid in all of Europe.

Although Real Madrid was deeply embroiled in internal conflicts, a dying camel is still bigger than a horse.

Facing such a behemoth, Borussia Dortmund had to be cautious.

Borussia Dortmund's players kept looking towards Real Madrid's half.

Their gazes subconsciously turned to Suker.

For any ambitious young person, challenging Suker was a crucial part of their growth.

Of course, compared to most players, they were already considered successful.

After all, they stood before Suker, earning the right to challenge him.

It was like the saying, "Talent is merely the threshold to challenge Suker."

So far, no one has accomplished this feat.

"So this is Bernabéu, huh?"

Götze, Reus, Robert Lewandowski, and other talented players from Borussia Dortmund surveyed the stadium.

They naturally held a special affection for this renowned stadium.

Playing here meant they would truly be in the spotlight.

And their performance in this match would lead to immense growth.

Suker also turned his head to look at Borussia Dortmund's half.

He saw the young Reus, Götze, Robert Lewandowski, and others.

Especially Götze, who was now hailed as the Messi of Germany, enjoying a reputation as a prodigy.

A healthy Götze was a very strong player.

If this player hadn't been affected by injuries, his future might have been even more brilliant.

Suker withdrew his gaze, not looking at them much longer.

Borussia Dortmund was certainly formidable, but the current Borussia Dortmund had not yet reached the level of strength to enter the Champions League.

In the original timeline, they also gradually improved and grew in the Champions League.

And based on these, although Real Madrid's situation was somewhat dire, there was still hope of securing a victory.

Soon after, both teams' players finished their warm-ups and returned to the locker rooms.

Suker changed into his jersey and put on his boots.

As he straightened up, Marcelo walked over and actively tied the captain's armband on Suker.

The black captain's armband bore the Real Madrid crest.

This was Suker's first time wearing Real Madrid's captain's armband and fulfilling the duties of an on-field captain.

After Marcelo put the armband on Suker, he patted Suker's shoulder.

Suker took a deep breath.

Now that the dust had settled, complaining was useless.

Since the decision was made, it was time to do what came next.

"Everyone, listen up!"

Suker shouted loudly.

Instantly, everyone turned to look at Suker, and some even stood up from the benches, facing Suker.

Suker walked to the center of the locker room and said loudly:

"This is our first Champions League match of the season, and it's also the first time I'm fulfilling the duties of an on-field captain."

Suker said in a deep voice:

"I'm not like previous captains, cheering you on or comforting you.

I have my own way.

What I can do for you is score goals!"

"Those little guys opposite want to make fun of us.

They naively think they can defeat us!"

At this point, Suker paused.

He saw Real Madrid's players either frowning or scoffing, clearly not having forgotten their own glory.

"Very good!"

Suker showed a hint of a smile: "Let's spank those kids hard!"

With that, Suker clapped his hands together and shouted loudly: "Prepare for battle!"

Suker turned and led the way out of the locker room.

The other Real Madrid players also followed suit.

At the very end of the crowd, Albiol and Ramos, both wearing substitute bibs, the former said to the latter: "This match was supposed to be you playing as captain!"

Ramos: "That's not important.

Suker is not our enemy!"

Albiol: "Then do you think he can really serve as Real Madrid's captain?"

"Why not?"

Ramos turned his head.

Did this guy forget who Real Madrid's true backbone was?

"Don't let anger cloud your judgment.

This has nothing to do with Suker.

We only hate Mourinho."

After a pause, Ramos added: "And Suker is also a good choice.

Have you forgotten Marcelo's performance in the League when he wore the captain's armband?"

Upon hearing this, Albiol fell silent.

In the player tunnel, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund stood on opposite sides.

Suker stood at the very front of Real Madrid's team for the first time.

Suker held the team flag in one hand and a ball boy's hand in the other.

The ball boy looked at Suker with eyes full of surprise.

Ball boy assignments were random, unless extra money was paid to specify a certain player.

But he hadn't done that.

If he had a choice, he would definitely choose Suker.

He was assigned to the captain's position as a ball boy, and he had already given up on being Suker's ball boy.

But he didn't expect Suker to be the captain!

The little guy was instantly as excited as if he had won the lottery.

Suker also lowered his head and winked at the little guy, but very quickly, the Referee indicated it was time to go out.

"Oh~~ This is Suker's first match as Real Madrid's captain.

A few days ago, Real Madrid restructured the captain positions.

Ramos is the first captain, and Suker is the second captain!

When Ramos cannot play, Suker fulfills the duties of the on-field captain!"

"We can look forward to how Suker will play this match as captain!"

As both teams entered the field, the fans erupted in thunderous cheers.

For Real Madrid fans, despite the dire internal situation, they believed the team could overcome these difficulties and that these problems would not defeat the warriors of Madrid.

The starting lineups for both teams are as follows:

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Adán.

Defenders: Srna, Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo.

Midfielders: Bale, Khedira, Kroos, Kaka, Suker.

Forward: Benzema.

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Weidenfeller.

Defenders: Piszczek, Subotić, Hummels, Schmelzer.

Midfielders: Reus, Sven Bender, Götze, Kehl, Großkreutz.

Forward: Robert Lewandowski.

The captains of both teams, Suker and Kehl, approached the Referee.

After exchanging pennants, they flipped a coin.

Suker won the toss and chose to take possession of the ball.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, occupied the left half of the field.

Both teams' players took their positions on their respective halves, and the match was about to begin.

"Stay focused, show your performance.

This is the best stage, where you can fully showcase yourselves!"

Kehl encouraged the young talents of his team.

Since these remarkable individuals joined the team, Borussia Dortmund quickly shed its sluggish state, and its competitiveness soared.

Kehl was well aware of how excellent these talented players were, so they absolutely had to perform well in this match.

On Real Madrid's side, Suker also said in a deep voice:

"Don't forget the pre-match arrangements.

Borussia Dortmund is very good at high pressing, especially after pressing, they can directly launch counter-attacks.

Defenders must remain vigilant at all times.

We need to repay the fans' support with a victory!"

Real Madrid's fans have been feeling uneasy recently.

Facing internal conflicts and fluctuating League form, their minds were in turmoil.

A victory, especially a Champions League victory, was very crucial; it could provide some comfort.

Moreover, this was Suker's first match as captain, so they had to win; they couldn't afford to lose face!

With that, the players dispersed to their positions, and Suker also went to the center circle, waiting for the kickoff.

"This is the first match of the 2012/2013 Champions League Group D group stage, Real Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund at home!"

"The Black and Yellows are the new powerhouses of the Bundesliga. Klopp has injected soul into this team, and they have overthrown Bayern Munich's dominance in the Bundesliga several times. They are an opponent not to be underestimated, and we must treat them with caution!"

"At the same time, we can also look forward to Suker's performance in this match, as this is his first game as Real Madrid's captain!"

As soon as the words fell, the whistle blew. Benzema kicked off, and Suker immediately passed the ball back.

The moment the kick-off happened, Borussia Dortmund players surged into Real Madrid's half.

"Charge, charge, charge!"

"Block the left side!"

"Don't let them pass the ball easily!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming!"

Borussia Dortmund players, like howling wolf cubs, stormed into Real Madrid's half, beginning their relentless assault.

Real Madrid made an orderly back pass, with Kaka even actively dropping back to help the defense with ball distribution.

Their formation was spread wide, fully utilizing the width of both flanks, which also reduced Borussia Dortmund's high pressing pressure.

However, Borussia Dortmund's high pressing was still very impactful. They didn't charge directly at the ball but circled around, first limiting passing lanes, and then closing in.

Klopp is a master of high pressing!

How could a Head Coach who developed the 'shield striker' position not be familiar with high pressing?

Kaka quickly found himself being pushed back to the defensive line, constantly shifting the ball but unable to make a forward pass.

Just then, he saw Kroos making a horizontal run behind Götze.

Kaka immediately threaded the ball between Götze and Reus.

This was an anticipatory pass; the ball threaded through the two players and was perfectly received by Kroos. But Kehl quickly lunged towards Kroos, intending to join the retreating Reus and Götze in high pressing.

However, Kroos was not greedy and immediately made a horizontal pass to Suker.

Suker, seeing the encirclement closing in on him, made a long, sweeping pass.

Bang!

The ball was transferred with extreme speed and precision in its landing spot. Bale hardly expended any effort to easily control the ball.

Transferring from the strong side of the defense to the weak side is a transfer tactic Real Madrid is very adept at using.

After controlling the ball, Bale, facing Schmelzer's high pressing, directly took a deep touch forward.

But Schmelzer was very experienced. He let the ball go through, and as he turned, he blocked with his hand to prevent Bale from accelerating. At the same time, he immediately stuck close and forcefully pulled Bale's jersey down.

Both sprinted together, Bale couldn't shake off Schmelzer and could only watch as Hummels collected the ball.

"Damn it!"

Bale cursed under his breath, somewhat annoyed.

He thought that after Schmelzer's high pressing, he could immediately break free with his speed, but he didn't expect this guy to be so difficult to deal with.

Possession changed hands. Hummels passed the ball forward to Kehl, who then threaded it to Götze.

However, Götze immediately passed the ball back.

Real Madrid did not engage in high pressing but actively retreated, narrowing their defensive line.

Real Madrid's defense is currently not stable enough; they dare not engage in high pressing. If the high pressing fails, Borussia Dortmund could immediately breach Real Madrid's defense.

They dared not take risks, so they adopted a safer, compact defensive strategy.

"Real Madrid retreated?"

"Compact defense?"

Borussia Dortmund players were somewhat incredulous.

Real Madrid adopting a compact defense?

And they are using a compact defense against them? What's the difference between this and actively admitting defeat?

Compact defense has always been a tactic for weaker teams playing stronger teams!

But you are Real Madrid!

Have you no shame?

In the stadium, Real Madrid fans also widened their eyes.

They hadn't seen this before!

It was indeed a compact defense.

They actively gave up possession and then retreated into a shell defense.

This… this is so damn disgusting!

In the past, high pressing, after all, had an active feel to it. Even though it was all one-touch passing and played as a collective, it might not have been flashy, but at least they were pressing the opponent.

But now?

Being pressed by others and still adopting a compact defense?

What are they thinking?

In front of the dugout, Mourinho looked calm. He could feel the surprise, anger, and displeasure on the faces of the fans, and even heard angry shouts like 'Attack, push forward!'

But Mourinho was unmoved!

Attack? Yes, attacking is good to watch, but it also greatly increases the danger.

In this match, a compact defense is the only way to maximize their advantage!

As for possession? Playing beautifully? Entertainment?

Mourinho has never cared about these things!

Winning!

Is better than anything!

In front of Borussia Dortmund's dugout, the bearded Klopp was also somewhat astonished.

He had expected Real Madrid to employ various tactics to specifically counter them.

But he never expected a compact defense!

However, it must be said that this tactic is the most suitable for playing against them.

A compact defense can best ensure safety in front of the goal.

Furthermore, Borussia Dortmund's players are all young. If they fail to score after a long period of attack, their mentality will inevitably become impatient, which will also make them prone to errors.

Coupled with Real Madrid's highly efficient counter-attacking ability to score.

It can be said that this tactic is indeed the most suitable for playing against them, and it also minimizes the danger.

The only problem is that it's a bit embarrassing to play this way!

But Mourinho is clearly not someone who cares about appearances!

Suker roamed on the flank, constantly observing Borussia Dortmund's attack.

After retreating, Real Madrid's defensive level improved significantly, and their stability was solid.

Borussia Dortmund was unable to launch an effective attack for a while.

The three best ways to break a compact defense are crosses, breakthroughs to win penalties, and diagonal passes.

But now, Real Madrid had packed their own penalty area so tightly that it was impenetrable.

Indeed, Borussia Dortmund quickly started to become impatient.

After all, they are a group of young players. Asking them to patiently wear down Real Madrid's defense is ultimately unrealistic.

Götze, Reus, and others began to dribble and aggressively penetrate Real Madrid's penalty area.

"Opportunity!"

Kaka thought to himself.

Soon, Real Madrid's midfield began to push forward, preventing them from entering the penalty area, and at the same time, their high pressing became more intense.

From passive defense at the beginning, it transformed into a slightly more active low high pressing.

Real Madrid's sudden counter-attack startled Reus, who immediately made a horizontal pass to Götze.

Kaka quickly turned and rushed towards Götze, and Khedira also lunged from the other side. When Götze looked up, he found that all his passing lanes were cut off.

At this moment, Suker had quietly dropped back, preparing to make a run.

Bang!

Kaka and Khedira collided with Götze, making him stumble, and seizing this opportunity, Kaka immediately poked the ball out.

The ball was perfectly poked to Kroos.

Before receiving the ball, Kroos first created space, preventing Sven Bender from getting close to the ball, and at the same time, he threaded the ball again along the central axis.

The ball rolled towards Benzema.

Benzema, facing the ball, flicked it horizontally with the top of his right foot.

"Suker!!!—"

Spanish commentator González roared.

He saw a white flash of lightning swiftly rush towards the ball on the left sideline, with astonishing speed!

"Block him!"

"Tackle him! Tackle him!"

"Don't let him catch up to the ball!"

Borussia Dortmund's defense suddenly shifted to the left, everyone rushing towards Suker.

Seeing that the left-side attacking route was about to be blocked, and Suker was about to be surrounded.

Just then, Suker, facing the ball, flicked his left ankle.

The ball curved into an arc, dropping towards the far post of Borussia Dortmund's penalty area.

A smile appeared at the corner of Suker's mouth. After he passed the ball, he was immediately tackled by an opponent.

But the smile on his face remained!

Suker is fast, that's right!

But at Real Madrid, there's another guy who can catch up to him!

Thump-thump-thump-thump!

Bale was sprinting!

The skin on his cheeks trembled violently, his arms swung fiercely, moving forward at full speed.

His eyes fixed on the dropping ball, Bale gritted his teeth, launched himself into the air, used his core muscles to stabilize his body, and extended his right leg as far forward as possible.

"Just a touch!"

Bale tried to lower his toes as much as possible.

"Even a graze will do!"

Bang!

A touch was felt on his toes, slightly painful, and the point of contact wasn't ideal.

But... it was enough!

Before Bale fell, he saw the ball go into the goal along the right goalpost.

Swish!

The ball hit the net!

12 minutes into the game, Real Madrid, through a counter-attack, with Suker assisting Bale, scored the first goal!

Real Madrid 1:0 Borussia Dortmund!