Chapter 160 - 160 – Battle for the Top Spot

Words : 1211 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

"I'm going to Roma." Mandžukić raised his hand. "After the last match, Roma contacted my father to discuss a potential transfer." Pranjić: "I'm going to Lyon!" Vukojević: "Me too, Lyon!" Srna turned to look at Šuker and Modrić. "What about you two?" As the two core players of Dinamo Zagreb, they were naturally the most sought-after talents in Europe. Šuker started counting on his fingers. "AC Milan, Arsenal, Lyon, Dortmund, Manchester United, 1860 Munich..." He listed a string of teams. No one was too surprised—after all, his performance spoke for itself. Modrić turned his head in surprise: "Manchester United too?" Šuker replied, "Because Arsenal already made me an offer." Modrić nodded in understanding. "This season will be the last we're together," Srna said, scratching his head with a smile. "Feels a bit sad." They had been teammates for nearly two seasons, and this tight-knit group had developed a warm bond. Being together gave them a sense of collective motivation—they always pushed each other to improve. "If only we could all join the same club," dreamed Dujmović aloud. "No chance!" Srna shook his head. "Let's give it our all in the Champions League, make a name for ourselves in the top five European leagues." Srna took a deep breath. "I'll be waiting for the day we all reunite in the national team." He firmly believed that his teammates would earn national call-ups. By then, they would meet again on the international stage. The Champions League and league competitions were heating up. In the domestic league, Dinamo Zagreb, even with squad rotations, remained dominant. No team in Croatia's league could truly compete with this footballing giant. Even when substitutes underperformed, the presence of starters on the bench kept everything in check. This allowed Dinamo to push forward relentlessly in the league while giving their bench valuable game time. For coach Bešić, this was a critical season—he needed to develop the substitutes while the first team was still intact. Because after this season, the departure of players like Šuker was inevitable. Even Dinamo's fans didn't expect these top talents to stay in the Croatian league after their Champions League run. They might feel reluctant, but they genuinely hoped to see these players shine on a bigger stage. They wanted to see them grow further. Just as Zorančic said earlier, if Bešić tried to forcibly keep them, he would be the villain. In the Champions League, Dinamo Zagreb was being dubbed as "Wolf pup." In the relatively stable Group B, these wolf pup was causing chaos. Real Madrid had drawn both their matches and fallen to third place. Leverkusen and Dinamo Zagreb each had one win and one draw, putting them in first and second place respectively. Roma was in shambles—after fan-related incidents, they had lost both matches. Their next game? An away match at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. Madrid, with two draws so far, needed a win at home to keep their hopes of advancing alive. That match was going to be a nightmare for Roma. And so began the battle for top spot in Group B. On October 19th, Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen arrived in Zagreb. They were set to face Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb in a match that would determine the group's leader. No one expected this match-up when the draw was made. Now, Europe's opinion on Dinamo Zagreb was split. One side believed their performances—holding Madrid at home, leading against Roma away—proved their strength. Luck was part of the game, after all. The other side insisted Dinamo was just lucky. They claimed Dinamo's group-leading position was due to Madrid's poor form and Roma's fan-related mishaps. In their eyes, Dinamo didn't deserve to top the group. Thus, a heated debate began. Group B became the center of attention. And this third group-stage match was the tipping point. Was the first match just Madrid being unlucky? Was the second a gift from Roma's fan chaos? Then what about the third? Leverkusen had beaten Roma at home and drawn with Madrid away. Their strength was beyond doubt. Under this context, the match drew widespread attention. Whether to cheer or to find faults, everyone had their eyes on Group B. Finally, the day of the match arrived—October 20th. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Maksimir Stadium. The 2004/05 UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 3: Dinamo Zagreb vs Bayer Leverkusen. "In midfield, try more long shots. If there's a chance, spread the ball wide and let the wingers attack their defense." "Šuker!" "Here!" "Don't drop too deep. Your job is to lead or launch our counterattacks—be in the right place when we break." Coach Bešić spoke with a serious tone. Šuker immediately nodded: "Understood." "Alright, boys," Bešić clapped his hands. "The European media is waiting for us to flop. At first, no one cared. Then, after we played well, they started doubting us. The best way to answer them is—score goals!" "This is our home. Whether in the league or the Champions League, we've never lost here. Believe in yourselves, and in your teammates. Let's win this match!" Fueled by Bešić's words, the players were fired up. The Champions League spotlight was on them. Doubts came with attention. But to turn that doubt into recognition, they had to perform. "Let's go, boys!" Dinamo's players shouted as they walked out of the dressing room. Starting Lineups Dinamo Zagreb (4-3-3):GK: GrestekiDefenders: Srna, Jarni, Štimac, PranjićMidfielders: Vukojević, Dujmović, ModrićForwards: Valević, Mandžukić, Šuker Bayer Leverkusen (4-4-2):GK: ButtDefenders: Juan, Brdaric, Ramelow, PlacenteMidfielders: Freier, Krzynówek, Schneider, PonteForwards: Berbatov, Voronin Šuker glanced at Leverkusen. Despite their current strength, they were a far cry from their early 2000s form. Had it been that Leverkusen team, Dinamo wouldn't even stand a chance. Ballack, Zé Roberto, Lucio—losing that central trio devastated Leverkusen. In just two years, Bayern Munich had hollowed out their core. Had they retained that lineup, Leverkusen could've truly contended for European glory. Now, after two quiet years, Berbatov's rise gave them hope—but he, too, was likely to leave soon. Still, for Dinamo, this Leverkusen was a formidable opponent. Inhale... Exhale... Šuker took a deep breath, then shouted loudly: "Let's go!!" WHOOOOOOOOOOSH!!! The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers as both teams took the pitch. Maksimir Stadium was packed. At the start of the Champions League, Dinamo fans came with a relaxed attitude. They simply wanted to enjoy the games. They didn't want to burden the young players—reaching the group stage was already a huge achievement. But then—surprise. A draw against Real Madrid. An away win over Roma. The kids' performance shocked them. And before they knew it, Dinamo was leading the group. Now, their relaxed optimism had turned into real hope. They began to dream of advancing, of Dinamo reaching the knockout rounds of the Champions League. Wouldn't that be amazing? DINAMO ZAGREB!!! DINAMO ZAGREB!!! DINAMO ZAGREB!!! The entire stadium roared, cheering for their team. The captains finished the coin toss and returned to their sides. Leverkusen to kick off the first half. The 2004/05 UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 3—battle for first place—was about to begin.

Chapter 160 - 160 – Battle for the Top Spot

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