Chapter 136: The Double Champions

Chapter 136: The Double Champions

Seeing the bewildered faces of the Sevilla players, commentator Martin Taylor shook his head and said, "The match is over! There's no more suspense. There's still half an hour to go, and Udinese is only leading 3:1, but from the state of play, it's clear Sevilla cannot turn this around!"

"Incredible! Unbelievable! Who could have predicted this," exclaimed Geraldo Benini of RAI TV, "that Udinese, in their first European final in their 118-year history, would be on the verge of lifting the trophy. In recent Serie A seasons, Udinese performed well but were merely participants on the European stage, their best achievement being reaching the last 16 of the Europa League two years ago. At the start of this season, many thought Udinese would repeat the story of the past seasons. Yet, they've slashed through the competition to reach the final and now are about to lift the Europa League trophy and stand at the summit of Europe!"

TV viewers vigorously nodded in agreement.

Udinese, a longstanding team and a stable presence in Serie A, was never known for outstanding achievements due to their management style. This was evident from the meager three Serie B championship trophies in their honor room.

A club with a 118-year history that consistently competes in Italy's top league but has such a modest trophy room is indeed a rarity.

However, to everyone's surprise, Udinese has performed exceptionally this season. Not only did they finish third in Serie A, above Milan giants, Napoli, and Fiorentina, but they also lifted the Coppa Italia for the first time in the club's century-long history. Now, they are on the verge of winning the Europa League, potentially topping off an incredible season.

......

On the field, after scoring, Dinatale ran towards the sideline and embraced Bruno. While it was the team's left-back Silva who assisted the goal, Bruno played a crucial role in the middle. He had the opportunity to shoot and possibly score but chose to let the ball pass, setting up Dinatale for the goal.

For the nearly 37-year-old veteran, this season has been nothing short of a dream. Not only did he win the Coppa Italia, but now he was about to lift the Europa League trophy, becoming a double champion, something he could hardly have imagined.

And all this was made possible by Bruno, the young Portuguese who seemed like an angel for Udinese, bringing them the coveted trophies.

The other Udinese players also rushed over to celebrate. They were ecstatic. Sevilla had just narrowed the score, but Udinese immediately extended the lead again, crushing Sevilla's morale.

They didn't see any uncertainty now, nor did they think the Spanish team could perform any miracles. The championship was secured!

The Udinese players celebrated so long that the referee, Bruch, had to intervene to stop them.

During this, Sevilla's players did not protest, showing their spirits were broken and they had no fight left.

......

Indeed, in the following half-hour, Sevilla failed to mount any threatening attacks. By the 90th minute, the score was still 3:1 in favor of Udinese.

Udinese was the away team for this match.

The officials held up the electronic board indicating four minutes of added time.

Some Udinese fans booed, unhappy with the lengthy stoppage time, while others applauded, anticipating lifting the Europa League trophy in just four more minutes.

Guidolin used his last substitution then, bringing on vice-captain Basta to replace the young Cancelo.

In this dream season, due to the outstanding performances of new players like Bruno, the Swiss player didn't get many chances to play, but he fulfilled his roles well when called upon.

The reward for this loyal veteran was a Coppa Italia and a Europa League title, the only two championships he has won in five years.

......

The added time soon elapsed.

On the field, some Udinese players were already glancing at the referee, eager to hear the final whistle.

On the sidelines, Udinese players, coaches, and staff stood up, shoulder to shoulder, counting down to the end of the match.

Guidolin was surrounded by his players and assistants in the middle, looking up at the scoreboard with a seemingly calm expression, but his continuously clasped hands betrayed his excitement.

The referee looked at his watch.

Seeing this, the Udinese sidelines grew even more excited, with some raising their arms in preparation to celebrate.

Makhrez passed the ball back to Bruno after receiving it from Basta.

Bruno looked ahead, pondering whether to pass forward or across the middle, when the whistle blew.

"Beep—beep—beep!"

The German referee, Bruch, blew the whistle to end the match.

At that moment, a tremendous cheer erupted from the Udinese fans at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. Fans leaped up with arms outstretched.

Bruno kicked the ball into the air and then spread his arms to start the celebrations, joined by more players running and cheering, and the substitutes and staff rushed onto the field.

......

"The match is over!!" RAI TV's commentator Geraldo Benini proclaimed with elongated notes, "3:1, Udinese claims the final victory! Bruno Fernandes scores twice, Antonio Dinatale adds another, defeating Sevilla 3:1. Congratulations to Udinese, the 2013-2014 UEFA Europa League champions!"

Hundreds of kilometers away in Udine, countless fans cheered, shouted, and raised their beer glasses, hugging and celebrating.

"We must say congratulations again, congratulations to Udinese, congratulations for becoming this season's double champions, winners of the Coppa Italia and the Europa League!"

"For this small team from the small northeastern Italian town of Udine, to win a major title in their 118-year history, and to do it twice in one season, is truly a dream season!"

The Udinese players congratulated each other or consoled the disheartened Sevilla players.

While they were opponents during the match, now that it was over, they didn't hesitate to offer comfort.

Bruno also spoke with the Sevilla players, feeling a strange sensation—before Sevilla could establish their Europa League dynasty, Udinese had dealt them a significant blow. Would they be able to become the kings of the Europa League in the future? And could Emery continue his magic in this tournament?

......

On the sidelines, Udinese's coach jubilantly raised his arms and clapped, accepting hugs and congratulations, then was quickly surrounded by reporters.

Guidolin had to push through the reporters to shake hands with Sevilla's coach, Emery.

"Congratulations," Emery said expressionlessly.

"Thank you," nodded Guidolin.

After a brief greeting with the opposing coach, Guidolin began to field questions from the press.

"Coach Guidolin, congratulations on winning the Europa League and becoming this season's double champions. Can you share how you feel right now?"

"I'm very happy, of course. We can proudly say this season has been a success."

"Coach Guidolin, what do you have to say about your players' performance?"

"I'm very satisfied. I want to thank them."

"Guidolin, there are rumors that Arsenal's Mr. Wenger is interested in Bruno Fernandes. What do you think about that?"

"Good players are always in demand. Mr. Wenger is not the first to notice Bruno, nor will he be the last."

"Will Bruno Fernandes leave Udinese this summer?"

"Sorry, transfers are not my department. You're asking the wrong person!"

On such a joyful day, being pressed with such a mood-dampening question did not sit well with Guidolin.

......

After celebrating on the field, the Udinese team returned to the locker room to continue the festivities until the staff informed them it was time to receive their awards.

The Europa League trophy presentation was conducted by UEFA President Platini himself.

When Bruno stepped onto the podium, the UEFA chief greeted him with a handshake and a smile.

"Congratulations, young man!"

"Thank you, Mr. President," Bruno replied politely.

"You've had a wonderful season," Platini remarked cheerfully, making small talk, "Sometimes I'm amazed at how such a young player can be so exceptional."

"Thank you," Bruno smiled again in gratitude.

"Keep it up, I have high hopes for you," Platini patted Bruno on the shoulder.

Bruno wasn't overly flattered. To take these high-profile figures seriously would be foolish.

However, one thing was clear: Platini didn't have any animosity towards him; in fact, he seemed quite fond of him, as they had no previous interactions or conflicts.

Platini placed the gold medal around Bruno's neck and shook his hand again to express his congratulations.

(End of Chapter)