Chapter 378: Fast-growing new Barcelona
On the morning of the match, Wang Feng made a phone call to Lu Yao at the training base. Lu Yao reassured him that everything was fine with their family, and she had initially wanted to go to the Bernabéu to watch the game. Clubs usually reserve some tickets for players' families. However, Wang Feng firmly rejected the idea: "The stadium is crowded and chaotic. What if something happens? You'd better stay at home and wait for me. I'll come back immediately after the match to spend Christmas with you."
After hanging up the phone, he went to the restaurant to have breakfast with his teammates. While browsing the real-time news on his phone, most of the news was about predictions for the outcome of the Centennial Derby and the verbal battles between the two sides' supporters.
Most of them mentioned that Wang Feng would display the Ballon d'Or trophy before the match, which made the Chinese superstar feel some pressure. This game was very important for both the team and himself.
Before the morning training, head coach Schuster usually discussed the tactical arrangements with the coaching staff and then briefed the players. Sometimes he would also listen to some favorable opinions.
After strengthening the midfield and defense during the summer and half a season of adjustment, Real Madrid's defense was no longer as leaky as last year. However, some key players were still injured and unable to play, so Schuster still positioned the team relatively conservatively.
"Maintain a solid defense and seize the opportunity to counterattack," he said to the players before training. "Everyone should stick to their positions, mark their opponents as usual, compress Barcelona's passing space, and launch a quick counterattack once we regain possession."
"Wang, you can judge the timing of your runs based on the situation on the field. I know you're very fast and play a big role in defense, so I won't restrict your movement range. But remember one principle: our counterattacks must be sharp!"
Wang Feng nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I know what to do." Schuster smiled satisfactorily. Wang Feng was such a reliable and reassuring player.
He then explained the tactics to the other players one by one. Overall, they must not fall into Barcelona's rhythm. They needed to apply pressure through continuous pressing and movement but also avoid being too aggressive and risking defensive mistakes. It was crucial to strike a balance.
An hour before the game, Barcelona announced their starting lineup. The team formation was 4-3-3, with Valdés as the goalkeeper.
The defenders were Puyol, Milito, Márquez, and Abidal.
In midfield were Deco, Xavi, and Iniesta.
The forwards were Messi, Eto'o, and Henry.
Messi had grown into the soul of Barcelona's attack. Although he was only 20 years old this year, his talent and strength were enough to justify the coach's decision.
At the same time, his position on the field was as unpredictable as Wang Feng's. He could organize in the center or break through along the wings. With his superb vision and passing ability, he was indeed a headache for opponents.
Before the start of the match, Wang Feng walked into the Bernabéu alone with the Ballon d'Or trophy. He was greeted by thunderous applause, and all the home fans were shouting his name at the top of their lungs.
When he reached the temporary stage set up in the middle of the field, he placed the trophy on the table and spoke into the microphone, "I'm very happy to achieve this historic breakthrough at Real Madrid. This great achievement is inseparable from this great club!"
"Here, I want to thank the club, the coaching staff, my teammates, and especially the fans. Thank you all for your continuous support. These two trophies are also because of you!"
After that, he bowed deeply towards the stands, and the fans became even more crazy. Some people were even moved to tears. Wang Feng always kept them in his heart. How could they not love such an idol?
Then Wang Feng shared some of his feelings and future prospects. He promised to take the Galaxy battleship to a new level and achieve even greater glory in the future.
After the presentation ceremony, the players from both sides entered the field. As the referee blew the whistle, the highly anticipated Christmas Eve battle officially began at the Bernabéu. The home fans were very excited, and their cheers never stopped from the beginning of the match.
Barcelona kicked off first, and Messi passed the ball back to their own half. Then they began their possession-based attack, gradually penetrating Real Madrid's defense. Real Madrid's defensive players concentrated in the midfield and backfield, waiting patiently.
Soon, the away team created a chance. Messi received the ball in the frontcourt, dribbled past Diarra, and then broke into the area near the goal line, passing to Henry.
After receiving the ball, the Frenchman feigned a shot, but actually made a short pass back to Messi, whose powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area was fiercely blocked out by Casillas, earning Barcelona their first corner of the game.
Deco lofted the ball into the penalty area, where Eto'o jumped to head the ball first, but his header narrowly missed the crossbar. Three minutes into the game, the away team had already created two threatening shots on goal.
Wang Feng kept retreating to near his own penalty area to participate in defense. He had a deeper understanding of Barcelona's attacking system, with Messi's playmaking combined with the threats of Eto'o and Henry, this team was becoming terrifying.
If it weren't for Ronaldinho leaving at the beginning of the season and Barcelona needing time to rebuild, plus Henry not fully adapting to the changes in the environment, their league performance would not be like this.
Wang Feng had a feeling that Barcelona would be Real Madrid's toughest opponent next season! Of course, these were all future considerations. At this moment, he only had one belief in his mind: victory.
Soon, Real Madrid also got a chance to attack. Pepe sent a long pass to Wang Feng's position, who managed to hold onto the ball despite being sandwiched between Puyol and Márquez.
Márquez had to choose to bring down the Chinese superstar, and the referee's whistle sounded. He went to warn the Mexican defender to be a bit more careful, but did not show a card.
The Galaxy battleship won a free kick in the opponent's half, and Wang Feng personally took the kick. He sent a quick and sharp lob, but unfortunately, the angle was too tricky, and the ball hit the outside of the post and went out of bounds.
He scratched his head in frustration. It was such a pity. Barcelona's goalkeeper Valdés was already helpless. As long as the ball had been a little more inside, it would definitely have been a goal, reducing the pressure on Real Madrid after taking the lead.
When the head coach, Jules Sousa, blew the halftime whistle, the scoreboard still showed a goalless draw. This result was unexpected to everyone because in the past few encounters, both sides had created many goals.
However, the game process was not dull. Barcelona had 10 shots, 6 of which were on target, and a possession rate of 63%. Among them, Messi's performance was the most outstanding, continuously escaping the defense to threaten Real Madrid's goal.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, had 8 shots, 5 of which were on target, all created through quick counterattacks. Wang Feng, with his sharp speed and excellent ball control, tore open Barcelona's defense.
But it seemed that luck was not on either side. Barcelona's shots either missed the goal or were saved by Casillas, while Real Madrid, especially Wang Feng, hit the woodwork twice, missing excellent opportunities.
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