Chapter 42: This is a Miracle
Adebayo replaces Reyes!
Pires replaces Hleb!
After Delared scored the go-ahead goal, Wenger decisively made two substitution adjustments. Both changes reflected Wenger's determination and resolve.
He had no choice but to continue attacking and strive to equalize once more!
Such is the ruthlessness of the Champions League knockout rounds. There's no room for mercy.
Following the substitutions, Arsenal quickly restarted play and launched a frenzied counterattack against Real Madrid.
By the 60th minute, Gao Shen made his first substitution of the game, replacing Negredo with Woodgate.
With this adjustment, Woodgate partnered with Ramos in central defense, Elgra moved into a defensive midfield role, while Gravesson and De La Reid flanked Beckham and Zidane on the wings. Raul remained as the lone striker.
Deploying a 4-5-1 formation with a solid defensive setup, Real Madrid weathered Arsenal's relentless assaults, repeatedly thwarting their attacks within the 30-meter area.
Arsenal, however, proved themselves formidable opponents and soon mounted a series of threatening attacks.
Henry made a decisive move by driving towards the left side of the penalty area. Despite facing double coverage from Ramos and Woodgate, Henry skillfully controlled the ball with his back, delivering a precise pass to Adebayo charging from midfield.
The Togolese striker unleashed a powerful shot toward the right side of the goal without hesitation.
Real Madrid's goalkeeper Casillas made a spectacular diving save, deflecting the ball just beyond the goal line, showcasing a world-class save akin to divine intervention to preserve Real Madrid's lead.
In the 68th minute, a cross from Pires on the left found Henry in the penalty area. Amidst pressure from Woodgate, Henry attempted a header that soared over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, Arsenal's right-back Eboue surged forward to join the attack, sending a cross to Ljungberg on the right side of the penalty area.
The Swedish midfielder maintained possession and threaded a delicate through ball, aiming to find Henry in the penalty area. Woodgate, however, decisively intercepted the pass, allowing Casillas to swiftly collect the ball.
In the 75th minute, Eboue seized an opportunity and darted into the penalty area, firing a straight shot that struck the side netting, failing to pose a threat.
Two minutes thereafter, Arsenal exhausted their final substitution, replacing Ljungberg with Bergkamp, further intensifying their offensive efforts.
...
Real Madrid's penalty area brimmed with chaos, their goal hanging precariously on the brink, susceptible to Arsenal's relentless pressure.
Gao Shen remained composed on the sidelines, silently observing the game.
Real Madrid often reverted to a defensive five, with Beckham dropping back to form a back three alongside De La Reid and Gravesson. Zidane and Raul were left to disrupt and counterattack.
However, in the 80th minute, Zidane reached his limit.
After a burst of speed, the French star suddenly collapsed with a cramp.
Real Madrid's team doctor promptly rushed onto the field to provide treatment, prompting Gao Shen to make a decisive substitution.
Cassano entered the fray, replacing Zidane.
Raul dropped back, leaving the Italian forward to lead the attack.
Before stepping onto the field, Gao Shen pulled Cassano aside and impressed upon him the gravity of the moment.
"Remember, stay focused. The fate of our advancement rests on your shoulders!"
Gao Shen's words may have seemed exaggerated, but with the game having progressed this far and the tension palpable, even Cassano understood the seriousness of his mission.
Upon entering the game, Cassano displayed remarkable activity.
As the match neared its conclusion, Arsenal intensified their onslaught.
Gao Shen could only encourage his players from the sidelines, urging them to maintain composure and avoid reckless actions.
Especially Ramos, who needed to exercise caution.
Zidane, Negredo, and other bench players stood and silently cheered for their teammates.
Arsenal's defensive line advanced beyond the center line, pressing into Real Madrid's 30-meter area.
Yet, Real Madrid remained poised for counterattacks.
After a swift interception near their penalty area, Gravesson swiftly passed to Beckham, who surged forward from midfield.
Cassano swiftly advanced, outmaneuvered Senderos, headed the ball down, and raced towards Arsenal's penalty area. Upon Raul's approach, he crossed to the unmarked Real Madrid captain.
Regrettably, after sprinting across most of the field, Raul failed to find the net with his final shot. The ball struck the outside of the post before rebounding out of bounds.
Disheartened, Raul dropped to his knees on the pitch, visibly frustrated.
Gao Shen approached him on the sidelines, offering applause and encouragement, acknowledging Raul and Cassano's efforts.
Certainly, there was no need to question why Raul failed to convert that chance.
Anyone with football experience understands the immense mental and physical strain of launching such a long-distance attack when fatigued. Raul had managed the attempt admirably.
Afterward...
Arsenal swiftly regrouped and persisted in their desperate assault.
Time was running short for them.
Even goalkeeper Lehmann crossed the halfway line, signaling their determination to throw everything into the attack.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, felt mounting pressure.
In the 85th minute, Delared could no longer continue.
Like Zidane, he had played two grueling matches in quick succession and succumbed to exhaustion and cramps.
Gao Shen promptly made another substitution, bringing on Guti for Delared.
Both teams had now exhausted their substitutions.
In the final minutes, Real Madrid resorted to time-wasting tactics, while Arsenal desperately organized attacks. However, the Gunners themselves were visibly drained of physical energy.
Wenger anxiously paced the sidelines, continuously urging his players forward and pressing them to maintain the attack.
Yet, Real Madrid remained resolute in defense, repeatedly thwarting Arsenal's advances within their own half.
The final whistle from the Slovenian referee signaled the end of the match.
Real Madrid players and their fans erupted into jubilation at Highbury Stadium, celebrating their dramatic victory.
Near the visiting team's dugout, Gao Shen leaped up enthusiastically, cheering loudly.
"Yes! Outstanding!"
Moments later, he was surrounded by Lucas, Maquida, and others rushing over.
Players from both the field and the bench joined in, forming a jubilant circle on the sidelines.
"It's truly a classic comeback!"
"No, it's not just a comeback; it's a miracle!"
"Real Madrid has achieved their second miraculous comeback in the history of the Champions League knockout stages."
"After losing 0-1 at home to Arsenal in the first leg, they came to Highbury Stadium, equalized, and then fell behind again, only to reverse the score once more."
"It's a true testament to the seesaw battle with highs and lows!"
"Real Madrid's performance tonight has left an indelible mark. From their aggressive pressing and attacking in both halves to their determined defense in the final stages, we witnessed a completely transformed Real Madrid."
Live TV cameras panned across Highbury Stadium stands.
Many Arsenal fans couldn't hold back tears. Despite the 2-1 match result and a 2-2 aggregate score, Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals by virtue of two away goals.
For the Gunners, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
After winning the first leg away 1-0, everyone had assumed Arsenal had secured passage to the next round, relegating the second leg to a mere formality. Yet, Real Madrid orchestrated an improbable comeback.
The broadcast shifted to the home team's dugout, but Wenger's expression remained obscured. Finally, the camera settled on the visitors' bench.
Gao Shen applauded fervently, embracing each Real Madrid player in celebration of their epic turnaround.
Whatever lies ahead for the team, this night's performance will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of both Real Madrid and Champions League history.
"Twenty-five years old, Chinese, with a limited coaching resume. Meet Gao Shen, the acting head coach of Real Madrid."
"Before tonight's match, despite overseeing a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby, he faced skepticism worldwide. Many doubted his qualifications to lead Real Madrid."
"However, tonight at Highbury Stadium, against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, Gao Shen and his Real Madrid delivered a stunning and flawless performance."
"What the future holds remains uncertain. Critics may still question him, but tonight's tactical prowess and on-field command demonstrated an astonishing maturity, defying his age and relative coaching inexperience."
"Real Madrid, too, exhibited remarkable strength tonight. Without Ronaldo, Carlos, or their Brazilian contingent, they surpassed all expectations."
"Let's congratulate both Real Madrid and 25-year-old Gao Shen. Here's hoping they continue their journey in this season's Champions League, bringing us more thrilling matches!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone