The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 329 An Unprecedented Sense of Belonging
The hustle and bustle of Thessalon was broadcast throughout France via the camera.

We are all here together now, though we are far apart.

On Parisian television screens, this roar turned into a heavy sigh; in the pubs of Marseille's Old Port district, it drew complex and admiring attention; in the meeting rooms of Lyon's youth academy, it became the freshest tactical instruction; and in countless ordinary French families, it is moving more and more people with the miracle of this Mediterranean island team.

This is more than just the noise of a goal in a match.

This is the roar of a century-old dream about to come true, a legendary declaration written by a genius with 46 goals.

After introducing the goal, the TF1 commentator exclaimed, "This is not an easy goal. I could tell at the 12-minute mark that it had almost secured Bastia's first Ligue 1 title in 108 years!"
Gaião's 46th league goal of the season has raised the single-season goal record to a new level that will leave future generations in awe!

I don't even know if I'll live to see this record broken.

More importantly, this goal once again demonstrated to the world why Gaio is unique—his terrifying ability to decide matches in the blink of an eye proves that he is the undisputed king of this league!

courtside,

Gilard stood on the sidelines, his hands tucked deep into his coat pockets, his eyes following the Bastia players who were celebrating wildly.

Watching them unleash their ecstatic joy, watching Gaio surrounded by his teammates.

He couldn't help but let out a complicated, bitter smile and shook his head.

How familiar this scene is.

Just last year, weren't he and his Montpellier just one of those people who created miracles and defied the odds?

They, too, defied all odds, displaying the fearlessness of youth and close teamwork, and snatched the championship trophy from Paris Saint-Germain.

At that time,

They were just as spirited and high-spirited, and they made the entire French football world take notice and marvel.

But at this moment, the change of roles evoked a deeper sense of melancholy in him.

His gaze not only saw the jubilation before him, but also seemed to pierce through time, seeing the inevitable recurrence of the ending—the scene of Montpellier's championship-winning squad being dismantled by a powerhouse last summer was still vivid in his mind: Belhanda, Giroud, and Mbiwa, the warmth of the championship trophy had not yet dissipated, and the team had already fallen apart.

As Gilard's gaze swept over the young faces of Gaio and Kant, a hint of reluctance lingered in his eyes.

How many of these players will still be playing in this stadium next season?

A sense of shared sorrow arose in his heart.

The glory of small teams is like the waves of the Mediterranean Sea—brilliant but fleeting, eventually dissipating beneath the giant waves of capital and big clubs.

As Gaio walked toward the center circle, he glanced at Hagi Begitch and his eyes met briefly with Gilard's.

Gilard nodded slightly to Gaio.

He only admired Gaio.

Last season, when talking with players like Mombael and Blanc, Mombael asked Blanc if he would call up Gaio to the national team.

At that time, Girard was impressed by Gaio and privately recommended that Blanco pay more attention to Gaio.

Gaio, of course, had no idea what was going on.

Blanco had never told him this, so when he saw the goodwill in Girard's eyes, he simply smiled in response.

Gaio also waved towards the stands.

It's not just the fans.

And there are Deschamps, Zidane, Blanc, and others.

Seeing Gaio wave, they all smiled. Zidane even said, "This kid has improved so fast. I've known him for over a year. I knew he would be great in the future, but I didn't expect him to improve so quickly."

Blanco still felt a bit regretful and aggrieved, "Yes, he was a kid I promoted, and Didier just got the benefit of that."

Deschamps laughed and said, "This isn't taking advantage of someone else. I'll remember your contribution, and everyone will remember it."

Blanco remained noncommittal.

He's now thinking about when he can find a new job.

After a year's rest, he has gained more insights into his tactics and how to manage the locker room.

Paris Saint-Germain has already extended an olive branch to him.

He is considering whether to take over.

If Gaio chooses to join Paris Saint-Germain, then Blanc will not need to think twice and will directly accept the coaching contract.

such a pity,
Gaio is leaving Ligue 1.

Blanco thought for a moment and asked Zidane, "Is this Gaio's last home game?"

Zidane couldn't remember either, "I think so, they still have three games left, two league games that seem to be away games, and the Europa League final next week in the Netherlands, which should be Gaio's last home game."

Blanco nodded, gesturing towards the Ultras Bastia die-hards' section. "I was wondering why those fans didn't make any moves before the game started. Look under their seats, there's something there. I bet they'll do something big after the game."

Zidane and Deschamps both looked in the direction Blanc was looking.

This is true.

Wow!

Suddenly, gasps of surprise came from all around. After the kickoff, Montpellier wanted to make an impact on the offensive end and took a long shot.

They fired directly at the anti-aircraft guns.

Cabella shook her head after making the kick, and then reached out to her teammates to apologize.

Bastia kicked off, but they didn't rush to attack. Under De Bruyne's organization, the ball moved forward methodically.

In fact.

The current Montpellier squad is far inferior to Bastia's.

Such a score was not too surprising to many people.

after all.

If this match weren't a championship game, it probably wouldn't have garnered as much attention as it does tonight.

After Bastia gradually got used to the ball-control style of play, Gaio became very dangerous on the right wing.

Furthermore, with Montpellier shifting their defensive focus to the right, Mane on the left flank also has more opportunities.

For a time,

The Montpellier defenses are in grave danger.

Bastia had five shots on goal in just ten minutes.

Gaião twice, Lukaku twice, and Mane once.

However, they were all very close.

In the 27th minute, Bastia launched another attack.

Gaio received the ball on the right flank. Facing the marking of Bedimo and Utaka, he first lowered his shoulder and pretended to break into the inside. Then, he gently flicked the ball with the outside of his right foot, pretending to change direction and cross from the byline.

however,
Just as Bedimo and his partner shifted their weight, he suddenly used the instep of his right foot to twist the ball sharply to the left and forward, while simultaneously leading the ball forward with his left foot, propelling himself forward.

With a simple and quick fry, Gaio slipped through the gap between the two men!
This once again drew gasps from the audience.

After cutting into the penalty area, another center-back immediately covered and blocked the shooting angle.

Gaio raised his left leg, assuming a powerful shot towards the near corner, a convincing feint that completely fooled the defenders and the goalkeeper.

however,
As his left foot landed, he deftly flicked his ankle, delivering a low, diagonal pass that sent the ball through the gaps in the crowd to Lukaku, who was completely open near the penalty spot!

While everyone's attention was drawn to him, he noticed Lukaku's run. The ball caught everyone in Montpellier completely off guard.

It's been passed to the mid lane!
All Lukaku needed to do was easily tap the ball into the empty net!

2-0!

Lukaku pointed at Gaio, then rushed off the field and, mimicking Gaio, opened his arms wide to the stands to celebrate his goal.

The fans were getting even more excited.

They chanted – "2-0! 2-0!!"

This score was repeatedly roared because it meant that the championship had never been so within reach!

The swaying of the fans made it seem as if the entire stadium stands were rhythmically bouncing up and down, as if the concrete building itself had come to life, trembling along with the 20,000 hearts beating in unison.

The TF1 commentator also said, "Bastia is just one hour away from making history!"

Seeing Hagibis score another goal, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up in a smile.

He revealed a smile that was a mixture of extreme satisfaction and complete control.

He turned to his assistant coach beside him, and they embraced and celebrated.

Subsequently,

He immediately regained his composure as head coach, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted to the defenders, including Van Dijk, "Stay focused, formation, remember the formation, the game isn't over yet!"

But his gaze, especially when it swept over Gaio, was filled with undisguised admiration and pride.

This goal perfectly demonstrated his tactical plan—to use Gaio's unparalleled dribbling and key passing abilities to completely tear apart the seemingly impenetrable defense.

He would still choose to do the same thing when facing Benfica.

and,

Many people still overlook Gaio's abilities as a left winger.

at this point,
Hagi Begitch hasn't given Gaio many opportunities to showcase his abilities yet; he believes Gaio will surprise everyone.

The celebrations in Bastia did not last long.

drop!
As the whistle blew.

The game continues.

The roar from the stands at Thesari Stadium did not subside after the celebrations ended; instead, it transformed into a more sustained and oppressive force.

Their eyes were fixed on the field, and every time a Bastia player successfully intercepted or passed the ball, a short but powerful cheer would erupt from the stands.

Once a Montpellier player gets the ball, a huge, mocking chorus of boos instantly drowns them out.

A powerful sense of confidence, as if we had everything under control, permeated the air.

Once a goal is scored, everything goes so smoothly.

Whether on or off the field, Montpellier seems to be struggling to withstand Bastia's attack.

Just seven minutes later.

Gaio received the ball on the right wing again. He chose to dribble sideways and cut inside, flitting about like a butterfly, attracting the attention of at least three defenders.

After successfully creating two goals, Gaião is now the biggest threat to Montpellier's defense!

The three surrounded them.

Just before he was about to be surrounded, Gaio keenly spotted an opening at the far end and delivered a perfectly powerful and curved low pass back with the outside of his left foot.

The football pierced precisely through one of Utaka's small goals.

Crossing the restricted area,

They arrived at the direction of De Bruyne, who had made a late run and was unmarked.

Without making any adjustments, De Bruyne met the ball and unleashed a powerful shot with his right foot!

The football hurtled straight toward the goal like a cannonball!

As defensive midfielder Stambury made a diving save, the ball struck him squarely in the back, deflecting violently.

Goalkeeper Pionyar dived in the wrong direction.

Watching the football change direction, it bounced into the net!
3-0!

Gaio rushed over and patted De Bruyne on the back, "That was a really accurate shot!"

Haha!

De Bruyne himself felt incredibly lucky. He didn't celebrate, but simply high-fived and hugged his teammates, and waved back to the fans in the stands who were excitedly chanting "Kevin."

The roar filled the Cesarri stadium.

A sense of certainty filled the air—the championship was truly on its way!
De Bruyne stood in the boiling stadium, feeling the intense passion emanating from the stands that almost overwhelmed him, and a complex and surging emotion churned within him.

He fell in love with Bastia.

but,

With only three games left in the season, it also means that his loan spell will end and he will return to Chelsea.

At the beginning of this season, he came to Corsica from Chelsea amid disappointment and confusion, perhaps only seeing it as a temporary stop where he needed to prove himself.

But at this moment, his chest was filled with an unprecedented sense of belonging.

He fell in love with the sea breeze here.
I fell in love with the fans' unreserved, deafening cheers here.

She fell in love with the unspoken understanding she shared with Gaio.
I've come to love this team's fiery and indomitable spirit, like lava.

He found his central position, unconditional trust, and the pure joy of playing football here.

however,
The countdown to reality echoed clearly in his mind.

With only three games left in the season—the two league matches after this one, and the upcoming Europa League final—it all feels like a grand dream that's about to end.

With his loan contract expiring, he is destined to return to Chelsea – a place fraught with uncertainty and struggle for him.

therefore,

His celebration carried a subtle hint of nostalgia and sadness.

He hugged each of his teammates tightly, as if wanting to etch this moment firmly into his heart; he looked affectionately at the stands, responding to the cheers of the fans, as if saying a silent farewell, or as if greedily absorbing the last warmth.

Gaio seemed to sense De Bruyne's emotions.

He walked up to De Bruyne, put his arm around his shoulder, and the two walked side by side toward the center circle.

At the same time, he whispered in his ear, "Kevin, enjoy this moment. Remember, no matter where you are, you'll always be my best partner. If things don't go well in London, you know where I am. My doors are always open for you. Now, let's get the trophy together."

De Bruyne did not answer.

He simply reached out and patted Gaio on the back.

drop!
The referee blew his whistle, and the game resumed.

But after reaching this score, the Montpellier players fully understood the gap between them and Bastia.

Morale has collapsed.

(End of this chapter)