What must come will eventually come.
As the fifteenth round of the Bundesliga approached, the pre-match news surrounding Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Borussia Dortmund was everywhere.
After all, this was the top-of-the-table clash of the round, naturally becoming the focal point of the Bundesliga.
Before the match, headlines were already making waves.
First up was Mönchengladbach's rising star goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, nicknamed "Little Lion." He openly challenged Ye Chen, saying, "I will be your nightmare in this match! As long as I'm here, you won't score at Borussia-Park!"
Gladbach's main defensive midfielder, Havard Nordtveit, echoed this sentiment in an interview: "Dortmund doesn't respect us at all. Sure, the Champions League is important, but so is the league! We'll crush them at Borussia-Park and show them that without Ye, they can't do anything!"
The team's absolute core, Marco Reus, also stepped forward: "I will always love Dortmund, but their decisions have disappointed me. We'll show them with our strength that we deserve respect! And I'll prove with my feet that I am just as good as Yeâif not better!"
Unlike Ye Chen, who alternated between starting and coming off the bench, Reus had become Gladbach's tactical linchpin.
Mönchengladbach's second-place standing at this point was largely thanks to Reus.
In fact, it was Reus' stellar performance this season that prompted Dortmund to spend big to bring him to Signal Iduna Park, marking the start of his legendary and loyal journey.
Dortmund's future wasn't always smooth, but one player consistently held his ground at their home base.
Despite countless temptations, he remained unwavering.
Yes, that man was... Marco Reus!
A player with both looks and skill.
To be honest, when Ye Chen first heard of Reus, he thought Reus was a product of Dortmund's youth academy. It was only later he learned Reus was indeed part of Dortmund's youth ranks.
His talent hadn't shown early, leading him to join second-division Rot Weiss Ahlen before breaking out at Gladbach in the 2009-10 season. With the departure of Gladbach's former star Marko Marin to Werder Bremen, Reus stepped up, earning the nickname "Little Marin."
Not only did he inherit Marin's number 11 jersey, but his name "Marko" even sounded similar. Both possessed excellent ball control, blazing speed, and nimble dribbling skills.
Last season, Reus recorded 10 goals and 12 assistsâimpressive numbers for a 21-year-old. In China, 21-year-olds might be gaming all night in college dorms or chasing girls, but Reus had already become his team's new star.
Naturally, Ye Chen drew significant attention from Gladbach. His recent performances had made him the center of focus.
Before the match, Klopp approached Ye Chen to ask if he felt any pressure.
Honestly, saying "no pressure" would be a lie. But who doesn't feel pressure in life?
Ding! Main Quest Issued: Lead Dortmund's second-string squad to remain undefeated at Borussia-Park. Reward for success: 200 points!
Sitting on the team bus heading to the away game, Ye Chen was startled by the system's prompt.
Why points instead of a loot box this time?
And why was the objective "remain undefeated" instead of "win"?
Could it be that even the system doubted Dortmund?
Two hours before kickoff, both teams' starting lineups were submitted to the committee.
When the lineups were released online, the internet exploded.
Gladbach fans were unimpressed.
⢠"There's no fun in beating this Dortmund!"
⢠"Yeah, it feels like an easy win!"
⢠"How many regular starters are even playing for Dortmund? I can count them on one hand!"
⢠"I'm filing a complaint with the Bundesligaâthis is blatant disrespect!"
⢠"Come on, guys, Dortmund needs to focus on qualifying for the Champions League next match!"
⢠"True, stop complaining when we're about to take the top spot in the league!"
Unlike Gladbach fans, Dortmund supporters were filled with dread.
⢠"Props to the fans who traveled for this match. Tough one!"
⢠"I just hope this game doesn't crush the players' moraleâespecially Ye's."
⢠"Why not bench Ye? This match could break his scoring streak!"
⢠"Honestly, I don't know how we'll escape unscathed after seeing that lineup."
⢠"We'll endure for the Champions League. Let's get revenge when Gladbach visits Signal Iduna Park later this season!"
In Marseille, goal difference favored Dortmund's rivals, meaning Dortmund's only path to the knockout stage was beating Marseille in the next match.
Afternoon at Borussia-Park. Players returned from warm-ups, though spirits weren't high.
They were realistic about their chances.
Klopp's expression was serious as he scanned his players, aware the pre-match buzz had affected them.
Then he noticed Ye Chen...
Unlike the others, Ye seemed... excited?
"Ye, any thoughts before this match?" Klopp directly asked.
"What's there to say? Let's crush them!"
"Hmm?" Klopp raised an eyebrow.
Ye tightened his laces and stood up.
"You've all seen the newsânobody believes in us. They think we'll lose with this lineup!" Ye said calmly. "Gladbach's legend even claimed he'd streak outside Signal Iduna Park if we win here. You heard that, right?"
"Yeah!"
"It was Stil, that guy's always running his mouth!"
"I have this weird habit," Ye smirked. "I like watching people streak. They say we can't win? Let's give them a surprise!"
Ye glanced at his teammates. "Don't forget, we're last season's Bundesliga champions!"
Even the substitutes felt the fire ignite inside them.
"Damn right! Let's wreck them!"
"Yeah, let's make them eat their words!"
"Forget the expertsâwe are the champions!"
Players rose to their feet, fired up.
They were footballers, after all. Who doesn't have a little fight in them?