Chapter 432: The Match Is About to Begin (Daily Transition)

The two clubs had a brawl incident in the previous season.

This led to fans of both sides exchanging insults in online communities.

"Patrol car," "launch city," and "Aguero" flooded the comment section.

"Why did Aguero become the male lead?"

Because the conflict incidents in 2013 and 2016 were both started by this guy.

Elbow strike to the puffy head.

Shiny studs flying tackle to the puffy head.

Wiping nasal mucus on a Chelsea player.

Malicious trampling.

The fans of both sides argued and dug up all of Aguero's past misdeeds.

"Strike and cause trouble, threatening Atlético Madrid."

"He is Maradona's son-in-law, yet ended up giving Maradona a green hat."

How to put it.

The substantive relationship between the two clubs is also not bad.

August 20.

Li Kang and his teammates arrived at the Etihad Stadium, which has a unique dome and streamlined appearance.

The story of this stadium could fill a book, and Manchester City's former Maine Road Stadium could also fill a book.

The coaching staff and players successively got off the blue bus.

"Will Guardiola pull some tricks today?"

"He definitely will."

"I feel Tuchel is also pulling tricks..."

"Shh, kid, cherish your starting opportunity."

Pedro glanced at Li Kang, Fabregas, and Tuchel, then thought of Guardiola.

Isn't this just a civil war filled with Lovecraftian elements?

Pre-match press conference.

Guardiola and Tuchel shook hands and hugged warmly—almost to the point of kissing.

When they were young, both were believers of the Lovecraftian school.

During the Bundesliga era, in Munich bars you could use beer glasses as flags and chat tactics all night.

After little small talk, the two head coaches each took their seats.

Reporters eagerly raised questions.

"Is Jesus being converted into a false nine? This isn't a new invention; European football created this tactic in the 1930s!"

"The false nine is about to exit history, but it's still usable now."

"Fernandinho is not a holder; in 2017, the 'comb' position at the back has disappeared from mainstream leagues, and even the classic Pirlo completed his transition in 2011—you'll see many such players at next year's World Cup."

"The centers? Same story: in 2017, even ten years ago, mainstream leagues no longer need... Well, you can enjoy the performance of Russian forward Zub at next year's World Cup."

"Regarding Messi... under Valverde he will reach a new height, now farther from the goal, fully unleashing his commander potential."

"Messi, he..."

Guardiola appears not to care about the outcome of this match.

He hardly mentions the players of either side, instead striving to instill in media reporters the tactical changes of the new era.

By contrast, Tuchel's answer is very brief.

"We will win the match."

The player tunnel at Etihad Stadium is spacious, with a white canopy erected at the exit.

Li Kang touched David Silva's... shiny bald head.

The Blue Moon magician cut off his flowing long hair; this season's bald look shocked many fans: the literary midfielder turned butcher.

Morata couldn't help joking: "Your head shape really looks like Guardiola's."

Upon hearing this,

De Bruyne, standing at the back of the line, couldn't help laughing.

He looks considerably fatter than last season, his weight‑gain goal achieved; with the "innate divine power" trait, an ordinary Premier League center‑back would be easily knocked over by him.

His gaze swept over the Chelsea lineup, but he didn't see Courtois's figure.

Netizens once joked: "Whenever encountering Courtois, De Bruyne's combat power will surge."

The hatred for losing one's wife is not something ordinary people can digest.

De Bruyne and Courtois both came from the Genk youth academy.

The two have been close friends since they were 14.

It is said:

After the green‑hat incident years ago, the Belgian coaching staff decided to permanently expel Courtois from the national team, but De Bruyne stepped forward to block the decision: "Even if this is Courtois's fault, he remains an excellent goalkeeper, and Belgium needs him!"

Clap clap clap!

Applause thundered, continuing without end.

For the honor of the national team, Ding Ding set aside his personal grudge—what a noble spirit, worthy of emulation by every Belgian player!

So what happened?

The ex‑girlfriend jumped out, posting on social media to provoke: "That night Courtois gave me a service I never enjoyed in three years with De Bruyne."

The line began to move.

Etihad Stadium erupted with wave after wave of shouts like a landslide and tsunami.

Li Kang walked out of the passage.

The clamor gradually subsided.

A mechanical, cold electronic synthesized sound rang in his ears.

【Ding! Mission triggered: Blue Moon hangs in the sky.】

【Mission briefing: Tremble! You are about to face Guardiola's Manchester City·Complete Form! The Blue Moon is no longer dim as last season! You cannot possibly leave Etihad Stadium unscathed!】

【Mission reward: Manchester City·Dark Gold Treasure Box!】

Li Kang did not doubt the difficulty of this match, but the reward of the dark gold treasure box still exceeded his expectations...

Is it really that difficult?

"CTV5! CTV5! Good evening, viewers!"

"Welcome to the second round of the 2017-18 Premier League season!"

"Manchester City hosts Chelsea!"

"Blue vs. Blue showdown!"

"A focal point battle!"

"Last season, Manchester City was swept by Chelsea!"

"Can Guardiola avenge his past humiliation tonight?"

"Let's wait and see."

Duan Xuan lowered his head to glance at Manchester City's starting lineup, unable to resist wanting to take back his previous comment.

Cahill and Kompany shook hands and exchanged team flags.

Tonight's referee crew is somewhat unusual: the two assistant referees are girls, and the fourth official is an older woman.

"Next, let me introduce both teams' starting lineups."

"Manchester City lines up in a 3-1-4-2 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Ederson."

"Defenders: Kompany, Stones, Otamendi."

"Single defensive midfielder: Fernandinho."

"Attacking midfielders: Kyle Walker, David Silva, De Bruyne, Sané."

"Forwards: Aguero, Jesus."

CTV5 broadcast room.

-【The newly acquired B. Silva, Mendy, and Danilo aren't given starting spots?】

-【Guardiola demands high chemistry; if they haven't gelled enough, they won't start; rebuilding is a long process of building up reserves, requiring patience.】

-【Guardiola is up to his tricks again— Sterling isn't starting either!】

-【If Sterling doesn't play, this match is a sure win!】

"Chelsea lines up in a 4-3-3 formation!"

"Goalkeeper: Caballero."

"Defenders: Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill, Rüdiger."

"Midfielders: Li Kanté, Fabregas."

"Forwards: Hazard, Diego Costa, Pedro!"

-【Still haven't found a suitable goalkeeper? Chelsea won't be torn apart by Manchester City, right?】

-【Don't be fooled by the paper lineup; rich experience tells me... this match will be a low-scoring affair, I predict a 0-0 dull draw.】

-【Impossible, Li Mingdeng comes on with a built-in 2-0 attribute!】

Beep!

The head referee blew his whistle!

The match officially began!