Chapter 132: First Round of UEFA Champions League Qualifiers

"First win! First win! First win! First win!" In the locker room, the players, shirtless and arm in arm, were bouncing up and down. In the season opener, Dinamo Zagreb beat Hajduk Split 2:0 — five straight wins against Hajduk over two seasons. Starting the new season with a victory, the team had a perfect opening, and the players were visibly ecstatic. Suker, with one goal and one assist in this match, was once again named the best player. Even the substitutes were swept up by the positive atmosphere, with everyone crowding into the center, jumping and cheering loudly. Suker darted up onto the middle platform, using his right hand as a microphone, and shouted from above: "I say Suker!" "You say badass!" Then Suker yelled: "Suker!" "Badass!!!!——" "Suker!" "Badass!!!!——" Hahahahahahahaha!!! Everyone burst into laughter and celebration. Even the coaching staff watched the scene with smiles on their faces. A relaxed and friendly team atmosphere adds immense value to a squad — and Dinamo Zagreb's locker room was undoubtedly clean and united. There was no scheming or conflict here. The young were lively! The older players laughed! Everything was in perfect harmony. After shouting and horsing around to their hearts' content, the team finally began to calm down and start washing up. Their form in the opening match was impressive. At the very least, the overall feel was spot on. They hadn't relaxed just because it was the start of a new season — their bodies stayed alert and focused. Perhaps it was the pressure and drive of the upcoming Champions League that kept them tense. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing — over-relaxing could lead to complacency. Later that night, Suker and Mandzukic watched a Champions League match together. Mandzukic thrives on energy — he needs a pre-match spark to ignite his drive. So before every match, he watches a game to keep his mind and body in an excited, competitive state. Suker didn't usually have this habit, but with the Champions League qualifiers coming up, he took it seriously. He joined Mandzukic in watching the game. Around 9 p.m., they turned off the TV and went to bed. But it wasn't easy to fall asleep. Probably too excited because of the Champions League. Mandzukic pulled the blanket over his head, shut his eyes tightly, and tried to put his body into a relaxed state. A good night's sleep significantly benefits match performance. Mandzukic knew he had to sleep well in the coming days. Even if he couldn't fall asleep — he had to force it! Somewhere in a Zagreb house... Modric returned to his room, closed the door, and stared blankly at the poster on his wall. Ronaldo. Boban. The Champions League was where they shone. And now, he was about to step onto that same stage. He was slowly approaching the battlefield of his idols. Srna turned on his dusty old game console. He had brought it home. Starting a new save file, he named his team Dinamo Zagreb and tore through the Champions League qualifiers in the game. After a few matches, the team made it to the group stage. This brought a smile to Srna's face. Even though it was just a game — he was still genuinely happy. Duimovic set his alarm clock. He had a cheerful personality — but even he couldn't relax now. After all, this was the Champions League! His teammates were all working so hard — he had to keep up with them. Pranjić sat at his desk, drafting the next day's training plan. As a full-back, Pranjić played a steady game. He didn't need to push forward as much as Srna, which meant he had to focus even more on defensive skills. Although he was already quite capable, he still pestered coaches like Stimac for advice — he wanted to keep improving. Vukojević studied the match chart in his hand. He saw the name "FC Pyunik Yerevan" and his eyes lit up with fighting spirit. Yes! This was a match they had to win! Inhale~~~ Exhale~~~~ Even breathing. In the dark room, Suker lay sprawled across the bed, already fast asleep. He slept soundly, occasionally rolling over and scratching his butt. Tonight, Suker had a beautiful dream. He dreamt he was holding the Champions League trophy in his left hand and the World Cup in his right! He had become the center of attention across the globe! At Zagreb Airport... A plane from Armenia touched down, and the players of FC Pyunik Yerevan stepped off wearing their training kits. They were the powerhouse club of the Armenian Premier League. Of course, they knew full well — any club in the Champions League qualifiers had to be elite in their own domestic leagues. Among the group, a young man caught everyone's attention. He was no taller than 165 cm, quite small — but his kit bore the number 7, a main starter's number. Clearly, he was a key player. The boy looked around 17 years old. Armenia lies at the junction of Europe and Asia. The ethnic group is considered Caucasian, but the boy had some Arab-like features and tanned skin. His name — Gamel Yakukhan. A talented player for FC Pyunik, he broke into the first team during last winter's break and quickly became the starting winger. Yakukhan possessed excellent speed and flexible footwork. He often became the explosive weapon on Pyunik's flanks. His playing style was quite similar to Suker's — but he didn't receive the same offensive priority as Suker. The arrival of Pyunik in Zagreb drew attention from the local media. Though it was just the first round of the Champions League qualifiers, Zagreb media held high hopes for this year's team. Unlike past seasons, this Dinamo Zagreb squad was filled with young players — and they kept producing the unexpected. As a result, both media and fans were eager to see the youngsters deliver an inspiring performance. Once Pyunik arrived at the hotel, head coach Baranov pointed at the tactics board: "The tactical plan has already been laid out — but let me emphasize this again. Be extra cautious of their No. 9 and No. 10." "These two are very complete players, especially No. 9, Suker — they call him the successor of Davor Suker in Croatia. Do not underestimate him!" "Yakukhan!" The 17-year-old Gamel Yakukhan immediately raised his hand. "Coach!" Coach Baranov said seriously, "We're counting on your breakthroughs. Just play like you do in the league — get out there and cause trouble." Yakukhan nodded heavily. As a rising talent, he was eager to shine in this match. "Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the field test and then match preparation!" Coach Baranov clapped: "Get your heads in the game. Let's play a strong first Champions League qualifier!" Meanwhile, in Dinamo Zagreb's tactics room... Coach Besis pointed to a photo: "Gamel Yakukhan — a 17-year-old Armenian prodigy. He's very agile and a threat on the wing. Vukojević, when sweeping the backfield, make sure to keep a close eye on him." Vukojević nodded confidently — showing no signs of nervousness. That reassured Besis. No matter how talented Yakukhan was, he wasn't at Suker's level. And Vukojević had trained one-on-one with Suker many times. He had the defensive chops. "Don't get beaten — no one's going to cover for you out there," Duimovic teased him with a grin. Vukojević replied calmly, "Between the ball and the man — he can only get one." Suker immediately gave a thumbs-up. Bada**! Vukojević was maturing fast — playing the defensive midfield role more skillfully and exuding a natural sense of intimidation. He even grew a beard to appear fiercer. And it worked — the bearded Vukojević looked tougher. Suker rubbed his baby face, thinking... maybe he should grow a beard too? "Alright, that's it for today's training," Besis clapped. "A lot of people will be watching your Champions League debut tomorrow. Don't screw it up!" The team stood and filed out. As they stepped outside — they spotted Davor Suker standing there. "Davor!" "Long time no see!" "Captain!" The players quickly gathered around. Since his retirement, Davor Suker had left the club. Now, he was back. Substitutes like Rakitic, Jelavic, and Strinic stood at the edges, watching curiously — it was their first time seeing the Croatian hero so up close. "Tomorrow is your Champions League debut. Nervous?" Davor Suker asked, smiling at the energetic young players. "Just watch!" Suker said with a fist. "Watch me perform!" The others also voiced their determination. Davor Suker chuckled at the enthusiastic group. "Don't be nervous. You're better than Pyunik — just play your usual game. Don't be overawed just because it's the Champions League. Believe in yourselves. Don't let the stage hold you back!" The team nodded eagerly. His words gave them a big boost of confidence. "Will Boban be there tomorrow?" Modric asked cautiously. Davor Suker nodded. "All of us will be there. It's your Champions League debut, after all." Hearing that, Modric clenched his fists and nodded with resolve. "Good luck, boys. I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do tomorrow."