April 7th, 5 PM.
Tens of thousands filled the streets from Plaza de Madrid to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, cheering in unison.
Although they lost 4-1 in the first game, the fans did not give up until the end.
How many instances have there been of a team turning around a very unfavorable game at home?
How many times had the Bernabeu witnessed seemingly impossible comebacks?
The famous adage, "90 minutes at Santiago Bernabeu are very long," echoed among the crowd.
---
"I feel more nervous today."
Real Madrid players who finally arrived at the locker room each showed a nervous look on their faces.
That was the case for Hoyoung too.
Even Hoyoung couldn't escape the pressure.
You can win. You can win.
The 4-1 deficit lingered in his mind like a ghost, but he steeled himself. AC Milan? To him, they were a gathering of once-great stars whose best days had long passed.
Their era is over, Hoyoung thought.
It would be unnatural for the current Real Madrid squad to lose. Though outplayed in the first leg, Leonardo's tactics wouldn't catch them off guard this time.
---
Woo Ho-young, the almost-perfect prodigy, was ready.
If he, who is close to perfection, were to appear, it would be a different story.
"Wow······."
A magic spell to victory.
Winning mentality.
I filled my head with the thought that I would win while working on it.
There was no sign of playfulness anywhere.
This was true mental strength: the resolve never to yield and the focus never to underestimate an adversary.
---
The presIfs conference room buzzed as Scolari and Raul entered. The question posed to them was simple:
"You lost 4-1 in the last game. What are your thoughts on today's match?"
Raul took the microphone with unwavering composure.
"We will show why the Santiago Bernabeu is synonymous with comebacks."
---
8:45 PM.
As the players prepared for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, the Bernabeu roared with Hala Madrid, louder and more majestic than ever.
The players emerged from the tunnel, emotions running high. The energy in the stadium was electrifying.
During the customary handshakes, a subtle but fierce battle of nerves unfolded between Hoyoung and Gattuso.
"Look at this kid. So cute," Gattuso sneered, clenching his fists.
Hoyoung responded by tightening his grip during the handshake, causing Gattuso's face to twist in surprise.
How can a 16-year-old be this strong?
Hoyoung smirked and licked his lips mockingly.
Gattuso, the "mad bull," was visibly unsettled.
---
The match began with AC Milan controlling possession, their slow, methodical passing inviting boos from the restless Madrid crowd.
Real Madrid's first real chance came in the 5th minute when AC Milan's misplaced pass went out of bounds.
Yuri Zhirkov received the ball but quickly passed it back under pressure. Fernando Gago barely managed to maintain possession before delivering it to Xabi Alonso, who unleashed a sharp long pass to the right flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted down the wing, attempting to beat Maldini with sheer pace.
However, Maldini, the wily veteran, neutralized Ronaldo with clever fouls, and Nesta joined in to smother the attack.
---
Despite Maldini's advanced age, his defensive coordination remained impeccable. The frustration among Real Madrid players grew as they struggled to penetrate AC Milan's formidable backline.
But in the 7th minute, the Bernabeu faithful erupted into their iconic chant:
"Illa illa illa, Juanito maravilla!"
The spirit of Real Madrid legend Juanito filled the air, rekindling hope.
---
Hoyoung set his sights on the towering challenge ahead: Gattuso, Ambrosini, Flamini, Maldini, Nesta, Thiago Silva, and Zambrotta.
It feels like Mount Tai is in front of me, he thought. But the fire in his eyes said otherwise.
In the 8th minute, Real Madrid's relentless pressing forced a long ball from Dida, AC Milan's goalkeeper.
Ambrosini won the aerial duel against Higuain, sending the ball toward Gattuso.
---
And then it happened.
Hoyoung intercepted the ball with precision, his octopus-like legs stealing it cleanly.
"What the hell! Mark him!" Gattuso barked.
Flamini charged at Hoyoung, determined to regain possession.
---
But Hoyoung stood firm, rooted like a tree. As Flamini collided with him, he crumpled like paper, sent sprawling to the ground.
Ambrosini, the seasoned veteran, stepped in next, attempting to block Hoyoung. But Hoyoung powered through, leaving Ambrosini stumbling backward.
The crowd roared louder than ever, their chants echoing through the stadium:
"Illa illa illa, Juanito maravilla!"
Hoyoung moved forward with fiery determination.
Gattuso, seething with rage, charged at him like a bull seeing red.
It's all or nothing, Hoyoung thought.
And so, the battle began.