"Milan is ruthless! A 4-0 win at home against Arsenal... Arsenal wasn't like this when they played against us..."
"They beat us 2-1... If we play Milan, wouldn't that mean we'd concede 8 goals? Milan is terrifying!"
"That's the strength of a Champions League powerhouse. Experience matters in the Champions League!"
"Milan is this strong, do you think Inter will be the same?"
"Definitely not! Milan is leading Serie A, while Inter is down in fifth place."
"Leverkusen is probably done for, losing 3-1 at home... Barcelona is just too strong!"
"I watched the highlights of that match. Their passing and control were terrifying! Leverkusen barely had a chance to touch the ball."
"Well, they are the top club right now, practically the final boss!"
"Why worry about them? Let's focus on beating Inter first!"
"Isn't Inter playing Bologna tonight? They'll probably use their reserves, right?"
"Who knows... but they've already lost five matches in a row in all competitions! Nowhere near our level."
"And they still have the nerve to diss us in the media after five straight losses?"
"Exactly! They dare to disrespect us? We'll show them the terror of Westfalenstadion this time!"
"Let them feel the power of the German Panzer!"
"Yes! Crush them!"
Everyone was getting more and more excited as the conversation went on.
At that moment, Kehl spoke up, "Calm down. Anyone listening in might think we're playing Inter tonight."
Weidenfeller added, "Alright, less talk. Remember our next two targets - punch Hertha Berlin, kick Inter Milan!"
Kagawa leaned against Ye Chen. "Ye, what do you think about our match against Inter?"
"Me? I think I'll watch with my eyes," Ye Chen shrugged.
With the first leg of the Champions League knockout stage concluded on February 15-16, the news spread across Europe.
The most eye-catching match was Milan vs. Arsenal.
Despite finishing second in the group stage and being doubted by many before the match, AC Milan swept Arsenal aside once the game began!
Under Wenger, Arsenal was a true powerhouse, topping their group without question.
Even Dortmund, the Bundesliga champions, had only managed a draw and a loss against Arsenal in their two meetings.
Van Persie, Arteta - all world-class stars.
And the result?
A slaughter!
This outcome deeply shook Serie A fans. If Premier League giants could fall like this, wouldn't Bundesliga teams face the same fate?
Besides, Inter Milan had experience playing against German clubs.
Even Bayern Munich, the dominant force in the Bundesliga, struggled. What chance did Dortmund, a newcomer to the Champions League, have?
Dortmund qualified for the Champions League by winning the Bundesliga last season. Their last appearance in the tournament dated back to 2002...
In 2001, Sammer took charge of Dortmund.
The club spent 140 million Deutsche Marks to sign Rosický, Koller, and Amoroso. Amoroso's â¬25 million transfer set a record for German clubs at the time. The following year, they won the league.
But from 2003 onwards, Dortmund never returned to the Champions League. Their best finish was fifth in the Bundesliga.
It wasn't until last season, under Klopp's leadership, that they clinched the title and secured their Champions League spot.
As a fresh contender, few had high hopes for Dortmund, even as reigning Bundesliga champions.
After all, success in the Champions League required more than talent on paper.
Moreover, with Milito and Forlán, Inter Milan was no weaker than Dortmund.
Still, this wasn't the time to debate. Dortmund's bus had already parked at the designated away team spot.
The match against Hertha Berlin was about to begin!
Dortmund fans didn't disappoint. Today, 5,000 of them traveled with the team!
The Olympiastadion in Berlin, Hertha Berlin's home ground, could hold over 75,000 people. Its iconic blue and white running track symbolized the club.
As players stepped onto the pitch, the roar of over 70,000 fans nearly shook the roof!
Despite flirting with relegation, Hertha's fans remained passionate and loyal.
Dortmund fielded a second-string lineup.
The starters wouldn't be playing in the upcoming home match against Inter.
"Welcome to Gugu Sports! I'm your commentator for today, Wang Tao! I'll be bringing you live coverage of this match."
"And of course, feel free to interact with us!"
"A message from user Zhao Yaxin... Huh? Never mind what she said, let me check her profile picture first! Wow, she's gorgeous. Is this what Ye Chen's female fans look like? Ye Chen is one lucky guy!"
"Sorry, sorry! Let me read her message. She says she has a dog that plays football but doesn't know what position to put it in... Huh? Are you thinking of sending it to the China national team? Don't bother, even dogs wouldn't join that squad!"
"Next message... 'My TV is broken; every channel looks the same.' Don't worry, it's 7 PM now!"
"Another fan says, 'I wish we could skip to the Euros and watch Ye Chen play!' Who doesn't... but hold on, my paycheck hasn't arrived yet!"
"Anyway, let's check out the starting lineups!"
"First up, Hertha's lineup... nah, you guys don't care, right?"
"Let's jump to Dortmund's lineup!"
"Weidenfeller in goal!"
"Four defenders - Chris Löwe, van Dijk, SubotiÄ, and Azpilicueta!"
"Midfield duo - Kehl and De Bruyne!"
"Left wing GroÃkreutz, attacking midfield Wang Chu, and right wing Mané!"
"Forward... damn, why isn't it Ye Chen?"
"Klopp must be joking, starting Kuba up front..."
Wang Tao's animated commentary drew laughter from viewers.
He blurted out exactly what the fans were thinking!
The chat exploded.
"Swearing live? Dock 30 points!"
"Wang Tao, you should sell stadium merch. Your commentary career is over!"
"Never mind the cursing - is Ye Chen on the bench?"
"Even without Ye Chen, Wang Chu can handle it!"
"Waiting for the Chinese duo to shine in the Bundesliga!"
Wang Tao glanced at the chat. "Relax! With this lineup, Ye Chen will be on soon. I don't trust Kuba at all. If he scores, I'll write my name upside down!"
"Pfft... your name is still 'Wang' upside down!"
"Wang Tao, you're too much!"
Wang Tao chuckled. "Look, with all these substitutes, Hertha has the home advantage and no European distractions. They'll fight hard! Ye Chen will be our savior. I've written the script - just waiting for the director!"