Chapter 750: Quick Counterattack Scores
Just as Simeone was racking his brains trying to figure out a way to break the deadlock, the situation on the field changed once again.
Fernandez advanced with the ball into the opponent's half, surrounded by white-clad players everywhere, leaving him unsure how to proceed.
Suddenly, Carvajal closed in to challenge him. The Atletico center-back had returned the ball several times without success, feeling a bit anxious. Subconsciously, he didn't want to retreat anymore, so he hurriedly kicked the ball towards the penalty area.
Although Torres and Griezmann had penetrated deep into Real Madrid's territory, the ball failed to break through the tight blockade and was intercepted by Casemiro midway.
The Brazilian midfielder didn't hesitate to make adjustments and immediately sent a long pass forward, finding Wang Feng at the edge of the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar received the ball with his back to the goal, flicking it behind him along the momentum, while at the same time swiftly spinning 180 degrees with a Marseille turn to shake off Gabi's challenge! He then strode forward with the ball, orchestrating the defensive counterattack himself.
At this moment, Atletico's defense line was extremely vacant, with only center-back Saul and two full-backs ahead, while Bale and Higuain were also making fast runs.
Saul gritted his teeth and stepped forward to intercept, intending to stop Wang Feng outside the center line, even if it meant fouling.
However, the experienced Chinese superstar saw through his intentions at a glance. Without waiting for the opponent to approach, he forcefully pushed the ball forward, splitting the defender and the ball.
The Atletico center-back hesitated for only a second before deciding to ignore the ball and go for the player. But Wang Feng was already fully prepared, and Saul underestimated the veteran's strength.
"Bang!" The two collided violently, and although Wang Feng staggered a bit, he still stood firm, adjusting his posture slightly before immediately continuing to chase after the ball.
Saul was greatly surprised. Just now, he felt a bit dizzy and disoriented from the collision. How did it not have any effect on stopping the opponent? What he didn't know was that if Wang Feng were five years younger, it would probably be himself who was sent flying.
Ignoring the pain in his body, the Atletico center-back quickly turned around to try to catch Wang Feng, but the result was self-evident. This brief delay was enough for the Chinese superstar to take three or four steps ahead.
The two Atletico full-backs followed the counterattack, with Savic marking Wang Feng in the center while Juanfran watched Bale on the wing.
As they approached the opponent's half, Wang Feng slanted the ball to the Welsh winger. As Bale cut inside, Wang Feng moved to the other side of the penalty area, creating space for his teammates and also facilitating his potential reception.
As soon as the ball arrived, the Chinese superstar unleashed a powerful shot without hesitation. Atletico's goalkeeper Oblak reacted swiftly, throwing himself to block the ball.
But the ball slipped under his arm and sneaked into the net, brushing past the goalpost.
"Goooooooooooooal!!"
"With the game reaching the 21st minute mark, Real Madrid breaks the deadlock with a swift counterattack orchestrated by Wang Feng, who ultimately seals the deal!"
"Everything happened so quickly, dear God! From Casemiro's interception in the penalty area to Wang Feng's shot on goal, it took only 18 seconds!"
"Sprinting across almost the entire field, with two passes along the way, how did they manage to do it? It's like they're the Flash!"
After scoring, Wang Feng rushed towards the stands, waving to the supporters, causing waves of cheers and celebrations.
Too fast! His teammates trailing behind couldn't keep up, and the Atletico defenders naturally couldn't either.
If it's not surprising for the young and strong Bale to demonstrate such sprinting speed, Wang Feng's swift movement is truly astonishing.
"Damn it, someone get him drug tested!" Simeone pounded his chest on the coaching bench. "Can't you show a bit of the demeanor of a veteran?"
What he didn't know was that because of Wang Feng's inspiration, the core players of the future Galacticos would have very long careers at their peak, even in their thirties, soaring like flying dragons. Of course, these are stories for another time.
At this moment, the Argentine coach only thought about how to turn the tide. With Real Madrid taking the lead, they would undoubtedly be more determined in defense.
The score remained 1-0 at halftime. After a brief halftime break, both sides returned to the field. Simeone made personnel adjustments, replacing Fernandez with Carrasco to strengthen the wing attack.
This 23-year-old Belgian winger started his career at Genk and was spotted by Monaco in Ligue 1 in 2010. It took him two years to rise from the B team to the first team.
After just three seasons, Carrasco became a rising star in Europe, securing a place in the starting lineup. Last summer, he was brought back to Calderón Stadium by Simeone, making his debut in the top European league.
His dribbling rhythm is excellent, and he is very fast, especially strong in breakthroughs, suitable for breaking through enemy lines.
Being able to face his idol in the Champions League final made the Belgian youngster extremely excited and active. Shortly after coming on, he created a great opportunity.
As Atletico advanced into the opponent's half, Carrasco broke through along the wing, then passed to Griezmann. The French striker shielded the ball with his body against Pepe, then passed it to Gabi.
Gabi moved laterally with the ball, suddenly backheeled it to Carrasco's feet, who had been smartly positioned inside the penalty area while supporting from the wing as Griezmann attracted defenders.
His appearance surprised Real Madrid's defense, with Ramos hastily moving forward to cover. But the Belgian had already taken a shot, and the ball swiftly found its way into the bottom right corner of the goal.
1-1! Atletico leveled the score!
Coming on and making an impact in less than five minutes, even Simeone couldn't help but be amazed. Carrasco indeed had some talent! However, he still needs to improve his passing timing and vision. His attacking style is a bit too individualistic. He's a good seedling, but after winning this game, he needs some proper coaching.
Simeone's adjustments and on-the-spot command were indeed very sophisticated, but Real Madrid didn't panic either. Ancelotti quickly directed the defensive forces to focus on Carrasco while continuing to execute the strategy of compact defense.
It seemed that they didn't mind playing for extra time or even a penalty shootout to decide the outcome.
As time passed, both sides were expending considerable physical and mental energy, but neither dared to relax in the slightest.
It wasn't until the 82nd minute when Ramos intercepted the ball in the backfield and passed it forward to Kroos, who then turned and passed it to Modric.
The Croatian midfielder wasted no time and made a diagonal pass to Bale near the center circle.
Bale carried the ball across the midfield line, faced with the encirclement of Atletico's defense and Wang Feng, engaged in a wall-pass style cooperation, and quickly advanced. He then sent a curved pass over Godin to Iguaín.
As the Argentine forward reached the edge of the arc, he chose to pass to Marcelo, who had made a run into the penalty area.
The Chinese superstar arrived at the penalty spot, and with his right foot, he unleashed a powerful shot straight into the net! 2-1! The Galacticos once again took the lead! Another goal from a quick counterattack! This time, it wasn't a long-distance sprint, but a seamless passing combination involving seven players in the attack. Their touches were simple and efficient, without any sluggishness.
What's more worth mentioning is that this time, from the backfield to the frontcourt, from Ramos' pass to Wang Feng's shot, the time spent did not exceed 20 seconds!
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