Once again, Wembley Stadium turned into a sea of white, with Real Madrid fans singing and dancing in celebration of victory. At this moment, they were the happiest group.
No matter how many times one experiences it, victory always remains captivating. Despite feeling tired, Wang Feng couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
The final score of the game couldn't explain everything. Only those who experienced it could understand how dangerous the team had been at times. Fortunately, they had overcome everything. The Chinese superstar continued his perfect record in Champions League finals!
"Hey, what are you thinking?" Dong Fangzhuo popped out from behind and patted Wang Feng on the shoulder. "You're really calm. Truly worthy of being the King of the Champions League. If it were me, I would have been ecstatic long ago."
At this moment, Bayern players were gradually leaving the field, leaving the celebration stage to the victors. Dong Fangzhuo felt somewhat regretful for not lifting the trophy in the end, but he was genuinely happy that Wang Feng could continue his myth. He owed a lot to Wang Feng's guidance and help to get to where he was today.
"I'm still enjoying the aftermath of victory. Don't worry, there will be a time for you to celebrate this summer," Wang Feng said confidently.
Dong Fangzhuo was taken aback. "You mean the Confederations Cup?"
Wang Feng nodded, full of confidence. "A rejuvenated team will surely bring different energy. I'm very optimistic about the future." It's worth noting that all the players selected for the national team squad now come from various major European leagues, and their average age is quite young.
They may not have extensive experience in major tournaments, but they have advanced training systems and a passion for fighting.
The two chatted for a while, agreeing to meet in Brazil later. After that, Dong Fangzhuo followed his Bayern teammates back to the locker room. Since they returned later than other national team players, they went straight to their destination for the gathering.
With 13 goals and 13 assists, Wang Feng was awarded the Champions League's top scorer and assist leader honors. While the official award ceremony was being prepared, many media outlets intercepted him for brief interviews.
"Wembley is our lucky charm. It's an honor to lift the Champions League trophy here again, continuing Real Madrid's consecutive title streak," Wang Feng said with a smile. "London is a bustling metropolis. There were many fans who came to watch the game tonight. I'm very satisfied to win the 16th championship trophy in the club's history in front of them."
"This is the result of the collective efforts of the whole team. Everyone performed exceptionally well, and we deserve this great achievement."
Regarding Casillas's mistake leading to the first goal conceded, the Chinese superstar believed it was a small issue that any player could encounter. Moving past it and starting afresh was the right path. "No one even discussed it during halftime. Everyone was thinking about how to score and turn the game around. As it turned out, we were right."
Speaking of the aggressive pressing that led to the equalizer, Wang Feng seemed particularly proud. "Yes, I deliberately seized the opportunity to press aggressively. I felt there was a chance from the moment Ramos started chasing the ball. Whether I scored or not was secondary; the key was to fight whenever possible."
Seven years of monopolizing the La Liga and Champions League titles seemed unbelievable to everyone, but Wang Feng felt it was only natural. "We have the best players and the most glorious history. Such achievements are worthy of such a great club."
"When I visited the Bernabéu's Hall of Trophies for the first time, rows of golden trophies deeply impressed me. Since the introduction of La Liga and the Champions League, the Galaxy Battleship has always been at the forefront."
"President Florentino told me that he didn't want to dwell on past achievements, which is why he invited me here. At that time, I was somewhat nervous, but I'm glad I didn't disappoint him or the entire Real Madrid fan base."
Finally, regarding the opponents Bayern Munich and compatriot Dong Fangzhuo, Wang Feng stated that their performance deserved recognition and praise. "They fought through to the peak showdown, which is not an easy task for any team."
"Dong Fangzhuo is very outstanding. His success is not accidental but the result of years of continuous training."
"I am very happy to experience such a Chinese derby. I believe it will have a profound impact domestically. If someone is inspired to contribute to football development because of it, that would be the happiest scene for us."
Higuaín, who scored the equalizing goal, said, "When I saw Wang Feng pressing forward, I felt it would be successful. It's really wonderful. He always brings a sense of security and confidence to his teammates."
Morata, who scored the winning goal, still couldn't calm down his excitement when facing the reporters. "Incredible joy! Scoring in the Champions League final is just magical. Thanks to Wang and Higuaín. Without their interceptions and passes, there would be no goal."
After the interview, the award stage was almost set up. Bayern, as the runner-up, took the stage first. The players had expressions of both regret and resignation, knowing that they were a dominant force in the Bundesliga and lacked no honors.
Then it was Real Madrid's turn. Michel Platini, the UEFA president, personally awarded each player with a championship medal. He didn't expect the Galaxy Battleship to emerge from the Group of Death and successfully defend their title once again.
Looking at the still vibrant Chinese superstar in front of him, he began to seriously consider how to limit the unstoppable Real Madrid. Suddenly, he felt a headache.
Financial fair play? Real Madrid is one of the top revenue-generating clubs in European football. The benefits brought by Wang Feng alone could feed the entire team.
Increase the difficulty for opponents? They have always faced tough battles before reaching the peak.
Biased refereeing? But Wang Feng once won a season with a biased referee.
Change the format? What else can be changed? Unless they don't allow the defending champions to participate in the next Champions League.
Thinking about it, only the dirty tricks Italy used back then were effective. Directly send Wang Feng off during the match! But this situation cannot happen again. It would easily cause an uproar, and the Galaxy Battleship is not as easy to manipulate as Inter Milan.
For a while, the Frenchman was in a dilemma, holding Wang Feng's hand absentmindedly. "Mr. Platini?" Wang Feng called him several times before he came back to his senses, barely managing to congratulate him with a smile, and then handed the trophy to Wang Feng himself.
The raised trophy and the rising fireworks complemented each other, and tonight belonged to Real Madrid!
Real Madrid's "monopoly as it should be" in defending the Champions League title quickly exploded in the world media, sparking countless discussions.
Spain's "Marca" commented that La Liga's dominance over the Bundesliga solidified Europe's top league position, and the Galaxy Battleship deepened their reputation as the Champions League's most prestigious club.
This season was extremely challenging for Real Madrid. At the beginning of the campaign, key players were plagued by injuries, and the unfavorable group stage draw meant they had no favorable conditions whatsoever. Therefore, the public was not optimistic about their chances of defending the title, and breaking the record of six consecutive titles seemed to be the limit.
Yet, they persevered through each challenge and laughed last in each match. Wang Feng retreated to consolidate the defense, while other players showed a resilient spirit. This team feared nothing.
"Marca" stated that the achievements of the Galaxy Battleship made all of Europe tremble. Wang Feng was truly worthy of the title "King of the Finals". With one assist and one goal plus a decisive counterattack, the Chinese superstar had thoroughly killed the game. So far, he still maintained a terrifying record of always winning in finals.
"Perhaps the runner-up and the football gods are incompatible. If we were to analyze the deeper reasons, it would be his eternal and unchanging desire and pursuit of victory," they concluded.
Germany's "Sport Bild" believed that Bayern's loss was not unjust. Apart from scoring from opponent mistakes, they couldn't gain an advantage on the field and even gifted Real Madrid a goal.