There are two and a half weeks until the game against Real Madrid, and the entire Union Berlin team is buzzing with excitement. This is their strongest opponent so far, and everyone is working hard without any signs of fear.
Instead, Su Luo saw the same excitement in everyone's eyes that he felt himself.
"That's right!" he thought. "It's fun to play against a strong team! I'm glad to be in such a cohesive group."
If someone were timid and preferred to play against a weaker team like Benfica, Su Luo would feel awkward. The spirit of Union Berlin is to face powerful enemies head-on, like David against Goliath. They are backed by countless fans as their solid support. Even if they met the peak Barcelona of 2010, they would still strive to defeat their opponents!
"We fight the elite! We topple the giants!"
Union Berlin aimed to score as many points as possible in the Bundesliga while preparing for Real Madrid. Even if the Champions League affected their league performance, they wouldn't fall too far behind.
In the 25th round of the Bundesliga, Union Berlin hosted the Berlin Derby. Their city rival, Hertha Berlin, was strong, ranking 7th in the Bundesliga this season, ahead of teams like Wolfsburg, Hoffenheim, and Bremen.
But they faced an in-form Union Berlin, who had thrashed them 5-0 at the Berlin Olympiastadion in the last round. Hertha Berlin was nervous even before the match began.
As expected, it was another massacre: 4-0! Union Berlin beat Hertha Berlin at home, completing a double over their city rivals this season!
Su Luo scored twice and provided one assist and one indirect play. He opened the scoring with a real penalty area goal in the first half and then assisted Mahrez for the second goal. In the second half, Su Luo launched a counterattack, breaking into the penalty area with two consecutive shots and scoring again. Finally, he made a direct pass to penetrate the opponent's defense, and Forsberg assisted Quinine in scoring.
With 4 goals, they secured 3 points and continued to lead the standings! Su Luo had now scored 43 goals. With 9 rounds left in the league, averaging 2 goals per game, he could break his own record of 60 goals.
But can Su Luo really average 2 goals per game? This was the only suspense in the Bundesliga scorer list this season. The second place, Lewandowski, had only scored in the early 20s, not even half of Su Luo's tally.
In the assist list, Su Luo was also at the top with 32 assists in a single season, and 9 rounds left in the Bundesliga. The number of assists could even reach an unprecedented 40 assists in a single season in the league!
This "double-double" once again stunned the European media!
In the 26th round of the Bundesliga, Union Berlin faced Bayer Leverkusen away. With Son Heung-min gone to Tottenham, the so-called "Asian Derby" no longer existed. Even if Son was still there, the media wouldn't dare to compare him with Su Luo anymore. In Asian football, Su Luo was already a recognized superstar, unparalleled by anyone else.
In world football, only Ronaldo and Messi were above him. In the minds of many, Su Luo had already surpassed Neymar, Modric, Suarez, and others by half a notch. Last year's Ballon d'Or had seen Su Luo ranked third, second only to Ronaldo in votes.
The pattern of "three pillars" in European football was taking shape. Su Luo only needed a major championship trophy to solidify his place among the greats.
Leverkusen couldn't resist Union Berlin and lost 1-3 at home. Su Luo continued his scoring spree, bringing his tally to 45 goals. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0, maintaining the 3-point gap and keeping the pressure on Union Berlin. Union Berlin couldn't afford to relax!
In the 27th round of the Bundesliga, Union Berlin faced Hoffenheim. Good news arrived as Sane, who had been out for nearly 5 months, was back in the squad! After various medical checks, his knee injury was fully healed, and he was fit to play. However, his long absence had affected his form. Sane needed to use these games to regain his match fitness.
Regardless, Sane's return boosted Union Berlin's confidence. His sharp breakthroughs on the left were still a crucial weapon for the team, enriching their offensive tactics.
"Leroy, how do you feel?" Su Luo asked.
"Don't worry, Su. I'm stronger than ever. I can't wait to get back on the field!" Sane replied eagerly.
Sane had missed being on the pitch, especially when the team faced Manchester City, Juventus, and Arsenal. Watching from the sidelines had been torture for him.
He wanted to fight alongside his team and face strong opponents!
"Very well. You'll get your chance. The next match against Real Madrid might depend on you."
"No problem! I'll give you all the support you need!" Sane promised, patting his chest.
This "red and blue war" against Hoffenheim was intense. Hoffenheim's aggressive tackles caused a lot of trouble for Union Berlin. Their high pressing in the front created defensive gaps, which Su Luo exploited to organize multiple effective counterattacks.
In just 17 minutes of the first half, Su Luo assisted Quining to score the opening goal!
33 assists in a single season!
Su Luo dribbled the ball to the left, attracting multiple defenders, then quickly switched to the right! Quining, anticipating the play, got the ball first, entered the penalty area, and scored with a low shot!
Union Berlin was on the right track!
However, 35 minutes into the game, they received bad news. The veteran Alex suddenly fell to the ground in a tussle with the opponent's striker, Kuranyi. Kimmich quickly kicked the ball out of bounds.
Previously, Alex had been substituted against Arsenal due to a thigh strain. Among Union Berlin's central defenders, he was the most experienced. Thanks to his defensive command, Union Berlin had repeatedly saved the day. Alex gritted his teeth and continued playing, but unfortunately, his thigh injury worsened.
Another defender, Richards, was also struggling with an old groin injury that hadn't fully healed. With no other options, coach Neuhaus had to field Delo Martinez.
As Alex lay on the stretcher, he knew he might be out for a while. He resisted the pain and grabbed Su Luo's jersey.
"Su, I think I'm out of luck for the Real Madrid game..."
"Rest up and recover. We'll do our best to win," Su Luo assured him.
The 36-year-old Brazilian veteran had been crucial when the team was first promoted to the Bundesliga. Few were willing to join a team with little money and no reputation. Alex, a Champions League winner, used his fame to recruit players like Rudiger, Richards, and Trippier. He had witnessed Union Berlin's rapid rise over the past two seasons. Initially planning to retire in Milan, joining Union Berlin turned out to be the best decision of his life.
With the loss of their defensive leader, it would be challenging to withstand Real Madrid's attack. Su Luo now carried even more responsibility on the offensive end. Alex nodded, gave Su Luo a thumbs up, and was carried off the field on a stretcher. Young Lima quickly changed and took the field.
Soon after, the team doctor in the locker room completed a preliminary examination of Alex.
"Uwe, I'm afraid he's out for the season."
"Damn it!" Neuhaus cursed, hammering the railing of the coach's bench.
With both Alex and Richards unable to play, the remaining central defenders were Lima, Rudiger, or possibly Ake. Lima and Ake had potential and could become main central defenders for top clubs, but they lacked experience. The two-round knockout match against Real Madrid was now casting a shadow.
Fortunately, everyone else was in good health. Alex's exit inspired the fighting spirit of the whole team. They launched continuous attacks, winning consecutive corner kicks. Verhorst's header was saved by the goalkeeper. For the second corner kick, Union Berlin took it short. Su Luo received the ball outside the penalty area, cut inside, dribbled past a defender, and decisively kicked the ball into the net!
Neither side scored in the second half, which was marred by constant fouls and fights. Hoffenheim received three yellow cards. To protect Su Luo from injury, he was replaced by Sane in the 75th minute. Sane received applause from the home fans upon his return but didn't have much time to adjust and didn't perform exceptionally.
The final score was 2:0, with Union Berlin defeating Hoffenheim at home and continuing to lead the standings!
There was now just one week until the Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid!
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