Chapter 149: The Galactic Battleship

Dinamo Zagreb's UEFA Champions League group stage will kick off on September 16, with their first match being against Real Madrid. From the end of the qualifying rounds, they've had only about half a month to adjust. At that time, the entire Real Madrid team would land in Zagreb, causing not only the whole city but also fans from all over Croatia to flock toward the capital. While they are loyal fans of the local team, many are also individual fans of specific players. To witness stars like Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane, Raúl all in one match — they simply couldn't miss such a rare opportunity. Even Dinamo Zagreb's own fans were in a frenzy. It was the kind of excitement people get when about to meet their idols. This shows just how beloved Real Madrid is. "I can't believe we'll be playing Real Madrid in the Champions League. It's a dream come true. For us fans, this match isn't about winning or losing, it's just about enjoying the game." In front of the camera, one Dinamo Zagreb fan spoke with excitement. Suker watched this scene, shaking his head in disbelief. Great.Even our own fans are switching sides now. Of course, they're still Dinamo fans, but they simply adore the superstars on the other team. And to witness them live on the field is just too thrilling. For Dinamo Zagreb supporters... Having made it to the Champions League group stage already marks a historic achievement — that alone is enough. They don't expect anything more. For many clubs, the group stage is just the beginning. But for Dinamo Zagreb, reaching this stage already cost them everything they had. Now it's time to simply enjoy the joy that football brings. "Looks like we won't be under much pressure,"said Srna with a shrug. The fans' relaxed attitude actually took some weight off the players' shoulders. Duimović: "Before, no media cared. Now, even the fans are betraying us." Srna, grinning: "But it's Real Madrid after all!" Mandžukić: "It's a bit annoying!" Modrić stayed silent. "Good! Being annoyed is good!"Vukojević declared, full of fighting spirit."Suker said attention is earned. When the game starts, let's shock them!" Indeed, with media indifferent and fans disheartened... The players didn't need to place much pressure on themselves. But their fans' attitude left these young players feeling defiant. As if everyone had already accepted defeat. The match hadn't even started! Victory or defeat wasn't certain! There's no such thing as eternal winners or losers. Football is round — until the final whistle, no one knows the outcome. Boom!! Duimović unleashed a long-range shot that curled into the top corner. The ball pierced through the crowd and slammed into the net. Duimović's goal extended the lead. Dinamo Zagreb 3:1 NK Varaždin. NK Varaždin, a newly promoted team this season, had already suffered several defeats in recent rounds. This time, facing Dinamo Zagreb, they conceded three goals in the first half alone. Head coach Bešić watched it all with a smile. "They're really venting some pent-up anger!" Assistant coach Klemen turned to Bešić. "What did you do this time?" Bešić raised his hands: "Nothing this time. But the betrayal by fans and overhyped media stirred these kids up!" "Now they're like powder kegs ready to blow." On the pitch, Duimović ran to the sidelines, yelling toward the stands: "Come on! Cheer! Don't you love cheering? Then shout!" Duimović's expression was twisted with rage. The fans couldn't hear his words, but seeing his excitement, they cheered even louder. Suker and Mandžukić quickly rushed over. Suker clamped a hand over Duimović's mouth. Mandžukić grabbed and pulled him back! "Let me go! Let me go! I'm gonna cuss them out!" Duimović kept struggling. Suker pushed him in the chest and snapped: "What's the point of cussing the fans? Is it wrong for them to like the stars? If you've got what it takes, earn the fame yourself and pull the spotlight toward you. What's the use of barking?" Duimović flushed red. He glared at Suker. "I don't like people pushing my chest." Suker turned to him. Mandžukić stepped forward. "What did you say?" Duimović fell silent and walked away. Mandžukić wanted to go after him, but Suker stopped him. "He's just frustrated. Let him cool off. He'll figure it out." Mandžukić nodded. "Alright." That evening, Duimović did indeed approach Suker. "I'm sorry! I was just really upset." "What can you do?" Suker replied."Those guys have insane popularity. Even if we teamed up, we wouldn't match one of their toes." "But fame is earned — through games and performance." "If you want fans to cheer for you, it's simple: score goals! Score against Real Madrid, and everyone will praise you!" Duimović felt a bit better, but also guilty. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. I apologize again." Suker laughed. "You already said it. No need to repeat." He held up a finger. "One meal!" Duimović was stunned. "I still owe you four!" "So now it's five," Suker said with a nod. Duimović: "..." There was still a week before Real Madrid's arrival. During this time, Zagreb was buzzing. Almost everyone was awaiting the arrival of the Galácticos. Even ordinary citizens who usually ignored football lined up to buy tickets — which infuriated regular Dinamo fans. "You guys never showed this enthusiasm before. Now Real Madrid's coming, and you're all causing chaos!" Still, despite the complaints, they rushed to grab tickets too. After all, they also wanted to witness the superstars. A large number of Croatians started pouring into Zagreb. Even tourists from out of town began arriving — all for this one match. Real Madrid's first Champions League match of the season. That alone was a spectacl e. Plus, with all the promo campaigns from Real Madrid, the hype was off the charts. Their fans arrived three days early. They marched through Zagreb chanting slogans. Locals got caught up in the atmosphere, shouting out players' names. Real Madrid hadn't even arrived, yet it felt like Zagreb had already been conquered. Finally, on September 15, the Spanish plane landed in Zagreb on time. Coach Camacho led the Galácticos into the city. The airport was already packed, swarming with fans and reporters. Amid roaring cheers, Real Madrid players emerged in black suits, bearing the club crest, smiling and waving as they boarded the team bus. "At 1 PM, the Spanish giants Real Madrid landed at Zagreb airport. Superstars like Ronaldo, Beckham, Zidane — led by Coach Camacho — are here to face Dinamo Zagreb in the first group match of the Champions League..." Suker and the others sat together, watching the TV in awe. Srna suddenly pinched himself. "Feels kinda unreal." He turned to the others: "Tomorrow we're really going to play against Ronaldo and Zidane?" Suker nodded. The others' eyes sparkled with excitement. After all, these were their childhood idols! And now, they'd be sharing the same pitch. A few years ago, this was unthinkable. But now, it was real. They were going to face the top stars on the Champions League stage. A flame burned in Suker's eyes. From Bosnia to Croatia... After over three years, Suker had reached the Champions League stage. He would now face Real Madrid. All the hard work and sweat — it was all for this moment. "Come on, let's get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow's game won't be easy." Suker stood and walked off. The others followed. That night, Zagreb was unusually quiet — as if the whole city were holding its breath for the next day. Modrić sat before a poster on the wall, staring at Ronaldo. He felt joy and nerves. Tomorrow, he'd meet the real deal. And play on the same pitch. It would be a sleepless night — for good reason. But even if they couldn't sleep, they'd force themselves to rest. For tomorrow's performance. To show their fangs. They hated losing. Even if it was to Real Madrid. They'd give it everything — and fight! The next day. Zagreb overflowed with a wild atmosphere. With Real Madrid's arrival, the city became the center of attention in Eastern Europe. For the first time, Dinamo Zagreb was in the Champions League spotlight. European media heavily favored Real Madrid. From lineup to depth, they were vastly superior. Even though Real Madrid was riddled with internal conflict... Analysts still didn't believe they'd lose. Under such a backdrop, all eyes turned to Maksimir Stadium. 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League — Group B, Round 1:Dinamo Zagreb vs. Real Madrid Starting Lineups: Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1): Goalkeeper: Grestic Defenders: Pranjić, Jarni, Štimac, Srna Midfielders: Valaević, Vukojević, Duimović, Modrić, Suker Forward: Mandžukić Real Madrid (4-4-2): Goalkeeper: Casillas Defenders: Roberto Carlos, Samuel, Helguera, Salgado Midfielders: Zidane, Gravesen, Beckham, Figo Forwards: Ronaldo, Raúl