Chapter 181: The curtains open
Inter Milan and Real Madrid arrived in Manchester one after another, and the media stationed at the airport became busy, snapping photos to use as material for the news the next day.
Both clubs' entourages were very large. In addition to the regular eighteen-man squad, injured players like Recoba and Materazzi, who were ineligible to play, also traveled to England.
The mood of the Inter Milan players, who had just lifted the league championship trophy, was very good. They smiled and waved to the reporters and fans. Wang Feng's appearance drew cheers from the fans, and some bold female fans even shouted flirtatious words at him.
That evening, Inter Milan arrived at Old Trafford Stadium for a familiarization training session. Inter Milan legend and one-club man Bergomi visited their training session and, in an interview, expressed that although Real Madrid was strong, it was Inter Milan's era now!
"We have won three championships already. We have young and strong leaders. Although Real Madrid boasts many stars, it's time to sink this galactic battleship!"
Although Zanetti was still the captain of Intern Milan, Bergomi clearly considered Wang Feng the true leader of the team.
After the training session, head coach Cooper attended the routine press conference. Regarding Bergomi's statement about leadership, he did not directly respond but emphasized the high strength of the opponents and affirmed that Inter Milan would give their all.
"For a team like Real Madrid with an array of stars, we cannot allow them to play smoothly. We will focus on arranging tactics in the midfield and forward positions." Cooper didn't explicitly state the strategy, and the journalists present understood that it wouldn't be appropriate to reveal it at this point.
As for the team's shortcomings, Cooper believed it was the lack of experience in the Champions League final. After all, Inter Milan hadn't reached the final for many years, and there were very few experienced players in the squad.
"The pressure of big matches will affect the players' performance; this is inevitable. But I believe our players can adjust well, especially Wang Feng. He is naturally a big-hearted player, and I have full confidence in him."
Real Madrid also conducted an adaptability training session later. Head coach Bosque stated, "Real Madrid is a frequent participant in the Champions League and the club with the most championship titles. We once won the glory of five consecutive championships."
"Since the restructuring of the Champions League, no club has been able to achieve consecutive titles, but we will win this honor and continue our glorious history!"
Regarding Wang Feng of Inter Milan, Bosque expressed the highest level of attention and stated that they would arrange the tightest defense to limit him. "In front of the world-class defense, Wang Feng will be defeated."
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Welcome to the final of the 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League. We are at Old Trafford Stadium in England."
"The two teams competing tonight are Real Madrid from La Liga and Inter Milan from Serie A."
"Real Madrid is participating in the Champions League final for the twelfth time, having won nine championships. Inter Milan is participating in the Champions League final for the fourth time, having won two championships. It's worth mentioning that Inter Milan's last appearance in the Champions League final dates back to the distant year of 1972."
"From the data perspective, Real Madrid outperforms Inter Milan, and they are also the defending champions of the last edition of the Champions League. Therefore, they have an absolute advantage in terms of tournament experience."
"But after an absence of thirty-one years, Inter Milan's return to the Champions League final stage is not to be underestimated. The team's top scorer, Wang Feng, has contributed 18 goals on the Champions League stage, far ahead of other players. He is the main contributor to Inter Milan's journey to the final."
"Will the star-studded, experienced Real Madrid claim the crown, or will the outstanding Wang Feng help Inter Milan lift the trophy? Let's wait and see."
After a brief dance performance, both teams, following the lead of the main referee, Orlando Woolbridge, entered Old Trafford Stadium. Real Madrid players wore their iconic white jerseys, while Inter Milan wore their home blue-black jerseys.
Real Madrid's starting lineup was 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Casillas.
Defenders: Salgado, Carlos, Hierro, and Helguera.
Midfielders: Zidane, Makélélé, Figo, and Guti.
Forwards: Raúl and Ronaldo.
Inter Milan's starting lineup was also 4-4-2, with goalkeeper Toldo.
Defenders: Cordoba, Cannavaro, Zanetti, and Pasqual.
Midfielders: Di Biagio, Zanetti, Dalma, and Ribéry.
Forwards: Wang Feng and Vieri.
Real Madrid won the kick-off, and captain Hierro gestured for his teammates to gather together as he walked back to his half, saying, "We got the kick-off for the first half, which is lucky. After the game starts, we stabilize the pace and follow the coach's arrangements for offense and defense. The opponents are just newcomers to the Champions League final; we will definitely have the last laugh. Understand?"
The Galácticos all nodded.
Both teams set up their formations, with Raúl and Zidane standing at the center circle ready to kick-off. The players from both sides were fully focused, staring at the ball in the middle.
Wang Feng was very worried about Inter Milan's defense. The absence of Materazzi, Coco, and others due to injury, coupled with the lack of coordination between Cannavaro and Cordoba, seriously affected the stability of the defense.
"It seems that we need to create more threats in the frontcourt after the opening to pressure Real Madrid's defense and prevent them from attacking with full force!" Wang Feng thought silently.
As he looked at Real Madrid's half, Ronaldo smiled and nodded in greeting, his eyes full of fighting spirit. He attached great importance to the showdown with International Milan.
With the sound of the main referee Woolbridge's whistle, the curtain of the final was finally raised.
Raúl quickly passed the ball to Zidane, who then passed it back to the defense to organize. Real Madrid did not start with an aggressive attack.
On International Milan's side, Vieri and Wang Feng quickly moved into the frontcourt to pressurize Real Madrid's passing, while Di Biagio and Dalma did not advance too much, staying near the center line.
Both teams appeared very cautious. Carlos passed the ball to the midfielder Guti; Dalma quickly moved forward to intercept. Guti chose to pass back to the defender Salgado, who looked ahead and suddenly sent a lofted pass directly to the feet of Raúl in the frontcourt.
The Spaniard controlled the ball with his chest, turned around, and dribbled along the sideline. Although Pasqual marked him closely, with his excellent technique, he still found space to pass.
Ronaldo, who received the ball inside the penalty area, used a feint to shake off Cannavaro and directly shot. Goalkeeper Toldo was very focused, blocking the ball with one hand, and Zanetti, who followed up, immediately cleared the ball with a long kick.
Real Madrid completed the first shot of the game! The threatening attack nearly changed the score, leaving the Inter Milan players on the field and head coach Cooper on the sidelines sweating coldly.
Toldo loudly reminded the defenders to stay focused and to be careful of Ronaldo and Raúl's dribbling skills, which were highly lethal to the defense.
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