Chapter 60: Chapter 60 Su Luo's Bundesliga Debut Was Broadcast Live On Cctv 5!
Berlin, Southeast.
Deep Blue's bus wound its way through dense virgin forests, the foliage casting a shadow that darkened the already gloomy autumn evening.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting peered out the window and shivered involuntarily.
"Where on earth are we? Are we really in Berlin?"
Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar shrugged helplessly beside him.
"To be honest, I've never been to this ghostly place. Hertha Berlin's home field is more like the Berlin I know."
Huntelaar stopped himself from finishing the sentence, feeling like he had been transported to the countryside.
As one of the 'Three Musketeers' of Oranje, the 30-year-old Huntelaar was facing Union Berlin for the first time.
As is well known, the 'Three Musketeers' actually consists of four: Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Huntelaar himself.
Able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with such luminaries, the former Real Madrid striker still possessed formidable skills.
He also held the title of Schalke 04's second-highest goal scorer in history, behind only the legendary Klaus Fischer.
Having weathered four years in the Bundesliga, Huntelaar anticipated a straightforward match against the newly promoted team.
"I have a bad feeling about this. They say this team has a very crafty forward."
Choupo-Moting, who had joined as a free agent that season, couldn't shake off a sense of unease.
"So what? There's a big gulf between Bundesliga and lower divisions. Today, we'll teach these newcomers a lesson."
Huntelaar smirked dismissively.
At that moment, Choupo-Moting, long underrated and overlooked by many clubs, especially in recent years, finally found his footing after Robert Lewandowski's departure from Bayern in 2022, gradually becoming a key figure in Bayern's attack.
Meanwhile, the crafty forward Choupo-Moting had mentioned was already in the home team's locker room at the Old Forest Service Stadium, contemplating the upcoming Bundesliga opener.
With three hours left until kickoff, Head Coach Neuhaus was absent, leaving the players relaxed in the locker room, each occupied with their own pre-game rituals.
Some visibly nervous players murmured prayers, seeking divine intervention.
For instance, Quissine, one of the starting players that day.
Captain Matuschka chatted with his family over Skype, amusing his young daughter on the screen.
Elsewhere, players like Naby Keita and Sabitzer gathered for a chat.
"Did you hear? Luis Suárez is heading to Barcelona!"
"Really? Wasn't he performing well at Liverpool?"
"Liverpool's not in the running now; he's got to go to Barcelona to chase that Champions League trophy."
"When will we ever get to play in the Champions League?"
Thanks to the team's relaxed and cohesive atmosphere, new arrivals seamlessly integrated with their teammates.
Forsberg, the Swedish player, sat alone in a corner, engrossed in his phone, his typically Nordic aloofness on display.
On the other hand, the team's flamboyant characters, such as rocker Glarish, preened in front of the mirror, admiring his newly styled hair.
"Su, what do you think of this look? Pretty sharp, huh?"
Uncertain if he would start and eager to impress, he'd put considerable thought into his hair, unsure if Brother Shaker could be trusted with his tactics for the new season.
Neuhaus opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation for the season opener, focusing on counterattacks and solid defense.
Su Luo, as the lone striker, was pivotal to the team's offensive strategy.
The team had trained extensively with this new tactic and integrated new players during the preseason matches.
The effectiveness of their strategy would be put to the test in this critical match.
Just then, Coach Neuhaus and his staff entered the locker room, setting up the tactical board to reinforce their game plan and offer individual instructions to the starting XI.
When it was Su Luo's turn, Neuhaus struggled momentarily for words, settling for a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"It's on you to score today. Embrace your Bundesliga debut and enjoy the game."
He then addressed the entire squad.
"The media has written us off as relegation candidates, doubting our ability to adapt to the Bundesliga."
"Facing a team like Schalke 04 in our opener is no easy task."
"I won't blame anyone if we don't win today."
"But!"
"Don't you want this for yourselves? Are we born inferior to others?"
"I believe many of you have faced doubt, neglect, and skepticism from others."
"This game is your chance to prove them wrong!"
"Stand before the Bundesliga cameras and show the world your worth! Those who doubted you will see they were mistaken. You have what it takes to make your mark in the Bundesliga!"
Neuhaus, typically stern, delivered an impassioned speech rarely seen from him, stirring his players.
"Yes, we are the best!"
"Those who look down on us can go to hell!"
In that moment, Neuhaus raised a hand to his ear.
"Can you hear it? That's the Iron Alliance!"
"Newcomers may not feel it yet, but you'll understand once you step out onto the field."
"The Steel League is a team of the people. Each of you carries the hopes of our fans with every paycheck."
"Yes, even literal noodles!"
"No matter what happens on that field, remember!"
"They will support you with unwavering passion!"
"They are your strongest allies!"
"This is the Iron League! Welcome to the Old Forest Service Field!"
As Su Luo reflected on his first day with the team, a ball brushed past him, signaling readiness.
Neuhaus greeted his new players with a proud smile.
"Hans, do you think our extensive rehearsals will pay off?"
"Of course! This is the biggest tifo I've ever seen."
"Let's hope they can execute for the next 15 minutes."
"Trust in everyone; whether through the fan club or as a family, they'll understand."
"Now, with kickoff approaching, I'm suddenly nervous."
Hogan felt his hands go numb, the first time in decades he'd watched Schalke play a Bundesliga match at home.
His grandfather had passed away during that time, and his father resided in a nursing home, watching the game on TV.
Now, with his wife and young daughter by his side, he witnessed this historic moment.
Core fans around him came to support the team's Bundesliga debut as if it were a festival.
Generations lived together under one roof, united by their support for the team.
Because this team represented them: the workers, the proletariat, the people!
"I'm a bit nervous too."
Little Anya, in her woolen cap, stood beside Uncle Hans.
Hans affectionately ruffled her hair.
"You'll be most excited to see Su Luo play later."
"Dad!"
Her father read her thoughts, and Anya blushed shyly.
"Let's sing the team song together, so the boys in the locker room hear our voices!"
In the away team's locker room at the Old Forest Service Stadium, Choupo-Moting and Huntelaar exchanged frowns.
This modest visiting team locker room was the worst they'd ever seen, reminiscent of a bygone era.
Schalke 04 coach Jens Keller resembled more a mild-mannered professor than a football coach.
Last season, he guided Schalke to third place in the Bundesliga, securing a Champions League spot.
Now, the team aimed for the championship, facing pressure to compete against Bayern, Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Without high-profile signings, they needed all three points in their season opener against the newcomers.
"Let's prepare to head out and show these newcomers the true power of the Bundesliga!"
In the capital of China, at the CCTV "Pants" building, Studio 5 was bustling with activity as the live broadcast team prepared for the match.
Following the World Cup, European league matches resumed, much to the fans' delight.
As the Bundesliga's opening match, it naturally drew significant attention.
Bayern Munich had already started strong, defeating Wolfsburg 2-1.
Despite their recent Champions League disappointment, losing to Dortmund in the cup and securing only one league title, Bayern's fans in China were pleased with their team's form.
However, many viewers remained glued to their screens after the match, anticipating the next fixture.
Seventeen-year-old Chinese teenager Su Luo, a Bundesliga sensation, would make his debut!
Previously obscure in the second division, he hadn't garnered much attention in China until now. Fans were eager to witness his performance on TV.
While some remained skeptical of overseas players, curiosity ran high.
Everyone wanted to see what Su Luo could achieve.
On Bayern Munich's forum, where over 70% of Bundesliga fans gathered, a thread titled "Predicting Su Luo's Debut" quickly amassed hundreds of comments.
"He's one of our own; we must support him!"
"He's definitely starting! He's the team's linchpin!"
"What good is being a linchpin in the Bundesliga? He'll be benched soon enough."
"Stop arguing; let's watch and then discuss."
Debates on platforms like Douban and Bundesliga Super Topics were similarly divided.
Though Su Luo was a household name in East Berlin and hailed as a savior, fans thousands of miles away had seen little of him in action.
There was scant video footage online.
In the studio, commentator Duan Xuan diligently researched both teams' players.
As the broadcast neared, he prepared for the commentary.
"Brother Xuan, all set?"
"Oh, Brother Bing, what brings you here?"
Duan Xuan was surprised to see Zhang Bing, the deputy director of the sports channel, who had entered the Bundesliga studio unexpectedly.
Without much preamble, Zhang Bing got straight to the point:
"After Su Luo's match, try to avoid mentioning his youth team issues as much as possible. It's not a shining part of his history, and the Football Association wants to keep it low-key."
"And don't overly hype our player. Keep the commentary grounded in reality."
With these instructions, Zhang Bing left with a friendly smile, leaving Duan Xuan puzzled.
What did he mean?
It wasn't every day that Chinese players made waves in top European leagues!
Finally, no longer a fringe player, Su Luo was now a key player—a goal-scoring machine! He had won the Golden Boot in Germany's second division and led his team to the championship!
For national pride, wasn't it right to celebrate?
Did they think Su Luo wouldn't perform?
Duan Xuan scoffed, feeling incredulous.
Let's stick to the facts, sure, but if Su Luo scores today, why not sing his praises?
"I'll still sing praises if he scores," he muttered to himself.
"Brother Xuan, 30 seconds to air," the director's voice came through his earpiece.
"Alright, I'm ready."
As the countdown finished and the commercials wrapped up, the TV screen showed the players from both teams in the tunnel, ready to step onto the field.
In China, Su Luo's parents, Jiang Cheng and his wife, waited eagerly in front of the TV.
They weren't expecting much from Union Berlin, simply hoping to see their son in action.
With minimal fanfare ahead of the game, only a handful of dedicated fans and hardcore enthusiasts tuned in to witness Su Luo's Bundesliga debut.
When the camera zoomed in on Su Luo, their excitement was palpable.
"Su Luo, go for it!"
Su Luo noticed a tall, sturdy figure from the Schalke players across the tunnel, eyeing him intently.
What was this about? They hadn't faced off before; Choupo-Moting had no quarrel with anyone.
"This guy planning to join Bayern after? Looks like a late bloomer voter."
Su Luo wasn't sure if this player posed a threat, but in his Bundesliga debut, he would give it his all.
The rest of Union's starting lineup looked equally jittery—it was their Bundesliga debut too.
Black defender Richards' legs shook uncontrollably.
"Alright, lads, let's get ready."
The referee's greeting prompted both teams to line up and march onto the field.
The Old Forest Management Stadium wasn't huge, but the stands around it formed a sea of red, a spectacular sight.
Fans rose to applaud their home team's players.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have both teams on the field now. It's the Bundesliga debut for Union Berlin, taking on Bundesliga powerhouse Schalke 04!"
"The camera focuses on our Chinese player, 17-year-old Bundesliga Golden Boot winner from last season, Su Luo!"
"He's wearing the No. 10 jersey, symbolizing his role as this season's key player, making his debut for Union Berlin in the Bundesliga!"
The excitement was evident in Duan Xuan's voice as he delivered the lineup.
At that moment, the home announcer began reading out the names of the starting players.
When Su Luo's name was called, the fans erupted in unison.
"Su Luo!"
"Su Luo!"
"Su Luo!"
The cheers of twenty thousand voices filled the air!
Across China, the sight of a Chinese player being so beloved by fans was a rare and emotional moment.
"It's clear Su Luo has become a fan favorite at Union Berlin!"
"We believe he's set to deliver a stellar performance in today's game!"
After the pre-match ceremonies, both teams were lined up, waiting for the referee's whistle.
Duan Xuan seized the moment to recap the starting lineups for both sides.
"Away team Schalke 04 is set up in a 3-5-2 formation!"
"Goalkeeper: Fellman; three central defenders: Höwedes, Kirchhoff, Ayhan; midfielders: Neustadt, Heger, Uchida Atsuto, Meyer, Ogo; and two forwards: Choupo Moting, Huntelaar!"
"Home team Union Berlin is in a 4-5-1 formation! A significant departure from their strategy in the lower divisions."
"Goalkeeper: Fabianski; defenders: Trippier, Richards, Alex, Laxalt; midfield: Sabitzer, Naby Keita, Matuschka, Forsberg, Quinin;"
"Leading the attack as a lone striker—"
Duan Xuan paused for effect.
"The lone striker is Su Luo, the 17-year-old Chinese player! He's entrusted by Coach Neuhaus as the focal point of their attack!"
"Today, he carries the responsibility of scoring goals for the entire team!"
Beeeep!
The referee's whistle signaled the start, and Duan Xuan, along with fans watching across China, couldn't help but feel the tension.
"From the heart of China Central Television, welcome to the first match of the 2014-2015 Bundesliga season, featuring the premier match of Union Berlin versus Schalke 04!"
"Su Luo leads the kickoff, becoming the youngest player to start in a top European league!"
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