First Half
The floodlights blazed down on Stade Louis II as forty-six thousand voices merged into a single roar. Red and white dominated the stands, while Spanish flags dotted the away section like defiant splashes of color.
Demien stood motionless in his technical area, three months of preparation distilled into ninety minutes against opponents who had reached the Champions League semifinal. Deportivo's reputation preceded them—tactical discipline wrapped in Spanish flair.
As the teams emerged from the tunnel. Valerón commanded immediate attention. The Spanish playmaker moved with the unhurried grace of someone who had orchestrated Champions League matches before. Behind him, Tristán wore the expression of a striker who knew where nets were weakest.
Roma spat into his gloves, and Squillaci adjusted his captain's armband one final time. The first whistle shattered the tension.
