Champions League Team of the Season: No Real Madrid, No Barcelona (Still Begging for Monthly Votes!)

[Other sports books actually gained more monthly votes than us. This is unscientific! Monthly votes seem like they'll become more important later, so everyone, remember to vote for Taozi!!!]

"Lu, what were you just saying?"

Mateo came over to celebrate with Lu Yang.

Lu Yang smiled. "Nothing. I thought I saw Guardiola crying, and I was about to make fun of him."

"That really would be a rare sight." Mateo laughed along with him, then said naturally, "I feel like I'm dreaming right now. We're actually Champions League winners!"

"Will we still be standing here next season?"

Lu Yang hesitated slightly before saying, "I hope so."

In the distance, the referee motioned for Barcelona's players to return for the kickoff. He was preparing to end the match, but the formalities still had to be observed.

Lu Yang walked toward the center circle.

Mateo trailed half a step behind, watching Lu Yang's back.

He had heard what Lu Yang had just said.

Given Lu Yang's personality, his answer absolutely should not have been, "I hope so."

He should have been utterly certain.

So perhaps what he had hesitated over was not whether they would still be standing here next season.

But... whether there would still be an "us" next season!

Mateo's personal team was exceptionally comprehensive, including a dedicated specialist in international relations.

Otherwise, if he accepted or dropped the wrong endorsement, he would be in deep trouble.

When it came to managing his public image, Mateo was among the best in football.

Some time before the match, his staff had briefed—or rather, warned—him to speak less lately, especially on matters of international relations.

Because the whole world now seemed to be rather... unsettled.

Undercurrents were stirring everywhere.

Within Spain, the forces behind Barcelona had suddenly gained influence thanks to Barcelona's