Manchester City players, under Zhao Gang's command, positioned themselves extremely far apart in the backfield. A successful interception by the opponent would create a huge crisis.

But the advantage was that the opposing team needed to commit more troops to press effectively, and this formation offered more passing routes and choices. As long as their technical skills were sufficient, they could pass the ball out before being pressed.

This could stretch the opponent's midfield and forward players to a greater extent, causing significant problems in their defense.

Zhao Gang stood in the center, becoming the hub, constantly receiving passes from around him and then distributing the ball to others.

If Monaco wanted to stop this, they would need more people to approach Zhao Gang, forming an encirclement, but this would weaken their threat to the others. With Zhao Gang's ability, he could easily pass the ball out.

On the field, the situation looked very unstable. Monaco ran constantly, seemingly able to steal the ball at any moment and launch a counterattack, but in reality, Manchester City's passing was as steady as Mount Tai.

The wide-angle view of the broadcast was completely different from the live view.

Monaco players were quite far away from the passes, making it difficult to get the ball.

The space in the backfield was too large. After trying to steal the ball for almost two minutes, Monaco players realized that the effect wasn't good. At this rate, they would exhaust themselves first.

So, they changed their tactics and began to concentrate their forces near the midfield, preventing Manchester City players from bringing the ball smoothly across the midfield line.

Manchester City wanted to score, but they had to get past the midfield first, right?

This tactical change led to a clash in the midfield between the two sides.

Manchester City players did start to lose possession of the ball more often.

However, after losing possession, Manchester City would quickly launch a counter-press, delaying Monaco's attacking opportunities.

This was also a point that Guardiola emphasized greatly.

This scenario was most vividly demonstrated in Manchester City's clashes with Liverpool.

Losing the ball was normal; what wasn't normal was watching the opponent organize a sharp and effective counterattack!

At this point, the ball possession shifted more frequently between the two sides, but because of the frantic midfield battle, it was difficult for Monaco to quickly threaten Manchester City's penalty area and form dangerous attacks as before.

Overall, Manchester City's ball possession was still higher. Although it was Monaco's home game, Monaco's tactics were pressing and counterattacking, so their ball possession was naturally lower.

In addition, Monaco wasn't good at playing possession football. They were used to giving up possession, which was similar to the French team that dominated football a few years later. Whether facing strong teams or weak teams, even with world-class personnel, they preferred to play counterattacks, using their super-strong impact to make the opponent's beautiful ball possession as illusory as a reflection in a mirror.

In the twenty-fifth minute of the match, Monaco, who had been pressing in the midfield, finally completed another steal. This time it was Bernardo Silva, who, facing Manchester City's quick counter-press, flicked the ball out and directly to Lemar, who had cut in on the left!

This time, Lemar didn't choose to pass because he was the fastest and had already rushed to the front!

He dribbled the ball all the way, while Mbappe and Falcao in the center both began to accelerate!

Mbappe was even faster, shaking off his long legs and rushing forward!

Zhao Gang followed closely behind, using all his strength to retreat and defend.

The referee, running back, was left far behind by the two!

Zabaleta saw that Lemar was very fast, and whether he cut inside or passed, it would pose a great threat.

Lemar chose to cut inside, preparing to get past Zabaleta before making a decision, whether to pass or continue to break through.

Zabaleta didn't hesitate and directly pushed Lemar to the ground on the turf.

The referee didn't hesitate at all and immediately blew his whistle.

The distance was about four or five meters outside the left side of the penalty area.

At this distance, a shot on goal was possible, but a combination play would be even better.

Lemar's free-kick technique was very strong.

Not strong in shooting directly, but very strong in combining with teammates.

His passes had excellent power, allowing his teammates to receive the ball and shoot very comfortably.

Lemar looked at the distance and realized that there wasn't much chance to shoot directly. It would be best to do a combination play.

After a run-up, Lemar swept the ball towards the center.

Mbappe suddenly appeared again at the near post and received the ball!

Behind him, Zhao Gang, who had also rushed over quickly, directly blocked his turning angle.

Mbappe simply volleyed the ball directly!

The distance was too far, and Zhao Gang interfered a bit, making this shot somewhat forced, but it still hit the frame of the goal.

And the angle was quite good. Bravo dived and blocked the ball out with one hand.

Stones quickly stepped forward to fight for the ball. Falcao, who grabbed the second point, didn't have time to turn around and kicked the ball out of the penalty area.

Silva, who was waiting outside, suddenly started and sent in another cross!

Mbappe, who ran into the penalty area, jumped high, this time heading the ball towards the goal!

He and Zhao Gang collided in the air and fell to the ground almost simultaneously. Mbappe fell heavily, while Zhao Gang bounced up a second time.

In terms of physical confrontation alone, Mbappe was still a bit lacking.

The ball was touched by Zhao Gang, and the power wasn't great, so it still didn't leave the penalty area!

The ball reached Zabaleta's feet, and Zabaleta reacted quickly. He took a big touch!

Bakayoko was quick-eyed and quick-handed, and he snatched the ball away in a flash.

Zabaleta subconsciously stretched out his foot!

And kicked directly on Bakayoko's ankle!

Bakayoko fell in the penalty area!

Bee!!

Another extremely harsh whistle sounded.

The referee pointed to the penalty spot!

Zabaleta spread his hands, wanting to explain, but the Manchester City players were already about to collapse.

Another penalty after the previous one, in less than ten minutes?

Zhao Gang stood not far away, opened his mouth, shook his head, and didn't know what to say.

There was nothing wrong with either of these two penalty calls.

Both times, they kicked the opponent's ankle without touching the ball.

Facing the Manchester City fans who were about to step forward to argue, the referee waved his hand, indicating that he had seen it very clearly, it was a penalty!

There was no need to argue, and no need to put pressure on him.

Guardiola stood on the sidelines, his face full of helplessness. Two fullbacks, conceding penalties in succession.

There was nothing he could do.

Falcao held the ball and came to the penalty spot.

Bravo took two deep breaths in a row, and also went to the side, took a sip of water, and spat it out.

He wasn't thirsty at all; he was under too much pressure.

Trying to relieve it in this way.

Two penalties in a row! Which goalkeeper could withstand this?

"Oh, another penalty! Last time it was Kolarov, this time it's Zabaleta. These two fullbacks are really bombs!

If this penalty goes in, it will really be a disaster for Manchester City!

Manchester City's defense today has serious problems!

Let's take a look at this penalty first!"

Falcao placed the ball and kept adjusting his breathing. Bravo was ready, staring intently ahead.

Zhao Gang stood outside the penalty area, with his back to all the players, holding up his index finger in front of him, pointing to the left, Bravo's right.

Bravo stared unblinkingly, as if he didn't see it.

Falcao took a few steps back. The fans in the stands were silent, afraid of disturbing Falcao's rhythm.

They were waiting, waiting for Falcao to score this penalty and then erupting at the same time!

"Falcao, run-up, shot!!!

Bravo!!! Bravo has done it!!

He judged the direction correctly and saved the penalty!

Falcao took both penalties in the same direction, and Bravo judged the direction correctly both times, but he didn't save it the first time. This time, he saved it!

Bravo, at this moment, is Manchester City's hero!!"

After Bravo blocked the ball out of the baseline, and confirmed that there was no danger, he pounded his fists heavily and roared to the sky!

Defensive teammates, especially Zabaleta, rushed over like they were seeing their own father.

Bravo hugged Zhao Gang tightly.

Amazing!

Twice, he pointed in the right direction both times!

Unfortunately, he didn't have enough strength the first time, otherwise today would have been his day to be enshrined as a god!

Falcao shook his head, careless.

He lost the psychological game to the goalkeeper.

Jardim on the sidelines sighed to the sky. What a great opportunity, just gone!

If this ball had gone in, the morale of the two sides would have risen and fallen!

Manchester City might have been directly confused.

Large numbers of fans covered their faces, unwilling to believe it.

There were also fans holding their heads and shaking them, regretting the loss.

Why was Falcao so stubborn? Just kick to one spot?

If it went in, it would indeed show a strong mentality, but if it didn't? Wasn't this wasting a great opportunity?

The few Manchester City fans shrugged their shoulders, shook their heads, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Beautiful!

"Bravo really saved Zabaleta's life!"

"He saved it beautifully! This judgment, worthy of being Guardiola's disciple!"

"Some skill!"

"When did Bravo become so good? He's always been pretty bad at saving penalties! He's good at passing the ball and controlling the ball, he can play as a defender."

"Why did Bravo hug Zhao Gang to celebrate after saving the ball? That's not right, even if Zhao Gang is now a key player, there's no need to be so fawning, right? He saved the penalty, he's the hero!"

He the Poet looked at the replay. Before Bravo saved the penalty, the side shot captured Zhao Gang's small movement.

"No wonder Bravo was so excited to hug Zhao Gang. Zhao Gang gave him a direction. Bravo saved this penalty, and Zhao Gang can be considered to have made a great contribution. Let's see... oh, this is a replay of Bravo saving the penalty before. He didn't save this ball, but, but Zhao Gang still gave him a direction, both times to the right of the goal!

Not only this time he saved it, Zhao Gang gave him a clear direction before, and the direction was judged correctly!

Bravo's excitement is indeed understandable.

It's a bit of a pity, a bit of a pity, if he could have saved both times, then Bravo could really have been enshrined as a god in this game!

Unexpectedly, Zhao Gang actually has this trick. He is indeed different from before today, and he will actually take the initiative to remind the goalkeeper which direction to dive.

This is not only confidence, but also a sense of responsibility! At this time, daring to command the goalkeeper, if it's right, can greatly increase the confidence of the teammates. If it fails, it will indeed receive a lot of pressure!"

"This works too?"

"Can he really play as a goalkeeper?"

"With this kind of judgment ability, physical fitness, he can definitely be trained!"

"Amazing, Little Zhao!"

"Call him Brother Zhao!!"

Monaco lost the penalty and quickly prepared for a corner kick.

Zhao Gang waved to Jesus, telling him to go to the front and not to defend!

There had to be a breakout point to restrain Monaco's defense from daring to lean too far forward.

Although Jesus was arrogant, he was new after all. In the previous Premier League games, he was defended to the point of doubting his life, and already knew how big Zhao Gang's role was.

Moreover, all his teammates listened to him, even Bravo had to listen to him when saving penalties, not daring to dive according to his own ideas. How could he not give him face?

Jesus trotted forward, and De Bruyne also stood in position.

Silva took the corner kick. This time, he didn't look for Mbappe. He had already seen that Mbappe, interfered by Zhao Gang, was at a disadvantage in the air!

Both of them had excellent physical qualities, but in aerial duels, Mbappe was far behind.

Falcao at the near post!

But this time he didn't get past Kolarov's defense. Kolarov headed the ball out.

Delph finally had a chance to perform. He got the ball, dribbled it horizontally, and was about to pass it to De Bruyne when he noticed Sidibe rushing over. He turned around in a hurry and poked the ball with one foot to Zhao Gang, who had run out of the penalty area.

Zhao Gang took the ball and strode forward.

The players on both sides sprinted forward!

No one was faster than the ball.

Jesus was still a little doubtful, but when he saw this posture, he let go of his legs and turned to rush forward!

Monaco's two center-backs were following him all the time. Seeing Jesus' reckless appearance, they instantly moved forward, preparing to create an offside trap, so he would run in vain!

Although Jesus was a bit arrogant, he remembered Guardiola's words: wherever Zhao Gang gets the ball, if there are no defensive players marking him, just run forward as hard as you can, no matter if you are offside or not!

Jesus believed it. Anyway, you asked me to run, so it's your fault if I'm offside!

He ran forward and found that the two center-backs were gone.

Damn it, he was offside.

He knew Zhao Gang wasn't as magical as Guardiola said.

Sigh.

Jesus sighed, and saw the ball falling from above, not far ahead, still rolling forward.

Huh?

Where's the referee?

Where's the linesman?

Why aren't they raising the flag?

Jesus was stunned for less than half a second, and then accelerated forward again.

His good football sense and habits made him understand that as long as the referee didn't blow the whistle, he had to charge forward even if the linesman raised the flag!

Jemerson and Raggi frantically raised their hands to signal offside, and accelerated to rush towards Jesus.

But these two were setting an offside trap. At the moment of the pass, Jesus had already run quite far!

They couldn't keep up at this time!

Jesus went all the way into the penalty area, took a big touch, and the ready-and-waiting Subasic pounced hard. Jesus stretched hard, directly past the onrushing Subasic, and then chased after the ball all the way. Before falling to the ground, he swept it with a small angle!

Go!