AC Milan defeated Juventus with a resounding 4–1 victory.
This further boosted their morale.
Not only did they defeat a strong rival in the league, but it also gave them more leverage in the standings.
Of course, AC Milan paid a hefty price for this match.
Suker removed his shin guards and peeled off his socks.
The skin on his calf was visibly scraped off.
"You need to disinfect that!"
The team doctor noticed immediately and pulled out an alcohol spray.
Hiss!!!Suker couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath from the pain.
He bent his head and blew air onto his calf for a while until the burning pain subsided a bit.
Suker was actually in relatively better shape.
The defenders had it far worse.
Gattuso had several scrapes on both legs, and long fingernail scratches on his back—no one knew who did it.
Nesta's fingers needed to be reset.
Maldini had bruising on the corner of his mouth—clearly the result of an elbow hit.
The unluckiest was Seedorf—he seemed to have actually injured his knee and was receiving treatment.
"This match was brutal..."
Suker grinned bitterly.
There were six yellow cards issued—four to AC Milan.
Fortunately, two were picked up by Kaka and Inzaghi.
"That's not even the worst. If it were the Milan Derby, it would've been even more intense!"
Kaka exhaled heavily.
Suker turned to him: "As long as we win, it's fine. We still have the Champions League next!"
After this match, AC Milan had to shift their focus to the Champions League again.
Their next opponent was the most dangerous in their group—PSV Eindhoven.
Though PSV never dazzled like Ajax, they remained a strong force in Dutch football and had no shortage of quality players.
In recent Champions League campaigns, PSV's performances had been impressive.
Currently, PSV was coached by Guus Hiddink. After leaving his post as South Korea's national team manager, he came to the Eredivisie and brought Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo with him.
Park Ji-sung was undoubtedly a representative of Korean football and was originally supposed to join Manchester United this season.
But for various reasons, the move didn't happen.
Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson was too focused on Luka Modrić.
Nevertheless, Park Ji-sung and United remained in contact, and rumors suggested he might join in the winter transfer window.
With Park staying, the player known as "Three Lungs Park" brought a huge boost to PSV's midfield with his tireless energy.
But for PSV, AC Milan was still a mountain too high to climb.
"Relax, Young-pyo, don't be so tense."
In the player tunnel at San Siro, Park Ji-sung smiled, comforting his national teammate.
Lee Young-pyo's expression was still stiff.
That brutal 2002 World Cup match had left the Italian internationals furious.
In last season's Champions League, Gattuso went wild with tackles, specifically targeting Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo—AC Milan players clearly sought revenge.
Lee Young-pyo had suffered a severe forehead injury in that match, bleeding heavily.
Just like how Italian player Coco had been elbowed back in 2002.
Lee Young-pyo knew they were seeking payback.
But faced with a powerhouse like AC Milan, on their home turf, he didn't have the same courage as in 2002.
"Let's go!!"
Suddenly, a loud shout echoed.
Lee Young-pyo froze instantly.
The PSV players turned around and saw the AC Milan squad in red and black walking into the tunnel.
Each one had a fierce glare, exuding murderous intent.
As Gattuso passed Lee Young-pyo, he bared his cold teeth and pointed at the Korean's brow.
Lee's face turned pale in fear.
Even after four years, Italy still hadn't let go.
These players were the ones with the most to say about that match!
Especially since they were facing the culprits head-on!
Suker stood among the group, rolling his shoulders and saying excitedly, "Feels like stepping into an MMA cage!"
Kaka rolled his eyes.
But he had to admit, the atmosphere was tense.
The Milan players were radiating killer intent.
Bam!Gattuso punched Kaka lightly.
He pointed at Lee Young-pyo and said, "See that guy? Get past him! Humiliate him!"
Lee Young-pyo kept his head down, not daring to look.
Kaka nodded.
He understood his teammates' resentment over "that match"—they were willing to fight back for each other.
"Want me to switch to the right flank? I'll make him look like a fool!" Suker volunteered.
In response, Gattuso turned around and threw a punch.
Suker caught it with a grin, grabbing Gattuso's fist with his right hand and raising an eyebrow smugly.
In the next second, Suker retaliated with a punch to Gattuso's stomach.
"Do your damn best!"
Gattuso laughed and looked at Suker approvingly.
It seemed like this kind of pep talk was his favorite.
Soon, both teams took the field.
Starting Lineups:
AC Milan (4-3-2-1):GK: DidaDefenders: Cafu, Nesta, Stam, MaldiniMidfield: Gattuso, Pirlo, AmbrosiniAttack: Kaka, Inzaghi, Suker
PSV Eindhoven (4-3-3):GK: GomesDefenders: Ooijer, Alex, Bouma, Lee Young-pyoMidfield: Cocu, Vogel, van BommelForwards: Park Ji-sung, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Farfán
"Park Ji-sung has the ball! Gattuso!! A direct sliding tackle!! Ohhhh—what a challenge!"
Gattuso launched Park into the air—both man and ball flying.
Suker watched it all unfold and couldn't help but grimace.
Damn, they're really going for blood!
The referee blew the whistle and ran over to show Gattuso a yellow card.
But Gattuso didn't seem to care at all—he glared at the fallen Park and turned away.
Suker grew concerned—Gattuso was so fired up he might get a red card.
Just minutes into the game and Gattuso had already laid down the law with a brutal tackle. It earned him a yellow, but gave Milan a psychological edge.
PSV were awarded a free kick in Milan's half.
Cocu stepped up to take it.
He floated the ball into the box.
Nesta shouted, leaping up to head it away.
The ball dropped at Pirlo's feet—he turned and passed it forward.
Kaka picked it up and started sprinting.
Suker and Inzaghi also began to dash forward.
Inzaghi, slower, drifted left. Suker cut diagonally into the center at high speed.
Kaka dribbled down the flank—Lee Young-pyo looked terrified.
With Kaka's blistering pace, Lee had no choice but to follow nervously.
"Shibal (damn)!" Lee cursed.
He couldn't keep up!
Just as he was about to slide in, Kaka stopped suddenly.
Lee lost his footing and slipped.
Kaka smoothly cut inside.
"Kaka! PSV's in danger now!"
He drew the center-backs and then faked a shot, pulled the ball back, and passed it left-footed to Suker.
Suker was right on the edge of the six-yard box.
PSV's goalkeeper charged out to intercept.
Suker got a foot in first, poking the ball away.
A split-second later, the keeper collided with Suker mid-air—sending him flying in a full 360-degree flip.
Aaaaarghhhhhh!!!!!!
Suker's scream echoed throughout the stadium.
ROOOAAARRRRR!!!!!!!!!
The AC Milan fans exploded in fury.
"Bastard!!"
"That's a red card!"
"Asshole! I swear I'll rip your guts out and strangle you with them!"
The crowd surged in anger.
Milan players rushed over.
Lee Young-pyo had just stood up—Gattuso rammed into him.
Lee looked dazed.
Suker was in the six-yard box—why was he being hit?
But Gattuso was like a bulldozer. After knocking Lee down, he tried to go after the goalkeeper.
Maldini grabbed him just in time.
"Calm down!"
Maldini feared Gattuso would get himself sent off.
Nesta sprinted the length of the field and grabbed the keeper by the throat.
Stam started shoving.
If Seedorf had been here, he probably would've slapped someone.
The referee blew his whistle repeatedly to restore order.
In the end, AC Milan were awarded a penalty, and the PSV keeper was shown a yellow.
But Maldini looked worried.
He walked toward Suker.
"Please don't be injured…"
Just a few steps in, he noticed something—Suker's hands were covering his face, but through the fingers, his sneaky eyes were darting around.
Maldini froze—then chuckled helplessly.
Was that a dive?!
But it looked so real!
Suker, leaning on Maldini, stood up limping and groaning in pain.
He wasn't some idiot like Duimovic—if you're gonna fake it, fake it right!
"Boss, how would you rate my acting?" Suker quipped.
"Shut up and drag your ass to the sideline for treatment," Maldini muttered.
"Boss, you're so experienced!" Suker whispered admiringly.
Maldini just rolled his eyes.
Suker received brief treatment on the sidelines and returned to the field.
On camera, he winced and grimaced—still selling the act.
The AC Milan fans roared with applause.
They loved warriors like this!
Just like Nesta, playing through injury.
Though young, Suker was clearly becoming an iron-blooded warrior, shaped by the veterans of Milan.
Of course, none of them suspected—he faked it all!