Chi Meiya
Chapter 276 The New Champions League King!
Their tactics were successful, always taking the lead, but unfortunately, they were always equalized.
When their stamina was destined to become an issue, Jardim changed his tactics again, retreating with the entire team.
Unfortunately, his disciples were young and vigorous, dominating Ligue 1, even Paris Saint-Germain was no match.
Why couldn't they defeat Manchester City?
In the last ten minutes or so, they started pressing all over the field again.
As a result, they made a very serious mistake.
Pressing all over the field creates very big loopholes in the defense.
Monaco's players paid the price for their rashness.
Now that things had come to this, they were naturally even more frustrated, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the attack, thinking about how to get the score back!
So, after the kickoff, Monaco chose to push forward with their entire army, launching a frenzied assault on Manchester City's defense.
Amidst the cheers of the fans in the entire stadium, Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Lemar, this group of young people began a series of attacks.
They used their individual abilities, sparing no effort, to launch a full-scale offensive against Manchester City's three lines!
De Bruyne and Sterling also had to retreat completely to protect their victory.
Jesus wanted to fall back, but seeing Zhao Gang's gesture, he stayed at the forefront alone, not returning, so Monaco's players had to keep an eye on Jesus at all times.
This was a two-legged contest. Although Monaco was a little anxious now, they hadn't reached the end of the road. When attacking, they had to ensure that they wouldn't lose any more goals, so someone had to watch Jesus; not everyone could rush up at once.
"Monaco's attack has been very frequent during this period. They are not willing to lose the game at their home stadium like this!
Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Falcao, shooting! Stones' interception, Stones showed a very high level of competition in this game.
Fabinho's second ball, lofted into the penalty area! Falcao didn't get it, Falcao doesn't have the height advantage, if it was a tall center forward like Ibrahimovic, he might have been able to finish the shot.
Otamendi clears, Fernandinho gets the ball… Delph… stolen by Bakayoko, Fernandinho's counter-attack, Manchester City's backfield is very chaotic!
Zhao Gang, Zhao Gang got the ball! Surrounded by three people… no passing opportunity, it's difficult to get out, fell… no foul, the referee didn't blow the whistle, Silva, Lemar, pass to Mbappe!
Mbappe, Mbappe! Dribbled past Zabaleta, small angle!"
He Shiren's voice rose, and the hearts of the fans watching the game also rose. Every dangerous attack by Monaco made Manchester City fans worry.
They couldn't relax for a moment.
And Monaco's fans were so nervous that they were deliberately making it difficult, they widened their eyes, unwilling to leave the screen for a moment.
Praying in their hearts, they must score one!
Mbappe! Mbappe!
This rising star, who will definitely be the core of France in the future, will deliver a fatal blow to Manchester City!!
Bang!!
Mbappe used all his strength to sweep the ball, Bravo, who came out to attack, opened his body, and his left leg touched the ball, reducing the force of the ball and slightly changing its direction, but the ball was still heading towards the goal!
Zhao Gang was standing outside the penalty area, unable to return to defense in time, watching the ball, his heart trembled.
Guardiola stood blankly on the sidelines, stunned like a statue.
Jardim clenched his fists, his heart in his throat, it was going to be a fatal blow, a fatal blow!!
In the stands, whether it was Manchester City fans or Monaco fans, they all stood up at this time, their palms sweating, as if time had stopped, motionless, tensing their bodies, watching closely!
The ball rolled towards the goal, He Shiren took a breath, bad, an empty goal!
"Stones, Stones! Super clearance on the goal line!!!"
Mbappe watched the ball rush into the goal, and he was almost ready to celebrate. Stones in the middle slid towards the goal, desperately using his left foot to hook the ball out from the goal line, and then crashed into the net!
The ball stopped on the goal line, Stones rushed too fast, no chance for a second clearance!
"The ball is still on the goal line, it hasn't been cleared yet!"
In an instant, Bravo scrambled back, Mbappe and Falcao accelerated instantly, rushing towards the ball!
Stones slid into the net, struggling and unable to get up, twisting his neck, trying to clear with his head.
Go for it!
Bang!!!
On the goal line, a black shadow flashed past, Delph, who had retreated back, kicked the ball out before Stones.
The ball went out of the penalty area!
Mbappe and Falcao rushed over, one covering his head and kneeling directly on the ground, the other with a ferocious expression, roaring to the sky.
Just a split second away!
Delph lost his balance and fell directly, sitting on Stones.
Then quickly got up and, together with Bravo who had rushed back, stood on the goal line, ready to continue blocking shots at any time!
Throughout the stands, there was a burst of intense regret.
Monaco fans were in disbelief, their eyes scattered, looking at Manchester City's goal with near despair.
The Monaco commentator, who had been passionate and almost hoarse a moment ago, jumped up.
At this moment, he was like a wilted eggplant, without energy.
"Goal line clearance! Stones, Delph! Really saved Manchester City! They did not let down Zhao's godlike performance in this game!
Really… let's watch this ball first, watch… oh, oh…" The Manchester City commentator was unparalleled, his face flushed with excitement.
The ball that went out of the penalty area was intercepted by Zhao Gang, and then he half-turned and blasted it towards the frontcourt.
The players from both sides, who hadn't recovered from the crazy continuous attack just now, were mostly in the penalty area.
They watched the ball fly towards the frontcourt somewhat sluggishly.
Jesus added fuel to the fire, the Brazilian pony fully launched.
Taking off!
From his own half, flying towards the opposite hinterland!
Raggi struggled to chase behind, his legs feeling like they weren't his own anymore.
In the blink of an eye, Jesus had rushed to the edge of the penalty area!
"Subasic, Subasic is out!"
Subasic hesitated, watching Raggi desperately chase back, he ran out of the goal, stretched his body near the penalty spot, preparing to block!
Jesus did not shoot, but chose to dribble past the goalkeeper!
He shifted his center of gravity and quickly broke through to the right. Subasic pounced desperately, didn't touch the ball, but grabbed Jesus' ankle with one hand!
Thump…
Jesus fell in the penalty area!
Drip!!!
The referee, who had been running with Jesus halfway and hadn't reached the vicinity of the penalty area, blew his whistle!
Pointing to the penalty spot!
Subasic got up and ran towards the referee. Raggi, who hadn't returned to defense, turned around and stared with wide eyes, wanting to open his mouth and appeal to the referee.
A group of Monaco players all ran over.
In the stands, Monaco fans booed wildly, trying to interfere with the referee.
Regular time had ended, with six minutes of stoppage time. At this time, awarding a penalty would completely ruin Monaco!
The referee took out a yellow card, completely ignoring the appeals of the Monaco players.
De Bruyne, Sterling, and Jesus, who had climbed up, also gathered in front of the referee, cheering him on.
You're right, you have discerning eyes!
UEFA needs a referee like you!!
"Well, Jesus! This penalty is indeed not controversial. Subasic pulled down Jesus in the penalty area. The ball was still within Jesus' control!
Penalty!
Jesus' performance in this game was indeed very exciting, scoring twice and creating a penalty!"
The Monaco players surrounded the referee. They knew that there was little chance of changing the penalty, but this could affect the referee and also affect the mentality of the Manchester City players.
Jardim on the sidelines scratched his head, what's going on?
They could have drawn, but they lost one goal instead.
Now, they're likely to lose two.
These young people, why did they…
Jardim sighed, gritted his teeth and shook his head.
The referee firmly ruled a penalty, separated the Monaco players, and walked towards the penalty spot.
At this time, Zhao Gang also ran over.
Subasic stood in front of Zhao Gang, holding the ball in both hands and handing it to Zhao Gang.
As soon as Zhao Gang reached out, Subasic suddenly withdrew his hand and patted the ball backward.
At this time, it was a dead ball state. This behavior was despicable, but it did not violate the rules.
He wanted to use every means to affect Zhao Gang's state and make him explode.
"Subasic, really…"
"Damn, he can't afford to lose!!"
"Just doing these little tricks!"
"Damn it, kick him in the face! Kick this traitor to death!!"
The Long Country fans watching the game were filled with righteous indignation when they saw this scene, wishing they could surround Subasic and beat him up.
Subasic picked up the ball and looked at Zhao Gang provocatively.
Zhao Gang shook his head, not taking it seriously.
Jesus was on the side, staring straight at Subasic, rushed over and snatched the ball away!
Subasic was stunned for a moment, then yelled and fell to the ground, starting to roll around.
Monaco got excited, pointing at Jesus, accusing him of his behavior.
The referee looked at Jesus, Jesus held the ball and ran to Zhao Gang, shoving the ball into Zhao Gang's arms.
Jesus turned his head and stared fiercely at Subasic who was lying on the ground.
This is my brother's ball, he's about to break the record, what are you snatching!!
"Hehe… this Jesus is quite interesting!"
"It seems like he wanted Zhao Gang to give him a penalty before, but this time he went straight up to grab it. I thought he was going to hold the ball and take it himself! But he gave it to Zhao Gang!"
"I didn't like him very much before, but this guy is quite loyal! Good job, kid!"
"The kid scored two goals and became enlightened. His path is getting wider and wider!"
Zhao Gang held the ball. He used to be very uncomfortable with this kind of flattering behavior. His personality determined that he would be very awkward when faced with other people's flattery and praise, not knowing how to respond.
This is not a commendable thing. This kind of personality will make people feel indifferent and unapproachable.
Now, he is used to it a lot.
"Good job!" Zhao Gang even replied, quite affirming Jesus' actions.
As the referee blew his whistle, Zhao Gang placed the ball on the penalty spot, and all the players left the penalty area.
Subasic's rolling around did not work, but he believed that this would definitely affect Zhao Gang.
He took a deep breath, pursed his lips, his eyes firm, and then smashed his fists together.
Muttering in his mouth, you can't kick it in, you can't kick it in!
The penalty kick is the most psychologically testing part of the football field, and it is also the part that makes countless fans tremble with tension.
For some particularly important games, such as the World Cup, European Cup, Champions League final, when facing penalty kicks, let alone fans, even some coaches dare not watch.
It can be seen how tense it is.
In the stands, some fans with weaker psychological qualities had lowered their heads and were praying silently.
Monaco fans were begging God to show his spirit, don't score any more, another goal would make the next round even more difficult.
The Manchester City fans were slightly less nervous, after all, this was their penalty, and it was taken by Zhao Gang, whom they trusted very much.
They all pursed their lips and took a deep breath.
Zhao Gang walked forward, without much fluctuation in his heart.
He wouldn't be too nervous in this kind of situation.
If it were the Champions League final, it might make him panic a little.
Or a game in the Long Country national team, facing a penalty kick would make him psychologically unbalanced.
This Champions League round of 16, especially leading away, his state was very stable.
Glancing at Subasic, Zhao Gang slowly took two steps back.
"Zhao Gang, this is a very, very important penalty for him and for the fans who are watching him!
Because if this penalty is scored, he will surpass Ronaldo and exclusively enjoy the Champions League goal record for a single season!
Just ten minutes ago, we cheered for him to tie Ronaldo's goal record. We didn't expect the opportunity to break the record to come so quickly!"
The Long Country fans clenched their fists, listening to the commentator's words, their hearts were raised, what a glorious moment this would be!
Not side by side with Ronaldo, but surpassing the King of the Champions League in the Champions League!!
"Zhao Gang doesn't seem too nervous, his mentality has been very stable."
It didn't seem to be worth him being nervous and excited to surpass Ronaldo.
And Ronaldo in front of the screen was expressionless, sitting on the sofa, holding his hands together and placing them in front of his mouth, staring at the screen.
He never thought that anyone could break his goal record.
Even more, he wouldn't have thought that someone would break his record in just six games.
This is simply a miracle.
Also watching the game were Florentino and Real Madrid coach Zidane.
Zidane was extremely impressed with this young man.
Countless fans stared at Zhao Gang's movements. When he took his run-up, many people held their breath!
"Zhao Gang! Run-up!" He Shiren's heart clenched when he saw Zhao Gang's movements, "It's a Panenka, a Panenka!! Oh my god!! The 18th goal in the Champions League!! Zhao Gang used a Panenka penalty to complete the surpass of Ronaldo!
This is a moment worth remembering for all fans! Zhao Gang chose such a way to pay tribute!"
Subasic, who was faked out, sat on the goal line, pounding his head, depressed in his heart, not only because he lost the penalty, but also because he became a background board.
The goal record for a single Champions League season.
This record is not only significant, but also extremely weighty.
Ronaldo's King of the Champions League is largely due to this goal record.
Guardiola just clenched his fist to celebrate, but the Manchester City players had gone crazy.
They rushed towards Zhao Gang and directly pressed him to the ground, stacking up like arhats.
On the bench, a group of players followed and rushed to the sidelines, jumping up like crazy, this posture was very similar to winning the Premier League.
The first Champions League journey, at only nineteen years old, he had already done this.
Fans far away in Manchester jumped up with excitement, embraced each other warmly, and smashed their wine glasses wantonly.
In Norwich County, a large number of fans hugged their heads, covered their faces, and were in tears.
"Another record! Champions League goal record! Too strong, the ceiling of Long Country players!"
"Wrong, no one in Asia can reach it!"
"No one in the world can reach it!"
"Look, look at the interaction between the Manchester City players and Zhao Gang, look at Jesus' previous rebellious look, and his flattering behavior now…
Zhao Gang really conquered the Manchester City players with his strength.
Real status!"
"Not quite a locker room boss, because Guardiola himself is the locker room boss. But all the Manchester City players are convinced by him."
"Damn, I'm so excited, too strong."
"Manchester City is so united, Monaco is basically going to be eliminated. As long as they make fewer mistakes, they are likely to win the Champions League!
This season's Premier League title is also stable. If they defeat Arsenal at the end of the month, the League Cup title, and then eliminate Chelsea in the FA Cup, that's almost another title!
Too exciting to look forward to!"
Ronaldo sighed and turned off the TV.
This moment came too fast.
According to this trend, averaging three goals per game in the Champions League, this record will continue to climb to a terrible number.
I'm afraid only he can break his own single-season goal record.
Zidane couldn't help but reach out and clap his hands.
This was a Panenka of telepathy.
The confidence of a genius, this penalty reminded him of his Panenka penalty against Italy in the World Cup.
That time, he showed the world his master level.
Unfortunately, there was a little regret left. The farewell to the national team was not perfect.
Zhao Gang this time, had no regrets.
This record, a Panenka, announced to the world, the new King of the Champions League, is coming!
After that, the Monaco players launched several fierce attacks, but there were no substantial threats.
Drip, drip drip!!
The referee blew the whistle to end the game.
Manchester City won 5:3 against the fierce Monaco, who had a group of rising stars, on the road.
It looked like they had taken a victory with some difficulty.
In early March, Monaco will go to the Etihad for the second leg of the round of 16.
To advance, they need to win by three or more goals, or win by two goals and exceed Manchester City's 5 away goals.
This is a bit difficult for them.
It is a very difficult task for any team.
"Monaco is not without a chance. The impact of their lineup is very strong, and Manchester City is considered a depleted team. Aguero, Silva, and Gundogan are injured, and the new recruits cannot play.
This was originally a very good opportunity, and the scene was not at a disadvantage, but unfortunately… unfortunately, their defense also has big problems, and they encountered the super Zhao who habitually goes berserk in the Champions League. They lost this game a bit aggrieved.
Zhao… oh my god, all five of Manchester City's goals were directly involved by him. His performance in the league is already one of a kind. I didn't expect that he has evolved again in the Champions League!
His existence makes Manchester City's tactics very rich. He can pass the ball, break through, shoot, and he is young enough to run all over the field.
His existence makes Manchester City more powerful in the transition between offense and defense.
It is really difficult to use a certain player to limit his performance. If Monaco wants to advance… although it is as difficult as reaching the sky, they must always have dreams, provided that they can find a way to limit Zhao.
In my opinion, Monaco has almost no chance.
Monaco's Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Lemar, these excellent young players, were considered by many people before the game to be able to compete with Zhao.
Some people also believe that Fabinho and Bakayoko's midfield defense can limit Zhao.
Looking at it now, Fabinho's game was simply a disaster, and Bakayoko was even more invisible.
Mbappe, Silva, Lemar, their performance was indeed very good.
But… compared to Zhao, they almost lost their color.
The three of them tied together, there is indeed a chance to be on par with Zhao.
We once again congratulate this young man from Long Country for breaking the single-season Champions League goal record of the King of the Champions League, Ronaldo!
He is still moving forward and can raise this record to a terrifying height!"
Zhao Gang's performance in this knockout match made some Monaco fans feel like they were in another world.
When those media interviewed these fans, they felt that their football world view was about to collapse.
"Didn't you see it yourself? Why are you interviewing me? He's just like kicking students in kindergarten! The young players we've been touting are really just kids in front of him!"
"It's really a ghost! I thought Mbappe was the strongest young man! How can there be such a person?
Falcao and Mbappe put together, haven't played against him!"
"Did you see his passing? If he were in Monaco, Mbappe could score five… could score eight goals a game!"
"This guy kicks free kicks like he kicks penalty kicks, and kicks penalty kicks like he plays games."
"We just lost to him."
"The result is a bit difficult to accept, but losing is losing… it shouldn't be! How could this happen???"
"Um… I think we should buy him. Last season, our management wanted to buy him. At that time, our fans thought he was too young and far from Ibrahimovic. Some people even scolded the management, thinking they were pigs, why spend money to buy lottery tickets, we should buy more powerful players who are ready to fight. Looking at it now, our vision is too short-sighted. He is definitely stronger than Ibrahimovic.
If he can become our player, we can really beat Monaco, and we can go further in the Champions League." This is a Paris Saint-Germain fan.
Zhao Gang made many Monaco fans admire him with this game.
It is conceivable what the rest of the fans who watched the game thought.
The Monaco players were still brooding over this defeat, but they had to admit that Zhao Gang's performance was so strong that it exceeded their knowledge.
Fabinho, who later grew into a world-class defensive midfielder at Liverpool, shook his head, with an unhappy face, but there was nothing he could do.
"Before, I watched the game between Manchester City and Real Madrid. I thought Casemiro was just like that. Today I realized that I have too little knowledge."