Chapter 1116 - 267: Semifinals Grouping_3

But there’s no way around it, Chelsea’s opponent in the semifinals is Bayern.

Is there a contradiction? We still have to settle life and death, don’t we?

Of course, the only party unaffected by this turmoil is San Remo.

They are the big gift package, no matter who they face, they can’t gain any advantage.

All I can say is Old Buddha’s methods this year are too strong. Seeing how unstoppable Real Madrid looks, he just had to arrange a Champions League for them.

This is going with the flow.

Achieving goals effortlessly.

Manipulating opponents like this, if you call it manipulation, it is indeed manipulation.

But to say it’s unfair, it’s not really unfair, because it reasonably uses the rules.

Those who arrange biased referees to forcefully change the game have crossed the line.

Not only does it require great efforts, but there’s also the risk of backlash.

In contrast, group manipulation is such a small issue it’s practically no trouble for UEFA at all.

Encouraged.

Felish’s accusations quickly blew over.

But some Real Madrid fans still refuted Felish’s statement.

"What’s all this about San Remo being a big package? Look at the current Premier League rankings, wasn’t it Arsenal, competing with you for the league title, who got kicked out of the Champions League by San Remo’s goal?"

"Exactly! San Remo has taken down more than one or two strong teams. If your Chelsea really encounters San Remo, it’s uncertain who’d win!"

Chelsea fans immediately retorted: "How can you say that? San Remo’s Lu Yang is injured, who’d struggle to play against them? Got the cheap advantage but dare to brag?"

"Go back and prepare for the finals; we’ll definitely take you down in the final! Let’s see who’s flaunting then!"

Real Madrid fans: "You have nothing in the finals, Bayern is not to be trifled with!"

Chelsea fans: "A Bayern without Robben is nothing to be afraid of! We, Chelsea, want fairness; we’ll take it ourselves!"

Bayern fans chimed in: "Chelsea is so bold? We were at least Champions League runners-up last year, where were you guys last year?"

Real Madrid’s unfortunate Champions League Sixteenth Brother suffered collateral damage and left the chat angrily.

Grouped with Champions League is actually UEFA Europa League grouping.

Though compared to Champions League, UEFA Europa League’s influence is much smaller.

This year’s UEFA Europa League semifinals continued last year’s style, still having a Serie A team: Napoli, currently fiercely competing for fourth place with San Remo, AC Milan, and others.

The other three teams are La Liga’s Sevilla, Eredivisie’s Ajax, and Premier League’s Tottenham.

Sevilla entering UEFA Europa League semifinals proves one thing.

That is, the original Champions League Group D, with San Remo, was truly a group of death.

San Remo and Sporting Lisbon advanced, now directly into the Champions League semifinals.

Group third-place Sevilla also made it into UEFA Europa League semifinals.

The "worst" Arsenal is now fiercely competing with Chelsea, Manchester United for the Premier League title.

It’s absurd!

Finally, Sevilla faces another Serie A team, battling Napoli.

Ajax faces Tottenham.

...

"Sotu, Sotu, can you tell us what exactly is Lu Yang’s injury situation..."

Numerous reporters surrounded Sotu, pressing for information.

As proven, Zidane’s words in France are very effective.

Lu Yang’s injury has been kept under wraps, yet to be exposed.

Facing repeated inquiries, Sotu could only reiterate: "Lu Yang’s injury isn’t serious; he is likely to make it to the Champions League semifinals, fans shouldn’t worry."

Reporter: "Is it? But sports medicine experts have analyzed Lu Yang’s condition and concluded his Achilles tendon may have ruptured. How do you explain this?"

Sotu: "It only shows that expert is mistaken."

Reporter: "But why haven’t you released the hospital’s diagnostic report on Lu Yang? Is it to prevent the injury from affecting team morale and fan confidence?"

Sotu: "That’s your understanding, we have the right not to disclose the diagnostic report, it’s Lu’s privacy. To the fans, all I can say is, I hope everyone believes in the team, our season is not yet over!"

Four days later, San Remo welcomed the 32nd round of the league.

They lost!

April 19, the 33rd round of the league, San Remo suffered a draw.

The league ranking dropped to eighth.

April 22, the 34th round of the league, the tired San Remo had to rotate in preparation for the upcoming first leg of the Champions League semifinals.

And sure enough, they encountered another defeat.

The league ranking dropped to ninth!

San Remo went four league matches without a win, completely falling behind.

Considering only four rounds remain in the league, even if they win all subsequent matches, San Remo can’t finish in the top four.

Thus, San Remo declared a failed bid for the season’s fourth spot!

They couldn’t achieve dark horse miracle, obtaining league championship or reaching top four as a promoted team.

This made countless San Remo fans heartbroken.

But they still held onto other hopes.

Because they still had two Champions League matches to watch.

This was the benefit San Remo fought for the entire season to grant its fans.

The first leg of the Champions League semifinal at the Sanremo Miracle Stadium, tickets were already sold out.

To accommodate fans as much as possible, San Remo even temporarily set up additional seats, maximizing stadium capacity.

It’s imaginable; it’ll be a lively game.

Lu Yang also stated on his social media that he’d accompany all teammates and fans on the stands during the match.

Lu Yang: "San Remo, go for it! Brothers, let’s go! I’m with you!"