Chapter 1 The Beginning

“Yeah, Manchester United fans, Milan fans, Real Madrid fans, Barcelona fans, Bayern fans, I don't believe they could make the Champions League at three in the morning so lively, create such a big buzz!”

“How many years has it been since a Dragon Country player started in one of the top five leagues, started in the Champions League! This is another youngest record.”

“Don’t mention the youngest record; it’s a bit embarrassing!”

“Do you believe it? It’s all because Zhao Gang is too awesome. Even if a nineteen-year-old player enters the Manchester City roster, the media will report it for three days and three nights, blowing it out of proportion!”

The Champions League not only has online broadcasts, but also CCTV broadcasts.

He, the poet, also attracted a lot of viewers.

“Hello, football fans, you are now watching the first match of Group C in the 2016/2017 season of the European Champions Cup, with the Bundesliga team Monchengladbach hosting the Premier League team Manchester City.”

“Monchengladbach continues its league starting lineup: Raphael, Stindl on the front line… Hermann, Dahoud in midfield… Winter, Dominguez on the back line… and goalkeeper Sommer.

Since Xhaka left the team, Monchengladbach's midfield passing and attacking ability has declined significantly. Facing Manchester City's midfield stars, they may suffer a lot.

However, Monchengladbach's defense has not been greatly affected, especially the cooperation between the defense and the goalkeeper, which is stable and tacit.

With Monchengladbach's current lineup strength, they should focus on defensive counterattacks. The two forwards still have counterattack ability, and the two midfield wing players have a good awareness and speed to insert.”

“On the Manchester City side, they also continue their previous starting lineup. With many players in the squad participating in the World Cup qualifiers and the Manchester derby in the last league game, Guardiola still did not choose to rotate the lineup, which shows that he attaches great importance to this Champions League game.

Let's introduce the Manchester City starting lineup…”

The players enter the field.

The Monchengladbach players were greeted with heroic cheers.

The biggest difference between the Bundesliga and the other top five leagues is the 50+1 policy.

Financial football can be rampant in any league, but it cannot pry open the door of the Bundesliga.

This is because of the deep-rooted love and obsession of German fans.

They regard the local team as a real family, regardless of the record or whether there are star players.

They are stubborn and persistent and will never allow the power of money to destroy their team.

Manchester City, a nouveau riche team, is still despised by some fans in England, who believe that they are a club built up with money.

In Germany, a team like Manchester City is simply a heretic in the eyes of fans and should be burned to ashes!

Therefore, the appearance of Manchester City players naturally received special treatment.

Boos rang out, and some Monchengladbach fans even shouted until their faces were red and their necks were thick, looking like they were about to have a stroke.

The voices of the Manchester City fans who traveled with the team were directly drowned out.

The scene was a mixture of black and white, with huge flags flying, a sea of people, shocking the soul.

Zhao Gang listened to the huge roar and didn't know what they were shouting.

He always had two not-so-big wishes. The first was to go to Westfalenstadion to see the most oppressive home stadium in Europe.

The other was to see the world's number one derby in Argentina, the Boca Juniors vs. River Plate match.

I don't know if there will be a chance to go to Westfalenstadion this season.

As for the fiery Argentine derby, there should be a chance to appreciate it because of Aguero's relationship.

Zhao Gang took a deep breath.

Very good, Champions League.

It's finally here.

In terms of influence, it certainly cannot compare with the World Cup, but in terms of tactics and the number of stars, the World Cup is really not as good as the Champions League.

*Beep!!*

The referee blew his whistle, and Manchester City kicked off.

Fernandinho passed the ball to Zhao Gang.

Zhao Gang glanced at the formation in front of him. Monchengladbach was obviously prepared, and there were no missed players.

He passed the ball back to Gundogan.

Gundogan pushed it to Fernandinho, and Fernandinho found Silva.

Zhao Gang strolled forward slowly.

The Monchengladbach players looked at the three of them passing the ball back and forth and didn't seem to have any intention of pressing.

The three of them didn't dribble the ball forward either; they just passed it back and forth a few times.

Finally, the two Monchengladbach forwards began to move forward, trying to interfere.

The midfielders were always paying attention to the movements of Manchester City's attacking group and were not completely attracted to them.

He, the poet, was right. Although Monchengladbach was playing at home, they did not intend to open up and fight Manchester City head-on.

After all, Manchester City had scored 20 goals in four games, and those who fought Manchester City head-on ended up like sieves.

“Manchester City is not in a hurry, and Monchengladbach is also playing patiently, giving up possession of the ball, trying to launch a counterattack during the transition between offense and defense.

Manchester City's formation is slowly moving forward, Silva, Gundogan, Zhao Gang.

It is transferred to Silva's feet again, Zhao Gang's position is leaning towards the center, he doesn't seem to be planning to stay on the wing anymore.

The wing of Monchengladbach is very crowded, this should be a tactical arrangement of Monchengladbach.”

“Hermann, Fabian pressing, Silva's ball control is very stable, pushed to Zhao Gang, Zhao Gang found De Bruyne!”

De Bruyne quickly moved forward but was still blocked by the defender, and Aguero in the middle had no chance to get the ball at all.

Helplessly, De Bruyne could only choose to return the ball to the middle.

Zhao Gang had already stood in front of Silva. After receiving the ball, the Monchengladbach midfielder did not come to press immediately. This ball was forty meters away from the goal, so the Monchengladbach players were a little slow. If Zhao Gang continued to dribble the ball forward, they would definitely go over to disrupt it at the first time.

They were not alert at this distance.

This is an opportunity!

After receiving the ball, Zhao Gang did not make too many adjustments, and before the Monchengladbach midfielder realized the danger, he kicked it out!

*Bang!*

A powerful outside instep!

The football was like a missile, full of great power.

Not to mention the Monchengladbach players, even Manchester City teammates did not expect this ball.

He, the poet, was still introducing the various records Zhao Gang had created before, in a light tone, “It is no exaggeration to say that Zhao Gang's current achievements are already the peak of Dragon Country players. His number of goals and assists in the Premier League has exceeded his idol Sun Jihai.

Sun Jihai created ten goals in 123 Premier League games with 3 goals and 7 assists, while Zhao Gang…

Let’s watch this ball!!!”

A thunderbolt from the blue!

The fans were smiling foolishly, listening to He, the poet’s praise of Zhao Gang, when they were suddenly awakened by a shout.

In an instant, everyone widened their eyes, their hearts in their throats.

*Whoosh!*

*Bang!!*

Sommer gritted his teeth, stretched his body, and took off like Superman!

He punched the spinning cannonball!

The football refracted, deviated from the post, and flew out of the baseline!

“This ball… Sommer! He is truly a god! A world-class save!

Whether it is the power, angle, or speed, it is top-notch, and it is extremely sudden!

If Sommer is even a little distracted, or a little unlucky, this ball would have gone straight in!”

The power and angle of this kind of ball meant that Sommer actually had no time to judge the ball's trajectory. He could only see the approximate angle and then try his best to pounce.

It just happened to hit the ball!

Sommer fell to the ground, his head blank.

Damn it, this guy…

I heard he was very powerful, but this is too powerful.

It was a full forty meters!

If this ball were ten meters closer, even a god would not be able to save it!

Guardiola covered his head and kicked the ground, somewhat in disbelief.

Zhao Gang's sudden long shot and Sommer's god-level save were both unimaginable.

A huge exclamation erupted from the entire stadium, and the fans gasped.

They were still passing the ball back and forth, and then suddenly came this shot?

Who could stand this?

The Monchengladbach coach stood on the sidelines and shouted loudly, defend!

Interfere!

Are you just going to let him shoot?

The Monchengladbach players felt a sense of relief after surviving a disaster.

Do we have to block the angle and prevent him from shooting with this kind of ball?

Anyone who has played football knows that it is almost impossible in terms of probability to exert force and blast out this kind of effect at this distance.

The Monchengladbach defenders quickly ran to Sommer's side, clapping their hands to show their respect, well done!

Sommer nodded不停, concentrating more and more, staring firmly at the young man who was rubbing his head and sighing regretfully.

Damn, this is too scary!

“Damn, that outside instep!”

“Damn, he can save that??”

“Great shot, perfect save, this should be the best save of the round, Sommer has something!”

“If this ball went in, it would definitely be the best goal of the round, what a pity…”

“A sudden long-range shot, I'm afraid only Sommer reacted to this ball. The others simply did not expect this kick.

This kind of ball should not exist in Guardiola's tactical system. Even if it goes in, Guardiola will seriously educate him and not allow this kind of shot again.

But Zhao Gang has tried this kind of long-range shot more than once.

Obviously, Zhao Gang is a special one in Guardiola's system!”

The several teammates in the front court stared blankly at Zhao Gang. Even if this ball did not go in, the shock to them was great enough.

The few of them were thinking about how to pass the ball to tear apart Monchengladbach's dense defense, when suddenly there was this shot.

This doesn't seem like something Zhao Gang would do!

His desire to attack in this game seems very strong.

This is his first Champions League game. Usually, this kind of important game, especially the first one, will bring a lot of pressure to the players.

Zhao Gang is not old, and he is playing away from home. Under the influence, he may have some discomfort. He should be careful and try not to make mistakes.

This kind of long-range shot will undoubtedly cause some doubts in the hearts of coaches and players.

Even star players should not waste opportunities like this.

So, from the perspective of his teammates, Zhao Gang should not have chosen to shoot at that distance.

But, he just kicked it…

What's even more terrifying is that this kick was very successful.

If it weren't for Sommer's super performance, Manchester City would already be leading away from home!

The teammates looked at Zhao Gang, how much confidence did this guy have to dare to take such a kick at that distance?

Bravo on the goal line opened his mouth and scratched his head.

If it were him, he would need luck to save this ball.

If it were his predecessor Hart… then it would definitely be over.

“Originally, I thought that Manchester City was not in a hurry to attack, and the scene might be a bit boring, but Zhao Gang's kick made us believe that this game should be very magnificent.”

De Bruyne and Zhao Gang walked to the corner area.

The Monchengladbach players were particularly nervous.

Because this kid Zhao Gang had a corner kick against Sevilla in the Europa League, and found Schillo directly when everyone was not ready.

Now, whenever Zhao Gang takes a corner kick, all the defenders will pay attention.

“A tactical corner kick, De Bruyne receives the ball.”

Monchengladbach's defense did not relax, even if the ball was not吊入into the penalty area, it was still in a dangerous area.

Moreover, Zhao Gang's long shot just now made the Monchengladbach defenders raise their spirits by more than one level.

“Silva, Gundogan, the ball is still at the feet of Manchester City players, it is difficult to find a chance to shoot.”

At this time, Zhao Gang is no longer a supporting organizer, he began to wander into the Monchengladbach penalty area.

Whether it is Silva or De Bruyne, Gundogan, Fernandinho, they all have very strong passing and ball-out abilities.

There is only one Aguero in the penalty area, which is obviously not enough.

“Zhao Gang suddenly goes down, De Bruyne's straight pass! The ball is given very beautifully!”

Zhao Gang, who received the ball, has broken through along the left side of the penalty area, near the baseline!

The Monchengladbach defender quickly followed up, and another defender rushed out of the penalty area, ready to double-team.

If this ball breaks through successfully into the penalty area, the threat is extremely great.

“This ball is very difficult… A very beautiful backheel, given to De Bruyne who is responding, De Bruyne's nutmeg!”

After Zhao Gang pushed the ball to De Bruyne, he quickly passed through the gap between the two.

When the two defenders were staring at De Bruyne, De Bruyne's pass was extremely concealed and fast, finding Zhao Gang.

It's empty!

Zhao Gang raised his leg in the penalty area and slammed into the football.

“This ball is stopped very steadily!”

There is no sloppiness at all, the football is like sticking to the foot, if it is any farther, it may be destroyed by the nearby defenders.

In a flash, the Monchengladbach defender realized that Zhao Gang was going to shoot, and threw himself up, ready to intercept.

The other defender who was passed also rushed towards Zhao Gang's shooting route without stopping.

Sommer kept moving his feet in small ranges, staring with wide eyes.

Two defenders fell directly to the ground to block, while Hermann ran directly towards Zhao Gang.

Zhao Gang's seemingly powerful kick suddenly unloaded its power after contacting the football.

*Whoosh!*

“Zhao Gang is very calm! He did not shoot, but passed to Aguero who was completely empty!”

In the case of being blocked and someone coming to interfere, Zhao Gang can still see the passing route.

In the penalty area, he passed it to Aguero in the empty position close to the ground.

Aguero has always been good at seizing opportunities, and he has always been waiting, and will never lose his sense of tension because Zhao Gang is going to shoot.

Seeing the football coming quickly, Aguero reacted extremely quickly, and before the central defender could intercept, he poked it down!

After Sommer realized that he had been deceived by Zhao Gang, he felt a chill in his heart, quickly turned around, saw Aguero's posture, and instinctively fell sideways, trying to stretch out his legs, arms and fingers, so that he could save as much as possible.

Aguero's倒地kick pushed towards the far corner, Sommer's fingertips touched the football, and the football hit the post!

Zhao Gang rushed over quickly.

The Monchengladbach midfielder Dahoud gritted his teeth and felt like he had been hit by a cow, and fell to the ground顺势.

When Zhao Gang stepped over and was about to make a supplementary shot, Dahoud moved his body and his forehead hit the football. He did not have the strength to顶out of the baseline, so he could only desperately twist his neck and顶towards Sommer's arms倒地.

Sommer, who had already made an extreme save, used both legs and stretched out his arms like a snake, pressing down on the football with his big hands, holding the ball in his arms in a狼狈不堪manner.

In the penalty area, three defenders and a goalkeeper were all lying there.

The defender saw that the goalkeeper had protected the ball, and finally relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

Aguero sat there, touching his head懊恼.

He can save that???

Zhao Gang stood on the side, somewhat helpless. Dahoud stood up, stretched out his fist, and bumped it with Zhao Gang. Then Dahoud stretched out his thumb and nodded to Zhao Gang.

Just now, Zhao Gang could have made a supplementary shot, but seeing Dahoud stretching his neck to顶the football, he could only收his leg. Dahoud felt at the time that his head might explode, after all, the power of that kick, more than thirty meters, could kick such a猛ball, kicking it on his head would probably废掉him.

But he still義無反顧顶went up.

The accomplishment of a professional player.

As long as you are not dead, you must拼尽一切, stop the football from entering the net.

“Dahoud ah! Really doesn't want his life! After falling to the ground, he is still抢this ball with Zhao Gang with his head!” He, the poet, looked at the replay, his heart instinctively tightened.

I have to admire this guy's courage and accomplishment.

The现场fans who watched the replay applauded warmly, sending their most passionate cheers and shouts to their players.

Every player has this拼劲, does the result of the game matter?

Even if you lose, so what?

“Zhao, still has a very good character, gave up this scoring opportunity.”

With this ball, if Zhao Gang kicked it down, kicked it on the ball, Sommer would definitely have no chance to get up and save it, kicking it on Dahoud's head would at least cause a concussion.

And even if he kicked it on his head, it would be无可厚非.

On the court,电光火石, everyone is争抢the football, one with his feet, one with his head, everyone is for his own team, where is there right or wrong if an accident happens?

“Sommer's reaction speed is indeed fast enough, he can扑out this kind of ball, Sommer's performance today is really超神!”

Sommer is not tall, so his倒地speed is quite fast, otherwise it would be difficult to扑outthis ball.

And Aguero must seize the opportunity to推射, once he adjusts, he will lose this良机, so he倒地directly, and打了个贴地球, if he踢一个高球, Sommer恐怕will be望尘莫及.

All the Monchengladbach players ran to the front and middle of the field, and Sommer made a big kick.

Manchester City does not have an advantage in height, so this kind of big kick is more threatening than传导in the backcourt.

It is also their best offensive opportunity.

Moreover, Sommer is looking for the point that Zhao Gang is guarding, and now Manchester City's opponents have seen that争顶head球is Zhao Gang's weakness.

His physical condition is very good, and his对抗性is very strong, but his头球technology seems a bit weak.

Sure enough, even if Zhao Gang can顶住Fabian, the ball still漏了past…

Fabian 踉踉跄跄turned around and received the ball, and quickly organized an attack, trying to bring pressure to Manchester City's defense.

The two wing players advance forward.

Whether it is Fabian or Hermann, their出球technology is still much worse than Xhaka.

Therefore, under the围追堵截of Manchester City players, Monchengladbach has no good opportunity for this kind of阵地attack.

Fernandinho 几下捅了the ball out.

Monchengladbach did not dare to easily扑出去反抢, worrying about Manchester City's反击, so they could only盯人一边, and 退防quickly.

The two central defenders are almost与Monchengladbach's other players 脱节了, and did not think about制造越位, they just退着single-mindedly, and could not leave too much空档in their backcourt.

The advantage of this is that it is difficult for Manchester City to打出快速反击.

After De Bruyne received the ball, seeing the退防speed of the Monchengladbach players and the防守站位, it was difficult to pass a致命直塞and find Aguero or Zhao Gang.

He can only continue to带球and wait for his teammates to跑位.

Gundogan also跟着上去了, now Manchester City's后防has no太压力, he can肆无忌惮supplement Manchester City's进攻火力.

Moreover, Gundogan's传球组织has always been a强项.

He also has a相当多了解of Monchengladbach, after all, he and Monchengladbach have交手many times in the Bundesliga.

The number of Manchester City's攻人数is gradually增加,利用不停地传导拉扯, and found相当多次数的打门机会.

In the next三十多分钟minutes, he牢牢控制住the局势on the field.

However, although Monchengladbach's defense was拉扯, it did not崩溃.

Goodshooting opportunities can be found在外围, and there is almost no opportunity to起脚in the penalty area.

“In this段时间里, Manchester City has多次threatened Monchengladbach's球门, but Sommer挡高接低, and has始终not allowed Manchester City to攻破the球门机会!

Whether it is Silva, or Aguero, or even 京多安德布劳内, they have尝试了远射, and they are very threatening, but they得势不得分!

Monchengladbach's防守for Zhao Gang is很成功, so that Zhao Gang has no good shooting opportunity, and no particularly舒服的传球角度.

Monchengladbach牺牲了at least two后卫, they do not惜体力limit Zhao Gang, which allows Manchester City's其余的攻击手to have非常多的射门机会, but the luck is not on Manchester City's side, and Sommer also seems to have the眷顾of a goddess, in四十分钟minutes, he has扑出整整八次射门!

Sommer has become the最忙碌的one on the field, and is also Monchengladbach's最后的一防线!

He一人 just阻挡了Manchester City's攻击群, like a wall!”

“My God!!” The watching球迷eyeed, Zhao Gang罚out a角球,越过the前点, found 埋伏的京多安.

Gundogan 高高跃起, and one脑袋顶在the球上.

The football 猛冲冲向the 右下角, and Sommer快速下地, 一巴掌将球挡out the底线!

Gundogan 抱着the脑袋, and Manchester City球迷呆呆watching.

“妈耶, this guy has吃药了吗??”

“赵刚attracted so many防守attention, so that Manchester City's其余人has a chance to射门.

As a result, Sommer开挂了……”

Sommer and the two后卫击掌相互鼓励.

干得漂亮!

就是这样!

等到Manchester City is着急了, we maybe have a chance!

The球迷on the看台used all their全力to 为自己的队员加油, 高喊着Sommer的名字.

九次!

Sommer 扑出九次射正!

Zhao Gang stood again at the 角球区,面无表情盯着混乱的禁区.

非常好, then I will come我自己来!