章 175: Chapter 175 Mvp Overturns Real Madrid! Being Targeted By Zidane?
When Union Berlin scored their second goal, the Real Madrid coach realized that it might be difficult for them to win this game. Union Berlin would defend deeply, counterattack, and keep putting pressure on Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't in top form today. He was disturbed by Su Luo's defense and frequently made irrational decisions. For instance, instead of passing to open teammates, Ronaldo chose to shoot from outside the penalty area. Most of his shots were blocked by defenders, resulting in counterattacks.
Real Madrid's aerial attacks were also well-defended by Union Berlin in the second half. With plenty of defenders, they helped the full-backs stop crosses from both sides. Real Madrid's crosses from the left were often intercepted by Lima, with Su Luo's assistance, while Marcelo struggled to deliver effective crosses.
Kicking off from the right side was safer, and Rudiger's defense zone wasn't under too much pressure. Lima used his positioning and anticipation to clear high balls, eliminating the danger of aerial threats. Real Madrid couldn't penetrate, and neither Ronaldo nor Bale's individual breakthroughs were effective. Their only option was to shoot from long range.
Fabianski, determined to make up for his first-half error, used excellent goal-line technology and reaction speed to repeatedly block Real Madrid's threatening shots. There were a total of eight shots in the second half, six of which were long shots, and four were from Ronaldo. Union Berlin defenders blocked two, and Fabianski saved the rest.
"Facing Su Luo's defense, Ronaldo doesn't choose to break through but takes a step horizontally!"
"A sudden long shot!!"
"Brilliant save by Fabianski! He stays focused and denies Ronaldo's shot!"
"...It's Ronaldo again, this time crossing to the middle and another kick at the top of the arc!"
"Fabianski!! Another flying save!"
"To be honest, except for that one error, Fabianski's performance has been stellar."
Duan Xuan noted that although Ronaldo's shots were wild, some were still quite threatening. Against mediocre goalkeepers, he might have scored. Fabianski seemed determined to redeem himself, making several spectacular saves.
Xu Yang nodded in agreement. "Yes, Fabianski's ability is good, but he can be unstable, like a ticking time bomb."
He seemed in good condition, but who knew when a low-level mistake would ruin a good situation.
With Real Madrid showing no improvement in the last 10 minutes, Zidane attempted to change the game with substitutions. James Rodriguez, who had sat on the bench for half a season, replaced Toni Kroos, and Isco replaced Modric.
Seeing this substitution, Su Luo knew the game was in the bag. Modric had been a constant threat, and Su Luo often intercepted his passes. The two Modrics battled in midfield, making the real Modric very uncomfortable. It seemed like Su Luo had guessed all his moves, preventing him from dominating the midfield, leading to his substitution by Isco. Zidane hoped Isco's ball-handling and breakthrough ability would create opportunities.
As Modric left the field, he glanced at Su Luo one last time. "This Chinese player...why does it feel like he can always read my mind? Strange!"
Modric shook his head and walked off the field, dazed.
With the substitution time and the game in a stalemate, Real Madrid had only 5 minutes left. They didn't seize the moment to attack. Considering this was an away game in a two-leg match, they aimed to hold an away goal advantage and win at home. A 2-1 loss wasn't unacceptable for Real Madrid, so they shrank their defense and gave up possession.
Su Luo finally understood Zidane's strategy. Although he put on an offensive player, he actually wanted to use speed and Isco's running ability to limit Berlin's midfielders and add fast ball-handling points for counterattacks.
In the end, Zidane used up all his substitutions. Benzema left the field, and defender Nacho came on to strengthen the defense. Ronaldo moved to play center forward, and Isco shifted to the left.
Seeing Real Madrid's conservative approach, Union Berlin launched a final offensive, aiming to expand their lead for the away game. However, they couldn't attack on a large scale and needed to conserve energy for the second leg at the Bernabeu.
With 5 minutes of stoppage time, the front line was basically a 3v7 situation. Su Luo, Verhorst, and Sane were up front. Union Berlin used up their substitution quota, with Quining replacing Forsberg. Su Luo moved to the attacking midfielder position, slightly increasing the number of offensive players to a 4v7 situation.
As Sane had created the second goal with a breakthrough on the left, Real Madrid closely guarded him. Quining, who had just come on the right side, didn't attract much attention. Noticing this, Su Luo devised a plan.
As the game entered stoppage time, Union Berlin led Real Madrid 2-1. Su Luo continued to pass the ball in midfield with Kimmich and Keita, patiently looking for opportunities. The more critical the moment, the less anxious they were, to avoid giving Real Madrid a chance to counter.
Ronaldo and Bale were waiting for their moment!
Su Luo remembered the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League final, where Atletico Madrid led 1-0 the entire game, only for Ramos to equalize in the 4th minute of stoppage time, forcing overtime.
Until the final whistle, there must be no complacency!
"Su Luo holds the ball in midfield, signaling his teammates to stay calm."
Zhan Jun noticed this detail. "This score isn't safe for Union Berlin. Su Luo's calmness in such a tense moment shows his maturity beyond his years."
"Yes, since becoming captain, Su Luo has become more like a seasoned master."
Zhang Lu felt emotional. Despite his young and handsome face, Su Luo's composure and leadership were akin to veterans like Pirlo, Xavi, and Xabi Alonso.
"However, Union Berlin relies heavily on Sane. Su Luo frequently passes to the left, creating breakthrough opportunities for Sane... Real Madrid has invested more defenders on that side."
Director Zhang felt that relying too much on one strategy was risky. While Sane's ability was outstanding, over-dependence on one side could be problematic.
Zhan Jun had a faint feeling that Su Luo had another plan in mind.
With 3 minutes left in stoppage time, Su Luo retreated to the midfield to catch the ball.
"Nice, Su Luo spins away from James in a Marseille turn!"
At this stage of the game, Su Luo's 10-minute experience cards have already been used up. Real Madrid's strength is formidable, and Su Luo has done well to perform at this level. The rest is all up to him.
The pressure from Modric made his head throb, but Su Luo endured the discomfort. He dribbled past Ronaldo with skill and continued forward. Casemiro, Isco, and Bale converged on him from three directions. Only Carvajal remained on Sane's side.
Su Luo managed a precise pass through the narrow gap, finding Carvajal's blind spot.
"Through ball! Su Luo..."
Carvajal was momentarily stunned and didn't catch up in time. By the time he turned, the red figure had already accelerated past him, instantly outpacing Carvajal and another defender.
"Sane!!! He's incredibly fast! He receives the pass from Su Luo, takes advantage of his position, and heads toward the penalty area!"
In an instant, Casemiro, Bale, Pepe, and Carvajal surrounded Sane. Another step, and he'd be trapped.
The old Sane might have forced a shot or tried to break through, but after half a year of recovery, he'd changed. Before being surrounded, he sent the ball out in an inverted triangle pass.
"Su Luo—"
Zhan Jun exclaimed!
Su Luo, after passing the ball, had sprinted forward to receive it just outside the penalty area! Verhorst made a diagonal run, drawing Ramos away. Su Luo moved the ball horizontally, creating space for a shot!
Every Real Madrid player was focused on him! A group of white jerseys closed in, and Marcelo even attempted a sliding tackle to bring him down. But before Marcelo could reach him, Su Luo poked the ball out of reach!
The killer who had been waiting for nearly 10 minutes finally arrived!
Su Luo and Sane had completely disrupted Real Madrid's defense. In a radius of 5 meters, no one noticed this unassuming German boy—Quining. Not even Navas had his eye on him.
With the hopes of half of Berlin, Quining slid the ball to his dominant foot, aimed at the goal frame, and confidently struck!
"Quining!!!"
"A close corner! It's a goal!"
"In the last 2 minutes of stoppage time, Sane and Su Luo's continuous breakthroughs have completely unraveled Real Madrid's defense!"
"Su Luo delivers a crucial assist, and the unmarked Quining easily finds the back of the net!"
"3-1! Union Berlin extends their lead!"
With his hands in his pockets, Zidane calmly observed the erupting stadium. Now at 3-1, he could only accept the result. The bad news was the loss, but the good news was the away goal. Next, he had to consider their strategy for the return leg at the Bernabeu. He didn't despair, knowing that at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid would be at their best, the true overlord of Europe.
"Su Luo, this is just the beginning... At the Bernabeu, you'll feel our true power."
The referee blew the final whistle, and Berlin erupted in celebration.
"The game is over! With Su Luo's 2 goals and 1 assist, Union Berlin defeats the mighty Real Madrid 3-1 at home!"
"But the series isn't over yet! The final battle at the Bernabeu awaits!"
"The suspense will be revealed next week!"
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