This match had everything—
Three red cards!
A hat trick!
A direct free kick goal!
Zidane sent off!
Ronaldo giving up the penalty!
And Su Hang scoring the decisive penalty!
It was all simply unbelievable.
Reporter: "Su Hang, your free kick reminded many of Figo. Did you talk with Roberto Carlos beforehand? Were you confident you could score that free kick?"
Su Hang: "Of course not, but I'm very grateful for Roberto Carlos's trust."
"Figo has taught me so much—far beyond what everyone sees on the pitch. I respect him deeply and really hope he returns soon."
Reporter: "Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi caught everyone off guard. How do you view that incident? Do you blame Zidane? Because you two were so close…"
Su Hang: "No, absolutely not. Never. In fact, that's what I admire about Zidane—he's real, he's human."
"If someone said such vile things about my family, I'd have done the same thing."
"Actually, I might've gone even further. After the match, I'd be waiting in the parking lot to teach him a real lesson."
"But kids, don't imitate that—it's how adults handle things."
The reporters collectively exhaled.
So it really was trash talk from Materazzi.
No wonder.
Reporter: "We noticed that when Zidane was sent off and the team was struggling, you were the first to step up. You broke through Inter Milan's defense twice in a row on the right flank. How did you do it?"
Su Hang: "First, it was thanks to my teammates' support. Second, like I said, Figo taught me a lot. I'm not a winger, but I can still try to help the team from the flanks in my own way."
"And finally, Ronaldo's incredible scoring ability made everything possible."
Su Hang never forgot to credit his teammates.
Reporter: "Since you mentioned Ronaldo, can we ask about that penalty?"
Ronaldo jumped in: "I thought Su should take it, and he agreed. I have to admit—when I was his age, I didn't have that kind of responsibility!"
Soon after, newspapers around the world were filled with headlines about the match.
AS: "The Phenomenon's hat trick brings back his peak! Real Madrid's captain with two assists and a goal leads the Galácticos into the Champions League semifinals!"
Marca: "Zidane's shocking headbutt nearly cost Real Madrid! Su Hang's royal breakthrough equalizer and panenka penalty tribute to Zidane turn the tide!"
La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Recoba becomes Inter's defensive black hole! 'Young Pelé' Robinho destroys the right flank and cements his legend!"
Tuttosport: "Direct free kick and penalty goal—Su Hang is the biggest clutch performer of this Champions League, bar none!"
Corriere dello Sport: "Once again, Su Hang surpasses Shevchenko! Ten goals and one assist keep him firmly atop the scoring charts!"
Sky Sports: "Real Madrid delivers the best match of this Champions League! Three red cards—Zidane, Materazzi, and Zanetti—a true spectacle!"
Liverpool Echo: "Inter Milan blows its best shot at Champions League glory! Real Madrid advances to the semifinals, set to face either Arsenal or AC Milan!"
With Real Madrid's victory, the Champions League semifinal lineup was set—
From the Premier League: Arsenal.
From Serie A: AC Milan.
From La Liga: Real Madrid and Barcelona!
Ultimately, Barcelona and AC Milan missed out on the "gift draw," squaring off as red-blue met red-black.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid was paired with Arsenal—Real Madrid vs. the Gunners!
But why was Real Madrid called the "gift"?
Because UEFA handed down further sanctions after reviewing the violent incidents in the second leg between Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi was deemed an act of aggression unrelated to football.
UEFA decided to impose an additional three-match suspension!
Including the automatic one-match ban from the red card, Zidane would now miss all remaining Champions League matches.
The ruling sent shockwaves across Europe.
Zidane was thrust into the center of controversy.
Even though Real Madrid pulled off a miracle after losing him,
the news—on top of the absences of Figo and Beckham—was a crushing blow.
To exaggerate a bit, even if Ronaldo had been suspended, it wouldn't have felt this hopeless.
Because Zidane was the team's midfield core.
Without him, Real Madrid had no midfield.
Their attacks could only come from the flanks.
No—just one flank, the side with Robinho and Roberto Carlos, which was the only consistent attacking option.
Such a team couldn't go far.
And Su Hang?
Yes, he played brilliantly, but he couldn't become Real Madrid's regular threat on the wing.
He happened to face an aging, declining Córdoba.
Against other fullbacks—or opponents who specifically studied his dribbling patterns—Su Hang could easily be neutralized.
Not every striker can play as a winger.
Su Hang simply wasn't suited for the position yet—unless it was through opportunistic play.
Soon, Real Madrid filed an appeal against Zidane's suspension.
At the same time, Su Hang spoke about the incident in Clara's Column, revealing the vile trash talk Materazzi had used.
That revelation immediately sparked outrage across France.
France Football published a solemn statement:
"The French never surrender! We will defend our families with our lives—especially the women among them!"
"Even if Paris falls, we will never bow to any enemy!"
"Zidane's headbutt embodied the spirit of France!"
Su Hang: "Uh…"
Even in Italy, Materazzi faced backlash.
Juventus fans—Zidane's former club—publicly condemned him.
And they weren't alone.
Executives from AC Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina also criticized Inter Milan's lack of discipline.
Juventus: "It's hard to believe Materazzi is that kind of person. We were even considering signing him before—thankfully Inter took him first."
Lazio: "We regret Materazzi's behavior. He doesn't represent all Italians."
Fiorentina: "The conduct of Inter's players is shameful. Their club clearly failed in player education."
Some media outlets even called on Italy's national team to drop Materazzi, labeling him a "disgraced player."
When Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti was interviewed, he responded furiously:
"I know why they're targeting us. This isn't about Materazzi and Zidane."
"All I'll say is this—don't push me too far. Otherwise, no one in Italian football will come out unscathed!"
Unfortunately, his warning went largely ignored.
Meanwhile, The London Globe reported that Su Hang was assembling a top-tier legal team to support Zidane's appeal,
with lawsuits targeting UEFA, Inter Milan, Materazzi, and others.
Su Hang himself confirmed it:
"Yes, I won't let Zidane suffer such injustice."
"This isn't about the suspension—it's about right and wrong."
"I won't comment on Zidane's actions, but I'll say this—anyone in his position should've done the same!"
"Whether we play football, basketball, or any sport, we must defend those who matter to us—in the name of family!"
"That's what drives me. It's a message UEFA should be sending to fans worldwide."
"Otherwise, what's the point? I could drink tomorrow, party the next day, skip training after that—since I'm a star now, right?"
"For money?"
"I've got plenty of money!"
Su Hang's words spread rapidly through the media.
In the end, under enormous public pressure, Real Madrid's appeal succeeded.
UEFA reduced Zidane's suspension from three matches to one.
Including the automatic red card ban, he would miss a total of two matches.
That meant if Real Madrid could reach the final without him,
they'd welcome the return of the French legend himself.
Meanwhile, UEFA also handed Materazzi a three-match ban for violating player conduct,
and both clubs were fined.
Thus, the match's final verdict was settled.