Chapter 81 The Return Of The King! Beat Dort In Weiss Tefalen!
At the press conference the day before the game, Klopp was reviewing the details with the press officer. It was essential to coordinate and avoid any accidental disclosures.
As they talked, Dortmund assistant coach Kravitz hurried over, looking serious.
"Jurgen, there's trouble."
Klopp joked casually, "What's wrong? That Asian kid is on the list?"
Su Luo's torn cruciate ligament had been confirmed by the hospital. It wasn't a smokescreen. Su Luo was expected to have a recovery period of at least six months. How could he appear in the lineup? Dortmund couldn't afford to lose this game; three points were essential. Klopp still felt quite confident.
But Kravitz's expression said otherwise.
"Really? No way."
"It's true. He's really on the list!"
"What the..."
Klopp took off his cap and scratched his head. "Are they serious? Putting an injured player on the list, why bother?"
"There are rumors that Su Luo has resumed training in secret."
"What_the_F**k?" Klopp swore in English.
Even if Su Luo had miraculously recovered, risking his career for a single match seemed reckless. Were Union Berlin's staff out of their minds?
Klopp finally calmed down. "It's probably just a smokescreen. We'll stick to our plan."
At the press conference, Klopp was asked, "Mr. Klopp, what do you think about Su Luo being on the Union Berlin squad?"
Klopp responded calmly, "I don't think Union Berlin should risk playing Su Luo. Even if he does play, he won't make an impact at Signal Iduna Park."
Bundesliga, Round 14, Signal Iduna Park.
In the away locker room, Union Berlin players could feel the vibrations of the stands. This was Europe's most infamous home ground!
With 81,365 fans, the atmosphere was no joke. The superstar tifo in the south stand was the most famous sight in the Bundesliga. Typically, visiting teams felt their performance drop by at least 20% just by stepping on the field.
Next to Su Luo, the young Quining was visibly nervous. Although he was in the squad, head coach Neuhaus didn't start him for safety reasons. The last time Su Luo was a substitute was during the rotation against Frankfurt.
Before the game started, fans turned on CCTV 5 eagerly. Union Berlin's games had become tough to watch in Su Luo's absence. Without him, the team had only passive defense and no sharp offense.
With Su Luo's comeback trending on Weibo, viewership increased, and CCTV 5's ratings peaked, even surpassing the Bayern match.
Everyone wanted to see if Su Luo could remain unstoppable after his return. Would his injury affect his career? If his career was derailed at such a young age, it would be a huge loss for Chinese football. He was the last hope of the fans.
When the game started, Su Luo sat on the bench as expected, looking composed. Every time he got up to warm up, the cameras zoomed in on him. For a while, Su Luo, warming up on the sidelines, overshadowed stars like Luo Yi Si, Shinji Kagawa, and Aubameyang on the field!
Commentator Duan Xuan felt relieved seeing Su Luo warming up. "Su Luo is on the bench due to his previous injury. Honestly, none of us expected him to recover so quickly! Usually, a cruciate ligament tear means a season-ending injury. We had prepared for the worst. But Su Luo's willpower is astonishing. He made a comeback in less than two months! This Steel Warrior might really make a difference! Looking at his warm-up, there don't seem to be any serious issues. I look forward to seeing him play in the second half."
Seeing Su Luo's presence, Duan Xuan and the Chinese fans felt reassured. However, Union Berlin was struggling against Dortmund's high-pressure play and the hostile atmosphere of the home ground.
"Luo Yi Si with a long shot from outside the box—just wide, very dangerous!"
"Shinji Kagawa... beautiful through ball! Aubameyang is in!"
"Fabianski dives and makes the save! The away team is sweating bullets!"
"Dortmund with another steal in the front court, quickly forming a counterattack!"
"Aubameyang!!! Shot blocked by Richards!"
"Union Berlin couldn't withstand the first half and was completely suppressed by Dortmund. Dortmund's possession is over 80%! Fortunately, Union Berlin's defense has stabilized after recent games..."
Duan Xuan's commentary seemed like a jinx! Just 5 minutes after he spoke, Dortmund broke through Union Berlin's defense.
"Luo Yi Si gets past Trippier on the left! Dribbles into the box!"
"Inverted triangle pass!"
"Shinji Kagawa shoots—it's a fake!"
"Aubameyang finishes!"
"The goal is in! Dortmund's teamwork in the front line results in a goal!"
"Aubameyang scores his 8th Bundesliga goal!"
"The home team Dortmund leads 1-0!"
"Dortmund's front-line coordination is smooth, and Shinji Kagawa's fake shot was brilliant! It looks like after his low period at Manchester United, Kagawa's form is returning!"
After scoring, Dortmund felt more confident. They continued their high press, limiting Union Berlin's attacks and counterattacking with front-court steals. Union Berlin players were overwhelmed by the relentless yellow wave of the Hornets! They could barely catch their breath!
Thankfully, the cooperation between Richards and Alex improved, and Fabianski avoided any low-level mistakes, keeping the team afloat until halftime.
With the score at 1-0, both teams returned to the locker rooms.
Luo Yi Si and Shinji Kagawa sat together, chatting about the second half.
"Do you think he'll show up?"
"Hard to say. I think it's more for morale."
Players rarely recover from such severe injuries on sheer willpower alone. Luo Yi Si knew this well. He had missed several World Cups due to injuries, which also plagued his club career. His playing style made him an easy target. If only he had a healthier body, Luo Yi Si might have achieved more.
Luo Yi Si had watched the game where Su Luo got injured and feared the worst for him. He hoped Su Luo could overcome it but remained skeptical.
Kagawa frowned. "I don't know why, but I feel like he'll definitely play."
As a fellow East Asian player, Shinji Kagawa wanted to compete with Su Luo.
"Hope to see him in the second half."
In the second half, Su Luo still sat on the bench. Dortmund continued their dominance. Seeing another goal was imminent, Neuhaus couldn't hold back any longer.
"Su, can you go?"
"Coach, I've told you, I'm in good shape," Su Luo replied helplessly.
"But..."
"In this situation, the team needs me."
Su Luo's firm gaze convinced the coach.
"Okay, but don't push too hard. Winning or losing doesn't matter."
Neuhaus couldn't believe Su Luo had recovered in just a month. Could nightclubs really work wonders?
He quickly shook off the thought. "Go on. We need to win this game to stay in the championship race."
"Don't worry."
When Su Luo emerged on the sidelines in his jersey, all eyes were on him! The constant singing at Signal Iduna Park wavered. Many fans looked terrified.
He's coming!
Is he really going to play?
On the field, Luo Yi Si, Kagawa, and Aubameyang paused, hearing the crowd's reaction. They glanced at the sidelines to see Su Luo in his No. 10 jersey, a powerful aura radiating from him!
Although they had never faced Su Luo, Dortmund players felt a bit nervous!
Far away in China, fans watching the game cheered in unison.
"Su Luo finally appeared!"
"He really recovered? That's amazing!"
"This is truly the Iron Warrior of the Iron Alliance!"
Duan Xuan was also very excited.
"After a month, we finally see Su Luo on the field again!"
"Since he was injured against Hoffenheim, this is his first appearance!"
"Union Berlin has had a poor record during this time."
"Their king is back, and it's time for the Iron Alliance to go all out!"
When Su Luo stood on the sidelines, even the Union Berlin teammates felt a sense of peace of mind. Su Luo meant victory; with him, nothing seemed terrible.
The fourth official on the sidelines raised a sign: No. 23 Silvio out, No. 10 Su Luo in! Brazilian Silvio dragged his exhausted body to the sidelines and high-fived Su Luo.
"Su, it's up to you! The Bundesliga games are too intense; I need a rest."
"Got it!"
Su Luo took a deep breath, and with excitement, finally stepped onto the green field with his left foot! Long time no see! Compared to the virtual green field in his imagination, the real one was even more thrilling!
After the re-kick-off, Dortmund became cautious and no longer pressed high. Everyone retreated to the defense zone, fearing Su Luo's sharp counterattack.
"It seems that Dortmund didn't underestimate the enemy, but they overemphasized Su Luo's threat," Duan Xuan couldn't help but laugh. "Are they being too cautious?"
Due to the long break from actual games, Su Luo didn't try any breakthroughs. He mostly passed the ball back to get the team moving.
"Judging from Su Luo's initial possession, maybe the knee injury still affects him."
For five full minutes, Su Luo didn't attempt a breakthrough with the ball. The Dortmund players finally relaxed.
"It seems Su Luo's injury hasn't fully recovered, and he doesn't dare to dribble past others."
"Let's keep an eye on him."
Seeing Su Luo's performance, Klopp frowned. Is this really the case? He always felt that Su Luo was planning something.
Seeing that Su Luo posed no threat, Dortmund resumed their high-post pressing. Union Berlin was in crisis again.
"Löw! He is very active!"
"Suddenly cutting in from the left side of the penalty area, trying to hit the goal with one kick!"
"Saved by Fabianski! Kagawa follows up with a shot!"
"He's denied again!"
"Fabianski is doing great... Oh! Union Berlin counterattacks!"
"Forsberg, passes to Grealish on the left!"
"Grealish takes it himself... he chooses to pass!"
Hummels, who was marking Su Luo, saw that Su Luo was two positions away from him. He immediately relaxed. Waiting for Su Luo to get the ball at his feet, there was still time to defend him. The knee isn't good enough, so he won't be able to go past me, right?
Hummels was shocked to find Grealish directly tucked the ball behind him! He turned quickly, but Su Luo, who had been walking, had disappeared!
"He's so fast!"
It was too late for Hummels to turn around and chase; he couldn't even see Su Luo clearly!
"Su Luo!! The offside was successful! He's still very fast!"
"Facing the attacking goalkeeper Weidenfeller, Su Luo is here! It's the pendulum move!"
After a month, the pendulum reappeared in the Bundesliga! Su Luo activated Ronaldo's signature move! Weidenfeller was completely unsure of the direction!
But Su Luo suddenly changed direction, accelerating and bursting forward! Weidenfeller couldn't save in time! He could only stretch out his hand in despair and swipe past Su Luo's feet!
"Su Luo!! Over the goalkeeper!! He easily pushes the ball into the empty net!"
"Goal! Union Berlin equalizes!"
"It took only 7 minutes for Su Luo to score after his comeback!"
"Union Berlin equalizes! 1:1!"
After scoring, Su Luo faced more than 80,000 home fans without any hesitation! He gracefully slid and knelt under the visiting team's stands, then got up and shouted! Under the excited situation, Su Luo's celebration was finally perfect!
"Lord! Lord! Lord!"
The visiting Union Berlin fans chanted Su Luo's name in unison! Uncle Hans and others sang and danced! In the team's most difficult situation, Su Luo was back as the king!
Su Luo's strong return made Dortmund uncomfortable. Their frontcourt pressing became timid, fearing another quick counterattack.
Dortmund had no choice but to withdraw temporarily, hoping to stabilize the situation. When the opponent's physical energy was exhausted, they would attack again. In terms of physical fitness, Dortmund had a big advantage.
As a result, the game took a turn! Union Berlin was now in possession in the opponent's half, attacking! But Dortmund's defense was tough, making it difficult to break through.
Several consecutive attacks were fruitless, and Su Luo fell into a tight siege and temporarily disappeared. The Weiss Tefalen Stadium, after being silent for a while, became restless again. Every time Su Luo got the ball, he was booed by more than 80,000 people! Most players can't handle that pressure!
Duan Xuan could feel the immense pressure through the screen!
"Su Luo has a big heart; he remains calm despite 80,000 boos!"
In the 76th minute, Su Luo got the ball outside the penalty area. The boos were deafening!
Such intense booing seemed to inject strength into Su Luo! Suddenly, a powerful energy surged from his feet! Su Luo's mind became clear!
"Huh? Can this trigger the law of cause and effect?"
"That's interesting!"
Outside the penalty area, Su Luo was pressed by Sven Bender, taking the ball with his back. But Su Luo flicked the ball lightly, leaned on Bender's defense, and turned to shoot in the air!
He didn't even look at the goal!
"Su Luo!!! Turnaround shot!"
Duan Xuan exclaimed!
In the next second, the football hit the net!
The audience's boos were cut off abruptly, as if by an invisible hand!
"World-class goal!!! Su Luo scores twice!"
After scoring, Su Luo raised his finger to his lips.
"Can you be quiet now?"
Silence.
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