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.
