Keeping a Trump Card

April 14, 7:30 p.m.

Stamford Bridge in West London was ablaze with lights, as bright as day.

After more than 38,000 fans poured in, the enormous stands were packed to overflowing. The sea of heads made for a spectacular sight.

This globally anticipated clash was about to begin. The atmosphere inside the stadium grew increasingly tense and feverish.

The home fans were in high spirits, clearly hoping Chelsea could defeat Liverpool at home and erase their embarrassing record against strong teams this season. Though fewer in number, the visiting fans refused to be outdone. The noise they created was in no way inferior to that of the home supporters, which had something to do with the latter's lack of unity.

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was poor. It was a long-standing problem.

Captain John Terry appeared in the Presidential Tribune in a sharp suit. Because of an accumulation of yellow cards, he would miss tonight's clash, but he had still come to the stadium to be with the team.

He had just come out of the dressing room. He could tell that his teammates were fired up and determined to win. Head Coach Hiddink had also made thorough preparations, intent on sending Liverpool home empty-handed and wiping away their earlier humiliation.

Although Chelsea might well end the season empty-handed, eliminating a team as powerful as Liverpool from the Champions League would still be an achievement worth taking pride in.

"I hope everything goes smoothly!" Terry stared at the pitch and prayed silently.

Just then, a commotion came from near the Presidential Tribune exit.

Terry turned and saw the club owner, Abramovich, emerge from the passageway accompanied by club general manager Peter Kenyon, chairman Buck, assistant Marina Granovskaia, and the others. They walked toward the vacant seats in the center—in other