The starting lineup can be announced as late as one hour before the game.
Capello did just that, announcing it an hour before the game.
At a few minutes past five in the afternoon, Madrid time, Pellegrini stared intently at the starting lineup in his hand.
He was prepared, but also hopeful of some luck.
Still, he couldn't avoid that one person.
Last season, he missed the first leg, and in the return leg, he shattered their dreams: the €120 million man, the conqueror of Istanbul, the king of Stade de France and Stade Louis II, friend to the Italian people, miracle of the Christian World, Europe's last knight, with eyes that pierced the future, and the heir to Brazilian football, stronger than any No. 10 after Pelé—Kevin Huang.
Damn Capello.
Pellegrini let out a long sigh. It looked like he would have to warn Roman to be cautious.
They couldn't afford Riquelme getting another red card.
