Dear Gua
Chapter 390 Meaningless Foul (Daily Transition)
Time flowed.
The situation of the match gradually stabilized.
After becoming familiar with Arsenal's offensive rhythm, the Galácticos slowly stabilized the situation.
Modrić was everywhere: tracking back to assist in defense, organizing the play, pulling the forward line.
Within the framework of the rotating diamond four-midfielders, he was simply an omnipotent super midfielder from a film.
He was the one playing the piano.
Casemiro was the one carrying the piano.
Kroos was the pedal.
"The wealth left by Real Madrid's past coaches to the Galácticos is very substantial."
"Most of the players active on the field at the moment have been baptized by different systems."
"Mourinho's counter-attacking storm."
"Ancelotti's diamond four-midfielders."
"Pellegrini's three-dimensional attack built around Ronaldo as the core."
"Benítez's balanced completion of the classic midfield trio."
"Zidane kneaded all of the above tactical characteristics together, a perfect fusion!"
At the sideline.
Zidane crossed his arms in front of his chest, his expression solemn, his thoughts a little blurred.
The 28th minute of the match.
Ronaldo worked hard to defend, assisting Marcelo in the thirty-meter area of his own half, hindering Bellerín's advance.
When trailing in the score, his defensive attitude was very correct. Viewers could often see his position shifting back, sprinting in his own half during the defensive phase, and pressuring the opponent's attacking players together with his midfield teammates.
He didn't give up, and worked hard to contribute to the Galácticos.
"Beautiful, Real Madrid regained possession!"
"Ronaldo's contribution on the defensive end cannot be reflected in the data. His tracking back has a profound meaning for the defensive linkage of Real Madrid's entire formation."
"Marcelo did not delay after the steal, and passed the ball diagonally to Modrić in front!"
"Arsenal's defense is not pressing too far forward, they are ready to meet Real Madrid's counterattack."
Modrić received the ball with his back to the goal in the left half of the field.
Walcott quickly moved up to press.
Xhaka didn't dare to press too closely. He has improved rapidly in the Premier League this season, gradually breaking away from his early stages.
The Swiss midfielder's mind was racing: let alone two people, three people may not be able to catch Modrić in a "back-to-the-ball state". He couldn't allow a large gap to appear in the midfield barrier, and he had to pay attention to cutting off his connection with Kroos!
It wasn't just the forwards who emphasized back-to-the-ball play.
The emergence of Busquets that year made the world of football realize that if a midfielder has a "god-level" ability to handle the ball with his back to the goal, he can transform the team's offensive and defensive transition speed and style into a super form!
This was also one of the reasons why Guardiola drove away "the world's number one defensive midfielder" Yaya Touré.
In today's football, there are still four midfielders who can reach Busquets' level of handling the ball with their backs to the goal: Modrić, Çalhanoğlu, Pogba, and Li Kang.
The latter two have strong physiques, turning around domineeringly and switching to combat mode, mowing the lawn.
Çalhanoğlu is prone to falling down, good at causing opponents to foul. Causing fouls with his back to the goal is also a technical skill.
Modrić, on the other hand, has been baptized by different leagues, coupled with his gifted outside-of-the-foot technique, his handling methods in a static back-to-the-ball position are the most diverse, making pressing players extremely passive.
What's more.
There is also Kroos on the right half of the field, who is invincible in handling the ball statically facing the goal.
What would it be like if Modrić and Kroos merged like in *Dragon Ball*?
"Outside-of-the-foot flick?"
"Modrić completed a simple cross-over movement, breaking free handsomely!"
"Would it be better to pass it back to Casemiro or transfer it to Kroos? No! Marcelo and Ronaldo are about to move forward!"
"Real Madrid has established a combat team in the left half of the field!"
"The familiar local group advancement is coming!"
Arsenal's defense quickly tilted towards the left.
Very uncomfortable.
In the new century, many outside-of-the-foot masters have emerged in football: Rosický, Quaresma, Bale, Carlos, Di María...
They can use the outside of their feet to blast spectacular shots and assists.
However, the only ones who can integrate the outside of the foot into the "decision-making offensive direction" stage are Modrić and Ronaldinho.
Their outside-of-the-foot technique can be used in various forms of escape and space grabbing in any high-pressure environment, for long, medium, and short passes within a limited time frame.
The ball often floats outside the individual's center of gravity, making it difficult for opponents to figure out the overall offensive direction.
VIP box.
Beckenbauer adjusted his glasses.
Admiration was revealed in his eyes.
"Modrić is very similar to Cruyff... I forgot, his nickname back then was 'Young Cruyff'."
"A seemingly thin body contains powerful energy."
"He is a Cruyff with more stamina, more focus on the game, stronger defense, stronger will, weaker forward propulsion, and worse jumping ability."
"A simple back-to-the-ball cross-over escape can allow Real Madrid to establish a local advantage on the left!"
"If he passes it to Kroos, Real Madrid will establish an advantage on the right half of the field to defeat the high defensive line."
"If he passes it back to Casemiro, although the passing options will be richer, Real Madrid will lose the opportunity to advance."
"You see, he's playing like a winger now... Ten minutes ago, he looked like a defender."
"A midfielder who can switch different roles and adapt to different system changes and switches according to different game frequencies and intensities."
"Establishment-type midfielder."
"Yes, he's like Cruyff, Li is more like me."
Millennium Stadium.
Real Madrid fans were ecstatic.
Banners, team flags, and scarves fluttered wildly, forming waves of white.
Arsenal's defense shifted significantly to the left.
*Pa!*
The ball suddenly flew to the right half of the field!
"Extremely concealed transfer ball!"
"Kroos!"
The ball fell rapidly, but quietly kissed Kroos's white shoes.
Cazorla decisively moved up to press.
*Pa!*
The white shoe pushed.
The ball then missed the direction of the Arsenal master's press.
Then quickly rolled to the right wing.
Carvajal combined stopping and dribbling, diagonally into the penalty area!
The speed of the two passes was too fast.
The originally tilted Arsenal defense was now unable to adjust the number of regional defense players.
Li Kang ignored Nesta's cursing phantom, but instead had Čech block the near post, while he stood closer to the far post.
Real Madrid had already played out a complete offensive chain, and there were many finishing points.
Unless there was a Saúl in Arsenal's lineup, Li Kang could only stand behind the defense to resist the final offensive.
"Monreal is very calm, he won't let Real Madrid's full-back pass easily!"
"Carvajal's backward triangle pass!"
"The inserted Casemiro!"
"Here it comes!"
Casemiro's progress this season has been very obvious. Under Zidane's patient training, this guy's physical and technical advantages have been perfectly combined, and his long-range shooting level has also greatly improved.
*Ping!*
His right foot hit the oncoming ball!
The whole stadium exclaimed!
A Samba scimitar appeared at the Millennium Stadium!
The ball accurately looped towards the far post of Arsenal's goal.
Real Madrid fans were full of expectations: the Galácticos were about to equalize the score.
*Pa!*
The close-up sound recording equipment for this Champions League final was synchronized with the Russian World Cup, and the most advanced technology was used.
The tens of thousands of spectators at the scene felt as if they had been hit in the face by the ball.
The ball bounced off the baseline...
Li Kang fell headfirst on the turf.
His teammates surrounded him, and Isco, who was closest, also anxiously inquired about his injury.
The referee stopped the game and waved for the team doctor to enter the field.
Xhaka reacted the fastest, immediately pretending to be injured and falling on the turf: according to the rules, if Li Kang was injured alone, he would be asked to leave the field for treatment, and Arsenal would have one less player for a period of time, but if two players were injured, the game would be suspended.
"Real Madrid's excellent scoring opportunity! Was blocked by Li Kang's face."
"What a pity."
"Li Kang, once again became Arsenal's hero!"
Casemiro was depressed: it was clearly a certain goal.
At the sideline.
Wenger was worried and anxiously urged the team doctor.
Zidane touched his bald head, his expression complicated.
[Injury Immunity Module Triggered.]
[Repairing...]
[Repair Completed.]
The number 5 phantom in Li Kang's vision flashed and disappeared.
It was only because Casemiro's long shot was too focused on arc and angle, and he didn't blast a super cannon.
This level of minor injury recovered too quickly under the action of the Injury Immunity Module, and could not maintain Beckenbauer's "Indomitable Soul" for a long time.
"There's nothing serious!"
"The Arsenal team doctor took out a small bottle and put it to Li Kang's nose."
"It contains a special gel that helps to quickly stop nosebleeds. The team doctor held up a few fingers in front of Li Kang. No problem! His thinking is very clear, there is no potential risk of concussion!"
"Hopefully this Champions League final won't replicate Krammer's amnesia incident in 2014."
"Wiped his face, the nosebleed didn't stain his jersey, no need to change it!"
Arsenal's number 10 stood up again.
At the Millennium Stadium, applause roared.
Spectators from all over the world shouted words such as "tenacious" and "iron-blooded."
Li Kang didn't enjoy these praises. Blocking the ball with his face was just a matter of probability:
If Carvajal's last pass had been given to Isco who cut into the penalty area, this phenomenon would not have occurred.
Time passed by every minute and every second.
The Galácticos' classic midfield gradually controlled the game and repeatedly created threats.
Casemiro also rotated and switched multiple times under Zidane's instructions, moving forward to become a fulcrum on the side ribs.
Kroos and Modrić acted as continuation points for secondary attacks on the periphery.
Benzema wandered in the gap between Arsenal's two center-backs, repeatedly sending deadly passes with headers and kicks.
The offensive chain formed by the Galácticos in positional warfare was extremely complete.
Either out of bounds.
Or a secondary attack.
The competitive state of each player was getting better and better with the passage of time.
The hearts of Arsenal fans couldn't help but be tugged.
As if the opponent would equalize the score in the next moment.
The 43rd minute of the match.
Positional warfare phase.
"Real Madrid wants to equalize the score in the first half!"
"Relying on adversity... Ramos is also up!"
"There are too many finishing points."
"Kroos's wide-range transfer to Marcelo... Extremely wonderful stop! Is there superglue on the sole of his shoe?"
The shadow in Li Kang's brain spread wildly.
"Bullet Time" was activated.
Time seemed to be slowed down countless times.
In God's perspective, several of Real Madrid's next passing routes were automatically deduced.
Several flaws were displayed in the timeline.
The valuable wealth left by Pellegrini to the Galácticos did not fit Ancelotti's midfield framework.
The river of time flowed again.
The ball left Marcelo's right foot and rolled into the penalty area. Ronaldo feigned a lean to trick Maguire, and then cut forward from the gap on the left rib!
*Pa!*
In everyone's eyes.
Arsenal's number 10 forcibly cut off this perfect passing route.
"Ronaldo's step adjustment is perfect, and his starting speed is not slow, but Li Kang seems to have predicted Marcelo's thoughts."
"The Galácticos' offensive chain was broken."
"Arsenal's counterattack!"
Walcott and Bellerín, two super fast horses, sprinted wildly.
Sánchez started at high speed from the left.
What about Giroud?
He had been involved in defense for the past ten minutes, because he was too slow, and he couldn't outrun Real Madrid players in the counterattack.
Li Kang passed the ball to Maguire, and then ran forward.
A neighing sound came from his ear.
The phantom of Borussia Mönchengladbach colt struggled out.
Maguire troubled Casemiro and Kroos who were trying to counter-press.
It was difficult to judge the direction of the ball from this guy's supporting foot and body inclination.
Why was his passing action so slow?
It was slow, but they couldn't steal it.
There were still several bodies away.
*Ping!*
Amidst the cheers of tens of thousands of Arsenal fans.
Maguire's long pass finally didn't hit the opponent's player in the face.
"Master-level long pass!"
"The strength is too abundant!"
"The lead is very sufficient!"
"Bellerín takes advantage of the situation, Real Madrid's high defensive line is in danger!"
"Arsenal's frontcourt has three points..."
"Wow, Li Kang is also up! He's too fast!"
Bellerín's dribbling range was very large, so as to maintain speed.
After all, not everyone can have the combination of man and ball in high-speed running like Bale and Kaká.
But it was enough.
Only Pepe and Carvajal were left in Real Madrid's backfield at this time.
When he reached the thirty-meter area.
Walcott had already cut to the center.
Arsenal completely spread out the offensive fan, and there was also Li Kang who was about to arrive in the back.
"Real Madrid is in danger!"
"Bellerín passed the ball to Walcott."
"Pepe's offside press... This decision is a bit impulsive."
"The ball came to Sánchez's feet."
"Huh?"
"How can Pepe, who is out of position, block Li Kang!"
Sánchez dribbled the ball to the front line on the right side of the penalty area, stopped suddenly, changed direction, and shook off Carvajal!
*Ping!*
A curler!
Navas reacted quickly, stretching his body to the extreme, and the purple gloves changed the trajectory of the deadly arc!
The ball finally smashed into the intersection of the left post and the crossbar... and bounced out of the baseline.
"What a pity."
"Arsenal's corner kick... Huh? Why did Li Kang fall to the ground again?"
"Pepe..."
Millennium Stadium.
The noise was loud.
Spectators from all over the world cursed everything that had just happened on the field in different languages.
Pepe looked innocent.
He bent over, retracted his hands, and pitifully explained to the referee.
Live broadcast room.
The big screen replayed the process of the foul just now:
Pepe, who was pressing while out of position, failed to interfere with Walcott's pass, and continued to rush forward, raising his arm, and hitting Li Kang, who was running at high speed, with an elbow.
After Li Kang fell to the ground.
The back of his hand was also stepped on by Pepe.
The barrage exploded immediately.
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[Damn, so dirty, it's unreasonable not to give a red card!]
-
[It's hard to say, the last time Messi was treated like this by Pepe, what happened? Pepe only got a yellow card!]
-
[Koke was treated like this last time, and Pepe only got a yellow card.]
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[Meaningless foul.]
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[The referee and linesman's attention must have been on the moment when Sánchez received the ball and shot. Look at the overview, Pepe pinched the blind spot of the referee's vision.]
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[I heard that starting from the Confederations Cup, the five major leagues will gradually use VAR technology, and this kind of malicious foul will not escape punishment in the future.]
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[Is this guy playing football or fighting?]
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[It's over, if Li Mingdeng can't persist in the game...]
The pain on Li Kang's face and the back of his hand quickly faded.
He opened his eyes again.
The phantom of the number 5 in white emitted a faint white light.
Beckenbauer.
Indomitable Soul.
(End of this chapter)