During the Champions League preparations, the eyes of all of Europe, and even the world, were focused on this crucial match.
Having secured two titles—the Copa del Rey and the League—Real Madrid's momentum was soaring.
Despite missing out on the League title, Atlético Madrid maintained an extremely high level of competitiveness and remained a formidable opponent.
In external speculation, Real Madrid was given a higher probability of winning.
After all, they were the perennial victors of the Champions League; in terms of experience and other aspects, people were more inclined to trust Real Madrid's deep foundations.
For Atlético Madrid, this was considered a new force in the Champions League.
However, their performance throughout the season was also exceptionally good; although Real Madrid had a greater chance of winning, some fans who enjoyed the spectacle hoped Atlético Madrid would win, adding a dramatic twist to the football world.
According to media reports, both teams were actively preparing.
Although not much information was disclosed, rumors were flying everywhere.
Unverified news from various channels also influenced fans' judgment.
On Real Madrid's side, during this preparation period, they were also going all out, with everyone actively training to maintain their form above a certain standard.
"Excellent, that's all for today's training!"
After completing the daily training, Ancelotti announced the end of the session.
Real Madrid's players also walked back to the locker room.
Entering late May, major Leagues had successively concluded.
La Liga also finished one round early, with Real Madrid becoming this season's champion team, but they still couldn't relax; a more important Champions League Final lay ahead of them.
"Everyone else has already reported back to the National Team and started their training camp early."
While changing clothes, Srna said to Suker.
The Croatia National Team had already started their World Cup campaign mode early.
Although core Suker and captain Srna couldn't participate due to the ongoing matches, everyone else had already reported back to the National Team early to prepare for the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Currently, it could be said that, apart from Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, all other teams had entered World Cup mode.
And for Suker and others, they would immediately report back to the National Team after the Champions League Final, and then travel with the team to Brazil to prepare for the tournament.
"There are no absentees right now, which is good news. We can't be a drag; the final is important, but we must also keep ourselves in good condition!"
Suker instructed.
He himself wasn't afraid, after all, he had the State Recovery Card.
But Srna was different; that guy had a high injury rate at crucial moments, so Suker was still very worried.
Regarding Suker's concern, Srna also nodded, indicating that he would take it seriously.
Even without Suker's words, Srna was already self-regulating; he himself was aware of his physical condition. While the match had to be fought hard, it also had to be within a reasonable scope.
He couldn't let the Champions League Final affect the World Cup process.
After all, this might be his last chance!
Even for the team as a whole, this might be the last collective appearance of the 'Platinum Generation' on the world stage.
For this, Srna could not possibly not take it seriously!
Upon returning to the villa, the television station's filming crew had already left.
They only filmed during the day, and the content mostly involved daily routines with the team, without touching upon training or tactical aspects.
They also didn't overly disturb Suker's daily training; rather, they filmed in a follow-and-record mode, which Suker didn't find too troublesome.
The balance was just right.
"The National Team has confirmed they will head to Brazil on June 6th. After your match ends, there will be one week of adaptation training time!"
On the phone, Modrić said to Suker.
Suker: "Going to the venue a week early, then?"
"That's right, there's no need to go too early. The first time, we didn't have much experience, and going too early actually meant a lot of things to do."
"How are things on your end?"
"Not bad, everyone's spirits are high, and there's no excessive tension, as they've already experienced one World Cup, after all."
"Šimunić was selected; how's his form?"
"His form is very good, but he was still selected as a substitute. Besides some newcomers, we also need experienced veterans to step in, as the World Cup also has a high injury rate, requiring a certain bench depth. We can't completely rely on newcomers!"
Suker nodded; Bešić was still very cautious.
At this critical juncture, recalling some veterans in good form—these people's condition was still good, and most importantly, they had experience.
The latter was the most crucial factor!
After all, in the World Cup group stage and even the knockout stage, if a key player gets injured, there must be a replacement.
At this point, the value of a veteran comes into play!
"I know the Champions League Final is very important, but take it easy and don't get injured," Modrić reminded again.
"Don't worry!" Suker nodded; "I know what I'm doing!"
The two chatted briefly before hanging up the phone.
After Suker hung up the phone, Zorancic came downstairs.
"Several media outlets wanted to do a World Cup exclusive interview with you, but I rejected them all!"
Zorancic threw his phone on the coffee table and plopped down on the sofa, said.
Suker nodded: "Well done!"
Zorancic also smiled. It wasn't just that Suker disliked being disturbed before matches; it was also that these media outlets' offers weren't high, and Zorancic couldn't be bothered with them.
Many media outlets from Croatia also contacted Suker, but he ignored them all except for official media.
Official media were for promoting the World Cup's influence, so Zorancic could handle those matters, but he ignored other commercial media.
Besides that, there was Real Madrid!
Compared to Croatia, Real Madrid had access to more media, and after securing Suker's promotional contract, they spared no effort in championing Suker.
Many media outlets had already begun hyping news titled 'Suker's Missing Honor.'
Looking at Suker's list of honors, almost everything else was filled.
In the Leagues he played in, Suker had almost swept all major team and individual honors.
He also had many top honors like the Champions League.
He even won two European Cups!
Currently, Suker's only shortcoming was the World Cup.
For this, Real Madrid continuously spread this news, making fans understand the significance of this World Cup title for Suker, as well as the new positioning that a championship could bring.
Under Real Madrid's continuous promotion, many fans also understood what it would mean once Suker won the World Cup.
Of course, the prerequisite was that he absolutely had to win the World Cup; otherwise, everything would be for naught.
In this World Cup, the four major favorites were the host Brazil Team, reigning champions Spain, the Germany, and the Checkered Legion, Croatia.
On paper, these four teams were evenly matched.
The Brazil Team was undergoing a generational transition, with veterans like Kaka anchoring the midfield, Pato in his prime, and young talents like Neymar excelling.
Despite four years having passed, the Bullfighters' tiki-taka football still left an indelible impression, leading many to speculate about Spain's chances of retaining the title.
In the 2010 World Cup, the two teams that went the furthest were Germany and Croatia.
The emerging Germany appeared before fans with a fresh face, and their performance garnered much recognition and expectation from fans. At that time, Germany was still young, leading people to believe that with four more years of development, this group of German players would eventually stun the world!
Equally inexperienced was Croatia; Croatia's strength was now deeply ingrained in people's minds.
From a mid-tier European team, they continuously won the European Cup, leaping to become a world-class powerhouse.
After Davor Šuker, many believed Croatia would lie dormant for a while, but instead, a large new generation of players like Suker and Modrić emerged.
And this group of players had even more outstanding overall ability and performance.
Even producing world-class athletes like Suker, all of this seemed to indicate that Croatia was about to usher in a football feast.
Without these, it would be too great a pity.
It can be said that not only players like Suker, but also fans and previous generations of players were very much looking forward to this World Cup.
Their loss in the last World Cup might have been due to a lack of experience.
After all, at that time, from the coaching staff to the players, it was their first time participating in the World Cup, and they were not very familiar with many of the procedures and the direction of the World Cup.
But this time is different. After experiencing the baptism of various major competitions, they are now experienced veterans, which greatly increases their chances of winning the championship!
It would not be surprising if any of these four teams made it to the end.
In addition, the World Cup always sees some dark horse teams emerge, and this is also a focal point for fans.
Of course, in the ranking of players most concerned by fans, Suker naturally ranks first.
Not only is it based on publicity, but for many of Suker's fans, they also know that the only honor Suker is missing is a World Cup.
They are also extremely focused on this grand event.
Of course, this still requires more than half a month of anticipation. Before that, they can satisfy their craving with the Champions League.
Champions League preparations are always accompanied by busyness and tension.
Especially for the city of Madrid, this is also a different Champions League final experience for them.
Unlike before, this Champions League final is a city derby.
It seems as if the attention of the entire world is focused on the city of Madrid.
The attention on Real Madrid goes without saying, and Atlético Madrid has also become the focus of everyone's attention.
Simeone has truly led this La Liga mid-table team to the pinnacle!
The venue for the Champions League is located in Lisbon, the Capital of Portugal.
Estádio da Luz holds the right to host this Champions League!
And on the eve of the World Cup, Lisbon is also busily preparing for this Champions League feast.
The entire city is filled with a football atmosphere, with World Cup elements in every street and alley. World Cup theme songs are played on the streets, and fans sing and dance to the music.
Waves of fans parade through the streets, stirring up intense cheers from the surroundings.
Just like a school sports day, a surge of excitement fills the entire city, but compared to a sports day, this football feast is of an immeasurably larger scale.
On May 23rd, media from all over the world gathered at Lisbon's airport.
On this day, the two finalist teams will arrive here.
As they are teams from the same city, they arrived one after the other.
Atlético Madrid arrived in Lisbon first, with Simeone leading a host of Atlético Madrid players to appear on this final stage.
Looking at the dense crowd of reporters and a large number of fans, the Atlético Madrid players felt a mix of excitement and nervousness.
They had never received such attention before. Since reaching the Champions League final, the entire world seemed to revolve around them, and they felt a sense of unreality.
Especially for players who previously received little attention, their brilliant performances in this competition not only boosted their fame but also significantly increased their market value.
However, they had not yet had time to adapt, so facing such high-level treatment, their bodies were somewhat stiff, and their demeanor was not particularly composed.
They boarded the bus under Simeone's leadership, and only then did they slowly breathe a sigh of relief.
But there were also many players who curiously looked out the window.
They were curious. Participating in the Champions League final for the first time, they were full of curiosity about everything here.
Compared to Atlético Madrid's somewhat stiff performance, Real Madrid was much more natural in this situation.
Half an hour later, Real Madrid also arrived at the airport.
Compared to the former's nervous and stiff performance, the Real Madrid players appeared poised and confident.
After all, this was not their first time participating in the Champions League. These players had already won the Champions League twice, and some even more, so they were far from nervous.
As soon as the Real Madrid players appeared, they practically ignited the airport.
Known as the Galácticos, the first impression when mentioning Real Madrid is luxury.
This applies to both the squad and other aspects.
Looking at the familiar faces before them, these top players, the pillars of various National Teams, walked out of the airport one after another, and media reporters couldn't help but marvel at Real Madrid's so-called heritage.
The star players of other teams might not even be able to play as starters at Real Madrid.
And to be a star player here, if one doesn't reach Suker's level, it's simply unimaginable.
Suker naturally also attracted a great deal of attention.
He wore a black and white training outfit.
A white sports shirt, printed with various logos and the Real Madrid crest, black sweatpants, and a shoulder bag, wearing sunglasses, he leisurely walked at the very back of the team.
Suker didn't do anything specific, but people's eyes were naturally drawn to him.
However, facing the surging media and enthusiastic fans, Suker did not respond, but instead directly followed the team onto the bus and left the airport.
The arrival of both teams in Lisbon also ignited the city's final spark of passion.
Tomorrow night's Champions League will reveal this year's King of the Champions League.
Will it be the return of Real Madrid's king?
Or the coronation of Atlético Madrid's new king?
It seems that no matter which team wins the championship, it will generate a huge topic.
After Atlético Madrid settled in, Simeone came to the interview area on the first floor.
Facing the reporters arranged by UEFA, he spoke eloquently:
"The Lisbon final is our closest first time to the Champions League. This year has left us with a very deep impression, with many dizzying moments, too many matches."
"Although we are teams from the same city, we are different from Real Madrid. We are a more cohesive team. We are here because of the strength of the team. I believe we will create a miracle here!"
"How to evaluate Real Madrid? That will have to wait until after the match. Whether we win or lose, I will give you a satisfactory answer, but it's too early now!"
In the hotel interview area on the other side of Lisbon, Ancelotti looked at the reporter.
"That's what he said? They are more of a team? Well, perhaps!"
"Real Madrid is a new beginning for me. It's very difficult to integrate into this team. There's a unique pride here, and if you don't have some ability, they won't recognize you. Fortunately, I'm quite capable!"
"That's right, integration. Why should I control this place? I'm just the Head Coach, not the owner here. Besides, isn't it better to be friends with the players? Why treat them as employees or subordinates?"
"There's no hierarchy here. We are all partners striving for the championship! Our goals are consistent, which is why we came together."
"I believe that with our current State, we can win any match!"
The Champions League preview, with interviews from both Head Coaches, further heightened the fans' anticipation.
This short video appeared in various commentary previews.
"Both Head Coaches are full of confidence, eager for a big fight!"
"Just as the pre-match news suggested, both teams are ready, eagerly anticipating this final Champions League frenzy!"
"Besides these, there's also the player we're most concerned about, the superstar from Croatia, Real Madrid's core player, Suker!"
"Let's hear what he has to say about this Champions League final!"
Spanish commentator González smiled and looked at the big screen.
The big screen gradually darkened, eventually becoming completely black.
On the black screen, a white Spanish text appeared.
[This is your fifth Champions League final! What do you have to say about it?]
The screen gradually brightened, and under the illumination of the lights, Suker sat in the center of the frame.
His eyes looked towards the big screen, his gaze incredibly confident. That sense of confidence seemed to penetrate the screen, directly reaching the hearts of the fans.
The next second, Suker's lips parted slightly, revealing a smile.
"Finals! I've never lost in one before!"