Summer Vacation - 1
With the DFB-Pokal final wrapped up, Borussia Dortmund's 2011/2012 season came to an end. My story exploded across all the online communities.
As a result, Han Gyeowol was swamped without a moment's rest.
Just what the hell has Gyeowol been up to on these communities for people to react like that?
Well...
"Hehe... it was actually me."
As long as she was happy, that was fine.
"If you don't want to go to a deserted island for preseason training, keep your bodies in decent shape when you come back!"
Having achieved the double, Dortmund wrapped up at the Brakel training ground with Jurgen Klopp's warning, and summer vacation officially kicked off.
"A deserted island wouldn't be a bad spot for preseason."
Since Klopp had actually taken his Mainz team to a real deserted island back in the day, the players wouldn't forget his warning and would keep themselves in check.
"Jino! Hit me up if you come to Croatia!"
"Perisic, you too—contact me if you come to Korea!"
"We're heading to Korea in July anyway."
"Exactly. I'll hit you up then."
The players scattered for their vacations according to their plans. The Brakel training ground emptied out in a flash, everyone eager to make the most of those four weeks.
"Danke! Jurgen!"
"Jino! No crazy training over vacation—take some proper rest too!"
Our family had originally planned to fly back to Korea the moment vacation started for some tearful family reunion time, but Chelsea's run to the Champions League final threw a wrench in that.
My mother-in-law wanted to see the final in person.
My father-in-law was thrilled.
And since the final was at Bayern Munich's home stadium, the Allianz Arena, we decided to stick around Germany for our daily routine.
Anyway, with the vacation plans changed like that...
"Uh... this ain't right."
I tilted my head at Gyeowol, who looked uneasy about something.
"Gyeowol, you hiding something?"
"N-no, I'm not hiding anything!"
Hmm.
Something's up.
The hidden truth came out soon enough. After getting smacked by my mother-in-law, Han Gyeowol sniffled and left a message in the group chat.
A week after the precious little princess Gyeowol—who'd been refusing to go to school—finally started attending normally again, we headed to the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich's home stadium, for the Champions League final.
"Phew... why'd it have to be Munich's home ground."
"Mom. Why complain now? The venue was set ages ago for Champs."
Champions League final venues are selected by the UEFA Executive Committee from stadiums meeting UEFA's strict criteria, usually decided two years in advance.
But from a Chelsea fan's perspective, it was bound to sting a bit.
Already missing four starters to cards and suspensions, playing the final at Bayern's home was basically a death sentence.
For that reason, most media predicted a Bayern win.
Kickoff time approached.
The players marched onto the pitch, and the Champions League anthem echoed through the Allianz Arena.
Chelsea was immediately pushed back by Bayern Munich, led by Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Along the touchline, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo barked tactical orders at his players, facing off against Jupp Heynckes.
The first half ended with Bayern's one-sided dominance.
The second half was no different. Bayern, in full control, hammered Chelsea relentlessly.
In the 37th minute, they scored. Bastian Schweinsteiger's cross from outside the penalty box found Thomas Muller.
"Hejaaaaaaaa!!!"
Muller's header hammered down into Petr Cech's net. The scorer roared and sprinted to the corner flag.
My mother-in-law hung her head, while Gyeowol smirked triumphantly.
With less than 10 minutes left, just as Thomas Muller's opener hit the communities...
Gyeowol cackled and showed me the post.
Aw lol true Chelsea slam dunk is the Buk-san ending lol
Just when everyone thought Bayern had sealed the win...
The miracle began.
83rd minute. Chelsea's first corner of the match—and maybe their last chance.
Juan Mata's cross met Didier Drogba's head.
"Woaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"
The ball shook Manuel Neuer's net.
I glanced at the stats on my phone next to disappointed Gyeowol.
Possession 64:36. Shots 35:9. Corners 20:1. It was a massacre.
But Chelsea's players threw themselves in front of shots without mercy, finally equalizing and forcing extra time.
Chelsea held on through extra time, then won the penalty shootout in a brutal final against Bayern Munich.
My mother-in-law, who'd been bawling since Drogba's equalizer...
"Have you ever seen such a goddamn thieving bastard!"
She cursed up a storm from the VVIP seats as Boshingwa snatched the trophy.
I let out a sigh of relief watching her.
...Yeah, good call not letting Klopp steal that Pokal trophy.
