Chapter Summaries

Bayern held a 1–0 halftime lead over AC Milan, then Toni Kroos’s precise long pass set up Robben and Su Dong for a second goal. Bayern led 2–0 in the 74th minute, and Heynckes believed the match was as good as won.

• Heynckes urged Bayern to maintain their high pressing after the players returned to the locker room with a 1–0 lead.
• Ancelotti replaced Pato with Emerson at halftime, strengthening AC Milan’s midfield and pushing Kaka closer to the attack.
• Kaka threatened Bayern with a solo run, while Su Dong won the ball from Pirlo and set up a chance for Robben that ended in a hurried shot.
• Ancelotti replaced Inzaghi with Gilardino in the 70th minute, and Heynckes brought on Toni Kroos for Modrić.
• Toni Kroos sent a long pass to Robben, who crossed for Su Dong to score Bayern’s second goal in the 74th minute.

After Bayern beat AC Milan 2–0 in the first leg, Su Dong reunited with Albertini before Bayern continued its winning run against Stuttgart and eliminated Milan in the semifinal. Bayern advanced to the Champions League final, where it would face Manchester United.

• Ancelotti, Berlusconi, Galliani, Sacchi, and Kaka reacted to Bayern’s 2–0 first-leg victory, with Milan’s representatives accepting the defeat while insisting the tie was not over.
• Su Dong met Albertini and Pepe at a café after the match, and he promised to introduce Albertini to his girlfriend.
• Bayern defeated Stuttgart 5–0, with Su Dong scoring twice and Schweinsteiger and Ribéry also finding the net.
• Su Dong scored Bayern’s late winner against AC Milan in the second leg, sending Bayern through 3–0 on aggregate.
• Manchester United defeated Liverpool 1–0 at home after a goalless away draw, setting up a Champions League final against Bayern.

Wang Qingquan and Yu Qiulan discussed Su Dong’s generosity and considered his invitation for their family to attend the Champions League final in Russia. In Munich, Su Dong prepared for his first showdown with Rony while Wang Chuqing joined him for a private moment.

• Wang Qingquan told Yu Qiulan that Lao Zhou had envied him for having a daughter after Su Dong’s performance for Bayern impressed him.
• Wang Qingquan opened Su Dong’s letter and found ten tickets to the Champions League final and an invitation to Russia.
• Wang Qingquan and Yu Qiulan decided to reserve the tickets for close friends and relatives, then discussed Wang Qingquan’s possible career advancement.
• Su Dong told Wang Chuqing that her parents could travel with his family and that he would arrange their accommodation and meals.
• Su Dong continued training for the Champions League final against Rony, then followed Wang Chuqing when she suggested they try a new pose.

Bayern finished the Bundesliga season and traveled to Moscow for the Champions League final against Manchester United. Rony taunted Su Dong in a confident interview, but Su Dong declined to answer as both teams prepared for their first showdown.

• Bayern beat Bielefeld, Berlin Hertha, and Duisburg in their final Bundesliga matches, then finished the season as champions while Dortmund ended thirteenth and three clubs were relegated.
• Manchester United arrived in Moscow, where Rony told reporters that his team was ready to defeat Bayern and defend its Champions League title.
• Rony named Su Dong as Bayern’s most dangerous player, praised him as a friend, and claimed Manchester United’s Ferdinand and Vidić could stop him.
• Rony sent Su Dong a taunting message, predicting his defeat and offering to take him to the European Cup afterward.
• Su Dong heard about Rony’s interview, joked that Pepe should answer for him, and ultimately chose not to respond.
• Heynckes weighed Bayern’s weaknesses in midfield and defense against their attacking advantage through Su Dong as the final approached.

Bayern and Manchester United cautiously opened their Champions League final after both sides made tactical adjustments. Rony attacked down the flank but Su Dong tracked back and knocked him and the ball over, leaving their rivalry poised to flare up.

• Bayern and Manchester United arrived at Luzhniki Stadium in heavy rain as their supporters filled the stands and traded songs.
• Su Dong warned Pepe and Lucio about Rony’s speed and explosive power, then greeted Rony and challenged Manchester United’s formidable defense.
• Both managers adjusted their formations: Rony started on Manchester United’s left, while Schweinsteiger moved forward in Bayern’s midfield.
• The teams began cautiously, and Manchester United gained some ground with crosses that Lucio and Pepe cleared.
• Rony tried to cut inside past Lahm, but Su Dong raced back and sent Rony and the ball tumbling with a tackle.

Su Dong nearly scored after a solo counterattack, but Van der Sar tipped his shot onto the post. Rony then put Manchester United ahead, and Bayern settled into a cautious formation as Su Dong searched for an opening.

• Su Dong and Rony jokingly wrestled in the mud after a slippery challenge, while the referee let them get up and continue.
• Su Dong sprinted onto Lucio’s clearance, beat Wes Brown, and fired a shot that Van der Sar deflected onto the post.
• Rony combined with Rooney to break into Bayern’s penalty area and scored past Kahn in the top-right corner.
• Bayern’s supporters and relatives reacted to Manchester United’s lead, while Ma Dawei noted Ferguson had exploited Bayern’s weaker defense on Marcelo’s side.
• Bayern dropped deeper after conceding, Manchester United also pulled back, and Su Dong patiently searched for an opening.

Bayern overcame Manchester United’s pressing when Su Dong equalized with a brilliant solo goal in the 37th minute. The teams restarted at 1–1, while Su Dong and Rony traded jokes in front of the exasperated referee.

• After Manchester United scored first, Bayern settled into defense before pushing forward, while Manchester United waited to counterattack.
• Marcelo’s first two throw-ins failed, but Su Dong came to the left flank for the third and used his strength to keep the ball in play for Ribéry.
• Modrić sent a through ball to Su Dong, who feinted past Vidić and fired into the bottom-right corner to make it 1–1.
• Su Dong celebrated in front of Bayern’s supporters, pointed toward his parents and Wang Chuqing, and returned to the pitch for the restart.
• Su Dong and Rony joked about their strength and nicknames, leaving Lubos Michel embarrassed as he urged Rony to kick off.

At halftime, Heynckes adjusted Bayern’s tactics to contain Manchester United and give Su Dong more freedom, urging the team to support him. Bayern opened the second half aggressively, and Su Dong’s long-range shot sent the stadium into suspense as Van der Sar dived to save it.

• Su Dong discussed Manchester United’s center-backs with Nuno Cruz and answered Grant Downing’s questions about his physical condition.
• Heynckes instructed Bayern to use Schweinsteiger and Mascherano as a defensive shield, assigned Modrić to pressure Carrick, and told Marcelo not to advance on Rony’s side.
• Heynckes encouraged Su Dong to roam freely and asked the team to support him; Su Dong promised he would deliver.
• Bayern started the second half on the attack, and Su Dong dropped back to help build a move down the left flank.
• Su Dong shifted away from Vidić and fired a long-range shot past Carrick, forcing Van der Sar to dive toward the far corner.

Su Dong’s long-range goal gave Bayern a 2–1 lead, but Ferguson’s tactical switch helped Manchester United equalize through Rony. Bayern took control late and pressed for a winner, while Su Dong tracked back to collect Vidić’s loose knockdown at the edge of the penalty area.

• Su Dong scored from long range early in the second half, putting Bayern ahead 2–1 and prompting Ferguson and Queiroz to use Plan B.
• Ferguson brought Giggs on for Scholes, and Manchester United repeatedly attacked Bayern’s vulnerable left flank.
• Giggs crossed from the right, and Rony redirected the ball past Kahn to equalize at 2–2.
• Bayern increased their pressure as Manchester United tired, but Robben, Marcelo, Lucio, and Schweinsteiger all missed chances or were denied by Van der Sar.
• Manchester United launched a counterattack and won a throw-in; Brown threw the ball toward Vidić, whose knockdown reached Su Dong at the edge of the penalty area.

Bayern and Manchester United remained level late in the Champions League final as Bayern’s management feared Ferguson’s side would mount another comeback. Su Dong drove forward alone and scored past Van der Sar, then collapsed from exhaustion, leaving Bayern ahead in the closing minutes.

• Rummenigge, Beckenbauer, and Hoeness discussed Manchester United’s resemblance to its legendary 1999 team as the match remained tied.
• Lucio and Pepe stopped a Manchester United counterattack, conceding a throw-in rather than allowing a chance on goal.
• After Vidić’s throw-in pass fell loose, Su Dong took possession near Bayern’s penalty area and dribbled forward.
• Su Dong accelerated past Hargreaves, Giggs, and Brown, then broke between Ferdinand and Vidić to reach the penalty area.
• Su Dong feinted to make Van der Sar dive and scored with his left foot, then collapsed on the pitch in pain.

Su Dong scored a dramatic solo goal in the final minute to complete his hat trick and give Bayern a 3–2 Champions League final victory over Manchester United. After being stretchered off with severe cramps, he celebrated the title with his teammates, reconciled warmly with Rony, and reassured his family that he was safe.

• Su Dong dribbled 75 meters and scored Bayern’s winning goal in the ninetieth minute, then collapsed with cramps and was carried off to a standing ovation.
• Heynckes made a substitution as Bayern played a man down, and the team held off Manchester United’s attacks until the referee ended the match in the ninety-sixth minute.
• Bayern celebrated their Champions League title, their first in seven years, while Su Dong recovered at the sideline and was tossed into the air by his teammates.
• Rony congratulated Su Dong, admitted that the final goal had convinced him to concede defeat, and promised to keep competing with him.
• Su Dong greeted his parents and Wang Chuqing from beneath their seats, silently assuring them that he had won and was uninjured.

After Bayern celebrated its historic treble, Su Dong resumed training and remained determined to win more consecutive Champions League titles. As Germany debated its goalkeepers for the European Cup, Barcelona announced major departures and revealed Jose Mourinho as its new manager.

• Su Dong recalled Bayern's celebrations in Moscow, including Kahn's emotional farewell, and resolved to keep pursuing Champions League titles.
• Su Dong trained in the gym before Bayern returned to Munich and celebrated its treble with a citywide parade and banquet.
• Löw left Hildebrand out of Germany's European Cup squad and selected Adler instead, while Bayern considered recruiting Adler to replace Kahn.
• Rosell announced that Ronaldinho would transfer to AC Milan and Deco would move to Chelsea as Barcelona began a summer restructuring.
• Rosell named Jose Mourinho as Barcelona's new manager and said he had presented a detailed restructuring plan.

Mendes told Su Dong that Barcelona had hired Mourinho, who aimed to restore the club after its humiliating defeat to Bayern and Su Dong. As Bayern prepared to renew Su Dong’s contract and address its goalkeeping needs, Su Dong favored Neuer’s potential over René Adler’s steadier performances.

• Mendes told Su Dong that Barcelona had chosen Mourinho, while Guardiola had declined an assistant-coach role and stayed with the Second Team.
• Mendes came to discuss Su Dong’s Bayern contract renewal and said Hoeness expected targeted signings because the club faced financial pressure.
• Su Dong identified goalkeeper as Bayern’s most important position to strengthen after Kahn’s retirement.
• Mendes asked Su Dong what he thought about Bayern’s interest in René Adler, but Su Dong declined to take charge of transfer decisions.
• Su Dong recalled that he and Bayern’s leaders had judged Neuer to have greater potential than Adler, and he said he leaned toward Neuer.

Su Dong renewed his Bayern contract and traveled through Switzerland with Wang Chuqing to watch Rony and Portugal at the European Cup. Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals but fell to Germany, while Germany and Spain reached the final.

• Su Dong renewed his Bayern contract for one year at a time and received nearly sixty million euros in bonuses and revenue shares.
• Su Dong's parents returned home after seeing his windfall, and Su Dong and Wang Chuqing began their European Cup trip, paid for by Rony.
• Portugal beat Turkey two-nil despite Rony hitting the woodwork three times, and Su Dong teased him before they discussed the match.
• Portugal defeated the Czech Republic three-one, then lost to Switzerland with a reserve lineup before Germany eliminated them three-two in the quarterfinals.
• Croatia's Modrić impressed at the tournament, while Russia's Arshavin emerged as a star despite Russia's semifinal loss to Spain.
• Germany defeated Turkey in the semifinals and advanced to the final against Spain.

Su Dong watched Spain defeat Germany 1–0 in the European Cup final and discussed Germany’s performance and future with Beckenbauer. The match deepened Su Dong’s understanding of how long-term youth development forged top teams, while Beckenbauer began considering whether Su Dong might play for Germany.

• Su Dong watched Spain target Lahm’s side, and Torres scored the decisive goal after racing past Lahm in the penalty area.
• Spain held its lead against Germany and won the European Cup, ending a forty-four-year wait for the title.
• Beckenbauer asked Su Dong to assess the match, and Su Dong said Spain deserved to win while Germany had been a level below its opponent.
• Su Dong and Beckenbauer discussed Germany’s prospects and the importance of youth development, including the future generation led by Toni Kroos.
• Beckenbauer considered Germany’s lack of a world-class striker and resolved to sound out Su Dong about representing Germany despite his previous refusals.

Bayern announced its sold-out home tickets, Asian tour, and plans to defend its treble as it built up its squad and training facilities for the new season. With Neuer, Tymoshchuk, and Olić joining, Bayern opened training camp while preparing to face a stronger Barcelona seeking revenge against Su Dong and Bayern.

• Rummenigge and Hoeness announced that Bayern's home tickets had sold out and outlined the club's Asian tour and treble ambitions.
• Bayern signed Tymoshchuk from Saint Petersburg Zenit for €11 million and Olić from Hamburg for €3 million, while promoting Thomas Müller, Contento, and Badstuber to the First Team.
• Bayern chose Neuer over Adler and agreed to sign him from Schalke 04 for €15 million plus up to €5 million in variable fees.
• Rummenigge announced a two-year upgrade of Bayern's training base and youth facilities.
• Three days after the European Cup final, Heynckes opened Bayern's summer training camp, with Neuer set to join after completing his transfer.
• Bayern prepared for a stronger Barcelona, which had recruited heavily under Mourinho and sought revenge against Su Dong and Bayern.

Su Dong welcomed Manuel Neuer to Bayern and watched him endure demanding goalkeeper training as he competed with Rensing. Neuer impressed the coaching staff with his persistence, while Bayern’s training camp ended with a 7–0 friendly win before the team departed for Singapore.

• Su Dong greeted Neuer, who thanked him for recommending him to Bayern and declared his ambition to become the starting goalkeeper.
• Neuer struggled through Sepp Maier and Bernd Dreher’s medicine-ball drills, while Rensing showed his familiarity with the exercise.
• Neuer stayed behind after training to practice saving medicine balls, and Su Dong praised his determination to Heynckes.
• Su Dong predicted Neuer would become Bayern’s starter within the first five Bundesliga rounds, but Heynckes declined to bet against him.
• Neuer continued his extra training, and Su Dong arranged a recovery program for him through Grant Downing.
• Bayern defeated a regional team 7–0 in a friendly, then completed training in Donaueschingen and flew to Singapore for their Asian tour.

Bayern and Su Dong toured Asia, winning all six friendlies while drawing huge crowds and generating major commercial success. After the team returned to Munich, Heynckes gave the players time to recover before the German Super Cup.

• Bayern opened the tour in Singapore, where Su Dong scored a hat trick in a five-nil win over the national team.
• Bayern defeated Kashima Antlers three-nil in Tokyo as Su Dong scored twice, then beat Suwon Samsung four-one in Seoul with another Su Dong hat trick.
• In Shanghai, Bayern won five-nil as substitute Su Dong scored twice, then beat a Chinese star team six-two in the capital, where Su Dong declined interviews.
• Bayern finished the tour in India by defeating Bagan eight-nil before more than one hundred thousand fans.
• Bayern completed the six-match tour unbeaten and earned fifteen million euros in direct revenue, while Deloitte identified Su Dong as the tour's key draw.
• After Bayern returned to Munich, Heynckes gave the players time off to recover for the German Super Cup.

Ferran Soriano traveled secretly to Abu Dhabi to meet Mansour and discuss taking charge of Man City after its acquisition. Mansour wanted Soriano to build the club into a global powerhouse and asked whether he could bring Su Dong to the team.

• Soriano left his public vacation in Dubai and flew to Abu Dhabi, where Mansour and Mubarak welcomed him.
• Mansour explained that he planned to buy Man City and wanted Soriano to lead the club for the long term.
• Soriano outlined plans to reform Man City's management, hire Begiristain as Technical Director, and build the club's strength and brand.
• Mansour showed Soriano a newspaper photograph of Su Dong and asked if he could persuade the star to join Man City.
• Soriano said Su Dong was his friend and could make Man City famous worldwide, but warned that he would be expensive.
• Mansour laughed and said he had plenty of money.

Su Dong discussed his parents’ growing property investments with Wang Chuqing, who agreed to return to China to help manage them. Meanwhile, Mourinho introduced his plans for Barcelona, praised Su Dong, and declared his ambition to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and defeat Bayern in the Champions League.

• Wang Chuqing told Su Dong that his parents wanted to invest more in Chinese property and needed her help handling their affairs.
• Su Dong and Wang Chuqing joked about his parents treating him like a wallet, then spent the morning together before she prepared to return to China.
• Mourinho held his first press conference as Barcelona manager and rejected Cruyff’s criticism of his appointment and methods.
• Mourinho said Barcelona needed to rebuild a competitive style and prioritize winning before debating its football identity.
• Mourinho named Cristiano Ronaldo as a transfer target, said he would contact Ferguson, and claimed Barcelona could challenge Su Dong if it signed Ronaldo and had Messi.
• Mourinho said he knew how to stop Su Dong and hoped to meet Bayern in the Champions League so he could defeat the defending champions.