Penalty shootout.
The cruelest, yet fairest, way of judging football.It compresses all tactics, all teamwork, and all team effort into a solitary duel between the player and the goalkeeper over twelve penalties.
The players from both teams stood shoulder to shoulder in a circle around the center circle.Exhaustion, tension, and determination were etched on every face.Cristiano Ronaldo stood outside the circle; as captain, he needed to be the first to head to the penalty spot.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his wildly beating heart.Countless images flashed through his mind: the confusion of his rebirth, the amazement of his first training session, the glory of the FA Cup, the roar at San Siro, the decisive goal at Stamford Bridge, and the weak yet determined look in the Jazz's eyes in the hospital.
He walked to the penalty spot, took the ball from the referee, and gently placed it on the white dot.The entire stadium fell silent; all eyes were on him.Liverpool goalkeeper Dudek waved his arms exaggeratedly on the goal line, trying to interfere.
Cristiano Ronaldo's gaze was calm as he slowly retreated, carefully calculating his steps.He didn't look at Dudek's movements; his eyes were only on the ball and the goal.
The run-up was precise and rhythmic, without the slightest hesitation.
Unleashed a powerful shot that flew straight into the top left corner of the goal!
Dudek guessed the wrong direction!The ball went into the net!
"Goal!Cristiano Ronaldo!He withstood the pressure!A great start for Manchester United!"
Cristiano Ronaldo didn't celebrate excessively; he simply pumped his fist, turned, and ran back to the center circle to high-five each of his teammates.His composure greatly stabilized the team's morale.
Scholes, Rooney, and Giggs, who came on next, all withstood the pressure and converted their penalties!
Meanwhile, for Liverpool, Hamann, who was the second to take the penalty, had his shot saved brilliantly by Manchester United goalkeeper Howard!
An opportunity!The scales are tipping in Manchester United's favor!
When Smicer, Liverpool's fifth player to come on, needed to score to keep their hopes alive, Howard once again guessed the right direction and made a solid save!
The match is over!
Manchester United won the penalty shootout!They won the UEFA Champions League!
"Champions!Manchester United are champions!They have won the Champions League!They did it in Sir Alex Ferguson's absence!Cristiano Ronaldo, as captain, lifted the Champions League trophy!" The commentator's voice trembled with immense excitement.
The entire Manchester United bench and coaching staff rushed onto the pitch in a frenzy!A red wave surged under the Istanbul night sky!
Cristiano Ronaldo was surrounded by his teammates, who patted and hugged him enthusiastically.He was pushed to the very front of the podium.The UEFA president handed him the gleaming silver Champions League trophy.
The trophy felt heavy and cold in my hand, yet also seemed scalding hot.
He turned around, facing his wildly cheering teammates and the sea of red in the stands.He took a deep breath, and with all his might, raised the trophy high above his head!
"Siuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-!"
This roar contained so much—a season of hard work, the hardships along the way, the fear of losing his mentor, and the ecstasy of final victory!Tears finally streamed uncontrollably down his cheeks.
He did it.He led the team to the top of Europe during their most difficult time.
At this moment, the captain's armband is no longer just a black veil, but a symbol of royal power