Chapter 133: Life, just like a penalty kick

Wolfsburg penalty area, wind and crane cries.

Dante and Kießling shoved each other, fighting for the landing point.

This Brazilian centre-back was once considered Lucio's successor.

During the season he played for Bayern's "treble winners", he put in a very good performance.

Unfortunately, he later gradually lost his way, becoming the backdrop to the 2014 World Cup 7:1 massacre, and also the backdrop to conceding five goals in just nineteen minutes...

Who is Lucio?

2002 World Cup champion defender.

Leverkusen's "Triple Crown" mainstay defender.

The football spun violently, plunging into the penalty area!

Dante overpowered Kießling, leapt high, his afro hair flung violently, completing the clearance!

Boom!

"What a brilliant clearance!"

"Oh dear!"

Castellers' pupil shrank, watching a black shadow whistle in, heading straight for the top right corner of the goal!

Wolfsburg's goalkeeper had no time to make any saving move!

Can't even stop our own guy stabbing us in the back!

That originally ordinary pass, after being headed by a teammate, turned into a explosive shot?

When the net was lifted again, the noise of the Volksparkstadion suddenly ceased.

0:2!

!

"Ah! It's an own goal!"

"Wolfsburg centre-back Dante, another own goal contributed—according to statistics, he has already caused three own-goal incidents this season."

"Mistakes on the football pitch are unavoidable; Li Kang's pass applied too much spin, causing Dante to make a wrong judgment!"

"Adding insult to injury! Wolfsburg needs to urgently make changes!"

"Capitalizing on the opponent's own-goal header! Leverkusen extended their lead!"

-【Dante, a defender who brings disaster wherever he goes!】

-【Wherever Dante is, there is disaster.】

-【Let me count: during his time at Mönchengladbach, he was beaten 7-0 by Stuttgart; in the World Cup, he was on the receiving end of Germany's 7-1; this season, he conceded five goals in just nineteen minutes to Leverkusen... should the 4-0 loss to Real Madrid while at Bayern count? And conceding a penalty in the Champions League final? This guy is just too unlucky!】

-【I feel pity, but internal enemies are hard to guard against.】

-【Being abused by Wolfsburg while at Bayern, then being slaughtered by Bayern while at Wolfsburg.】

-【Disaster-prone defender!】

-【Li Mingdeng's pass is too terrifying; defenders find it very hard to handle.】

Sideline.

Dino looked dazed: "Boss, I suddenly realized all the coaching staff's pre-match preparations have come to nothing!"

Tuopu Laotou clapped, smiling: "Not every match is filled with thorns."

Other side.

Heijin glanced at Van Dijk, then at Dante, almost unable to resist pulling off his football boots...

Six months ago during the summer transfer window, Wolfsburg and Leverkusen fought fiercely over Dante.

Later.

Because Leverkusen couldn't afford Dante's high wages, they ultimately withdrew from the competition.

Or rather, they were just too poor.

As a comparison: one Dante's salary equals four Çalhanoğlu's, equals six Son Heung-min's, equals twenty Brandt's, equals three hundred youth-team Li Kang's...

Amidst the boos.

Dante stood frozen, rubbing his face.

His defensive teammates rushed over to comfort him.

Castellers patted his shoulder, saying seriously: "Cheer up! Leverkusen's attack poses no threat! We can equalize! Just like that 5-4 match last season!"

The voice was loud.

Wolfsburg players hearing this all shuddered in unison!

In the distance.

Kießling gave Li Kang a thumbs-up, and they jogged back to the centre circle together.

"If we ignore the score, Wolfsburg looks more like the leading side."

The match continued.

Possession swung back and forth.

Wolfsburg's midfield simply couldn't get the ball.

Arnold had no space to leisurely orchestrate vertical long-pass attacks.

The front-line "iron triangle" couldn't touch the ball.

Li Kang hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time; the intensity felt like a youth-team training match.

I just need to stay active in midfield, linking up front and back...

"Wolfsburg's midfield has no cutting power at all! Can't complete dense penetration and transition."

"Those few long-pass attacks launched from the back with great effort were also neutralized by Van Dijk."

The broadcast camera cut to the VIP box, where we saw several young heirs of the Porsche and Piëch families, namely...

Last season, to expand into the Dragon Kingdom market, Volkswagen Group successfully recruited a Chinese Super League player; I wonder if Lewokusen's youngster Li Kang will become the endorsed darling of European car brands.

It should be difficult—Li Kang's car endorsement starts with Koenigsegg's supercar...

In recent years, FIFA has strengthened protection for underage players, so the situation should improve significantly, as Li Kang is already over 18.

The scene was too boring.

Duan Xuan and He Wei chatted about off-field topics.

Not to mention advertising endorsements—even major sports media wanting to interview Li Kang at Lewokusen have no chance.

Match time passed second by second.

Wolfsburg found no opportunity,

Lewokusen played conservatively, waiting for the opponent to tire.

Home fans erupted in waves of boos.

The several hundred away fans traveling with the team waved flags and shouted passionately.

Tuopu Laotou returned to the coach's bench, crossed his arms over his chest, and couldn't help but yawn.

Dino and the coaching staff engaged in a heated discussion: how to play against Frankfurt in the next match.

He Jin grew increasingly impatient, occasionally letting out roars toward the pitch.

Wolfsburg players had something to say but couldn't speak it out.

Going ground, they couldn't get past the barrier formed by Li Kang, Kramer, and Bendel.

Going aerial, Lewokusen's back line had too many high points—completely impossible to break through.

It's nothing like Lewokusen from last season—it's practically two different teams!

He Jin couldn't hold back! He frantically raised his hand, signaling the players to push forward and launch a full-scale attack!

Being two goals down at halftime isn't hopeless.

What's desperate is seeing no chance to equalize!

Minute 43 of the match.

Kramer successfully intercepted Giravogi in his sprint.

Nearby Wolfsburg players helplessly spread their hands.

The ball rolled to Li Kang's feet.

In an instant.

The phantom of Rutyenkosta suddenly appeared—wearing the number 10 jersey, like a cluster of red-and-black flames.

From God's perspective.

Wolfsburg's formation had a vertical gap, like the Mariana Trench.

Accompanied by a crisp sound.

The Volkswagen Arena was suddenly sliced by a blade!

The ball skimmed the turf, shooting far away.

Wolfsburg's high defensive line was easily torn apart.

Tuopu Laotou and Dino began celebrating!

He Jin stood unsteadily, his gaze dazed.

"This kid's awareness and vision... and his passing—he's too much like De Bruyne!"

Son Heung-min shook off Traş, sprinting forward at high speed!

No need to look back to observe the through-pass lane!

He firmly believed: Li would definitely pass the ball to his feet, and it would be to his preferred foot!

"Li Kang's signature skill! Ultra-long-distance through-pass!"

"Such long-pass ability—only seen in midfield superstars of top-tier giants—greatly reduces attack-defense transition speed!"

"Perfect lead—Son Heung-min needs no adjustment at all..."

"Wolfsburg's back line is a wide-open space!"

"One-on-one... huh? Dante!"

Dante trailed at the very rear of Wolfsburg's formation.

Actually, he's not bad—though his level is far below the "triple crown" era, his defensive awareness remains top-tier.

At the moment Li Kang received the ball.

He immediately judged Lewokusen's attacking direction!

So...

Dante seemed to transform into a seasoned commander—retreating while raising his hand to signal goalkeeper Castels not to come out, sealing the near angle!

"My speed isn't enough! I must retreat directly to the edge of the penalty area!"

"As long as I block Son Heung-min's shot angle to the far corner, I can neutralize this one-on-one!"

"This is what a defensive core should do!"

Wolfsburg fans were anxious!

Lewokusen fans were ecstatic!

As far as the eye could see!

Son Heung-min dribbled into Wolfsburg's penalty area!

Dante, on high alert, quickly rushed in from the flank!

Press! Just press!

No tendency to steal the ball at all!

A strong body, as if trying to squeeze Son Heung-min out of the penalty area!

Tuopu Laotou's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Dino looked utterly astonished.

Heijin's eyes showed appreciation.

Both coaching staff praised Dent's performance this time!

"Dent has a lot of experience!"

"Son Heung-min has no chance..."

"Beautiful!"

Beyond everyone's expectations.

After Son Heung-min slightly slowed down, he accelerated again, easily shaking off Wolfsburg's center-back's pressure, preparing to blast the ball toward the far post!

Goalkeeper Kastels remained expressionless, took small steps, and prepared to make a save!

No fierce shot as expected.

Because Dent tripped Son Heung-min.

Beep!

The referee blew the whistle! Raised his hand pointing to the penalty spot!

He even pulled out a yellow card from his pocket!

The crowd erupted!

"Penalty!"

"From the slow-motion replay, this penalty decision is flawless, no controversy!"

"Dent's defensive awareness is strong, but his body can't keep up with his mind now; he can only choose this way to defuse the opponent's attack!"

"If Lewokusen scores this penalty, they'll practically kill the match."

"Li Kang's presence is strong—three long passes, all threatening Wolfsburg's goal!"

"See who will take it."

Sideline of the pitch.

Dino exclaimed excitedly: "Boss, the referee should give Dent a red card!"

Tuopu Laotou said softly: "Don't rush, Dent staying on the field is good; if Heijin brings on Naldo, the game will get tricky!"

As he spoke, Lewokusen's head coach lowered his head, fists trembling, unrelated to the current score—he most fears seeing his players take penalties, a shadow that has followed him throughout his coaching career.

Dino scratched his head, completely baffled by his own head coach's thinking.

The other side.

Heijin slumped onto the coaching bench.

Complex emotions.

Dent's action was fine, but why is this guy so unlucky?

Wolfsburg players swarmed the referee, arguing nonstop.

Son Heung-min got up.

Gislín picked up the ball and tossed it to Li Kang.

"Li, don't stand there—you're the first-choice penalty taker!"

Li Kang patted the ball and walked toward the penalty spot.

Penalty?

The system prompt tone sounded softly,

【Life is just like taking a penalty kick.】

A despondent, gloomy phantom suddenly appeared.

Blue jersey number 10.

Baggio.

Li Kang instinctively waved his hand, trying to dispel the phantom.

No effect...

He stood before the penalty spot.

"Li Kang will take this penalty!"

"He and Balotelli share a big heart!"

"Penalty kicks are a psychological battle!"

Research on penalty kicks has also drawn in many economists and psychologists, spawning various mathematical models and game theory.

The most famous is: mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium.

Of course.

What research theory, none work on Balotelli.

His penalty conversion rate is terrifying.

The referee used a yellow card to silence the most vocal Kruse.

Wolfsburg players gave up arguing and obediently stood outside the penalty area.

Fans from both sides couldn't help but grow tense.

Penalty kicks are the most nerve-wracking rule.

Kastels took a deep breath, made a strange jumping arm-raising motion, trying to influence the kicker's mindset.

Dan Te hesitated slightly, quietly extending his finger to give his own goalkeeper a hint!

He has a solid education, having earned a bachelor's degree in psychology early on.

"That kid's preferred foot is his left; judging from his run-up..."

Beep!

Accompanying the referee's whistle.

Li Kang began his run-up!

One step, two steps, three steps...

Throughout the process, there was no change in rhythm!

Thud!

At the moment his right foot's instep made contact with the ball.

Castellers dug both feet into the turf, launched himself upward, and lunged toward the top left corner!

But the ball floated lightly toward the exact center of the goal!

0:3!

!

"Beautiful!"

"That goal went in!"

"Li Kang killed the match!"

"He has a big heart!"

"Across the five major leagues, mentality is the deciding factor in penalty kicks!"

"Lewokusen scored three goals in the first half! Unless a miracle happens, Wolfsburg will hardly equalize!"

Live stream.

Danmu flying everywhere.

-【I originally thought Basha's penalty kicks were impressive, but I didn't expect Li Mingdeng to be no worse!】

-【Big-heart player, set pieces are usually strong!】

-【Penalty game theory was developed for normal people... you guys call these two big-hearted? One has a screw loose, the other has psychological issues.】

-【Lewokusen can let Li Mingdeng clock out and go to the locker room to do homework!】

-【Hard to say, you forgot the Berlin Hertha match? Leading three goals at halftime, almost got equalized!】

Sideline.

Tuopu Laotou heard the cheers and finally dared to lift his head.

Dino clapped and praised: "Boss, you're too brilliant! Li is indeed the most suitable first-choice penalty taker!"

Black Gold's face turned ashen.

He angrily grabbed a box of mineral water beside his seat and slammed it hard onto the turf.

Baggio's phantom turned into golden powder, drifting away with the wind.

The negative emotions surging in Li Kang's heart vanished instantly.

Teammates swarmed over, excitedly ruffling his hair.

At the goal.

Castellers spread his hands toward Dan Te, filled with regret: I shouldn't have listened to that jinx's hint!

Dan Te wore a bitter expression, knowing any explanation now would seem feeble and pointless.

Draxler stood with hands on hips, sighing helplessly.

Springboard?

Does Wolfsburg's springboard still have elasticity?

Just avoiding relegation this season would be decent!

Match restarted at center circle.

The referee raised his hand to check his watch, then blew the whistle for halftime.

Tuopu Laotou and Black Gold walked together toward the player tunnel.

The bond between this former master and apprentice has never wavered due to team allegiance.

The fifteen-minute halftime break ended quickly.

When the second half began.

Li Kang was still doing homework in the locker room.

Calhanoglu took the field.

The match had no suspense.

Lewokusen chose the most pragmatic approach: dense defense.

Van Dijk calmly directed his teammates, repelling wave after wave of Wolfsburg's attacks.

72nd minute of the match.

Lewokusen turned the tables, the midfield and forward lines surged forward wildly, catching the opponent off guard.

Brandt finally saved enough money to buy a house!

He received a header flick from Klinsmann in the right side of the big penalty area, shook off Dan Te, and fired a shot to score!

0:4!

!

90th minute of the match.

Draxler kicked a long-range shot. The football whistled as it flew toward the stands!

The Bundesliga head referee was too lazy to add injury time, clocking out right on schedule.

He directly blew the final whistle!

Leverkusen players felt very relaxed about their first match after the holiday break.

Soon, they will face a stronger Champions League powerhouse!

Meanwhile.

UEFA was also busy preparing for the Champions League quarter-final draw ceremony.