Sporting Lisbon's Romanian coach, László Bölöni, was known for his serious demeanor and calm approach to managing his team. He was meticulous in his preparation, especially for high-stakes matches.
In the first round of the Primeira Liga, Sporting Lisbon faced their fierce rivals, Porto, at home. Bölöni knew the significance of this fixture and wasn't taking any chances. He opted for a cautious approach, fielding a 4-2-3-1 formation with a double pivot in midfield to provide defensive stability.
Interestingly, despite the anticipation surrounding Sporting's new star signing, striker Mário Jardel, Bölöni chose to keep him on the bench. Instead, he started Romanian forward Marius Niculae as the lone striker up front. It was a clear decision to prioritize balance and security over all-out attack in the opening stages of the season.
On the other hand, Porto's head coach, Octávio Machado, took a more aggressive approach. Confident in his team's offensive capabilities, he deployed an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Leading the line were the dangerous trio of Pena, Hélder Postiga, and Nuno Capucho, forming a formidable front three that signaled Porto's intent to take the game to Sporting.
As perennial rivals in the Primeira Liga, the tension between the two teams was palpable from the start. The match promised to be a fiercely contested battle, with both sides eager to assert their dominance early in the season.
...
As soon as the game kicked off, all eyes were drawn to the action on the pitch.
Watching a football match live in the stadium is an entirely different experience compared to watching it on TV. In the stadium, the eyes capture fewer details—there's no replay or slow-motion to break down each moment. Everything happens in real time, and fleeting moments are easy to miss.
But there's a different thrill that comes from being at the match in person. Without the isolation of TV cameras and commentary, you can feel the intensity and speed of the game much more vividly. The atmosphere is electric, and the swift movements of the players can make you gasp or cheer unexpectedly.
For Cristiano, sitting in the stands, there was a sense of dissatisfaction as he watched from the sidelines, feeling like he should be down there with them.
For Su Dong, the experience was humbling. Watching the game in person made him deeply aware of the vast gap between himself and the professional players on the pitch. It was one thing to watch a match on television, but seeing it live drove home the reality that he wasn't yet at this level.
If he were thrown into the game right now, he knew he wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace, let alone get a touch on the ball.
"Bölöni's gambling with Niculae," José Semedo shouted over the roar of the crowd, leaning in toward Su Dong.
The noise in the stadium was deafening, and even though they were sitting close together, they had to shout to hear each other.
Niculae, like coach László Bölöni, was Romanian, and he had been brought to Sporting Lisbon at Bölöni's recommendation.
"Niculae's style is similar to Jardel's," Semedo explained. "Last season, he scored 23 goals in 30 games for Dinamo Bucharest. He was clinical—20 goals in 27 league matches, two in the Champions League, and another in the domestic cup. If he can perform, Jardel's position will be under threat."
Cristiano nodded, adding, "This is the club's way of covering their bases. There's talk that Jardel doesn't even want to be in Lisbon anymore."
It was well-known that Jardel, now an established European star, had attracted interest from several top clubs, including Inter Milan. If not for some specific reasons, it was likely he wouldn't have returned to Sporting Lisbon at all.
In light of that, Bölöni had pushed for Niculae's signing. And by entrusting the 20-year-old Romanian forward with such an important match against Porto in the season opener, Bölöni was also sending a message to Jardel.
But after seeing Niculae miss a golden opportunity to score, Cristiano shook his head in disappointment. "He's no Jardel."
Whether it was nerves, unfamiliarity with the league, or something else, Niculae was struggling to make an impact. In contrast, Jardel had been in fine form during pre-season and seemed primed for a big year.
The game continued, and in the 22nd minute, Sporting Lisbon suffered a setback. Right midfielder Ricardo Sá Pinto went down injured after a tough challenge, and the team doctor quickly signaled to the bench for a substitution.
As Sá Pinto was stretchered off the field, Su Dong instinctively glanced at Cristiano.
Sure enough, Cristiano's expression darkened. With Sá Pinto injured, it was obvious who would come on—Quaresma. Cristiano disliked seeing his rival take this opportunity, especially since Quaresma was now getting his first-team debut before him.
The fourth official raised the substitution board, displaying the numbers. Ricardo Quaresma, wearing the number 20 shirt, was set to replace Sá Pinto, who wore number 10.
The crowd at Alvalade Stadium erupted in applause and cheers of encouragement.
Sporting Lisbon's fans knew all about Quaresma, the prized product of their youth academy. He was widely regarded as one of Portugal's brightest young talents, often compared to Luís Figo in terms of potential. Now, with this injury substitution, Quaresma was making his first official appearance for the senior team. The excitement in the air was palpable as everyone looked forward to seeing what the young winger could do.
...
Anyone seeing Quaresma play football for the first time would be in awe.
This was pure genius!
Although Su Dong had always admired Cristiano, watching Quaresma take the ball down the right flank and effortlessly glide past Porto's defenders made him realize the true terror of playing against a footballing prodigy.
It was as though Quaresma had entered an uninhabited space, cutting through Porto's left side with ease and leaving the opposition in disarray.
Just minutes earlier, Sporting Lisbon's right side, with Sá Pinto as the number 10, had struggled to break through. Sá Pinto had been tightly marked and restricted by Porto's defense, and Sporting's left side was equally vulnerable, manned by a young and inexperienced player who left the defense exposed. Porto had taken advantage of this, launching most of their attacks down that side and forcing Sporting Lisbon into a defensive posture.
But everything changed once Quaresma entered the game. His presence immediately shifted the momentum.
In just fifteen minutes, Porto's central midfielder, Costinha, received his second yellow card and was sent off. Reduced to ten men, Porto had no choice but to regroup. They made two substitutions at halftime, reinforcing their midfield to try to contain the damage.
But even with these changes, Porto remained on the back foot.
Quaresma continued to dazzle in the second half, drawing applause from the Sporting fans with every touch of the ball. It was clear that he had seized his opportunity and made an immediate impact. By the end of the match, Quaresma had made a name for himself.
It was only a matter of time before the media and fans showered him with praise, and his place in the first team seemed all but guaranteed after such a performance. Even if he didn't immediately secure a starting spot, it was obvious that Quaresma had become a key figure for Sporting Lisbon and would be one of their primary players for the future.
This is the essence of professional football.
Years of hard work on the training ground, often a decade or more, all lead up to these brief, shining moments during a match. Quaresma's brilliance was a testament to the work he had put in, and it was well deserved.
Su Dong couldn't help but admire Quaresma. He appreciated the skill and the talent on display, acknowledging that such performances are earned through dedication and ability.
In football, there is no room for luck or shortcuts. Even when the opportunity arises, only those with the talent and preparation can seize it.
Quaresma was a genius—perhaps even more gifted than Cristiano.
...
By the 60th minute, László Bölöni could no longer hold back and decided to make a crucial substitution. He replaced Marius Niculae, who had squandered several chances and looked out of sorts. The Romanian striker's performance had been far from convincing—he appeared clumsy and failed to capitalize on the chaos Quaresma had created in Porto's defense.
And so, the inevitable happened: Jardel was called upon.
The moment the Brazilian forward appeared on the sidelines, the stadium erupted into thunderous cheers.
Just a year ago, Jardel had been the star of the Primeira Liga, dominating defenses and capturing the hearts of Sporting fans. Although he had spent the previous season in Turkey with Galatasaray, his legend had never faded in Portugal. In fact, Sporting Lisbon's attacking struggles the previous season only fueled the fans' anticipation for his return.
And Jardel did not disappoint.
Only nine minutes after stepping onto the pitch, he made his mark. He charged toward the penalty area, positioning himself perfectly to receive a precise pass from João Pinto. With immense strength, Jardel muscled past Andrade, the young Portuguese defender, and unleashed a powerful volley that ripped into Porto's net.
Alvalade Stadium erupted into chaos!
Su Dong, Cristiano, Semedo, and more than 50,000 Sporting Lisbon fans leapt from their seats, screaming at the top of their lungs. The name on everyone's lips echoed through the stadium—Jardel!
Su Dong was beyond excited. The goal had come out of nowhere, but it was a game-changing moment.
Despite Porto being down to ten men, their defense had remained solid, especially their central defensive partnership of Andrade and Ricardo Carvalho. Andrade, already touted as a future star for Portugal, and Carvalho, who had been impressive last season, had completely neutralized Niculae throughout the game.
But Jardel was a different beast.
His presence was more threatening, his play more decisive. In just minutes, he had delivered a crucial goal that reignited Sporting Lisbon's hopes.
It wasn't that Andrade and Carvalho were weak; it was simply that Jardel was too strong.
Su Dong stood there, gripping the railing with both hands, his eyes fixed on the Brazilian striker as he ran to the corner to celebrate. The deafening chants of the fans filled the air, as more than 50,000 voices shouted one name in unison:
"Jardel!"
The feeling was indescribable.
In that moment, Su Dong felt the overwhelming power of football. It was like something out of the history books, like the story of Liu Bang gazing upon Qin Shihuang and feeling awe in his heart.
So, this is what it means to be great!
For the first time in his life, Su Dong felt an intense desire—he wanted to become a professional footballer. He wanted to be like Jardel, the kind of player who could carry a team on his back and be adored by thousands of fans.
This desire burned hotter than ever before.
Growing up, Su Dong idolized Ronaldo and dreamed of playing like him, but those dreams had always felt distant, seen only through the unreachable barrier of a TV screen. Tonight, though, standing in Alvalade Stadium, Su Dong felt something entirely different. He was living the moment. The power of football, the impact of one single goal that could send 50,000 people into raptures—it shook him to his core.
One goal had conquered the hearts of 50,000 fans.
And Su Dong wanted to feel that too.
...
...
The game ended with Sporting Lisbon securing a narrow victory over Porto.
Jardel's goal off the bench proved decisive, though for the remainder of the match, he was largely contained by Porto's formidable central defensive duo of Andrade and Carvalho. These two defenders were outstanding, with Ricardo Carvalho eventually being named the best player of the game for his resolute performance.
Sporting Lisbon also had a standout performer—none other than the young Ricardo Quaresma.
For Quaresma, this match felt like his grand entrance onto the big stage. His ability to take on defenders down the wing, his flair, and his dazzling footwork were awe-inspiring. Though there were still areas where he struggled, particularly in his decision-making with the ball and in some of his final passes, there was no denying that Quaresma was a special talent, well-deserving of his reputation as a prodigy.
On the other hand, Hélder Postiga, Porto's young forward, faded in comparison. He struggled to shine while playing in the shadow of Pena, who took center stage in Porto's attack.
The duel between Portugal's two brightest young talents—Quaresma and Postiga—would surely dominate the media headlines the following day.
As Su Dong, Cristiano, and José Semedo left Alvalade Stadium with the crowd, Su Dong was still deep in thought, replaying the match in his mind—especially Jardel's goal, which had left a lasting impression on him. Meanwhile, Cristiano was fuming.
His rival, Quaresma, had beaten him to the first team, making his professional debut before him and performing admirably. Cristiano, always fiercely competitive, couldn't shake the frustration of being a step behind.
The three friends walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. After arriving back at the Marquis de Pombal, they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
...
Once back in his dormitory, Su Dong remained disciplined. Despite the long day, he stuck to his routine and pushed through his physical training session.
He had made progress over the past few days and could now complete three sets of 40 repetitions—an improvement that fueled his determination. But his thoughts remained elsewhere, dominated by the image of Jardel's goal from earlier that evening.
The power, the precision, the sheer impact of seeing that moment unfold live—it was something that no television broadcast could ever replicate. Only being there in person, surrounded by thousands of fans, could deliver that kind of emotional intensity and awe.
I have to become a professional player, Su Dong thought, his heart swelling with resolve.
A player like Jardel—a player who can change the course of a match and inspire an entire stadium.
...
...
Edward VII Park in the morning was peaceful and calm.
In the nearby indoor football field by the South Gate, Su Dong was hard at work, treating the obstacle poles in front of him as defenders, rehearsing his shooting motions over and over again.
Sometimes, he would take a sharp touch before unleashing a powerful shot, while other times, he practiced turning with the ball, shielding it with his back to goal before striking. The key was to simulate different in-game situations, choosing the right footwork and angles with each shot.
The training was repetitive, even monotonous, but Su Dong didn't seem to mind. His focus never wavered as he repeated each action with intensity, sweat pouring down his face.
Not far from the pitch, under the shade of a tree, Cristiano and José Semedo sat on the ground, quietly watching him.
"Have you noticed something different about him lately?" Semedo asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
"Different? How?" Cristiano replied.
"It's hard to put into words. He just seems to be working harder than before. Like something's changed."
Cristiano thought for a moment. "He's probably been motivated."
"You mean after the opening match of the Primeira Liga?"
Cristiano didn't respond immediately. Su Dong hadn't said anything, but Cristiano suspected it had everything to do with that game.
In truth, after watching Sporting's opening match, Cristiano himself had been practicing harder. He was already behind Quaresma, and the gap was widening. That thought haunted him. He knew that if he didn't push himself now, he might never close the gap.
If you work hard, you might catch up. But if you don't work hard, you never will.
Cristiano glanced at Semedo, his expression serious. "It's a good thing, though, isn't it? Maybe you should think about it too. If you keep coasting like this, you won't just miss out on the first team—you'll probably get loaned out sooner or later."
Semedo had struggled at the Sporting Lisbon youth academy, which was why he'd been sidelined. Even after being reinstated, his performance had yet to reach the levels expected of him.
Semedo's eyes darted away, betraying a brief moment of insecurity. But he quickly masked it with a casual laugh. "Getting loaned out wouldn't be so bad. Maybe I'd get more playing time somewhere else and become a starter."
He chuckled, but it sounded hollow, as if even he didn't believe his own words.
Cristiano, however, didn't react to the joke. He stood up from the ground, brushing the dirt off his shorts. "You can say whatever you want, but I'm going back to practice. One day, I'll be better than Quaresma."
With that, Cristiano sprinted onto the pitch.
"Su, I'm joining you! Let's practice together!" he shouted.
...
José Semedo lay lazily on the sidelines, watching Su Dong and Cristiano battle one-on-one on the field. The smile on his face slowly faded, replaced by a mix of envy and deep sorrow.
Semedo came from a poor Cape Verdean immigrant family in Setúbal, and he had been playing football on the streets since he was a child.
Though he wasn't particularly tall—just 1.83 meters—he had the muscular build and speed typical of many African players. From a young age, he had been faster and stronger than most of his peers, which naturally made him stand out. Eventually, his physical gifts caught the attention of scouts, and he was brought into the Sporting Lisbon academy for training when he was only twelve.
However, according to Sporting Lisbon's high standards for youth development, Semedo's technical skills were lacking. His game had always relied heavily on his physicality—speed and strength were his go-to attributes.
That worked well enough in the youth ranks, but as the competition toughened and his physical edge diminished, Semedo found himself struggling. When he couldn't outmuscle or outrun opponents, he had little else to fall back on.
Sporting Lisbon recognized this weakness early on. They crafted a tailored training plan to develop his technical skills and overall game, but Semedo wasn't like Cristiano—he couldn't endure the tedious, repetitive drills that would sharpen his weaknesses.
During his brief time away from the club, when he had been released, Semedo experienced a moment of clarity. He knew his entire family's hopes were resting on his shoulders. They all depended on him to make it as a professional footballer, to become a star who could pull them out of poverty. This responsibility had reignited his determination, and he fought his way back into the Sporting setup, determined to prove himself.
But that fire didn't last.
The allure of the outside world was too strong.
There were groups of admirers—beautiful women who would flock to him the moment they heard the name "Sporting Lisbon." There were journalists ready to wine and dine him, hoping to extract juicy team gossip. There were also fans eager to hear about life at Sporting and treat him like a hero, simply for being part of the club.
It all felt too good to resist.
Why bother with grueling training sessions when life outside was so sweet?
Even wandering the streets of Lisbon's old town, listening to street performers sing, seemed more appealing than endless drills on the pitch.
Semedo didn't understand why Su Dong and Cristiano could push themselves so hard. Every time he saw them, he thought to himself that he, too, would try to work harder, to train like they did. But every time he tried, he couldn't sustain it. The effort was too grueling. The sacrifices were too bitter.
Why could Su Dong and Cristiano keep going when he couldn't?
Perhaps, as Su Dong had once said, the weak could never fully understand the hunger of the strong, just as the strong could never comprehend the sorrow of the weak.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Semedo quietly stood up. He didn't say a word to his friends, who were locked in intense competition on the field. Instead, he lowered his head and silently walked out of Edward VII Park, leaving without a sound.
Su Dong and Cristiano, deeply focused on their training, didn't even notice him leave.
...
...
The Segunda Divisão B is the third tier of Portuguese football, divided into three regional groups: North, Central, and South.
Clube Atlético de Portugal plays in the South Division of the Segunda Divisão B, which consists of 16 teams.
The Portuguese Football Association designed this regional system to ease the financial burden on lower-league teams. However, the South Group faces additional pressure due to the inclusion of several teams from the Madeira Islands, off the coast of Africa.
In the second round of the season, Atlético de Portugal was set to play their first home match, facing Louletano D.C., who had secured three points in their opening game. Louletano hails from the coastal city of Loulé in southern Portugal and boasts a rich history. With financial backing from the nearby cities of Loulé and Faro, Louletano is one of the few fully professional teams in the Portuguese lower leagues. Their goal for the season was to earn promotion to the Segunda Liga.
However, despite their ambitions, Louletano has remained in the third tier so far, indicating they had yet to achieve their objective. Still, as a fully professional side, they were a formidable opponent.
...
It was Atlético de Portugal's first home match of the new season, and the fans turned out in good numbers.
The home stadium has a seating capacity of 8,000, with additional standing tickets bringing the total capacity to 15,000. For this match, more than 3,000 fans filled the stands on both sides of the pitch. While it might not sound like much, for a club at this level, it was a decent turnout.
In fact, according to the club's statistics, this attendance was already quite high for Segunda Divisão B. With an average ticket price of around one euro, most matches attracted around 1,000 fans.
This highlights the financial challenges teams face at this level. The three major revenue streams for European clubs—matchday income, broadcast rights, and commercial operations—are practically nonexistent for lower-league sides. Earning just over 1,000 euros per match isn't enough to sustain a team.
As a result, clubs like Atlético de Portugal must rely on side businesses, such as running training programs or contracting training services from the local government. The government, in turn, provides financial support and subsidies, such as covering stadium maintenance costs.
This is why Górba, the club's manager, suddenly began valuing Su Dong after the assessment.
If Su Dong played well and attracted interest from bigger clubs, Atlético de Portugal could potentially sell him for a five-figure or even six-figure transfer fee—a massive windfall for a club of their size.
Given his potential, Su Dong was naturally included in the matchday squad.
He had been improving steadily in training, and Matello had given him high praise. However, for this match, Su Dong still started on the bench.
"Watch your opponents closely. I hope you'll put in a good performance when you get your chance," head coach Antonio Pereira encouraged.
Su Dong nodded silently, taking in every word.
...
Louletano D.C. kicked off the game, taking control early on.
Although some of the Atlético de Portugal players had poked fun at Louletano in the locker room before the match, joking about how the team always seemed to stay stuck in the same division, it was clear that Louletano had earned their place. They had the strength and confidence to back up their ambition.
As expected, from the opening whistle, Louletano seized the momentum.
Despite playing at home, Clube Atlético de Portugal adopted a defensive posture, sitting deep and absorbing the pressure. However, even with this approach, Louletano managed to push their way into Atlético's 30-meter area, coming dangerously close to the penalty box multiple times.
This was when the experience of the old captain, Matello, shone through. More than just a physical presence in front of goal, Matello took on the role of a commander on the pitch. He directed his teammates, organizing the defensive line, issuing instructions, and maintaining their shape.
Watching Matello calmly marshal the defense while head coach Antonio Pereira stood silently on the sidelines, Su Dong began to understand why many believed Matello would eventually replace Pereira as head coach. His leadership and understanding of the game were undeniable.
As the defense stabilized, Louletano struggled to create real threats. Su Dong, still watching from the bench, shifted his attention to the opposition's defensive line.
The two center-backs for Louletano were both taller and stronger than Su Dong. One of them was well over 1.9 meters, and it was clear from their positioning and movements that they had the physical advantage. Su Dong knew that trying to battle them directly wouldn't work—he couldn't win in sheer strength or size.
However, he also noticed their weaknesses. They were slow and lacked agility, which made them vulnerable to quick, sharp movements. Su Dong realized that to outplay them, he would need to focus on running into space, using his speed and mobility rather than trying to overpower them physically. Unfortunately, the forward currently playing for Atlético de Portugal seemed intent on going head-to-head with them, stubbornly trying to win physical duels. It wasn't working, and the result was predictable—he was consistently being muscled off the ball.
Maybe it wasn't that the forward was lacking in intelligence, Su Dong thought. Perhaps he just didn't have any other option in his skillset.
At that moment, Su Dong gained a deeper understanding of how important it was to see the bigger picture on the field.
...
"Hey, Su! Why are you still sitting there?"
A familiar voice broke through Su Dong's focus, pulling him back to the present.
He stood up from the bench and turned around, surprised to see Cristiano and José Semedo sitting in the stands behind him, grinning mischievously.
"What are you two doing here?" Su Dong asked, walking over to them.
"We made up an excuse and got some time off," Cristiano said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "But what about you? Why aren't you playing? That guy on the pitch is terrible! He can't even control the ball properly."
Cristiano's face showed clear disgust.
Though he often teased Su Dong, it was the kind of teasing that existed between friends. Deep down, Cristiano had noticed Su Dong's progress and believed he was far better than the forward currently playing. The fact that Su Dong was still on the bench made no sense to him.
"The coach wants me to observe the game first," Su Dong explained. "He said I'll probably get a chance in the second half."
Cristiano rolled his eyes. "Observe what? Those two defenders are stronger than you, sure, but they're slow and clumsy. You should be out there doing what you do to José—just run at them!"
José Semedo, sitting beside Cristiano, frowned.
What's that supposed to mean? Semedo thought. How do you compare me to them?
He felt slightly offended. Sure, he wasn't as good as Cristiano, but that didn't mean he was easy to deal with.
Still, he kept his thoughts to himself. He wasn't about to argue with Cristiano, so instead, he shifted the blame to the two hapless Louletano defenders.
"Su, you should go talk to the coach. You'd be a lot better than those two," Semedo said, trying to hide his frustration.