Harry Kewell joined Liverpool in 2003.
That summer, he almost signed with Manchester United.
But United had already snapped up the little-known Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon.
Ferguson even went public with his high expectations for Ronaldo.
Kewell, a prodigy from Australia—hardly known as a football powerhouse—felt slighted. He didn't see why he should have to compete with an unproven youngster like Ronaldo.
So he turned down United's offer, joined Liverpool instead, and declared that United were in decline. He wanted to be at a club with genuine title ambitions.
Liverpool certainly had their moments—most notably last season's Champions League triumph.
But for Kewell personally, even after leading Australia to their first World Cup finals in thirty-two years, his fame, recognition, and individual accolades were nowhere close to Ronaldo's.
That's why he despised young prodigies.
And Su Hang looked every bit like another Ronaldo—perhaps even more gifted.
After all, Ronaldo had never worn Manchester United's captain's armband.
But Su Hang was already Real Madrid's first captain.
Before the match, Su Hang gave his reply. With such a massive clash ahead, he knew morale couldn't be allowed to dip.
Su Hang: "We're in excellent form and we've found our rhythm again.
I won't predict the exact outcome, but I will say this: nothing in this tie will stop Real Madrid from moving forward.
We know Liverpool's resilience—the Miracle of Istanbul is legendary.
But I believe the miracle we created last season was no less. Of course, in terms of prestige, the Champions League does carry more weight than a league title.
As for myself, I know I still have a lot to improve.
But if I were Harry Kewell, I'd have chosen Manchester United back then. Not because Liverpool are worse, but because only by facing direct competition can you become the very best."
Su Hang had spared Kewell some dignity.
He didn't outright say Kewell turned down United because he was afraid of competing with Ronaldo.
But his remark might have cut Morientes instead—
since Morientes had lost his starting spot to Su Hang and left for Liverpool.
In short, this Round of 16 clash had endless storylines, drawing huge attention.
...
February 22nd, Madrid, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Eighty-five thousand fans packed the stands.
This was the realm of the Whites.
"Welcome to tonight's Champions League knockout match. Your commentators will guide you through the action."
Thanks to Su Hang, CCTV had shown strong interest in the Champions League.
Though they had lost the rights after the competition was reformatted, UEFA knew football's influence in China and reopened negotiations.
This season, Real Madrid's matches were sold to CCTV at a bargain price, with hopes of landing a bigger deal later.
That meant fans across China could watch Real Madrid's Champions League games free on the widest platform available.
"This is truly a clash of giants!
Liverpool, last season's Champions League winners, line up as follows: up front, Morientes alongside Crouch. The lanky Crouch, at 2.02 meters, is the tallest active player in Europe's top five leagues.
In midfield from left to right: Harry Kewell, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Luis García.
In defense: Stephen Warnock, Sami Hyypiä, Jamie Carragher, Steve Finnan.
And in goal: Pepe Reina."
"As for Real Madrid, they are contenders every year. Tonight's lineup is:
Su Hang, Cassano
Zidane
Baptista, García, Beckham
Roberto Carlos, Helguera, Ramos, Cicinho
Casillas."
As soon as the lineups were announced, fans across China jumped into heated debate.
Everyone had seen Real Madrid's recent winning streak,
but news reports still carried plenty of doubt about Su Hang.
Some less confident fans began to waver.
"Cassano starting? That seals it!"
"Honestly, Cassano should partner Raúl—Raúl's finishing is better than Su Hang's."
"Su Hang lacks flair; he's not suited for playing outnumbered. He thrives when we've got the advantage."
"Haha, where do you all pick up these recycled takes? From Marca?"
"Right, Su Hang averaging one goal a game only matters when we're struggling. But Ronaldinho and Eto'o averaging one goal a game? That's unstoppable!"
"Every player hits a rookie wall. Given his workload, Su Hang's slump was perfectly normal."
"They judge him by superstar standards, but refuse to admit he's a superstar. That's pure double standards."
"Cassano with three goals and one assist is Ronaldo plus Zidane in their eyes, but Su Hang with sixteen goals and six assists is just Soldado plus Pavón, right?"
Soldado: ???
Pavón: What the hell!
Beep!
The whistle blew—the match was underway.
Just one minute in, the referee stopped play and showed Cassano a yellow card.
After receiving a pass from Su Hang, Cassano was tripped by Carragher as he turned.
Fired up by the atmosphere, Cassano sprang up and shoved Carragher twice.
Carragher went down hard on the turf.
That wasn't going to fly.
Liverpool's players immediately surrounded him.
Fortunately, Real Madrid's teammates rushed in quickly, stopping things from escalating.
Still, Cassano had been reckless.
Only a minute had passed.
Was that really necessary?
In the fifth minute, Real Madrid took another hit.
Gerrard unleashed a thunderbolt from distance.
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid's biggest defensive breakthrough this season, stepped up to block—only to take the ball flush to the face.
Blood streamed down as he collapsed.
After a quick check from the medical team, he was forced off.
He looked concussed and needed further checks.
On came Pavón.
A name almost forgotten.
Once upon a time, who didn't know the phrase "Zidane plus Pavón"?
But now, Pavón barely even made the bench.
If Jonathan Woodgate—always injured—hadn't gone down again in training, and if academy defender Raúl Bravo hadn't caught a cold, Pavón wouldn't even have made the squad.
Eleventh minute.
Cassano tried to dribble past his man but lost the ball.
Gerrard pounced, slipping a sharp through ball.
On the right flank, Finnan raced into the space left by Roberto Carlos' overlapping run, carrying the ball easily into the final third.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
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