February 19th, the day of the competition!
The area outside Westfalenstadion was packed with people!
The figure of number 24 appeared prominently on the huge electronic screen on the exterior wall!
This is the highest level of respect Dortmund is giving to Andy!
Fans dressed in yellow and black stood watching, taking photos and checking in as souvenirs!
One-fifth of the entire population of Dortmund was mobilized!
Even if you don't have a ticket, you should still come and browse the official gift shop at the event!
Comrade Lao An transformed the restaurant into a viewing area for football fans a day in advance!
A huge investment was made to install a large LED screen!
And announced a major plan:
If Andy scores, all drinks are free!
We must drink to our hearts' content!
It's worth mentioning that Comrade Lao An's translator today is the same person as before.
Wang Ciao, an alumnus of Andy's school!
Today, he not only has to translate for Comrade Lao An, but also serve as the driver.
Even though he was going to be called "Little Fuck" again, Wang Ciao was still very excited!
They get free access to the VIP box to watch the game, plus a substantial reward.
Let them call out!
In addition to Dortmund fans, there were also many scouts from various clubs present.
There are many players who deserve our attention in this match!
A clash between top Portuguese league players and top Bundesliga teams!
This is definitely the focus of this round of elimination matches!
At the pre-match press conference, Benfica manager Rui Vitória and team second captain Gaitán were present.
"Dortmund is a very strong opponent, and everyone knows it will be a very difficult match here."
When he was asked by reporters about Andy.
"Oh, I selected a lot of youth academy players before the season, like Felix."
"If someone wants to play football, they have to persevere.You know, many people fail because they can't persevere.I'm glad he can succeed here."
Compared to the head coach's subtle expression, Gaitan's remarks were quite straightforward!
It's even jarring!
"I am very honored to be a member of Benfica.In my opinion, every choice the team makes should be carefully considered."
"Many times, we have to put in all our effort just to be considered."
"Therefore, waiting patiently and rewarding the team is a better option than simply blaming them."
This response greatly displeased the German media present!
Isn't this hypocritical?
You're the ones who terminated the contract, can't you even say a few words about it?
At the Dortmund press conference, Tuchel brought Andy to the event for the first time.
This time, Commander Tu has chosen not to keep a low profile!
"We're competing on three fronts, making choices about which to prioritize in the schedule is very difficult."
"But we have the best group of players!"
"Victory is the best gift we can give back to our fans!"
After the speech, reporters all turned to Andy.
"Andy, do you have anything to say to your former team?"
"Could you please predict the final outcome of the match?"
Andy picked up the microphone and calmly said:
"Benfica has a top-notch youth academy, and it's an honor to achieve something there."
"I miss my time in Lisbon, but I prefer Dortmund."
"A player's responsibility is to win the game.My teammates and I will give it our all.As for the score."
"We will definitely live up to our efforts!"
To the reporter, his words were impeccable!
His attitude was neither humble nor arrogant!
But it didn't have the explosive effect they wanted!
When pressed by reporters, Andy finally uttered a harsh statement.
See you on the court!
This statement also made headlines on the front page of German domestic media!
[A major battle is about to begin!Dortmund's talented full-back challenges Benfica: "See you on the pitch!"]
[Gaitan: Players should strive to repay the team, not complain!]
Such news attracted many viewers to the match!
Meanwhile, Sina Sports in China announced that it would be offering free live streaming!
The classic duo of Zhan Jun and Zhang Lu have been selected again as commentators for the match.
Keep in mind, they just finished commentating on the Champions League matches between PSG and Chelsea, and Roma and Real Madrid.
An absolute workhorse in the commentary world!
Many media outlets, eager to capitalize on Andy's popularity, embellished their reports on his relationship with Benfica.
This has led to a decrease in the already small number of Benfica fans in China!
Benfica's Asia operations manager was devastated!
They have only just established two cooperative bases in China.
I just hope Benfica can escape this match unscathed, otherwise things are going to get messed up!
Everyone loves the story of a young boy slaying a dragon!
"Dear Sina Sports users, welcome to watch this Europa League Round of 16 match in the early hours of this weekend."
"Borussia Dortmund will host Benfica at their home ground!"
"This match will be commented on by me, Zhan Jun, and coach Zhang Lu."
"Zhang, Andy performed very well in his debut season in the Bundesliga, and he is now the full-back with the highest assist rate in the Bundesliga.What do you think about this?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu chuckled!
"Andy seems to have quickly secured a starting position since representing Borussia Dortmund."
"I believe that if he continues to maintain this level, he has a very good chance of joining a traditional powerhouse in one of the top five European leagues in the future!"
Zhan Jun nodded."That's right, Barcelona really wants to sign him as Alves' backup."
"It is said that Enrique is paying close attention to his performance."
Meanwhile, the pre-match ceremony officially began in the broadcast signal!
A giant tifo of Westfalenstadion was then displayed!
A yellow and black bow and arrow, now drawn!
The arrow is aimed at the eagle in the upper right corner!
Absolutely stunning!
The implication is very clear!
Benfica's logoIt's an eagle!
And Borussia Dortmund is the archer!
At this point, the live stream chat room also started to get lively:
[Wow!This is incredible!]
[Drawing a bow to shoot down a giant eagle!]
[When it comes to visual appeal, Westfalen is the place to be!]
[Now you all understand Andy's status in our world, right?]
[Frankly speaking, Dortmund fans' actions could easily result in a fine!]
[It would be best to win, otherwise it would be incredibly embarrassing!]
[The players are entering the field!Andy is awesome!]
[Wishing Andy success in his revenge!Benfica is leaking oil!]
As Andy followed his teammates into the stadium, he looked up and saw the tifo in the die-hard fans' stand!
At that moment, he was deeply moved!
Dortmund fans are really showing their support with real actions!
There were almost no opposing fans in the stadium.
Benfica is under immense pressure this time!
As the captains of both teams chose their sides, the starting lineups for both teams were also displayed on the screen!
Benfica manager Rui Vitória deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: Cesar; Defenders: Andre Almeida, Lindelof, Jardel, Eliseu; Midfielders: Samaris, Renato Sanchez; Forwards: Pizzi, Jonas, Gaitan; Forwards: Mitroglu.Dortmund's Tuchel countered with a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper: Bürki; Backline: Andy, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer; Midfield: Sahin, Weigl, Kagawa; Forward: Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Reus.It's worth mentioning that veteran Sahin has finally returned to the field after a long injury!
Both teams' players took their positions in their own half.
The match is about to begin!