Chapter 133: FC Pyunik

July 19 – UEFA Champions League Qualifiers, First Round Dinamo Zagreb vs FC Pyunik. The UEFA Champions League qualifiers kicked off on July 15. Even though it's the Champions League, the qualifiers don't attract as much attention. Only reaching the group stage brings significant exposure. Nonetheless, before the match, the UEFA organizing committee still installed professional broadcast equipment. This particular match was red-hot. All 40,000 tickets released by Dinamo Zagreb were sold out in an instant. Dinamo fans were full of enthusiasm. They were eager to see these young players deliver the same stellar performances on the European stage. Champions League matches are always played in the evening, even during qualifiers. Around 5 PM, fans had already finished dinner and began arriving at Maksimir Stadium. By 6 PM, fans began entering the stadium. The match was scheduled to begin at 7 PM. On the pitch, players from both teams were warming up. Cheers echoed from the Dinamo Zagreb supporters, rooting passionately for their young squad. On the other side, the Yerevan Phoenix players occasionally turned to observe Dinamo's warm-up. Gamal Yakukhan's eyes remained locked on number 9, Suker. Suk's playing style resembled his, but there could only be one winner. Yakukhan believed that in football, competition is everything — to reach the pinnacle, he had to defeat every opponent. And Sukwe was the first step on his Champions League journey. "Just wait and see." Yakukhan clenched his fists silently. The warm-up ended, and the players returned to the locker rooms for final preparations. Mostar, Bosnia – Bakic's Tavern Mlinar, Vitoric, Oripe, and Rosen — all former players of Mostar Wanderers — had gathered. "Bakic, hurry up! The match is about to start!" Oripe shouted toward the kitchen. Soon, Bakic came out carrying a pizza. "What's the rush?" Bakic set down the pizza, along with fries, chicken nuggets, and a few beers. Everyone took a deep sip as the pre-match commentary rolled on the TV. "Phew! Those two guys actually made it to the Champions League stage. Even if it's just the qualifiers," Bakic smiled. Just then, Suker's player profile appeared on-screen. Seeing his height listed, Bakic grinned, "He's gotten taller, huh!" Oripe stuffed fries into his mouth and marveled, "Croatia's golden boot, best rookie, player of the year — hard to believe he was on our team just two years ago." Mostar Wanderers — a Bosnian second-division club. Dinamo Zagreb — Croatian powerhouse. The contrast was surreal. "Suker always had the talent. He only played with us because of his height. Otherwise, he would've been in the professional ranks much sooner," Rosen remarked casually. "Enough talk — the match is starting. This is their debut!" said Mlinar, and they all turned their attention to the TV. Zrinjski Mostar, Tactical Room First-team players of Zrinjski gathered. "FC Pyunik aren't easy — technically skilled and very coordinated," said Kosovic. "Relative to us. Dinamo is way stronger," laughed Tolist. "If we faced them in the qualifiers, we'd get wrecked." Kosovic gave Toliset a side-eye. "We didn't even qualify for the Champions League this season." Last season, Toliset transferred in to fill the midfield hole left by Modric. They had a decent start, but once Toliset got injured, their form collapsed, and Sarajevo overtook them in the league. Tolist sighed, "Not like I chose to get injured." "At least Modric and Suker never got injured," someone muttered. "Don't compare me to them — are you crazy?!" Skolk and Boame stared at the TV, eyes filled with complex emotions. Skol had become the team's starting winger. Boame, too, was now a starter. But Zrinjski no longer dominated the league as they had during Modric and Suk's era. They'd also played in the qualifiers, but their performance wasn't memorable. Now, their old teammates Suker and Modric were stepping onto the Champions League stage. What kind of performance would they deliver? Moscow, Russia – CSKA Moscow Suker Mazic had transferred to CSKA Moscow. Though he aimed for one of the top five leagues, he hadn't succeeded. To avoid falling behind Suker and Modric, he came to Moscow to seek a fresh start. But things weren't going smoothly. He was still fighting for a starting spot. At that moment, the TV showed the players in the tunnel. Suker Mazic squinted. He saw Suker and Modric. In Dinamo Zagreb's tunnel, both teams were lined up. "Stimač, aren't you gonna do a chant?" Suker called from behind. Stimač turned, "We have a chant?" Suker shouted, "Suker!" The team instinctively responded: "Badass!!!" Laughter broke out. Suker beamed with joy. The tense atmosphere was instantly defused. Stimač gave Suker a look and chuckled, "Save it for the pitch." Suerk nodded quickly, "Got it!" Finally calm, Stimač shook his head with a smile. Soon, the referee — a Bosnian whom Suker vaguely recognized — signaled the teams to enter the pitch. During the handshake, the referee winked at Suker — he had clearly officiated one of his past matches. The captains took the coin toss. Pyunik got the first kick. Suker and company took their positions. "This is the 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League qualifying match — Dinamo Zagreb vs. Fc Pyunik." "This match is crucial for Dinamo. It's their home leg, and to secure advancement to the second round, they must win!" "Can Dinamo's young guns overcome the Armenian side ?" "And as the team's core, can Suker maintain his dazzling form and score in his Champions League debut?" Commentator Kraljsević sounded tense. He could now openly support Dinamo without holding back. "Let's go, Dinamo boys!" As his voice fell, the match kicked off. Starting Lineups: Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1):GK: GrestećDefenders: Pranić, Jarni, Stimač, SrnaMidfield: Valjević, Vukojević, Dujmović, Modric, SukerForward: Mandžukić Yerevan Phoenix (4-4-2):GK: LaynevDefenders: Dučerović, Baraks, Bradikof, KavaMidfield: Gast, Gazarton, Hakminis, LestwinForwards: Ugoriano, Yakukhan "Kickoff! The match begins! Yerevan Phoenix plays it back... OH! Dinamo is charging forward! Their pressing is intense!" Commentator Kraljsević couldn't hide his excitement. In the domestic league, Dinamo's high press had caused chaos — now they were bringing that same energy to Europe. "Shit!" Bradikof panicked as Mandžukić sprinted toward him. He booted the ball toward the wing. It was meant for Yakukhan — their biggest counterattack threat. Yakukhan braced to receive, but just as the ball dropped, thundering footsteps approached. Vukojević burst in from the side. "Outta the way!" He bulldozed Yakukhan aside and headed the ball to Suker. Suker controlled the ball smoothly, spun, and the entire Dinamo line surged forward. "COUNTERATTACK!!!" The commentator roared. A wave of blue shirts surged like a tidal wave toward the Phoenix defense. "Dammit!" Bradikof's eyes widened. He had never seen a counter this swift. "Don't panic! Hold the line!" "Watch the left! Suker's making a run—" Suddenly, Suker swung his right leg — but he didn't dribble. It was a pass! The ball curved over the defense, perfectly dropping into an empty channel. "RAINBOW PASS!!!" Kraljsević exploded with excitement. No matter how often you saw it, this pass never ceased to amaze. The stadium erupted. "Mario! GO!" Suker roared after passing. Mandžukić was already sprinting. Shouldering the center back, he pushed forward. As he began to lose balance, he swept the ball with a sliding shot. The ball flew toward the far corner. Pyunik's keeper, Laynev, stood frozen — he didn't move an inch. He could only watch as the ball hit the net. Just two minutes into the first half, Dinamo Zagreb scored!