Ch. 701Guys, What Happened to the Trust We Agreed On?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich's management, composed of former players, fosters trust and professionalism, ensuring players feel at home even away from home, like using familiar team buses.
  • The match against Bayer Leverkusen is a showdown between Bayern's Manuel Neuer and Leverkusen's René Adler for the German national team's starting goalkeeper position.
  • Su Dong scores a brace against Leverkusen, but Neuer's mistake leads to a goal, resulting in a 2-1 home win for Bayern.
  • Bayern secures first place in their Champions League group with a 1-0 win over Zurich.
  • Su Dong scores a hat-trick against Hannover 96, assisted by Toni Kroos' hat-trick of assists.
  • Su Dong scores another hat-trick against Berlin Hertha, with Robben returning and assisting two of the goals.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong's form improves, scoring hat-tricks in consecutive matches.
  • Manuel Neuer shows his reckless side, making a costly mistake against Leverkusen but also demonstrating his skill.
  • Toni Kroos proves his value with precise passes, assisting Su Dong's hat-tricks.
  • Robben returns from injury and contributes to Bayern's victories with assists.

Significant Themes

  • Trust: Bayern's management emphasizes trust, ensuring players feel comfortable and perform at their best.
  • Professionalism: Bayern's commitment to professionalism sets it apart from other European clubs, contributing to its dominance.
  • Competition: The competition for the German national team's starting goalkeeper position between Neuer and Adler is a significant subplot.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Neuer have a friendly rivalry, with Su Dong teasing Neuer about his mistake against Leverkusen.
  • Toni Kroos and Su Dong develop a strong on-field partnership, with Kroos assisting all of Su Dong's goals in two matches.
  • Robben and Su Dong combine well, with Robben assisting two of Su Dong's goals against Hertha.

Ch. 702Four-Time Ballon d'Or Winner

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Dong, a 25-year-old footballer, is on the verge of winning his fourth Ballon d'Or, an unprecedented achievement.
  • Kicker magazine, one of the oldest and most influential football magazines, is preparing a special issue dedicated to Su Dong's historic win.
  • France Football Magazine, the organizer of the Ballon d'Or, maintains secrecy until the last moment, but the outcome is already certain.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: His historical status is set to rise significantly with his fourth Ballon d'Or win. His achievements at Bayern Munich have made him a club legend.
  • Rainer Holzschuh (Kicker's Editor-in-Chief): He is excited and inspired by Su Dong's achievements and the impact they will have on the football world.

Significant Themes

  • Historical Status and Legacy: The chapter explores how Su Dong's fourth Ballon d'Or win will elevate his historical status and legacy in football.
  • Rivalry and Competition: There's a sense of rivalry between Kicker and France Football Magazine, with Holzschuh taking pleasure in France Football's frustration over the leaked result.

Character Interactions

  • Holzschuh's thoughts and actions are the primary focus, as he prepares a column and reflects on Su Dong's impact on football.
  • Holzschuh mentions other football legends and their Ballon d'Or wins, comparing them to Su Dong's achievements.

Ch. 703Don't Ask for Trouble and You Won't Die!

Key Plot Points and Events

  1. Su Dong wins his fourth Ballon d'Or, setting a new record with 478 points.
  2. KPMG ranks Su Dong as the most valuable player at 200 million Euros, twice as much as Messi.
  3. Bayern's management philosophy shift and Su Dong's potential departure are discussed.
  4. FIFA announces the World Footballer of the Year finalists, with Su Dong leading.
  5. Bayern uses the new World Cup match ball for the first time, with Su Dong scoring a goal despite initial struggles with the ball.
  6. Su Dong attends the Ballon d'Or ceremony, thanking various people and expressing his desire to continue winning.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: Solidifies his status as the world's best player, wins his fourth Ballon d'Or, and expresses ambition to continue winning.
  • Xiao Mier (Ballon d'Or Editor-in-Chief): Struggles internally with Su Dong's dominance, which makes the award less suspenseful.

Significant Themes

  1. Dominance and Predictability: Su Dong's overwhelming dominance makes the Ballon d'Or outcome predictable, causing internal conflict for Xiao Mier.
  2. Legacy and History: Su Dong's fourth win sets a new record, making him the first player to achieve this feat and creating his own era in football history.
  3. Management Philosophy and Player Value: Bayern's shift in management philosophy and Su Dong's high valuation spark discussions about his potential departure.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Xiao Mier: Their relationship is good personally, but Xiao Mier struggles professionally due to Su Dong's dominance.
  • Su Dong and Bayern: Su Dong thanks his current team and management for their support during his acceptance speech.

Ch. 704Mining Bayern's Wall

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich plays Juventus in the final group stage match of the Champions League, expecting an easy win due to Juventus' poor form. However, Juventus' poor performance surprises everyone, and Bayern wins 4-1.
  • Bordeaux also advances, while Juventus finishes third. Juventus faces heavy criticism for their performance.
  • In the Bundesliga, Bayern crushes Bochum 6-0, securing the top spot for the first half of the season.
  • Bayern travels to Abu Dhabi for the Club World Cup. Their first opponent is Atlante from Mexico.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong continues to demonstrate his leadership and tactical understanding, even analyzing Man City's issues and offering solutions.
  • Heynckes shows confusion and surprise at Bayern's easy win against Juventus.
  • Juventus' coach Ferrara faces strong criticism for his team's performance.

Significant Themes

  • The power dynamics and influence of wealthy owners in football, exemplified by Mansour's visit to Bayern.
  • The importance of team balance and suitable players for a tactical system, as seen in Man City's struggles.

Character Interactions

  • Mansour visits Bayern, expressing his support and wishing them success. He also meets with Su Dong, Soriano, and Begiristain to discuss potential transfers.
  • Su Dong, Soriano, and Begiristain discuss Man City's performance, tactics, and Su Dong's potential role in the team.
  • Heynckes and the Bayern players are surprised by Juventus' poor performance and their own easy win.

Ch. 705You Don't Know How to Play by the Rules?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Manchester City (MC) is preparing for both league and cup competitions, aiming to secure a European spot and win a cup.
  • MC faces Manchester United in the League Cup semi-finals, a significant challenge.
  • MC's league performance is struggling, affecting their chances of qualifying for European competition.

Character Developments

  • Pep Guardiola: Struggles with results despite his attractive, possession-based tactics. His future at MC is uncertain due to criticism from media and fans.
  • Su Dong: Remains neutral about joining MC, considering various factors including performance, sponsors, and personal goals.

Significant Themes

  • Results vs. Process: Guardiola's tactics are praised, but his lack of results is a major issue.
  • Stability vs. Explosiveness: MC's stable possession play lacks explosive power, affecting their league performance.
  • Commercial Value: Su Dong's high commercial value is a significant draw for MC.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and MC Management (Mansour, Soriano, Begiristain): Su Dong doesn't give a direct response to MC's offer, leaving the management hopeful but uncertain.
  • Su Dong and Bayern Teammates (Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos): Su Dong returns to his hotel room to find his teammates waiting. They discuss the upcoming season and MC's offer.

Ch. 706You Go, I'll Go!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The chapter discusses the midfield dynamics of Barcelona's "Dream Team II" and the Spanish national team, focusing on the Xavi-Iniesta combination.
  • It explores the possibility of Manchester City signing Luka Modrić or Toni Kroos to complement their midfield, with Su Dong preferring Kroos due to his long-passing ability.
  • Su Dong considers transferring to Manchester City, and his teammates Pepe and Marcelo express their willingness to join him if he goes.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: Reveals his desire to challenge himself in the Premier League to prove his abilities and dispel doubts about his skill.
  • Toni Kroos: Shows concern for Su Dong's potential transfer and asks about his reasons for wanting to go to the Premier League.
  • Pepe and Marcelo: Express their loyalty to Su Dong, stating they would join him if he transfers to Manchester City.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of defined roles in modern football systems.
  • The challenge and desire for self-proof in football.
  • The influence of media and public perception on players' careers.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Toni Kroos: Discuss Su Dong's potential transfer and his reasons for wanting to go to the Premier League.
  • Su Dong, Pepe, and Marcelo: Discuss the possibility of transferring to Manchester City together, showing their camaraderie and loyalty.

Ch. 707Champion Specialist

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich faces Atlante in the Club World Cup semi-final. Atlante's coach, Jose Cruz, expresses confidence in their attack-focused strategy to counter Bayern, but Su Dong scores a goal within four minutes, leading to a 4-0 victory for Bayern.
  • In the final against the Argentinian Students Team, Su Dong scores a hat-trick, securing a 3-0 win for Bayern. He is named the Best Player of the Club World Cup.
  • Bayern's victory is widely praised, with media outlets and football organizations recognizing Su Dong's exceptional performance.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong continues to prove his worth as a match-changing player, solidifying his status as a superstar and a key player in Bayern's success.
  • Jose Cruz, Atlante's coach, is humbled by Su Dong's performance, his pre-match confidence proven wrong.
  • Mansour, the owner of Manchester City, expresses his desire to sign Su Dong, putting pressure on Man City's management to improve the team's performance.

Significant Themes

  • The power of preparation and strategy in football, as seen in Jose Cruz's initial confidence and subsequent humbling.
  • The impact of a single player on a team's success, demonstrated by Su Dong's influence on Bayern's performance.
  • The pressure and expectations that come with high investment in football, as experienced by Man City's management.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong's interaction with Bayern's fans and the media solidifies his status as a beloved and respected player.
  • Mansour's interaction with Man City's management reflects his growing impatience with the team's performance and his desire to sign Su Dong.
  • Su Dong's interaction with Mansour during the awards ceremony hints at potential future opportunities for the player.

Ch. 708Beating Down Rony

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Dong attends a press conference in Zurich with Messi, Xavi, Kaka, and Rony before the FIFA awards ceremony.
  • Su Dong wins the Puskás Award for the best goal of the year and is named in the Annual Best Team.
  • Su Dong is crowned the World Player of the Year (Men) for the fourth consecutive time.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong shows confidence and humor in handling media questions, supporting his friend Rony, and deflecting questions about the Chinese national team.
  • Rony defends Su Dong when a reporter asks about his potential inclusion in the Chinese national team.
  • Messi supports Su Dong and engages in friendly banter with Rony during the press conference.
  • Su Dong accepts his awards graciously, thanking his family, friends, and teammates.

Significant Themes

  • Friendship and camaraderie among footballers, as seen in the interactions between Su Dong, Rony, Messi, Xavi, and Kaka.
  • The tension between Su Dong's international career and his relationship with the Chinese Football Association.
  • The media's role in football and the dynamics between reporters and superstar players.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong, Rony, Messi, Xavi, and Kaka reunite and catch up before the press conference, displaying their close friendship.
  • Su Dong, Rony, and Messi engage in playful banter during the press conference, deflecting sensitive topics and entertaining the media.
  • Su Dong and Rony show mutual support and understanding, with Rony defending Su Dong when asked about the Chinese national team.
  • Su Dong and Messi express admiration for each other's skills and accomplishments.

Ch. 709Best Frenemies

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Dong wins the World Footballer of the Year award for the fourth time.
  • He reunites with Rony, Messi, and Iniesta, reminiscing about past incidents and making plans to visit Pepe.
  • Bayern Munich's winter break is shorter due to the upcoming World Cup, and the transfer market is slow worldwide.
  • Bayern goes to Dubai for winter training, with Heynckes lifting the curfew for team bonding.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong remains humble and focused on his career despite his achievements.
  • Rony is portrayed as a playful and loyal friend, willing to support Su Dong in any way.
  • Messi and Iniesta are shown as close friends who share in the camaraderie and laughter.
  • Heynckes demonstrates his understanding of team dynamics by lifting the curfew to boost morale.

Significant Themes

  • Friendship: The chapter emphasizes the strong bond between Su Dong, Rony, Messi, and Iniesta, highlighting their shared history and support for each other.
  • Loyalty: Rony's willingness to have a child for Su Dong, and the friends' agreement to keep their past antics a secret, underscore their loyalty.
  • Teamwork: Heynckes' decision to lift the curfew, with the condition that players act collectively, underscores the importance of teamwork.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong, Rony, Messi, and Iniesta interact as close friends, sharing laughter and memories.
  • Heynckes interacts with the Bayern Munich team, showing understanding and support for their well-being during winter training.

Ch. 710Where Will Su Dong Go?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern plays a warm-up match against Basel in Switzerland.
  • Su Dong comes on as a substitute and scores a hat-trick, leading Bayern to a 3-1 comeback victory.
  • Hitzfeld and Hoeness discuss Su Dong's future and Bayern's financial planning.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong proves his exceptional skills and importance to the team.
  • Hitzfeld reflects on his decision not to coach Bayern when they pursued Su Dong earlier.
  • Hoeness reveals Bayern's long-term financial strategy and the challenges of retaining top players.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of financial planning and sustainability in football management.
  • The pressure and challenges of coaching top-tier teams.
  • The impact of player transfers on team dynamics and results.

Character Interactions

  • Hitzfeld and Hoeness discuss Su Dong's potential departure and Bayern's future.
  • Hoeness shares his concerns about the increasing wealth of other clubs and its impact on player salaries.
  • Hitzfeld and Hoeness reminisce about past decisions and the evolution of football.

Ch. 711A Thousand Gold Pieces to Buy a Bone

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Dong returns to Munich and is visited by his agent team and Mendes to discuss a potential transfer.
  • Bayern is also preparing for Su Dong's possible departure by considering alternative center forwards.
  • Mendes reveals that Real Madrid and Manchester City are the most interested in signing Su Dong, with Man City offering a post-tax annual salary of fifty million Euros and a signing bonus of fifty million Euros per year for a five-year contract.
  • Su Dong decides to keep the transfer negotiations secret until the end of the season.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong shows concern for Bayern's performance and doesn't want the transfer talks to affect the team's focus on the season's games, particularly the Champions League.
  • Wang Chuqing, Su Dong's fiancée and lawyer, demonstrates her understanding of Su Dong's decisions and suggests visiting England to prepare for a potential move.
  • Ma Dawei shows his enthusiasm for the potential financial gains of the transfer.

Significant Themes

  • The impact of a superstar player's transfer on a team's performance and finances.
  • The influence of a player's reputation on a team's ability to attract other top players.
  • The role of agents and lawyers in transfer negotiations.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong, Mendes, and Ma Dawei discuss the potential transfer and its implications.
  • Su Dong and Wang Chuqing discuss the possibility of buying land and building a house in Cheshire if the transfer to Man City happens.
  • Mendes reveals the interest of Real Madrid and Manchester City in signing Su Dong, with Man City offering a substantial contract.

Ch. 7122010's First Goal

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich hosts Hoffenheim at home in the Bundesliga's first match of 2010.
  • Su Dong, Bayern's star player, is celebrated with a guard of honor and fan banners for his recent Ballon d'Or and World Footballer of the Year awards.
  • Bayern wins 4-0 against Hoffenheim, with Su Dong scoring a brace.
  • A week later, Bayern beats Werder Bremen 5-2 away.
  • In the next home match against Mainz, Bayern wins 5-0 despite harsh weather conditions.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: He continues to shine, scoring multiple goals and leading Bayern to victories. His influence on the team and fans grows, as evident in the pre-match celebrations.
  • Pep Guardiola (Heynckes): The coach is pleased with the team's performance but criticizes their defensive lapses after the Werder Bremen match.

Significant Themes

  • Su Dong's Stardom: His recent awards and the fans' adoration highlight his status as a superstar and the team's key player.
  • Bayern's Dominance: Despite injuries and tough opponents, Bayern maintains its winning streak, demonstrating the team's strength and resilience.
  • Challenging Weather Conditions: The harsh weather in the Mainz match adds an extra layer of difficulty for both teams.

Character Interactions

  • Bayern Players: The team plays well together, with notable interplay between Su Dong, Robben, and Müller, leading to multiple goals.
  • Bayern Fans and Su Dong: The fans show their love and support for Su Dong, cheering him on and celebrating his achievements.
  • Heynckes and the Team: The coach praises the team's performance but also highlights areas for improvement, fostering a culture of continuous growth.

Ch. 713Spy War at San Siro

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich plays away against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, winning 3-0 with goals from Robben, Su Dong, and Ribéry.
  • Bayern draws AC Milan in the Champions League Round of 16, with Heynckes acknowledging Milan's strength and unpredictability.
  • Bayern thrashes Fürth 6-0 in the German Cup quarter-finals and beats Dortmund 3-1 in the Bundesliga.
  • Heynckes secretly attends AC Milan's match against Udinese to scout their tactics and players.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: Proves his value by carrying Bayern's offense during Ribéry and Robben's injuries. Despite a decrease in Champions League goals, he remains one of the top scorers. Heynckes expects his performance to improve with the return of Ribéry and Robben.
  • Ribéry and Robben: Both return from injury, boosting Bayern's prospects for the Champions League knockout stage.
  • Heynckes: Shows strategic thinking by scouting AC Milan's match and sharing his findings with the team.

Significant Themes

  • Teamwork and Adaptability: Su Dong steps up during injuries, and the team adapts to maintain their lead.
  • Strategic Planning: Heynckes' scouting mission highlights the importance of preparation and intelligence gathering in high-stakes matches.
  • Unpredictability: Both Heynckes and Leonardo acknowledge the uncertainty and potential surprises in their upcoming clash.

Character Interactions

  • Heynckes and Su Dong: Heynckes values Su Dong's input on Ronaldinho, showing respect for the player's insights and experience.
  • Bayern Players: The team works together to secure wins against Wolfsburg, Fürth, and Dortmund, demonstrating unity and resilience.
  • Heynckes and AC Milan: Heynckes acknowledges AC Milan's strength and expects a challenging match, setting the stage for a tense encounter.

Ch. 714Winning Big Time

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern arrives in Milan for the Champions League match against AC Milan.
  • The team watches a recording of AC Milan's recent 3-2 victory over Udinese.
  • Heynckes announces the starting lineup: Neuer, Marcelo, Pepe, Lucio, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Mascherano, Modrić, Ribéry, Su Dong, Robben.
  • Heynckes' strategy involves Ribéry and Robben supporting the midfield, Schweinsteiger pressing Pirlo, and using long passes for counter-attacks.
  • Su Dong requests Schweinsteiger to leave space between AC Milan's midfield and defense during attacks.

Character Developments

  • Heynckes: Shows strategic prowess by devising a plan to counter AC Milan's strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
  • Su Dong: Demonstrates tactical understanding by analyzing AC Milan's center-backs and requesting Schweinsteiger's support.

Significant Themes

  • Tactical Competition: The chapter highlights the tactical battle between Heynckes and Leonardo, with both coaches aiming to outmaneuver the other.
  • Media Influence: The Italian media's coverage and opinions are shown to stir fan interest but have little impact on the teams' decisions.

Character Interactions

  • Heynckes and the Team: Heynckes shares his tactical plan with the team, and they discuss and contribute to the strategy.
  • Su Dong and Pepe: Su Dong shares his analysis of AC Milan's center-backs with Pepe, demonstrating his tactical awareness.

Ch. 715A Genius's Flash of Brilliance

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Dong reunites with Ronaldinho before the match; Ronaldinho seems determined and in good form.
  • AC Milan starts the match aggressively, pressing Bayern in their own half.
  • Ronaldinho scores a spectacular volley from a Beckham free-kick in the 3rd minute.
  • Ronaldinho continues to showcase his skills, creating danger for Bayern with his dribbling and passing.
  • Bayern struggles to contain Ronaldinho; Heynckes adjusts tactics to limit his influence.

Character Developments

  • Ronaldinho: Shows determination and excellent form, scoring a goal and creating chances. He seems to have a point to prove.
  • Su Dong: Recognizes Ronaldinho's threat and warns his teammates, but feels helpless against Ronaldinho's brilliance.
  • Lahm, Lucio, and Modrić: Struggle to defend against Ronaldinho, leading Heynckes to adjust their marking.

Significant Themes

  • The unpredictability of genius: Ronaldinho's form and performance are unpredictable, and his brilliance can turn a match at any moment.
  • The importance of focus and concentration: Bayern struggles to maintain focus, allowing Ronaldinho to create danger.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Ronaldinho: Reunite before the match, showcasing their friendly rivalry. Su Dong warns his teammates about Ronaldinho's threat.
  • Ronaldinho and AC Milan teammates: Ronaldinho interacts with his teammates, appearing excited and determined to perform well.
  • Bayern players and Heynckes: Struggle to defend against Ronaldinho, leading Heynckes to adjust their tactics to limit his influence.

Ch. 716Su Dong's Counterattack

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ronaldinho scores a stunning goal for AC Milan, putting Bayern under pressure.
  • Neuer fumbles Ronaldinho's shot, but Pepe saves Bayern from conceding a second goal.
  • Su Dong equalizes for Bayern with a powerful long-range shot, responding to Ronaldinho's goal.

Character Developments

  • Neuer shows vulnerability, fumbling a shot he should have saved.
  • Pepe demonstrates his importance with a crucial intervention.
  • Su Dong proves his leadership and goal-scoring prowess, inspiring his teammates.

Significant Themes

  • The power of superstar players (Ronaldinho, Su Dong).
  • Teamwork and unity under pressure.
  • The importance of heeding warnings and learning from mistakes.

Character Interactions

  • Neuer and Pepe acknowledge each other's good play after the incident.
  • Su Dong's teammates listen to his instructions and follow his lead.
  • Bayern players unite and respond to Su Dong's directions, showing team solidarity.

Ch. 717Su Dong Was Simply Too Strong!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich scores two quick goals after equalizing, both involving Su Dong.
  • Su Dong scores a hat-trick, including a goal with a knee header, putting Bayern ahead 3-1.
  • AC Milan struggles to keep up with Bayern's midfield control and team play.
  • Leonardo makes substitutions, including Seedorf and Inzaghi, to bolster AC Milan's attack, but they can't score enough to catch up.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong proves his exceptional skills and adaptability, scoring a hat-trick despite tough defense.
  • Leonardo, AC Milan's coach, struggles to find effective strategies to counter Bayern's midfield control and Su Dong's scoring prowess.
  • Players like Ronaldinho, Pirlo, and Inzaghi show moments of brilliance but can't turn the tide for AC Milan.

Significant Themes

  • The power of team play and midfield control over individual brilliance.
  • The struggle between a strong offense (Bayern) and a strong defense (AC Milan).
  • The pressure of high-stakes matches and the need to adapt strategies accordingly.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Bayern's players work together effectively, with Su Dong's goals boosting team morale and confidence.
  • Leonardo and AC Milan's players struggle to communicate and execute effective strategies against Bayern's dominant play.
  • Su Dong and Bayern's goalkeeper Neuer have a friendly rivalry, with Neuer saving a knuckleball shot and giving Su Dong a thumbs-up.

Ch. 718We Need Su Dong!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich defeats AC Milan 3-1 away in the Champions League, thanks to Su Dong's hat trick.
  • Su Dong's performance propels him to the top of the Champions League scoring chart.
  • Real Madrid loses 0-1 to Lyon away, struggling to score despite dominant possession.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong proves his worth as a match-winner and a team player, silencing doubters.
  • Leonardo (AC Milan coach) acknowledges Su Dong's impact and Bayern's teamwork.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid's forwards struggle to score, highlighting their need for a player like Su Dong.

Significant Themes

  • Teamwork vs Individualism: Bayern's success is attributed to their teamwork, while AC Milan and Real Madrid struggle due to over-reliance on individual stars.
  • Importance of a Core Player: Both Milan and Real Madrid lack a core player like Su Dong, leading to their defeats.
  • Home Advantage: Both Bayern and Real Madrid are expected to capitalize on their home advantage in the second legs.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and his Bayern teammates work together to score goals and defend their lead.
  • Leonardo and Heynckes (Bayern coach) discuss their strategies and player performances post-match.
  • Real Madrid's forwards struggle to connect, highlighting their lack of cohesion.

Ch. 719Heynckes, That Rotten Old Man, Was Really Cunning!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Bayern Munich faces Nuremberg and Hamburg in Bundesliga matches, with significant wins.
  • Bayern celebrates its 110th anniversary with a match against Hamburg, which they win 3-0.
  • Bayern draws 1-1 with Cologne in a less important match.
  • In the Champions League, Bayern defeats AC Milan 5-1 on aggregate, securing a spot in the quarterfinals.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: Emerges as a key player, scoring crucial goals and assists in both Bundesliga and Champions League matches. His performance earns him the title of "best player" in the anniversary match against Hamburg.
  • Jupp Heynckes: Demonstrates his tactical prowess by employing a defensive strategy and counter-attacks against AC Milan, securing a comfortable win.

Significant Themes

  • Teamwork and Perseverance: Bayern's success relies on the collective effort of the team, with key players like Su Dong, Schweinsteiger, and Robben contributing to victories.
  • Tactical Awareness: Heynckes' strategic decisions, such as rotating the squad and employing a defensive approach against AC Milan, highlight the importance of tactical awareness in football.

Character Interactions

  • Su Dong and Bayern Fans: The striker's performance and celebration of Bayern's 110th anniversary strengthen his bond with the fans, who cheer him enthusiastically.
  • Heynckes and AC Milan: The coach outsmarts AC Milan's manager, Leonardo, by employing a defensive strategy and launching surprise counter-attacks, leading to a comfortable win for Bayern.

Ch. 720Free Kick Hat Trick

Key Plot Points and Events

  • AC Milan's head coach, Leon, kicks down the away locker room door at the Allianz Arena after losing to Bayern, demonstrating his fury and frustration.
  • Bayern hosts Freiburg in the Bundesliga, with Su Dong coming off the bench to score a direct free kick equalizer in the 65th minute.
  • Su Dong scores another direct free kick in the 71st minute, completing a brace.
  • Bayern's players consider creating more free kick opportunities for Su Dong to attempt a hat-trick.

Character Developments

  • Su Dong: Demonstrates his skill and confidence in taking direct free kicks, scoring a brace and showing ambition for a hat-trick.
  • Leon (AC Milan's coach): Shows intense emotions and frustration after losing to Bayern, physically venting his anger by kicking down the locker room door.
  • Heynckes (Bayern's coach): Known for his cunning strategies and ability to manage the locker room, he is respected yet feared by the players.

Significant Themes

  • Frustration and Anger: Leon's intense reaction to losing and Su Dong's determination to score a hat-trick after years of trying.
  • Ambition and Perfectionism: Su Dong's desire to achieve a perfect hat-trick and his teammates' support in helping him reach this goal.
  • Respect and Fear: The players' feelings towards Heynckes, who is both respected for his skills and feared for his cunning strategies.

Character Interactions

  • Bayern Players: They laugh about Leon's actions, discuss Heynckes' tactics, and support Su Dong's ambition to score a hat-trick.
  • Su Dong and Pepe: Pepe understands Su Dong's perfectionist nature and encourages him to go for a hat-trick.
  • Su Dong and Bayern Teammates: They discuss the rarity of a free-kick hat-trick and decide to create more opportunities for Su Dong to attempt it.
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