Chapter 725: Helping You Win the Golden Boot!
Real Madrid players and fans were celebrating their lead joyfully, while Sevilla seemed a bit downcast.
Especially Banega, who watched helplessly as the Chinese superstar broke through in front of him, not even giving him a chance to foul, while Correa didn't expect Wang Feng to suddenly shoot from that far out. He thought the opponent would at least try to get into the penalty area.
Sevilla's coach Emery furrowed his brow slightly, but quickly relaxed. How to defend and limit the Chinese superstar was a problem that coaches around the world pondered over. It seemed like he always had different weapons to face increasingly diverse constraints.
Not explosive enough in physicality, the Spanish felt that the Chinese superstar seemed to get more magical as he aged.
Facing the dismayed players, Emery clapped his hands and shouted, "Don't let the goal affect your mindset. Their midfield organization and defense are not good. Stick to the established tactics!"
Indulging in temporary failure was useless; only by staying true to themselves did they have a chance to laugh last. This was also an important weapon for the "Basin Legion" to defend their Europa League title.
Sure enough, after conceding a goal, Sevilla did not rush to attack aggressively. They maintained their current rhythm and held off Real Madrid. The match had only been going on for 20 minutes, still far from panicking.
Soon afterward, Modric broke through on the wing, sending a cross into the penalty area at a 45-degree angle. Marcelo, who had pushed forward, poked the ball into the net, expanding Real Madrid's lead.
On the other side, Reyes created a free kick for Sevilla, and Banega redeemed himself by personally taking the shot and piercing through Navas' hands, narrowing the gap for Sevilla.
Just before halftime, Wang Feng faked a shot outside the penalty area, then dribbled past the defense, passed into the penalty area, and Iguaín, left unmarked, easily scored, making it 3-1.
The victory seemed certain, especially after the break in the 52nd minute, when Modric intercepted in midfield and delivered a wonderful pass. Iguaín calmly slotted home for his second goal, extending the lead to 4-1.
So Ancelotti substituted Wang Feng with the young Basques and replaced Modric with Cheryshev.
Unexpectedly, Sevilla launched a frenzied counterattack 60 minutes into the game. Their momentum didn't seem like they were playing in the UEFA Super Cup, but rather in the Champions League final.
Emery made three consecutive substitutions, and his substitutes created two goals, along with Reyes' goal, leveling the score to 4-4 and pushing the game into extra time!
"Wang Feng's absence has deprived the Galactic team of an important offensive outlet, allowing the Basin Legion to attack without restraint, exposing their chaotic and flawed lineup and tactics."
In extra time, the Italian coach made the final adjustments, bringing on Kroos for Kovacic to stabilize the midfield, which finally halted the opponent's continuous attacking tide.
In the 115th minute, Iguaín received a through pass from Kroos inside the penalty area, took a shot, which was blocked by the goalkeeper Beto, but Basques, who arrived in time, tapped in the rebound from close range.
5-4! After more than two hours of arduous battle, Real Madrid still lifted the trophy of this season's UEFA Super Cup!
The debut of the Galactic team in the new season was not entirely successful, nearly stumbling badly. The outside world generally believed that Ancelotti was a bit overconfident, thinking he had the victory in his pocket and making reckless adjustments to the lineup.
Little did they know that other teams were also improving continuously, coupled with the subconscious slackening of the old players, Real Madrid no longer had the capital to be arrogant like last season.
Ancelotti was well aware of this. His adjustment to the main lineup was also to instill a sense of crisis in everyone. Moreover, throughout the season, they would have to compete at the limit of their abilities, a state that could not be sustained.
Ancelotti even requested an increase in Wang Feng's rotation ratio. This time, the Chinese superstar readily agreed. Playing at full strength in the most important matches of the season was the key.
In the subsequent Spanish Super Cup, the Italian coach executed this idea firmly. Although Messi and Suarez scored for Bar?a, Wang Feng scored a goal to pull one back. He was substituted off at the 60th minute.
In the end, the Galactic team lost 1-2 to the Catalan team and failed to defend their Spanish Super Cup title.
Compared to the match against Sevilla, Real Madrid's defense in this game was commendable. Whether it was the players' form or tactical execution, there was a significant improvement, which was the effect Ancelotti hoped to see.
The first round of the 2015-2016 La Liga season was scheduled for August 23rd. On this day, Real Madrid traveled to the Principality of Asturias to challenge Sporting Gijón.
This was the first time in recent years that the Galactic team had opened the season away from home. However, their goal was very clear: to defeat their opponents and start a new campaign for the championship.
Naturally, Ancelotti sent out the strongest lineup they could muster, with Bale back in the starting lineup and a complete three-center-back system.
Real Madrid's offense and defense became more organized. Although there were still some loose and lax moments, overall, they looked more like a highly competitive team.
The away team had the upper hand on the field but lacked a bit of boldness and luck in the final touch. It wasn't until the 71st minute of the second half that they broke the deadlock.
Modric received the ball in midfield, turned smoothly, evaded the rushing Sporting Gijón defender, and then sent a through pass forward.
At the same time, Wang Feng quickly started a run from the wing, shook off the defending players, and reached the vacant space in the penalty area to receive the ball. He feigned a shot with his right leg.
Perhaps because his feint was too convincing, not only did the two defenders in the penalty area fall to the ground to block, even the goalkeeper made a save attempt.
Little did they know that the Chinese superstar would lightly tap the ball to the left with his right foot, then use the outside of his left foot to push it to the far post. Iguaín, who was following up, faced such an open goal and easily tapped the ball into the net.
"Gonzalo Iguaín! He scores the first goal of the new season for Real Madrid! Assisted by Wang Feng!"
"Modric's through pass was exquisite, and the Chinese superstar suddenly appeared, attracting the defense before passing to the unmarked Argentine striker, who effortlessly broke the deadlock!"
After scoring, Iguaín turned and ran towards Wang Feng, who opened his arms, and the two embraced each other. "Thank you, Wang, thank you!"
In that attack just now, the Chinese superstar could have easily taken the shot himself after controlling the ball. He would never miss such an opportunity. But he chose to pass instead.
The Argentine understood what that meant. He remembered a conversation he had with Wang Feng a few days ago, where he confessed his desire to leave the Galactic team.
"To be honest, I don't lack championships or honors, so I want to pursue better treatment. But Florentino won't negotiate."
At this point, Iguaín's face showed a somewhat embarrassed expression as he hesitated, "So... Wang... can you... can you help me create more scoring opportunities? I know you're very good at it, but this is for you."
The Chinese superstar showed a hearty smile, "I thought you'd never ask! Of course, no problem. This season, I'll help you compete for the La Liga Golden Boot, and even the European Golden Boot!"
Iguaín was somewhat incredulous at hearing this. After all, in La Liga, apart from Wang Feng, there were also super scorers like Messi, Suarez, and Neymar. Could he really outshine them and win the Golden Boot?
Back to the field, watching the encouraging and confident smile of the Chinese superstar, the Argentine striker understood that he wasn't just talking!
With this goal, Real Madrid won 1-0 against Sporting Gijón.
Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om