Champions League Quarterfinals: Part 3
The stadium erupted as Barcelona dismantled Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. Ryu Ha-neul's precise pass found Albaria perfectly, and the Uruguayan striker wasted no time in putting the ball past the goalkeeper. 3-0. Barcelona had sealed the match at home, leaving Munich stunned.
Then came the response from the visitors. A header from their striker flew into the net, making it 3-1. The German side showed fight, but Barcelona's defense held firm. With ten minutes left, it seemed Munich might pull off a miracle, but the home side's control remained absolute.
In the dying moments, Bayern earned a corner kick. They needed a goal to stay alive. The delivery came in, but Albaria cleared it decisively. The ball fell to Ryu Ha-neul, who struck with precision. It was in! 4-1. Barcelona advanced comfortably to the semifinals, and the match ended in a dominant display.
Munich had left their goalkeeper back, hoping for one more chance, but Albaria calmly passed to Ryu Ha-neul. The young star finished it off without hesitation. This was a moment that could have changed everything, yet the referee's whistle stayed silent.
The Munich players protested loudly, demanding why the whistle hadn't blown. The referee had discretion in such situations, especially with a counterattack looming. But the decision stood, and the game concluded.
Then came the yellow card. Greta, the captain, had already received one earlier for stopping a counterattack. Her protest had been excessive, and now she was sent off. With a three-goal deficit, the situation for the second leg looked precarious.
Barcelona had won 4-1 against Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League 8th round. Ryu Ha-neul delivered two goals and one assist, earning a match-high rating of 9.3 and claiming Player of the Match honors.
Coach, is there something good happening today? You're smiling.
'Hmm, did I get too excited?'
A small voice came from behind, and the corners of FC Barcelona's head coach Diana's mouth lifted. She hadn't noticed it herself, but her lips were definitely curved upward.
Of course, it was natural to feel good after defeating the formidable Bayern Munich 4-1 in terms of playing style. But Diana now hid her emotions.
She had never lost a match by three goals while leading as coach, so the quarterfinals were practically secured. Yet her goal was far beyond that.
The La Liga table showed Barcelona at the top with 80 points, Real Madrid close behind with 79. The Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid loomed. The treble was within reach.
Securing the treble would allow her to extend her contract. Or perhaps she didn't even need to wait. Any big club in the world would want her after a treble.
'Then I could give that woman a clean hit.'
Her players would cling to her in gratitude. The sight would be quite satisfying.
Imagining that scene made her smile again. But she still couldn't lift her lips. The treble was still only a possibility.
But there were still obstacles to those sweet dreams.
'If only that damned Muslim girl wasn't here...'
Amira had said she wouldn't play with Ryu Ha-neul even if she died. She refused to share the locker room, forcing the team to rotate players in and out. Diana had been steadily persuading her, but eight rounds was still too early for full cooperation.
'If I can persuade her a little more, she might even play in the semifinals or El Clasico...'
But that was for later. Right now, Amira was being stubborn, so the focus was on winning the remaining matches.
The next match was Valencia at home. After careful consideration, Diana decided to start Ryu Ha-neul in the attacking positions for the home game where offense mattered most, and Amira for the away game where a three-goal lead and solid defense would secure the quarterfinals.
'This method is perfect. The second leg is more defensive anyway, and we need to rest Valencia's starters.'
Although Ryu Ha-neul's form after two consecutive starts was a concern, Valencia at home would play defensively, making his attacking presence crucial.
'Ryu should focus on recovery training for the next session.'
His talent was such that missing a couple of days wouldn't drop his level. The important thing was recovery.
Diana had prepared the training accordingly, and the day before the Valencia match, she informed Ryu Ha-neul of the starting lineup.
"Today's starting striker is Ryu."
"Me? Really?"
"Yes. Your body should be fully recovered by now."
"No, it's not that. I just assumed I'd start the second leg."
"In professional football, you play two matches a week. I believe in you, Ryu."
"...Understood."
Ryu Ha-neul was surprised, but since it wasn't an injury, he had no reason to refuse. 'Is this why people call humans fools?' he thought as he accepted the offer.
The match against Valencia began. Ryu Ha-neul looked a bit heavy, but he led Barcelona's attack without flashy tricks.
The commentator noted how Ryu Ha-neul was focusing purely on passing today, already setting up his fourth key pass of the half.
He disrupted Valencia's defense with his passes. A through ball to Abudasha, who returned it to Ryu Ha-neul. He found Camila, and Eloya finished with a shot. 1-0. Barcelona broke through Valencia's solid defense.
Ryu Ha-neul and Camila exchanged a 2-1 pass. He shot but passed to Abudasha instead. The shot missed the post.
Camila returned the ball to Ryu Ha-neul for a one-touch. Back to Camila, who scored. Her third goal of the season. The duo combined for the goal.
The two players were close friends, and their chemistry was flawless. The commentator highlighted how fans should watch Camila closely.
The match ended 2-0. Barcelona maintained their lead at the top of the league.
Diana's choice had been perfect, securing a 2-0 win against fourth-placed Valencia. She celebrated her tactical success.
Now only the second leg against Bayern Munich remained.
"The starting lineup for the second leg is Maximilena in goal, Anila on the right back, Tiana and Amira in center back, Narcis on the left back, Hamara and Joaquin and Lorenza in midfield, Albaria on the left wing, Abudasha on the right wing, and Arnal as the central striker."
Diana had built the squad as defensively as possible.
"Ryu, you've started two matches in a row. Rest easy tomorrow and watch from the bench."
"...Excluded from the bench too?"
"Yes. You won't be needed for your attacking play."
"...Understood."
She replaced Ryu Ha-neul with an extra defender from the substitutes.
'With Albaria and Arnal there, we won't lose 3-0 without him. This match and the treble will be ours.'
Diana smiled to herself, thinking of her bright future. She had no idea what would happen next.