Chapter 724: Is This an Assist?
"Of course, everyone has different physical talents. Don't easily emulate Wang's approach, or else you'll end up like someone, injuring yourself while trying too hard, haha," Ramos added.
Modric blushed at the words. When he first joined the Galactic team, he saw the captain working so hard. Coupled with his poor performance and criticism, he wanted to keep up with Wang Feng's pace.
However, he ended up with muscle strains due to overtraining, becoming a negative example for the whole team. From then on, he understood that everyone is different, and rushing does not lead to success. Developing one's skills and abilities fully is the key.
Training time flew by, and the Galactic team held a friendly match with Juventus at the Jiangcheng Sports Center. This was Wang Feng's first appearance for the team in the new season, and his absence from much of the training camp made the outside world pay close attention to the current competitive state of the Chinese superstar.
In the 30 minutes he played, he did not score a goal but orchestrated two threatening attacks. From his performance, it seemed that he was not affected by the transfer rumors and did not slack off due to the long vacation.
On August 11th, at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia, the UEFA Super Cup was held. This was also Real Madrid's first official match of the season.
Since the UEFA Super Cup moved from the Stade Louis II in Monaco, its match time has been pushed forward from the end of August. As a frequent participant in this competition, the Galactic team's involvement was more focused on training.
From 2007 to 2015, they participated for nine consecutive years, winning seven championships. Now, they were aiming for their eighth.
For other European clubs, they were eager to qualify for this preseason friendly match because it meant either winning the previous season's Europa League or Champions League!
Ancelotti's starting lineup had quite a few changes compared to last season. Bale sat on the bench due to some injuries during pre-match training, and with the inclusion of two new players, the final formation was a 4-4-2.
Navas was in goal, with Ramos, Marcelo, Varane, and Danilo in defense.
The midfield consisted of Casemiro, Kovacic, Modric, and Isco.
The forwards remained Wang Feng and Higuain.
This was not Real Madrid's strongest lineup, as main players like Carvajal, Pepe, and Kroos were on the bench.
On the other hand, Sevilla fielded their full-strength team. Having just defended their Europa League title, they were determined to avenge their loss to the Galactic team last year.
Once the match started, both sides seemed evenly matched. Real Madrid did not demonstrate the same strong pressure as last season, which could be attributed to the unfamiliarity with the new lineup and teammates, as well as the players' fluctuating mentality after unprecedented success.
Sevilla, strengthened during the summer transfer window, was also a factor. As a traditional La Liga powerhouse like Valencia, they couldn't afford to be left too far behind when seeing their old rivals investing heavily to rise.
In the first ten minutes, both sides fiercely contested the midfield. Higuain and Wang Feng frequently dropped back to help the imperfect four-center-back system, and the ball rarely penetrated the defense into the penalty area.
"Real Madrid seems a bit chaotic, but Sevilla doesn't dare to press forward aggressively, because they have the big gun, Wang Feng."
"Yes, even when he's strolling on the field, one or two defenders are still following him closely, and they have to be fully focused because he could suddenly accelerate and bypass them at any moment."
The commentator narrated the somewhat dull scene, while Wang Feng silently observed, searching for opportunities. At this moment, he was no longer like his younger self, constantly creating space by running actively and shaking off defenders. Instead, he saved his energy and exploded at crucial moments.
So most of the time, it seemed like he was "strolling," but this slow and effortless feeling put tremendous pressure on opponents. No one doubted the immense power contained within the Chinese superstar's body.
Kovacic received the ball from Isco near the backfield. His position was relatively deep, and Sevilla players did not press too aggressively, allowing the Croatian to calmly observe the situation on the field.
Under the leadership of his compatriot Modric, he quickly integrated into the team environment. However, being only 21 years old, it was inevitable for the young Croatian to feel nervous when stepping onto the Galactic team's prestigious stage for the first time.
Especially after making several consecutive positioning errors and encroaching on Modric and Isco's space to handle the ball, he became even more flustered.
What should he do next? Just as he was pondering, he suddenly saw Wang Feng dropping back towards him, raising his hand for the ball, with a Sevilla defender closely following him.
Wouldn't passing the ball rashly risk a mistake? Kovacic suddenly remembered what Modric had said to him, "When Wang asks for the ball on the field, there's always a reason. Don't hesitate at these times; just pass it."
So the young Croatian stopped hesitating and forcefully sent a through pass. His passing technique was good, and the ball was fast and accurate, finding Wang Feng in the desired position.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with his instep, and at the same time, turned and pushed it with the outside of his foot. The three actions were very natural and connected almost seamlessly, taking less than 1 second. Even though Banega tried his best to accelerate and catch up, he still couldn't catch the opponent.
By the time he wanted to turn and chase, it was already too late. Wang Feng's explosive acceleration instantly opened up a gap between the two, and after reaching the edge of the penalty area, he shifted the ball laterally to evade Krychowiak, then used his left foot to curl a world-class shot.
"Wang Feng! He shoots!"
Before the commentator's voice could finish, the ball flew like an arrow towards the goal, leaving Sevilla's goalkeeper Beto gaping, as if a goldfish out of water.
"Goal!"
The goalkeeper's diligent save effort became a backdrop as the ball found the net in a corner where no one could reach.
"Goooooooooooooal! It's in! It's in! Wang Feng's powerful long shot from outside the penalty area opens the new season journey for the Galactic team!"
"The reception, turn, and lateral burst were completed in an instant. Sevilla's defense of Banega and Krychowiak was like nothing."
After scoring this goal, the Chinese superstar spread his arms and ran towards the sidelines. This feeling was too familiar; if it wasn't a goal, what else could it be?
The fans at the scene erupted into huge cheers, a rare sight since the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena was built.
Then Wang Feng gestured towards Kovacic to come over and celebrate with him. The young Croatian was still a bit confused at this point. Was this an assist out of nowhere?
Modric patted him on the shoulder as he passed by, "What are you standing there for? Come on, let's celebrate together. Wang wants you to show your face in front of the fans."
Only then did Kovacic react and run towards the sidelines. The Chinese superstar gave him a warm hug and raised his left hand to acknowledge the fans, who also warmly applauded him.
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