Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 51

──Wednesday, November 8, 2028

Champions League Phase 4

vs *AC Milan (@Home)

Autumn nights in Europe come early and are cold.

The lights of Augsburg’s stadium stood out in the deep darkness.

The red and black of Milan will appear on the stage.

“If we don’t win, we’ll be eliminated from the qualifying rounds.”

After the third round of the Champions League league phase, Augsburg has 0 points so far. The goal difference is -10.

If we don’t win soon, it will be highly likely that we will be eliminated in the remaining games.

But within the first 10 minutes, those hopes were fading.

Milan’s number 9, Emerson Lopez, instantly cuts through the narrow space on the side, launching a counterattack and scoring the opening goal.

Augsburg’s defense was shaken.

However, there was one man who remained unwavering.

Ren Naoe.

He repeatedly made passes vertically in the midfield, reading the passing routes and anticipating the opponent’s movements.

It was as if they were beings with a single “time difference.”

In the 25th minute of the first half, a right-footed mid-range shot from a combination play in front of the goal unfortunately hit the post.

In the 12th minute of the second half, he kept the ball surrounded by three players and set his teammate free with a heel pass.

🗣【Live broadcast (SKY PerfecTV!)】

“Naoe Ren… he’s really good. He’s in a class of his own at Augsburg. Even on the Champions League stage.”

But Milan was strong.

The 1-on-1 attacks, the decisiveness in front of the goal, and the individual differences.

The score is 0-2.

The game is over.

📷【Post-match/Press coverage】

–German national newspaper “Kicker”

“Milan won the game without much trouble. However, it was the number 19 player, Naoe Ren, who gave Milan a slight sense of danger.”

–Gazzetta Italia

“That night, Milan got three points, while Augsburg got a glimmer of hope. The Japanese midfielder’s play was like a solitary star.”

🌌【After the match, on the night road】

After the post-match interview, Ren chose to head home alone.

I walked under the illuminated trees, trying to distance myself from the hustle and bustle of the team.

I can still feel the grass on my feet.

The hustle and bustle on the pitch repeats in my ears.

“…I’m not lonely.”

The muttered voice dissolved into the wind.

🌑【Ren: Voice from the heart】

This is the path I wanted.

So, no matter what anyone calls me, no matter what they call me lonely──that’s fine.

This is my path.

📄【Voices of social media fans (Japan)】

“Ren, you were amazing… I lost the match, but I’ve fallen in love with you all over again.”

“He had the presence of a top-class player. The difference in level between him and the rest of the team was heartbreaking.”

“I’m proud to see Ren shining in the Champions League.”

“But I want to see a stronger team.”

📌Next episode preview: “Episode 52: Reaching Out”

11/11 (Sat) Bundesliga Round 10 vs Stuttgart (A)

“We can’t compete with the top clubs.”

So, how will they take on a tough opponent categorized as mid-level?

———-

*AC Milan (Associazione Calcio Milan)

✨ In one word…

“Proud tradition, artistic triumph, and the beauty of red and black”

AC Milan cares not only about winning, but also about how to win.

That is the belief that is passed down to Milanistas all over the world.

🔴⚫ AC Milan’s culture, atmosphere, and characteristics

① World’s leading title holder

– Headquarters: Milan, Founded: 1899

Main achievements:

・UEFA Champions League: 7 times (2nd in Europe, most in Italy)

・Serie A Champions: 19 times

-FIFA Club World Cup/Intercontinental Cup: 4 times

– Considered one of the most elegant winning clubs in history.

② The meaning behind “Red and Black”

“Red is passion, black is fear.”

　→ These colours represent the spirit of AC Milan.

-That is why players and supporters are expected to always have a dignified fighting spirit.

3) Playing style: Soccer with dignity and intelligence

-What has been valued by past coaches and players is “technique, structural beauty, and harmony as a team.”

Representative philosophies:

・High pressure and zone defense under coach Sacchi

Capello’s leadership style

・Ancelotti’s golden age (Seedorf, Pirlo, Kaka, etc.)

・The club is famous for being committed to “winning beautifully.”

④ The opponent in the derby is Inter Milan = “Milan Derby”

・Inter vs Milan (also known as the Derby della Madonnina)

– A “fateful battle between brothers” took place at the same San Siro.

– The game was played against the backdrop of differences in political views and class consciousness (the old “workers vs upper class” structure), making it a very intense and tense match.

5. A treasure trove of charisma and legends

・The history of the club = the history of the star.

・Maldini (Immortal Captain)

– Baresi, Shevchenko, Kaka, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Nesta, Gattuso…

In recent years, Ibrahimovic, Leon, Theo Hernandez, etc.

-It was impressive to see how many legends “left Milan with respect even when they left.”

⑥ Supporter culture: pride and aesthetic sense

– The choreography and chants are majestic and coordinated, like works of art.

– The South Stand (Curva Sud) in particular has one of the largest supporter groups in the world.

– They support the club with “pride and loyalty” rather than “enthusiasm,” and they mercilessly boo any play that is “un-Milan-like.”

🏟 Stadium: San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza)

– Traditional fortress (accommodates approximately 75,000 people)

-Plans are also underway to build a new stadium in the late 2020s.

– During Milan matches, the stadium will be painted red and black, creating a space that embodies “the fusion of Italian beauty and power.”