Chapter 447: The Perfect Play: Ronaldinho and Henry's Masterclass
AC Milan's head coach, Zaccheroni, the eleven players on the field, the substitutes, and all the Milan fans in the stands knew one thing for sure: if Milan didn't win this match, the slim tally of one or two points after three games would make their Champions League prospects look bleak.
Aldrich stood motionless on the sideline as the second half began, his eyes scanning back and forth, exuding a subtle aura of authority even in his stillness.
He was observing. Milan hadn't made any substitutions for the second half, but they had ramped up their aggression, playing with a desperate, do-or-die attitude.
Milan pressed hard, pushing their formation forward, which forced Millwall's defensive line to pull back and close down space.
Moments into the second half, Shevchenko got a half-chance near the box and aimed for the bottom corner, but Butt dove to his left and deflected the shot out of bounds with a single hand, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Aldrich watched another five minutes before signaling to Larsson and Nedvěd, giving each distinct tactical instructions.
Larsson was to drop back more for defensive support, while Nedvěd was to reinforce the left side of the defense.
Milan wasn't just pushing up indiscriminately. If that were the case, Aldrich wouldn't have been concerned. Their aggressive attack left them vulnerable to counterattacks. But Milan's strategy had intent—they were focusing on the left flank, using Serginho's individual skill and the support from Boban, Bierhoff, and Albertini to launch an intense assault.
Schneider had been struggling to cover this flank, but with Larsson dropping back to extend the defensive line to the goal line, Schneider could finally focus on intercepting Milan's overlapping plays.
Aldrich's only question was whether Milan's attack on the left was genuine or a feint to lure Millwall out of position.
Three minutes later, Aldrich's gaze sharpened.
Serginho suddenly passed the ball back, and Albertini, without hesitation, threaded a pass to Bierhoff, who was pressing against the defensive line. The German forward didn't trap it but instantly laid it off to Shevchenko.
Sure enough, Milan's focus on the left had been a feint!
Makelele was positioned just to Shevchenko's left, clearly anticipating the next move. Shevchenko saw a gap to his right, a direct line to challenge Southgate one-on-one. But as he took control of the ball, he noticed that Nedvěd had preemptively blocked his route, and Southgate held a disciplined stance just outside the penalty area. Millwall's defense showed remarkable composure in such a dangerous area, forcing Shevchenko into an uncomfortable choice: try a world-class strike from where he stood or risk losing possession.
With barely a second's hesitation, Shevchenko opted to release the ball, passing it at an angle toward the right, into the open space where Gullit was charging in. But Zambrotta was a step ahead, leaving Gullit a narrow outside path for a cross but firmly guarding any attempt to cut inside.
Millwall's defensive setup prioritizes keeping opponents from cutting inside. Full-backs are trained to allow crosses from the wings but never let a player cut inside with the ball—a core principle of their defense. The threat from the inside is always deemed more significant than from the flanks.
Accordingly, before Gullit could complete his inward run and touch the ball, Zambrotta intercepted it and quickly launched a counter.
AC Milan's attacking line immediately turned to track back, with Shevchenko the first to press Zambrotta.
Looking down on the pitch, it was pure chaos in Millwall's half—AC Milan's red-and-black jerseys were scrambling back to their own half, like a retreating army!
But players, no matter how quick, couldn't keep pace with the ball.
Zambrotta wasted no time and passed upfield. Ahead, Millwall had only two players—Henry just past the halfway line and Ronaldinho near the sideline.
Ronaldinho, left unmarked, received the ball, turning on the spot and scanning the field for options.
Up ahead, Maldini was blocking Ronaldinho's path, with two Milan defenders bearing down from behind—like a cornered tiger, no way out!
Ronaldinho held still, calculating his options. He knew any move could mean disaster. Left or right, down the line, cutting in—he'd be swallowed up. Maldini's cold, focused gaze only added to the pressure.
Suddenly, Ronaldinho froze, just for a split second. It was like he'd surrendered!
But then—bang! He heels the ball back behind him! It's heading right toward Henry, moving in from the side! Maldini bites his lip. "What the hell, Salah and Costacurta?!" They should've left one man on Ronaldinho!
Maldini had to change focus. He went after Henry, but Henry made a soft, quick touch forward, hesitated just a beat—and boom! Slipped right past Maldini!
Henry and the ball were on opposite sides of the great Maldini! The nutmeg!
Before Maldini could even react, he went down hard—Ambrosini had slammed right into him!
But Henry kept his cool. He took control, lined up his shot, and sent a low roller just out of Abbiati's reach, nestling it against the far post. Goal!
"Oh, what a goal! What an unbelievable goal! Did anyone blink? You missed a stunner if you did! Ronaldinho and Henry have just delivered a masterpiece for the Champions League, for Europe, for the world of football! It's indescribable – the skill, the synergy, the sheer magic! Want dazzling individual skill? You got it! Looking for perfect teamwork? It's all here! And that speed, that intensity – this goal has it all, every bit of what makes this sport truly electrifying!"
As Henry's shot landed in the net, he glanced back at the Milan players, many of whom had sprinted into the box but were just a split second too late.
Maldini and Ambrosini lay on the ground but soon stood up, with Ambrosini apologizing to Maldini, who reassured him with a serious yet calm expression. He didn't show any anger or frustration toward his teammate.
Maldini had witnessed Milan's glory and decline, climbed to the heights of football greatness, and endured the depths of defeat. No triumph could shake his focus, and no loss could break his spirit. He knew the team needed patience and resilience now, not blame or criticism.
Henry jogged over to Ronaldinho with a grin, pointing at him. Ronaldinho danced a samba by the sidelines, celebrating.
On the sidelines, Aldrich closed his eyes and smiled. Klinsmann and Jensen rushed over, embracing him and jumping in celebration.
That goal, in their eyes, was a perfect blend of visual impact and elegance.
Aldrich silently thought, "Effort never goes to waste."
To succeed, one must put in the work. If success doesn't come, then more effort is needed.
Ronaldinho and Henry, two against four, had broken down Milan's three defenders and a defensive midfielder.
This wasn't just a lucky play; it was a skill honed through relentless training.
If the world knew how Aldrich set up their training, it would be no surprise to see such perfect coordination on the field.
At Millwall's training ground, the offensive unit often faced off in drills like three versus five, four versus six, or even five versus eight!
The applause at Wembley was thunderous, from both Lions fans and neutral spectators alike. They knew the match was worth every penny—and more.
For the Milan fans who had traveled to support their team, this moment, however, was a bitter one.
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