Chapter 344: Athens, here we come !
The second half began much like the first, with Manchester United continuing to pressure Real Madrid's goal. However, both the players on the field and the fans in the stands were no longer bewildered. They encouraged each other for every successful defensive play, and the fans didn't hesitate to applaud.
Dominating possession but unable to score was undoubtedly tormenting for the Red Devils' players. Their mentality began to change, becoming somewhat anxious.
Because they didn't want to go to extra time! Just a few days ago, they had fought hard against Chelsea, and in a few days, they would face an important league match. Even the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo felt some fatigue, eager to end this series within regular time.
Wang Feng was like an inexhaustible perpetual motion machine, actively participating in defense and constantly making runs to stretch Manchester United's defense. In an effort to prevent him from launching counterattacks, Neville kept close to him. After successfully thwarting several threats, the English defender was physically and mentally exhausted.
The turning point came in the 84th minute when Real Madrid won the ball back in their own half. Ramos quickly passed to Wang Feng, who immediately started a sprint, leaving Neville stumbling behind.
Giggs and Evra also focused their attention on Wang Feng. Taking advantage of this, the Chinese superstar passed the ball to the unmarked Guti and continued his run to attract defensive attention.
Seizing the opportunity, Guti sprinted into the attacking third, drawing Vidic away from his defensive position. Just as Vidic moved to intercept, Guti made a diagonal pass into the right side of the penalty area, right behind Vidic.
Wang Feng darted forward like an arrow, intercepting the ball from behind Vidic, then sprinted into the penalty area before Manchester United could react, delivering a square pass.
Raúl was waiting near the penalty spot. The attention of the two defending players around him was focused on the Spanish forward. However, as soon as Guti's pass arrived, he charged into the penalty area and met Wang Feng's pass perfectly.
Without hesitation, the "Golden Wolf" lifted his right foot and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball flew into the bottom left corner of the Red Devils' goal in a straight line, despite van der Sar's attempt to save it.
"Goooooooooooooooooooal! Real Madrid has overtaken the aggregate score! Guti scores a priceless goal near the penalty spot!"
"Another swift counterattack! The Galaxy Warship quickly turns defense into offense in less than a minute, with several incisive passes tearing apart the Red Devils' defense!"
"Wang Feng played a key role in this attack, orchestrating the play from the beginning, both in the initial pass and the final run and pass, demonstrating his timing and vision."
"Guti also displayed his prowess as a top midfielder, cooperating closely with Wang Feng and seizing the opportunity to charge into the penalty area to seal the deal!"
"It was thought that the game would be dragged into extra time, but at the last moment, Real Madrid staged an incredible comeback, capitalizing on their few opportunities!"
In the final moments of the game, almost all Manchester United players joined the attack, but they were left with too little time. They ultimately failed to change the score once again.
2-2! Aggregate score 4-3! Real Madrid eliminates Manchester United and advances to the UEFA Champions League final after four years!
Their opponent will be Liverpool, who defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout. The match will be held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
The fans at the Bernabéu Stadium lingered long after the game, singing "Hala Madrid" and embracing their friends and family with jubilation.
Cristiano Ronaldo stood with his hands on his hips, looking up at the stars. He had given his all but still lost. Whether individually or as a team, they were thoroughly defeated, and the sky he once yearned for seemed farther and farther away.
Wang Feng looked at the rising star with a hint of admiration in his eyes. Setting aside the first game, his performance at the Bernabéu could only be described as perfect.
Excellent physical attributes, unmatched explosiveness and speed, and decent technical skills, although he tended to perform some meaningless fancy moves, it was harmless.
So he walked up to the Portuguese and said, "Cristiano, let's exchange jerseys!"
Ronaldo promptly took off his shirt and handed it to Wang Feng. "Wang, you won this time, but we'll definitely come back stronger next year. Let's settle the score then!"
Wang Feng chuckled softly. It seemed that his dedication to himself was indeed deep. "Of course, I never fear any challenge." They hugged briefly, and Ronaldo left the field of his cherished memories, while Wang Feng continued to celebrate with his teammates.
At the post-match press conference, Ferguson expressed his frustration, stating that Real Madrid's defense was too compact, and their attack ultimately failed to break through.
When asked about Wang Feng's successful counterattack, the English knight shrugged, "Even God can't stop him after dribbling past five players. We didn't make any obvious mistakes in defense, but Wang just kept breaking through. It's just unreasonable!"
As for the duel between Wang Feng and Ronaldo, Ferguson spoke highly of his star player, "Cristiano performed exceptionally well today, contributing a goal and an assist. Although he still lags behind Wang in brilliance, he's younger, and I firmly believe that he will grow into a superstar one day!"
The next day, major European media outlets reported extensively on the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Sky Sports in the UK lamented Manchester United's missed opportunities, despite their absolute dominance at the Bernabéu.
"With a possession rate of 63% and a staggering 16 shots, compared to Real Madrid's mere 4, such statistics still couldn't bring a victory."
They believed that Real Madrid played "ugly" football at home, spending most of the game defending and showing no signs of a powerhouse.
Regarding the two young stars at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Sky Sports gave them very high praise: "Their collaboration was excellent, and their assists for each other's goals indirectly indicate that there are no serious conflicts within the Manchester United squad."
"Although Cristiano Ronaldo failed to challenge Wang Feng successfully, we still admire him. Losing is not frightening; what's frightening is lacking the courage to fight."
They also believed that with Real Madrid's current strength, they couldn't defeat Liverpool in Athens. As the cup kings, the Reds had already given up the league title race and started adjusting themselves to their best condition.
However, the Spanish newspaper Marca didn't consider Real Madrid's play as "ugly" but rather highly efficient. "Facing the formidable Manchester United, Real Madrid's defense was a bit shaky, but they relied on strong willpower to fulfill their defensive duties."
All four shots during the game were counterattacks, with a success rate of 50%. This was an astonishing statistic. "Whenever Manchester United showed a slight opening, Real Madrid quickly seized the opportunity to pose a threat."
Wang Feng was undoubtedly the best player, actively participating in defense and orchestrating all four counterattacks. He contributed with one assist and one goal. Compared to him, Cristiano Ronaldo still had a long way to go. "At least, when everyone needed him, he didn't step up to save the team."
As for the final against Liverpool, Marca brought up the "mystical" aspect of Wang Feng: "So far, he has not lost a single final. We believe this time will be no exception."
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