Chapitre 236: Chapter 236 League Cup Final! Seven Captures Of Klopp?
During these training sessions, Su Luo has gradually adapted to playing without his usual advantages. Scoring a hat-trick against a Championship team like Wolves was one thing, but facing ordinary Premier League teams was a different challenge. A top team like Real Madrid would still pose difficulties.
But that's okay—if there's no easy way to win, then you fight with all you have. Su Luo knew that he had to put in his best effort, even if he couldn't rely on his previous advantages.
He analyzed why he couldn't connect with his past abilities and concluded that the dense schedule and high intensity of the competition had exceeded his limits. It wasn't a physical issue, as physical fatigue recovered quickly, but mental fatigue accumulated over time.
In every game, Su Luo had to stay alert, constantly observing the field and looking for breakthroughs. He was a player who used his mind as much as his skills, almost like playing chess. Often, he would guide his teammates step by step, forcing the opposition to follow his strategy.
However, each time he used his special abilities, there were negative side effects. With a tighter schedule, these effects built up and led to mental exhaustion. Su Luo didn't know how long it would take for his abilities to recharge, so he focused on not losing points and maximizing his performance in every match.
Because Su Luo was clearly exhausted, Conte decided to rest him for the game against Swansea. Su Luo would be needed for the League Cup final in two days, so he was given a break for this match.
Chelsea's home game against Swansea was an opportunity to rotate the squad. Despite being ahead in the league by 5 points over Manchester City, it was important to manage the team's resources wisely. Chelsea took the initiative but struggled without Su Luo's playmaking. Fabregas had difficulty breaking through Swansea's defense.
The first half ended 0-0. In the second half, Chelsea finally made a breakthrough. Fabregas, having a moment of brilliance, made a pass that Pedro converted into a goal. Chelsea led 1-0.
However, just 5 minutes later, Chelsea's defense faltered. Zouma, recently back from injury, misjudged a pass to the goalkeeper, allowing Swansea's Sigurdsson to intercept. Sigurdsson crossed to Llorente, who scored a powerful header to equalize. The score was 1-1.
"It's a huge mistake!" Zhan Jun commented. "Zouma hasn't played in a while, and his form is concerning!"
"Swansea seized their opportunity well. If they hold onto this score, they could give Manchester City a chance to catch up!"
Director Zhang remarked, "Conte might consider bringing Su Luo on for the final half-hour to turn the game around."
Zhan Jun agreed. "Su Luo's presence could make a significant impact and help Chelsea finish the game strongly. But considering his recent schedule, Conte might opt to rest him for the upcoming League Cup final."
As the game approached the 70th minute with the score still tied, Conte decided it was time for a change.
"Oh? Chelsea is making a substitution!" the commentator announced. "Su Luo and Ajar are coming on!"
Zhan Jun was excited, seeing a potentially game-changing moment. The Stamford Bridge crowd erupted in cheers.
Swansea's coach Paul Clement was taken aback by the bold move. "This guy is ruthless!" he muttered.
Su Luo and Ajar replaced Mount and Pedro, instantly boosting Chelsea's attack. Ajar's continuous runs down the left flank put Swansea's defense under significant pressure. Su Luo made precise passes behind the defense, creating dangerous opportunities.
"It's Su Luo with another brilliant pass! He finds Ajar perfectly!" the commentator praised.
"Ajar cuts inside, dodges a defender, and takes a quick shot!"
The goalkeeper made a save, resulting in a Chelsea corner.
Chelsea's attack became more formidable after the substitutions, creating numerous chances. Zhang Lu applauded, "It was a great move to bring Su Luo on! He's really making a difference!"
On the pitch, Su Luo positioned himself outside the penalty area, waiting for a corner kick. He had previously made a successful pass based on his instincts, and now he was confident in his ability to make a difference. His experience and talent were becoming evident.
The last game against Wolves had been straightforward, but facing a Premier League team like Swansea, Su Luo was finding his rhythm and showing he was ready for the challenges ahead.
At the 77th minute, Chelsea continued to press their attack. Su Luo received the ball from the right side, turned swiftly, and evaded the opposing midfielder. Then, with a burst of intuition, he executed a perfectly timed through pass!
The ball sliced through the middle of the Swansea defense!
"Look at that pass!"
Ajar sprang into action, intercepting the ball before the Swansea goalkeeper could react. He skillfully maneuvered around the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net.
"What a steal! Su Luo's brilliant pass cut through the defense like a knife, and Ajar easily finished it off!"
"2:1! Chelsea takes the lead once again!"
After scoring, Ajar ran back to high-five Su Luo, his face beaming with excitement.
"That pass was incredible! How did you do it?"
"Just a routine play," Su Luo replied nonchalantly.
Inside, however, he was thrilled. He had just delivered a masterful assist entirely on instinct.
Su Luo clenched his fists, feeling more confident than ever.
As the match neared its end, Swansea, desperate to equalize, pushed forward aggressively. Zuma made a crucial defensive play, intercepting the ball and passing it to Su Luo. Without hesitation, Su Luo sent the ball to Ajar on the left.
Ajar dribbled through, skillfully evading two defenders and heading straight for goal. Once in the penalty area, he drew the goalkeeper and central defender towards him. Ajar spotted Su Luo making a run and delivered the ball into the center.
And who was there but Su Luo?
He struck the ball into the top corner from near the penalty spot with precision!
The goalkeeper had no chance as the ball hit the back of the net with a thud.
"There it is! 3:1! Su Luo's goal seals the victory for Chelsea!"
"This is Su Luo's 52nd Premier League goal! He has scored in every game for 25 rounds and averages more than 2 goals per game!"
"The miraculous Captain Huaxia continues to defy expectations!"
In the 20 minutes he played, Su Luo's partnership with Ajar led Chelsea to a 3:1 victory over Swansea. Su Luo's contribution, with one assist and one goal, was the highlight of the match.
Swansea coach Paul Clement was left frustrated.
"We had a chance, but once Su Luo and Ajar came on, I knew it was over."
Chelsea remained unbeaten in 26 Premier League rounds, with 25 wins and 1 draw, leading the table by 5 points.
However, their focus was now on the League Cup final against Liverpool, which was just two days away. Chelsea had a chance to claim their first title of the season!
Typically, the League Cup is considered less prestigious, with giants often prioritizing other competitions. For instance, Manchester United won the League Cup in the 2022-2023 season but were later beaten 7-0 by Liverpool.
The priority for most teams is Champions League ≥ League > FA Cup > League Cup.
But now that Chelsea had reached the finals, winning the title was imperative.
Conte had arranged the best possible formation for the final and announced the starting lineup a day in advance to put pressure on Liverpool.
"Chelsea has announced the starting lineup early! All the main players will be on the field, aiming for the championship!"
"Courtois/Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Rudiger/Willian, Kante, Matic, Marcos Alonso/Ajar, Lukaku, Su Luo!"
England's major media outlets covered the announcement extensively, highlighting this crucial clash.
Liverpool had been defeated by Chelsea twice in the Premier League this season. At Anfield, Liverpool lost 1-4, and at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won 2-1. Klopp had lost six consecutive matches against Su Luo!
Another defeat would be akin to conquering Meng Huo seven times.
But Klopp still struggled to find a solution. Limiting Su Luo was a challenge that even Zidane, Ancelotti, and Guardiola had failed to tackle. Simeone had a strategy but had been unsuccessful in neutralizing Su Luo.
Liverpool, now at a disadvantage, were unable to release their starting lineup. Midfielder Henderson had a minor muscle strain and his availability was uncertain.
As the two teams arrived at Wembley Stadium, the League Cup final was about to begin!
Chinese sports broadcasters largely dismissed the League Cup, with platforms like LeTV, Xinlang, and PP Sports opting not to cover it. CCTV, already struggling with Premier League broadcasts, was even less likely to cover this event.
However, Bilibili, the leading video-sharing website, acquired the broadcast rights for the League Cup. They initially aimed for the FA Cup rights but settled for the League Cup instead. They had big plans to cover the FA Cup once Xinying Sports' contract ended next season.
Despite its lower profile, the League Cup final garnered significant interest due to Su Luo's presence. Bilibili promoted the event heavily, and invited popular content creators to generate buzz.
On match day, the live stream attracted over 20 million viewers!
"Red and Blue, Liverpool!"
"Su Luo scores a hat-trick in the final!"
"Why hasn't the game started yet?"
"I've been waiting all day! Go Su Luo!"
Most viewers supported Su Luo and Chelsea, with even Liverpool fans temporarily siding against their team. The live chat exploded with excitement as Su Luo appeared on screen.
"God!"
"Mr. Golden Ball!"
"Su Luo looks so cool!"
"The face of Asia's top player!"
Su Dong provided the commentary.
"The 2016-2017 League Cup final is about to start. Can Su Luo and Ajar's partnership secure Chelsea's first title of the season?"
"Look at Su Luo's relaxed demeanor—he's ready to win the championship!"
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone