The Knight in the Area: The Road to the Promised Land

by KiraYamatoFan

Following "Dream or Premonition", Kakeru and Nana, newly engaged to each other, have set a new objective with their club's teammates for the new season: win all big trophies. However, former teammates and opponents from the original series stand in their way. England and Europe are the arenas. Will Kakeru and Nana succeed in their journey? *NEW Ch. 55 - HUGE DRAMA!*

56. 55: They Never Give Up

Chapter 55: They Never Give Up

"It is in the fabric of this football club! It is in the soul of this football club! They never, never give up!" – Gary Weaver (Sports broadcaster).

...

Saturday June 1

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Manchester United (UEFA Champions League final)

Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France

Match interrupted in the 44th minute – severe weather warning

When the Manchester United players went to their dressing room because of the forced interruption, the players were utterly disappointed at the turn of events so far. They were particularly angry for wasting their own chances while PSG managed to build and maintain a 2-goal lead by the 44th minute.

"Fuck me, boys!" Nikolaj cursed out loud. "We're getting killed out there. Show more fight!"

"How the fuck are we losing like that?" Marius asked out loud.

"Come on, lads! We have more than a half to get something." Jan tried to rally his teammates.

"Rest up, lads. Relax. Take some time to recover, and then we'll talk." Andrew said.

Most of the Manchester United players did not say a word as Andrew went to his temporary office next to the dressing room, but the players' body language showed how utterly disgusted and distraught they felt. Taking their seats in the dressing room, the players were silently reflecting on the first 44 minutes of the match. The big collective question was as followed: how can they make a comeback against so many odds?

'I've never felt so afraid of losing than I am now. What would you say, Nii-chan? Please talk to me.' Kakeru thought.

Kakeru did not expect any answer since Suguru's spirit has not exactly spoken to him in the context of any match for many years now. The only few times Suguru spoke to Kakeru were for other things not related to the game. There was only total silence... until a familiar voice asked in Kakeru's head:

"There are 2 instances where victory is decided. Do you remember what I told you about what those are?" Suguru's voice asked.

'Nii-chan?' Kakeru asked back in his thoughts.

"One of them is when the final whistle is blown at the end of the match. What is the other one, Kakeru?"

'The other one is when the losing team gives up on getting a goal. Even so, it's not like it is any easier. This is the Champions League final, and Tono looks unbeatable in goal so far.'

"On the contrary, the same principles can also be applied here. The Champions League final is about the best 2 teams in Europe at the moment, but it's all about the same rules. And any goalkeeper, as good as he can be, has at least one weakness waiting to be exploited. You have to keep fighting hard and look for solutions 'til the very end. It's all about going one goal at the time."

'If you're here, does that mean you can help me like you used to do back in high school?' Kakeru asked.

"Oh, I don't think I would make much of a difference now. My growth as a player stopped on the day I died, but you have grown far beyond anything I could have ever dreamed to become. I showed you a path, but you are walking that path. You're the one who can do it now, and you're not alone. Your teammates will help you too." Suguru replied.

Kakeru looked around the dressing room only to see a group of players doing soul-searching.

'My teammates look battered right now. I don't know if they still have something left in the tank'

"I think your teammates need you to speak to them altogether. Part of being a leader is about picking your teammates up when they are down. Just a few words can bring back the spark at the right time. Be that leader."

'What should I say to them?'

"You already know the answer... through me and through the man who brought you to this club. Just let your heart speak, Kakeru." Suguru said.

At the very same moment when Suguru finished delivering the message to Kakeru, Matthias started delivering his own message to the entire team.

"I know the very last chance we gave to them was because I slipped, so I'm glad that Fury (Yusuke) saved all of us. But we still have 2 problems here: 1) we're all giving PSG too much respect when they have the ball and 2) we don't take our chances we have to score. This is not a friendly! We have to take the game at them, make them suffer for every blade of grass they gain. Liven up, people! We still have 46 minutes to get back on the scoreboard. So come on, everyone!" Matthias said.

During Matthias' speech, Kakeru took time to think about what to say to his teammates. And by the time Matthias was done, Kakeru stood up.

"Skipper! I know I'm not one to speak, but there is something I have to say now." Kakeru said.

"Kakeru?" Nana asked out loud in surprise.

Within the team, Kakeru is recognized as a silent leader leading by example on the pitch rather than being a loud voice in the dressing room. Nevertheless, Matthias knew Kakeru well enough to understand that the latter must have a good reason to give a few words to the entire team at halftime.

"Alright. Your show, Knight." Matthias replied to Kakeru.

With all eyes now looking at him, Kakeru took a deep breath before he began to speak.

"I just remembered a couple of things that some important people in my life taught me. The first one is this: there are only 2 instances that decide the outcome of any match – either the final whistle is blown... or the trailing team gives up on chasing the next goal. We have gone behind in many other matches this season, but we came back from behind to win many of them too. All we have to do is to score the next goal. And then we go for the next goal after that. Right?"

"Yeah!" the players replied.

"You bet!" Nana added to the shouts.

"And what is the other thing?" Yusuke asked.

"Something that a wise old man once told me. I want you to close your eyes for a moment and picture this: The European Cup will stand only 6 feet away when players collect their medals. None of us can touch it if we lose, and it may be the closest that we will ever get to that trophy. Some of us may never come this close ever again. If you ever feel tired or you feel down, look at the European Cup sitting on the pedestal as your source of motivation." Kakeru said.

'Paraphrasing Sir Alex Ferguson's words from 1999. Good call, Kakeru' Nana thought.

"Do you want to just walk by the trophy?" Kakeru asked.

"No!" the players replied.

"I'm not!" Yusuke replied.

"No fucking way!" Matthias added.

"Are you about to give up?!" Kakeru asked.

"NO!" Nana replied.

"No! NEVER!" the other players added.

"WELL, I'M STILL HERE! I'm not ready to give up! I don't intend to walk past that trophy with just a fucking runners-up medal! I will go out there, win the Cup, and then we'll party tonight. Who is going to do the same?"

"I am!" Nana replied.

"Me too!" Matthias added.

"Yeah!" the other players added.

"Remember what the Boss said earlier: there's no room for fear, especially now. If we go out there half-hearted because we're scared, that will be nothing but an excuse that will leave us asking 'what if?' for the rest of our lives. But if we go out there to give everything we have, there will be no regrets... and nothing will stop us at all." Kakeru said.

Then Matthias started a slow clapping.

"Let's go, people." Kakeru said.

Then the slow clapping was picked up by all of the other Manchester United players.

"Come on, lads! Give it to Knight!" Matthias said.

The clapping picked up the pace became it became a sustained round of applause.

"ARE WE GOING TO THIS?!" Matthias asked out loud.

"YEEEAAAHH!"

While preparing his own speech from his notes in his office, Andrew heard Matthias and Kakeru's respective speeches. The Manchester United manager was mostly glad that his team leaders already stepped up to bring back a more positive mood within the team. A couple of minutes later, Andrew came in to deliver one last halftime pep talk – perhaps the most important one of his lifetime.

"Everyone, the Boss is here." Matthias said.

All of the players sat down and turned their eyes towards the manager.

"Well, it's really simple: we still have 46 minutes ahead of us to climb our way back. We have made mistakes, I have made mistakes, but we're not going to talk about the mistakes because we know them. I want to speak about what we're going to do and where we stand: we're down by 2 goals. Now we need at least 2 goals to take the final into extra time. Two goals can be scored in less than 2 minutes in football, and we have 46 minutes plus stoppage time to score at least twice. It is still very much possible to do, one step at the time. If we don't get 2 goals, we will go down. But if we go down, we will be putting up the biggest fight of all, right?" Andrew said.

"YEAH!" the players replied.

"We still have an opportunity to write our own history in the way that I have come to discover with this team throughout this whole season. Don't ever forget who we are; we are Manchester United – a club that has fought and won many great battles by never giving up and by fighting until the final whistle. It's a final. If it is difficult for us, it will be difficult for them too."

"DAMN RIGHT!" Matthias shouted.

"I could talk a number of things about what we should do in the second half, but I want you to know something first: what matters the most in this beautiful game is not the final score, not the money, not the glory. It's nothing like that. What matters the most is that you can to look at your friends in the eye and say that you did everything that you could, that there wasn't one more thing you could have done. Can you look at your friends and tell them those words with just one look into their eyes? If you can do that, then you already are winners because they will then know that you never let them down."

All of the players nodded.

"Now I want you to take a moment and I want you to look at each other in the eyes." Andrew said.

The players looked around at each other to see the fire burning in their eyes.

"Now you see the fire in the eyes. I'm sure you see a lad or a lass willing go to war with you. You see the person next to you, willing to sacrifice everything for this team because he or she knows that you will do exactly the same in return. This is what I want to see. Are you ready to go out there AND FIGHT 'TIL THE VERY END?"

"YEEEEAAAH!" the players shouted in unison.

Then Andrew turned his eyes towards Francisco to announce his plans ahead of the restart after the storm.

"Frankie, you played well. But I will send Witch in your place at the restart." Andrew said.

"I get it, Boss." Francisco replied, disappointed and yet understanding.

Then Andrew turned towards Nana and Yusuke.

"Witch, I want you to light that fire up when we get in their half. You ready?" Andrew asked.

"I was waiting just for that moment, Boss." Nana replied.

"Excellent. Fury, you will stick with Leonardo Silva everywhere he goes. If he goes out to buy dinner, you stay with him. Can you do it?"

"Yes, Sir. If I have all the field I need to mark Leonardo Silva, I will follow him everywhere and even eat his dinner if that can make his day miserable." Yusuke replied.

The Manchester United players burst in laughter altogether while Andrew smiled at Yusuke's little joke.

"You will get your chance. The rest of the team will stay as it is for the restart. Now make sure to stay hydrated, eat some food, and keep those muscles warmed up in the warm-up room if you have to. Be ready for an update at any moment. All right? Let's go!" Andrew finished.

The players responded with a very loud round of applause before they went back to their routine bits as in any other halftime even though there was no set time for a restart yet.

"Some really inspiring words from everyone. You did great with that speech, Kakeru." Nana said.

"Thanks, Seven." Kakeru replied.

"I remember that the second thing you said came from Sir Alex Ferguson, but what about the other one?" Yusuke asked.

"That came from Nii-chan. He taught me that part when he was in first year at Kamakura Middle School. He just came back from a trip with the U13 Japanese National Team to play the last 15 minutes against Yokohama even though Kamakura was losing by 2 goals."

"Yokohama? Kakeru, didn't they have Asuka-san and Takajo-san as second-years back then?" Yusuke asked.

"That's right. In just 10 minutes out of the last 15, Nii-chan scored 2 goals and one assist to win the game for Kamakura."

"Suguru-san." Nana said.

"Amazing." Yusuke added.

"This is why we cannot give up now. Everything we have worked for, everything we have learned over the years... all of those things have led us to this moment in time. If we have to apply everything we have learned since childhood, it has to be for this one opportunity. To win the European Cup." Kakeru said.

"Yeah. I have moved beyond so many obstacles and broke the gender barrier to fulfill my dream of playing in this final. I won't let anybody ruin this dream without putting up a fight." Nana replied.

"Everything in life comes for a reason. I took a detour in my learning curve as a player, but now I'm here at the doorstep of achieving something huge alongside my best friends. You can count on me as well." Yusuke added.

"Right. Let's get down to work." Kakeru finished.

---

10:43 PM CEST (9:43 PM BST)

Nearly 45 minutes after the match was interrupted because of the thunderstorm and heavy rain, the storm finally moved at a definitely safe distance away from the vicinity of Saint-Denis. There was still rain falling on the pitch, but it became mild enough for the pitch maintenance staff to start working around the clock to drain the excess water away from the pitch for the following 15 minutes before UEFA officials could publish an official statement.

"I have news!" Noriko said.

"What is it?" Mito asked.

"UEFA says the match will restart at 11:15 PM; that's in 32 minutes."

"That's great news." Eiko said.

"Yeah. Better late than never." Mamoru added.

Noriko promptly texted the update to Sarah, who was watching the final in a packed Old Trafford, in Manchester.

"Do you think Nana will come on soon?" Mrs. Mishima asked.

"I don't know, but I would make the change immediately if I was the manager." Noriko replied.

"We can only hope. Desperate times call for desperate measures." Mito said.

"We will see." Noriko finished.

During the forced interruption, each team sent players to stay warmed up in the warm-up room adjacent to the dressing room. Then both teams spent nearly 20 minutes to do more warm-up exercises to get used to the new playing conditions on the wet pitch. A few minutes before both teams were set to restart the match on a corner kick for PSG as it was just before the interruption, Manchester United made their first substitution as Andrew had planned minutes ago.

Clive Tyldesley: Well, it is the first time that the European Cup has been interrupted because of bad weather. Both teams had plenty of times to relax, to think about what they would do next, and to rethink about parts of their respective strategies. But Manchester United will not wait until halftime and beyond to make the first substitution of the night. Nana Mishima is set to come on.

"Give them hell, Bruja!" Francisco said to Nana.

"Thanks. Hasta el final (All the way)." Nana replied.

Nana and Francisco gave the double high-five handshake to make the substitution official for Manchester United. Needless to say, the Manchester United half of the stadium loudly cheered upon Nana's arrival.

Alan Keegan: Substitution for Manchester United: Replacing number 21, Francisco Serrano... is number 19, Nana Mishima.

In the stands:

"Let's go, Nana!" Noriko shouted.

"You saw it right, Noriko-chan." Mrs. Mishima said.

"Now this is going to be fun." Mito said.

"Can you see it, Suguru? Kakeru was the first to play in this final. Now Nana is right there with him." Eiko said out loud as she held Suguru's framed picture.

"My little girl... she made it at last." M. Mishima was overwhelmed with joy as well.

"Our children made it, my friend. Let's enjoy the show." Mamoru replied.

'Now the game might become even more interesting. Just from the way United were warming up, they are ready to give everything.' Noriko thought.

In the Manchester United half of the stands, the supporters were shouting "UNITED! UNITED! UNITED!" in full voice to support their team. Meanwhile on the pitch, the PSG players were already talking about the upcoming corner kick. However, Leonardo Silva had his yes on his opponents.

"Qual é o problema, Leo? (What's the matter, Leo?)" PSG captain Thiago Silva asked.

"Não sei, mas sinto que algo mudou com aquela equipe (I don't know, but I feel like something has changed with that team). Leonardo replied.

"Mishima?"

"Ce n'est qu'une seule joueuse; on est encore en contrôle (It's only one player; we are still in control)." Kylian Mbappé said.

"Elle a beaucoup de talent, mais c'est surtout le moral de l'autre équipe qui a changé. Je ne sais pas ce qui s'est dit dans le vestiaire, mais on doit être prêts à tout. (She has a lot of talent, but it's the other team's morale that has changed especially. I don't know what was said in the dressing room, but we must be ready for anything).

"Finissons le travail coûte que coûte (Let's finish the job no matter the cost)." Thiago said.

"Allons chercher cette Coupe (Let's get this Cup)." Mbappé added.

Leonardo nodded.

"Finissons-en (Let's finish this)." Leonardo replied.

On the other side, the Manchester United players gathered together in a huddle before Matthias came to give his team a few words only moments prior to the restart.

"First 44 minutes are in the past, but we can still change history in the next 46! Look at that trophy over there! Listen to our fans! Let's make sure that they will remember FOREVER this night in Paris. Nothing is given, everything is earned! OK? Come on, on three! One, two, three..." Matthias said.

"UNITED!" the players replied altogether.

Then the Manchester United players made their way back to their own penalty area, exactly as it was prior to the weather-based interruption. The referee was tasked to restart the clock and the match exactly where it stood: a PSG corner kick in front of the Manchester United half of the stadium.

Clive Tyldesley: Players will tell you that the start of the second half always requires time for players to find their stride again, but we will see how things go from here. PSG have a corner kick from the get-go as it was exactly before UEFA officials called the match to be stopped because of the thunderstorm.

The players from both teams took their positions inside and around the Manchester United penalty area. As usual, Kakeru and Nana stood guard at opposite posts for the Mancunians. On the other hand, Leonardo Silva stood over the ball to take the corner kick.

Clive Tyldesley: Leonardo Silva will take...

PEEP!

The ball was launched towards a mass of humanity in front of the Manchester United goal, but Jan managed to catch it with both hands to stop the play.

Clive Tyldesley: Farkas gets there first. A sigh of relief for Manchester United.

"Nice catch, Wolf." Kakeru congratulated.

"Well done, Wolf." Nana added.

"Thanks. Now let's get forward." Jan replied.

After that corner kick, neither team really picked up the pace as one would expect after coming back straight from an extended halftime break. The remaining minutes quickly winded down, including the single minute of injury time that came with anything unrelated to the thunderstorm.

PEEP PEEP PEEEEEEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: At long last, it's the last action of a first half that saw Paris Saint-Germain being the stronger side. Leonardo Silva has been at the center of the action by giving PSG the lead with a brilliantly curved corner kick that found the Manchester United net inside 15 minutes. That was before Leonardo Silva set up Kylian Mbappé to double that lead in the 34th minute. Manchester United had a few chances, but they have been denied by the brilliance of Mikiya Tono in goal. They were denied a big penalty shout as well. Nothing's gone right for them so far tonight. The halftime scoreline says: Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 Manchester United. The second half will start in just a few moments, don't go anywhere.

Since there was no need to have a full halftime break, the 2 teams took a few minutes to hydrate themselves and get ready ahead of the next period. For the second half, each of the 2 teams was set to face their own set of supporters. But before the teams switched sides, Leonardo took a moment to have a short talk with Kakeru and Nana in the center circle.

"Now that I will play against both of you in the next 45 minutes, I'm a happy man." Leonardo said.

"Against me, really?" Nana asked.

"Yes. I always said to everyone that you would be considered as an equal on talent alongside Suguru and I if people were looking beyond the gender barrier. As much as this is an opportunity for you, it is also a great challenge for me."

"Thank you, but it will take more than flattering words to put me off." Nana said.

"I didn't expect any less from you, Mishima." Leonardo replied before he turned his attention towards Kakeru. "I still haven't forgotten the only official match we played against each other in the final of the All-Japan High School Tournament, Kakeru."

"It snowed at halftime. Enoshima's beach soccer training helped us overcome any fear of playing in less than ideal conditions." Kakeru said.

"Your team surprised us at the end of that day. However, there will be no surprises today. In those 45 minutes between now and eternity, I will make sure that PSG will be crowned champions of Europe in front of this crowd."

"Still a long way to go, Leo. Between now and the final whistle, I will leave everything on that pitch." Kakeru said.

"I will fight alongside Kakeru to show that my place is here among the best." Nana added.

"This is going to be fun. Enjoy whatever is left of the final before I will put the exclamation mark on our duel." Leonardo replied.

"That final will last longer than expected, I promise you that." Kakeru finished.

With fire in their eyes ahead of the next phase of this battle for European club football supremacy, the 3 players moved into their assigned positions ahead of the start of the second half. Kakeru and Nana stood in the center circle on the ready to kick the second half off.

"You lit the fire in him, Kakeru. It's just like that night in the park many years ago." Nana said to Kakeru.

"That's the whole point, Seven. If we have to beat him, let's make sure to beat him at his best."

"Right. This is it." Nana said.

"Let's do this." Kakeru finished.

All eyes were on the referee for the signal to begin the second half.

PEEEEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: And we're under way in the second half. Manchester United have a mountain to climb against a solid Paris Saint-Germain team, but they came back from deficits in this year's Champions League knockout stages. Can they can do it once again? We shall see.

With the second half now under way, the Manchester United players knew that they had to dictate the pace early on. It was imperative to not let PSG find their groove when United have more experience in playing in rainy conditions, especially with a 2-goal deficit. As a result, the Red Devils quickly moved on the attack.

In the 48th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Saeki moving ahead...

With Manchester United controlling the action just inside the PSG half, Yusuke advanced just beyond the center circle with the ball. Then Yusuke made a short pass ahead and slightly to the right for Nana.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima...

Taking control of the ball, Nana was sandwiched between Leonardo behind her and Marco Verratti ahead of her.

"Right on you." Leonardo said.

'We'll see about that.' Nana thought.

Nana started to advance with the ball, prompting Leonardo to attempt a tackle. Nevertheless, Nana skipped the ball and herself above the Brazilian's foot to advance further. Then Nana moved beyond Verratti with an elastico feint before the Italian midfielder threw a scissor tackle that brought Nana down.

PEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: Caught by Verratti with a sliding challenge from behind. There's a card coming out here – the first in the final.

Verratti protested the yellow card, but the referee didn't budge on what was an easy decision. Regardless, the point of infringement was located a little more than 30 yards away from the PSG goal and slightly off to the (Manchester United) right side. It looked to be difficult but not impossible to take a direct free kick from that position. Nana, Yusuke and Nikolaj discussed about the strategy to choose.

"What do you think, Witch?" Nikolaj asked.

"A little difficult for a direct right-footed shot from here. I say a left-footed, low and flat ball for a header is a better shout." Nana replied.

"I agree with her. I can deliver that ball for as long as one of us gets in the open space." Yusuke added.

"Decoy and pass?" Nikolaj asked.

"Decoy and pass. I'll play decoy this time." Nana replied.

"I'll take the shot. You tell them to get ready, Nicky." Yusuke added.

"Got it."

Then Nikolaj walked away from the ball and towards the pack of players. The Danish midfielder in red made sure to give coded instructions to his teammates, whose task is to attack the PSG penalty area. Within seconds, everyone was ready to proceed with the free kick.

PEEP!

Nana took the first run before she went over the ball, and then Yusuke whipped the left-footed ball that flew exactly as he planned: low (around head level) and flat trajectory towards an open space.

Clive Tyldesley: Saeki this time...

The PSG players were surprised by Yusuke's free kick attempt. As a result, Matthias managed to get free from his nearest marker to be in a position to redirect the ball. With a well-executed twist of his neck muscles, Matthias headed the ball towards the bottom corner of the PSG goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Chipped in. Köhler with the HEADER!

With the pace and the accuracy of the deflection, everyone expected a goal. However, Mikiya managed to react at the very last second by going at full stretch to reach the ball onto his right and to deflect the ball out of play. The Manchester United fans and supporters were left in total dismay.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Kakeru exclaimed, summing up the mindset of everyone associated with United.

Clive Tyldesley: Big save, that, by Mikiya Tono! At the expense of a Manchester United corner though.

"Bien joué, Mickey (Well played, Mickey)!" Thiago Silva congratulated his goalkeeper.

"C'est pas fini (It's not over)." Mikiya warned his teammates of the upcoming threat.

Without wasting any time, both teams moved to either attack or defend the upcoming corner kick. Nana took the ball and looked at how to send a good ball without letting it fly too close to Mikiya, who is really excellent at catching balls in the air.

'I have to send that ball above or a little behind the penalty spot. He should try to catch that; it's 12 yards away from goal.' Nana thought.

Then Nana made hand signals to tell her teammates about her strategy. Meanwhile, there was only one Manchester United player within the 6-yard box to act as a distraction. When everyone was ready, the referee blew his whistle.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima with the corner...

PEEP!

Just as Nana planned, she whipped the ball so it would fly towards the penalty spot. Matthias appeared to be in a good position to meet the ball first, but Mikiya rushed and jumped high in the air to fetch the ball. In the process, Matthias and Mikiya collided hard into each other. The referee finally called a foul against Matthias.

Clive Tyldesley: Caught by Tono, and a foul given against Köhler.

Matthias and Mikiya remained down on the grass, prompting the referee to call medics on both sides to provide some assistance. Mikiya was holding his ribs in pain for a brief moment while Matthias was able to pick himself up.

"You okay, Skipper?" Kakeru asked.

"Yeah. I just need to catch my breath, that's all." Matthias replied.

In the end, a quick assessment from the medics saw no further damage to either player although they took a few moments more to make sure everyone was okay. Matthias was quick to apologize to Mikiya for the collision. Meanwhile, Kakeru and Nana had a quick chat.

"We should have scored at least once by now." Kakeru said.

"I know, but the most important is that we're setting the tone and that they're the ones on their heels. Verratti is on a yellow card, and that means he can't do anything stupid to risk another card now." Nana replied.

"Let's go at them again, alright." Kakeru finished.

Nana's presence on the pitch began to breathe new life into the Manchester United team. The PSG midfielders began to play on their heels now that a fully fresh Nana on the other hand, especially when their most energetic midfielder was already booked. The table was being set for Manchester United to stamp their first own mark in the final.

In the 51st minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Here's Leonardo Silva... facing up Saeki...

In a short spell of ball possession for PSG inside the Manchester United half, Leonardo Silva came up against Yusuke. The Brazilian midfielder was looking to push his way forward.

"What are you waiting for, Silva? Bring it." Yusuke challenged Leonardo with the beckoning hand sign.

"You're asking for it." Leonardo replied.

Leonardo made a few nifty body feints, but Yusuke followed him like a shadow before the tackle was thrown at the Brazilian. Leonardo went down, but the referee said the challenge was fair as Yusuke touched the ball first.

Clive Tyldesley: Good challenge by Saeki. Now it's Kristiansen...

Yusuke made the pass to Nikolaj, who then shifted the ball towards a more advanced Nana. Manchester United moved on the counterattack.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima leading the counterattack...

Nana crossed the halfway line with the ball and entered the PSG half before she spotted Kakeru charging ahead on the right wing. Nana attempted a lobbed through ball, but the pass appeared to be slightly too hard.

Clive Tyldesley: A little too far ahead for Aizawa. Juan Bernat is going for that ball...

Juan Bernat ran after the ball with the intent to let it bounce beyond the byline to get the goal kick, but Kakeru was not giving up the chase.

'I have to get that ball.' Kakeru thought.

At the very crucial moment, Kakeru gave a shoulder-to-shoulder charge against Bernat. The Spanish left-back was thrown off balance as a result, but the referee let the play continued despite pleas from the PSG players.

Clive Tyldesley: Referee says 'no foul'. Aizawa...

After the shoulder charge, Kakeru arrived just in time to keep the ball in play before he started moving alongside the byline and looking for a way to enter the PSG penalty area. Facing Kimpembe, Kakeru slid the ball between the PSG defender's legs before attempting to force the way ahead. Caught in a bad position, Kimpembe was forced to hold and grab Kakeru's shirt by the side. Kakeru went down inside the PSG penalty area by the time the referee blew his whistle, sparking a loud reaction from the thousands of Manchester United supporters behind the PSG goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Aizawa is brought down... It's right on the edge of the penalty area.

"Hey!" Kakeru pleaded for more from the referee.

"Free kick. It's right here, on the edge." the referee replied as he pointed the point of infringement, which was only a few inches away from the edge of the penalty area.

"That should be a yellow card. Kimpembe stopped him cold." Nana pleaded for more punishment.

"I'll do my job."

Then the referee walked towards Kimpembe to provide the appropriate sanction, but it was not before Thiago Silva asked for an explanation about why Kakeru's contact on Bernat was not a foul.

"Comment ça il y a faute? Et lui sur notre gars avant ça? (How is that a foul? And what about him on our guy before that?)" Thiago Silva asked.

"Le premier contact était épaule contre épaule, mais le deuxième était une obstruction Claire. C'est comment je vois ça. (The first contact one was shoulder on shoulder, but the second one was clear obstruction. That is how I rule it.)" the referee replied.

"Isso é ridículo (That's ridiculous)." Thiago Silva said out loud as he walked away in dismay.

Meanwhile, the referee walked his way to give Presnel Kimpembe the yellow card as punishment for the foul. Thousands of Manchester United supporters gave ironic cheers towards the culprit as soon as the yellow card was flashed.

Clive Tyldesley: A yellow card against Kimpembe; that's 2 in 3 minutes against PSG, who haven't found their pace in the second half yet so far.

Meanwhile in the stands:

"Enjoy the yellow card, you idiot!" Mito shouted from her seat.

"We're in the 51st minute. Manchester United have a free kick on the side of PSG penalty area. If there is a good moment to score, it has to be now." Noriko narrated as she filmed the action on the pitch.

Back on the pitch, both teams were getting set to face the upcoming free kick. Before the free kick, Nana made a few hand gestures to give coded instructions to her teammates. Knowing how good Tono is at defending his ground, she had something else in mind as the free kick taker.

'I won't get the ball too close to him. They won't see this coming.' Nana thought.

Clive Tyldesley: Free kick for Mishima to take...

PEEP!

Nana made a quick run towards the ball. But just as when everyone expected an aerial ball going somewhere in front of the 6-yard box, Nana made a quick ground pass that went straight towards the "D" in front of the penalty area.

Clive Tyldesley: Going low...

On the receiving end of the pass, Yusuke took the shot almost immediately and despite the presence of 3 PSG players converging on him. The ball was arrowing towards the bottom corner on Mikiya's right.

'I have this.' Mikiya thought.

Mikiya went diving in anticipation of the ball going towards him, but then Marius popped up in the way at the very last second. The Dutch striker in red escaped his marker momentarily while remaining onside, and that was all he needed to deflect Yusuke's shot with the toe poke and into the wide open part of the PSG goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Saeki with the shot... AND IT'S IN! IT'S IIIIINN!

Tens of thousands of Manchester United supporters jumped on their feet as soon as the ball went in. Everyone looked at the linesman for a second, but the goal was confirmed as the linesman made his way back towards the halfway line without further due. The deficit was confirmed to be cut in half: PSG 2-1 Manchester United!

Clive Tyldesley: MARIUS VAN LEEUWEN GOT THE LAST TOUCH OF THE BALL! IT'S 2-1 AND NOW WE HAVE A FINAL! Manchester United had to score early in the second half to create doubt in the minds of the PSG team, and they have made that first step a reality now thanks to the Dutch striker!

As it happened in the aftermath of the 2 goals by PSG, the sound of Jack White's "Seven Nation Army" was heard through the speakers. However, it was all about Manchester United supporters' voices covering the recognizable musical cue this time.

"COME ON!" Marius shouted.

"Well done, Roman!" Nikolaj congratulated Marius.

"Huge goal, Roman!" Matthias added.

"Massive goal!" Kakeru gave a quick handshake to Marius while carrying the ball towards the center circle.

"LET'S GO, LADS! Let's get the next one!" Nana shouted.

"You see that, lads? We got one back! One shot can cut and hurt! They are no machine, they're human!" Matthias galvanized his teammates.

Alan Keegan: UNITED'S GOAL... SCORED BY NUMBER NINE... MARIUS VAN LEEUWEN!

Watching the final from anywhere in the world, Manchester United supporters finally had something to celebrate, especially at Old Trafford. Meanwhile at the Stade de France, the Manchester United half of the stadium was reenergized after seeing their hopes reborn at last.

"WELL DONE, UNITED! ONE GOAL TO GO!" Noriko shouted.

"That's exactly what we needed! An early goal in the second half." Mito said.

"Yeah, and we have to remember that PSG also crumbled under pressure in the Champions League not that far back. You just never know what can happen against that team." Noriko replied.

"That was so clever stuff by Nana-chan and Yusuke-kun out there." Mamoru said.

"My little girl knew she had to try something different. She always does that." M. Mishima said.

"I think Yusuke wanted to score from his position, but the real clever play was from the striker. I think the goalkeeper was going to touch that if no one else touched the shot." M. Saeki replied.

"The only thing that matters now is that we are down to one goal in difference." Eiko said.

"Next goal matters." Noriko finished.

Clive Tyldesley: And suddenly the atmosphere has tilted back in Manchester United's favor. For the tens of thousands supporting Manchester United inside the stadium and watching outside, they probably entertained the likelihood of defeat before the break. But now hope is back inside their hearts.

Inspired and boosted by the early second half goal, Manchester United continued to apply more pressure on the attack in a search for the equalizing goal. On the other hand, the Parisian side had not found their legs since the restart while the Mancunian side was growing even more powerful under the rainy sky. The mood among all PSG supporters inside the stadium was starting to become tense, which is in stark contrast with the calm and positive mood that stood only moments earlier.

In the 54th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Manchester United seeing more and more of the ball. Kristiansen... now Mishima...

With United laying a siege upon the PSG penalty area again, the action took place between the Manchester United midfielders. Just as Nana received the pass from Nikolaj, she came up facing Marco Verratti again.

'Let's see if you're willing to make your move now.' Nana thought.

Standing only 2 yards in front of Verratti, Nana waggled her right foot over the ball while diddling the Italian midfielder. Not wanting to get caught in a compromising situation, Verratti stood firmly in front of her, unwilling to make the first move.

'That's wise enough since you're on a card, but we will see what happens next.' Nana thought.

Nana initiated a roulette turn onto her left to force Verratti to follow her before she turned to her right to complete the Witch Turn. That was all she needed to slip a pass ahead for Kakeru.

Clive Tyldesley: Nice turn by Mishima. Slipped into Aizawa...

Kakeru was showing his back to Kimpembe when he received the pass just inside the PSG penalty area. However, Kakeru managed to make a quick turn to outrun Kimpembe by the outside. Kakeru had created some shooting space for himself.

Clive Tyldesley: Clever turn, Aizawa...

Mikiya quickly rushed towards Kakeru, who then took the shot anyway. Unfortunately for the Japanese forward in red, his shot went off the PSG goalkeeper's hand before the ball smacked right into the goalpost.

Clive Tyldesley: OFF THE POST!

The rebound went back with pace towards Nana, who had entered the penalty area. However, the speed of the rebound caught Nana off guard. Hence Nana fanned on her own shot attempt before Thiago Silva kicked the ball far and out of play.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima can't get to the rebound!

Manchester United players and supporters could only gasp in dismay at the unfavorable outcome after being so close to an equalizing goal.

"How did I miss that?" Kakeru asked himself out loud.

"We were so close." Nana said to herself.

On the other end of the spectrum of emotions, Leonardo Silva was particularly angry at his teammates' sloppy defending.

"PUTAIN, ON SE RÉVEILLE LÀ! (WAKE THE FUCK UP RIGHT THERE!)" Leonardo cursed.

Meanwhile in the stands:

"Bloody hell! Kakeru Aizawa and Nana Mishima combining in the 54th minute, and it should have been a goal. PSG were lucky that Mikiya Tono put a hand on it and deflected the shot right into the post." Noriko narrated in front of her camera.

"We have been all over PSG in this half so far." Mito said.

"That's exactly what is worrying me so far." Mamoru replied.

"What, Dad?" Mito asked Mamoru.

"The 'so far' part."

"The worst thing that can happen is that PSG will wake up and find their stride, regardless of what their plan is. They are probably looking for ways to set up for counterattacking football. It could be only a matter of time if we don't take our chances." Noriko said.

"Yeah, you're right. I would be surprised if we can maintain that kind of pressure for 45 minutes." Mito replied.

"I just hope we don't get caught." Noriko finished.

Manchester United had definitely been the dominant side in the first 15 minutes since the restart as they had found their stride while adapting to the rain and to the wet pitch a lot faster than PSG had done by that time. However, PSG knew that could still strike back on their trademark lightning quick counterattacks. All that PSG needed before launching their counterattack was to soak up the pressure and then find the moment to hit.

In the 58th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Aizawa... passing back to Mishima...

With United besieging the PSG penalty area again, the Mancunians were looking to unlock the PSG defense. Unable to run beyond the defender, Kakeru passed the ball back to Nana. Then the Little Witch passed the ball towards Joel, who made the overlapping run towards the byline before he crossed the ball inside the PSG penalty area.

Clive Tyldesley: Muamba with the cross...

The ball was intended for Marius, but it was easily headed out of danger by Thiago Silva and then kicked further up the pitch by Marquinhos. As the ball went down towards the center circle, both Erik and Leonardo went for it. Surprisingly, Leonardo won that aerial duel and left Erik down on the deck.

Clive Tyldesley: Leonardo Silva did well against Johansson, and here's Verratti breaking...

Obviously outpacing Nana, Verratti managed to break out with the ball after it was headed down by Leonardo. And suddenly, that opened up a counterattack from PSG with 5 players (Marco Antonio, Verratti, Mbappé, Leonardo Silva, and Di María) on the run against 3 Manchester United players (Yusuke, Matthias, and Jeremy) falling back as quickly as possible.

Clive Tyldesley: And PSG have got 5 on 3! Marco Verratti looking for the right option...

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the 3 Manchester United players moved in a way to deny most dangerous options for Verratti to pass the ball to. Arriving within a few yards from the penalty area, the Italian midfielder made a forward pass into the path of Marco Antonio. The Brazilian forward in dark blue was the leftmost player on the attack

Clive Tyldesley: He's picked Marco Antonio!

Without any hesitation, Marco Antonio fired the shot as soon as he received the ball. But because the shot was going towards the near post, Jan managed to parry the shot out of play to deny PSG a third goal on the night.

Clive Tyldesley: And Farkas makes the save. Marco Antonio could have cut it back, could have done. But what a counterattack!

"Merda!" Marco cursed out loud.

The PSG players watched in disbelief at the outcome, but then they moved a few players inside the Manchester United penalty area to attack the upcoming corner kick while their opponents were setting up to defend it. Instead of Leonardo Silva, Ángel Di María was the man designated to take the corner kick. Needles to say, boos and whistles from United supporters rained down on him throughout the stadium.

PEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: Di María takes...

The ball was curling away from the Manchester United goal and towards the vicinity of the penalty spot. A mass of players tried to reach the ball, but Marquinhos was the one able to connect his head with the ball's trajectory.

Clive Tyldesley: Towards Marquinhos!

Unfortunately for Marquinhos though, his jump was slightly mistimed. Hence his header flew wide to the Manchester United goal, much to the disappointment of the thousands of PSG supporters sitting behind Jan's goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Mistimed. He directs his header just wide.

Manchester United players and supporters breathed a sigh of relief, especially Kakeru and Nana, who guarded both goal posts on the last corner kick.

"That was close." Kakeru said.

"Too close indeed. We let our guard down a moment, and it almost cost us." Nana replied.

"We have to be careful now when we attack. They are just waiting for an opportunity on the counter."

"For as long as we can keep them away from our goal, we still have a chance. We need to keep them pinned down, Kakeru."

"Let's go at them again, Seven." Kakeru said before Nana nodded in approval.

---

Since the PSG counterattack in the 59th minute, the Mancunians lost some of their attacking impetus while PSG were increasingly becoming able to go toe-to-toe against them. Feeling the need to keep the attacking pressure on, Andrew Butler made United's second substitution by replacing Anthony Laurent with Santiago Araya in the 63rd minute to allow Kakeru to move back to his preferred left wing position. Meanwhile, PSG were still waiting to make at least one first substitution.

Manchester United and PSG had various spells of domination with the ball over the next 10 minutes, but attacks on both sides were mostly stopped in their tracks before they could enter dangerous areas. At best, attempted shots were easily caught by the goalkeepers while other attempts were either blocked by defenders or gone wide to either goal. We were entering the stage where a matter of inches can make a world of difference.

In the 69th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: PSG are preparing a couple of substitutions, but Jan Farkas will take the goal kick...

On a goal kick, Jan punted the ball as far away as possible. Obviously the Manchester United back 4 moved further up the pitch albeit still in their own half. The ball was headed back inside the Manchester United half by Marquinhos before Yusuke attempted to head the ball ahead and towards Marius. Instead, Thiago Silva got first to the ball before he made a ground pass to Leonardo Silva.

Clive Tyldesley: Thiago Silva gets it down to Leonardo Silva...

As soon as Leonardo received the ball, he was put under pressure by Yusuke from behind. Nevertheless, Leonardo managed to flick the ball wide and into the path of Ángel Di María. Because Jeremy was a little too close to the middle lane while Matthias was a little too advanced to cover for Yusuke, the corridor was wide open for Di María to charge in on the counterattack.

Clive Tyldesley: Steered into the path of Di María...

Di María continued to advance with the ball while Jeremy was attempting to cut the run. Compelled to make a quick decision, Di María made a quick stop in his own run before he launched a left-footed cross into the Manchester United penalty area.

Clive Tyldesley: Di María's ball... MBAPPÉ!

At the end of the cross, Kylian Mbappé easily tapped the ball past Jan and into the back of the net. The PSG half of the stadium erupted to celebrate the goal... although the linesman immediately raised the flag to call offside.

Clive Tyldesley: Offside! Won't count! The goal's going to be disallowed.

The PSG players, especially Mbappé, were celebrating for several seconds before they finally saw the linesman's flag standing up on the far side.

Clive Tyldesley: PSG's celebrations are eventually cut short by that man.

When Mbappé realized that the goal was disallowed, he voiced his dissent at the linesman. Nevertheless, the offside decision stood. The little sidestep in Di María's run allowed the Manchester United defenders to move the line up while the PSG attackers eventually moved a yard beyond that imaginary line before the pass was made.

Clive Tyldesley: Kylian Mbappé thought he had sealed the deal in the Champions League final just as he did in the last World Cup final, but he didn't. Manchester United are off the hook for now.

'Damn, we were very lucky.' Kakeru thought.

'I really that was it for us.' Nana thought.

"Stay focused at the back, lads! Come on! FOCUS!" Nikolaj shouted.

Manchester United players and supporters were still digesting the immediate aftermath of that narrow escape. Meanwhile, the PSG head coach took the opportunity to make a double substitution with a little more than 20 minutes to go. Argentine defensive midfielder Leandro Paredes and German jack-of-all-trades midfielder Julian Draxler were set to replace Marco Verrati and Ángel Di María.

Michel Montana: Changements pour le Paris Saint-Germain... sortie du numéro six (Substitutions for Paris Saint-Germain... coming out is number 6) ...Marco!

PSG supporters: VERRATTI!

Michel Montana: Remplacé par le numéro huit (Replaced by number 8) ...Leandro!

PSG supporters: PAREDES!

Michel Montana: Et sortie du numéro onze (Coming out is number 11) ...Ángel!

PSG supporters: DI MARÍA!

Michel Montana: Remplacé par le numéro vingt-trois (Replaced by number 23) ...Julian!

PSG supporters: DRAXLER!

Meanwhile in the Manchester United end of the stadium:

"It's becoming very clear what they're planning now." Noriko said.

"What is it? What can you say about those new players?" Mito asked.

"Leandro Paredes is a pure defensive midfielder. He doesn't bring the same kind of energy as Marco Verratti does, but he's more disciplined defensively than Verratti. It's even more understandable since Verratti is already on that earlier yellow card. As for Draxler, he can play about anywhere a coach wants him to play midfield or on the wing. The thing is that PSG are strengthening their midfield to protect their back 5 at the expense of some attacking punch." Noriko replied.

"They are willing to sit on the lead?"

"Looks like it, Mito-chan. But it doesn't make them any less dangerous on counterattacks."

"We just got a narrow escape, but I also hope we won't regret all of those chances we've missed." Mito said.

"Kuwabara kuwabara (Knock on wood)." Noriko replied.

With the introduction of the 2 new PSG players, United's attacking ambitions were bogged down in their attempts to enter the final third of the pitch. The stronger PSG midfield made it increasingly more difficult to find gaps, but the worst part was that the PSG attacking force still kept enough firepower to potentially deliver match point out of very little.

In the 77th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: PSG still holding control of the ball here. Kimpembe... Thiago Silva...

In a period when PSG had better ball possession, they passed the ball around in their own half. As soon as Thiago Silva received the ball, the PSG captain passed the ball forward to Draxler in the center circle.

Clive Tyldesley: Draxler... passing back to Paredes...

The quick successive passing game carried on with Paredes reaching Leonardo Silva with a pass that went across the halfway line.

Clive Tyldesley: Leonardo Silva...

As Leonardo received the ball, he looked at the status of the Manchester United defensive line. He quickly spotted a flaw.

'They play a high defensive line with acres of space behind them... Their right-back, Muamba is not in line with the others.' Leonardo thought.

Without any hesitation, Leonardo made a through pass into the path of the speedy Kylian Mbappé.

Clive Tyldesley: It's gone through! Kylian Mbappé, no flag!

Mbappé had a clear path towards the Manchester United goal, but Jan also rushed forward as the final obstacle between the French forward and the goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Farkas is stranded here...

Mbappé made a quick feint before he moved around Jan, but then the Frenchman lost his footing upon the wet and greasy surface inside the penalty area. The ball bounced off Mbappé's knee and continued rolling forward a split second before Mbappé got back up on his feet.

Clive Tyldesley: Mbappé has slipped...

Mbappé ran after the loose ball, but Erik managed to timely tackle it away from the Frenchman. However, Marco Antonio was also arriving to take over the PSG attack.

Clive Tyldesley: Good challenge by Johansson... but only as far as ANTONIO!

Without any hesitation and despite an acute angle, Marco Antonio struck the ball hard and towards the goal. But at the very last second, Matthias blocked the shot to save his team albeit at the expense of another PSG corner kick.

Clive Tyldesley: Cleared off the line by Köhler! Manchester United were inches away from finding themselves down by 2 goals late in the final, but they survive.

The PSG half of the stadium just could not believe that their team could not put the final nearly out of reach at that stage of the match. However, thousands of PSG supporters roared to push their team ahead of the upcoming corner kick.

Clive Tyldesley: Leonardo Silva with the corner...

PEEP!

Leonardo sent the ball towards an area in front of the near post, where Thiago Silva was the main aerial threat at that time. However, Nikolaj got a strong contact with the ball in the air.

Clive Tyldesley: Headed away by Kristiansen...

The ball bounced quite some distance outside of the penalty area before Juan Bernat recovered the ball.

Clive Tyldesley: Now to Juan Bernat...

Finding his sweet spot after advancing a few yards, Bernat whipped the cross back inside the Mancunian penalty area. In the mass of humanity in front of the 6-yard box, it was a PSG player who got to the ball...

Clive Tyldesley: Crossed in towards Marquinhos and Mbappé!

The ball went slightly off Marquinhos' head and then just away from Mbappé's reaching right foot before the end result became a goal kick for Manchester United.

Clive Tyldesley: And neither of them could quite make contact.

Right after the ball went out of play, all eyes were on Juan Bernat. The Spanish left-back held the back of his right thigh, signalling the PSG bench that he can't carry on anymore.

Clive Tyldesley: Now Juan Bernat is signalling the bench for a substitution. Looks like he's pulled his hamstring when he crossed the ball; he felt it right away.

Manchester United players and supporters pushed another collective sigh of relief after PSG failed to convert their chances thus far, but there was also a very pressing feeling among them that something had to change quickly.

"We definitely need some help out here. We almost got killed." Kakeru said to Nana.

"I know, and I hope it won't be for long." Nana replied.

Then Kakeru took a quick glance at the substitutes warming on the sidelines.

'Whoever you want to send, Boss, please help us getting one last crack at it.' Kakeru thought.

PSG were preparing to send French left-back Layvin Kurzawa to replace the injured Juan Bernat as their last substitution. On the Manchester United bench, Andrew Butler was about to make an audacious decision regarding his own team's final substitution.

"Greeny! You'll come on soon. Get ready." Andrew ordered.

"Okay, Boss." Sean replied, putting an end to his warm-up routine.

With time becoming Manchester United's worst enemy, the defensive-minded Joel Muamba was eventually replaced in the 80th minute by Sean Greenwood. The teenage striker is also a very capable two-footed dribbler playing on the right side of a front 3. The remaining defenders in red formed a back 3 while Nikolaj and Santiago were moved as the leftmost and rightmost midfielders respectively in a makeshift 3-4-3 formation. With all attacking options deployed on the pitch, United had no choice left but to "throw the kitchen sink" at PSG.

In 82nd minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Kylian Mbappé going forward...

On a PSG counterattack, Mbappé came up confronting Matthias and Erik. However, Yusuke managed to sneak behind him and to poke the ball away from the French striker. Matthias finally recovered the ball.

Clive Tyldesley: He's been outnumbered. Manchester United regain control through Köhler.

In a matter of seconds, United managed to string passes forward from Matthias to Nikolaj, then to Santiago, then to Nana, and then towards Sean. However, the English teenager saw Layvin Kurzawa closing the gap.

Clive Tyldesley: Greenwood... spins around Kurzawa...

As soon as Sean received the ball, he spun around the French left-back on the inside. However, Sean slightly pushed the ball a little too far ahead of himself. But then Kimpembe also made a mistake when he kicked the ball right into Leandro Paredes' heel. As a result, United could continue the attack as soon as Marius recovered the ball.

Clive Tyldesley: Miskicked by Kimpembe into Paredes. Van Leeuwen takes the ball...

"Roman!" Kakeru called for a pass.

Spotting Kakeru on the run down the left side, Marius launched a through pass that rolled faster than usual due to the wet and greasy pitch. The ball rolled within the limits of the PSG penalty area, but Mikiya remained in front of his own goal as Kakeru and Kehrer gave chase to the ball.

Clive Tyldesley: Aizawa and Kehrer are going after it...

Seeing that he was running out of space between himself and the byline, Kakeru went sliding with his legs forward to try hooking a desperate pass towards the face of the PSG goal. Then the attempted pass went off Kehrer and then hit back Kakeru to the midsection. But a stroke of luck saw the ball falling dead at Kakeru's feet while Kehrer had slipped on the grass as well.

Clive Tyldesley: Aizawa gets it...

In less than one second, Kakeru got back on his feet while spotting Nana arriving in a shooting position.

"KAKERU!" Nana shouted.

Without any hesitation, Kakeru cut the pass back into the path of Nana. As soon as Nana entered the penalty area, she lashed her shot towards the PSG goal.

Clive Tyldesley: Guiding it to MISHIMA! Good block by Thiago Silva!

Thiago Silva blocked Nana's shot on the edge of the 6-yard box, but the sheer power behind the shot made it impossible for the PSG captain to control where the rebound would go. As such, the ball went right back towards the front of the penalty area while Thiago Silva fell on the ground. Then Nikolaj appeared to take the shot straight from the "D" with the PSG goal right in front of him.

Clive Tyldesley: It bounces right back to KRISTIANSEN!

Nikolaj lashed a shot that was flying towards the top corner of the PSG goal, but Mikiya managed to get his fingertips off the ball once again. It was enough to deflect the ball out of danger albeit at the expense of another corner kick.

Clive Tyldesley: Aaaaahh... Another great save by Tono! It is a corner.

The Manchester United players were momentarily dazed after they saw another great scoring chance denied by the Japanese-born PSG goalkeeper.

"Come on! We can still get one here." Nana galvanized her teammates.

Within seconds, both teams moved in their respective positions for the upcoming corner kick while Nana was ready to proceed with thousands of Manchester United supporters cheering in support nearby. The corner kick was to Mikiya's left, but United changed the strategy by setting 2 players – Kakeru and Yusuke inside the 6-yard box to keep Mikiya on his goal line.

PEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima will take...

Nana whipped the ball towards the vicinity of the penalty spot, where Matthias stood. With perfect timing and execution, Matthias headed a powerful ball towards an unmarked Yusuke.

Clive Tyldesley: It's towards KÖHLER, OOOOOHHHH!

Unfortunately for Yusuke, he was totally surprised by Matthias's header coming his way. The end result saw the ball going off Yusuke's head and then wide to the PSG goal. It was a goal kick in the end, and the Manchester United supporters held their hands on their heads in disbelief.

Clive Tyldesley: And Saeki was unmarked in front of the goalkeeper... could not head that one in. Another missed opportunity for Manchester United.

"AARGH!" Yusuke screamed in frustration.

"Stay cool, Yusuke. Let's go at them again." Kakeru tried to cheer his friend up.

"I should have had that, Kakeru."

"I know, I know. It's still far from over though." Kakeru finished.

Meanwhile in the stands:

"OH, COME ON!" Noriko exclaimed before she regained enough composure to provide a little narration of the recent match event. "United missed 2 glorious chances to tie the game in the 82nd minute. The first one saw Mishima's shot blocked by Thiago Silva and the rebound shot from Kristiansen stopped by Tono. The second one was on the corner kick: a good delivery that was headed by Köhler but then didn't connect for the second deflection. I think it was Saeki. Chances are there, but we still can't convert the big one that counts."

"This is so infuriating." Mito said.

"I think I need to watch the entire match again to count how many great scoring chances we have." Noriko replied.

"No matter what it takes, Kakeru and his friends have to keep on fighting and drop everything on the other team." Eiko said.

"For sure, but that goalkeeper is someone really demoralizing to play against." Noriko replied.

"I know and I have seen it before against that same goalkeeper. However, Kakeru has always found a way to make something count in those nervous moments. I'm sure we're not out of miracles just yet." Eiko said.

"I really hope so." Noriko finished.

---

Still losing by 2 goals to 1 with time winding down, Manchester United were in desperation mode as they searched for the elusive equalizing goal that would at least extend the final for an extra 30 minutes. On the other hand, all PSG players fell back to defend Mikiya's goal at all costs with memories of failures from the recent past Champions League campaigns still fresh. The final few minutes promised to be a rocky ride.

In the 87th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: PSG looking to create something here. Thiago Silva... Paredes...

With PSG going on a rare attack in the last few minutes, Leandro Paredes advanced towards the halfway line before he spotted Leonardo Silva in the open. Needless to say, the ball was fed to the Brazilian ace.

Clive Tyldesley: Leonardo Silva...

But as soon as Leonardo received the ball, Yusuke went right onto him like a hawk attacking its prey. After a little bit of a tussle for the ball, Yusuke overpowered the Brazilian while delivering a solid standing tackle. PSG supporters angrily demanded a foul, but the referee deemed the action as fair.

Clive Tyldesley: Good challenge by Saeki...

Without asking questions, Yusuke passed the ball towards Nana. The Little Witch began to initiate a counterattack by advancing with the ball.

Clive Tyldesley: It's Mishima... feeding off Aizawa...

As soon as Nana arrived at the halfway line, she launched a forward pass to Kakeru. The Japanese forward in red had to deal with a few PSG defenders in the way, including Marquinhos hounding him from behind. Nevertheless, Kakeru outran past Marquinhos before he shifted his run towards the middle lane. Facing Thiago Silva, Kakeru managed to lure the Brazilian defender by making a short sidestep to the left before shifting the run completely his run to the right and with a sudden burst of speed.

Clive Tyldesley: Away from Marquinhos, away from Thiago Silva. Aizawa...

Then Leandro Paredes went with a sliding tackle to stop Kakeru, but only after Kakeru poked the ball slightly ahead for himself. The end result was the Argentine's tackle not touching the ball, but turning into a hurdle that took Kakeru down.

PEEEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: Was he caught by Paredes? Yes, he was. Free kick given.

The PSG players protested the referee's decision to call a foul, but nothing was going to change. There was no yellow card issued against Paredes in the sense that it was a foul with no malice intended, but PSG had a more serious problem in the shape of a 27-yard direct free kick with the goal straight ahead. Nikolaj and Nana were discussing about the free kick strategy.

"Right top corner's the better spot. Think that's in your range?" Nana asked.

"Yeah, I can take that." Nikolaj replied.

"They will probably be expecting me to take it since I've taken a few in this half. I'll run over the ball."

"I'll follow right behind you and take it then."

"All yours, Nicky." Nana said.

Then Nana and Nikolaj gave their teammates all kinds of signals. While those signals could confuse the PSG players, the Manchester United players knew which ones mattered. The referee made sure that the PSG wall would stand in the right place and that no one on the Manchester United team would interfere with the wall. At least, everyone was ready.

Clive Tyldesley: It's just over 25 yards or so. Crucial free kick for Manchester United with 3 minutes to go.

PEEP!

Nana made the first run towards the ball, but ended up passing over it. Then Nikolaj made the run to hit a shot that curled around the wall of PSG players by the right side (and to Mikiya's left).

Clive Tyldesley: It's Kristiansen this time...

The height and the dip of the trajectory appeared to be good as Mikiya looked to be in a desperate and delicate position. Unfortunately for Nikolaj, his shot finally flew wide to strike the side netting. Fooled by the optical illusion, several Manchester United supporters thought for a split second that the ball hit the back of the net before they realized it didn't.

Clive Tyldesley: OOOHHH! Hit the side netting! Many Manchester United supporters behind the goal thought that went in, but Kristiansen's reaction says it all.

Nikolaj looked at the aftermath with his hands on his head in disbelief.

"Good try, Nicky. Good try." Nana comforted Nikolaj.

"Yeah. Thanks for cheering me up."

Meanwhile, Kakeru was looking at the time left.

'Less than 3 minutes before injury time comes in. We can still do it... No, we have to do it.' Kakeru thought.

Disappointed but not yet resigned, Manchester United threw attack after attack against the Parisian fortress. The majority of the PSG supporters inside the stadium were still biting their nails, anxiously waiting for the final whistle to come. Nevertheless, an increasing number of those PSG supporters were already cheering in anticipation of a greater celebration to come.

In the 90th minute:

Clive Tyldesley: Manchester United have a throw. They're piling the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain.

Santiago moved in to take the throw-in, which took place really deep inside the PSG half. After taking a few seconds to look at passing options, Santiago threw the ball towards Nana. PSG immediately had 3 players – Marco Antonio, Marquinhos, and Leandro Paredes closing on her. However, Nana made a few feints with the ball to buy some time.

'Have a go, Greeny!' Nana thought.

In one motion, Nana fired a perfect through pass intended for Sean, who was slipping through the gap between Kimpembe and Kurzawa.

Clive Tyldesley: That's clever from Mishima...

Facing Mikiya in a 1v1, the English teenager had to take a quick decision as the massive frame of the PSG goalkeeper was rushing towards him.

Clive Tyldesley: Greenwood, real chance...

With no other option left, Sean squeezed a shot between Mikiya's legs. The ball went through the goalkeeper, but lost a lot of pace after it went off Mikiya's left thigh. Nevertheless, the ball was sitting still as Marius and 2 PSG defenders went for it inside the 6-yard box.

Clive Tyldesley: Still...

Marius rushed as quickly as possible with a slide, but Thiago Silva managed to punt the ball out of play by the sidelines. The end result was that Marius slid his way into the back of the net empty-handed.

Clive Tyldesley: Cleared over the line! Great last ditch defending by Thiago Silva! Van Leeuwen was in there.

The fact that the ball was kicked out by a PSG player meant a throw-in for Manchester United that was still deep in enemy territory and on United's left-hand side. However, all eyes were on the 4th official as he indicated a total of 5 minutes of injury time.

PA announcer: Le temps additionnel est de 5 minutes.The additional time is 5 minutes.

The entire stadium the stadium roared at the news of added time. Both sets of supporters expressed their support for their respective teams towards opposite objectives.

Clive Tyldesley: Five added minutes – all there is for Manchester United to find the goal that would send the final into extra time. Can they repeat what they did against Bayern Munich?

Nikolaj threw the ball in for Yusuke, who then launched a pass forward to Kakeru. The Japanese forward attempted to skip his way past Thilo Kehrer through the inside, but then went down before he could enter the penalty area.

Clive Tyldesley: Aizawa looking for a free kick...

The referee deemed there wasn't enough to give a foul against Kehrer. Marius arrived to retrieve the loose ball just inside the penalty area and really close to the byline, but a shot was impossible. Nevertheless, the Dutch striker in red drew 2 PSG defenders on him before he made a reverse pass into the run of Kakeru, who got back on his feet quickly.

Clive Tyldesley: Referee plays it on. It's come back to AIZAWA!

Kakeru blasted the shot from just outside the 6-yard box without warning, but the shot went straight at Mikiya. Marquinhos went after the rebound, but Kakeru managed to poke the ball as a back pass for Nana within 2 seconds.

Clive Tyldesley: Beaten away! Still a chance... Mishima with the SHOT!

Nana went immediately for a powerful right-footed shot, but her shot rolled wide to the goalpost. Manchester United supporters threw their hands on their heads in dismay, some of them on the verge of tears in despair.

Clive Tyldesley: Ohhh, it opened up there for Nana Mishima. She just slipped it wide to the post, but what a chance by Kakeru Aizawa as well. Aizawa took the shot straight at Tono after a great reverse pass by Van Leeuwen.

"No way! What is it going to take to score?" Kakeru said out loud.

'This is not going to be our day.' Nana thought.

"Don't give up now, lads!" Matthias rallied his teammates.

Seeing signs of near resignation in the body language shown by several teammates, Yusuke galvanized them by paraphrasing what was said during the break.

"We can't be scared now! We give everything we have; no regrets! Don't let your teammates down, lads!" Yusuke said out loud.

"Yusuke..." Kakeru said softly.

"He's right! That trophy is still there, and we fight for it until we die!" Nikolaj added to the rally cry. "One more chance, lads!"

'One more chance... Nii-chan, please give us one more.' Kakeru thought.

As the clock was ticking down, the tens of thousands of Manchester United supporters in the stadium screamed their lungs out whenever their team moved on the attack. However, PSG were hanging on for dear life while using a few tricks to waste more valuable time. The Mancunian supporters were still clinging onto a fool's hope, but they were contemplating defeat in their minds.

Entering the 5th and final minute of injury time (90+5'):

Clive Tyldesley: We're now in the last minute of added time. Is there one last twist in the tale?

Pushing forward for what may be potentially be the final attack within the final 60 seconds of added time, Manchester United drew as many players forward as possible. Beginning the attack was Erik advancing with the ball as the rest of the back 3 moved beyond the halfway line.

Clive Tyldesley: Johansson... Mishima...

Erik made a short pass ahead and towards Nana, who then spotted Kakeru initiating a run on the left flank.

'Go on, Kakeru.' Nana thought.

Nana sent a lobbed through ball into Kakeru's run. The Japanese forward ran his way beyond Thilo Kehrer while staying onside.

Clive Tyldesley: That's a good ball to Aizawa. No flag. He's bending his run...

Upon receiving the ball, Kakeru bent his run towards the goal. Entering the PSG penalty area, Kakeru looked at passing options for a split second before he decided to go in himself, but then Thiago Silva tackled the ball out of bounds.

Clive Tyldesley: Great recovery by Thiago Silva. Corner kick and one last chance maybe.

Thousands of Manchester United supporters roared as soon as the corner kick was awarded. Meanwhile in Manchester United's technical area, Andrew Butler ordered Jan to run up the pitch.

"Get in there! Go! Go!" Andrew shouted.

Knowing that time was running out quickly, Jan quickly ran his way up the pitch before he arrived just inside the PSG penalty area.

Clive Tyldesley: Jan Farkas is moving forward, Schmeichel-like.

In a matter of seconds, the Mancunian players moved on the ready to attack with 7 men inside the penalty area while Nana was ready to take the corner kick. United wanted to have at least 2 chances on goal instead of going for one final shot with so little time left. On the other hand, PSG had all 11 players defending inside the penalty area.

PEEP!

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima takes...

Nana whipped the corner kick towards the dangerous at the near post instead of going further. Nevertheless, Nikolaj arrived to pound a powerful header of a shot on goal. Unfortunately for United, the shot was blocked by Marco Antonio, who guarded the near post.

Clive Tyldesley: Oh, it's turned off the line by Marco Antonio!

Following Marco's block, the ball popped up in the air and then went down towards the area between the 6-yard box and the penalty spot. Matthias came in to head the ball back towards the goal, but it was blocked by Marquinhos. Then Jan took the shot himself only for it to be deflected off Marquinhos.

Clive Tyldesley: Köhler's there, Farkas is there, blocked twice by Marquinhos...

The ball rolled just outside of the PSG penalty area by the side and back to Nana. Then Nana found herself facing both Marco Antonio and Layvin Kurzawa, who attempted to keep her isolated.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima again. Time running out here.

'Almost no time left. Gotta try anything.' Nana thought.

Performing a few quick ball rolls with her feet, Nana looked for the split second when both of her markers would focus on the ball rather than her. But as soon as Nana found that moment, she flicked the ball from behind her and then above the 2 PSG players.

'Rainbow flick! Same one that she did against Mai-chan in March.' Kakeru thought as he saw the action.

Taking advantage of the element of surprise, Nana went through the space between both PSG players with a sudden burst of speed along the byline and despite the rainy weather.

Clive Tyldesley: Oh, she gets through...

Nana entered the PSG penalty area, but Marco Antonio gave chase after her. Desperate to find either a passing option or a shooting option, none appeared within her sights. But then Marco Antonio went with a right-footed tackle for which the end result saw the ball going out of play and Nana going down as well.

Clive Tyldesley: Mishima goes down! The referee has pointed for a corner kick.

"HEEEEEEEEYYYY!"

The other Manchester United players and thousands of their supporters screamed in unison to demand a penalty, but the referee pointed towards the corner flag instead. Nana was still down on the grass, holding her left foot and looking hurt. Pouring even more fuel on the fire, Marco Antonio stood over Nana to shout his discontent at her.

"You diving cheat! GET UP, you little princess!" Marco shouted in Japanese.

"HEY! Back off, you!" Kakeru quickly stepped up to defend Nana.

"Shut up, you!" Marco replied with a shove on Kakeru.

Angered by Marco's reaction, Kakeru immediately came back at Marco by making sure there would be less than an inch between them as they faced off each other.

"You piece of shit!" Kakeru retorted as he shoved Marco back.

In the following 2 seconds, players on both teams rushed in to separate the belligerents. However, Leonardo did not take Kakeru's shove on Marco very kindly.

"Don't touch my brother like that!" Leonardo angrily spat at Kakeru, shoving the latter.

"Nobody is talking to you, scumbag!" Yusuke also stepped in by shoving Leonardo in return.

"You want to go, Saeki?"

"Why not? I can show you why they named me after Tyson Fury." Yusuke retorted to Leonardo.

Clive Tyldesley: Marco Antonio is shouting at Mishima, Aizawa is getting involved, and both teams are getting involved. This is reaching boiling point here.

With 2 flashpoints in quick succession, the other players had to quickly intervene and de-escalate the situation. To make the situation even direr for Manchester United supporters, the remaining seconds of the last minute of injury time had expired during the scuffle.

"Calm down, Knight!" Matthias restrained Kakeru.

"I'm not done with him!" Kakeru shouted.

"It's worthless to go after him like that. Keep it cool." Nikolaj replied as he also held Kakeru back.

Clive Tyldesley: Players on both sides are pushing and shoving. It's getting out of hand here. Is this Champions League final going to end in acrimony after an incredible display of top quality football? The final minute of added time has already expired.

As soon as all belligerents were safely separated, Thiago Silva was mostly displeased with Marco for initiating the incident.

"VOCÊ É LOUCO?! O QUE VOCÊ ESTÁ FAZENDO? (ARE YOU CRAZY?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?)" Thiago angrily asked.

"Ela estava mergulhando para obter um pênalti. Diga a ele, Leo. (She was diving to get a penalty. Tell him, Leo.)" Marco replied.

"Mas Thiago não está errado. Tu precisa aprender a manter a calma; não precisamos disso agora (Thiago is not wrong though. You need to learn to stay calm; we don't need this right now)." Leonardo told Marco, who could not really defend his own point.

"Faça algo tão egoísta de novo, e você passará o resto de seu tempo neste clube como um aquece-bancos. Está claro? (Do something this selfish again, and you will spend the rest of your time at this club as a benchwarmer. Is that clear?)" Thiago warned.

"Sim, muito clara (Yes, crystal clear)." Marco replied.

Meanwhile in the stands:

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WAS THAT?! THERE WAS A PENALTY OUT THERE! MARCO ANTONIO SHOULD BE OFF TOO, THAT BELLEND!" Noriko angrily shouted from her seat.

"THAT WAS A FOUL IN THE BOX!" Mito added to the angry shouts.

"MY LITTLE GIRL NEVER DIVES, YOU IDIOT!" M. Mishima shouted at the referee.

"That has to be a penalty, surely." Mamoru said.

"With the way Kakeru has reacted to the tackle, there must be more." Eiko replied.

In the VIP part of the stadium, Eiichiro and Natsu were also mad with the turn of events.

"Obvious time-wasting by PSG. I can't believe this." Eiichiro remarked.

"Mishima-chan would not dive for that. I have watched her long enough to know that she will never do that, not even in a desperate situation. It matters a lot for her to set an example to follow." Natsu replied.

"They better check that tackle again." Eiichiro said.

Back on the pitch, Kakeru went to check on Nana as the latter got back on one knee.

"How is it?" Kakeru asked.

"That prick caught me. It stings, but I will manage." Nana replied.

"He fouled you and then had the nerve to shout at you. Such a disgusting guy."

"He won't smile for long if some people do their job in the backroom." Nana said.

Then the referee came to show Kakeru a yellow card for his part in the clash before he produced the same yellow card against Marco as well. Regardless, a number of Manchester United players continued to press the claim for a penalty kick.

Clive Tyldesley: Kakeru Aizawa has been shown a yellow card. Marco Antonio also gets one.

Every single play involving a potential goal situation is checked by the VAR – the video assistant referee. For every single UEFA Champions League match, especially the final, there is a leading VAR as well as 2 assistant VARs and an offside VAR (acting like another linesman) in the control room. There was a screen for each video assistant referee.

"What is going on with the check? Talk to me." the referee asked for clarifications.

"I recommend an on-field review with the monitor. We have a possible penalty situation, and I want you to look at it, OK? And then you decide." the VAR warned.

"I'm going to look at it now." the referee replied.

The referee blew his whistle while making the TV screen-like gesture to signal a video review in progress, which got thousands of Manchester United supporters cheering because the possibility of a penalty suddenly became even more likely.

Clive Tyldesley: Now the referee is going to have a look at it. VAR control has advised him there's an incident to review here. It could be serious, and we have to remember that it has to be a clear and obvious error for a referee to reverse the original call.

"Come on, come on, come on." Kakeru anxiously said for himself.

"I hope they get it right. I know what I felt." Nana said.

"It's all on him now. All we can do is to pray to all soccer gods out there for good fortune." Yusuke replied.

Meanwhile in the stands:

"This could be a huge moment in the final. They're checking on VAR right now, and that has to be a penalty. Oh God..." Noriko narrated in front of her camera, expressing the anxiety from anyone cheering for the Red Devils.

The referee took a moment to watch the replay on the monitor while maintaining direct contact with the VAR. In real time, the referee first thought that Marco's tackle kicked the ball out of bounds and beyond the byline. However, the slow-motion replay revealed something else: Marco kicked the side of Nana's left foot to precipitate the ball out of play. Other elements were considered as well, but that was the key element in the decision-making process in that video review.

"In my opinion, the PSG player touched the side of the foot of the Manchester player. It's definitely inside the box. In my view, that's a penalty." the referee said after he watched the replay.

"I agree with you. The contact was serious enough to explain why the Manchester player went down. Not easy to spot in real time, but definitely a kick on her foot." the VAR replied.

"Okay, we will go as such. Please confirm it for the record."

"Shot on goal for Manchester. Foul by number 39 from PSG on number 19 from Manchester."

Clive Tyldesley: It was Marco Antonio on Nana Mishima. When you look at the replay, it looks like Antonio kicked Mishima's foot before the ball went out of play. This could be a big moment in the final.

With the decision already made, the referee walked back towards the pitch, blew his whistle, and made the TV screen-like gesture to declare a closure to the video review.

PEEEEEP!

Blowing his whistle for the second time in quick succession, the referee pointed towards the penalty spot!

Clive Tyldesley: PENALTY GIVEN!

'YES! Oh my God, here we go!' Kakeru thought.

The balance of the final came down to a single duel between shooter and goalkeeper. It was survival for one side against victory for the other. One would become a hero while the other would become a tragic villain, but neither knew that what was about to happen next would eventually become a tale where legends would be born.

To be continued