Chapter 527: Most desired script
After halftime, Manchester United still showed great positivity, while Ferguson made personnel adjustments in response to the issues in the first half.
Benzema, who was not in good form, was substituted, and Korean star Park Ji-sung came on. He wasn't limited to just connecting in attack but also actively withdrew to defend.
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his stellar performance from the end of the first half, with two consecutive high-quality long shots in the front, one saved by Ramos and the other just missing the crossbar.
"Manchester United's attack during this period looks quite dangerous, while Real Madrid seems to struggle to get things going. Ferguson deserves credit as a renowned coach; he quickly patched up the team's weaknesses."
"Yes, but Galactic fans need not worry too much. We can see that Benítez remains calm and collected on the sidelines; he must have had plans in place."
"Sustained high-intensity pressing surely can't be sustained throughout the game. Just endure this period, then send fresh reinforcements to make a breakthrough. It's very likely to secure victory in one fell swoop!"
"Look at this counterattack by Real Madrid! Diarra passes to Higuaín, who heads it to Wang Feng, the Chinese superstar, speeding ahead."
"Pass and move! Vidic is left trailing, only seeing Wang Feng's taillights, into the penalty area, shot!"
"Oh, this shot from a tight angle hits the near post, just a bit more inside, and it would've been in. What a pity."
"A sudden shot while dribbling at high speed really tests a player's body and technique. Wang Feng's shot was very tricky, but unfortunately, the post acted as a goalkeeper this time; he lacked a bit of luck."
Sixty-five minutes into the game, Benítez made his first substitution, replacing Di María with Robben. At this point, Manchester United's pressing intensity had dropped due to physical limitations.
The Dutchman, utilizing his abundant energy and explosiveness, frequently created opportunities from the wings after coming on. Due to frequent injuries and Di María's excellent performances since joining this season, Robben's starting position was gradually in jeopardy, and contract negotiations had stalled.
Perhaps he would leave at the end of the season, so he didn't want to leave any regrets and wanted to give his all in this final game.
Five minutes later, Real Madrid's midfield intercepted and launched an attack through the middle. Sneijder quickly dribbled forward, with other attacking players also running to support, suddenly increasing the pace of the game.
Entering the thirty-meter area of the penalty box, Manchester United formed a fan-shaped encirclement in their half, but Robben and Sneijder on the wings had already formed a high level of cooperation. Seeing the opportunity, they continued to advance towards the defensive line.
Sneijder flicked the ball to the left, feinting to cut inside to draw defensive attention, but in an instant when the chasing player reached the ball, he used the inside of his foot to send a diagonal pass to the right.
Just as he passed, Robben had just surpassed the last Manchester United defender, successfully avoiding the offside trap! He received the ball and charged into the penalty area, creating a one-on-one situation!
Efraín, by his side, immediately raised his hand to signal offside, but the linesman saw very clearly. The French defender had all his attention on Sneijder and hadn't noticed Robben's movement behind him.
With no choice, Manchester United goalkeeper Van der Sar could only choose to rush out, but the Dutch winger, before he reached him, chipped the ball, perfectly evading the reaching hand and landing it into the goal.
2-1! Real Madrid once again took the lead!
Wang Feng, who had been waiting for his chance on the other side, quickly rushed towards Robben and hugged him in celebration. The Dutchman, with a choked voice, said, "I'm not finished yet; I can still score!"
Wang Feng smiled and patted his head. "Of course, you're one of the best wingers in the world; injuries can't defeat you!"
On the sidelines, Ferguson scratched his head vigorously, his age already quite advanced. He probably planned to retire in a year or two and really wanted to help Manchester United win another Champions League trophy before leaving.
But reality is often cruel. He once had high hopes for Wang Feng but missed out on signing the legendary superstar. He also favored Robben greatly, even causing a scene at the board meeting, but ultimately couldn't secure the Dutchman's signature. Now, these two had become formidable opponents that repeatedly hindered Manchester United's ascent.
Time was running out for Manchester United. The English elder looked at C. Ronaldo angrily waving his arms, as if looking at his own child. Luckily, he didn't miss him; now, the only one who could step up to save the team was the Portuguese.
As time slowly ticked to 80 minutes, Manchester United's players became increasingly anxious. They had tried numerous attacking opportunities but still couldn't break through the opponent's defense.
At this moment, Real Madrid's defense inexplicably showed a loophole. Diarra failed to receive a pass from Ramos.
Seeing this, C. Ronaldo immediately rushed up to snatch the ball. The Malian midfielder could only choose to foul the Portuguese.
The referee didn't hesitate to blow the whistle, signaling a foul by Diarra, showing him a yellow card, and awarding Manchester United a free kick in the opponent's half.
The Portuguese star took the free kick himself. He gently placed the ball on the turf, took a few steps around it, then slowly stepped back, his eyes fixed on the direction of the Real Madrid goal.
At this moment, all the Red Devils' fans at Wembley Stadium had their eyes on him, and countless live broadcast cameras from around the world focused on the Portuguese star.
Manchester United coach Ferguson put his hands in his pockets, silently chewing gum, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This is the stage you've been longing for, the script you desire the most. Go, Cristiano, I believe you can succeed!"
With the Hungarian referee's whistle, C. Ronaldo took a deep breath and quickly ran forward. Each step he took was firm and resolute. When he reached the ball, he stood with his left foot behind it, leaning slightly to the left, then swiftly kicked it with his right foot.
Like a drawn bow releasing an arrow! The Chinese superstar nearby couldn't help but recall this verse. The ball flew like a sharp arrow, rapidly ascending over the wall and then quickly descending, forming a beautiful rainbow in the air.
The focused Casillas immediately judged the direction of the shot and dived sideways to save. His hands stretched to the maximum, ready to block even the most cunning angle.
But he soon froze in horror as he realized the ball was descending too sharply!
Thus, he watched helplessly as the ball grazed his arm, passing under his armpit and into the net behind him, hitting the net for a moment before dropping down.
"Beep!" Accompanied by the referee's whistle indicating a valid goal, the Red Devils' fans erupted into cheers. They spontaneously sang C. Ronaldo's song, while the protagonist made his signature "siu~" celebration for the second time.
He did it! Cristiano Ronaldo was now Manchester United's hero and savior!
A god descending to earth, helping the team out of a desperate situation. What could be more exhilarating than this?
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