Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari
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"Cheers!!!"
"Cheers!!"
In the pub next to Atlético Madrid's Cívitas Metropolitano stadium, Lance, Julian Brandt, Kießling, Lars Bender, and Griezmann, Torres, Saúl, Koke.
Two distinct groups of people, who had just been battling on the pitch, were now sitting together, drinking and celebrating.
Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought they played a fixed match, deliberately eliminating Benfica.
In reality, those with discerning eyes understood the game's content: both sides gave their all, especially Lance.
The boy truly wanted to win, almost wishing he could score another goal to turn the game around.
It gave Bayer Leverkusen fans a cold sweat.
Fortunately, there were no major scares in the end, and both teams advanced to the Round of 16.
Spaniards and Germans usually have little to do with each other.
Kießling and Torres, for instance, were previously opponents with no existing friendship.
Yet, with Lance as the link, after a few drinks, they were arm-in-arm, calling each other brothers.
Lance himself was secretly amazed by the scene.
Griezmann, the core midfielder of the French National Team, was actually chatting happily with Julian Brandt.
Torres and Kießling, one a world-renowned former star striker, a hero in the 2008 European Cup final, the other a loyal, unsung hero at Bayer Leverkusen, a low-key centre-forward with some renown only in the Bundesliga.
The two were now embracing, discussing techniques for trapping the ball and escaping defenders in the box, as well as key points for shooting.
Lance rubbed his eyes.
The atmosphere was genuinely a bit strange.
Speaking of which, the bond between the two groups was Lance himself.
After the match, he had intended to celebrate qualifying with his Atlético Madrid teammates.
In the stadium tunnel, he happened to run into his former teammates who were out for a stroll.
They put their heads together and decided to just go for a drink together.
"By the way, Lance, maybe we should call it an early night."
Lars Bender kindly reminded him.
"You still have to play Barcelona in a few days; try to get enough rest."
Last time in Bayer Leverkusen against Barcelona, everyone was disgusted by Barcelona's off-field tactics.
Although UEFA later sanctioned referee Çakır for his "inappropriate" officiating, which included multiple missed calls and erroneous decisions violating refereeing standards.
Çakır was banned by UEFA for one year and fined 30,000 euros.
But the investigation into Barcelona, whether they bribed the referee, whether there were improper transactions, these behind-the-scenes revelations once sparked a global discussion among netizens.
Since there was no clear evidence that Barcelona bribed the referee, the "Camp Nou Incident" was ultimately classified as a "referee's personal competence issue."
Half a year passed in a flash.
Although the investigation was still ongoing, Lance didn't expect anything to come of it.
It would definitely end up unresolved.
Bayer Leverkusen ultimately won, overcoming unfair officiating to strongly eliminate Barcelona.
Fans didn't pursue it, so the matter had been put behind them.
But the Bayer Leverkusen players were still disgusted by the unfair treatment on the pitch.
They were the primary eyewitnesses, genuinely experiencing Barcelona's numerous fouls and misjudgements, truly understanding how disgusting the referee was.
Therefore, Bayer Leverkusen players still intensely dislike Barcelona to this day, especially Lars Bender; he absolutely loathes evil!
"We must teach Barcelona a harsh lesson! Take them down!"
"Don't worry, I won't be soft-hearted."
Lance was full of confidence…
...
The Champions League group stage concluded, and qualifying as group winners reassured everyone at Atlético Madrid.
Although everyone knew Atlético Madrid would qualify during the draw, true peace of mind only came at the moment of actual qualification.
The knockout stage is in February next year, giving everyone time to fully focus on the league title race.
14 consecutive wins, currently sitting in 1st place in La Liga, it's truly a bit exaggerated.
Lance hadn't even seen this in his prophetic dreams, perhaps it was the butterfly effect of changing history.
In the 2014-2015 season, in the original timeline, after winning the title, the entire team had lost its drive.
The star-studded lineup gradually collapsed, Neymar and Suárez's form declined, Xavi was nearing retirement, and the Champions League title became the swan song of Barcelona's "Dream Team III" dynasty.
However, they were, after all, a world-class team with direct strength.
Bayer Leverkusen's disruption caused Barcelona to miss out on the Champions League title they should have won.
The defeat made them learn from their shame and become braver.
Team cohesion was unprecedentedly strong, unleashing a fighting power not present in the original timeline.
They seemed determined to reclaim the Champions League title.
At the same time, Real Madrid, after years of turmoil, was also entering a golden period of steady ascent.
According to the original timeline, Real Madrid was about to achieve three consecutive Champions League titles.
With wolves in front and tigers behind, Atlético Madrid had no reason to relax.
After the match day, they only had a short half-day holiday, and the entire team quickly returned to intense preparations…
...
The Champions League group stage victory seemed hardly worth mentioning, brushed over by various media outlets.
Whether on the internet or traditional media, all the buzz was focused on this La Liga "Battle of the Kings" and "El Clásico 2.0"!
It's often said that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the El Clásico, but after Atlético Madrid's rise, their battles with Barcelona also garnered significant attention.
Especially with a controversial figure like Lance, who had deep grievances with Barcelona.
This season's El Clásico 2.0 even surpassed the traffic of version 1.0.
According to incomplete statistics from Marca, the anticipation for Lance vs. Messi, and Lance vs. MSN, far exceeded Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Messi.
The Messi and Ronaldo rivalry had been watched for so many years, people were already tired of it.
God Lance against Messi was much more exciting.
Spain, England, Germany, and other regions had already begun to hype up this match.
The topic's popularity in the East was also on the rise.
"La Liga Round 15 Battle of the Kings Preview: MSN in explosive form, God Lance full of fighting spirit!"
"Messi: I'm glad Lance could come to La Liga, it makes revenge much easier."
"Neymar reveals: Barcelona constantly remembers the pain of being eliminated from the Champions League, determined to win this year."
"Dongqiudi News: As the La Liga showdown approaches, Messi revealed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that he had always hoped to face Lance again since the Champions League Semi-Final defeat last season. Therefore, when Lance joined Atlético Madrid, Messi eagerly awaited this clash. Messi stated, 'Our entire Barcelona team yearns for revenge...'"
"Tencent Sports reported: As the La Liga focus match approaches, Neymar recently stated personally on a Catalonia TV interview programme that the pain of being eliminated by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League Semi-Final last season still hangs over the hearts of all Barcelona players."
"No one can forget that feeling. Therefore, the entire team is currently very united, hoping this match can break their mental block, defeat Atlético Madrid head-on, and defeat the team Lance is on. Neymar firmly believes that Barcelona will definitely stand on Europe's highest podium..."
Four days passed quickly.
Lance felt as if he was just drinking with Lars Bender and Kießling a second ago.
The next second, the same hotel, the same street view.
The entire Atlético Madrid team had already checked into a hotel outside their home stadium, preparing to rest and recuperate for the fierce battle the next day.
"Lance, why aren't you going up to sleep yet? Lights out will be soon."
Simeone had intended to go out for a cigarette, when he saw Lance standing quietly at the hotel lobby entrance, gazing at the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium in the distance.
Atlético Madrid had strict discipline, especially with pre-match management, which they took very seriously.
Simeone couldn't help but come over to remind him.
"Coach, I'm about to go to sleep."
Lance had just wanted to go downstairs for a walk.
His Atlético Madrid teammates seemed a bit nervous, unable to sleep, and gathered in Lance's room to chat.
Lance found them noisy, so he simply came out for a stroll.
Just then, Chloe called via video.
The two got caught up in conversation, and before they knew it, over 40 minutes had passed.
Seeing the call duration on his phone, Lance was stunned.
They hadn't discussed anything profound, it was all Chloe chattering, sharing her daily life studying at Munich, complaining about professors, griping about classmates, and telling interesting campus anecdotes.
Lance wasn't originally interested in such everyday matters, but he found himself engrossed.
Looking at Chloe's Barbie-doll-like face, he was willing to listen to anything she said.
The pre-match tension for the big battle against Barcelona had also significantly dissipated due to this chat.
After the two were in different cities, their relationship seemed on the verge of disconnecting.
Yet, video calls gradually became their routine, and Lance was already looking forward to winning tomorrow, and immediately making a video call to share the joy with Chloe.
"Am I dating now? Is this what love is like?"
Lance, with no practical experience, didn't know what this was.
The only thing he was sure of was that Chloe's chattering little lips in the video were luscious and inviting, and Lance wished he could kiss them right now.
Returning to his room door, just as he was about to enter, his phone rang again.
Chloe: [Good luck with your match tomorrow! Good night, my King]
Lance: [Wait for my good news. Good night, my Queen]