May 25th, Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium was roaring with voices.
AC Milan fans and Arsenal supporters were seated on opposite sides, singing their respective team anthems. Both teams' players were making their pre-match preparations, listening to the deafening sounds and feeling slightly nervous.
This was Wenger's first time leading a team into a Champions League final, and although his heart had some fluctuations, his face remained calm as he addressed the players with pre-match instructions.
"We've reached this moment, lads. We're just one game away from the ultimate victory," Wenger said, scanning the room.
Some players looked at him, some closed their eyes to focus, and some adjusted their shoelaces, but all were listening carefully to his words.
"Our hard work throughout the season has led us to this moment. I know AC Milan is strong: Pirlo, Kaká, Shevchenko, Nesta.
But we're not weak either. We have Henry, Bergkamp, Vieri, Ljungberg, Fabregas. Henry, what do you say?"
Henry touched his freshly shaved head and said, "Today, I'm going to blast Milan's goal open."
"Hahaha, I'm going to worry about Milan's goalkeeper—he'll definitely fear you, Henry."
"Yes, yes, Henry, go ahead confidently. I'll cover your back."
Wenger was very pleased with the team's morale. He then spoke to the young Fabregas: "I've put you in the starting lineup today. I know the media has criticized you throughout the season.
But I believe in you. Do your job well."
Team captain Vieira patted the slightly nervous Fabregas on the shoulder. "Don't worry. Attack with confidence. I'll cover the midfield and defense."
Feeling the trust of both his coach and the senior players, Fabregas nodded solemnly, promising to play his best.
Wenger looked around once more to make sure all the players were focused on him.
In an uncharacteristic move, he tore off his tie, threw it on the floor, and shouted, "All the media before this match doubted us. They think Arsenal is weak in big games.
But today, we've come this far. We'll show those damn Milanese how Arsenal destroys Milan with brilliant attacks and stubborn defense.
Alright, lads, charge boldly! Smash Milan!"
"Smash Milan!"
The young players roared in unison, filled with courage and fighting spirit, charging out of the locker room. Judging by their energy, if this were a brawl, Arsenal would have already won.
Both teams' players held the hands of the ball boys in the tunnel, waiting to enter, locking eyes with each other, flames visible in their gazes.
Except for the few national team tournaments like the World Cup or European Championship, the Champions League is a footballer's ultimate pursuit.
Every player hopes to showcase themselves fully in the Champions League and claim ultimate glory.
Henry looked at Shevchenko across the field, thinking, Is this my opponent tonight? Shevchenko glanced back, still smiling, appearing relaxed despite the tension.
Finally, the moment to enter the field arrived. Both teams slowly walked out of the tunnel, greeted by the deafening cheers of the fans. Passing the "Big Ears" trophy, Shevchenko couldn't resist touching it.
Henry wanted to follow, but Bergkamp stopped him, shaking his head, signaling him not to.
The players' introductions were complete, and the match was about to begin.
In the VIP box, Gilbert and Ivanka, Jilly Hazel, and Arsenal general manager John Richard were already sipping red wine and watching the match.
Multiple broadcast cameras frequently focused on the VIP box. Sky Sports commentator said, "Arsenal owner Gilbert Landrini is here at the stadium, watching alongside his players."
"Yes," another commentator added, "Director Gilbert has a new film releasing soon, but he still came to witness Arsenal's crowning moment."
The British media naturally favored Arsenal, while Italian media favored AC Milan.
At this moment, the Italian national broadcaster commentating on the Champions League final said, "While Director Gilbert's cinematic talents have an Italian flair, how good is his football insight?
If he wants to play football, he should come to Serie A."
Apparently, the commentator disapproved of Gilbert, an Italian-descended figure, supporting and acquiring an English Premier League team. Yet, he ignored the fact that Serie A, once called the 'Little World Cup,' has declined.
The Premier League's commercial value far surpasses Serie A. Gilbert's focus is purely on the brand effect of football, something Serie A cannot achieve.
At this moment, an advertising billboard on the sidelines drew special attention—it was for Batman: Begins , already displayed at the Champions League final.
Gilbert could see it clearly from the VIP box. "This ad effect is excellent. At least fifty to sixty million people have seen the billboard, right?"
"More than that," John Richard said. "During the semifinals, the audience reached over ninety million. Now, it's probably surpassed a hundred million."
"Great," Gilbert was very satisfied with the result. "Though the advertising cost was high, the effect is certainly worth it."
"This isn't worse than the Super Bowl, right?" Ivanka asked.
"Not necessarily," Gilbert replied. "No one had ever placed a movie ad at a Champions League final before. This is the first time; let's see the result."
Ivanka was somewhat impressed with Gilbert. If she remembered correctly, it was also Gilbert who first placed a movie trailer in the Super Bowl halftime show.
Since then, summer blockbuster ads at the Super Bowl have almost become a regular practice.
Before Gilbert, perhaps someone had thought of this approach, but no one had implemented it. So it remained just an idea, whereas Gilbert had the ability to turn ideas into reality—that was the difference.
"John, who do you think will win today's match?" Gilbert asked John Richard as the players on both sides were ready to kick off.
At this point, John Richard certainly couldn't say AC Milan would win, though their team was strong, and he didn't think Arsenal lacked competitiveness.
So John Richard confidently replied, "I believe in our team. We will win this match."
"Good, I'll wait and see," Gilbert said with a smile.
Who could have predicted that less than two minutes after they spoke, AC Milan's Kaká made a breakthrough, was fouled, and earned a free-kick opportunity.
Pirlo then took the kick into the box, and Maldini sneaked in during the chaos to tap the ball in.
John Richard felt awkward—just a moment ago he had spoken confidently, and now a goal had already been conceded.
At this moment, Jilly Hazel calmly said, "It's okay, it's only one goal down. Our team's attack is very strong; we can come back."
"Yes, yes, Professor Wenger will make adjustments. Don't worry, boss," John Richard said, looking at Gilbert's expression, and instinctively stood up to speak.
Gilbert smiled lightly. "Sit down. Why are you nervous? The players aren't nervous. Just watch."
"Yes, boss…" John Richard wiped the sweat from his face, sat down, and silently prayed that the players would give it their all.
However, the subsequent developments completely exceeded John Richard's expectations.
After taking the lead, AC Milan pressed the advantage. In the twenty-seventh minute, Arsenal forward Bergkamp was accidentally injured during a confrontation, forcing Wenger to substitute him.
Fortunately, the squad was deep. On the field were Reyes and Henry, and on the bench sat van Persie, ensuring the attacking firepower remained intact.
But the team now faced defensive problems. AC Milan's offensive line was extremely fierce; Kaká and Shevchenko's attacks were shaking Arsenal's backline.
In the thirty-ninth minute, Henry surged into the penalty area and shot, but Nesta blocked it. Arsenal immediately appealed for a penalty, but the referee deemed Nesta's handball unintentional and denied it.
The experienced AC Milan team immediately launched a counterattack. Kaká dribbled forward, facing three Arsenal defenders, and chipped the ball to Shevchenko.
Shevchenko penetrated the box, crossed to the front, and Crespo easily slotted the ball into the net. The score became 2–0.
The atmosphere became awkward. John Richard was at a loss for words, and Gilbert had to comfort him.
"It's alright, John. Victory and defeat are part of the game. Besides, it's only a loss…"
Before Gilbert could finish, Jilly Hazel covered her mouth, patted Gilbert on the shoulder, and said, "Boss, AC Milan scored again. It's now 3–0."
"Ah? This…" Gilbert looked at the enormous 3–0 on the scoreboard, feeling that luck was not on their side today.
Ivanka didn't understand football, but from the numbers on the scoreboard and her boss's reaction, she understood.
Arsenal had already fallen into a desperate situation.
...
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