Chapter 184 A Special Pre-Match Ceremony, Su Luo Shows Off Dot
Westfalenstadion.
Known as one of the most intimidating home stadiums in Europe, it exudes an oppressive atmosphere at all times.
However, on the afternoon of April 17, 2016, the atmosphere was different.
When the players from both teams led the mascots out of the tunnel, the over 80,000 fans in the stadium did not sing their usual battle chants to unsettle the opponents. Instead, both home and away fans applauded in unison.
Leading their teams were the captains: Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Union Berlin's Su Luo. What stood out was that Su Luo was leading a girl who was clearly too old to be a mascot, wearing a cute woolen cap.
As the players lined up for the pre-match rituals, taking pictures and shaking hands, Su Luo led the girl to the goal. Dortmund's goalkeeper Weidenfeller, captain Hummels, defender Schmelzer, and Berlin striker Quinin all joined them in front of the penalty area.
This unusual scene left many spectators puzzled. What was happening?
TV commentators from various countries were quickly trying to get information from the officials. CCTV commentator Duan Xuan, unsure of what to say, spoke while anxiously awaiting the director's cue.
Finally, the official news came through, and Duan Xuan could provide an explanation.
"We just received the latest information. There will be a special ceremony before the game."
"The girl Su Luo is leading is named Anya, a Union Berlin fan. She is facing a risky operation due to leukemia. Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund have arranged this to help fulfill her wish."
"Her wish is to score a goal for Union Berlin in a professional arena."
"As we can see, the Dortmund players are cooperating. Goalkeeper Weidenfeller is in goal, and the backline, including Gundogan and Scheippend, are in position."
"Union Berlin's lineup includes Su Luo, Quinin, Sane, Verhorst, and Anya, the young fan wearing the No. 99 jersey!"
"Alright, Su Luo has taken the lead, handing the ball to Verhorst, and little Anya is running on the side!"
The players on the field weren't just going through the motions; Dortmund was seriously pretending to defend, and Union Berlin was earnestly attacking. Verhorst, receiving the ball with his back to goal, had a strong contest with Hummels, a rehearsal for their next game.
Jing Duoan, tasked with defending Anya, had to act convincingly while also letting her through. He completed his task perfectly as Verhorst passed the ball to Anya, who then skillfully dribbled past Jing Duoan.
Anya passed the ball to Su Luo, who, under Papastathopoulos' defense, returned it to her. Anya slowly approached the goal and kicked the ball!
Weidenfeller made a save attempt but missed the ball!
"Anya! Onside! Shoot!"
"The ball went in!!!"
"Gooooal!!!"
At this moment, commentators from various countries were cheering for the "goal hero," little Anya. The announcer at Westfalenstadion passionately announced:
"The scorer is – Union Berlin's No. 99, Anya Hans!"
"Anya! Anya! Anya!"
In the visiting team stands, Anya's uncle Hans was sobbing, the 1.9-meter-tall man reduced to tears. Bud, Hogan, and others beside him had tears in their eyes as they loudly chanted Anya's name.
The fans, including those of the home team, were moved and gave Anya warm applause.
After scoring, Anya, unable to run much, stood in place and was lifted high on Su Luo's shoulders. The flashlights of countless reporters captured the most touching scene on the football field.
"Anya, are you happy?" Su Luo asked.
"Su! This is the happiest day of my life," Anya replied, her tears mixed with joy.
Everyone in the two clubs, along with the over 80,000 fans present, helped make this moment unforgettable for Anya.
"No," Su Luo shook his head. "You'll have happier times than this, won't you?"
"Yes! I will!" Anya's eyes shone with renewed hope.
After this special ceremony, the match between Dortmund and Union Berlin officially began.
This season, under Tuchel's leadership, Dortmund had reversed their previous decline, winning many important games. Dortmund was currently 10 points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich and 13 points ahead of Union Berlin. With only 5 rounds left in the league, the championship was out of reach. They were also 18 points ahead of fourth-placed Leverkusen, securing their Champions League spot for next season.
With no immediate desires, Dortmund was willing to cooperate with Union Berlin for this special moment. Otherwise, they might not have agreed to such a gesture in a more competitive scenario.
The game proceeded relatively "peacefully," but both teams played with unexpected pace and aggression. They entertained the fans without focusing on the finer details of strategy or operations, prioritizing excitement and display over mere points.
In the spirit of fair play and celebration, both teams showcased their best, making it a memorable match for everyone involved.
From the first minute of the game, the fans erupted in cheers!
"Dortmund on the attack, Reus is strong on the wing! A through ball to Aubameyang!"
"Good shot! Aubameyang tried a backheel from a tight angle, but it's just off!"
"Now Quinin counters, using his speed to dash down the side!"
"Cross from the bottom! Verhorst with a header!"
"Weidenfeller saves it!"
"Sane rushes to the top of the arc!"
"Su Luo!!! Missed the shot?"
Gasp!
Usually, Su Luo would shoot directly if he caught the ball at the top of the penalty area. Union Berlin's relentless attacks unsettled Dortmund's defenders, who instinctively blocked Su Luo's shot. But Su Luo lightly flicked the ball in a tight space, then gracefully kneed it past Sven Bender and skillfully chipped it over Hummels!
Both the Borussia Dortmund players and Su Luo's Union Berlin teammates were dumbfounded.
Su Luo can pull off this kind of move?
He used to rely on high-speed breakthroughs or explosive dribbling, but now he's showcasing extreme ball control in tight spaces! It's more like a streetball show than a traditional breakthrough.
Su Luo has never been this flashy before!
But it's flashy and effective!
With continuous acrobatics, Su Luo reached the goal, feinted with his right foot, and flicked his ankle to shoot left. Weidenfeller stood still as the ball went into the net!
Such elegance!
"Su Luo scores after dribbling past four players! Union Berlin leads by one!"
"This goal is a joy to watch, and it might even win the Puskás Award!"
"The suspense is, which of Su Luo's goals will win?"
"So, was Klopp under this much pressure before?"
On the Westfalenstadion bench, Tuchel squatted down, observing the match closely.
Since that goal, Su Luo has been showcasing his streetball skills, breaking through defenders with fancy moves. Despite the exhibition nature of the match, Su Luo's skill was mesmerizing.
Dortmund decided to get serious, using their best fast-paced play, stringing together quick passes through midfield, and creating opportunities in the front.
Reus broke into the penalty area and crossed, Aubameyang smashed it into the net!
1:1!
"Oops, Aubameyang scores! Dortmund equalizes!"
Duan Xuan thought Dortmund's morale was soaring and Union Berlin might struggle.
But it was still time for Su Luo to shine!
"Union Berlin kicks from the back, lobs it into the penalty area, Verhorst heads it down to Su Luo!"
"Eh?"
"Su Luo doesn't let the ball hit the ground, dribbles past two players, and volleys it!"
"The goal is scored! Su Luo scores twice!! Another world-class strike!"
"Just five minutes after Dortmund's equalizer, Su Luo puts his team ahead again!"
"2:1!"
Duan Xuan shouted excitedly.
Simply wonderful!
Since the Real Madrid game, Su Luo seems to have evolved into a new version: Su Luo 3.0!
Initially, he made consecutive breakthroughs in key counterattacks, and his shooting was top-notch. Later, Su Luo learned to pass the ball and assist his teammates. Now, he's more stylish and effective!
His evolution rate is astonishing!
Not only Tuchel but all opponents, coaches, and media commentators watching this game were awestruck.
How high can he reach?
Who knows?
In the first half, Union Berlin led 2:1.
In the second half, Su Luo continued to dominate the front, using his excellent ball control and other abilities to help his team maintain their advantage.
Even without possession, Su Luo's passive ability was enough to handle the usual intensity of the Bundesliga.
In the 61st minute, Su Luo received the ball on the left, sidestepped Gundogan, and blasted a shot!
Su's Cannon Fires!
With Nedved's passive skill and Modric's blessing, this long-range shot was urgent and fast! It went straight to the top corner!
Weidenfeller couldn't reach it!
"Hat-trick! Su Luo continues to create miracles! Union Berlin has practically sealed the victory!"
"With Bayern chasing, Su Luo always keeps his team ahead!"
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