Chapter 517

Time passed.

Chelsea firmly controlled the match, creating a field suppression against Real Madrid.

Field suppression.

Zidane thought this was merely field suppression.

He would be confused, he would be surprised.

But possessing the heart of a strong one, during his playing days he had feared no opponent, and as a coach he remained equally fearless.

"Don't panic."

"The space for transitioning attack has opened up."

"Low defensive positioning is our most proficient combat method."

The emotions of some Real Madrid fans were complex.

They watched the bullfighter legion's hero wave the red cloth, blade in hand, sword tip pointing at that patch of pure white belonging to Madrid.

"Consecutive one-touch passing."

"Flowing rhythm like clouds and water."

"Unpredictable triangular passing and receiving points."

"Li Kang always appears in the most subtle places, as if possessing God's perspective, with every action analyzing Real Madrid's midfield barrier and defensive line."

"Perfect passing and receiving routes."

"Exquisite ball-release force."

"Reasonable positioning."

"Indescribable vision and awareness."

"Butcher's ox dissection!"

"He has turned Chelsea into an incredibly precise instrument! Interpreting the space and rhythm of the green field at the pinnacle of Europe!"

"The gem of La Masia youth academy!"

He Wei spoke with an excited tone.

What he saw was not hypnotic possession control, but a terrifying suppression hiding killing intent.

Duan Xuan held back for half a sentence: "Although Real Madrid has lost possession during this period, they have gained expansive counterattack space, currently trailing by only one goal, the match remains full of suspense, and they still possess the King of Adversity."

This sentence sounds fine.

VIP box.

Exclamations never ceased to reach the ears.

Legendary veterans watched the football roll across the green field's trajectory, some clenching their fists, some with dazed gazes, some with thoughts drifting far away.

Isn't this just another extreme form of possession play?

Believe it won't be long before Tuchel's small-ball and space-obstruction training is absorbed by numerous clubs! Just like that guy's "decomposition preparation method" during his Mainz coaching days.

Cruyff glanced at Beckenbauer with a smile.

Beckenbauer said nothing.

Distant Israel.

Abu clenched his fists, expression excited.

The championship trophy could no longer satisfy his real-life FM fun, and he also demanded flowing, watchable aesthetics, emphasizing over a decade of 'beautiful football' and 'elite club style.' Finally, in this season it was perfectly realized.

38th minute of the match.

Under the ultimate passing, pulling, and tugging.

Real Madrid's defensive line revealed a breach.

Chelsea instantly accelerated.

Li Kang received Kanté's pass at the midfield circle line, then made a pause, followed by a right-foot L-shaped pull, shaking off Benzema who lunged forward with a feint.

Immediately afterward, he lifted his left foot.

"Ankle locked tight."

"Toes curled inward."

"Outer instep lifted."

"Elegant!"

"Change in rhythm, initiating attack!"

Pa!

The football left the ground, spinning violently.

Like a strangely shaped blade, it pierced through the white-clad legion's defense.

Outer instep outswing curve 'diagonal' long pass.

Opposite to the traditional outswing curve 'straight long pass.'

Low arc.

High ball speed.

Precise contact point.

At the Olympic Stadium, everyone's eyes were fixed on the football's trajectory in midair.

Monster.

Such a midfield commander is simply a monster.

The stable, decelerating possession control system suddenly initiated ultra-long-distance cruise guidance from the midfield circle line.

【60> Their peak dream trio's white cloth at least needs to slowly move into the forty-meter zone before they can draw the blade.

People's peak dream three hah white cloth at least has to slowly turn to the forty-meter area before they can draw the knife, ah.

"Azar!"

"Li Kang's outswinging long pass was very easy to control!"

"Beautiful!"

"Azar the Ball King used his arm to block Carvajal!"

"Keep going inside!"

"The Galacticos' defensive adjustment speed is too fast! Unbelievable!"

"Varane!"

"The defensive tendency of Real Madrid's scholar center-back is to push Azar to the outside!"

"Not engaging you in a battle of balance, he turned sideways and shifted his weight backward."

"Come on! Let's race for speed on the outside!"

"What does it mean to defend with your brain! Scholar Varane!"

No outside speed duel.

Who are you racing for speed with? I

Premier League dribbling king, erupting in upright stance!

Belgian king·upright stance VS French genius center-back·sideways stance!

Azar gently pushed the ball toward the middle with the inside of his left foot.

Keep going inside!

This kind of risky move forced Varane, in a sideways stance, to have to adjust his balance.

Azar nudged the ball again with his right foot!

Causing the sideways-stanced Real Madrid scholar to fall into a visual blind spot!

Unless Varane's head can rotate 360 degrees, otherwise it's impossible to beat Azar!

Live stream room.

Bullet comments flying everywhere.

【Azar has entered Real Madrid's penalty area!】

【Back then Varane could force the pharmaceutical Li to the outside for a speed duel, but now he's been completely crushed by Azar!】

【Different spaces, open areas versus narrow zones have different combat situations.】

【No complete crush! As soon as their positions become parallel, Varane won't lose!】

Varane's brain is very quick.

The speed of his balance adjustment is also very fast.

Unfortunately.

Azar changed direction again.

This time he really went outside!

Positions parallel.

Varane stepped forward to accelerate, yet blocked the incoming Casemiro!

The defensive mindset in the visual blind spot has become inconsistent!

"Azar!"

"Oh no!"

At the moment Azar kicked the ball, his vision was suddenly covered by a flash of gold.

Modric.

Able to adjust frequency, intensity, and switch roles according to different game situations, thus adapting to changing battle conditions and switching abilities, the Galacticos' commander.

Though his physique appears frail, it contains immense energy.

Starting from Dinamo Zagreb, he climbed step by step from the grassroots, endured various football styles' baptism, and ultimately became an omnipresent, full-field covering hexagonal warrior.

"Beautiful tackle!"

"Modric defused the danger!"

"The Galacticos' transition attack!"

"Counterattack, starting now!"

"Kroos!"

"Inswinging long pass!"

Cristiano Ronaldo, intuition-based running!!!

"Cristiano!!!"

【111 "King of adversity!!!"

King of Adversity!!!

Duan Xuan shouted excitedly, openly expressing his love and worship for the Real Madrid superstar.

Fans in front of the TV were excited beyond control.

Actually, Chelsea's high defensive line is very solid, with strong layering.

Cristiano Ronaldo dribbled past midfield, still needing to face Rudiger, David Luiz, Cahill, and the retreating Kanté.

Cristiano Ronaldo entered Chelsea's half, the forty-meter zone.

Suddenly his sturdy body trembled.

His resolute gaze locked onto Chelsea's goal.

"This posture. Is he going to shoot now?"

"Leadership aura!"

"Half-time is already within shooting range!"

"Here it comes!"

"The equalizing nuclear blast goal!"

Thud!

The football flew in midair for a while, then softly bounced near the baseline and slowly rolled out of bounds.

Buffon smiled and gave a thumbs-up.

Benzema and Marcelo in Real Madrid's counterattack chain stopped, looked at each other, then burst into loud applause.

Cristiano Ronaldo spread his hands and angrily cursed twice.

At the Olympic Stadium, thunderous applause erupted.

"Indomitable spirit!"

"This is Cristiano Ronaldo—no matter how dire the situation, he never gives up, still inspiring his teammates!"

"Although they didn't equalize, Cristiano Ronaldo bore the banner of Real Madrid's counterattack!"

In Li Kang's vision, the phantom of Real Madrid's number 7 appeared again.

White with gold trim.

In an instant, a strong desire to win or lose spread rapidly.

Li Kang waved his hand, dispersing the phantom.

Livestream room.

【Real Madrid's entire team only has me, Ronaldo, working hard—these teammates really can't be carried.】

【Although it didn't go in, that nuclear blast long-range shot definitely scared Buffon into peeing himself.】

【A team's core should be as domineering as Cristiano Ronaldo—only then is it true leadership presence.】

【Don't rush, Qi Xuan Zong is about to perform a ritual! Heavenly spirit, earthly spirit, Li Mingdeng is injured and taken off!】

【I heard Zidane is about to resign; Real Madrid's next head coach might be Lopetegui.】

First-half injury time ended.

Beep! Beep-beep~

The main referee blew the whistle signaling halftime.

"The intense battle of 45 minutes has ended!"

"Back and forth! Chelsea temporarily leads Real Madrid by one goal!"

"Let's see both teams' shot counts and threatening attacks! The suspense remains high."

"Real Madrid usually exerts force in the second half; they won't be so easily defeated on the Champions League stage!"

"Let's take a short break—we'll be back in fifteen minutes!"

Dino and the staff rushed toward Li Kang, bringing water and feeding bananas with clear division of labor.

Wiping sweat doesn't even need to be done.

The double number-four positions' field control 'pass and move' made the match mostly 'health-preserving' for most of the time.

Chelsea locker room.

Tuchel personally pulled over the tactical board.

After encouraging the players, he continued analyzing the second half.

"We cannot just control the field all the time."

"At reasonable time points, we must launch a fierce attack!"

"Especially before Bale comes on!"

"He is the biggest threat in Real Madrid's attacking transition!"

The players understood implicitly.

This season, having experienced battles against the depleted Cholo Atlético and Hai Clan Bayern, they felt true despair and helplessness.

In comparison.

Facing the pinnacle of this Champions League, the tactical contest is still quite easy.

Buffon is in good spirits and again told jokes to his teammates.

"One night, Totti returned home and saw his girlfriend lying in bed."

"The girlfriend teased, saying: 'Honey, I want to hear you say some passionate dirty talk.'"

"Totti froze, then seriously said: 'Lazio!'"

"Hahaha!"

"Hey hey hey! Can't you give me some face, laugh a little? This might be the last joke I tell in the locker room!"

Chelsea players fell silent for two seconds, then burst into cheerful laughter.

Real Madrid locker room.

Someone violently threw down their shoes, angrily shouting something like 'You're playing like a pile of shit.'

Others were mutually encouraging.

Ramos loudly inspired his teammates.

Zidane gestured for everyone to quiet down:

"We still have many opportunities!"

"The match isn't over yet!"

"Don't panic!"

"I've found the breakthrough point! Diego Costa, his physical confrontation ability is strong, but his style characteristics and Tuchel's possession-based system are not compatible! He will be our breakthrough in transitioning to attack!"

Then he moved the magnetic flag on the tactical board.

Assign personnel to restrict Chelsea's front 'small triangle' connection.

There is a saying that Zidane disdains to mention: making the game fragmented through fouls is one of the excellent means to break possession-based play.

The fifteen-minute break ended quickly.

Real Madrid players looked at the Chelsea lineup but couldn't see Diego Costa's figure.

Zidane furrowed his brow, feeling depressed as he touched his bald head.

"."

As the referee team and players entered, the Olympic Stadium regained its clamor.

"Good evening, audience friends, welcome back."

"Now broadcasting live is the second half of the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League final!"

"Chelsea made the first substitution adjustment!"

"Morata substituted for Diego Costa!"

"This is a like-for-like substitution!"

"Real Madrid's side has temporarily had no changes."

Different styles of coaches, their substitution methods also differ, often leaving tactical analysts unable to understand.

For example, Wenger often makes substitutions after 70 minutes.

For example, Enrique and Guardiola, they might even not use a single substitution slot by the end of the full match.

For example, Zidane, fixed substitution pattern: 60-70 minutes, take off Isco, put on Bale.

Beep!

Accompanied by the main referee's whistle.

The second half officially began.

Chelsea possession.

Morata's hairstyle today is handsome, a left-footed kickoff, and it made the female fans in the stands scream.

"The ball trajectory is easy to judge."

"Morata's kickoff must be looking for Li Kang, with no second option."

"."

"The football's operation on the green field is smoother now."

"Morata's position isn't stuck at the very front of the attack line; sometimes he drops deep, his style matches Li Kang too well."

"Although he doesn't have Diego Costa's top-tier physical confrontation and finishing ability, he suits Tuchel's style of play better."

"After all, we're leading by one goal, so the pressure to break through isn't that great."

Time passed minute by minute.

The cheers of Chelsea fans became the main melody of the Kyiv night.

Real Madrid fans gradually fell silent, but they hadn't lost confidence—70 minutes later, that's when the Galacticos' moment arrives!

Bale put on his vest and warmed up on the sidelines.

As a product of Southampton's youth academy, his ability to analyze the game situation is strong.

His brain raced.

He began reading the weaknesses in Chelsea's high defensive line.

In the upcoming match, Real Madrid players' defensive actions gradually increased.

In a set-piece defense, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't help but punch Rüdiger three times, just like when he punched Godín before!

Rüdiger collapsed in pain.

"The main referee hesitated for a moment, didn't show a card, but instead gave Cristiano Ronaldo a verbal warning."

"When Cristiano Ronaldo punched Godín back then, he also didn't get a card!"

Upon hearing He Wei say that.

Duan Xuan hurriedly explained: "That time was normal physical contact; Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't intentional."

Accompanied by the boos rising from the Olympic Stadium.

The main referee still showed Cristiano Ronaldo a yellow card.

If no card were given, this match would completely lose control.

Should such an action not be carded?

Wouldn't the subsequent development be an endless cycle of 'retaliation'?

Match minute 62.

Li Kang passed the ball in the forty-meter zone, then immediately, in the process of making a high-speed forward run, was struck in the face by Marcelo's elbow!

A brief sharp pain made him collapse to the ground.

The Olympic Stadium was again shrouded in boos.

The main referee did not stop the match, gesturing that Chelsea's attack had the advantage.

Immediately after.

The ball-carrying advancing Hazard was brought down by Ramos, and the football rolled out of bounds.

"During this period, Real Madrid's defensive actions are getting bigger and bigger!"

"It might be a tactic."

One way to deal with possession-based play is to make the game fragmented.

The camera cut to a close-up of Li Kang, and he had a nosebleed!

After receiving treatment from the team doctor, there was nothing serious, and Marcelo and he proactively bumped fists to apologize.

If Li Kang gets injured in this match and cannot play in the Russia World Cup, the consequences would be unimaginable; someone must bear the wrath of the World Cup sponsors.

Sideline.

Dino and Tuchel complained furiously to the fourth official.

Diego Costa went berserk on the bench.

VIP box.

The legendary old-timers united against a common enemy.

On the green field.

Li Kang's pain gradually faded.

He rubbed his face, then signaled to his teammates that he was fine.

Minor injury, did not trigger the 'Indomitable Spirit' module.

The match resumed.

70th minute.

William flew down the right flank, facing Marcelo's interception, the Samba magic winger chose to retaliate against a teammate!

"Oh dear!"

"William's hand movement while shielding the ball was a bit excessive!"

"He poked Marcelo in the eye!"

"This move was to help Li Kang get revenge!"

"The referee signaled an offensive foul!"

"Oh? The broadcast cut to the fourth official."

"Zidane is going to make a substitution."

"We saw Bell standing outside the center circle!"

"Without a doubt, the player being taken off will be Isco!"

"Real Madrid's formation will shift from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3!"

Bell went bald.

He merely used his remaining long hair, tied it into a braid, to cover the bald spot.

He bent over to adjust his shin guard.

He suppressed his longing for the golf course.

He suppressed the weakening effect of the minoxidil plus finasteride hair growth combo on his physical ability.

A product of Southampton's youth academy, he had already seen through Chelsea's high press.

Suddenly.

A blue-clad little black egg appeared beside him, the beast-waisted Bakayoko!

Tuchel ran up without hesitation, grabbed Bakayoko and shouted loudly: "Low defensive line! After coming on, pass my adjustments to your teammates!"

The little black egg nodded seriously, dug into his pocket, and said: "Well, whoever hits Li Kang, I'll hit them back!"

Tuchel: "."

Bell: "."

Zidane's expression was gloomy, feeling his intelligence had been insulted: the opposing side, precisely when he substituted in Bell, launched an attack on their own initiative!

"Bell is a superweapon for breaking possession and high press!"

"Huh?"

"Chelsea made a second substitution adjustment!"

"Bakayoko came on for Fabregas!"

"Tuchel is going to park the bus next!"

"Cunningly plotting strategies!"

"No wonder he's a world-class coach!"

"Tactical countermeasure!"

Live stream room.

Bullet comments flew across the screen.

【Three holding midfielders: Li Kanté + Kanté + Bakayoko! Hardness maxed out!】

【Tuchel this old schemer! So shameless!】

【Bell: I came on to break the high press! Hmm, what about the opponent's high press?】

【Everyone knows how Zidane will substitute now, and everyone also knows how Tuchel will counter.】

【Can only say, these European powerhouses have too many tricks up their sleeves.】

The match resumed.

Real Madrid threw in a ball from the sideline.

The trailing Galacticos launched an attacking frenzy!

"Role reversal."

"Did the blue team all drop back, letting Li Kang take the frontmost position up front?"

Morata and William diligently participated in the defense of the position.

Why?

The world of football is full of unknowns; Chelsea might pay a heavy price for this deployment!

Sideline.

Dino was a bit nervous.

Tuchel looked confident, his hands crossed in front of his chest.

If at this moment I chose to let Li defend deeply, then I would be a coward!

Deterrence!

Li stands at the front of the low defensive formation! Possessing the most terrifying deterrent power in Europe!

Facing Chelsea entering low defensive, bus formation.

Marcelo easily dribbled the ball across the midfield line.

Real Madrid's formation quickly widened, building attacking depth.

The midfield pushed forward in the ceremony.

Usually, when facing Modric and Kroos's direct advance, the opponent hesitates before pressing or retreating.

But this Chelsea will not.

Leading by one goal, low position squatting and retreating, snowball effect!

If Isco were still on the field, Real Madrid could solve the explosive point problem in positional warfare.

After all, he is called the Spanish Messi.

Bale needs space and possession, but the ball cannot reach him on the right flank.

Most of Chelsea's defensive strength is focused on Bale, treating the Welshman as the biggest threat.

Real Madrid is now somewhat passive in positional warfare, possibly needing to rely on Modric switching to ball-carrying explosive points, or hoping for Casemiro's long-range shot.

Kroos, divine pass!

Cristiano Ronaldo!

God-level movement!

Stream-of-consciousness kicking style!

Ability to read the defensive line, number one in the world!

Oh no, can't stop the ball and get past, forced to slow down.

The ball is lost.

Bakayoko, you've made a contribution!

Danger!

Standing at the very front of Chelsea's formation is Li Kang!

Bakayoko passed the ball to David Luiz.

Although the Samba afro-haired player is somewhat careless in defense, he possesses top-notch long-passing skills.

Boom!

The football quickly rose, drawing a trajectory in mid-air!

Straight down to the midfield line.

Li Kang, stationed at the very front of the formation, had already activated.

Modric frantically chased back but couldn't catch up.

Himself and that blue number 10 jersey, growing ever farther!

Facing the wind.

Li Kang lifted his left foot, releasing the football.

The motion was extended.

After his left foot landed, he lightly flicked past Carvajal.

Unthinkable control radius!

If the game company were lazy, they might make Li Kang's model extra-large!

Outside of the foot flick, inside cut, and he got past Ramos again!

The half of the Galactic Battleship has become his backyard!

Varane!

Two super geniuses, facing off again after two years!

Varane maintained uniform speed during his retreat.

Still in a side-body stance.

Protect the middle, push to the side.

In this historical period, he remains Europe's strongest single defender, and possesses the top-tier starting speed and explosive power.

Peripherally observing Li Kang's stride and rhythm.

Mentally calculating the one-on-one attack-defense distance.

Come on.

On the open field, those two Azar-like fellows also cannot create a visual blind spot for me.

Li!

Either go for an inside one-on-one!

Or go for an outside speed duel!

Chelsea fans were on edge, staring intently at the blue number 10 on the field.

The adrenaline of tens of thousands surged at this moment!

The image froze.

At the Olympiysky Stadium, the grand blue stands shimmered with specks of starlight.

They gathered in midair into a galaxy, flowing endlessly.

【Blue Angel (Legend Module) triggered.】

【All Power of Faith consumed!】

【Energy materializing.】

The night wind on the east bank of the Dnieper River brushed against black hair and blue clothing.

In Li Kang's vision, three blue silhouettes rapidly coalesced.

White-clad·Bale.

Red-black·Kaka.

Red-blue·Messi.

The True Eye burst forth, dyed blue by the Power of Faith!

A young beast roared, a foal shattering the void with its hooves.

The river of time flowed again.

At the pinnacle of Europe, the most explosive scene was born!

Li Kang pushed the ball toward Varane's left side!

He studded the turf fiercely.

Second acceleration.

His whole body went around Varane from the right!

Man and ball separated!

Europe's strongest single defender was turned into a barrier pole!

Interior duel.

Exterior overtake.

Both fronts clashed simultaneously.

In Real Madrid's half, it was as if pierced by a blue flash of lightning in an instant!

Everyone unconsciously held their breath!

Varane stood frozen in place, and by the time he turned, Li Kang had already reunited with the football!

The entire Olympiysky Stadium!

Exploded!

Mountain collapse and tsunami!

Joy and despair intertwined!

Black hair, blue clothing, as if standing atop Europe, looking down upon all beings!

"Unbelievable!"

"Precise foot frequency!"

"Unthinkable man-ball separation!"

"Terrifying explosive power!"

"What kind of ball sense and footwork rhythm is this!"

"Striding like meteors!"

"Gunshot like a dragon!"

Tuchel and Dino gaped with mouths wide open.

Zidane, excited, tore his trousers.

Cruyff covered his chest.

Beckenbauer's eyes burned with fervor.

Boom!

Accompanied by a roar echoing through Kyiv's night!

The Galactic Battleship was blasted down again!

Navas gave his all, the result being a helpless, embarrassed fall as he watched the football lift the net.

2:0!!!

"Another goal!"

"Battle of Apotheosis!"

"Brace!"

"The ultimate expression of individual ability!"

"Li Kang, the protagonist of the final night!"

"Bright moon high in the sky, making the stars dim!"

"Every frame of his ball-carrying advance is a visual feast!"

"20 goals in a single Champions League season, unprecedented!"

"He conquered every fan present, the tidal applause and cheers bearing witness to the coronation of the European Emperor!"

Livestream room.

Danmu flew everywhere.

【Li Wudi.】

【Li Baoyu Ba'er!】

【Li Mingdeng's spell KO'd Zidane's occult arts!】

【Tuchel, a historically great manager! A textbook-style 'midfield striker conversion' adjustment!】

【Li Kang didn't keep grinding weak teams in the Champions League group stage to pad stats—what a pity, otherwise he'd have set a freakish record!】

【No rush, next season he should break his own record again.】

【What's going on in Europe this year? Li Kang and midfielder Mei, both playing deeper, have blown past third-place Suarez in goal tally by a huge margin?】

【If he wins the World Cup, he'll truly be crowned king.】

Li Kang staggered a few steps, then collapsed onto the grass.

Panicked.

The whole world panicked at this sight.

The entire Chelsea club.

FIFA.

World Cup Organizing Committee.

World Cup sponsors.

When everyone learned Li Kang had only cramped up, the whole world breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone was still lost in Li Kang's brilliant performance, unconsciously forgetting the passage of match time.

It felt like a dream.

When the final whistle blew, thoughts were pulled back to reality.

Beep! Beep-beep~

The match ended.

"2017/18 season Champions League champions, Chelsea!"

Actually, I wrote over twelve thousand words for this chapter today, but it looks too bloated—I must trim it!

Thanks for everyone's continued companionship and encouragement.

The江湖 is long, the mountains high and waters long—there's still World Cup plot ahead, plus free side stories.