Bab 62: Clash of Titans
Wenger and his coaching staff celebrated, but the focus of attention was now on Louis on the pitch. After scoring, Louis ran to the sideline, hands on the edge of his shirt. Wenger's heart skipped a beat, but Louis remembered that taking off his shirt would earn him a yellow card. He stopped himself and instead stood on the sidelines, arms wide open, soaking in the wild cheers from the visiting fans.
At Karaiskakis Stadium, songs praising Louis filled the air. The home fans, dejected, were silent, accepting their team's exit from the Champions League this season. Olympiacos, a giant in their minor league, could only serve as a backdrop for the major league teams.
The camera remained fixed on Louis. "Seventh goal in the Champions League! Yes, you heard it right, 17-year-old Louis has already scored 7 goals in the group stage this season! This efficiency is insane! He's now the top scorer in the Champions League!" exclaimed Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray.
"Look at this season's Champions League scorer list: Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Lewandowski, and Louis. Who would have thought this three months ago?" Gary Neville marveled. "He's a striker born to score goals!"
As Louis netted the second goal, the Arsenal coaches felt a sense of relief. Securing three points at this stadium would ensure the team finished top of their group. Winning the group would enhance their prospects in the Champions League. A favorable draw could even see them reaching the quarterfinals.
Champions League matches are crucial for Arsenal, as the bonuses and broadcast fees are vital for the financially struggling club. The funds from progressing further in the tournament could significantly bolster their summer transfer budget.
Arsenal slowed the game's pace, controlling possession. Wenger, observing the game's trend, began to think about the team's future. Securing the top spot in the group and being just six points off the top of the league table marked a high point in the season. This success was largely due to Louis, their efficient forward.
Wenger considered reinforcing the squad in the winter transfer window, especially targeting a mature, reputable defensive midfielder. Arsenal's midfield needed more solidity, especially given Diaby's frequent injuries. A strong midfield could be crucial in competing with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea in the league's final stretch.
However, Wenger was disappointed after meeting with the team's general manager.
"Arsène, you know our financial situation. If we had money for winter signings, we would have made moves in the summer," Gazidis explained, rather helplessly.
"Unless you can find another cost-effective player like Louis," he added
Wenger shook his head. Signing Louis for two million euros was like winning a lottery. It required an extraordinary stroke of luck. Wenger had only considered Louis as a supplementary striker initially, but now he had become the core of the attack.
Wenger returned to the Training facility, tightening his coat against the cold wind. As he walked, he saw Louis still training. Louis noticed Wenger and ran over. "Coach, you haven't gone home yet?"
Wenger smiled, "I have some things to handle. It's cold; you should head back."
"I'm almost done," Louis replied, wrapping up his training incorporating Gareth Bale's left-footed shooting techniques.
"Do you have any goals for this season?" Wenger asked suddenly.
Louis thought for a moment, "Are you asking about the team's goals or my personal ones?"
"What are your expectations for the team?" Wenger clarified.
"Championships," Louis said without hesitation. "All of them."
Wenger laughed, "You're quite ambitious."
Louis chuckled, "I know it's impossible, but I play every game with the mentality to win."
Wenger nodded, "You're right, Louis. You'll become a great football player."
"Come for a walk with me," Wenger said, and Louis followed.
"Coach, if we beat Manchester United, will we have a shot at the league title this season?"
"It's hard to say. The season is long, and you never know what challenges you'll face."
"I know winning all the championships is unlikely, but we should strive for the league title," Louis said.
"You're right," Wenger replied.
Later that week, the Champions League group stage concluded, and the draw for the knockout rounds approached. Arsenal's possible opponents included Porto, Schalke 04, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Valencia, and Galatasaray.
Sky Sports speculated that Arsenal would draw AC Milan, which had eliminated them last season. Additionally, Louis's move from AC Milan to Arsenal for two million euros added to the potential storyline.
Balotelli even messaged Louis, "Louis! Let's see the real results on the pitch!"
"Mario, do you believe everything the media says?" Louis replied.
"Yes, it was in the newspapers."
"Prepare to be eliminated, Louis," Balotelli shot back.
Louis put down his phone and focused on the big screen in the conference room, where the Champions League draw was being broadcast. The other Arsenal players were equally engrossed.
Wenger and the team's CEO were attending the draw ceremony in person, while the players gathered at the training base to watch.
"Come on, Celtics, Celtics, Celtics," Gervinho, the forward from Ivory Coast, muttered, performing an odd prayer ritual.
The Celtic team was considered the most favorable opponent Arsenal could draw—strong enough to challenge but not overpowering, and with the added benefit of a short trip to Scotland.
In contrast, Shakhtar Donetsk, while not the strongest team, presented the unwelcome prospect of traveling to freezing Ukraine in February.
"Gervinho, what are you doing?" someone asked.
"This is a ritual taught by a great wizard from Cote d'Ivoire. It's a kind of witchcraft, you see?" Gervinho replied, with a hint of mysticism.
"Louis, who do you want us to draw? AC Milan?" another player inquired.
"I don't really mind. Drawing the Celtics would be ideal, but even if we get Real Madrid, it doesn't matter," Louis responded.
"You're mad!"
"He said it!"
"Ignore this crazy guy."
"I definitely don't want to face Real Madrid."
"If we must face them, let's meet in the final."
The room buzzed with chatter, though everyone knew Arsenal wasn't likely to win any big awards from last season's Champions League, having been knocked out in the round of 16.
"The draw is starting!" someone shouted.
The draw ceremony began with Ronaldo "O Fenômeno" ('The Phenomenon'), the retired Brazilian legend, drawing the first teams. "Arsenal!" the host announced, and the camera focused on Wenger and Gazidis. The tension in the Arsenal conference room was palpable.
The second basin contained the names of the six possible opponents for Arsenal. Ronaldo reached in and pulled out another ball.
Everyone held their breath.
As Ronaldo opened the ball, the host exclaimed, "Real Madrid!"
The room erupted.
"What the hell?!"
"Seriously?"
Arsenal players were stunned.
Someone finally spoke, "Weren't the media saying it's likely to be AC Milan?"
While AC Milan wouldn't have been an easy draw, it was preferable than facing Real Madrid.
The TV showed a close-up of Wenger, who smiled, though it seemed strained. The camera then moved to Mourinho, representing Real Madrid. He, too, was smiling, but with obvious confidence.
Mourinho and Wenger had a history of conflict from Mourinho's time in the Premier League. Mourinho had often used psychological warfare against Wenger and Arsenal in the media, and his teams generally had a better head-to-head record.
Given Real Madrid's superior squad strength, Mourinho had every reason to feel confident.
"The feud between Wenger and Mourinho continues into the Champions League," the Sky Sports host remarked.
Arsenal players were visibly downcast, but Louis remained optimistic. "Guys, playing at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid is exciting."
"I prefer advancing to the quarterfinals," someone muttered.
Meanwhile, Balotelli messaged again, mocking Louis. "Real Madrid! Hahaha! You're finished!"
The second group drawn was Barcelona, paired with AC Milan. Louis couldn't help but smile.
"Mario, are you okay?" Louis texted back.
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