Chapter 71: Athens Under Control
The Olympic Stadium erupted with fervent energy as the teams emerged from the tunnel. Flags waved, drums pounded, and chants cascaded down from the steep stands like auditory avalanches. The Athens supporters had created the wall of sound Demien had anticipated—hostile, unrelenting, and designed to intimidate.
His players remained unfazed. They moved through their pre-match routines with practiced calm—handshakes, coin toss, final positional reminders. No wide eyes, no nervous glances toward the most vocal sections of the crowd. Just the focused determination that had been cultivated through meticulous preparation.
In goal was Roma, with Evra, Squillaci, Rodriguez, and Ibarra forming the backline. Alonso played as the deep playmaker, flanked by Bernardi and D’Alessandro. Rothen and Giuly occupied the wings, while Morientes led the attack.
Athens matched their expected shape—Chiotis in goal; Borbokis, Kapsis, Amponsah, and Kasapis in defense; Zagorakis, Katsouranis, and Petkov in midfield; Lakis and Rusev providing width; as Liberopoulos the focal point in their attack.
The opening minutes unfolded exactly as Demien had predicted during the tactical briefing. Athens sat deep, compact, patient—content to surrender possession while denying space in dangerous areas. Their disciplined defensive block, anchored by the experienced Kapsis, made the central channel nearly impenetrable.
Monaco circulated the ball with purpose—not rushing or forcing plays, but probing for weaknesses. Alonso orchestrated from deep, always available and never hurried. D’Alessandro and Bernardi moved intelligently between Athens’ rigid lines, creating angles that weren’t immediately obvious.
In the twelfth minute, the home team launched their first counterattack—Zagorakis intercepting Rothen’s pass and quickly releasing Lakis down the right. The winger’s cross found Liberopoulos, whose glancing header forced Roma into a diving save. The crowd erupted, sensing a shift in momentum.
Demien remained still on the touchline. No reaction, no adjustment—the moment was anticipated, and the response was already planned.
Monaco resumed their methodical approach. Possession without penetration wasn’t the goal; it was merely a tool to disorganize Athens’ shape. Patience was key, drawing the opponent into small, almost imperceptible mistakes that would eventually create the opportunities they sought.