Chapter 269: Unfavorable in the first game
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, Inter Milan arrived at the Emirates Stadium in North London to challenge Arsenal. This schedule slightly favored the Nerazzurri because they could adjust their second-leg strategy based on the result of the first leg and return to the Meazza.
Inter Milan didn't have the pressure of the league, having almost secured third place in the standings. Arsenal was in a similar position, having long withdrawn from the title race. The leading group, consisting of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool, engaged in fierce competition, with third-placed Liverpool enjoying a comfortable 15-point lead over Arsenal.
However, Arsenal's position in securing fourth place in the league shouldn't be a problem, so they focused all their energy on the Champions League matches. The team's main lineup was as follows: Goalkeeper Lehmann, defenders Eboué, Touré, Campbell, and Ashley Cole. Midfielders Pirès, Gilberto, Fàbregas, and Hleb. Forwards Henry and Adebayor.
In addition to the star-studded main lineup, Arsenal's bench strength was also impressive, with players like Bergkamp, Rosicky, van Persie, Adebayor, and Denílson eager to make an impact from the substitutes' bench.
Throughout the journey, Arsenal performed well in the group stage, achieving 5 wins and 1 draw. They then eliminated Real Madrid with two 1-0 victories, followed by two 3-0 victories over Werder Bremen. Conceding only one goal in eight matches, Arsenal's defense was excellent, making them one of the favorites to win the title.
Similarly in the Champions League semi-finals, facing Premier League teams, Inter Milan couldn't help but recall last year's shadow of failure. However, unlike last year, everyone was free from the pressure of the league and could go all out without any worries.
In the pre-match dressing room, Arsenal coach Wenger was busy giving the final tactical instructions. He knew that Arsenal could compete for ball possession with Inter Milan in attack. With Pirès and Gilberto as double pivot midfielders connecting the front and back lines, Henry playing slightly withdrawn as an attacking midfielder, and Adebayor leading the front line, they could produce deadly threats.
As for defense, Wenger glanced at Touré and Campbell, who immediately stood tall and looked at the coach with confidence. The Frenchman smiled satisfactorily: "I need you two to contain Wang Feng. Don't be afraid of him, because you can both individually handle Drogba and van Nistelrooy. Now that you're working together, you can definitely neutralize the Chinese."
Touré and Campbell nodded heavily. Both were among the best defensive cores in the Premier League. Now, defending Wang Feng together, whether for the team or for their own dignity, they wouldn't allow him to wreak havoc.
As the match began, the home team Arsenal launched a high press against Inter Milan's defense amid the cheers of the entire stadium. After Hleb's breakthrough on the flank, Henry received his cross in the penalty area and headed towards the goal, shaking off Samuel's defense from close range.
Fortunately, the header was quite central, falling right into Toldo's arms. The powerful shot forced him to lie down to press the ball against his body to prevent any errors, leaving the Frenchman, who was ready for a rebound, somewhat frustrated.
Soon Arsenal came back again. Gilberto's through ball almost put Henry through on goal in the penalty area, but after a slight adjustment, his shot was blocked out for a corner by Cordoba.
Inter Milan wasn't just sitting back and taking punches. In the 17th minute, they seized an opportunity for a defensive counterattack. After Sainetti broke through the defensive line diagonally, Wang Feng, chasing after the ball with all his might, chose to cross, but Adriano, who followed up in the middle, failed to reach the ball in time, and it slid past the goal.
Adriano in front of the goal shook his head. His speed was indeed not fast enough, and Wang Feng, who was far away, sighed as well. The combined defense line of Touré and Campbell put immense pressure on him. He could only hastily strike the ball before getting caught in the defense.
"You won't have any chances in this match!" Campbell, who was tightly marking Wang Feng, said confidently, while nearby, Touré stared at him coldly, ready to provide backup defense at any time.
Wang Feng showed an innocent smile. It seemed he could only wander around a bit more and wait for an opportunity.
Arsenal's lead came in the 41st minute of the first half. Henry suddenly shot from the edge of the penalty area, and the ball, with great force and precision, thundered into the top right corner of the goal. That's what unreasonable goals from superstars look like!
Trailing, Inter Milan suddenly accelerated their attacking rhythm. Just before halftime, Wang Feng received the ball with his back to the goal in the opponent's half, shrugged off Campbell's challenge, turned with the ball, and dribbled into the penalty area. Despite Touré's attempted interception, he managed to protect the ball firmly under his feet.
On the sidelines, defender Eboué was very nervous. From the data, Wang Feng posed a great threat inside the penalty area, and defending him jointly with Touré was not foolproof. So, he involuntarily moved closer to him.
At this moment, Wang Feng suddenly seized the opportunity to push the ball sideways to Adriano, who was making a run towards the back post. Eboué was taken aback. His attention was drawn to the Chinese forward, completely losing his defensive position.
He desperately tried to recover and prayed for the opponent's attack to falter. It seemed like his prayers were answered as the unmarked Brazilian unexpectedly unleashed a high shot, sending the ball directly into the hands of Arsenal fans in the stands.
After missing the chance, Adriano shook his head in frustration. His performance today was indeed somewhat poor. As he passed by Wang Feng, he lowered his head in apology. Wang Feng patted his shoulder: "Brother, don't be discouraged. We still have a chance!"
After the break, Inter Milan strengthened their midfield confrontation. Wang Feng frequently retreated to provide support. In the 52nd minute, Wang Feng, with the ball in midfield, launched his own attack, slowing down upon reaching the 35-meter area, waiting for his teammates to make runs.
Campbell beside him saw an opportunity and stretched his leg, but Wang Feng had already anticipated his intention from his body movements, so he suddenly accelerated to dodge the tackle, also evading the off-balance Arsenal defender.
He took two steps with acceleration and entered the penalty area, facing Eboué in front of him. Wang Feng slightly leaned to his left, attempting to go around him with his left foot. Eboué hurriedly blocked, but he didn't expect the Chinese star to use his left foot to flick the ball back to the right, creating a shooting opportunity!
Only to see him raise his right foot and send a chipped shot, the ball soared into the air and hit the inside of the crossbar before bouncing into the net.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang Feng has scored a crucial goal for Inter Milan, a priceless away goal!"
"Let's take another look at Wang Feng's brilliant performance in the penalty area. After being blocked by Eboué at the bottom, he managed to hook the ball back at the last moment. We can't tell which way he intended to go."
"Eboué's defensive choice was not wrong, and Touré also provided side defense in the first instance, but Wang Feng just knows how to seize this split-second opportunity to put the ball into the opponent's net!"
"Like Henry's long shot, this is undoubtedly a superstar goal!"
If they could carry this score into the second leg, it would undoubtedly be advantageous for Inter Milan. However, in the final moments of the game, Pirès's cross hit Maicon's arm, and the referee awarded a penalty to Arsenal.
This decision was borderline between a foul and a non-foul, but playing at home favored the Gunners in the referee's judgment, and Henry effortlessly helped the team score another goal.
1-2! Inter Milan lost the game but still retained hopes of advancing.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om