Inside the VIP box, AC Milan's chairman, Berlusconi, was punching the air excitedly.
Left punch, right punch — the powerful Italian magnate was as thrilled as a child.
Because of this, Berlusconi hadn't gone to the stands to watch the game but chose a VIP suite instead.
After venting a bit, Berlusconi felt completely refreshed.
"Suker's performance is outstanding!"
Returning to his seat with a broad smile, Berlusconi sat down happily.
AC Milan's vice chairman Galliani smiled and said, "Suker is Milan's future trademark. We need to invest even more in him."
Berlusconi nodded: "I've already started arranging everything. As long as we win the Champions League, I'm confident Suker will get the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year."
The Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player awards are the highest honors in world football.
Currently, only Ronaldinho and Cannavaro hold both nominations simultaneously, but this time Milan was paving the way for Suker.
On one hand, it boosts Milan's influence.
On the other hand, it showcases to the world what Milan can offer its players.
This also serves as indirect promotion for Milan.
Of course, Suker earned it all by himself.
With Suker's current form, even other top clubs would have no problem securing these honors for him.
"Paolo said he can't play anymore. He wants to retire next season," Galliani suddenly said.
This made Berlusconi frown slightly: "He can still play two more seasons, right?"
"Almost 40 already," Galliani shook his head.
Berlusconi sighed softly.
Maldini was too important for Milan. Once he left, who knew what problems Milan would face?
The most critical issue was the locker room atmosphere.
"Ahh…" Berlusconi sighed and waved his hand, "Let's just watch the game."
Both men turned their eyes back to the pitch.
Milan players had finished celebrating, and Liverpool had the ball at the center circle again.
Down two goals in ten minutes, Liverpool looked extremely passive.
Especially the coach Benítez, who was restless on the sidelines, standing and trying to find a solution.
But after watching, he still didn't understand what was wrong.
Sure, Suker's threat was big, but Milan's overall state was just too good.
Once they started, Milan seemed unstoppable.
Not just Suker — everyone looked like they were pumped full of adrenaline.
The good news was after scoring the second goal, Milan's attack had somewhat slowed down.
Were they running out of steam?
Benítez pursed his lips.
More likely, he thought Milan was controlling the game.
Sure enough, Suker and Kaká began frequently dropping back to help the midfield increase ball control.
While increasing passing options, they constantly threatened Liverpool's goal.
Inzaghi stayed up front, pinning Liverpool's defense back, making defenders cautious.
If they made a mistake, Milan and Inzaghi were experts at playing the offside trap.
Though some might get called offside, the risk was worth it because it could lead to deadly one-on-one chances.
Thus, Liverpool could only endure Milan's possession and run after their rhythm.
Gerrard was a fighter with strong will.
But football wasn't a one-man show.
No matter how hard Gerrard ran, facing Milan's coordinated possession and passing, he couldn't create threats.
So far, Gerrard only had two long-range shots.
Both were far from goal.
Milan's midfield and defense worked tightly, forcing Liverpool to shoot from distance or be pushed wide.
Liverpool could only frequently launch long balls for Kuyt to contest aerially.
But how could Kuyt win against Milan's defense?
Moreover, Milan limited the angles for their long balls.
Liverpool struggled to give Kuyt good service.
Time ticked by.
Liverpool players grew more anxious.
"The game is controlled by Milan. Leading by two goals, Milan shows very strong midfield control."
"At the same time, Milan defends by pushing Liverpool wide, strengthening their central defense."
"Liverpool plays very passively, but Milan still must beware — after all, Liverpool is a Premier League team with faster tempo."
"Even so, Liverpool will keep trying long balls down the middle to pressure the defense."
As commentators said, Maldini and Nesta were under enormous pressure.
They knew very well that if Kuyt got even one chance, their goal line would be in danger.
So they stayed highly focused every moment, fighting off Liverpool's crossing tactics.
Time passed and approached the 35th minute.
Liverpool's attack was still stalled, so they pushed their entire team forward.
Their idea was simple: at least score one goal before halftime.
The increased pressure improved their offense but also risked vulnerability to counters.
Carragher wanted to keep pushing.
He wasn't afraid of Inzaghi.
At that distance, even if a through ball was played, he was confident he could catch and contain Inzaghi.
But just as he thought this, Inzaghi suddenly ran left while Suker stayed fixed in the middle.
"Damn it!"
Seeing Suker suddenly appear beside him, Carragher stopped pushing forward.
Inzaghi's threat alone wasn't enough.
But Suker was deadly.
If Suker got free, Liverpool's defense would be in danger.
Liverpool's attack continued.
Pennant made a feint cross on the flank, then quickly shifted half a step and sent a cross.
Kuyt and Gerrard both jumped for the ball.
Just as Gerrard was about to jump, someone jumped first.
Nesta soared in space with a fierce expression and cleared the ball forcefully.
Two years ago, he failed to stop them.
Two years later, he wouldn't make the same mistake.
After clearing, the ball fell to Gattuso's feet.
"Gattuso!"
"Ivan!"
Suker and Pirlo shouted.
Gattuso passed to Suker.
Seeing Gattuso's intention, Suker made a forward run, fooling Carragher into leaning back, then immediately dropped back.
This fake move gave Suker a chance to turn without pressure.
But as he turned, Carragher charged in front.
"Don't even think about running!"
Carragher stared intently at Suker.
But Suker looked up to his right.
He was going to pass!
Carragher instinctively shifted his weight to the right.
At that moment, Suker deftly faked and flicked the ball past Carragher.
Then he sprinted forward hard.
"Suker! He's past him!"
Aldo Cerella shouted loudly.
Once Suker started sprinting, his momentum was Milan's greatest threat.
Suker rushed forward.
Riise immediately moved to block centrally and try to tackle.
But at the collision, Suker flicked the ball sideways to create space, then dribbled hard again to accelerate past.
"Second acceleration! He's free!"
After beating two defenders, only the trailing center-back Agger stood in Suker's way.
"Oh no!"
Agger twitched nervously.
Suker pushed forward.
To his left, Inzaghi was unmarked.
To his right, Kaká and Finnan.
Agger had no choice but to push hard forward.
Suker straightened his body and glanced left, lowering his shoulder.
A deceptive move froze Agger for a moment.
Then Suker lowered his head, dribbled, and burst forward.
"Passed one again!!"
"Suker beats three players! One-on-one!!!"
Aldo Cerella and Crudeli jumped up excitedly.
Milan fans held their breath, eyes wide on the pitch.
Suker charged into the penalty box, arriving on the right side.
Liverpool goalkeeper Reina rushed out, crouched low, arms wide to cover more space.
At that moment, Suker twisted his waist and shot.
Swish!!!
Reina kneeled, left leg stretched, arms wide.
The ball whizzed past Reina's head like a cannonball, smashing into the top left corner.
Reina froze, still in his save posture.
Suker circled around, arms raised, running toward the corner flag.
Reina turned stiffly and saw the ball roll into the net, bouncing on the ground until it settled.
"Another goal conceded!"