Chapter 188 Bundesliga Suspense Returns, Champions League Final Results Announced

Union Berlin beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 away.

Su Luo's volley near the left touchline in the first half became the focus of media discussions. Despite suffering an injury from Gabby's tackle, Su Luo didn't roll around on the grass. Instead, he stood up and completed the goal under the pressure of two defenders. This fighting spirit earned him praise from all the media.

Previously, everyone saw Su Luo as a high-scoring, smart, and clear-minded player. Now, they also saw him as a real tough guy. Even Atletico Madrid, known for their rugged style, didn't have anyone as tough as Su Luo. His goal defeated Atletico Madrid, and their fans admired him. Besides his nickname "Huaxia Captain," Su Luo now had an additional moniker: "Iron Man."

After the game, Mr. Schingler, CEO of Union Berlin's Board of Directors, publicly stated, "Regardless of this season's outcome, we are considering erecting a bronze statue of Su Luo outside the stadium to honor his contribution to the club. We hope future players can learn from Su Luo's fighting spirit."

The hospital results came out. The good news was that Su Luo's bones were incredible, and he recovered quickly. With his current healing speed, he could run and jump vigorously in half a month without an emergency. The bad news was that the season would be over by then. If Union Berlin reached the Champions League final, Su Luo could participate. However, with only a one-goal lead over Atletico Madrid and no away goals, the next match would be challenging.

Meanwhile, Round City beat Bayern Munich 1-0 at home, putting Bayern at risk of elimination. Union Berlin was the pride of the Bundesliga, and almost all German media were advising Neuhaus on how to play the second leg. Some suggested a 10-0-0 formation to let Atletico Madrid, known for counter-attacking, control the ball. Others recommended a fast break in the first half to break Atletico Madrid's spirit early. The "Munich Evening Zeitung" headlined, "A tie can enter the final, Berlin and Bayern will meet at the top of Europe!" Seeing this newspaper in the hospital, Su Luo couldn't help but laugh and cry.

"Can you guys say something auspicious? Do you understand the power of jinxing?"

It wasn't that Su Luo didn't trust his teammates, but the pressure from Atletico Madrid was strong enough to make him uneasy. Atletico Madrid wasn't the strongest team in Europe, but they were performing the best this year.

During his hospitalization, Josephine, who took care of Su Luo, brought good news. "Luo, did you know that little Anya's surgery was a success?"

"Huh? Really! That's great!"

"Yes, when you fell asleep, I went upstairs to see her. She's in the tumor ward on the 12th floor."

"So, she's..."

"Out of danger now, but we need to observe her," Josephine cautiously added. "But the doctor said that with targeted therapy and her strong willpower, the cure rate is over 80%."

With an average long-term effective rate of 50%, Anya's prognosis was excellent. Su Luo breathed a sigh of relief. Uncle Hans, Anya, Bud, and many Union Berlin fans were part of the club. Su Luo hoped they could all appear in the North Stand in good health, instead of being remembered through photos held up by loved ones.

Two days later, while walking on crutches, Su Luo saw Anya. The little girl was asleep, her face, once pale, now showing some color. Outside the ward, Uncle Hans comforted Su Luo.

"Su, our fans have wept with joy for reaching the Champions League semi-finals. It's beyond our wildest dreams. So, no matter what happens, I thank you on behalf of the Steel League."

"What are you being so serious for? I'm doing my best. Besides, without me, there's still a chance."

"Hope so."

Long-term dependence on Su Luo made Uncle Hans wary of imagining a team without him. He nodded with a wry smile, unsure of what to do.

Sure enough, before the second leg of the Champions League, the Bundesliga had 32 rounds. Union Berlin tied 0-0 with Mainz. Without Su Luo, they struggled to score. Mahrez, Silvio, Quining, and others started the game, and despite creating several opportunities, they couldn't find the net. Of their 10 shots, three hit the target but were saved by the Mainz goalkeeper. Bayern Munich took advantage, beating Ingolstadt 2-1 away, narrowing the score difference to one point. With two rounds left in the Bundesliga, Bayern still had a chance to win. Without Su Luo, Union Berlin found it challenging to score, giving Bayern fans renewed hope and restoring the Bundesliga championship suspense.

Next up was the UEFA Champions League semi-final at Union Berlin's home ground against Atletico Madrid. For the first time, Su Luo appeared in the North Stand of the Old Forest Management Institute Stadium as a fan. Standing on the green field as a player was different. To be honest, the stadium was simple, but it had an aura comparable to Westphalia, thanks to the diehard Steel League fans. Now, as a fan himself, Su Luo felt the passion of the usual burly guys cheering for the team.

Before the game started, Su Luo sang the team song with Josephine, Uncle Hans, and Bud in the stands, warming up the atmosphere. The star of the club, the man who led the team to the Bundesliga double and the Champions League semi-finals, was right among them. The Union Berlin fans were insanely excited! If Su Luo hadn't been on crutches, he would have been overwhelmed by the crazy and enthusiastic fans. When the players from both sides entered the arena, the atmosphere became more normal.

After the announcer introduced the lineups, he mentioned Su Luo again. "Okay, that's it for our Union Berlin starters. Next, let's give a round of applause to a special guest! He's sitting in the center of our North Stand! He is the captain of Huaxia, the banner and soul of the team! Let us warmly welcome Su Luo!"

"Lord! Lord! Lord!" the fans chanted his name.

Hearing the chants so close, Su Luo felt weird. Josephine teased him. "Feeling like a king?"

"A little, but not much. Tonight, I want to hear it from you again..." Su Luo joked.

"Dirty! The game is about to start, let's focus," Josephine blushed and interrupted him, understanding his implication.

"Uh... Is Atletico Madrid's offense really that sharp?"

At 39 minutes into the first half, Su Luo hugged his head in his hands along with the surrounding fans and sighed with regret.

To be honest, this match was looking good for Union Berlin. They got off to a fantastic start 11 minutes into the first half. Forsberg cooperated with Kimmich in the middle, creating a gap. He cleverly sent a kick over the top, passing Juanfran and reaching Sane's feet. Sane took a step and boldly went for the goal!

Godin, who was defending him, underestimated the young man. Sane got into position first, ensuring he wouldn't be interfered with. As he approached the penalty area, facing the defense of Oblak and Savic, he resisted the temptation to shoot and made a sudden cross pass! Verhorst's unselfish diagonal run took away the last defender, Felipe. Then, Quinine on the right side clicked and shot through the net!

Union Berlin leads Atletico Madrid 1-0! The total score is 2-0!

Atletico Madrid maintained their high-pressing posture, focusing on defense and handing over possession to Union Berlin. They also strengthened their defense against Sane, making Union's most threatening point difficult to utilize.

Everyone thought they could maintain the 1-0 lead until halftime, but at the end of the first half, Atletico Madrid launched their first attack of the game!

Union Berlin's attack was fruitless, and after Sane was intercepted, Atletico Madrid took advantage of the situation to launch a counterattack! From their penalty area to the opposite penalty area, they only needed three passes. Juanfran to Koke, Koke to Griezmann with a penetrating through ball! Griezmann bypassed Lima's defense, came to the penalty area, and went for the goal. Rudiger hurried forward to block, but Griezmann chose to cross instead.

This time, Fernando Torres was in position!

"All in one go!"

"Fernando——Torres!!!"

"Atletico Madrid's golden boy helps the team regain a glimmer of hope! Goooooal!"

The Spanish commentator for Madrid TV was ecstatic, shouting so much that he broke his voice and started coughing crazily in the studio. After coughing, he continued to shout, "Goal!" Atletico Madrid fans also cheered and celebrated, turning Madrid into a sea of joy.

Atletico Madrid put pressure on Union Berlin, but Union Berlin also pressed their opponents, especially targeting Su Luo. The sense of powerlessness filled his body.

Fortunately, Su Luo was injured.

In the first half, Union Berlin tied 1-1 and led 2-1 on aggregate. If the score remained, Union Berlin could create a miracle and reach the final of the Champions League. However, if there are no accidents, there will generally be accidents.

Atletico Madrid's ferocious play earned them seven yellow cards, with Saul facing suspension if they reached the final. Every turn on the pitch left players on their backs, just like the first round. This fierce fighting made it difficult for Union Berlin to succeed in their offense.

As a result, in the 84th minute of the game, Griezmann found a chance on the left flank. He sent a clever over-the-head ball, bypassing Rudiger! Torres hit the football head-on against Lima's defense, sending it into the goal net!

When he saw Torres confronting Lima, Su Luo knew... it was over.

Torres smiled triumphantly, and Simeone ran tens of meters on the sidelines to celebrate wildly. Lima collapsed to the ground in despair. The 20,000 fans at the scene fell silent.

Atletico Madrid overtook the score, 2-1! The total score was 2-2, and Atletico Madrid led by an away goal!

Time was running out for Union Berlin. If Su Luo were on the field, he wouldn't despair, but unfortunately... Su Luo couldn't wait to go down on crutches to help the team, but he could only stand helplessly in the stands.

"Su," Josephine gently held Su Luo's trembling hand. She didn't say anything extra. She just stayed by Su Luo's side, facing the situation together.

Until the end, the miracle did not happen. When the game ended, Union Berlin's final result was fixed in the top 4. Atletico Madrid, like in the previous season, broke into the Champions League final and would join forces with the winners of Manchester City and Bayern.

Su Luo couldn't bear it anymore. He walked onto the field on crutches, facing the defeat alongside the soldiers of Union Berlin.

"Guys! We'll be back! We'll make it to the finals!"

"There must be such a day!"

Looking around the stadium, Su Luo was filled with an energy that almost broke through the sky! Next season, he would never allow himself to fall again!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can visit my Patreon page:

Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel

I upload 2 chapters daily on Patreon!

There are 90+ advanced chapters available for you to read.

Your support would be greatly appreciated.