Madrid.

Spanish Football Federation Building.

Vicente del Bosque reclined in his office chair, dozing off, his plump hand gently patting his large belly.

Outside the window, two little azure-winged magpies were cuddling on a branch.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the mottled desk.

The life of the Spanish national team coach... so pleasant.

Accompanied by a burst of hurried footsteps.

Miano walked into the office with a thick stack of documents.

He suddenly stopped, wanting to turn back and knock on the door...

Del Bosque opened his eyes and waved his hand.

The Spanish assistant coach breathed a sigh of relief and rattled off:

"Boss, the Arsenal coaching staff sent back last week's report."

"Wenger isn't entirely sure how they beat Tottenham... he didn't anticipate being able to create a massacre in his pre-match arrangements either."

"At least the two teams were evenly matched on the field; Li broke the balance."

"He's in good shape right now, and all his physical indicators are normal."

"Also, we didn't call up Li for last month's World Cup qualifiers, and fans in various regions protested, with complaint letters filling our mailbox like snowflakes..."

Del Bosque rubbed his face, adjusted his posture, and frowned:

"Fans protesting the match against Liechtenstein?"

"Liechtenstein!"

"A country with a total population of just under forty thousand..."

"Why would we call up Li for an opponent of this caliber? He's already tired enough in the Premier League."

"How about this, let's take Li out for another spin during next week's international break! I haven't seen him in a long time either!"

...

Another Champions League matchday quietly arrived.

Li Kang and his Arsenal teammates boarded a plane to Monaco.

Monaco has many nicknames: Miniature Country, Postage Stamp Country, Rose on the Cliff.

The Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1878, is like a magnificent palace, attracting players of "Happy Beans" from all over Europe, but according to local law: locals are not allowed to gamble, only tourists are allowed to enter.

Who is the most famous person in this country?

Grace Kelly.

The most tragic fairy tale of European royalty.

...

Monaco does not have an international airport.

The Arsenal players needed to land at Nice's Côte d'Azur Airport first, then take a bus to the stadium.

The journey was not far.

Less than an hour's drive from the airport.

Maguire happily pointed out the window.

"A city built on a cliff!"

"It's so damn beautiful!"

"There's a castle there too! In the sunset..."

Bellerin interrupted: "You should be worrying about how to defend against Mbappé and Lemar; those types of dribblers will get past you like you're crossing the street!"

Maguire nodded seriously and said, "I'm not a starter."

Cazorla pondered for a moment and added: "Don't forget Falcao, he's been in very good form lately."

When Falcao played for Atletico Madrid, he was once the third-best scorer in the world after Messi and Ronaldo.

"This Monaco team's overall attacking power is perhaps among the strongest in Europe."

"But, they can't be stronger than that Barcelona of yesteryear! We must win this match."

Čech waved his fist and said loudly.

It did not have the effect of boosting morale.

After all, among those present, only he himself had overturned the peak Dream II and peak Dream III Barcelona teams.

Li Kang wore headphones and drew several circles on a piece of scratch paper.

...

Stade Louis II, located on the coast of the Fontvieille district.

With a capacity of only 20,000.

But its special geographical location and unique design make it one of the most charming stadiums in Europe.

The land on which it stands was reclaimed from the Mediterranean by the Monegasque royal family in the early 1980s.

The Arsenal bus slowly drove into the underground parking lot.

The Monaco fans on both sides of the street were excited when they saw Wenger's figure through the car window. Especially the middle-aged and elderly.

"Arsene!!!"

"Arsene!!!"

"Arsene!!!"

Wenger felt a little complicated, and he couldn't help but wave to the fans.

Morata asked in confusion: "Why are they shouting the boss's name?"

Koscielny explained: "The boss coached here for seven years when he was younger, winning the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and also cultivated a George Weah... Oh, and building Monaco's youth training system!"

"Even the royal family considers him the history of the Monaco club."

"If he hadn't lost that European Cup Winners' Cup final, the boss might not have left here."

It's also interesting to note.

Wenger is also a "Triple Runner-Up King."

He is the only coach in history to have lost the European Cup Winners' Cup, the Europa League final, and the Champions League final.

Because the European Cup Winners' Cup has been discontinued... so this terrible record is rarely mentioned.

...

Wenger, surrounded by a group of staff members, arrived at the pre-match press conference.

The French reporters offered the warmest applause, and the master of ceremonies quickly presented flowers.

Monaco coach Jardim ran forward enthusiastically to shake hands.

There was no tense atmosphere at all.

Wenger was not too moved, because his parting with Monaco back then was not so dignified.

"Mr. Arsène, does returning to the Stade Louis II evoke fond memories for you?"

The Arsenal coach shook his head and laughed: "Not so fond, I used to smoke and drink at that time, and I would also verbally abuse the players..."

This self-deprecating answer immediately caused bursts of laughter.

The media reporters did not neglect the home coach.

After entangling Wenger for a few minutes, they threw the question to the Monaco coach.

Jardim looked confident:

"In the first two rounds of the Champions League group stage, Monaco did not show its true strength due to injuries."

"The players are in very good shape today, and we will face Arsenal in the best possible condition!"

...

Stade Louis II.

A hubbub of voices.

Red flags printed with crowns fluttered in the sea breeze.

The sun was setting.

The four stands seemed to be covered with a layer of golden gauze.

"Ctv5! Ctv5! Good evening, viewers!"

"We are now broadcasting the third round of the 2016/17 Champions League group stage Group C!"

"Monaco hosts Arsenal!"

"To date, both teams rank among the top five in Europe in terms of goalscoring efficiency this season!"

"Undoubtedly, this will be an offensive feast."

"The camera focuses on the Arsenal coach on the sidelines; it's not his first time returning to the French Riviera."

"A few years ago, it was Monaco that eliminated Arsenal from the competition."

"Can Wenger avenge his shame tonight? Let's wait and see!"

...

The interior of the stadium is like a palace.

Luxurious.

White sculptures and oil paintings are everywhere.

However, closer to the stadium entrance, the decoration is becoming more modern, and bright red has become the main color.

It was the first time that Li Kang had encountered a player tunnel that had to be climbed.

"Li..."

Mbappé smiled and greeted him, then looked forward, still exuding a composure and restraint that did not match his age.

The players on both sides were not very familiar with each other and did not greet each other much.

Only Falcao and Morata embraced.

After all, the two were once city rivals in Madrid.