Chapter 927 - 23: He’s Back!
The first half of the match sparked intense discussion among the fans.
And under such intense discussion.
The atmosphere at Allianz Arena suddenly tightened, with the scent of gunpowder in the air.
The 0-2 score at halftime weighed heavily on the hearts of Bayern Munich’s players and fans, like a heavy boulder.
It was also like a light melody, allowing Real Madrid’s players and fans to relax considerably and harbor deep hopes for the future.
The aggregate score was 3-2, just one goal ahead, any minor mistake could squander the significant advantage of the first leg.
During the halftime break, both teams had intense discussions in the locker room, clearly taking the second half even more seriously.
"The players of both teams have returned to the field."
"We can see from the footage."
"They all have a yearning for victory in their eyes."
Kompany’s roar evidently had an effect.
At the start of the second half, you could noticeably feel Bayern Munich’s increased intensity in pressing and intensified defense.
Especially between Chen Zhong and Tah, you could clearly sense the difference; Tah almost stuck to Chen Zhong, like a magnet, thoroughly attached to Chen Zhong.
If it were only this, Chen Zhong wouldn’t really care.
But Tah’s actions became rougher, with subtle tugs, small elbow movements, and constant shoving.
Tah tried to completely disrupt Chen Zhong’s balance and rhythm.
Every body contact was followed by a dull impact sound and a silent struggle between them.
This time and time again, even Chen Zhong couldn’t help the fire rising in his heart.
"Are you serious, kid?" Chen Zhong stumbled slightly when Tah slammed into his back during an aerial challenge, but he quickly steadied himself, giving Tah a cold, sharp glance.
Tah didn’t make just one move; since the start of the second half, he persistently annoyed Chen Zhong, like someone repeatedly asking you, "Are you there, are you there?" without saying anything else and unable to be muted, the constant dinging being extremely irritating.
"I told you, don’t think you can score easily again!" Tah panted heavily, his hair soaked with sweat clinging to his forehead, his eyes filled with a desperate ferocity, no longer having the "pure" and "innocent" look from the beginning of the first half.
Every time he exerted himself fully, it truly put pressure on Chen Zhong.
And with Chen Zhong restricted, Real Madrid’s attacking rhythm was also affected, Alonso standing on the sidelines, frowning at the scene before him.
He could clearly see how Real Madrid’s attack was fractured.
Bellingham was lost in the midfield jungle, and Vinicius and Mbappe’s flank breakthroughs were repeatedly thwarted by Bayern Munich’s tight zone defense.
Alonso gestured repeatedly on the sidelines for the players to widen the play and increase the speed of transition.
But Kompany’s targeted adjustments rendered Alonso’s plans ineffective.
"The physicality of the second half clearly intensified."
"Chen Zhong was restricted."
"Both coaches are trying to use tactical adjustments to help their teams gain the upper hand."
"The match reached the 57th minute."
"A mistake?"
Under the high-pressure intensity, the bodies and wills of both teams’ players were subjected to a battering.
Bayern Munich was controlling the ball in the backfield, and a seemingly non-threatening back pass was slightly overhit by Goretzka, which Chen Zhong, lurking near the midway, sharply capitalized on!
Tah realized something was wrong too, but when faced with the charging Chen Zhong, he could only obstruct him for a moment.
Chen Zhong, like a roaring tank, forcefully squeezed past Tah!
Tah staggered but regained balance quickly, and upon seeing Chen Zhong pulling away, he reacted swiftly, immediately turning to chase back, but Chen Zhong pounced before goalkeeper Neuer could intervene, delicately poking the ball with his toe!
The ball passed over the fallen Neuer, rolling towards the open goal!
Tah was in despair behind; all his experience told him this was an unstoppable goal.
In a flash of brilliance, his body’s response outpaced his cognition—he extended his right foot, not to save the ball, but to viciously sweep at Chen Zhong’s supporting leg from the side!
"Bang!" A thud echoed, coupled with Chen Zhong’s painful groan as he fell heavily like a felled tree within Bayern Munich’s penalty area! The ball slowly rolled over the goal line.
The entire Allianz Arena fell silent! All eyes were fixed on the referee and the prone Chen Zhong, as a look of shock and a fleeting trace of regret flitted across Tah’s face, soon cloaked by savagery.
"Beep—!!!" A sharp whistle blew!
The referee pointed decisively to the penalty spot!
Simultaneously, he drew a bright red card from his pocket, the red card conspicuous and glaring.
Tah was momentarily stunned.
"Penalty! Red card!!" The commentator’s voice almost tearing at the microphone, "Tah! He brought down Chen Zhong, who was through on goal and about to push into an empty net inside the penalty area! It’s an undeniable red card and penalty! The cost is too great!!"
In that instant, Bayern Munich’s players surrounded the referee, protesting vehemently, while Kompany on the sidelines fumed, kicking a water bottle with rage.