Chapter 145

Soon, on February 26, Chelsea embarked on a journey to Istanbul with the expectation and pressure of the Champions League knockout stage.

The team arrived at Istanbul Airport on a chartered flight to start the final stage of preparations.

Tomorrow, they will play the first round at the home of the Turkish team Galatasaray.

As one of the team's main players, Li Lei could already hear the noise outside the airport when he got off the plane.

After the important match with Manchester City, Chelsea went through the test of intensive league and cup competitions. On

February 8, the Blues beat Newcastle United 3:0 at home in the 25th round of the league and won all three points. On

February 12, Chelsea tied with West Bromwich Albion 1:1 away, and their unbeaten record in the league continued. On

February 16, the Blues suffered a 0:2 defeat in the FA Cup round of 16 and were defeated by Manchester City, which was a big blow to De Bruyne. On

February 22, Chelsea defeated Everton 1:0 in the 27th round of the league and continued to lead the Premier League standings.

From the moment the Chelsea team walked out of Istanbul Airport, they felt the hardship of playing away.

A large number of Galatasaray's Turkish home fans had already been waiting outside the airport. They followed the team bus and booed all the way.

Even under the escort of police cars, these fans were still loud and noisy, trying to influence the mentality of Chelsea players in various ways.

Li Lei and other teammates were overwhelmed by this, and this hostile atmosphere was extremely boring.

However, playing away games is difficult, and they must adjust their status as soon as possible and stay focused.

This is just the beginning of the test. Tomorrow at Galatasaray's home stadium, more difficult challenges are still to come.

"Captain, was it like this before you came here?" Li Lei asked Captain Terry on the bus.

"Little guy, you have to get used to the atmosphere here"

"Every time we come to Istanbul, we are surrounded and provoked by Galatasaray fans. This has become a part of their home stadium."Terry said helplessly.

"We haven't even started the official match yet, but they are already so aggressive. I didn't expect it to be so intense."Li Lei continued

"This is how the Champions League knockout stage is, the atmosphere is different from the league. They will use various methods to increase our pressure"

"So as the captain, I remind you and your teammates to stay focused and not be disturbed by their behavior."

"We have to wait for the opportunity and let the football speak for itself on the field."

Terry patiently explained to Li Lei, after all, Li Lei was still a newcomer to him.

"Young man, you have only played a few games for Chelsea and you are not used to the Champions League stage yet." Hazard then joined their conversation

"Indeed, Mr. Hazard, I have never played as a guest in a Champions League knockout match before."

"Unlike you generals, you are already used to all kinds of hostility and interference on and off the field."Li Lei said politely, looking out the window with a curious look in his eyes.

"This is how the Champions League works. Every opponent wants to use all means to gain an advantage at home, but we have seen big scenes before, and this little provocation and noise will not affect us."

"Just follow Captain Terry's instructions and stay focused and motivated."Hazard said with an experienced look on his face.

"With the guidance of my predecessors, I understand how to deal with it. I will try my best not to be disturbed by the outside world and fight with my teammates to the end. We will definitely win at Galatasaray's home stadium.!"

"That's right! We at Chelsea are never afraid of any strong enemy or hostility on or off the field. Once you have digested the baptism of the Champions League, you will become more mature and determined. Come on, let's defeat them together!"

When the conversation between the few people ended, the bus had arrived at the hotel booked by the team.

The surrounding area was filled with Galatasaray fans, and the security personnel opened a safe passage to try to ensure that the Chelsea players could enter the hotel safely.

However, the Turkish fans on both sides of the passage had no intention of welcoming them here.

They booed and condemned the Blues stars loudly, trying to destroy the rest environment of the Chelsea players. The chaotic and hostile atmosphere on the scene made everyone feel unhappy.

Li Lei and his teammates walked through the crowd quickly and low-key into the hotel lobby.

Even if they were mentally prepared, the personal experience was still unbearable. This hostility was obviously intended to affect the Blues' state before the game.

When all the Chelsea players entered the hotel lobby, naturally there were staff to check in.

Head coach Mourinho took the opportunity to gather everyone together and say:"Gentlemen! Please listen to me"

"After you have checked in, please go back to your rooms and have a rest."

"In the evening, we went to the stadium together to get familiar with the environment."

"Terry, as the captain, you need to discipline and look after your teammates, make sure everyone is focused and ready for tomorrow's big game."

"Got it, coach!" Terry responded very straightforwardly,"I will do my best to ensure that everyone stays focused and motivated, puts aside all distractions, and is fully prepared for tomorrow's battle."

"Very good, I believe we have the strength to overcome all difficulties. As long as everyone performs at their normal level, we will definitely win away from home!" Mourinho's voice was full of confidence.

Time flies, and it is February 27, the day of the first round of the Champions League knockout match.

After two days and one night of adjustment, Li Lei and all Chelsea players tried their best to be in the best condition.

In the evening of that day, a fanatical atmosphere spread in the Turk Telekom Stadium. As the night deepened, the air above the stadium was filled with a blood-boiling atmosphere.

Tens of thousands of Turkish fans brought overwhelming momentum to the whole of Istanbul, and the enthusiasm in their hearts seemed to blow up the stadium.

Looking down from the sky, you can see that the well-connected streets of Istanbul are brightly lit, and waves of fans are constantly pouring into the Turk Telekom Stadium.

On the main roads along the way, a large number of police officers holding riot gear have been in place, vigilantly monitoring the fans' every move.

Once a problem occurs, they will take decisive action in time. It can be said that the Champions League match day is one of the busiest days for the Istanbul police.

There was still some time before the game started, and tens of thousands of Galatasaray fans had gathered outside the Telekom Stadium.

Holding team flags and shouting slogans, they enthusiastically rushed to the stadium.

There was a long queue at the entrance of the stadium, and the staff were diligently conducting security checks.

This warm and surging tide of fans will undoubtedly add a lot of highlights to tonight's game.

Galatasaray fans filled the entire stadium with deafening shouts. They were full of confidence and believed that their home team would definitely beat Chelsea.

Although the Cherhai fans in the other end of the audience were only a few, they did not show any weakness and shouted cheering slogans.

Although they were at an absolute disadvantage in terms of numbers and were soon drowned out by the voices of the home fans, every Blues supporter's face was filled with fanatical support and unyielding confidence in the team.

Whether the shouts of either side would work in the end would not be known until the end of the game.