Chapter Summaries

Lin Feng helped Inter Milan defeat Manchester United 4–3 and advance to the Champions League semifinals, where they would face Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo cried after the final whistle, while AS Roma’s 7–1 loss to Liverpool confirmed the semifinal matchup.

• Lin Feng set up Torres with a free kick, and Torres scored Inter Milan’s fourth goal after a header from Cruz.
• Mancini substituted Lin Feng and Torres, and the Inter Milan fans applauded their contributions as the match entered its final minutes.
• Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Manchester United in stoppage time, but Inter Milan held on to win 4–3 and advance on a 7–3 aggregate score.
• Cristiano Ronaldo cried after the defeat, and Ferguson comforted him as he vowed to avenge the loss against Lin Feng.
• Lin Feng learned that Liverpool had beaten AS Roma 7–1, setting Liverpool as Inter Milan’s semifinal opponent.

Inter Milan advanced to the Champions League semifinals, while AC Milan joined them after Kaka led a 2–0 win over Bayern Munich. Lin Feng and Kaka were hailed as football’s peerless young duo, and Inter Milan faced three demanding matches in six days.

• Italian media condemned AS Roma after Liverpool crushed them 7–1, with Adriano injured after scoring and Mancini Jr. also sidelined.
• Kaka scored once and assisted Seedorf’s goal as AC Milan beat Bayern Munich 2–0 and advanced to the semifinals.
• Fans compared Lin Feng and Kaka as a peerless duo, citing their assists and leading Champions League goal tallies.
• Chelsea beat Valencia to complete the semifinal lineup of Inter Milan, AC Milan, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
• Lin Feng felt pressure from the new nickname and resolved to keep performing well.
• Inter Milan prepared to host Palermo and Roma within three days of each other after their Champions League match.

Inter Milan and AS Roma prepared for a crucial Serie A showdown after Inter’s lead shrank and media speculation revived the title race. As both teams entered the tunnel, Adriano faced his first return to Meazza Stadium as an opponent and was warmly greeted by his former teammates.

• Parma and Catania drew 1-1, while results elsewhere eased both teams’ relegation worries.
• Inter Milan surrendered a 2-0 lead against Palermo and drew 2-2, while AS Roma beat Sampdoria 4-0 to cut Inter’s lead to 13 points.
• Inter’s players discussed the media pressure ahead of the match, and Mancini decided to field his strongest lineup against AS Roma.
• Torres jokingly asked Lin Feng for help scoring, prompting their teammates to compete for goals and Materazzi to make a boastful appeal.
• Adriano worried how Inter’s fans and former teammates would receive him at Meazza Stadium, but Zanetti greeted him warmly and Lin Feng hugged him.
• Adriano and Lin Feng agreed that whoever lost the match would treat the other to dinner.

Inter Milan dominated the opening against AS Roma before Lin Feng helped create a counterattacking goal for Torres. The chapter ended with Inter leading 1–0 at Meazza Stadium.

• Adriano received warm applause from Inter Milan Fans and kissed the grass as he returned to Meazza Stadium with AS Roma.
• Lin Feng cut inside and set up Torres for a shot that hit the crossbar, while Stanković sent the rebound wide.
• Inter pressed Roma through the opening minutes, then Pizarro and Adriano led Roma counterattacks that ended without a goal.
• Stanković left the field to replace his damaged boots, and Roma attacked while Inter played temporarily with ten men.
• After returning, Stanković collected a loose ball from a Roma corner and launched a counterattack with a long pass to Lin Feng.
• Lin Feng headed the ball on to Torres, who beat Doni one-on-one and scored to put Inter ahead 1–0.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan's new striker, Torres, has been performing exceptionally well, scoring over 20 goals in the league and Champions League.
• Inter Milan faces AS Roma. Torres scores twice in the first half, while AS Roma's Adriano scores once, making it 2-1 in favor of Inter Milan at halftime.
• Inter Milan hits the crossbar twice in the first half, adding to the fans' frustration.

Character Developments

• Torres: Proves to be an excellent signing for Inter Milan, quickly adapting and scoring consistently.
• Adriano (AS Roma): Scores against his former team, Inter Milan, and receives applause from the home fans despite being an opponent.

Significant Themes

• Redemption and Acceptance: Adriano's return to Meazza Stadium and the fans' acceptance of him despite his past actions.
• Form and Momentum: Torres's growing form and its impact on Inter Milan's performance.

Character Interactions

• Torres and Inter Milan Fans: Torres's performance and goals earn him the fans' love and support.
• Adriano and Inter Milan Fans: Despite being an opponent, Adriano receives applause from Inter Milan fans for his goal, showing acceptance and respect for his past contributions.
• Totti and Materazzi: Totti and Materazzi, national teammates, engage in physical confrontations and arguments during the match.

Inter Milan beat AS Roma 4–1 after Lin Feng orchestrated the second-half attack and assisted Torres’s hat trick. The win left Inter Milan’s title triumph all but certain, while AS Roma prepared to face them again in the Italian Cup final.

• AS Roma changed to long balls for Adebayor, whose powerful solo run nearly produced a goal, prompting Mancini to make Inter Milan defend more cautiously.
• AS Roma pushed forward but failed to score, and Inter Milan brought on Crespo and Beckham as the opponents’ momentum faded.
• Beckham set up Torres for a shot that struck the crossbar, while Inter Milan continued to threaten through the wings.
• Lin Feng drew AS Roma’s defenders toward him and switched play to Maicon, whose cross Crespo finished to make it 3–1.
• Lin Feng set up Torres’s hat-trick goal, and Torres earned a suspension by removing his shirt during his celebration.
• Inter Milan won 4–1, with Lin Feng substituted to applause, while AS Roma suffered a fourth straight defeat against them.

Inter Milan overcame a halftime deficit to defeat Robusena 3–1 and clinch the Serie A title with five rounds to spare. As the team celebrated, Mancini and Benítez prepared their sides for the Champions League semifinal, with both coaches recognizing the threat posed by their opponents.

• Inter Milan fell behind Robusena 1–0 in the first half while the players struggled with nerves and divided attention, but news that AS Roma were trailing Atalanta sparked celebrations in the locker room.
• Beckham scored a free kick and Lin Feng struck from distance to put Inter Milan ahead 2–1 shortly after halftime.
• Maicon assisted Crespo for a third goal, and Mancini substituted Lin Feng, Figo, and other key players before Inter Milan held on to win 3–1 and secure the league title.
• Zanetti celebrated the title and privately decided that Lin Feng should eventually inherit the captain's armband.
• Mancini briefed Inter Milan on Liverpool's strengths ahead of the Champions League semifinal, while Benítez's staff reviewed Inter Milan's unbeaten season and dominant run across competitions.

Inter Milan dominated the first half against Liverpool, and Torres put the hosts ahead after Lin Feng created the opening. Liverpool struggled to contain Inter’s attack, leaving Benitez and his players searching for a way to shore up their defense.

• Benitez surprised Inter Milan by setting Liverpool up to counterattack and starting Zenden on the right side of midfield.
• Torres threatened early, but Reina pushed his shot over the crossbar after Lin Feng set him up.
• Lin Feng dribbled past Agger and crossed for Torres, who scored with a sliding finish in the 29th minute.
• Gerrard and his teammates agreed they needed to mark Lin Feng more tightly after his attacks repeatedly exposed Liverpool’s left side.
• Mascherano struggled to cover Lin Feng and compensate for Zenden’s slow tracking back.

Liverpool’s first-half substitutions improved their attack, but Lin Feng’s marking of Xabi Alonso disrupted their counterattacks and helped Inter Milan dominate. Lin Feng then scored directly from a corner in the 41st minute, giving Inter Milan a 2–0 lead before halftime.

• Benitez replaced Kuyt with Crouch and Zenden with Bellamy, and Liverpool’s attack improved as Crouch laid the ball off for Gerrard to shoot.
• Mancini ordered Lin Feng to press Alonso, and Lin Feng dispossessed him to spark a dangerous Inter Milan attack that Agger blocked.
• Lin Feng told Alonso he was a fan and asked to exchange shirts, then continued to mark him tightly and limit Liverpool’s counterattacks.
• With Alonso contained, Maicon and Figo attacked down Inter Milan’s right, and Zanetti forced Reina to make a save before Inter Milan won a third corner.
• Lin Feng disguised his intention to shoot from the corner and curled the ball into the far side of the net, putting Inter Milan 2–0 ahead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores three goals against Liverpool in the Champions League semifinal first leg, with Lin Feng contributing two assists and a goal.
• Liverpool struggles to create chances and scores no goals, leaving them in a difficult position for the second leg.
• Inter Milan's coach Mancini and player Lin Feng express caution about the upcoming second leg, acknowledging Liverpool's strength despite the lopsided score.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Proves his worth as a key player in Inter Milan's midfield, demonstrating exceptional stamina, skill, and teamwork. His relationship with Torres strengthens as he consistently sets up goals for him.
• Steven Gerrard: Struggles to carry Liverpool's attack single-handedly and is unable to score despite his efforts. He is also injured late in the match.
• Xavi Alonso: Has a poor match due to Inter Milan's aggressive midfield pressure and is criticized by his coach Benítez. This incident strains his relationship with the coach.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Synergy: Lin Feng's understanding and cooperation with Torres highlight the importance of teamwork in scoring goals.
• Adversity and Resilience: Despite being heavily favored, Inter Milan remains humble and cautious, acknowledging the threat posed by Liverpool even after a significant victory.
• Leadership and Communication: Gerrard's struggles and Alonso's conflict with Benítez emphasize the importance of effective leadership and communication within a team.

Character Interactions

• Torres and Lin Feng: Their on-field chemistry and understanding lead to multiple scoring opportunities and goals, strengthening their bond as teammates.
• Benítez and Alonso: Their conflict highlights the tension between a coach's expectations and a player's capabilities, as well as the potential consequences of poor communication.
• Mancini and Lin Feng: Both express caution about the upcoming match, demonstrating their shared understanding of the team's strengths and the challenges they face.

Lin Feng watched as Chelsea defeated AC Milan 1–0 in the Champions League semifinal first leg, while Inter Milan’s win over Liverpool had already put Serie A ahead. At the end of April, the Chinese Football Association announced Zhu Guanghu’s Asian Cup squad, which included many young players and the returning Qu Bo.

• A football influencer argued that Liverpool could not overturn its three-goal deficit against Inter Milan, and Lin Feng watched the upcoming Milan-Chelsea match with his teammates in their QQ Group.
• Mourinho pressured the referee after a suspected handball, and Chelsea used physical play to take control against AC Milan.
• Drogba scored in the 33rd minute, and Chelsea held on to defeat AC Milan 1–0 despite Kaka leading Milan’s attempts to equalize.
• Mourinho called the result ideal and declared himself the Special One, while Ancelotti calmly said both teams still had a chance.
• The Chinese Football Association announced Zhu Guanghu’s Asian Cup roster, which featured many young players and included the returning Qu Bo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Chinese national football team's squad list is announced, featuring many overseas-based players, including Lin Feng.
• The national team's upcoming schedule includes friendlies and a match against Bayern Munich.
• Inter Milan prepares for the Champions League semifinal second leg against Liverpool by resting players in Serie A and training openly.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng's fame continues to grow, bringing both attention and pressure to the national team.
• Lin Feng and Zanetti engage in a one-on-one duel during training, with Lin Feng emerging victorious.
• Zanetti realizes that containing Lin Feng in a one-on-one situation is too challenging and requires assistance from a teammate.

Significant Themes

• The rise of Chinese football and the national team's increasing international recognition.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy in football, as demonstrated by Zanetti's realization that he needs help to stop Lin Feng.
• The pressure of high expectations, as felt by the national team and Lin Feng.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Zanetti's one-on-one duel highlights their competitive nature and mutual respect.
• The national team's players discuss their upcoming schedule and the squad announcement.
• Inter Milan's players discuss their upcoming match against Liverpool and their training sessions.

During an internal scrimmage, Mancini discovered Lin Feng’s exceptional dribbling and gave him greater tactical freedom, while Torres resolved to train harder. At Anfield, Inter Milan weathered Liverpool’s early attack and took control, but Agger scored to make it 1–0 and cut the aggregate score to 1–3.

• In an internal scrimmage, Lin Feng repeatedly beat Zanetti and Samuel with dribbles reminiscent of Ronaldinho, prompting Mancini to grant him greater tactical freedom and an unlimited license to shoot.
• Benítez left Xavi Alonso on Liverpool’s bench and started Pennant, while Inter Milan started Stanković and Crespo in place of Figo and Cruz.
• Liverpool attacked rapidly in the opening minutes, but Gerrard shot wide and Crouch missed a close-range chance before Inter Milan settled the match with pressing.
• Lin Feng won the ball from Pennant and sent Torres through to score, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
• Inter Milan pressed Liverpool in their own half, and Lin Feng retaliated against Gerrard after the referee failed to caution Gerrard for a foul, earning a yellow card himself.
• After Gerrard’s set piece and a scramble in the box, Agger struck a left-footed shot into the lower-left corner, putting Liverpool ahead 1–0 and making the aggregate score 1–3.

Lin Feng dribbled past three Liverpool defenders and scored an away goal to equalize, then helped Inter Milan exploit Liverpool’s focus on stopping his runs. The chapter left Inter Milan pressing while Cambiasso’s through ball reached Torres, whose shot flew wide.

• Crouch elbowed Materazzi during Liverpool’s attack and received a yellow card after the referee stopped play.
• Lin Feng beat Carragher and Agger, rejected passing to the offside Crespo, and scored past Reina to make it 1–1.
• Liverpool’s defenders began doubling Lin Feng, and he drew them toward him before passing to Vieira, whose long-range shot went over the bar.
• Liverpool marked Vieira more closely, so Lin Feng found Cambiasso, who threaded a pass to Torres.
• Torres blasted Cambiasso’s through ball wide, leaving Cambiasso stunned at the loss of his assist.

Inter Milan led Liverpool 2:1 at halftime after Vieira scored from Lin Feng's tactical corner, but Liverpool rallied after their fans sang You'll Never Walk Alone and Crouch made it 2:2. The chapter left Lin Feng racing away on a counterattack and lobbing the ball from near halfway over Reina toward Liverpool's empty goal.

• Cambiasso set up Torres, but Torres missed the chance and apologized to him.
• Lin Feng's tactical corner created an opening for Vieira, who headed in to put Inter Milan ahead 2:1 and leave Liverpool needing a huge second-half comeback.
• Liverpool attacked urgently after the break, and Crouch scored from Pennant's cross to equalize at 2:2.
• Lin Feng cleared Riise's cross before Crouch could reach it, and Inter Milan's players delayed Liverpool's corner with repeated stoppages.
• Inter Milan cleared Gerrard's corner, then Lin Feng stole the ball from Carragher and lobbed it from near halfway over the returning Reina toward the unguarded goal.

Lin Feng scored a historic long-range goal as Inter Milan beat Liverpool 3-2 away, completed a 5-3 aggregate victory, and reached the Champions League final. After the match, media praise surged and Transfermarkt raised Lin Feng’s market value to €70 million, second only to Ronaldinho’s.

• Lin Feng scored a 58.6-meter lob against Liverpool, and Mancini substituted him in the 67th minute to protect him from injury.
• Crespo hit the crossbar and Torres missed badly as Inter Milan continued to dominate Liverpool’s dispirited side.
• Inter Milan won 3-2 at Anfield, completed a double over Liverpool, and advanced to the Champions League final.
• Gerrard exchanged shirts with Lin Feng and asked him to beat Chelsea if they met in the final; the two joked about AC Milan and champagne.
• Media reports speculated that Xavi Alonso had fallen out with Benitez, and Lin Feng considered but rejected trying to recruit Alonso to Inter Milan.
• Transfermarkt raised Lin Feng’s market value from €40 million to €70 million, placing him second in the Football World behind Ronaldinho.

Lin Feng and his Inter Milan teammates watched AC Milan face Chelsea for a place in the Champions League final. Kaka scored to level the tie, and AC Milan won the penalty shootout, setting up a Milan derby against Inter Milan in the final.

• Reporters questioned Lin Feng about his market value, Ronaldinho, the scoring record, and the final, and his answers were distorted in newspaper headlines.
• Inter Milan's players discussed the Ballon d'Or and gathered to watch the Champions League semifinal between AC Milan and Chelsea.
• Chelsea defended deep and kept AC Milan from scoring until Pirlo took a quick free kick in the 73rd minute and Kaka scored to make it 1:1.
• Neither team scored in extra time, so AC Milan and Chelsea went to a penalty shootout.
• Maldini, Kaka, and Pirlo scored for AC Milan while Robben and Geremi missed for Chelsea, sending AC Milan through to face Inter Milan in the final.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Feng and Kaka are the standout young players in Europe, leading their teams to the Champions League Final.
• Inter Milan and AC Milan (led by Lin Feng and Kaka respectively) are set to face off in an all-Italian Champions League Final.
• Lin Feng is one goal away from tying a 50-year-old record for most goals in a single European Cup campaign.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Gaining recognition and praise for his performances, he is seen as a potential record-breaker and Ballon d'Or contender.
• Kaka: Despite Lin Feng's dominance, Kaka is still considered a strong contender, and his team's victory could turn the tables.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry and competition, both between Lin Feng and Kaka, and their respective teams.
• The pressure and expectations that come with high performance and record-breaking potential.
• The impact of Lin Feng's success on Asian football and the perception of Asian players.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng's friends and teammates from the China Youth Team and National Team express their support and excitement for his upcoming match.
• Park Ji-sung calls Lin Feng to express his support and emphasize the importance of Lin Feng's victory for Asian football.
• Mancini and AC Milan's coach face a dilemma in balancing their Italian Cup and Champions League campaigns.

After losing 2-4 to AS Roma in the first leg of the Italian Cup final, Inter Milan rallied under Mancini and crushed Lazio in the league before overturning Roma with a 6-1 second-leg victory. Inter Milan reclaimed the Italian Cup and declared their return to form ahead of the Champions League final.

• AS Roma beat Inter Milan 4-2 in the first leg of the Italian Cup final, ending Inter Milan's unbeaten run and injuring Crespo and Figo.
• Mancini rallied Inter Milan's dejected players at training, urging them to learn from the defeat and pursue every trophy.
• Inter Milan fielded a full-strength team against Lazio and won emphatically, with Lin Feng scoring twice and nearing Juninho's free-kick record.
• Inter Milan announced a strong lineup for the Italian Cup final's second leg despite criticism that the Champions League final was more important.
• Lin Feng scored twice as Inter Milan overturned AS Roma's lead before Torres, Materazzi, and Cruz helped secure a 6-1 victory and the Italian Cup.

Inter Milan gave young defender Zhang Linpeng his senior debut against Atalanta, and Lin Feng and Torres came on to rescue a draw after Inter fell behind. The match ended 1–1, with Zhang Linpeng newly impressed by Lin Feng’s ability as Inter prepared for the Champions League Final.

• After Inter Milan won the league and cup double, AC Milan chose to prioritize Champions League qualification, and Berlusconi helped move both clubs’ league matches to May 19.
• As Inter’s dull match against Atalanta continued, Lin Feng encouraged the eager Zhang Linpeng to stay ready for a chance to play.
• When Inter’s right back was injured, Mancini sent Zhang Linpeng on instead of Maicon, giving him his Inter Milan debut.
• Atalanta took the lead from a free kick in the 73rd minute, prompting Mancini to send Lin Feng and Torres to warm up.
• Lin Feng came on with Torres and sent him through with a precise long pass, allowing Torres to equalize in the 83rd minute.
• After joining Lin Feng and Torres on the pitch, Zhang Linpeng recognized how strong Lin Feng was.