Chapter 953 - 35: When the Curtain Falls

Wembley Stadium

No one expected that when the match resumed, Chen Zhong would be so fierce. They imagined many scenarios, but never thought that Chen Zhong would stand out at such a moment and deliver a heavy blow to Manchester City.

The numbers on the electronic scoreboard were exceptionally glaring.

Real Madrid 2 - 0 Manchester City.

With a two-goal lead at halftime, even Manchester City and Guardiola felt exhausted and powerless to turn the tide.

When the whistle for the end of the first half blew, Guardiola almost ran into the locker room. His bald head reflected the overhead lights in the tunnel, and rainwater ran down his cheeks, indistinguishable from sweat or anxiety.

You could even faintly see some scratches.

The Manchester City coach was not hurting himself with his nails for the first time. It's not the first time he's scratched his own face either.

His tactical board almost slipped as he entered the locker room but was quickly stabilized by an assistant. He had to show the players confidence; he couldn't panic. Guardiola quickly calmed down.

During his long coaching career, he had often started to think.

If only I could have Chen Zhong...

The Manchester City players bowed their heads in silence through the tunnel, only heavy breathing and the sound of wet clothes rubbing against each other.

2-0, rain battle, out-of-control rhythm, and Chen Zhong, like a rock in the mud, with two heavy cannons opening the door to victory — it was a nightmare start for Manchester City, who excelled in precise passing and ball control.

In the visitors' locker room, the atmosphere was completely different.

Though equally drenched and fatigued, Real Madrid's players had burning flames in their eyes.

Alonso slapped the tactical board hard, his voice steady yet filled with undeniable power: "Well done! Guys! We executed the plan perfectly! But we're only halfway there! Remember, they won't give up! The first 15 minutes of the second half are crucial! They'll come at us like wounded beasts! Hold the line! Chen!" He turned his gaze to Chen Zhong, who was wiping his hair and cheeks with a towel, "How are you feeling?"

Chen Zhong looked up, his eyes bright, the "ease" settling into absolute focus and confidence: "Very good, Coach. The ground is slippery, making long shots and passes more effective. I'll keep looking for opportunities and help with defense."

"Good! Vinicius, Mbappe, your impact makes their defense helpless, keep it up! Camavinga, Bellingham, cover ground! Make every pass they make feel pressured!" Alonso quickly strategized, "Shrink the defense, let them have ball control, but compress their space in the thirty-meter area! Capitalize on mistakes... just like Rodri's!" His tone became heavier, "We must make them pay for advancing every time!"

Both teams made minor adjustments during halftime, and when Real Madrid and Manchester City players returned to the pitch, the sky had already started to rain.

The rain at Wembley Stadium seemed to intensify. Just as Alonso predicted, the Manchester City players' eyes burned with the fire of a desperate struggle.

After kickoff, Manchester City immediately exhibited unprecedented aggression, pushing their formations forward, and their passing rhythm suddenly accelerated. It was no longer the cautious lateral and back passes from the first half but more direct, penetrative through passes and wing crosses.

Gundogan became Manchester City's engine.

He's seemed to have a strong drive; on the slippery field, his long passes were as precise as cruise missiles, repeatedly finding Haaland at the forward line and the lively Grealish.

Haaland, using his strong body, fought hard among Real Madrid's central defenders, every jump for a header was with immense power.

In the 48th minute, Grealish received a Gundogan switch on the left wing, facing Real Madrid's defense, a nimble "fried rice" feint to change direction, he created space and crossed! The ball spun fiercely and flew into the small penalty area! Haaland held off Rudiger, jumped with all his strength! His forehead slammed into the ball heavily!

"Haaland!!!" The commentator exclaimed.

The ball struck toward the bottom left corner like a cannonball! Courtois reacted swiftly, diving against the grass, his fingertips barely deflected the ball out of bounds!

"Courtois!! World-class save! Saved Real Madrid! Haaland was just a fraction away from scoring!" The commentator's voice was filled with amazement and regret.

Manchester City's corner.

Ruben Dias, Rodri, Akanji, and other tall players all flooded into the penalty area.

On Real Madrid's side, Chen Zhong, Bellingham, Valverde, Rudiger, and other tall players also stood their ground.

Gundogan took the corner, the arc was perfect!

In the crowd, Rodri overpowered Rudiger and headed the ball at the goal! Courtois once again incredibly punched the ball out!

Rudiger felt somewhat unbelievable to be twice overpowered by Rodri.

Rodri clearly had a pent-up force during this period, but such force can't last long.

In the second half, Real Madrid mostly aimed for stability; with a two-goal advantage, they needed to wear down Manchester City's spirit and then, at the right moment, deliver a fatal strike.

Manchester City's fierce attack began! Their ball control rate soared, firmly pressing Real Madrid back into their half.

Continuous corners, free kicks, and far-shot attempts near the penalty area constantly tested Courtois and Real Madrid's defense.