Bayern's fans had wanted to intimidate the visiting team, but they ended up frightening themselves instead.
When the Sampdoria fans raised their hands, they even feared a Roman salute might appear.
Thankfully, Sampdoria's fans still had some sense.
Even so, the sight of 3,000 people saluting was equally shocking.
Heynckes stood in the tunnel and could not help cursing.
Even the German media had reprinted the Italian reports, curious about what was going on with that African Fan.
The key was, if they wanted to stir things up, they should have waited. Why the hell did they have to do it when Sampdoria faced Bayern?
As the hottest player in European football over the past year or so.
And considering Dejan Lu's performances both on and off the pitch.
Heynckes knew today would probably be a brutal battle—especially brutal for Bayern.
When a star of this caliber was holding back a grudge, it was easy for him to produce a phenomenal performance. Naturally, the opponent would be the one suffering.
If Bayern were torn apart in a match the whole country was watching, they would probably face criticism from the Bayern board.
Sigh.
And this was their home ground.
"He really knows how to steal the spotlight."
Brian Laudrup said enviously.
He himself had a strong desire to perform. As Denmark's Footballer of the Year last year, he had thought he was already a big-name player, but once he came to a major European league, he realized they were not even in the same class.
Never mind ability—even in terms of popularity with the fans, there was no comparison.
This was simply the difference between a player and a star. Little Laudrup had no choice but to accept that reality.
Effenberg pressed one nostril shut and forcefully blew something out,