"Are you ready to show them what you can do?" Giuly asked Adebayor as they lined up in the tunnel.
The young striker nodded, bouncing lightly on his toes as nervous energy coursed through him. Around them, the sounds of 18,000 Monaco supporters filtered through the concrete walls, their voices creating waves of anticipation that pulsed through the stadium.
Opposite them stood the AEK Athens players, their blue shirts contrasting sharply with the tunnel's white walls. Their faces reflected a mix of resignation and professional determination; the mathematical elimination from European competition had lifted some pressure, yet they remained proud to represent their club on this stage.
