Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beckham joins Inter Milan unexpectedly, causing confusion as his role in the team is unclear.
• Inter Milan holds a grand unveiling ceremony for Beckham, with Moratti personally handing him the number 23 jersey.
• Beckham's arrival is seen as a significant boost for Inter Milan's commercial value and international profile.
• The team's first match with Beckham is postponed, and they secure a place in the Italian Cup final against a likely AS Roma team.

Character Developments

• Beckham: Shows diligence and a good attitude on the pitch, winning over teammates with his skills and thoughtful gifts.
• Mancini: Struggles to find a suitable position for Beckham in the team due to his unique skill set and lack of exceptional strengths beyond crossing.
• Lin Feng: Continues to be dedicated and hardworking, arriving at the training base before Beckham and Mancini.

Significant Themes

• The commercial value and influence of a superstar player like Beckham.
• The challenge of integrating a high-profile player into a team's tactics and dynamics.
• The importance of diligence, attitude, and teamwork in football.

Character Interactions

• Beckham and Lin Feng: Beckham gifts Lin Feng a watch and a dog charm, showing thoughtfulness and respect for his new teammate.
• Beckham and his teammates: Beckham's crossing skills impress his teammates, and they show excitement about playing with him in future matches.
• Mancini and Beckham: Mancini struggles to find a suitable position for Beckham, but Beckham's diligence and good attitude make it challenging to leave him on the bench.

Beckham impressed Mancini and Inter Milan with his relentless work rate and pinpoint crossing, helping the club beat Chievo 2:0 and extend its league winning streak to fifteen matches. Lin Feng then rejoined the Olympic team ahead of its match against Chelsea, where Dong Fangzhuo revealed that his Work Permit had finally been approved.

• Beckham ran tirelessly in Inter Milan's Italian Cup semifinal against Sampdoria, and Mancini gained confidence in his abilities.
• Lin Feng and Beckham's hard work inspired Inter Milan's other players to stay late for extra training.
• Beckham assisted Torres with a precise cross as Inter Milan beat Chievo 2:0 and equaled Bayern Munich's Big Five Leagues winning-streak record.
• Mancini substituted Lin Feng off after Torres scored, while Lin Feng prepared to join the Olympic team for its match against Chelsea.
• The Olympic players teased Gao Lin about facing Chelsea, then asked about the Premier League side's players.
• Dong Fangzhuo told his teammates that his Work Permit had been approved, allowing him to play for Manchester United in UK competitions.

The Olympic team suffered a 0:3 defeat to Queens Park Rangers, then beat Brentford 2:0 and used the matches to assess the substitutes’ level. After Lin Feng returned, the team prepared to face Chelsea and visited the club’s Cobham Training Ground, where the players saw the scale of its facilities.

• The Olympic team lost 0:3 to Queens Park Rangers after struggling against the English side’s pace, physical play, and pressure.
• The Olympic team defeated Brentford 2:0, restoring the players’ confidence and clarifying that their substitutes were roughly at an average League One level.
• Lin Feng returned, and the Olympic team began final joint training while Klopp prepared to field the returning overseas-based players against Chelsea.
• Mourinho announced a Chelsea lineup that rested several regular starters but still included players such as Shevchenko, Robben, Terry, and Carvalho.
• On February 13, the Olympic team visited Chelsea’s Cobham Training Ground and saw its extensive pitches, medical center, and other facilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese Olympic team arrives at Chelsea's training base, causing curiosity among Chelsea players.
• Chelsea players underestimate the Olympic team, with Robben confident he can handle them alone.
• Mourinho and Chelsea's CEO welcome the Olympic team, presenting jerseys to Lin Feng and the team captain.
• Lin Feng feels an odd gaze from Mourinho, sensing his interest.
• The Olympic team has a friendly warm-up match against Chelsea.

Character Developments

• Robben feels envious and hostile towards Lin Feng due to the latter's Golden Boy Award and the potential transfer that could have sent Robben to Inter Milan.
• Lin Feng is cautious about Chelsea's interest, not wanting to get involved in their internal issues.
• Zeng Cheng showcases his goalkeeping skills during the warm-up, impressing the Chinese fans.
• Gao Lin's showboating during the shooting contest leads to laughter and camaraderie among the Olympic team players.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation of opponents, leading to potential overconfidence (Chelsea players vs. Olympic team).
• Interest and appreciation from a renowned manager (Mourinho's gaze towards Lin Feng).
• Camaraderie and team dynamics (Olympic team's interactions during the warm-up).

Character Interactions

• Robben's hostility towards Lin Feng, stemming from jealousy and a potential transfer.
• Lin Feng's caution and disinterest in Chelsea's advances.
• Mourinho's warm welcome and interest in the Olympic team, particularly Lin Feng.
• The Olympic team's friendly banter and camaraderie during the warm-up, exemplified by Gao Lin's antics and the team's reaction.

China's Olympic team struggled to escape Chelsea's relentless pressing in a friendly, conceding an early goal and failing to threaten. As Chelsea controlled the match, Mourinho continued observing Lin Feng and reserved judgment about his attacking ability.

• Robben beat the Olympic team's right side early and cut inside, but Feng Xiaoting blocked his shot.
• Chelsea pressed the Olympic team into repeated mistakes, and Shevchenko scored in the fifth minute after Mikel assisted him.
• Chinese fans watched the Olympic team struggle to keep possession and rarely cross into Chelsea's half.
• Klopp accepted the one-sided match as expected but noted that Chelsea were competing more seriously than he had anticipated.
• Villas-Boas questioned Lin Feng's impact, while Mourinho pointed out his defensive awareness and waited for him to get a chance to attack.

Lin Feng helped the Olympic team withstand Chelsea’s pressure by defending tirelessly, then made a clean sliding tackle on Robben. After Mikel deliberately fouled Lin Feng and received a yellow card, Klopp worried about protecting his star and began considering potential substitutes.

• Lin Feng focused on defending while the Olympic team struggled under Chelsea’s attack, earning praise from Klopp and Mourinho.
• In the 15th minute, Lin Feng caught up to Robben and cleanly tackled him before he could shoot.
• After Klopp applauded the tackle, Mourinho’s visible displeasure made Chelsea’s players anxious and prompted them to respond aggressively.
• In the 18th minute, Mikel deliberately fouled Lin Feng during an Olympic team counterattack and received a yellow card.
• Mourinho criticized Mikel’s needless foul, while Lin Feng quickly got back up after protecting himself from the challenge.
• Klopp resolved to monitor Lin Feng’s fitness and consider Zhou Haibin, Hao Junmin, Wang Yongpo, or Huang Bowen as possible backups.

Lin Feng scored a long-range banana-kick free kick to equalize against Chelsea, but Joe Cole put Chelsea back ahead before halftime. The Olympic team went into the break trailing 2:1 after enduring sustained pressure and relying on Wang Dalei’s saves.

• Lin Feng changed plans and curled a powerful free kick past Cudicini to bring the Olympic team level.
• Chelsea responded with relentless attacks, but Wang Dalei and the Olympic team’s defense kept them from scoring for much of the half.
• Lin Feng dropped back alongside Cui Peng and Zhao Xuri to disrupt Chelsea’s midfield and help the Olympic team defend.
• Joe Cole broke through the Olympic team’s defense near the end of the first half and scored Chelsea’s second goal.
• The first half ended with Chelsea leading 2:1, while Wang Dalei earned praise for his saves and Lin Feng remained the Olympic team’s main attacking threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Both teams made extensive substitutions in the second half.
• Chelsea's attack-minded players were brought on, increasing their pressure.
• The Olympic team substituted in Dong Fangzhuo, Hao Junmin, and Zhou Haibin for a more direct attacking approach.
• Lin Feng made a godlike pass, a forty-five-degree cross, to Hao Junmin, who scored against Chelsea.

Character Developments

• Mourinho showed his dissatisfaction with Chelsea's first-half performance and made aggressive substitutions.
• Klopp demonstrated his tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment with his team's attack.
• Lin Feng showcased his exceptional passing ability with a stunning forty-five-degree cross.
• Hao Junmin proved his worth with a well-taken goal against Chelsea.

Significant Themes

• The importance of tactical adjustments and substitutions in high-level football.
• The value of individual skill and creativity, as demonstrated by Lin Feng's pass.
• The pressure and intensity of facing top-tier teams, and the opportunities it provides for growth.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Hao Junmin combined beautifully for the goal, demonstrating their understanding and trust in each other.
• Mourinho's frustration with his team's performance led to aggressive substitutions and a public outburst.
• Klopp's tactical adjustments and faith in his players' abilities led to a more direct attacking approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chelsea's friendly match against the Chinese Olympic team ends 7:2 in Chelsea's favor.
• Chelsea's goalkeeper, Cudicini, makes mistakes leading to two goals, causing Mourinho to substitute him.
• Chelsea scores six more goals after going all out, with Ballack and Shevchenko leading the attack.
• The Olympic team's defense crumbles, conceding seven goals in the second half.

Character Developments

• Mourinho shows his anger and determination to win after Chelsea concedes the second goal.
• Klopp reflects on the match, satisfied with the team's attacking performance but dissatisfied with their defending.
• Lin Feng sees Mourinho's interaction with the British press for the first time.

Significant Themes

• The gap in skill and experience between the Chinese Olympic team and a top European team like Chelsea.
• The intense pressure and scrutiny faced by Mourinho and Chelsea in the British media.
• The potential for Chelsea to sign Chinese players, with Lin Feng being the most likely candidate.

Character Interactions

• Mourinho interacts with the British press, showing his defensive stance and diplomatic skills.
• Lin Feng observes Mourinho's handling of the press conference.
• The Titan Sports Weekly reporter asks Mourinho about his interest in Chinese players, with Mourinho hinting at a possible interest in Lin Feng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese Olympic team returns home after their training camp in the UK, with Lin Feng and other domestic players flying back on a chartered plane.
• On Lunar New Year's Eve, Inter Milan hosts Cagliari. Lin Feng starts on the bench.
• Mancini plans to use a new tactic against Cagliari as a test run for their upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid.
• Lin Feng comes on in the second half, and Inter Milan changes formation to a 4-4-2. They dominate the game, and Lin Feng scores the winning goal in the 73rd minute.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng shows his dedication to his family and friends by sending New Year's greetings during halftime.
• Mancini demonstrates his strategic thinking by preparing a new tactic for the second half and using the Cagliari match as a test run.
• Lin Feng's teammates show support for him, with Torres promising to help him score.

Significant Themes

• Family and Belonging: Lin Feng's focus on sending New Year's greetings highlights the importance of family and national identity.
• Strategy and Adaptability: Mancini's tactical changes and Lin Feng's role in executing them emphasize the importance of adaptability in football.
• Teamwork: The team's support for Lin Feng and their collective effort in the second half underscore the importance of teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng interacts with his teammates, particularly Torres, who promises to help him score.
• Mancini interacts with the team, explaining his tactical changes and preparing them for the second half.
• Lin Feng's goal celebration, showing his shirt with New Year's greetings, interacts with the fans watching the match.

Inter Milan entered the Champions League knockout stage against Real Madrid with an 11-point lead in Serie A, while both coaches prepared three-defensive-midfielder lineups for the first leg at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid attacked first, but Inter Milan weathered the opening pressure and began counterattacking.

• Inter Milan beat Cagliari 3–0, and AS Roma’s loss to Empoli widened Inter Milan’s lead at the top of Serie A to 11 points.
• Capello confidently predicted Real Madrid would beat Inter Milan, while Mancini said he had prepared for Capello’s tactics.
• At the Bernabeu, both teams named lineups featuring three defensive midfielders, and Real Madrid began the match by pressing forward.
• Materazzi’s misdirected clearance gave Van Nistelrooy a close-range chance, but Van Nistelrooy shot over the goal.
• Grosso and Lin Feng combined in a counterattack, but Cannavaro intercepted Lin Feng’s pass before Vieira won the ball and shot over from long range.

Real Madrid took an early lead against Inter Milan, but Lin Feng set up Materazzi to equalize with a header from a free kick. Inter Milan left the first half level and had identified Materazzi’s height as a possible way to exploit Real Madrid’s defense.

• Guti scored from outside the penalty area after Cesar parried Raul’s chance, putting Real Madrid ahead 1-0.
• Real Madrid defended deep as Inter Milan took control of possession but struggled to get past Casillas and the defense.
• Gago fouled Lin Feng in the 23rd minute, earning Inter Milan a free kick on the right.
• Lin Feng curled the free kick toward the far post, where Materazzi headed past Casillas to make it 1-1.
• Inter Milan celebrated Materazzi’s equalizer, and his teammates teased him for nearly taking off his shirt.
• Lin Feng recognized Materazzi’s aerial advantage over Real Madrid’s shorter defenders as a tactic Inter Milan could try again.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores the equalizer, changing the mentality of both teams.
• Real Madrid grows anxious and plays rough, leading to an injury for Cambiasso.
• Lin Feng drops back to defend and stifles Real Madrid's attacks.
• Inter Milan scores again on a counterattack, taking the lead.
• Real Madrid struggles to cope with Inter Milan's tactics and formation.
• Real Madrid substitutes Higuain for Robinho in the second half, but his stepovers prove ineffective.
• Real Madrid scores a goal from a free kick, leveling the score again.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates his versatility and importance to Inter Milan's midfield.
• Cristiano Ronaldo's impressive performances attract Real Madrid's attention, but he's happy at Manchester United.
• Capello faces criticism and pressure due to Real Madrid's performance.
• Robinho's reluctance to pass the ball and reliance on stepovers become evident.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mental strength and adaptability in football.
• The impact of tactics and formations on a team's performance.
• The role of individual skills and teamwork in scoring opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Real Madrid's players struggle to coordinate and maintain unity on the pitch.
• Inter Milan's players work together effectively, exploiting Real Madrid's weaknesses.
• Calderón and Mendes discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's potential transfer to Real Madrid.
• Capello faces backlash from Real Madrid's fans and president due to the team's performance.

Inter Milan drew 2–2 away to Real Madrid after Raul equalized and both sides missed late chances, leaving Real Madrid under pressure for the return leg. The chapter then reviewed the other Champions League results, with Barcelona losing at home to Liverpool and Premier League clubs emerging as strong contenders.

• Raul scored Real Madrid’s equalizer, and Carlos, Helguera, Lin Feng, Torres, and Materazzi helped drive a tense end-to-end contest.
• Cesar saved Van Nistelrooy’s late shot, and Casillas tipped Lin Feng’s stoppage-time free kick over the bar as the match ended 2–2.
• AC Milan drew 0–0 away to Celtic, while Rome drew 0–0 at home to Lyon.
• Liverpool beat Barcelona 2–1 away, leaving the defending champions facing a difficult task in the return match.
• Valencia drew 2–2 away to Arsenal, while Manchester United beat Lille 1–0 and Chelsea drew 1–1 with PSV Eindhoven.
• The media weighed the results and judged that Premier League teams had a strong chance of dominating the quarterfinals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's 17-match winning streak in Serie A ends with a draw against Udinese.
• Real Madrid, struggling in La Liga, focuses on the Champions League, drawing at home against Getafe.
• Barcelona loses to Sevilla, surrendering top spot in La Liga.

Character Developments

• Mancini maintains a calm demeanor after Inter Milan's winning streak ends, focusing on the Champions League.
• Capello, under pressure at Real Madrid, aims to win the Champions League to secure his job.

Significant Themes

• The psychological burden of maintaining a long winning streak.
• The decline of Serie A and its impact on Italian football.
• The contrasting coaching philosophies of Capello and Real Madrid's fans.

Character Interactions

• Inter Milan players regret ending their winning streak but ultimately accept it.
• Capello seeks to understand Inter Milan's strengths and weaknesses through AC Milan.
• Real Madrid and Barcelona's struggles in their respective leagues lead to a focus on the Champions League.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 (second leg)
• Lin Feng scores the fastest goal in Champions League history, just 10.02 seconds after kickoff
• Inter Milan leads 1-0, with an aggregate score of 3-2 in favor of Real Madrid
• Real Madrid struggles to attack against Inter Milan's organized defense
• Inter Milan's counterattacks pose a significant threat to Real Madrid

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Proves his speed and decisiveness with a record-breaking goal, boosting Inter Milan's morale
• Iker Casillas: Maintains Real Madrid's hope with several crucial saves
• Fabio Cannavaro & Sergio Ramos: Cannavaro's absence and Ramos's mistakes contribute to Real Madrid's struggles
• José Mourinho (Capello): Struggles to find a solution against Inter Milan's defense

Significant Themes

• The impact of morale and momentum on a team's performance
• The importance of defensive organization and tactical discipline
• The pressure of trailing in a high-stakes match

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Real Madrid's defense: Lin Feng's speed and decisiveness expose Real Madrid's defensive weaknesses
• Inter Milan's players: Their collective morale and confidence boost leads to a strong team performance
• Capello and Real Madrid's players: Capello's tactical decisions and the players' execution struggle against Inter Milan's tactics

Key Plot Points and Events

• Both teams' attacks were more threatening due to fewer defensive midfielders.
• Vieira's malicious stamp on Gago in the 23rd minute led to a yellow card and near-brawl.
• Ramos and Materazzi collided heads in the 35th minute, causing a lengthy stoppage.
• Real Madrid's Higuain missed a crucial chance in the 39th minute.
• First half ended with 7 minutes of stoppage time, a rarity in this era.

Character Developments

• Vieira's hot temper and malicious play led to a yellow card.
• Ramos showed unexpected fiery temper, receiving a yellow card.
• Materazzi's brute nature was highlighted.
• Higuain's nerves affected his performance, missing a crucial chance.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of reduced defensive midfielders: more attacks but also more fouls and intensity.
• The potential for violence and chaos in high-stakes matches.
• The impact of injuries and stoppages on match flow and added time.

Character Interactions

• Vieira and Gago's incident led to near-brawl between both teams.
• Ramos and Materazzi's collision resulted in lengthy stoppage and examination.
• Lin Feng consoled Torres, advising patience.
• Capello regretted not signing Lin Feng earlier.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Real Madrid substitutes Cassano for Higuain, using two of their three substitutions.
• Inter Milan scores two quick goals in the second half, making it 4-2 on aggregate.
• Real Madrid struggles to score, with only one decent chance in the first 20 minutes of the second half.
• Barcelona scores against Liverpool, making the aggregate score 2-2, but Barcelona still needs another goal to qualify.

Character Developments

• Capello becomes increasingly frustrated and anxious as Real Madrid struggles.
• Torres scores a brace but also receives a yellow card that will cause him to miss the next match.
• Real Madrid fans' morale drops as they watch their team struggle and Barcelona's potential escape.

Significant Themes

• Time running out for Real Madrid to qualify.
• Inter Milan's defensive tactics and Real Madrid's struggles to break them down.
• The impact of Torres's yellow card on Inter Milan's future matches.
• Real Madrid fans' disappointment and frustration with their team's performance.

Character Interactions

• Capello's growing frustration with his team's performance and the referee's decisions.
• Torres's argument with the referee leading to a yellow card.
• Real Madrid fans' cheering for Liverpool to eliminate Barcelona.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan eliminates Real Madrid, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
• Lin Feng scores a goal but admits a foul, demonstrating sportsmanship.
• Valencia, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, AS Roma, and AC Milan also advance to the quarterfinals.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng shows maturity and sportsmanship by admitting a foul.
• Cristiano Ronaldo expresses interest in playing with Lin Feng in the Premier League.

Significant Themes

• Sportsmanship and fair play.
• The importance of teamwork and unity.
• The excitement and unpredictability of the Champions League.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Cristiano Ronaldo have a brief conversation, with Cristiano Ronaldo inviting Lin Feng to join him in the Premier League.
• Fans from both Real Madrid and Inter Milan appreciate Lin Feng's honesty and sportsmanship.

Lin Feng turned down Cristiano Ronaldo’s invitation to join Manchester United, and the Champions League quarterfinal draw paired Inter Milan with Manchester United. The chapter ended with both sides facing a difficult tie, though Inter Milan would play the second leg at home.

• Cristiano Ronaldo asked Lin Feng to join Manchester United, but Lin Feng refused because he wanted to repay Inter Milan for bringing him to a top league.
• Cristiano Ronaldo and Lin Feng joked about potentially meeting in the Champions League, while Kaka watched the quarterfinal draw.
• AC Milan drew Bayern Munich, Liverpool drew AS Roma, and Chelsea drew Valencia.
• Inter Milan drew Manchester United, making Cristiano Ronaldo lose his smile as both teams contemplated the difficult matchup.
• UEFA gave Inter Milan an away-first, home-second schedule, which Lin Feng considered good news.