Friendly Match Gone Wild: Champs Final Intensity
With the roar of the crowd echoing like a Champions League final, the friendly match between the K League All-Stars and Celta Vigo kicked off. The uneven grass underfoot was a mess, so I warned my Celta Vigo teammates in advance: "Korean pitches are shit, so take it easy and don't get hurt."
The referee's whistle blew, and the K League All-Stars had the kickoff. The problem? My teammates didn't see this as a friendly at all.
What the fuck, you crazy bastards.
I swallowed a curse under my ragged breaths.
Did these guys snort something?
"¡Presión! ¡Arriba! Press high! Push up!"
Captain Iago Aspas, armband on, veins bulging in his neck as he bellowed. On cue, our midfielders charged at the K League players like rabid dogs.
I'd clearly said we should just loosen up, do some fan service, and call it a day. But the scene unfolding on the pitch was murderous high press straight out of a Champions League final.
"Hey, ease up, you fucks! This is a friendly!"
I yelled in Spanish, but it seemed Aspas's ears were deaf to it. Already gone? His eyes burned with competitive fire. Goddamn it. That old man. What's his deal? Even the commentary booth was caught off guard, gasping in awe.
- Whoa, Celta Vigo's movement today is no joke! We expected them to take it easy in a friendly.
- Right? Check that pressing intensity. It's basically Champions League final level! The K League guys look totally rattled!
The K League All-Stars' faces screamed 'What the hell is this?' Makes sense—they're mid-season, title still up for grabs. Celta Vigo, on the other hand, came from overseas leagues where seasons are wrapped up, so this was supposed to be a light WWE-style event match... So why the hell are they going all out?
23rd minute. Right-back Mingueza tore through the K League's left flank like a runaway train. He spotted Aspas surging toward goal and whipped in a low cross.
"¡Vamos!"
Aspas slipped between two defenders and rifled a crisp left-footed shot into the net.
WAAAAAAAA—!
The crowd at Sangam World Cup Stadium erupted like the world was ending.
Aspas, goal scored, immediately beckoned me as planned. We bolted to the corner flag, right in front of the broadcast camera.
"Ssam! Ssam!"
Aspas shouted excitedly. Side by side, we mimed wrapping ssam leaves around rice and meat, then stuffing it in our mouths.
The Jumbotron lit up with our ssam ceremony, and the stands exploded in laughter. Aspas puffed his cheeks like he'd actually eaten some, thumbs up. Aspas really digs Korean ssam, huh. But slow down, man? Probably why the Celta guys are hyped—the Korean crowd goes "Ooooh!" every time the board catches them grabbing water or whatever. Back in Spain, fans don't "Ooooh" just for seeing a player, unless it's a La Liga superstar. Here, though? Celta Vigo gets treated like heroes for sipping from a bottle. That's the K League crowd vibe. Seems like the players are paying it back by putting on a show—and that show's turning real serious. Got it, but the grass sucks, so take it easy?
The K League squad, stung by the goal in front of home fans, matched Celta's intensity. Neither side looked like they'd roll over.
- Celta Vigo strikes first, but the K League All-Stars hit back! Atmosphere's electric today!
- Yeah, K League's got pride too. Especially that winger Kim Jinu—light on his feet!
My national team junior and K League All-Star fullback, Kim Jinu.
38th minute. Jinu blew past our left-back with pure speed. I tried to cover, but too late.
The ball left his toe in a perfect arc toward goal.
Waiting there was K League's top scorer, the Colombian beast Ssapak.
The 190cm+ giant launched off the turf. Our two center-backs clung to him—futile. Overwhelming physicality.
WHAM!
Ssapak's forehead rocketed the ball into the top corner like a cannonball.
WAAAAAAAA—!
This time, K League fans shook the stadium. I put hands on hips, smirking bitterly.
K League class, what? Damn, he buried that.
- GOOOOAL! Ssapak! Restoring K League pride! Kim Jinu's delivery, Ssapak's finish. Perfection!
- What a match! Celta Vigo goes full throttle, K League steps up. Is this really a friendly? Neither team's backing down!
Midfield battles were brutal—attacks clashing with defensive mids. I hit the deck a few times myself. Not from scraps, but fuck this grass. K League pitches are insane. Players didn't care, smashing into each other. How's this an event match?
BEEEEEP—!
Halftime whistle. Most guys bent over, heaving. Sweat poured like rain. We'd all gone full throttle for 45 minutes. Crazy bastards?
- Halftime! 1-1. Unbelievable thriller. Didn't expect much from an event game, but Celta Vigo's playing like it's the Champs final. Elevates the whole thing—super fun!
Aspas slapped my back walking to the tunnel, winking.
Thought he wanted to check my back or something.
"Saw that, Ryan? My ssam ceremony. Perfect, right?"
"..." This fucker.
Ear-shattering cheers and a familiar intro beat blasted out.
Halftime show. Stars: Venus.
The Jumbotron filled with them, turning the stadium into a massive concert.
"Whoa, these girls are huge."
Teammates scanned the pitch in awe.
Mid-fierce choreography, center Xiao broke formation slightly, grabbing something prepped nearby.
Sky blue.
Celta Vigo's home kit.
Huh?
My Sharpie scrawl from earlier stood out clear.
Xiao flaunted it, hoisting the jersey high over her head, winking provocatively at the camera.
KYAAAAAAAA—!
Sangam nearly imploded.
Our team lost it.
Mingueza poked my side, giggling. He pointed wildly between the Jumbotron and me.
"Ryan. Got skills, huh?"
Teammates roasted me. I just shrugged.
She owned the moment in front of thousands—no nerves, shaking the jersey boldly for her finale pose. Gotta be that Chinese fire. Don't like China much, but girls are fair game.
...She's hot.
Sweat-glistened smile was pretty damn stimulating. That bold performance.
Short but explosive halftime show ended.
Phone buzzed annoyingly—Jinu.
And then Jinu bombarded me with community comment screenshots.
Scrolled through them.
Fun times.
Second half was gonna be even wilder. Maybe I should bag a goal myself.