Chapter 405 405: The UCL Finalists Revealed

The following day at the Colney Training Base, the Arsenal players gathered in the tactics room to watch the second leg of the other Champions League semi-final between Juventus and Real Madrid. The outcome would determine their opponent in the final.

"Who do you think will advance?" Cazorla asked, turning to Le Kai.

Le Kai shook his head. "It's hard to say."

"I think Real Madrid will go through," Cazorla declared confidently. "They have so much Champions League experience and history. Carlo Ancelotti's team is strong, and beating them in the final would feel even more special."

Le Kai rolled his eyes. "You're really getting carried away now."

Suárez, who had been listening quietly, interjected, "I'd rather face Juventus. I'm not ashamed to admit it — I just want to win the Champions League. The easier the opponent, the better."

Cazorla was momentarily speechless, but several other players nodded in agreement. Most of the squad preferred facing Juventus over a Real Madrid side brimming with star quality.

"Real Madrid won't make it easy," Le Kai said seriously. "Ever since they sold Xabi Alonso, their defensive midfield has been a clear weakness. They've been playing without a proper holding midfielder — Modrić, Kroos, and Rodríguez — and now Modrić is injured. How do you think they'll handle Juventus' midfield with Pirlo and Pogba?"

"But they have Ronaldo," Cazorla countered.

Le Kai smiled. "True. Cristiano is in incredible form right now. That's their biggest threat. Still, they have problems. Özil is on the bench, Di María is with us, and Benzema…"

"He's injured," Cazorla finished.

"Exactly," Le Kai shrugged. "They have squad issues and an injury problem. It's not straightforward for them."

The players fell into thoughtful silence as the match coverage began.

Real Madrid (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Casillas

Defenders: Marcelo, Varane, Pepe, Carvajal

Midfielders: Isco, Kroos, Ramos, Rodríguez

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale

Juventus (4-3-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Buffon

Defenders: Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra

Def. Midfielders: Marchisio, Pirlo, Sturaro

Att. Midfielder: Vidal

Forwards: Tevez, Morata

Kai raised an eyebrow. Juventus didn't even include Pogba? Is he injured?

Even without Pogba, Juventus still had its defensive solidity and the experience of Pirlo. Real Madrid's lineup, by contrast, looked awkward, particularly with Sergio Ramos deployed in defensive midfield.

The match kicked off, and the Arsenal players watched with keen interest, knowing their European destiny would soon be decided on the pitch in Turin.

Both teams began the match with positive, attacking intent, though Real Madrid were particularly aggressive from the first whistle. Within five minutes, Juventus found themselves under significant pressure from Real's rapid forward surges.

Bonucci eventually halted a dangerous run by Gareth Bale with a well-timed sliding tackle, but the challenge earned him a yellow card. From that moment, however, Juventus began to assert themselves. With Andrea Pirlo dictating play from deep, they gradually took control of the midfield. Their attacks soon carried real menace.

In the space of just three minutes, Juventus created three promising chances, one of which came perilously close to opening the scoring. Kai found himself holding his breath as he watched.

Then, in the ninth minute, former Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata capitalised on a rebound to give Juventus the lead. Although Pirlo did not touch the ball in the immediate build-up, his masterful orchestration of the move — his vision, timing, and subtle control of the game's rhythm — left a lasting impression on Le Kai.

Mikel Arteta turned to him. "What do you make of it?"

Le Kai gave a wry grin. "He is too good."

Arteta smiled and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You are very different types of midfielders. Watch and learn from his style, but never try to copy it."

Le Kai nodded thoughtfully and turned his attention back to the screen.

After taking the lead, Juventus defended with great discipline and composure. Real Madrid continued to press forward with intensity, but the Italian side's backline — led by the formidable Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci — stood firm.

From Arsenal's perspective, Juventus looked the more complete and threatening team, while Real Madrid's performance felt somewhat disappointing.

As the match progressed, tension filled the room. When the referee finally blew the full-time whistle, the Arsenal players rose from their seats with solemn expressions.

Juventus had defeated Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate. Their opponent in the Champions League final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium would be Juventus.

Arsène Wenger stood up and switched off the television. He turned to the squad and spoke with calm authority.

"Gentlemen, our opponent is now confirmed. You have seen Juventus's quality tonight, but do not be deceived by this single performance. I can tell you with complete confidence that we are the stronger side."

The players straightened up, their chests swelling with pride. Few things carried more weight than such a clear affirmation from their manager.

"The Champions League final will be played on the 7th of next month," Wenger continued. "Before then, we still have one Premier League fixture remaining. Those selected to start should use it to sharpen their match rhythm. For now, go home and rest. I expect every player to take the utmost care of themselves during this period."

He turned to the medical and performance staff. "All meals will be taken at the club, and we will monitor every player's condition closely. There is no margin for error between now and the final."

"Dismissed."

Le Kai and his teammates filed quietly out of the tactics room and made their way home.

. . .

From that evening onward, excitement surrounding the Champions League final steadily grew.

The headline "Juventus vs Arsenal: Champions League Final" dominated sports pages across Europe.

For the first time in several seasons, the final would not be an all-La Liga affair. Instead, it would pit Serie A against the Premier League in a fresh and intriguing contest. Fans, many of whom had grown weary of Real Madrid and Barcelona's recent dominance, welcomed the change.

The big question on everyone's lips was simple: Would Juventus secure their third Champions League title, or would Arsenal write a new chapter in their history by lifting the trophy for the first time?

In London and Turin, supporters began showing their passion through public displays of support. Both clubs entered the final weeks of the season with total focus, knowing they were preparing for European football's ultimate showdown.

. . .

Please do leave a review and powerstones, which helps with the book's exposure.

Feel like joining a Patreon for free and subscribing to 30+ advanced chapters?

Visit the link:

[email protected]/GRANDMAESTA_30

Change @ to a