Millossobek's Master League Written Stories!

[millossobek]

Hey bros! Perhaps you have been wondering, what has Millossobek been up to during his "story-break"?

Well needless to say: The campaigns have continued! I've decided to put my main Torino story on hold, but I have completed two "chillout" seasons, one in PES 6 and another one in PES 2013! Both seasons were in second division, and I featured different storylines, personalities, and settings. It's been quite a different experience with both: Here is a short summary of each one!

PES 6 Second Division: UNION VIENNA​

Finally finished my first season with PES 6 ML Defaults! Always wanted to do this one, with Castolo, Minanda, Stremer, Jaric, and the boys! I decided to invent an entire new team, called Union Vienna from Austria, and placed them in my usual "PES 6 European Campaign", where I lay it out as follows!

British League: Top 14 English Teams + Rangers and Celtic.
Iberian League: Top 13 Spanish Teams + Benfica, Porto and Sporting.
Mediterranean League: 10 Italian Teams + Gala, Fener, and Besiktas + Olympiakos, Panathinaikos and AEK Athens
and Finally, the Central Europe Federation (pictured above): With a Mix of German, French, Dutch, and other Central/Eastern European Teams! (This is where Union Vienna played, in second division)!

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The season in itself was the story of two halves.. In the first half, featuring the complete default ML team, I was only able to win 1 game, while drawing 2 and losing 4.. It was a frustrating start of the season, as I was continuously overmatched by stronger teams (Basel, Wolfsburg, Lens, among others), and I couldn't quite get my feet off the ground. I was even ousted in the 2nd Division Cup, after leading most of the way against Frankfurt, they were able to come back and draw 2-2, and then finishing me off over in Germany. Things were looking quite bleak, and the Transfer Market was my only salvation if I was to make this season a respectable one. However, after some good negotiations and shrewd scouting, I was able to pick up two players who completely changed the face of the team.. One of my perennial favorites (and one of the fabled "Four Musketeers" from my Werder Bremen 2009 campaign), Shinji Ono, as well as young Frenchman Rio Mavuba!

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Even though it was only 2 signings (given that I hadn't been able to accumulate many points, and I sold off several of the ML Default players), Ono and Mavuba restored Union Vienna's confidence! Castolo started scoring, the mediocre defense was quite bolstered by Mavuba, and Ono was threading the needle in the midfield, creating chances and being the heart and soul of the team's creativity! You guys know the saying how one or two players enter a team and then suddenly, everyone starts playing better? Well, strangely and interestingly enough, this seemed to be the case! Mavuba acted as a protective shield in front of Stremer and Jaric, and Ono, playing at AMF, developed a solid understanding with Minanda, Castolo, Ordaz, and the rest of the attacking players!

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In the end, after going 1-2-4 in the first 7 games, we went 4-2-1 in the second half of the season (completely reversing the trend!), breaking to a 50% winning percentage, and salvaging respectability for the season. Even though we finished 6th out of 8 teams, only 4 points separated #3 and #6, as the midtable was really tight. Ordaz played very strongly in the end, netting 5 goals and finishing second in the overall goal rankings (tied with 3 other players), while Ono fnished fourth in overall assists (despite playing only half of the season)! When it was all said and done, it was a great way to rebound in the second half after a dreadful first half of the season, as the signings of Ono and Mavuba really bolstered the team, and a solid summer transfer window (if I'm able to bring in a good striker, and some other reinforcements), should put Union Vienna in good position to fight for promotion in season 2!

PES 2013 Second Division: SC BEIRA-MAR!




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The second season I just finished, in a different campaign, was SC Beira-Mar (based in the city of Aveiro) in Liga Portugal 2! This season was longer (of course, 34 games as opposed to 14, given that the Portuguese second division feature 18 teams), and with a different spirit: instead of starting out with the ML Default players, I took the original Beira-Mar team and added one of my favorite players: Chilean Star Matías Fernandez! (2006 South American player of the year, all at the young age of 20, playing for Chilean giants Colo-Colo!)! The campaign would be led by an invented brand-new Portuguese Manager, Gaspar Barbosa, recently retired as a player, where he played as midfielder, and eager to prove his worth in the iconic side!




Now at 26 and after a series of injuries, it is clear that Matias is not the same player that had shown so much promise back in 2006, but he still has plenty of magic left in the tank. Accompanying him are key player Nildo Petrolina, an enigmatic yet hugely talented Brazilian on the wing, Guadaloupean Defensive Midfielder Fleurival, and one of the more established Portuguese goalkeepers in second division, Rui Rego! These four formed a talented quartet, each one with their own strengths and characteristics.

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When compared to my Union Vienna campaign, Beira-Mar was much more steady.. Almost always staying from 5th-8th place in the 18 team league. Given the format of the Portuguese Second division, where the top 3 are promoted to Liga 1, there was no real moment where I was close to being promoted (the top 3 teams, Boavista, Moreirense, and Chaves pretty much led the whole way, with CD Aves and us separating ourselves from the packed midtable). In the end, even though we didn't achieve our goal of ascending, I would say that we were solidly above average in our first season, and remarkably consistent despite how hard the opposition was.

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Matias showed his magic several times, a mini-magician in the middle with Chilean Flair, while Nildo Petrolina flew on the wings, and Fleurival held it all together in the midfield, giving some much needed spine to a side full of flair. There were times that the defense was a bit porous, but I think this had a lot to do with me getting used to PES 2013's defense system, as it is quite different from some of the other ones! All in all, however, it was an enjoyable season, a Portuguese side with a good deal of South American flavor. One of my midseason acqusitions, Brazilian forward Kieza, really turned it on in the second half of the season, scoring several braces and a hat-trick, and finishing as the top goalscorer in the league! (With Nildo Petrolina finishing as the top assist man, as well as in the top 5 in goals, great performances by both Brazilians)!

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Both campaigns were very enjoyable, and quite different from each other.. While Union Vienna was much shorter and a roller coaster, Beira-Mar felt much more like an entire season, a more talented squad doubtlessly and a different pace. While both campaigns had a bit of frustrating parts (especially Union's first half of the season, and the fact that Beira-Mar could never quite contend for the top 3), they were highly enjoyable, each with their own personality.. I am certain to continue at least one of these campaigns, both at their own pace, but I think a solid foundation for both teams has been set: The Summer Transfer Window will be absolutely key for the aspirations of our second years and the hopes of achieving promotion!!

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So, my friends, there's a short update. You may ask yourselves, why I didn't delve into deep storytelling with these two campaigns as I've done in the past? Well, like I mentioned earlier, for the time being, my wish is to just play "chillout" campaigns while recharging my writing batteries! It definitely feels like a good break, after writing for 3 years straight (especially Torino's first season, where I went into more personality and backstory than I had ever done before, which was a huge undertaking). Now, don't get me wrong guys: I absolutely love to write, and creating narrative and deep footballing stories to accompany my campaigns is one of my greatest passions, but for now.. Just playing and having the immersion in my head while exploring different footballing games has been really enjoyable! One thing's for sure though.. Millossobek's Master League Written Stories will definitely be back, sometime in the first half of 2025.. Especially continuing on my Torino tale with the dynamic duo Comizzo and Luka (2nd season has already been played), as well as one of my dearest campaigns, PES 2009 Werder Bremen, and the narration of other tales! But in the meantime, just wanted to let you guys what I was up to in one of my biggest passions in life: Playing my Football Campaigns! Have a great holiday season bros, stay safe! The stories will return in 2025.

- Millossobek

 

[the_dude]

I always make my PES 6 ML setup like yours. I never play a ML with a created team and default players. I am going to have to play one now.

My team Boavista got promoted. What patch are you using for PES 2013?

 

[millossobek]

@the_dude hey there! The patch I am using for PES 2013 is called PTE patch (1.03 exe) it includes Jenkey's gameplay tool, and also your team Boavista!

You can find the patch here

 

[millossobek]

Master League Story #10:
Rewriting History: Incheon United! (PES 2021)
SEASON 1

"In Asia, Football has risen like the global game it really is. From being an almost unknown sport, from a place of obscurity and oblivion, the beautiful game has taken hold of the continent. At first spurred by the far-reaching cable networks of the European Leagues, then with the constant improvement of its national teams, to the place it is now, with established Asian stars shining in the biggest teams in the world, Football is taking an evolving and rightful place in people's imagination, and is now poised to grow even larger. But let us not forget that the beating heart of Football lies in its local leagues. And if the game hopes to continue to become entrenched in the heart of the continent, then it is in the Leagues, my friends, the forging of club's identities, where this love will truly be harvested and felt! Here's to the present, and the future of Football in Asia, the most populated continent in the world."
​

Hey there, friends! I'm back after a short break! Continuing on with the campaigns, I present to you my newest story, one that I've been brewing and thinking about for a long time: The tale of the recently finished Season 1 of Incheon United, IUFC, the Blue and Black, the Sailors, the K-League team that I love! (As you guys know, Asian and South American Football are my big footballing passions). I'd wanted to play a Master League with Incheon with a lot of anticipation, being that they are the only team in the world that is truly in my heart besides Millonarios, and now was the perfect time for it, for historical and emotional reasons which I will get into in a moment. But before we get into that, I would like to delve into a bit of background information about the real-life Incheon United, the team that I have chosen for my new Millossobek Adventure, so you guys get a bit familiarized with the team and the city, before I continue on with the Master League narration..

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Incheon is the third largest city in South Korea, with a population or approximately 3 million people. It is a part of the gigantic Seoul metropolitan area, but here's the thing: It has its own fierce identity apart from the capital, as it is much more focused on industry, its huge coastal port, its international airport, and a gritty culture, one that is a bit more working class and blue-collar. (Incheon is also well known for its seafood markets, its historical Chinatown, vibrant commercial areas and huge residential developments). It might lack the glitz and glamour of its more famous and glamorous neighbor, Seoul. It is not a touristic or stylish city, but it's busy, buzzing, full of life, pride, great food, energy and passion: A perfect city for a Football team.

Unfortunately, Incheon United's historical run in the K-League since their foundation in 2003 (created just after the Post-World Cup football craze in Korea), has been a mixed bag. Having never won the league (while other teams such as Jeonbuk Hyundai, FC Seoul, the Tigers of Ulsan, Pohang Steelers and Suwon Bluewings have soared and won several titles, establishing themselves as giants in the country), Incheon has been almost perenially a mid-table team, fighting for the title a few times, sometimes trying to avoid relegation, but mostly dwelling in midtable semi-obscurity. After a small, short renaissance in late 2010's, Incheon United's story took a dark turn in 2024, as the team were relegated to K-League 2 for the first time in their history after a very irregular campaign. (The team will be playing in K2 League in 2025 in real life). Despite this recent setback, it is important to note that in its history, Incheon has built a large, loyal and passionate fanbase, and even though some might see them as a little-brother to FC Seoul (in a sense mirroring the real-life perception), the fans certainly don't. It is the city's fiercest derby, and one of the biggest rivalries in all of Korea.

​

Now, let's go back to PES. One of my original intentions with this campaign was to see if I could re-write history and create a new narrative for Incheon. In this alternate universe, MFE (Millossobek's Football Enterprises) has taken over in slightly better times. just before the 2021 season. Having avoided relegation the previous season (while still struggling), it is clear that the newly appointed MFE Incheon board wants to see at least a midtable finish. (Another important note: In my Master League, the K-League is significantly changed, going from a 12 team league to a 20 team league, incorporating 8 K2 League teams to create a larger, longer season while still keeping the parity of the league). Everything seemed to point in the direction of the board's midtable vision, as we signed some key players to improve the team, (especially our offense) such as Gerso Fernandes, a speedy and offensively-geared Bissau-Guinean Left Winger, and Bo-Seub Kim on the Right Wing. Even though it was generally acknowledged that we had a better team than last season, but nobody would call us contenders before the season started. Armed with a new manager, former Incheon United (fantasy) midfielder Sang-Hoon Choi, known for his tenaciousness and desire in his footballing days, and a new vision for attacking football, the Blue and Black were ready to take on a new year and hopefully improve immediately (even though we were an unknown quantity at the moment).

Millossobek (president of MFE): "We've seen an interesting opportunity here at Incheon. Even though the K-League is a relatively young league by world standards, the popularity of football in the country has soared after the World Cup and several teams have taken advantage of this rise in popularity. Traditions have been formed, and fanbases have expanded. We believe that Incheon, however, has not reaped the complete fruits of this surge. However, we DO see a lot of potential here. A fanbase which has remained numerous and loyal throughout difficult years, established players, achieving a balanced budget, and with room to grow. Incheon United is ripe for a revolution. This is the beginning of a new era."

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Even though the pundits were somewhat skeptical, Millossobek's Football Enterprises had a history of resurrecting dormant teams with untapped potential, teams with large fanbases who for one reason or another had fallen on difficult times. Yet what actually ended up happening was nothing short of spectacular. Led by our long-standing star Montenegrin striker (and frequent hero of my stories, brother of Milo from FIFA 19) Stefan Mugosa, we had a terrific season, exceeding expectations by a huge margin and over-performing our talent base by leaps and bounds. There were some up and down spots (e.g., recently promoted Chungnam Asan surprising us at home in fixture 3), but overall, the team quickly gelled and came together under the leadership of Sang-Hoon Choi (an intense and demanding manager in terms of tactics, yet with a good eye for player personalities, chemistry and team unity) and a newly inspired Mugosa, who was scoring goals every which way. As the season rolled along, we notched several wins over strong and perennially established teams including Seoul, Ulsan, and Pohang, displaying a high-risk, high reward style of football under our new system; our squad in reality didn't take long to find a true identity early on, quickly translating Sang-Hoon's vision into a style on the pitch, playing a 3-4-3 diamond formation which took huge advantage of the strength of our front three (Gerso, Mugosa, and Kim Bo-Seub), and played a stylish, offensive, counterattacking and incisive style (with our compact shape which took advantage of opposing team's defensive lapses) that electrified the entire fanbase and created a new joy in the city of Incheon. After fixture 19, our record stood at a truly staggering 10-4-5 and securing second place at the midpoint of our campaign. It was a truly marvelous start for a team that took the entire nation by storm with its new approach which was equal parts flair and gritty, hard work. It would not be an understatement to say that Incheon United was suddenly, the story of the season and the talk of K-League sports journalists as the team went from a run-of-the-mill defensive approach to playing what was, without a shadow of a doubt, the most exciting football in the country.

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Stefan Mugosa: "I've found a new life under Manager Choi and with the addition of new players. It's been like a second career for me, a rebirth.. And I'm enjoying my football more than ever. I've been with the team for several years now, but it is the very first time that I feel like we actually have a chance to contend, which is a new and incredible feeling. This new start has given the entire team a breath of fresh air, it has reinvigorated everything in the club, from the players to all of the staff. Even though the road is still long, I feel like we have a chance to do something special here at Incheon".

Going into the midseason transfer window, it was clear that this had been a brilliant season so far. But given the closeness and parity of the 2021 K-League, the pundits wondered if this was just some kind of fluke of nature, a team over-performing way beyond its abilities after 19 matches. Yet the MFE board was determined: We had big hopes and if this start had proven anything, is that effort would have to be complemented by added talent, and added equilibrium to the squad. It was time to get to work. With a joint collaborative effort from MFE and Manager Choi's vision, we signed two key midfielders to shore up our formation, bringing in talented attacking midfielder Junhyoung Lee (a young, very dynamic attacking midfielder who has good passing skills but also the work ethic and determination to track back and respond to the demands of the modern game, as well as an eye for goal), and jack-of-all trades Millonarios (you guys know I had to!) midfielder Juan Carlos Pereira, a more veteran player who might not be a superstar at any one aspect of the game, but is a tenacious box to box player with all-around skills on both offense and defense, a perfect complement to our midfield and our third international player (interesting note: the K-League has a quota of maximum 6 foreign players per squad, and a total of 4 may play at a given match.. My intention is to try to follow this rule as much as possible).

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Juan Carlos Pereira: "Coming from Millonarios to the K-League is a huge change, yes. Everything is different, from the food, to the customs, to the footballing culture, to even the way the stadiums feel. But there's something here that has pulled me in. It isn't just the colors, or the exotic location. There's something else in this team, something that is difficult for me to put into words. An identity is being built here, an identity which I felt the second I stepped on the Incheon stadium pitch, and a real belief in the manager's system and tactics, which I've seen from the very first practice. I will always love Millonarios for giving me a title, for the love and loyalty of their fans, but there's real belief here at Incheon, and speaking to Manager Choi has given me real belief that I have a definite role and am an integral part of the team. My movitation is immense: From now on, my heart is here."

Juan Carlos was not wrong. He, along with the other Central Midfielders such as (especially) Bon-Cheol Ku, Myung-Joo Lee and Chang-Beo Heom, were seen as really important cogs in the manager's tactics. You see, in his 3-4-3 diamond formation, high stamina, high effort box-to-box midfielders are essential in the sense that they must support both wide and central areas, link up with the forwards and wingers, and cover defensively for the lack of width in the back 3. Yet all players, like we mentioned, have to work as a well-oiled machine, and really understand each other for this high-risk formation to succeed, each line collaborating seamlessly with the other. Once again, moreover, this chemistry would prove to be a determining factor, which would not only hold our team together but also push it to new heights: The second half of the season was a surprising as the first! As the fixtures continued with our reinforcements we maintained our form brilliantly, and while at times in the first half of the season we seemed to rely too much on Mugosa and Gerso (who was also playing really well cutting in from the wings and scoring in timely moments), now we were playing more as a complete team. This was an issue which was truly addressed during the transfer window and was paying major dividends!

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Needless to say, now we had a more balanced group of players. Center Back Yeon-Su Kim flourished as an anchor, giving a calm presence and determination in a position that especially needs it given our formation. Veterans such as Jung Hyuk and longtime and much beloved captain Ban Suk Oh gave the team the necessary calmness and structure in the back lines to allow the front three the freedom to roam and to receive the increasingly creative play of Junghyoung Lee, who was emerging as a potential star. In the second half of the season, it would not be hyperbole to say that everything continued to come together as a cohesive unit, as when it was all said and done, we went on a tear once again, beating our eternal rivals Seoul once more (this time in front of our home crowd, perhaps one of the only times we had won both derbies in the same calendar year), and netting other important wins against strong teams such as Pohang ( in their renowned Pohang Steel Yard, famous for their noisy and rowdy fans), and taking care of business against squads such as Daegu, Anyang and Gwangju amongst others (who were predicted to have similar strength squads to ours). As the season continued to roll along, Incheon showed no signs of losing form: at the the end of the day we went 10-4-5 once again in our last 19 games, for a total record of 20 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses in 2021, a remarkable turnaround given our previous campaign! Although Suwon Samsung Bluewings ended up deservedly winning the trophy, absolutely flying and dominating the K-League by a whopping 8 points (having led virtually from start to finish), and we weren't able to ever mount a consistent challenge against what was clearly the most talented team in Korea (we lost our first game to them 1-3 and holding off to a 2-2 draw in our second encounter), this is almost an afterthought.. If the second half of the season proved anything, is that this was no freak accident. Incheon's season had been truly special. In the last 6-7 fixtures or so, the battle seemed clear between us and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for 2nd place, a battle we ended up prevailing, and we positioned ourselves as the clear second best team of the year!

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Despite the Bluewings' domination, I'd have to say that this season was a RESOUNDING success for Incheon United. The key signings of Gerso, Kim Bo-Seub, Pereira, and Junhyoung Lee proved to be decisive, as we developed a very strong team spirit and chemistry throughout the season and went WAY over our expectations from the beginning of the season. Before the year started, most analysts had predicted a title race between the Bluewings, Jeonbuk, Ulsan (who ended up way underperforming, finishing 13), and probably Pohang or Seoul, but nobody saw perennial midtable and previous relegation candidate Incheon to pull off a second place the way we did (as well as a semifinal in the Korea Cup). Stefan Mugosa's season was particularly noteworthy, netting a total of 32 goals when counting both the League and the Cup (while cementing himself as Incheon United's top goalscorer of all time), but it was a total team effort. His success in front of goal was entirely enabled by the fact that every gear in the Incheon clock had understood its role in a demanding system.. In the span of one year, we went from being an almost forgotten team (by everyone except for our fans) to being the hottest story and surprise of the K-League!

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Junhyoung Lee: "For a young player such as myself, it is incredibly helpful to have veterans like Jung Hyuk, Bon Cheol Ku, Pereira, Mugosa, and Gerso to lead the way for me. I am giving my maximum effort, but here is the interesting part, I am also letting the game come to me. It is a delicate balance and one that I am learning to navigate: I believe in the system, and I think my game is flowing in a very positive manner due to the results of this formula and the manager's belief in my abilities. It really is incredible to think that at the age of 20, I will be playing in the AFC Champions League next year. It is a huge honor I did not expect but welcome wholeheartedly!"

Now Season 2 beckons, which will be a huge endeavor, given that we will no longer be considered a surprise team, other K-League teams will definitely have us on their mind, and most importantly, we face our biggest challenge yet: The AFC Champions League!! 🏆Hopes are high, but at the same time, shadows of doubt remain: Will we be able to repeat our colossal (and completely out of the blue) performance of our first season, or will we suffer the obstacles of much higher expectations, a much more crowded schedule, the pressure of the AFC CL, and improved opponents? Will we be able to make some more shrewd transfers with an increased budget in the offseason, facing not only continental football but a tougher K-League? Was Season 1 simply a team playing way above its means and finding lightning in a bottle that will be extinguished when facing the giants of the Bluewings, Jeonbuk, Seoul, and Pohang? Is Incheon United for real? How will we fare against the best teams in all of the continent? One thing is for certain, however. Season 2 promises to be a nailbiter!

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Manager Choi: "I had a vision before the season. From playing conservatively and playing not to lose, I wanted to play to win. Football is a simple game, yet it is incredibly complicated: the approaches to achieve an identity that is both sustainable and enduring can be as different as night and day. For far too long, and watching from afar, I felt like Incheon was playing it a bit too safe, and so I wanted to shake things up a bit, and go for a 3-4-3 with the backbone of a solid back 3 complemented by tenacious midfielders, a creative flair in a number 10, which I was able to finally get in Junhyoung Lee. In addition, luckily for us, we have the best Striker in Korea, Stefan Mugosa, and speedy and incisive wingers that can complement him in the front 3. I like offensive, counterattacking football, and I absolutely knew that the talent was here to have a good team. Now, second place? That is beyond what I had envisioned, but it does not dim my ambition. I definitely want Incheon to win, but most importantly, I think we have achieved an enduring style and identity that will hopefully carry us to next season, facing the giant Bluewings, and the huge challenge of the AFC Champions League. We're gonna give it our all!!"

P.S.: I would like to give enormous thanks to Master @incas36 for creating such awesome gameplay mods, as his gameplay has provided me with memorable matches for years.. You are a legend of PES modding, my friend!!

Stay tuned to the next edition of Millossobek's Master League Stories!
Incheon United's Second Season Underway!
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[millossobek]

Ti saluto, Gianluca. Alla Gioia, Lapadula! (A look back at one of my favorite stories, PES 2017's Reggina)

I will be back soon, my friends.

 

[millossobek]

Master League Story #11:
A South American Adventure: The Return of Deportivo Municipal (FIFA 16)
SEASON 1
​

After several story attempts with the Dear Deportivo Municipal, El Muni, "El Edil", one of the most well-loved and representative teams in the Peruvian League, I have decided to start afresh (with a new South American patch), in order to re-write a long-term story with one of the teams which I am most familiar with, and have great appreciation for. Maybe some of you are wondering.. Why El Muni? What is it about this apparently lesser-known team, (who in real life is presently lingering in the 3rd division of Peruvian Football), that has captured my imagination and has insistently created a space in my mind and in my heart? It's not an easy question to answer, but in an attempt to illustrate my sympathy for them, I will retell their story, how I became interested in them, and why I've decided that now is the perfect time to start another South American adventure, from the coastlands of Peru to the entire continent.

Club Deportivo Municipal, also affectionately known as "El Muni" by their fans, and the rest of Peru, is a well-loved and representative team which has won 4 first division titles in their history (1938, 1940, 1943, and 1950). Their golden generation lasted these twelve years, and during this period, they won the hearts of not only millions of fans, but also gained the respect and the admiration of the entire country of Peru. Beating the mighty Boca Jrs Twice in 1943, Muni was one of Peru's first champions, were absolute stars of the Amateur era, and gained a special place in the hearts of millions of Peruvians. These faded and old memories became a collective part of the footballing subconscious of the country.

As years passed, "La Academia's" (as they were known earlier) fortunes started to wax and wane.. The team was relegated three times to Peruvian Second Division (1967-1969, 2000-01, 2009-2014), and even had to withstand some campaigns in third division. Even though el Muni has been a midtable team from the end of their golden era, and have had some difficult times, Muni's fans have carried on faithfully throughout the years. Yet as time went by, and the history of Peruvian Football was written throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, 3 different and huge teams emerged as the largest teams in Peru (Alianza Lima, Universitario de Deportes, and Sporting Cristal), winning 72 overall titles between them and dominating the league, creating a huge separation much the same way the Portuguese Big 3 or the Turkish Big 3 have done in their respective leagues. That being said, year after disappointing year, the fans of Club Deportivo Municipal have carried on, historically buyoed by the distant memories of their gilded past, and even if their numbers have dwindled, and their stadium (Estadio Elias Moreno, in the district of Villa el Salvador, Lima) doesn't sell out quite like it did before, there is still a collective memory, a dream, and an everlasting hope. A beautiful image that refuses to fade away; the fans remembering something they never actually lived, but is still there, as living and as present as the green of the pitch and the concrete in the stands.

​

You see, my friends, there is something romantic, even beautiful about Muni's story. And this is what has drawn me to them. There's something quite indescribable about the faded grandeur of this team, old newspaper clips of legendary squads back in an era when Peru was much stronger in South American football, where they could sit at the same table as the Brazilians and Argentineans.. There is something of a forgotten memory there.. Like something that lingers on in a unified remembrance even if one hasn't lived through it.. Even if video clips of these generations are impossible to find, and beautiful ghosts remain, there is a nostalgic and pure quality to these stories, oral and retold stories being passed on through the generations, as grandparents and parents sit in dinner tables and say to their kids "I remember when I saw Germán Colunga,, the perfect hybrid of creativity and a resolute defensive wall.. the Peruvian Lothar Matthaus, a general on the pitch, my son, the greatest midfielder ever to be born in Peruvian soil"..... And all of this, eternalized in faded clips, cutouts and pictures, yellowed with age, time, patience, and withstanding, 70 years or a lifetime ago, upholding what was great and beautiful about our continent's football.

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Yet old memories can remain just that, memories, and even though Muni's fanbase is rightly proud and nostalgic of their storied past, it is also understandably hungering for present successes. "If you lose five matches in a row, you're hoping to win the sixth" is a common refrain amongst Muni fans, and as the curtain rises in our tale, this old adage is more relevant than ever. It is the start of the 2016-17 season. It's been a few years since the team has won promotion back to the First Division of Peruvian Football: After five years of heartache and struggle, Millossobek Football Enterprises (MFE) oversaw the transition and promotion back to Muni's rightful place. Specializing in historic teams with passionate and ever-faithful fanbases but which, for one reason or another, have fallen on hard times, MFE worked hard to restore Muni's position (if perhaps not yet fulfilled the complete circle of its full ambition). So far, the 21st century has been very interesting in the Peruvian League. The Big 3 (Alianza, Universitario, and Cristal) have won 12 of the 16 Championships from 2000-16, but there's been a few surprises that have broken off the beaten path, with Universidad San Martín winning 3 titles (2007, 08, and 10), and Melgar of Arequipa, from the south of the country, winning 1 (2015). Even though the domination of the Big 3 has not been surprising, the fact that USM and Melgar have won titles (an uncommon occurrence) means that the league has been a bit more wide-open in recent years, with Melgar especially building a strong squad. Does this signify that Muni perhaps have a chance?

If one were to take a step back and look at things objectively, perhaps it is still early to think about these things.. To start off, these ambitions lie too far off in the horizon with only two years having passed since promotion.. Finishing 14th and 13th in the 2015 and 16 season, respectively, Deportivo Municipal's fortunes have been tempered by the burden of very present and realistic expectations. Bringing the crowds back (aside from the ever faithful "Banda del Basurero") was MFE's first priority, as well as stabilizing the team's previously dire financial situation,which had taken a severe hit during the relegation years and had the team on the brink of bankruptcy. Yet, as the crisis subsided and promotion was achieved, the 2016-17 season brought with it a new ambition for the team, perhaps even a vision of a dawn of a new era: The MFE board knew that they had to scout the continent in order to find a new manager and a striker,and in a bold and financially strategic move, have signed two important figures: Argentinean #9 Santiago Giordana (coming from the 2nd division of Argentina), and even more importantly, a new leadership and vision, appointing ex-Millonarios midfielder and recently retired Mayer Candelo as a rookie manager.

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By picking Candelo to lead this new era at Municipal, Millossobek Football Enterprises (MFE) took an important and potentially risky step, showing a lot of faith in an as of yet unproven manager. Yet this faith is not unwarranted: Candelo is a Millonarios legend, having spent the last 6 seasons of his career with the team, the midfielder maestro and #10 mastermind behind Millos' 2012 championship run, broke a 24 year title drought (persisting since 1988) and was the conductor of the orchestra on the pitch. Proven as a player, with his legacy completely cemented with the Colombian side (Millos fans will always remember him as one of the last pure #10's, with his exquisite passing, eye for goal, and overall genius sense of artful positioning and poise), MFE believes that Candelo presents a perfect and elegant figure to lead Municipal in this new era, if anything, believing that his player profile, leadership qualities and footballing mind, whose fantasy was expressed on the pitch, will translate seamlessly into his new managerial role.

Mayer Candelo: "I can't begin to describe how excited I am to be given the reins at Municipal in my managerial debut. I am well familiarized with the team, am acutely aware of its storied past and its wonderful fanbase, and the special connection it has with not only its immediate supporters, but with all of Peru. I know what this team means to the country, and how important it would be to restore it to a place of protagonism, a rightful place. After evaluating my options, Muni seemed like a perfect situation, an elegant and wise choice.. You see, I have always been drawn to historical, romantic institutions, and moving from Millos as a player directly to Muni's managerial role gives me a chance to continue my footballing story the way I've always wanted to build it.. Attached to teams with a transcendental meaning. I know the challenge that lies ahead is huge, but if there's something that I've always believed in, is the power of mystique and destiny. There is a spirit here that is just waiting to be stirred, I can feel it."

Giordana, Alfageme, Sawa, and Delgado
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As the start of the season drew nearer, it was time to analyze the squad that Candelo and MFE had built in the offseason. The Colombian manager decided to play a classic 4-2-3-1 (echoes of Millonarios' 2012 title run) with recently acquired Giordana up front (perhaps the team's most talented player), Alfageme manning the middle (also recently signed, a jack of all trades type of player), Delgado at goalkeeper and Municipal legend and longtime captain, veteran Masakatsu Sawa (Interestingly, the Peruvian League has had its share of Japanese players, perhaps due to the noticeable and sizeable Asian community in the country). Sawa, in particular, remains close to the fans' hearts, as he captained the team through promotion and has been a mainstay at the team for a long time, ignoring larger and more lucrative contracts in Asia and other South American countries in favor of staying with Muni. These four players are the backbone of Muni, and yet, for all of Sawa's loyalty and past with the team, it is definitely Giordana's signing that has the fans most excited at the beginning of the season.

Masakatsu Sawa: "I have found a second home here in Peru. As my fourth year in Deportivo Municipal, I feel completely unified with the team and the fans now. The country received me with open arms, and I have embraced them back.. Achieving promotion was our first goal and I will keep working hard every day to keep bringing the fans joy and the aspirations of something bigger. Now with a new boss, and new teammates, I am really looking forward to creating a harmonious relationship, earning their respect, and contributing to the larger objective of establishing ourselves in first division. I know I don't have many years left in my footballing career, but I want to finish my career here, and captaining this team has been the honor of my life."

Santiago Giordana: "I consider myself a fighter. Coming from the second division of Argentinean Football, I am used to the struggle, the physicality, the battle for position, the fight for the ball. I arrive with humility, knowing that I am coming to a huge and storied institution in Muni, and I know that I haven't proven anything yet. I come here with 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 appearances. I am in debt with the team, and I know that I need to prove myself. But I know that my mentality is strong, and that I will come prepared with the weapons and armor of my determination and my desire. I can't wait to wear Muni's colors, follow Manager Candelo's instructions, and get to know my teammates and the country. I will give my everything for this "camiseta".

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With the stage being set, it was time for the ball to start rolling! The first half of the season (the entire Peruvian League runs 30 matches, twice against the other teams) saw us start of with a 1-0 win against Real Garcilaso in our stadium! In only the second play of the game (in minute 1:50), new acquisition Giordana received a through ball from Palomino and scored! It didn't take long for the Argentinean to make his mark on the game, and we were able to withstand the rest of the way to scrape away with the victory, a solid result in Candelo's and Giordana's debuts. Fixture 2 brought forth an immediate and much bigger challenge, a match against one of the tournament favorites, Alianza Lima, in which they outshot us 14-4 and had several shots that hit the bar.. This encounter could be described as an Avalanche by Alianza, but our goalkeeper Delgado was undoubtedly man of the match, as he saved several shots and preserved a very valuable away point at the always difficult Matute stadium, a 0-0 result. Unfortunately, we weren't able to keep up the momentum, as we lost 0-2 to Universidad Técnica de Cajamarca (also known as UTC) in the next match, in an encounter in which we were clearly outclassed by the talented highlands side. Fixtures 4 and 5, would be a different story however, as we strung together our first two-game winning streak of the season, as we won 0-2 against Alianza Atletico and then, in a nerve-wracking and utterly exciting encounter, we beat Universidad San Martín 2-1, in a match where we were trailing 0-1 and scored the last two goals in the last 15 minutes (a header off a corner by Sawa, with side back Quina heading it in, and then, in minute 89, a cooly executed PK by Giordana (after two San Martín defenders mauled him in the box) sealed the deal in dramatic fashion. Five matches, and we were 3-1-1, good for fifth place in the league, a red-hot and unexpected start by Deportivo Municipal!

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The next five matches however, would be stiff tests. Comerciantes Unidos would return us the favor in Fixture 6: After leading most of the way, their midfielder Neyra scored an absolute lobbed beauty from outside the box in minute 90+ (extra time) to deny us the victory; a quite bitter 1-1 result, 2 points lost instead of 1 point won. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against Sporting Cristal, in a rough and tumble match against one of the strongest teams in the league, featuring a tenacious goal by Sawa in minute 23, dispossessing the keeper, but yet again conceding late in the match (a PK which was converted by Cristal's Irven Ávila), as the Bajopontino Cristal side preserved the away point. Fixture 8 would bring its own disappointing result: a 2-0 loss against Academia Deportiva Cantolao (in which they outplayed us every stretch of the way), followed by a 1-1 tie against Huancayo (another letdown, being that Huancayo was one of the only teams which fielded a distinctly lower quality side than us, once again letting a victory escape). Leading to Fixture 10, we visited Melgar of Arequipa, 2015 champions (looking to repeat their title-winning performance), and although we played well, two flashes of genius from Melgar's Toledo and Fernández, shots to the corner after brilliant collective play, were enough to sentence us to another defeat. These five matches were a definite letdown, as we went 0-3-2, bringing us down to 9th place and with a collective record of 3-4-3 after our promising start.

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However, we would bounce back in Fixtures 10-15. Fixture 11 featured a great an emotional comeback against Union Comercio, as we were able to erase a 0-1 deficit with two beautiful goals, one by little-used Attacking Midfielder Moreno (coming off the bench, a score right to the upper right hand corner and a great angle), and once again, Muni with a flair for the dramatic, Sawa scored the winning goal in the waning minutes of the match, after a pass from our Brazilian Side Back, Nelinho Quina, and showing great determination to find the perfect space in the box and bazooka-ing it in in the same exact spot Moreno scored, a dramatic minute 89 goal and just the morale boost we needed after our recent mediocre results. Our only blemish came in the next fixture, as surprisingly struggling Universitario (another part of the Trident-Big-3) stunned us in our stadium with two goals by their Argentinean counterpart, German "El Tanque" Denis, but we rebounded nicely with a clutch Giordana performance against Aurich, a 0-1 win in Fixture 13, followed by a 1-1 draw against Sport Rosario, and an impressive 0-2 away victory against Ayacucho, a match in which our wingers, Gutiérrez and Vega, made quite timely contributions on the score sheet. After 15 matches had passed, we were 6-5-4, good enough for 7th place, solidly midtable, exceeding the expectations of the board and looking towards the second half of the season with a renewed sense of optimism!

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After an uneventful midseason transfer window in which we re-signed a few key players and not much else (the board decided to play it conservatively for a big splash in the offseason), The second half of the season started a bit flat, as Cantolao played very conservatively towards a 0-0 tie in our stadium. Fixture 17, however, was one of our most eagerly anticipated ones, as we visited Sporting Cristal. What unfolded was a bit on the frustrating side, though. Two early goals by Cristal made it seem like it would be a routine victory for them. The second half was a different story, as we generated a lot of chances and scored in minute 79 (Sawa with a beautifully threaded through ball to Giordana, who finished the play with pinpoint accuracy), as we went completely on the attack, looking to equalize. In the end however (and with a disallowed goal by us), it was a disappointing 2-1 defeat, albeit one in which we showed a lot of guts and pride. Yet, in typical Muni fashion, we wouldn't let this setback define us or get us down, as we rebounded very well with a 1-3 away victory vs Sport Rosario in Fixture 18 (a header by Sawa just before the 1st half ended, and two goals by Giordana in minutes 79 and 88 (Sawa connecting with yet another pass, good understanding between them, and a header of a Gutierrez cross to seal the deal), a result that showed a lot of chemistry between the players and the emergence of Giordana as a true goalscorer and a threat for the scoring title! (The Argentinean striker was making good of its promise, showing his talent nd determination, a warrior's attitude in the box belying his years in his country's Serie B) A very battle-tested and weary 0-0 result against Aurich followed (a match which featured a good amount of fouls and physical, South American play), and in Fixture 20, we were able to beat Ayacucho 2-0, after two first half goals, one by Giordana and Alfageme after a furious scramble in the box! This run of good results saw Municipal go up to 6th place with 10 matches to go, as we little by little climbed up the table with more grit than artistry.

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And what a group of matches they were, indeed! Struggling Universitario outclassed us once again in Fixture 21 (1-0 in their gargantuan stadium, one of South America's biggest footballing venues, Estadio Monumental de Ute), followed by a 1-1 away result vs Union Comercio. But it was Fixture 23 which set us on a winning course towards the rest of the season: In perhaps the biggest match of the season, facing the most popular team in Peru, Alianza Lima in our stadium! A hugely anticipated match, pitting #5 Alianza vs #7 Municipal, this was one for the ages, featuring perhaps the best Peruvian player of all time, Alianza's Jefferson Farfán, it was an encounter that Muni's fans wouldn't forget easily. After going down 0-1 in the first half (courtesy of a Ramírez header off a Li cross), both squads generated plenty of chances, as we wouldn't back down (Muni had tons of great attempts before the first half ended, heroically stopped by Alianza's goalkeeper Leao Butrón). It was the second half, however, which would spark our imaginations, as Sawa would find Gutiérrez for the score.. or is it?? stopped by Butrón,, the rebound is headed in by Gutiérrez to even the match in minute 52! It was 1-1, and as the crowd went wild, both teams would feed off this energy for a great epilogue, a correctly disallowed goal by Alianza's Aguiar, more chances, and finally, previously little-used Moreno, after a perfect passing game with Giordana, finding the space in the box to finish it in the corner with a perfectly placed shot and goal in minute 83!! (Moreno was definitely showing his worth, and fighting for a starting position during the rest of the tournament!). Muni holds on for the 2-1 win in front of our crowd as our fans, young and old, celebrated this historic victory vs Alianza! Although we lost 2-1 in the highlands of Garcilaso in the next fixture (we were perhaps a bit gassed after the uber-emotional win against Alianza), we came back with a vengeance in Fixture 25, showing a lot of mettle and heart as we scored two early goals (in a match in which Giordana was injured and other key starters were absent due to suspensions) to preserve another 2-1 victory, this time against Atletico de Sullana, featuring yet another strong and incisive performance (and score) by Moreno, who is fast becoming one of the biggest surprises of the season!

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Our last 5 matches of the season were interesting that they were, in a sense, a microcosm of the entire league season! Fixture 26 was a tough as nails encounter as Muni visited Universidad Técnica de Cajamarca (a match which we started trailing 2-0 but came clawing back to preserve a 2-2 tie against a tough crowd). Following this valuable away point, we were back in our stadium to host Comerciantes Unidos, a match which featured some unsung heroes, as Center Back Gambetta scored a header off a Sawa corner, and Palomino tipped it in the box after a Gutiérrez shot, proving that this was not just the Giordana-Sawa-Moreno show! This was followed by an encouraging and heart-filled performance in Fixture 28, as we visited the always tough San Martín de Porres, a tit-for-tat match where we started leading after a Giordana finish, only to see them equalize in the second half (courtesy of Estrella), and then in minute 68, little used Right Winger Rebagliatti closed the deal after a beautiful team-inspired collective passing play featuring several players! This victory left us in fifth place with only two matches left to go, as we faced one of our most difficult tests of the season, hosting Melgar de Arequipa. In reality, this was our most lopsided defeat of the season, as a 0-3 score was the result of a dominating performance which left Melgar as 2015-16 Peruvian League Champions and celebrating their title in our stadium, which left a somewhat bitter taste in our mouths yet was a deserving title for the team which was far and away the strongest team in the league this season.

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Yet the drama wasn't over. As the last match of the season loomed, visiting Huancayo, there was an extra and season-defining epic unfolding in front of our very eyes. everything was up for grabs in terms of league position, as Municipal was sitting fifth with 45 points, sandwiched between #4 Aurich with 47, and #6 Alianza Lima with 44.. The last match would define International Cup qualifying (although Sudamericana was guaranteed, #4 would clinch next season's Copa Libertadores)!! And this match would not disappoint, as we were able to prevail 0-1 against the tough Peruvian highlanders, with a first half goal which would be called "El Gol de la Copa", as Gutierrez crossed the ball to Álvarez and Álvarez..... finished with the potent scissor kick to beat the Huancayo goalkeeper!! We were able to hold on to a 0-1 away victory in epic fashion, and, as Alianza Lima had lost their match 1-2 vs Atletico de Sullana and Aurich drew 2-2 against Cantolao, we had done what many deemed impossible...... As the final whistle of the season sounded in Huancayo, Deportivo Municipal had finished 4th in the league, and had QUALIFIED FOR THE 2017-18 COPA LIBERTADORES DE AMERICA!!!!! Manager Candelo, usually calm and collected on the sideline, could be seen jumping for joy, as he knew we had achieved a remarkable feat.. A truly dramatic and heart-pumping finale, and a beautiful and completely unexpected reward for a squad who was predicted to finish in midtable before the season started!!

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As the curtain drew to a close, it became crystal clear that this was one of Deportivo Municipal's greatest seasons in recent memory. Before the season started, MFE's board's expectations for Mayer Candelo's debut year were a solid midtable finish (perhaps positions 8-12 in the 16-team league), but very few people expected this. Finishing fourth in the league (albeit with only 4 points separating #4 Muni and #7 Universitario), qualifying for the preliminary stages of Copa Libertadores (before the group stage) was beyond anyone's vision for the team at the dawn of the new era. Manager Candelo found a playing identity with a lot of close, emotional results in the clutch, a Warrior #9 in Giordana, willing to fight for every loose ball, found inspiration from the team's long-time captain and beating heart of the team, Masakatsu Sawa, and also dug out some unexpected diamonds in the rough, such as Moreno and Gutierrez. A resounding success from any angle, Muni's 2015-16's season will live on as a year of the rebirth, a year in which the spiderwebs of the forgotten newspaper clips were cleared away, when the golden memories of those 40's and 50's teams felt a little closer (not a million light years away), and a year in which the pride, the dignity, the identity of Club Deportivo Municipal was restored. We might not have won the title (in fact, Melgar dominated, with Sporting Cristal on its heels), but that was never the main goal or intention. What shone through, however, might be just as important as a title.. Muni's comeback to a central stage in Peruvian football, as not only one of its most well-loved teams, but in a place of protagonism, and perhaps even more striking, a return to Copa Libertadores, the greatest show in South America, the ghosts of Muni players past looking over our shoulders, peering over the faded yellowed screenshots, and giving us the necessary faith to carry on.

Mayer Candelo: "Perhaps you recall my words at the beginning of the season: Mystique, loyalty, tradition, humility. These were the four pillars of our approach in Municipal. See, what we attempted to achieve here was not only ascend league positions, or earn more money for the club, or other objective and numerical milestones.. It was something more ethereal, yet not hard to describe: The restoration of Deportivo Municipal's aura, as one of the most important clubs in Peru. I am glad to weave new memories for the younger generation, based on the memories of our historical heroes, and I'm also really happy that I was able to bring my experience as a player to create a new identity and story here in Peru, one that I hope we can build on next season."

Santiago Giordana: "Libertadores, Libertadores!! Coming from the second division of Argentina, I never thought I would play the most historic and epic tournament in South America!! La GLORIA ETERNA, the most prestigious competition that I religiously watched growing up as a little kid in Córdoba. Even though the road is long and difficult towards the group stage, just reaching the qualifying rounds is a momentous achievement for our team. Even though I am far away from my hometown, I will represent Peru and Deportivo Municipal to the best of my abilities.. I will absolutely leave everything on the pitch, and I can't wait to face the giants of our continent!!"

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Stay tuned to the next edition of Millossobek's Master League Stories!
Deportivo Municipal's Second Season Underway!​

 

[millossobek]

Notice: I will be focusing solely on Incheon United's and Deportivo Municipal's campaigns for the time being
Stay tuned to the continuation of my stories!!

-millossobek​