262 An Incredible Start

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*FWEEEEEEE*

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The referee blew the whistle at 9:05 PM, signaling the start of the long-awaited Europa League match between Red Bull Salzburg and Rosenborg Ballklub. The atmosphere grew more tumultuous and turbulent as all the players on the field turned their sights towards the ball on the center spot. At the same time, cheers rose to a crescendo, drowning out every sound in the entire Red Bull Arena. Tensions were high in the few seconds after the sound of the whistle.

Nicki Nielsen, Rosenborg's center forward, didn't dilly-dally after hearing the kick-off whistle. He cast a fleeting glance across the opposite side of the playing field, seemingly to assess or maybe taunt the opposition before the commencement of the actual action. Without turning around, he raised his leg and then kicked the ball back towards his midfield with a back heel.