One Goal from the Sky

Chapter 125: One Goal from the Sky

The four warm-up matches preceding Milan's season start had concluded, making Kaka's first official match for AC Milan directly in the Champions League.

Last season's top two in Serie A earned direct entry into this season's UEFA Champions League, while third and fourth place had to navigate qualifiers for a group stage berth. AC Milan, finishing fourth last season, had to compete in qualifiers despite their strong reputation.

Thus, Kaka's debut in Milan was under immense pressure, directly influencing the team's Champions League participation.

The qualifying round featured 32 teams, with 16 advancing after two rounds of home and away fixtures.

August 14, 2002, San Siro Stadium.

In the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers, AC Milan faced Liberec.

Liberec, a prominent club in the Czech Republic with three league titles, prompted Ancelotti to field his strongest lineup.

However, this decision faced criticism upon its announcement.

Kaka, a rookie yet to play for AC Milan, was included in the starting lineup.

Even "Milano Sport" exclaimed that Ancelotti was "risking Milan's entire season." Not to be outdone, "Torino Sport," Juventus' mouthpiece, sneered, "The other 17 Serie A teams must beware; Milan has forfeited the Champions League for a league title this season..."

In this context, Kaka's Milan debut was indeed daunting.

He had envisioned himself coming off the bench if Milan trailed, helping to secure victory in the final ten minutes, thereby winning over the fans. Instead, he unexpectedly found himself in the starting lineup, challenging common wisdom. Almost as if Ancelotti's face read, "This kid is phenomenal, and I have high hopes for him."

Ancelotti, stubborn as ever, defied conventional wisdom.

Kaka had miscalculated in more ways than one.

He had assumed his popularity in Milan was modest at best. Perhaps recognizable by face and name, perhaps arousing some curiosity and goodwill, but not to the extent of fanfare.

He vastly underestimated the impact of the World Cup or failed to grasp how his performances resonated with fans.

He had assumed he could grow into his role gradually, oblivious to the eager anticipation surrounding his debut.

Ignorance proved blissful indeed.

Thus, as he stepped onto the hallowed turf of San Siro, amidst the chants of "Shevchenko" and "Inzaghi," Kaka felt both moved and surprised.

Guys, this isn't how the game is supposed to be played.

You're supposed to underestimate me first. Becoming a fan after witnessing my prowess is the norm.

And so Kaka's first game with AC Milan began, amidst the cacophony of criticism and the narrator's longing to be belittled for the first time.

"Ancelotti retained the 4-3-1-2 formation from last season, with Inzaghi and Shevchenko up front, and Kaka, Gattuso, Rui Costa, and Seedorf in midfield. At the back, Maldini, Costacurta, Nesta, and goalkeeper Dida held the line."

"Albertini's departure severely impacted Milan; forcing Gattuso and Seedorf into deeper roles is a shameful waste. With Shevchenko and Inzaghi already leading the attack, Kaka as a shadow striker seems redundant. However, Ancelotti's foresight deserves recognition, and Kaka certainly adds charm..."

Kaka knew the famous Christmas tree formation evolved from this setup, but for now, Ancelotti adhered to tradition, placing Pirlo in midfield. Thus, it might take some time before the 4-3-2-1 formation is unveiled.

As for Liberec, there was little to say—a squad of unproven talents with a name more than a reputation.

Both goalkeepers signaled readiness to the referee.

Kaka stood on the edge of the center circle, observing the opposition. He noticed the Liberec goalkeeper, who claimed readiness, standing two or three meters in front of his goal, whispering to his defenders.

Is he bluffing?

Well, Kaka had honed his skills. He could spot openings two or three meters beyond the centerline accurately.

The game commenced with the referee's whistle, launching AC Milan's 2002-2003 season.

Kaka truly experienced the intense atmosphere of Italian football.

Shevchenko passed to Inzaghi, who immediately sent the ball to Rui Costa. As Rui Costa prepared to return it to Seedorf, Kaka's voice cut through.

"Here."

Without hesitation, he passed the ball.

His reputation for breaking through defenses was well-known. While risky, Kaka was capable of dribbling from this position.

However, they underestimated the young prodigy's audacity.

Receiving the return pass, Kaka feinted, turning swiftly to evade the Liberec midfielder charging for a steal. With a burst of speed, he surged towards the goal, striking a powerful shot.

"Ancelotti may be overeager. We don't doubt Kaka's talent nor his potential importance to AC Milan, but having joined the team barely a month ago, he needs time to adapt—to new surroundings, teammates, and tactics. Ancelotti's haste could backfire... GOAL!"

"The game has just started, and Kaka scores from midfield! The ball finds the net to the right of the Liberec goalkeeper! Perhaps the Liberec keeper hadn't watched this year's World Cup final; otherwise, he'd have been on alert from the first second..."

"Poor keeper, likely overwhelmed by the San Siro atmosphere—a sacred place in every professional player's mind, yet a daunting venue for visiting teams..."

As spectators settled into their seats, they were stunned to witness the Liberec goalkeeper seated inside his net.

He wasn't caught off-guard. Despite reacting swiftly as the ball flew past, he failed to keep it out.

Just a reminder to the defenders to keep an eye on Inzaghi...

The defender regarded him with disdain. Did he need reminding to watch Inzaghi?

Typical dramatic football moments.