Chapter 500: Anfield's Tragedy (Daily Transition)

The next evening.

Li Kang and his teammates sat in front of the TV, watching another Champions League semifinal: Liverpool versus Real Madrid.

Buffon sat on the sofa, clapped his hands, and quieted everyone down:

"Before the match starts, let me tell you a funny story!"

"One day, Totti was discussing culture with a girl, and she asked him: Have you read Shakespeare?"

"Do you know what Totti said?"

"He said: I've read it, but I don't remember who wrote that book, hahaha!"

The crowd: "."

Nobody knew who started the loud laughter, and immediately the whole living room filled with a lighthearted, cheerful atmosphere.

Buffon still wanted to say another, but Azpilicueta timely stopped him.

Anfield Stadium, under the terrifying aura of the home crowd, resembled a red purgatory.

30 seconds into the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo attracted the world's attention, dribbling quickly down the flank, but before he could even pass midfield, Lovren easily dispossessed him!

60 seconds into the match.

C Ronaldo received Marcelo's pass near the byline, again faced Lovren, and the Real Madrid star twitched as if electrified while making a feint, yet still couldn't get past.

Modric made a timely forward run to support.

C Ronaldo's gaze was firm; he decisively knocked the ball onward.

The Croatian midfielder skillfully received the ball to relieve pressure, then immediately sent a long pass, instantly shifting the attacking direction of the Galactic Battleship.

Kroos appeared on the right side of the thirty-meter zone and lofted the ball oncoming.

A cruise-missile-precise outside‑curved pass.

Thus formed a Mismatch Bombardment.

Isco had already quietly slipped into Liverpool's penalty area, swinging his leg in midair. He recently got a girlfriend—Sal LS Lam, and that girl is a vegetarian, demanding Isco eat vegetarian with her.

For a professional athlete, eating vegetarian obviously leads to reduced explosive speed and slower movement.

A perfect shooting stance, yet ultimately he failed to make contact with the ball.

Karius rushed out in time, punching the ball clear of the box with both fists!

Anfield Stadium, the atmosphere grew ever more mighty!

Liverpool didn't let Real Madrid launch a second‑point attack!

A red surge instantly swallowed the empty half of Real Madrid!

Navas descended like a god, thwarting Mane's one‑on‑one.

The camera cut to the sideline, showing Zidane.

Real Madrid's head coach rubbed his bald head, his face full of terror.

Time passed.

The scales of victory were tilting toward Liverpool's side.

The Red Arrow Trio's crushing offensive launched a fierce assault on the Galactic Battleship.

Anfield's momentum gradually reached its peak.

It seemed as if a scarlet‑flamed liver bird devoured the silvery‑white Galactic Battleship.

The red fighting spirit, like raging waves!

London.

Fabregas asked bewilderedly: "What the hell are they playing? Modric and Kroos keep pointing out gaps, but teammates can't cover them—what is Zidane doing?"

Diego Costa laughed and interrupted: "He's got a plan!"

The meme of the Qi Xuan Sect had long spread from the Eastern lands to Europe and become widely circulated.

"Any world‑class coach will be leveled by Zidane; Real Madrid's head coach will use mysterious qi to defeat the opponent."

Buffon, looking sleepy, went home early to rest.

Captain Cahil also said he would go back to be with his family.

Bakayoko focused intently, trying hard to see deeper meaning from the situation: "The tactical depth of this match must be huge—I just can't grasp it yet!"

Li Kang was also watching the big screen seriously, but he couldn't see many tactical adjustments; it was mostly individual match‑up attrition, Liverpool's individual strength relatively weaker, and although they briefly held the upper hand, Klopp was drawn by Zidane into a "mindless fucking kick" rhythm.

Minute 25 of the match.

The scales of victory collapsed.

An accident occurred.

Salah and Ramos fell together.

In the slow‑motion replay, fans worldwide saw a horrifying, chilling scene!

Anfield Stadium, instantly erupting in boos!

Finally.

Salah shed tears on Anfield, amid the applause and encouragement of tens of thousands of Liverpool fans, and left the pitch regrettably.

The Egyptian prodigy's Champions League dream this season was completely shattered.

After all the hardship and setbacks, how could one resign to departing the Champions League stage in this manner?

The seed of vengeance was planted the instant they stepped off the pitch.

"We have a score to settle between us."

The ensuing match grew ever more intense.

The Liverpool players were holding back a burst of energy.

The 37th minute.

Carvajal made a heel pass, and Robertson stepped on his heel.

The pain continued, and he left the field regrettably.

The 60th minute of the match.

Bale came on as a substitute, replacing Isco.

Anfield welcomed its darkest hour.

The Liver Bird with broken wings could not stop the Welsh superstar's descent of the Great Sage.

Fans worldwide witnessed a series of brilliant performances that pushed individual abilities to the limit.

Finally.

The head referee blew the whistle signaling the end of the match.

Liverpool 1:3 Real Madrid.

Klopp had a bewildered expression.

Zidane raised his arms and shouted.

London.

Li Kang said goodbye to his Chelsea teammates one by one.

He wanted to review the match's tactical details but found there was nothing worth reviewing.

Zidane and Van Gaal's in-game adjustments are always puzzling: seemingly plain changes that somehow produce miraculous effects, turning the tide.

The assistant said: 'Li, rest early.'

Li Kang nodded.

What he needs to do now is rest, to prepare for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final and the final few rounds of the Premier League.

That night.

News about the first leg of the Champions League semi-final went viral online.

"The Divine Arc at Stamford Bridge."

"The Great Sage's Backheel at Anfield."

"Salah's shoulder seriously injured, season over, withdrawing early from the race for the Champions League Golden Boot and Premier League Golden Boot, likely missing the World Cup."

"The Pope: Bless all injured players."

"Ramos: It's not my fault; I pressed his right arm, so how did his left shoulder get injured?"

"Spanish veteran: Ramos' defense is flawless, but he shouldn't have been caught by the media smirking in a close-up."

Comment counts, likes, and shares surged wildly.

"What's going on? Why is Salah the target of online outrage?"

"The defendant became the plaintiff."

"The Pope: Ramos, you are God's favored one."

"I am a neutral fan; let me analyze: Ramos first poked the ball away, then blocked Salah's position (there was a reaching-and-pulling motion, which cannot be considered a foul), then Salah lost balance and grabbed Ramos's arm with his hand; as he fell, Ramos didn't have time to let go, and consequently clamped Salah's arm and pressed down. In conclusion, this was just an accident."

"Liverpool's second leg at the Bernabéu will be tough to play."

"I predict the Champions League final will be Li Mingdeng vs. Bale, two superstars battling for the pinnacle of Europe."

"Professional football has never been a gentleman's sport; players like Lineker, Lahm, Benzema, Raul, Drogba, and Li Kang, who hardly foul, play cleanly but are too soft."

"Pepe is the most passionate; he played well in the Turkish Super Liga, was selected for Portugal's 2018 World Cup squad, and is in the same group as Li Mingdeng."