Chapter 954 - 35: When the Curtain Falls! (2)

Guardiola could hardly sit down on the sidelines, constantly waving his arms and shouting loudly, demanding the players maintain high pressure and speed up the pace. His eyes were filled with anxiety, knowing that if they hadn't scored a goal by the 70th minute, the team's stamina would decrease.

Wanting to equalize or surpass would almost become an impossible task.

Real Madrid's defensive line was like a reef in a storm, enduring continuous and fierce impact.

Chen Zhong's figure appeared more frequently at the top of his team's penalty area arc and flanks. He used precise anticipation and a strong body to repeatedly intercept Manchester City's horizontal passes or make destructive clearances in critical areas.

Every successful defense was accompanied by his steady shout, directing his teammates' positioning.

This also caused Guardiola to let out disappointed sighs time and again, but Manchester City's efforts were not in vain; after all, they are a world-class team.

68th minute!

Manchester City's continuous high pressure finally tore a crack open.

Bernardo Silva, after a wall pass with Gundogan on the right, cut into the penalty area. Facing the defending Rudiger, he calmly passed back in a reverse triangle to the edge of the penalty area near the penalty spot! That area was deliberately opened up by Manchester City's players!

Gundogan arrived swiftly! Taking a step to set up his shot, his supporting foot splashing the wet grass, his right leg straightened for a signature low strike! The ball sliced through the dense crowd like a surgical knife, aiming for the bottom right corner of the goal!

Courtois' vision was blocked, and his reaction was slightly delayed!

Swish!

The ball went into the net with a sound!

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!

Manchester City 1 - 2 Real Madrid!

Wembley Stadium was instantly drowned in a tidal wave of cheers from Manchester City fans! Blue flags fluttered wildly! Gundogan charged towards the corner flag in a mad roar, and all Manchester City players pounced on him! Guardiola jumped up in excitement, fists clenched tightly, as if a heavy burden was lifted!

"Gundogan!!! A world-class midfielder! A world-class goal! At the most crucial moment, Manchester City's core stood up! He used an exceptionally calm low strike to claw back a goal for Manchester City! The match has suspense again! 1-2! The suspense is back!" The commentator's voice was passionately high-pitched.

Real Madrid players were somewhat frustrated, as their defensive line under sustained pressure finally showed a slight relaxation, giving the opponent a fleeting opportunity. Chen Zhong, hands on hips, watched the celebrating Manchester City players, his gaze sharp as a knife. He took a deep breath, rain pouring into his mouth, but it only made him more alert.

Having pulled one back, Manchester City's morale was boosted! They saw hope, attacking more frantically, almost recklessly pressing forward. Real Madrid, caught off guard by the sudden goal, appeared somewhat passive, and passing errors began to increase.

Alonso decisively made adjustments.

He wasn't surprised by this goal, having anticipated that the team might concede, he shouted to the players on the field, lowering his hands, signaling everyone to remain calm and regain the pace and control of the match.

After all, they still held a one-goal advantage, and he hoped the team could find an opportunity to counterattack.

His expectation was on Chen Zhong, but when he saw Chen Zhong panting heavily, he knew what was more important.

The match entered a fever pitch stage.

Both sides engaged in fierce tackling in the midfield, with their actions becoming increasingly intense.

Mud covered everyone's jerseys and faces, each slide tackle leaving long muddy streaks.

The referee's whistle sounded frequently, and yellow cards began to appear.

Chen Zhong's stamina was visibly declining.

Having exhausted himself in the first half with relentless running and two heavy cannon shots, coupled with focused defensive efforts in the early part of the second half, he was now panting heavily after chasing back Gundogan, bending over with his hands on his knees, white mist visibly exhaling in the cold rain.

Guardiola caught this instantly, signaling Foden on the bench to warm up.

75th minute, Guardiola played his last two cards: Foden replaced Grealish! These were two energetic and unpredictable attacking points, intended for a final push during Real Madrid's physical challenge phase.

Alonso also responded.

86th minute, he made a crucial and bold substitution: Ding Wei replaced the hero of the match, Chen Zhong! Bringing on a defensive player.

When the fourth official raised the substitution board, 10 going off, Ding Wei coming on, the entire Wembley Stadium erupted into thunderous applause! All Real Madrid fans stood, regardless of alliance, even many Manchester City fans joined in the clapping!

Everyone understood that this legend, possibly bidding farewell to the peak stage, had already demonstrated with two stunning goals and a comprehensive leadership presence in this epic rain battle what it means to be a "clutch player"!

Chen Zhong slowly jogged to the sidelines, wiped the rain and sweat off his face, exhausted but content.

He vigorously high-fived and embraced Ding Wei, then walked towards Alonso, the two embracing tightly.

Alonso whispered something in his ear, and Chen Zhong nodded firmly.

As he stepped off the grass and onto the hard edge outside the field, the applause reached its peak. He raised both hands, saluting the four stands. At this moment, victory and defeat seemed to be temporarily forgotten, as people honored a warrior's magnificent performance on the most important stage.

Ding Wei's entry injected fresh energy and a shield into Real Madrid's midfield.

The three defensive midfielders, consisting of him, Camavinga, and Valverde, effectively intercepted Manchester City's penetration through the center.

This was also Ding Wei's first appearance on such a prestigious stage, and his role as a defensive midfielder, this young central defender who showed promise in the provincial super league, is considered another miracle from the East since landing in England, nicknamed "Lord Xiao Fan," and could be a dream machine for the elder Fan, considering that the former General Fan nearly joined Liverpool.

Ding Wei, standing at 187CM, is precise in tackles and excels in physical contests, although he lacks a bit in aerial ability, but at 21, he is already a prominent candidate for the national team's main defender.

Now, the main players of the Chinese national team are those who play in the top five leagues, and China, South Korea, and Japan also have the most national team players from clubs within Asia's scope in the top five leagues.

Before joining Real Madrid, Ding Wei had played at Southampton for 2 years.

Southampton-produced central defenders are well-known, the most famous being Van Dijk, currently playing for Liverpool, and he is also considered one of the near-perfect center backs in the game.

After gaining prominence in the provincial super league, Ding Wei was brought to England by Southampton, known for collecting central defenders. At 20, during the 2023-2024 season, he made no mistakes in his starting appearances.

For most players, a starting appearance with no errors could be considered a perfect debut.

In his second season, his appearances for Southampton began to increase, and he showed some brilliant performances, leading some to believe he could become the "second Pepe."

Real Madrid also holds great expectations for him, and his appearance in this match seemingly marks a new era transition.

Real Madrid began trying to control the tempo, and Ding Wei produced some excellent performances, with his abundant stamina somewhat relieving Real Madrid's defensive pressure.

In the last ten minutes of the match, under the torrential rain at Wembley, the ultimate suffocating offense and defense ensued.

Manchester City threw everything forward, nearly forming a half-court offensive drill.

Haaland, like a giant tower, repeatedly assaulted Real Madrid's defense.

Corner kick! Manchester City's last chance! Gundogan delivered, Haaland rose above Ding Wei for a header! The ball grazed the crossbar and flew out of bounds!

Ding Wei, when facing a top European center forward, was indeed a bit lacking.

However, he did cause interference, and Haaland does need to work on his heading ability.

In the third minute of injury time, Manchester City had their last attack.

The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the match!

Final score: Real Madrid 2 - 1 Manchester City!

(End of this volume)