Chapter 613: The Mountain to Be Crossed
From the technical statistics after the end of the match, it can be seen that there was not much difference in performance between Paris and Barcelona. Both sides had 14 and 15 shots respectively, with 5 shots on target each, so a draw was a reasonable result, although Paris suffered from being two goals down at home.
Ibrahimovic expressed his courage against Barcelona in an interview, saying, "Barcelona is certainly one of the best teams in the world. Apart from their rich history, they also have an excellent lineup. But we also have a group of outstanding partners who are eager to make history for the team!"
As for the dispute over the forward position with Messi in the past, the Swede did not want to say much, only praising the Argentine star's outstanding skills, and stating that his departure had little to do with Messi.
"Even now, I am not the number one star of Paris Saint-Germain." Ibrahimovic said, "Beckham? He is the spiritual leader in the locker room, his rich game experience and strong heart always influence his teammates."
Looking forward to the future after advancing, the Swedish star bluntly stated that the opponent he least wanted to encounter was Real Madrid led by Wang Feng. "God, you can never experience the despair on the pitch, he is the most outstanding player on this planet."
The imposing Ibrahimovic obviously remembered his past bitter experiences and involuntarily revealed a sense of lingering fear.
"Wang Feng has monopolized the Ballon d'Or for nearly ten years. Perhaps FIFA can consider naming it after him. This would be a mutual honor for both sides."
"I think we don't have to wait for the Chinese superstar to retire. We can conclusively say now that his greatness surpasses both the past and the future."
Back to the league, in the 30th round of La Liga, the Galaxy Battleship challenged Levante away. Ancelotti placed Ramos, Alonso, Modric, and other main players on the bench, still led by Wang Feng with a rotational lineup.
The away team took the lead in the 11th minute. The Chinese superstar quickly advanced along the sideline, dribbled past the opponent number 18, and crossed into the penalty area. Morata volleyed the ball into the net near the penalty spot.
Real Madrid further expanded their lead six minutes later. Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass to Coentrao, who feigned a move to the baseline before cutting inside and then passed the ball directly to Denis, the young Russian, who tapped it into the net.
In the 39th minute, Wang Feng and Carvajal tore open the Levante defense with consecutive passes. The former unselfishly crossed from the left side of the penalty area, and Morata, who followed up, volleyed the ball into the empty net.
A huge 3-0 lead was established by halftime!
As soon as the second half began, Real Madrid stormed into the opponent's half. Wang Feng sent a lobbed pass into the penalty area, where Diop's header clearance hit his teammate Lell's hand.
The referee decisively awarded a penalty kick to the Galaxy Battleship, despite Levante's players' repeated explanations. He believed that Lell's hand was raised too high and, if not for blocking the ball's path, it could have reached the feet of an opposition player, posing a threat.
The Real Madrid players all focused their gaze on Wang Feng. He was the team's number one penalty taker, with a very impressive conversion rate. However, to everyone's surprise, the Chinese superstar pointed to Morata, indicating for him to take the penalty.
"You've already scored two, come on, embrace your first La Liga hat-trick of your career!"
The young Spanish forward was immediately delighted. Taking a deep breath, he nervously received the ball from Wang Feng's hand. "Don't be nervous, you can do it. This is the best opportunity without pressure!"
Morata nodded solemnly, with the entire stadium's attention focused on this young player who was about to turn 21. He ran up, took the shot! The ball went in! He deceived the goalkeeper and sent the ball into the bottom right corner!
At the age of 20 years and 168 days, scoring three goals in a row, he became the second youngest hat-trick scorer in La Liga after Messi!
The Real Madrid fans who had traveled from afar stood up to cheer for him, very happy to see talents constantly emerging from the club. Even many home fans also applauded.
As for the players on the field, they surrounded Morata, celebrating this hard-won record together. "You, kid, you have to treat us today!" Carvajal excitedly rubbed his head.
The young Spanish forward nodded repeatedly, thanking his teammates incessantly, especially captain Wang Feng. Without his two assists and letting penalties, he would never have achieved this feat.
Regardless of how the future develops, today his achievement will be forever engraved in the annals of history.
To secure the victory, head coach Ancelotti substituted Wang Feng and other main players. In the final moments of the game, Levante's Michel and Real Madrid's Varane each scored a goal, making the final score 5-1.
Without time for rest, the entire Galaxy Battleship team boarded a charter plane the next day and rushed to Istanbul, preparing for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against Galatasaray midweek.
Although they gained a significant advantage in the first leg, football is round, and nothing is certain until the final result is determined.
In order to let the players relax both physically and mentally, the club specially arranged for them to stay at the most luxurious hotel in the world—the Ciragan Palace. This hotel was originally a Baroque-style palace built by the Sultan of Turkey in 1863 and later converted into a hotel.
It is located on the European side of Istanbul, next to the Bosphorus Strait, with Asia just across the water. From the rooms, one can see the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, making for a very pleasant scenery.
It is also one of the top venues for national events, having hosted organizers of events such as F1, WTA, and the European Basketball League, thus having rich experience.
Even so, the consecutive battles and the fatigue of travel inevitably affected the players' condition. They had failed twice in away games in Turkey in their history; it was too far from Spain!
The match started, but the away team failed to get into gear in time, and Galatasaray took advantage of the loopholes to take the lead. In the 4th minute, Sneijder broke through on the side and crossed, with Eboue unmarked at the far post, so he calmly adjusted and shot, piercing through Casillas's fingertips.
Real Madrid equalized in the 30th minute. Wang Feng sent a diagonal pass to the right side of the penalty area, Carvajal crossed, and Higuain headed in from close range to score a crucial away goal.
The second half was even more intense, with both sides constantly strengthening their confrontation and attacks. First, Sneijder dribbled past Ramos and low shot after that, then Wang Feng lofted a pass into the penalty area from forty-five degrees in front of the penalty area, and Modric volleyed sideways to score.
In the end, both sides drew 2-2, with a total score of 5-2 over two legs, and Real Madrid eliminated Galatasaray to advance to the Champions League semi-finals!
In another focus battle, Barcelona drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou, with a total score of 3-3. The Catalan team advanced to the next round thanks to one more away goal.
Dortmund and Bayern Munich also won against their respective opponents to advance to the semi-finals, making the Champions League situation seem like a direct confrontation between La Liga and the Bundesliga.
It seemed as if even the heavens had deliberately arranged it this way. In the subsequent draw, Real Madrid met Dortmund, while Barcelona faced Bayern.
"The worst possible outcome!" Coach Ancelotti and his coaching staff were very worried. The results of last year's group stage clashes were still fresh in their minds. The Yellow Submarine seemed like an insurmountable mountain blocking the team's path forward.
Their tactical approach felt like it restrained the Galaxy Battleship, and although the players were enthusiastic, they must overcome them if they wanted to defend their title!
Read 𝓁atest chapters at fr(e)ewebnov𝒆l.com Only