Fans were either at home in their living rooms, holding ice-cold beers fresh from the refrigerator, accompanied by fruit, waiting in front of the TV, or had come to bars or small barbecue joints with friends to share the excitement.
With half an hour left before the match, major live-streaming platforms in the Tang Kingdom had already begun their interactive broadcasts.
At this moment, Cao Baiming was on the field with his teammates, making final preparations before the game.
Messi, Henry, and Cao Baiming stood together on the field. Vinícius was injured and unable to play, but most of the main players were present.
On the side of Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf was unable to participate in this match due to injury.
Although he had been recovering for several days and had even resumed training, for safety reasons, he was still given time off.
The fans also expressed their feelings about this situation.
Achraf was a close friend of Mbappé. On the field, he had the most chemistry with Mbappé, and he would only pass the ball to his "big brother," making even Neymar think twice.
More importantly, as a defender, he often appeared in the front lines due to his superb dribbling skills, top-tier speed, and stamina, even taking shots himself.
Among the players fans could think of, he was definitely a close match to Cao Baiming's playing style. Now, they wouldn't be able to see such a direct confrontation.
Both teams had players out due to injury, but their main rosters were still intact, so it wouldn't affect the match.
On the field, Cao Baiming, Messi, and Henry began to practice passing and controlling the ball separately from the main group. This wasn't the first time they had seen this.
Their small-group coordination was twice as skillful and fast as usual, making it impossible for other players to keep up.
With a crisp kick, Messi received a pass from Henry and lofted a semi-high ball to Cao Baiming. Cao Baiming controlled the ball with his chest and then passed it back with his shoulder.
At this moment, a system voice suddenly sounded in his mind.
Cao Baiming was truly surprised that the system would send a message at this time. What could it be?
However, in front of his teammates, his expression remained calm.
While passing, he listened to the system's subsequent voice.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing a hidden mission!"
"What's up?"
Cao Baiming was startled and couldn't even control Henry's pass properly, making a mistake.
This was too sudden!
"...Achieved the feat of completing 20 passes within 10 seconds during training. Mission reward: Strengthening Potion x3. Upon use, shooting ability will be enhanced by 80% for 1 minute."
Oh?
That's something new!
At this point, the head coach's voice was heard. Cao Baiming placed the ball under his foot and followed him back to the locker room.
After returning, he was still carefully recalling the hidden missions for this season.
This was the first time he had achieved a hidden accomplishment during training!
If this was possible, then...
He was very satisfied to receive such a small surprise before the start of such an important match. If the system were a real person, he would definitely treat her to a few drinks!
It would be great if the system were actually a person, preferably a girl, so he could flirt with her!
System! Can you evolve too?
If the system truly had consciousness, it would probably be speechless at this moment. After giving him so much, he was still asking for more!
The Champions League matches have an opening ceremony before the game.
The players from both teams would walk onto the field together, form a circle in the center of the field, and sing the Champions League anthem together.
At this time, as the music began, the system's voice sounded in Cao Baiming's mind once again.
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for starting your Champions League career! Champions League Season Mission unlocked!"
Cao Baiming's eyes lit up. What was meant to come had finally arrived!
"Reward for successfully entering the Champions League group stage: 2 million points have been deposited into your balance, please check!"
Cao Baiming was stunned! What was with this "please check"? Why had the system suddenly become so playful, even changing its tone!
Could it have overheard what he said earlier? Does this mean the system is really a girl?
Stop, stop, stop, best not to overthink things...
Even he found it a bit absurd. These were just minor details; they didn't prove anything...
The system's voice continued.
"The Champions League season missions for this season are as follows..."
"Season Mission 1: Score 10 goals in the group stage. Mission reward: One max-level Gold Talent Card!"
"Season Mission 2: Advance to the knockout stage by topping the group. Mission reward: One max-level Gold Talent Card!"
"Season Mission 3: Win the Champions League this season. Mission reward will be announced upon completion!"
...
Cao Baiming listened intently, even though the voice was in his head. He pricked up his ears!
After the system finished explaining the three basic season missions, it remained silent for a long time.
The Champions League anthem had finished playing, and the players began to disperse. The system was quiet.
"Is that all? Only these three missions?"
Cao Baiming asked with confusion.
"Yes, host! There are only three basic Champions League season missions. New missions will be activated at any time!"
"Oh... that's fine..."
Wait, something's not right!
At this moment, the players had returned to their positions. A teammate behind him shouted his name loudly, and he realized he had been lost in thought.
Cao Baiming quickly ran to his defensive position, waiting for the referee's whistle.
Recalling, the rewards for the Champions League season missions were even more generous than those in the league, directly stepping up a level.
Each completed mission rewarded a max-level Gold Talent card, which was equivalent to three top-tier Gold Talent cards combined, worth three million points!
Mbappé stood in the front row of the team, near the kickoff spot. Facing him was Henry, his national teammate.
Although these two were competitive and secretly vied for the position of the primary core player in the national team, they had good chemistry on the field.
Mbappé's target today was not Henry, but the two players behind him!
Messi and Cao Baiming!
Cao Baiming was still pondering the system's rewards and calculating points, completely unaware that a pair of eyes were fixed on him.
He didn't really care about Mbappé's animosity.
Unless it was part of a season mission that allowed him to directly exchange for points, then he might consider it.
Soon, the referee's whistle blew, and Arsenal kicked off.
The fans on the sidelines began to cheer enthusiastically. The atmosphere and excitement were comparable to past World Cup matches or Champions League finals.