You have redeemed my soul, don't leave me now.

****

9:30 p.m.

Thirty seconds before the goal, Lu Ling sat in the coach's seat and stared at the field.

Pierre was undoubtedly one of the relatively easy to predict of the eleven Real Madrid starters. This French kid is very talented, but neither the experience nor the skills of the game are enough. What's more, Pierre is still playing on instinct. Pate's snatch was cunning, and the idea was the same as the previous Everton break from Pierre. Pat knows how the French kid is going to react, and that's because Pat himself played that way a few years ago. Pierre obviously didn't know what kind of player his idol was now, and probably didn't think that he would be "teased" by his idol on the pitch many times.

As for Zixiang's offensive habits, it seems that even Nick is difficult to suppress. You have a guy who picks up a pretty girl when he sees her and doesn't say a word to a pretty girl all night at a party...... Oh, that's not a famous dandy metaphor.

Then, Lu Ling saw the player with the blue and white No. 18 sweeping over the black jersey like lightning in the wind, and Van der Bergh's tank-like body couldn't stop him. Then she got up from the dugout, and she didn't even realize she was up, and she didn't even know that almost everyone in the stadium was up at that moment. And then she saw the ball go into the net.

At this moment, the QPR coach clearly perceived everything that was happening around him. The thunder of the earthquake and the cheers of the tsunami, everyone around her shook her shoulders.

It's just an equaliser, it's just an equaliser, she thought to herself. But when she turned around and high-fived Tim, it was so hard that her palm hurt.

The boys celebrating on the field gradually dispersed, and Lu Ling slowly walked to the sideline, and she saw Pat running towards her. She knew that countless pairs of eyes were staring at this scene. But they may be disappointed. She smiled heartily at him and threw a fist. He laughed too, his fist against hers.

Now and forever. （no and forever）

The same song from the beginning of the game sounded again in the stands, and this time, it was louder, and the QPR fans who probably couldn't sing it at first and some neutral fans also learned it. But the singing was accompanied by boos and whistles from Real Madrid fans.

Lu Ling looked at No. 18 who ran back to the field. He believed her, and she was glad she did.

****

9:30 p.m.

The score on the scoreboard becomes 1:1. Nicholas raised his head, his eyes flashing, and there was not much fluctuation. He can have outbursts or hide his emotions, and most of the time, it's not too difficult for him.

As he told her, he was born in the north of Madrid, the eldest son of a family, and faced the double pressure of school and football from an early age. Growing up, it gradually became his habit to control everything. He has no intention of looking for the roots of his character formation, and he knows very well that even the best psychologists in the world cannot explain everything. Although he has been interviewed a lot over the past few years, both English and Spanish journalists are trying to understand him and his football philosophy. In that case, it is natural to talk about his childhood, his past experiences and, above all, his career as a player. But he always doesn't talk much about these aspects, and there is no need to lie, and it is even less necessary to give too much information.

Nicholas knows that if one day he becomes a more successful football coach than he is now, people will want to know more. Or, if one day he has an autobiography, he will tell more about the reporter who helped him write the biography.

Not now.

It is a wonderful feeling to take someone you love to the place where you were born and raised. He didn't let the little boy come out, he didn't let the little boy chirp and tell the pretty girl, you see, this is the signed jersey that the star I liked when I was eight years old, this is the book I read when I was ten years old, this is the CD I listened to the most when I was thirteen, this is the first professional contract I signed...... I used to sit here and think about what was the hardest question of my whole life at the time, should I retire now and become a football coach?

It was a hot summer day in Madrid, I was twenty-one years old, and I didn't know that twelve years later, in London, 1,700 kilometres away, you would be waiting for me. I couldn't have known that 18 years later, I would meet the love of my life in the Champions League final in Barcelona.

Actually, he doesn't have to say it.

That summer, she sat on his bed, flipped through the books he had read and the CDs he had listened to, and suddenly raised her head and smiled sweetly and said to him, "I want to know you earlier." She frowned, thought for a moment, and added, "I blame FC Barcelona, I wrote them a cover letter after graduating from university, and I made a special trip to Barcelona, and if they were willing to hire me at that time, maybe we would meet in Spain." ”

Nicholas didn't think that assumption necessarily held true, although he liked that assumption, it was a beautiful assumption. But that's hypothetical, after all. And none of them like assumptions by nature.

We only live once.

100,000 people at Camp Noupuri surged, some happy, some disappointed. Nicholas turned his face sideways, and he saw her fist against Patrick's. A few months ago in snowy Goodison Park, they did the same.

What does it mean to fist against fist?

The reason why Kristen Lu became what Kristen Lu is today is undoubtedly related to the fact that she has a father with a relatively weak personality. It's hard to control — just like being abused in childhood, some become abusers as adults, and some as adults try to avoid any harm to others — Christine may subconsciously seek out a man like her father, or ......

In fact, Kristen Lue has spent her life looking for men who are the polar opposite of her father. Not only does she need strength and control for herself, but so does the man she loves.

Maybe it meant something else, but that was something Nicholas couldn't have known. He didn't care, just as he didn't care about Patrick's celebratory moves.

It's never just about him and her, no one else.

For Nicholas, the conceded goal wasn't terrible, but it made him angry.

The Real Madrid coach looked at Pierre and Zixiang on the field, and the goal was likely to be avoided.

After the restart, both sides went into the stage of controlling the tempo and being cautious. It looked like no one wanted to concede another goal before the end of the first half.

The score of 1:1 remained until the whistle blew in the first half.

Nicholas walked down the tunnel without saying a word, and he never looked back.

The weather is still hot. The rain in Barcelona is long delayed.

****

9:38 p.m. BT Sport's Champions League final live.

'Jungkai's first goal was a testament to the chemistry between him and Gabriel Jesus. BT Sport's analyst Frank Lampard spoke to the picture and praised: "Gabriel Jesus' volley back-heel assist and Young's lob shot are truly spectacular performances, such an imaginative ......"

Leo Ferdinand took over, "And, they did it again later. But this time Ronke was facing Patrick Amber......" Ferdinand's voice became higher, "Amber and Hamilton, in much the same way, juggled back in the air, Amber intercepted and lobbed the ball with his heels, Hamilton used his chest to make a wall, and Amber passed the ball with his head...... I've never seen such a wonderful fit!"

"It's like making a movie. Steven Gerrard said, "Those two goals in the first half will surely be played countless times in the future, and there will be such a drama in the Champions League final......

"How is it compared to Istanbul?" interjected host Gary Lineker with a laugh. On Istanbul night in 2015, Steven Gerrard led Liverpool to a three-goal comeback from Milan to the most dramatic Champions League final.

Gerrard smiled proudly, his trademark Liverpool accent ringing out, "I think both QPR and Real Madrid have lost the chance to replicate that year's thrilling experience, the first half is over and no one is three goals behind, isn't it?"

The four men in the live broadcast room laughed together.

Leo Ferdinand suddenly threw out a question: "So do you think that before the goal, Patrick Amber's retreat was Christine's request, or was it his own decision?"

The position chosen by QPR 18 before the goal appeared on the screen.

"Our other camera showed that the QPR coaches at that stage did not give any instructions to Amber. After Lineker finished speaking, the production of BT Sport brought up the sidelines. "Of course, even so, we weren't sure of anything, maybe it was set up before the game, and it was hard for us to really know. ”

In the picture, Kristen Lu's assistant coach half-covers her mouth and speaks in her ear, but the expression on the face of the QPR coach does not fluctuate.

"I have to say that when Amber went back to defending, I didn't expect it at all. I think it's a sign of responsibility. Gerald continued.

But what happened later is more than just a sense of responsibility can explain. Lampard laughs.

"That's right, he showed us absolute talent again. Lineker concluded.

****

9:39 p.m., Real Madrid dressing room.

Five minutes ago, Yu Zixiang hurriedly broke into the locker room. His sweat soaked his entire blouse. Sitting in his position, he dragged the towel over his head and draped it directly over his head. After a minute, he jerked the towel away, asked for a new jersey, and then took off the soaked one and threw it to the jersey caretaker.

At this time, the head coach came in from the cubicle, and he had Juan and Gabi by his side. Zixiang raised his head, and then immediately lowered it again. He sat there with his new and clean jersey over his head, elbows on his knees, and no one could see his expression. He knew he had violated the tactical arrangement. When Pate dropped back into midfield, he didn't wait for the manager's order to do so. In his opinion at the time, there was a good reason, because at that time, the QPR had already retreated deeply, and even Pat had gone back, and if he had put himself into the attack, then it would have been possible to help the team score another goal. But later events proved that he was too stupid. He knew what kind of player Pat was, but he still made a stupid and rash decision.

It's fucking stupid.

The manager's voice came: "We played well in the first half but we made mistakes, mistakes that we couldn't tolerate. ”

Silent. Zixiang felt a drop of sweat fall from his ear and hit his thigh.

"What I'm talking about is the intolerable mistakes that we can avoid. We have a plan before the game and adjustments in the game. Every move you make is a big deal. In a game like this, I don't want anything more than I expected. ”

Zixiang sniffed hard. The smell in the locker room was unpleasant, and the air was stuffy and oppressive.

"Well, don't hang your head. It's just a draw at the moment, the second half is the most important thing, I hope you all understand what I mean. The qpr will definitely ...... in the second half"

Zixiang raised his head again. He listened to what the manager had to say and looked sideways at Pierre. Apparently the French kid is also a bit lost. He also noticed that Gabi had just come in with the manager, and the Brazilian looked equally unhappy, not at all like him.

But this is the final, and making a mistake means that you have to swallow the bitter fruit, Zixiang thought.

****

9:40 p.m.

Ron had drunk too much beer before the game and was always tempted to pee, so he ran into the tunnel a few steps before the half-time whistle blew.

This side is all QPR die-hard fans who have passed the club lottery, and the blue and white colors can be seen everywhere. Ron squeezed into the toilet while shouting "I'm sorry" to the fans around him. No way, there are too many people, and he doesn't want to spend too much time on the toilet.

The Camp Nou is a big stadium that certainly doesn't feel like home for Ron. In fact, it was this year that New Queen's Park made Ron feel a little more relatable. He misses drinking beer in the lounge area on Loftus Road even more. And the Dark Horse Cross Tavern near Loftus Road was once his favourite pub. When he was a child, the tavern was there. He used to drink when he was sixteen, and the second time he went was when he was eighteen...... That was 1973, and yes, QPR had just managed to get back into the top flight.

Ron felt a little dizzy in his head, the goal Kid had scored so hard a few minutes ago! For a moment he remembered a lot of things from the past, how hard it had been...... When he was first taken to Loftus Road by his perverse dad, QPR was still in the third division. When he was twelve, his dad took him over the wall to Wembley and watched the team win the League Cup, and that year they were promoted to the second tier.

Ron thinks he's been through six relegations and eight promotions for this damn team, but never really thought his team would get here one day, until the last few years. He blinked vigorously.

Ron remembers the first time he fantasized about the team reaching the Champions League final when Christine took them to the FA Cup final four years ago. But even Ron, who was a braggart man, didn't dare to tell his old buddy about his grand vision.

This season, it's been a fucking reality. And, there is a real chance to win the European Championship.

Before he knew it, Ron had returned to the stand where he was. Ron sat next to two old guys, both guys who had watched the ball together for decades, and a young man with a freckled face, whom he only met this season, named Luke. It's best to make jokes about Christine and Patrick, or brag about it, saying that he went to Arsenal for a trial when he was 12 years old and almost got into Arsenal's academy, and that if he were a player, he would definitely have to sleep with Christine...... There were some things that Ron didn't like to hear, but he felt that Luke was a bit like him when he was younger.

Right now, Luke was swiping something on his phone with his head down. Ron just wanted to ask, when he suddenly remembered that he had to use his phone to place two more bets in the midfield. Add "QPR to win" and "Patrick Amber will score" Okay. Ron clicked on the betting app and put £20 in each of the two before turning to the guy next to him. "What's on Twitter, Luke?"

Luke read them out to him. Two old fellows also leaned over.

[Patrick-Amber is my god.] 】

[Although it was equalized, it still felt a little dangerous.] To be honest, our defenders are not as good as Real Madrid. 】

[Pat was a little too quiet before, but the goal was awesome.] 】

[Give Christine the greatest respect.] Honestly, qpr fans, don't you guys feel like a dream?]

Ron nodded slightly when he heard this, it did feel like a dream, but fuck it, we're the proud Blue and White Army, the history-making QPR.

[We're already a fucking England domestic treble, what is Real Madrid? 】

[Don't underestimate Real Madrid. We all know that Nick is a super coach. 】

[The super coach who lost to Christine twice?

Ron laughed when he heard this, revealing a mouthful of rotten teeth.

Luke looked up, freckles jumping on his face, "Hey, Ron, let's take a selfie, I'll post it on Instagram." In case the we lose, I'm not in the mood for a selfie. ”

Before Ron could speak, an old fellow pulled his voice and said, "What the fuck are you talking about frustration!! we're going to win the Champions League!"

Ron hurriedly replied, "yes! We're going to fucking bring that big guy back to London!"

****

9:42 p.m., VIP Lounge Area.

Sofia went to the bathroom and now Lola Flores is taking care of Diego. Lola pouted slightly, her parents were greeting friends on the other side, and she always had nothing to do with little Diego alone. Little Diego has started to get noisy in the last six months, and Sophie says he is the cutest and most obnoxious age. Lola reluctantly followed in little Diego's footsteps, completely unaware of where he wanted to go.

Lola looked up and saw the Asian woman in the crowd. Today, there are several Asians in the VIP section. Lola knows that on one side is the many relatives and friends of Real Madrid player Zixiang, and on the other side is the mother of the Asian woman, Kristen Lu. She was stunned for a moment, and the woman saw her, she obviously didn't know her, but she smiled politely at her. But the woman looked down and immediately saw Diego, who came over with a champagne glass. She said something in English, Lola didn't understand much, she hesitated for a moment, and said in broken English, "Sorry, my English ......" The Asian woman laughed, this smile was very similar to Christine, she asked in Spanish, "Spanish?" Lola nodded. The Asian woman continued to speak non-standard but fluent Spanish, "Sorry, ma'am, I just said this little baby is cute, is it your son?"

Before Lola could speak, Diego raised her head and blinked, "I'm not her son." She is my dad's sister. He spoke in a milky voice and spoke slowly, with a proud expression and a louder voice, "My dad is the manager of Real Madrid. Who are you?"

Lola saw the surprise on the Asian woman's face. At this time, Lola also heard Sophie calling her name, and she apologized to the Asian woman, "His name is Diego." If you don't mind, we'll have to go over, it's his mom looking for us......"

Liu Lili looked down at Diego, and it was indeed a little similar to Nick. She smiled at the boy and said in Spanish: "Hello Diego, my daughter is the head coach of QPR. After she finished speaking, she raised her head and said to the beautiful Spanish girl in front of her, "Of course I don't mind, I'll see you later." ”

"I'll see you later. Lola then took Diego back to the Real Madrid Friends and Relatives section.

Sophia looked over there and casually asked, "Christine's mother?" Lola nodded. Then Lola heard her mother's voice come from again, "I thought we would meet at their wedding." Lola didn't speak. She certainly knows who "we" and "they" are referring to in her mother's mouth. It's just that maybe there will never be a wedding.

****

9:46 p.m. QPR locker room.

Everything that should be arranged has been arranged.

Thiem took a closer look at everything in front of him and the players still looked excited, and the late equaliser in the first half not only eased everyone's pressure, but also gave everyone more confidence to win the final.

The second half is about to start. The players are ready to go out.

Patrick stood up and walked past Tim, who high-fived him. He thought about what had happened before the goal. At the time, his first reaction was that Pat was in too much of a hurry. He believes that the QPR defense is certainly under a lot of pressure, but as a pivotal figure in the offense, Pat will be in the hands of his opponent if he falls back. He's seen more than one superstar fall into such a trap, and the fundamental reason is that superstars don't want to be without the ball at their feet.

Obviously, this time, his instincts were wrong. He didn't know why Christine didn't immediately put Pat back in his original position, but instead told her to think about it. At the end of the first half, as he walked back into the hallway, he asked Christine this question. She replied with only one sentence: "At that moment I thought of Sochi three years ago." ”

Sochi three years ago, Russia ...... Fist Olympic Stadium. England vs. Brazil in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Tim had just been so busy laying out tactical tasks and explaining the details of the second half that he didn't have time to think about what it meant. Now he can think about it.

In the closing stages of that game, then-England manager Sam Allardyce put three centre-forwards (Kane, Marcus Rashford and Sturridge) on the pitch in a clear desperate and unbalanced style of play, which was how Tim felt when he saw it.

However, in that game, Pat actually supported this style of play and managed to survive for more than 20 minutes, and managed to create an equalizing goal, dragging the game into extra time. England didn't hold up in extra-time, but Patter's performance during that period was arguably the most shocking performance of the tournament.

Forcibly changing the common sense and common sense in football, this is what he can do.

Tim thought so as he watched the last QPR player walk out of the locker room.

At this moment, the head coach walked to the side. Tim spoke, "I understand why you didn't stop him then. ”

Kristen nodded at him, then smiled, "Do you think I can stop it?"

Tim looked into those eyes and said to himself, if you really want to, of course you can, but you won't. And Pat knows you won't.

After Pat retreated without authorization, it had a cascading effect, that is, Yu Zixiang on the opposite side plugged in. It looked like it was the same violation of tactical directives, as Tim didn't see Nick giving any instructions from the sidelines. In addition, Pierre's choice to challenge Pate at that moment was also sloppy - the task given to him by the Real Madrid coach, Tim estimated that it was mainly to contain and take the initiative to attack cautiously.

After these thoughts quickly swirled in the QPR assistant's head, Tim was ready to return to the court with Christine. Before stepping out of the tunnel of the players, he asked the manager next to him, "What about our plan for dealing with that Greek......

"I know he's tough to deal with, Tim, that Theo ......"

"Theophanes-Gianakopoulos, his name is so hard to remember, everyone calls him 'Titan', and the Spanish media seems to call him that. That's why I call him that to the players. ”

"Yes, when they bring the 'Titan' to the field, we'll see when the time comes up with our plan. ”

****

9:49 p.m.

The Real Madrid coach and the QPR coach once again stood on the sidelines in front of their respective dugouts.

Lu Ling glanced over there, and Nicholas happened to be looking at her as well.

"I love your eyes. I love my reflection in your eyes too. ”

A drop of rain fell down and hit Lu Ling's left cheek. The moment she looked away, he turned away.

It's raining in Barcelona. A crisp and loud whistle followed. 166 Reading Network