Bellerin was in a bad way.

He wasn't particularly afraid of typical explosive wingers; after all, no matter how fast they were, they couldn't outrun him.

But now, he was facing Mario Mandžukić, a "center forward drifting wide" who loved to fight.

He couldn't handle it.

If it were a battlefield in the era of cold weapons, the slender Bellerin would have been killed seven or eight times over by the wild Mandžukić.

"Mandžukić's wing skills were developed during his time with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga."

"Well, no skills are needed; he just jostled Bellerin aside again while receiving the ball."

"Up to now, we've discovered that after getting the ball on the wing, Mandžukić doesn't cut inside or cross; he's more like a pivot point on the wing!"

"This forces Arsenal's defense to lean towards that side."

Live broadcast room.

-

[Why aren't others helping Bellerin? Are they all just watching? Let me imagine it: Higuaín, Dybala, Alves, and Pjanić are creating such strong attacking layers, not to mention Sandro occasionally supporting Mandžukić, stretching the width of the attack. In top-tier teams' matches, one-on-one duels are bloody battles. If any Arsenal player dares to lose their position to provide assistance, the defense will be penetrated in minutes.]

-

[Fun fact: When Allegri coached Milan, he used Ibrahimović like this a few times. The opposing right-back was tortured to death. He couldn't win the ball, and if teammates came to help, Ibrahimović's nimble footwork and vision... with a couple of passes, he could create a chance to threaten the goal.]

-

[The ultimate goal is to strengthen the connection points in the frontcourt, making the attack more three-dimensional and the tactics more diverse.]

-

[So Juventus' positional attack is so strong?]

-

[Mandžukić was also a European Cup Golden Boot winner back in the day, a key striker for Bayern's treble-winning team. I thought traditional center forwards like him were going to be phased out, but he transformed after coming to Juventus.]

-

[If a player wants to prolong their career, they must constantly transform with the tactical trends and adjust their characteristics. Mandžukić has done this, as have Juventus' defensive stalwarts, not to mention veteran Buffon.]

Pressure is like a spring.

Bellerin gritted his teeth and held on tight.

As long as he could hold out until Arsenal had a chance to launch a counter-attack, Mandžukić and Sandro, with their tortoise-like speed, wouldn't be able to withstand his speed.

Alex Sandro, the "flying wing" hyped up by the Samba media, didn't actually have top-tier European speed.

The fastest player in the entire Juventus team was the 37-year-old veteran defender, Barzagli.

28th minute of the match.

The Bianconeri bombarded the left flank again.

Mandžukić's ball control finally faltered slightly under the interference of the smaller player.

Bellerin's short legs darted out from under his crotch, gently poking the ball away from their control.

Then, he bypassed the burly Croatian, receiving the ball and sending a diagonal pass!

This helpless act of using skill to overcome strength, with its redundant process, gave the Juventus midfield ample time to prepare.

"He finally won a one-on-one duel!"

"His thinking is very clear; he passed it to Li Kang!"

"Oh no, Pjanić and Dybala's blocking is very timely."

Dybala was happy during this period.

He could play in his most familiar central position, with a selfless older brother, Higuaín, in front of him.

Juventus' midfield and attack didn't have any superstars.

Everyone was adjusting their fighting style under Allegri's traditional tactics.

Higuaín, the Serie A Golden Boot winner with 36 goals last season, no longer obsessed over shooting opportunities after coming to Juventus. More often, he became a pressure point, acting as a super accessory for his national team junior, Dybala.

Dybala, positioned in midfield, often had more shots on goal than the team's forwards.

But he wasn't the type of attacker who waited for tap-ins.

He deeply retreated to defend, organize, and distribute the ball, freeing up the offensively-inclined midfielder, Khedira.

Although he couldn't win individual honors, he enjoyed the purest joy during his time at Juventus.

The Bianconeri's overall goal tally would soon reach its peak in the coming seasons.

The instant Li Kang received the ball.

In his God's-eye view, multiple Juventus interception points had already appeared behind him.

Short passing options had been cut off, losing contact with Xhaka, Cazorla, and Sánchez.

"Don't rush."

"Slow down the pace, first get rid of him... Beautiful! Backheel long pass!"

"The magic of the 200 million man."

The ball drew a beautiful arc in the sky above Turin's Allianz Stadium.

Falling towards the right side of the center circle.

Morata surged ahead, leaving the desperately chasing Khedira behind.

But a tall black-and-white figure appeared where the ball was falling!

Juventus number 3.

Chiellini.

Two Chiellinis could suffocate a Suárez.

"The range of his pressing is too large!"

"Chiellini is playing more like a defensive midfielder!"

"He's broken away from Barzagli and Bonucci's parallel defensive line!"

"Khedira didn't stop to assist in the challenge; instead, he continued running, switching himself to a central defender to prevent Chiellini's press from failing... No, he's confident in Chiellini's one-on-one combat ability!"

"Juventus' positional rotation is terrifying."

*Pa!*

Chiellini headed the ball out of bounds before Morata could reach it.

The two collided in mid-air, falling onto the grass together after landing.

Fortunately, they were both durable. They helped each other up.

In the distance.

Taking advantage of the stoppage in play.

Pjanić patted Li Kang's butt and said, "When are you coming to fulfill your childhood dream?"

Li Kang shook his head, remembering that year's draw ceremony: Buffon's sign language interpreter.

In his vision, the figure in the blue-and-white number 10 jersey slowly emerged.

Ultimate Baggio.

Savior of Brescia.

Complex emotions spread wildly.

Li Kang waved his hand, stopping Baggio's phantom.

He almost couldn't help but provoke the Juventus's extremist fans in the South Stand.

In the stands, in the commentary box.

Del Piero was wearing a black suit with the top two buttons of his white shirt undone.

He twirled an Aurora pen in his fingers.

After briefly explaining the current state of the match.

He began his highly personal style of casual chatter:

"We don't need to envy Arsenal for having a 200 million man."

"If Li were to join the current Juventus, it would only create a lose-lose situation."

"After sending away Pogba, our attacking firepower has exploded. There hasn't been an explosion of individual goals, but the overall goal tally has been steadily climbing."

"If Li joins Juventus, it will only disrupt the existing tactical ecosystem."

"Dybala and Pjanić would have to concede resources, playing in unfamiliar positions, missing their peak periods."

"Allegri might be able to produce a 'God-like Li' who scores goals like crazy and breaks all kinds of records, but the Bianconeri's revival seeds might become useless, and the overall goal tally might decline significantly."

The commentator next to him frowned: Why do these words sound so familiar? Isn't that similar to the public opinion before Pirlo joined Juventus back then?

Impossible.

Arsenal would never sell their 200 million man.

34th minute of the match.

Alves throws in the ball.

Pjanić, pulled to the wing, flicks it with his foot.

The ball instantly returns to the feet of the Barcelona reject.

Preventing Monreal and Xhaka from tackling in time.

This time, Alves doesn't make a wide switch to attack the left flank's mismatch; instead, he chooses to break through himself!

"This time, they're not attacking the left; they're attacking the right!"

"No, it's the middle!"

"Alves is simply a gift from Barcelona to Juventus. The Old Lady didn't spend a single penny in transfer fees, but gained a right-wing weapon on the Champions League stage."

The Barcelona reject's performance in Serie A was ordinary, but he performed very well in the Champions League.

Reaching the thirty-meter area.

Alves delivers an accurate diagonal pass.

Higuaín takes Koscielny away, deliberately missing the ball at the moment of reception!

"A brilliant dummy!"

"Koscielny has no way to deal with it."

"Dybala!"

Dybala's burst speed isn't particularly fast.

Moving forward.

Receiving the ball.

Shooting.

This series of actions makes Mertesacker feel no threat at all. He can easily complete a pre-emptive lateral movement, blocking the shooting angle.

*Pa!*

The ball heavily hits the giant's butt. After unloading the force, Čech quickly clears the ball with a long kick, relieving the pressure to the front.

A wave of regret echoed throughout Turin's Allianz Stadium.

Alves couldn't help but want to slam the grass.

As Messi's right-hand man for many years, he was very anxious: 'If this ball were Messi, he would definitely accelerate and change direction to get past the opposing defender, then dribble past the goalkeeper and score into an empty net.'

The ball floated erratically towards the right side of the center circle.

Giroud and Khedira jumped to compete for the header at the same time. The ball was headed to Li Kang, who was supporting forward.

"Čech's clearance actually had quality... a very high counter-attack long pass."

"Juventus' midfield reacted quickly; the interception net is up again!"

"Morata can't retreat to support now. If he comes back, there will be no finishing point in the frontcourt, and Arsenal won't be able to launch a counter-attack."

Pjanić is a technical player, but he can run a lot, and his ability to judge the situation is extremely strong.

At this time, he had already marked Li Kang, who had just controlled the ball.

Decisively poking at the ball.

Li Kang pulled the ball with his left foot, then shifted it with his right foot. While adjusting his body's inclination, he knocked down the Bosnian player!

Baggio's blue-and-white phantom re-condensed, radiating a dazzling white light.

"Elegant!"

"Is he playing the violin? His footwork is too exquisite."

"His signature pull-back dribble!"

A wave of exclamations erupted from the stands.

Commentator Del Piero was stunned: Why does it look a bit familiar?

Khedira was a step faster than Giroud, quickly rushing towards Li Kang.

The German midfielder in healthy condition is top-tier in Europe.

While intercepting him, he also blocked Giroud's passing point, stifling the one-two combination.

Facing Li Kang, who was dribbling the ball towards him, Khedira confidently stepped out with his left leg.

An amazing scene occurred.

Li Kang slowed down, his steps becoming strangely paced.

*Pa!*

The ball slipped past Khedira's toe.

The German midfielder was dumbfounded: What the hell is this precise footwork?

He couldn't turn around.

Li Kang lightly jumped, leaping over the top of the opponent's shoe.

Two seconds later.

He rushed past the center circle, receiving the ball that was passed to him.

"Baggio?"

"Baggio!"

"Li Kang is paying homage to Baggio at the Bianconeri's home ground!"

Juventus' defensive trio stood ready.

Buffon began to form hand seals (结印 – a reference to Naruto, implying concentration/preparation).

"False defensive midfielder" Chiellini pressed forward, while Barzagli and Bonucci quickly closed in the center, wary of Morata.

Li Kang didn't change direction.

Dribbling the ball, he charged straight towards Chiellini.

The latter remained calm, carefully observing the running rhythm of Arsenal's number 10.

He couldn't allow his steps to be disrupted before getting close.

Once they were close, it would be a one-on-one battle of balance.

All forty thousand spectators in the stadium couldn't help but become tense.

Del Piero's eyes were dull, and his right hand tightly gripped the Aurora pen.

Forty meters out.

Arsenal's number 10 and Juventus' number 3 met.

Everyone was anticipating an artistic display of breakthrough versus defense.

The unexpected happened.

Li Kang made a sudden stop.

His left leg swung slightly.

The ball instantly left his instep, rising quickly.

Chiellini was caught off guard.

"It's not a chip over the player!"

"It's a long pass!"

"Li Kang can deliver an instep curve long pass in such a high-speed state!"

"Morata always has a telepathic connection with Li Kang."

The blue-and-white phantom dissipated with the wind, filled with helplessness.

Li Kang continued to charge forward.

He didn't continue to break through according to Baggio's thinking.

Because ahead of him was a striker with almost perfect attributes other than shooting, Morata.

The ball landed on the grass, bouncing in a broken line, landing perfectly in front of Morata.

Bonucci and Barzagli retreated and pressed, respectively.

Morata accelerated!

Instantly displaying a powerful burst of speed, forcefully breaking through Juventus' defense!

"Bonucci can't keep up!"

"Barzagli is only fast in a straight line!"

"The gap is getting bigger and bigger!"

"A one-on-one!"

"Morata! Can he break the deadlock?"

Buffon didn't come out, calmly observing his old teammate's foot shape.

He often had one-on-one shooting practice with Morata.

He understood the other's shooting habits.

And knew that his dominant foot was his right foot.

However, judging from the rhythm of his steps, it was impossible to tell which foot this kid would use to shoot!

The Bianconeri's goalkeeper seemed to have encountered the most difficult multiple-choice question of his career: Which foot would Morata use to shoot!

Confidence shone in Morata's eyes.

He never panicked in a one-on-one situation; whether he scored or not was another matter.

After being pressed by Juventus for so long, he couldn't let Li's created opportunity go to waste.

*Clang!*

Right foot!

Shooting for the far corner!

Morata's shooting posture was incredibly handsome.

The ball whistled towards the far post!

Buffon also made a diving motion in the blink of an eye.

Stretching his body to the limit.

His blue gloves couldn't touch the ball.

Because with a *clang*!

"The post!"

"Huh?"

The joy and sorrow of the two teams were determined by the direction of the ball's deflection.

Juventus' net shook.

The scoreboard on the big screen in mid-air changed: 0:1!!!

"Goal!"

"Li Kang's solo run! One dribble and one pass! Casually tearing apart Serie A's top defense!"

"Morata, who gets stronger against strong opponents, has broken through Juventus' goal."

"He didn't celebrate; this is respect for his old club... He's turning around to celebrate with Li Kang!"

"What a pity for Buffon; he predicted the shooting direction correctly, but the ball hit the post and deflected!"

"Out of reach!"

"Let's take another look at the replay!"

"Elegant!"

"Nimble movement!"

"Mysterious steps!"

"He defeated the Italian giants with the elegant playing style of the Apennine Peninsula!"

"An undisputed goal!"

"Li Kang assists, Morata scores, and the two work together to help Arsenal take the lead, a valuable away goal like gold!"

The Gunners' cheers were quickly drowned out.

The extremist Bianconeri fans in the South Stand erupted in boos.

Arsenal's number 10's left foot and playing style were very similar to someone they hated.

Morata excitedly patted his right leg.

"Li, it's like a dream. I could actually see the trajectory of your pass after it bounced... It's not neurasthenia!"

"Damn, why does a curly-haired back keep popping up in my mind!"

His teammates also arrived at this time.

Sánchez forcefully pushed Morata down.

Everyone piled on top of each other.

Forming a tall human pyramid.

On the sidelines, Maguire, who was warming up, was extremely anxious: "Don't crush Li!"

Some were happy.

Some were sad.

Pjanić patted the grass clippings off his butt, looking helpless: He was flipped over by Li again.

Khedira stared at the goal replay on the big screen, savoring the moment he faced Li Kang.

Chiellini looked apologetic.

Buffon kicked the goalpost twice, cursing, then picked up the ball and threw it to Mandžukić, who had the strongest desire to win.

Live broadcast room.

The screen was filled with comments.

-

[Li Mingdeng's playing style is too handsome; he's like Baggio but not like Baggio! I thought he would dribble all the way there!]

-

[Morata's shooting skills are too exquisite; subtle to the point of perfection!]

-

[We also have to praise Čech's long pass and Big Giroud's header!]

-

[I can never get tired of watching the highlights of this goal.]

-

[Elegant.]

-

[Pull-back dribble, galloping across the field, soul-stirring chip pass!]

-

[Pjanić is so miserable; he was technically outmaneuvered by Li Kang, and he also had to endure a violent collision.]

-

[That's because he reacted quickly and could keep up with Little Li's movements.]

-

[Juventus clearly controlled the game, but Arsenal scored on a counter-attack. Who is the spear? Who is the shield!]

-

[How are the brothers betting on a draw doing? Is the wind strong on the roof?]

On the sidelines.

After a passionate celebration, Bould scratched his head in confusion: "Boss, we haven't made any tactical adjustments yet... and we scored?"

Our left flank was suppressed so badly in the first half!

But we still scored first?

Happiness came too suddenly.

Wenger excitedly nodded, grabbing Maguire, who had returned from warming up.

"Do you remember the coaching staff telling you about Mandžukić's characteristics?"

Maguire nodded seriously, taking out a small notebook from his sweatpants, filled with dense notes and crooked drawings.

"Quickly take off your pants! Prepare to go on!"

Wenger wasn't inferior to anyone when dealing with traditional Italian giants.

On the other side.

Allegri rubbed his forehead.

His expression twisted into a "囧" (jiǒng - an emoticon meaning awkward or depressed) again.

After rubbing his face, the Juventus coach quickly returned to normal.

"Arsenal's left flank defense won't last long."

In the commentary box.

Del Piero recovered from his daze.

"That's right; Li's playing style is a bit like Baggio."

"The key to Arsenal being able to launch a complete attack was still that soul-stirring chip pass he delivered when facing Chiellini!"

"A genius's choice."

"Vision, timing, strength, trajectory, and the bounce after landing... it's the accomplishment of a master."

"Very smart and has a very strong team spirit; he's not too possessive of the ball."

"He's only 19 years old this year. Ronaldo and I were also just as excellent at his age..."

His knee was tapped by his partner.

The Old Zebra Prince suddenly realized something was wrong and quickly changed his tune:

"This goal was only favored by the goddess of luck; Arsenal has no chance to extend their lead!"

"Mandžukić is doing whatever he wants on the left!"

"Juventus is very close to equalizing; we will soon be able to overtake the score!"

"Look! Wenger is old; he's actually making a substitution before the end of the first half!"

Maguire stood outside the center circle, lifting his jersey to scratch his belly.

Looking confident.

He also made a few tactical adjustment gestures.

The fourth official raised the LED number board.

The Juventus coaching staff was silent for a few seconds, then immediately resumed their busy state, everyone's face filled with anxiety.

The CCTV5 commentator was also a bit puzzled:

"Arsenal is making a substitution at this point in time?"

"Oh! Maguire is replacing Bellerin!"

"Does Wenger want to give up the attack on the left flank?"

"Maguire is a heavy center back and can't provide the overlapping forward runs of a full-back."

The battered Bellerin was relieved.

He slowly walked off the field amidst the boos of the Juventus fans.

He even hugged Maguire for several seconds.

The match resumed.

Higuaín kicked off and passed the ball back to Pjanić.

Juventus continued to maintain a steady rhythm.

The speed of the ball's passing wasn't fast.

Passing the forty-meter area.

The ball flew to the left flank again!

Mandžukić quickly arrived at the landing point, adjusted his stance, his eyes firm.

Even a substitution can't stop me.

The moment he received the ball with his back to the goal, a huge force suddenly came from behind!

Turning around!

He couldn't turn around?

The Croatian forward felt like he was being forcefully rammed by a pig!

What the hell?

How could an Arsenal substitute defender be so physically strong?

The two were locked in a deadly struggle.

Not just their bodies, but also their thighs!

If the wing pivot couldn't pass the ball smoothly, it wouldn't matter even if Juventus stretched the width of the attack!

"A brilliant move."

"Using a heavy center back to counter the wing pivot!"

"Wenger's substitution is amazing!"

"Maguire poked the ball out of bounds... Huh? Judging from the direction the linesman is flagging, it's an Arsenal throw-in?"

"Oh! During the struggle, Maguire poked the ball into Mandžukić's knee! Deflecting it out of bounds!"

"A great adjustment!"

Mandžukić's face was flushed, slowly adjusting his breathing.

Maguire's clothes were disheveled, his expression complex, looking a bit like he hadn't had enough.

He didn't have Bellerin's agility and speed, but he wasn't afraid of the opponent fighting him physically.

Moreover, all the balls coming to the left flank were high balls!

Competing for headers?

Maguire wasn't inferior to anyone.

In the commentary box.

Del Piero held it in for a long time, finally thinking of a way to describe it.

"Wenger's substitution is foolish."

"He completely abandoned the full-back's support for the attack."

"Maguire has paralyzed Arsenal's wing attack."

The partner next to him twitched his lips.

Arsenal was leading by an away goal.

Wenger brought on a heavy center back, completely paralyzing Mandžukić's role as a pivot on the left flank.

The match resumed.

The two sides exchanged attacks, but there were no further achievements.

Old Ox Giroud also no longer supported in the center circle, retreating to the edge of the penalty area to participate in defense again.

Maguire continued to grapple with Mandžukić, his goal not to win the ball, but to disrupt the opponent's ball distribution speed, delaying Juventus' overall attacking rhythm, and then releasing Li Kang.

Allegri had to shift the attack to the right flank.

But Li Kang and Xhaka could easily disrupt the connection between Alves and Dybala.

Correspondingly.

Arsenal couldn't easily threaten Juventus' penalty area either.

Pjanić and Khedira no longer built any defensive layers. Once they lost possession of the ball, they quickly retreated to defend, no longer fixated on intercepting Li Kang.

Chiellini didn't dare to play as a "false defensive midfielder" anymore, positioning himself deeper, forming a parallel defensive line with Bonucci and Barzagli.

In Turin's Allianz Stadium, the dull atmosphere gradually caused even the boos to almost disappear.

*Beep! Beep beep~*

The referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half.

"A difficult battle, but not without brilliant moments!"

"Youngster Li Kang sparked the attack, leading the Gunners to take the lead!"

"Juventus has to consider the veterans' stamina; Allegri must make timely substitutions!"

"Viewers, take a short break. Next, let's go to a commercial break..."

Welbeck carried a dry towel and a sports drink, eagerly approaching Li Kang.

Li Kang rubbed his eyes, the blue-and-black number 10 phantom flickering.

Inter Baggio?

In Baggio's tragic career, he played for Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Brescia.

He had the deepest feelings for the Viola (Fiorentina).

His happiest times were in Brescia.

His favorite club was the Nerazzurri (Inter Milan).

A lot was cut; I can't write anymore today. I promise to write over seven thousand words tomorrow. Sorry, sorry.

(End of chapter)