Chapter 871 - 86: The Show Begins
ps: First, I apologize. I started writing yesterday with a lot of dedication, but I had to leave halfway through, so... it ended up a bit subpar.
When everything ended, Real Madrid and Manchester United started a fast-paced offensive and defensive battle, with both sides immediately targeting the opponent’s "life."
And this fast pace instantly captured the attention of the fans.
Chen Zhong is very active in this match, aggressively pressing. If he doesn’t give it his all now, then when? Winning means an unprecedented Triple Crown, destined to leave his name in the team’s history.
"The match has officially started, Real Madrid is pressing fiercely!"
"Chen Zhong is incredibly fast; it’s been a long time since we’ve seen him run so relentlessly!"
"He’s trying to force Manchester United into making mistakes with this pressing!"
"Carrick!"
Chen Zhong’s actions have also motivated other Real Madrid players. As soon as the whistle blows, Real Madrid’s players spread out rapidly like industrious bees, blocking the passing lanes, creating a chaotic scene.
And this indeed puts huge pressure on Manchester United.
Especially Carrick, who hurriedly passes the ball when faced with Chen Zhong’s direct pressing, failing to send the ball out. The ball he kicked out was leapt for by Chen Zhong, who used a powerful header to send it to the feet of the advancing teammate on the wing.
"Real Madrid’s counterattack!"
"Chen Zhong jumped so high!"
"Carrick’s ball handling was a bit hasty!"
This season, Real Madrid’s counterattacks are quite sharp, scoring many goals using this method. Cristiano Ronaldo, upon receiving the ball, charges forward explosively.
Ferguson, watching this from the sidelines, is visibly flustered, his face turning red as he gestures passionately to his players to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
No one understands Cristiano Ronaldo better than he does.
"C. Ronaldo with the ball!"
"He advances quickly."
"Extremely fast!"
"Manchester United’s sliding tackle!"
"Two players collide, moving the ball forward!"
"Alonso with the ball!"
"Again?"
"Hernandez!"
Manchester United’s players show no sentiment or hesitation, as Cristiano Ronaldo lies on the ground and the ball flies into the center. After a round of contention, Alonso gets the ball, but Hernandez immediately tackles him in the front line.
Alonso falls awkwardly onto the ground, with the ball back at Carrick’s feet, who executes a quick give-and-go with Hernandez amidst Real Madrid’s front-line interception.
"Carrick!"
"He passes the ball out!"
"To Hernandez!"
"Chen Zhong!"
The ball reaches Hernandez’s feet, who tries to continue dribbling, but Chen Zhong, like a heavy-duty truck, rushes in from the side and kicks the ball away, knocking Hernandez to the ground, even rolling backward.
Hernandez: What just happened? Did I just get hit by a truck?
"Hernandez fell hard this time!"
"Chen Zhong shows no mercy!"
"It’s Manchester United’s throw-in!"
In the stands, Mourinho watches impatiently. He wants to passionately shout from the sidelines like Ferguson, but due to penalties, he’s confined to the stands, only showing his face at the start.
Ferguson watches Chen Zhong with an expression reminiscent of Arsenal’s Vieira in the past, although Manchester United no longer has Keane.
"Manchester United has intensified their pressing!"
"Real Madrid has some advantage in the midfield."
"However, it’s also hard to stabilize!"
Manchester United is a Premier League team, with Carrick and Park Ji-sung in their midfield for this match.
Under the 442 formation, center-backs Vidic and Ferdinand can help stabilize the midfield, while Rooney, the boxing-loving little tank, often returns to assist, making it difficult for Real Madrid to maintain control.
Sometimes the ball returns to Casillas’ feet, and he can only choose a long pass to find Chen Zhong.
Marcelo, who was rated as part of the Champions League’s best lineup before the match, has multiple mistakes on the wing, resulting in interceptions by the opponents.
In just 6-7 minutes, Real Madrid and Manchester United have exchanged offenses and defenses multiple times, leaving some players who aren’t physically fit a bit winded.
"Really a bunch of crazy bastards." Chen Zhong couldn’t help cursing. This kind of physical confrontation is only comparable to when facing Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
Ferguson intends to use this suffocating pressing pace,
The match at Wembley Stadium is incredibly intense, with Manchester United’s tactics being straightforward and direct, attempting to penetrate Real Madrid’s defense with one-touch passes.
The ultimate result, however, is Hernandez falling into the offside trap for the third time due to Carrick’s through passes.
In the stands, Real Madrid fans laughed, some even organized a chant: "Mexican jumping beans trapped at the offside line," using these lyrics to shake Fernandez’s mental defense, and also mock the striker repeatedly falling into traps.
The broadcast camera panned past the coaching bench—Sir Alex Ferguson munches on gum, then gazes at his assistant coach, who loudly calls out from the sidelines.