The road to godhood starting from Ligue 1

Chapter 359 The King and the Godfather

The whistle sounded.

Liverpool kick off.

After Sturridge passed the ball back, he made a forward run, drawing the entire Manchester United defense back.

Gerrard controlled the ball but did not pass it forward.

This match can't be rushed; we need to focus on the success rate. He pressed his hands down to signal for a slower pace.

At the same time, pass the ball back.

Gaio was roaming on the right flank, and Evra, who was mainly marking him, was moving much faster than usual. Only by using this kind of anticipation could Evra have a chance to keep up with Gaio's sudden forward runs.

The way this national team captain dribbles past opponents is like a kaleidoscope to Evra.

After all, this wasn't the first time they had faced off.

During the national team training sessions and scrimmage matches, he was basically matched up against Gaio.

He knows it too well!
But at this moment, the two are standing on opposite sides of the Manchester derby for the first time, and his task is to defend Manchester United's left flank.

This task is incredibly difficult.

At the start of the game, Gaião didn't make many runs, but Manchester United's 4-2-3-1 formation revealed Moyes's targeted tactics.

Carrick abandoned linking up play in the attacking third and frequently dropped back to the left flank to form a "double-team" with Evra; Phil Jones deliberately narrowed his position on the right flank, ready to move laterally to cover at any time; even Ashley Young unusually tracked back to defend, his eyes always locked on Gaio's running route.

Wow!

Anfield suddenly cried out in surprise.

Gerrard's through ball to Gaio was intercepted by Carrick. Just as Carrick was about to advance, Henderson quickly pressed him down, bringing down both Carrick and the ball.

Since Marriner touched the ball first, he did not blow his whistle to signal play to continue.

The fact that no foul was called on the play greatly annoyed Carrick, who reached out towards Marriner, but Marriner ignored him.

Carrick didn't have time to continue his defense and immediately got up to chase after them.

Henderson quickly passed the ball to the wing after winning possession.

When the ball returned to Sturridge, he received it in the middle, but Ferdinand stuck to him tightly, preventing Sturridge from turning around.

Sturridge didn't even consider turning around; he simply passed the ball back to Gerrard, who had made a run into the box.

Gerrard observed the situation in the attacking third and found that Manchester United's defensive formation was quite compact.

He decisively switched the ball to the left wing, where Coutinho skillfully controlled it and attempted a series of stepovers against Phil Jones's defense, but Jones stayed close by, maintaining a safe distance at all times.

"Pass it back! Pass it back!" Gerrard shouted. Coutinho passed the ball back to Enrique, the overlapping left-back, and Liverpool reorganized their attack.

At this moment, Gaio quietly moved to the right flank.

Evra followed closely behind, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead. Defending against Gaio was exhausting, and he had to maintain a high level of concentration throughout.

however,
Evra still didn't expect that Gerrard would receive the ball in midfield again, turn around, feint, and then deliver a precise diagonal pass.

Gaio suddenly accelerated and overtook Evra from the outside!
Evra hurriedly turned around to chase back, but Gaio was already half a body length ahead.

And it cuts towards the inner line.

Liverpool's attack suddenly accelerated!
Henderson and Gerrard were both making demands in the middle, and Evra, Carrick, and Vidic were all heading towards Gaio.

Gaio glanced at the middle road.

He pretended to cross the ball, but then suddenly flicked it with his heel to Glen Johnson, who had made a run down the wing.

At the same time, he continued to move towards the inside line, drawing away the defensive players.

This brilliant move fooled Manchester United's defense.

Johnson's cross from the byline was completely unmarked!
Bang!
The ball flew towards the penalty area. After a duel with Ferdinand in front of the goal, Sturridge circled around to the near post, found the perfect landing point, and headed the ball powerfully towards the goal.

The football is flying towards the goal at extremely high speed from the edge of the penalty area!

this moment,
The fans at Anfield Stadium were about to erupt; this goal looked like a sure thing!
however,
In the next scene, De Gea made a diving save to push the ball out of bounds!
Wow!
what? !

A collective sigh of regret erupted throughout Anfield, with many people clutching their heads in disbelief – how could they have saved that?

In the KOP stands, fans who had already raised their arms in celebration froze in mid-air, their mouths agape before they could even let out a cheer.

A scarf slipped from someone's hand and fell to the ground.

"How could he possibly lunge out like that?!"

Sturridge knelt in the penalty area, slapping the grass heavily with his hands, his face also filled with disbelief.

Meanwhile, in front of Manchester United's goal, De Gea quickly got up from the ground.

Instead of celebrating, the Spaniard angrily charged at his defenders, pointing to the spot where they had just missed their mark and roaring, "Wake up! Are you all asleep?! How could you let him pass the ball out like that and head it so easily?!"

His voice echoed throughout the entire penalty area and even reached the stands behind.

Gaio saw De Gea's incredible save.

There was also a sense of helplessness.

De Gea.

Manchester United brought the Spanish goalkeeper to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £1780 million, which at the time set a transfer record for a British goalkeeper.

When he first arrived in the Premier League, this tall and thin Spaniard was heavily criticized for his inability to adapt to the high balls in the Premier League.

But in just two seasons, he conquered England with one incredible save after another.

His goalkeeping skills are impeccable—his reaction speed is comparable to that of a cheetah, his descent is clean and crisp, and his anticipation of shooting angles is innate.

Gaião knew perfectly well that in the years to come, this Spanish goalkeeper would become Manchester United's most reliable defensive asset.

Even though Manchester United's defenses were repeatedly breached, De Gea always managed to be the last impregnable barrier.

"A beautiful attacking line, a De Gea-like defense"—this popular saying among fans perfectly encapsulates Manchester United's future for the next few years.

If it weren't for the fax machine incident that happened when he transferred to Real Madrid a couple of years later, he might have been Real Madrid's goalkeeper instead of wasting so much time at Manchester United and eventually being kicked out.

A goalkeeper from Cameroon, known for his high standards for defenders and butterfingers, replaced De Gea.

then,

People began to miss De Gea not because he was so perfect, but because they finally realized that a goalkeeper who occasionally misses a shot is far better than one who often reacts but still manages to put the ball into his own net.

soon.

Liverpool took a corner kick, Gerrard delivered the ball into the penalty area, and players from both sides rushed towards the landing point.

Someone in the crowd touched the ball.

The football flies toward the goal.

De Gea once again caught the ball securely, ending Liverpool's attack.

Liverpool fans were somewhat disappointed.

There was a missed opportunity.

Manchester United fans, on the other hand, are full of confidence for tonight's game. When De Gea is in good form, opponents often find it difficult to break through Manchester United's goal.

De Gea didn't rush to kick the ball out, and Manchester United also didn't want the pace to become too fast.

now,

The broadcast camera focused on Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands.

He wore a kind smile.

De Gea was the last gift he left for Manchester United.

Meanwhile, the camera shifted to the other side, to Liverpool's previous manager, and a Liverpool legend, the King – Kenny Dalglish.

These two consecutive close-up shots are very meaningful.

Any Manchester United or Liverpool fan of a certain age will surely understand the long-standing feud between these two.

When Ferguson took over Manchester United in 1986, Liverpool's manager was already Dalglish.

From that time until Ferguson retired from his position as Manchester United manager in May 2013, Liverpool's manager became Rodgers.

In the more than 26 years since then, Liverpool has had 10 different managers, including Dalglish who returned twice.

For fans, especially for Ferguson fans, the most memorable managerial rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool was between Ferguson and Dalglish – the King of Anfield versus the Godfather of Old Trafford.

The two Scots have a feud that has lasted for more than 26 years.

It even spanned his playing career and rivalries between different clubs.

After Ferguson arrived at Manchester United, the situation changed from one where United had been unable to challenge Liverpool for a long time, and the Red Devils became extremely attacking.

During that period, Strachan and Alan Hansen, Gary and Gerrard, Keane and Hyypia, Owen and a host of Liverpool players, Robson and Beardsley, Carrach and Nani—stars from both teams took turns on the field, staging countless intense clashes.

then,

Beardsley's dribbling past Manchester United's entire defense, Dalglish's solo run, Fowler's teasing of Schmeichel, and Owen's lightning-fast pursuit are all fond memories of Liverpool.

Keane's solo challenge against Liverpool's entire midfield, Cantona's aura dominating Anfield, Berbatov's hat-trick, Gerrard's own goal assist, and Rooney's domineering presence are all proud moments for Manchester United.

As for Riise's powerful shot that broke Smith's supporting leg, Carrach's malicious foul on Nani, Gary's provocative demonstration against the Kop after scoring, and Rooney's dual hatred for Liverpool, which came from Everton's youth academy, these were the most intense confrontations between the two biggest rivals.

As for Ferguson and Dalglish, they had known each other since the 60s.

and,

In 1969, the two also faced off once in the Glasgow reserve team's "Old Brand Derby".

At that time, Ferguson had gradually faded out of the first team, while Dalglish was an 18-year-old young man still playing as a defender, and the player he was responsible for marking was none other than Ferguson.

The details of that match are no longer verifiable.

In their later recollections, the two gave conflicting accounts.

Dalglish said, "My deepest memory is Ferguson's elbows, which were always swinging in front of my eyes. It was really annoying, but I played consistently and he didn't cause me any trouble. I remember we won 2-0 that game. I've also read Ferguson's memoirs, and he said he scored. I can't remember exactly, but there's no doubt we beat them."

Ferguson recalled, "Kenny was marking me very closely, which was extremely uncomfortable. I warned him, 'You're going to need a doctor,' but he just looked at me and tackled me again. He was a great player. People always forget that the most important quality for a great player is courage, but he was as brave as a lion. He dared to take a kick from anyone and dared to fight back."

As for his later coaching position at the club...

Throughout the 1980s, Dalglish held the upper hand until February 1991, when he resigned as head coach due to health issues, bringing an end to the rivalry between Ferguson and Dalglish.

Dalglish managed Liverpool for seven seasons, winning three league titles and two FA Cups, leading the club to dominate English football in the 1980s.

Ferguson and Manchester United could only watch helplessly as Liverpool reaped the championship. After entering the 90s, especially with the rise of the Premier League, Ferguson's Manchester United began to rise to prominence.

The Red Devils continue to reap titles and sweep away their opponents; the era of Ferguson and Manchester United has finally arrived.

but,

Dalglish responded strongly to Manchester United's dominance in another way.

He returned to coaching in October 1991 as manager of Blackburn Rovers, and in the 1994-1995 season, he broke Manchester United's monopoly on the Premier League and led Blackburn to the Premier League title.

This is yet another victory for Dalglish in his battle with Ferguson.

Liverpool fans acted as if they had won the title themselves, gloating and smugly mocking Ferguson and Manchester United at their home ground.

Let's talk about the two teams again.

For decades, there has been no transfer between the two teams, no direct player transfers, and not even any staff members leaving; the animosity has persisted throughout.

No one can bear that kind of pressure and criticism.

When Heinze lost his starting position at Manchester United and wanted to transfer to Liverpool, the first thing he encountered was a threat from Gary: "I'm going to break your legs and see how you crawl over there!"

Then came the team's complete ban on him, and the anger of Manchester United fans.

Fans protested outside Heinze's home, even chanting "We're going to kill you!"

Of course, Manchester United rejected the offer outright, and the Argentine ultimately had no choice but to go to Real Madrid.

The story of Michael Owen, the former pride of Liverpool and "Anfield's Golden Boy," is much more tumultuous. He was Liverpool's Golden Boy and once a beloved figure among Liverpool fans.

However, under Benitez, Owen lost his place and opportunities, and after playing for Real Madrid and Newcastle United while suffering from injuries, he ended up unemployed.

At a time when Owen was looking for jobs and playing for clubs everywhere, even Liverpool rejected his return, and only Ferguson's Manchester United took him in.

After that, Owen always looked serious before every game at Anfield.

Liverpool fans have consistently insulted and booed him, calling him "Judas" and "traitor."

Of course,
He was slightly better off because he was dropped by other teams and had nowhere else to go, so he went to Manchester United.

If someone were to go directly from Liverpool to Manchester United, there would likely be a real danger to their personal safety.

The camera has now turned to the stadium.

For longtime Manchester United and Liverpool fans watching on TV, seeing Ferguson and Dalglish still evokes some lingering sadness.

They really did retire.

An era is over.

When Dalglish conquered the league, Ferguson came to Manchester United;
When Dalglish led Liverpool to victory, Ferguson was at Manchester United;

After Dalglish left Liverpool, Ferguson went to Manchester United;

When Dalglish led Blackburn to the title, Ferguson was still at Manchester United;
When Dalglish returned to Liverpool, Ferguson was still at Manchester United;

finally,
When Dalglish retired and left, Ferguson was still at Manchester United...

The story of Ferguson and Dalglish only ended after the summer of 2013.

The story of Manchester United and Liverpool will continue, but the football world will never see another Ferguson and Dalglish.

The game continues.

Giggs dribbled forward, attempting to pose a threat to Liverpool's defense.

Manchester United's attack also made the fans put their minds to work.

Focus on this Reds-Reds match.

This is also the first time these two teams have faced off since entering a new era!
Even at nearly 40, Giggs still maintains an elegant dribbling rhythm. He first deftly dribbles past Henderson's challenge, and then plays a one-two with Carrick.

Manchester United fans in the away section of the stands even started chanting "Giggs will tear you apart again".

Van Persie moved nimbly to the flanks to receive the ball.

Giggs understood perfectly and delivered a precise diagonal pass.

Van Persie controlled the ball and turned in one fluid motion, but just as he was about to shoot, Skrtel made a timely save, clearing the ball with a clean sliding tackle.

The ball fell to Ashley Young's feet, and Professor Young made a strong run down the wing and crossed the ball.

This cross, with its strong outside spin, headed straight for the far post!

Upon receiving the ball, Mignolet immediately shouted to the Liverpool defense, "I'll take it!"

He then quickly moved his feet, rushed out, and steadily caught the ball over Van Persie's head.

Once on the ground, Mignolet did not hesitate this time.

He noticed that Manchester United's formation was somewhat disorganized, so he immediately launched a counter-attack with a throw-in, accurately finding Gerrard who had dropped back into midfield.

The captain barely stopped the ball; with the outside of his right foot, he flicked it across the grass and sent it flying into the open space on the right flank. He knew without looking that Gaio would be there.

Gaio is indeed there.

He saw Mignolet quickly kick the ball out and knew what to do.

Therefore, it accelerates quickly.

Gaião received the ball, and Manchester United's formation, which had just pushed forward, was slightly too far ahead, so they quickly retreated.

In particular, Evra quickly approached Gaio.

However, Gaio had his own prediction of the situation on the court. He did not accelerate decisively, but waited for his teammates to make runs.

As Johnson made his run-up and his teammates followed up in the middle, Gaio suddenly flicked the ball sideways with the outside of his left foot just as Evra was about to close in, seemingly about to cut inside into the middle.

Evra didn't eat it.

Gaio saw the increasingly dense defense on the right flank, so his feint became real!
Gaio immediately accelerated and cut inside laterally.

Simultaneously,

He crossed paths with Sturridge, who had moved up from behind.

Gaião passed the ball to Sturridge and then continued to make runs down the left flank.

Sturridge was closely followed by Ferdinand.

After running a few steps, he shielded the ball, turned, and made a lateral pass.

The football rolled towards Gaio!
To everyone's surprise, Gaio actually went to the left!

Coutinho and Gaio also made a crossover run, cutting inside.

Gaio has become a left winger!
Sturridge's pass not only retrieved the ball, but also took Ferdinand away with him.

When Manchester United's defensive focus was mostly on the right flank.

Suddenly, Gaio made a sudden move to the left.

Manchester United's defense is in disarray!
Carrick had just chased back from the right flank to the middle when he saw Gaio cutting to the left flank, so he immediately changed direction and pounced on the left flank.

Cleverley positioned himself in front of Gaio, attempting to block his path to the basket.

But Gaio was faster than they anticipated. Before the ball even hit the ground, he stretched out his foot and gently flicked it away, avoiding Cleverley's tackle. At the same time, he leaned forward and used his shoulder to push away Cleverley's outstretched arm. The contact wasn't heavy, but it just made Cleverley's center of gravity shift, and Gaio took the opportunity to dart past him.

"Stop him!"

Evra roared and chased after him, his eyes filled with anxiety.

He knows Gaio too well. Defending Gaio can't be done by simply using numbers; you have to deny him space. Otherwise, no matter how many people come, it's all for nothing.

With so much space on the left flank, it's practically a stage for Gaio to showcase his skills!
But at this moment he was still some distance from Gaio, and could only do his best to take big strides to catch up.

Here

Carrick saw Gaiyo pass Cleverley and assumed he was going to cut inside, so he immediately stretched out his leg to hook the ball. However, Gaiyo's right foot had already pushed the ball to the right front, and his body changed direction accordingly, easily bypassing Carrick on the other side.

This feint and change of direction was so fast it was dazzling, and the cheers at Anfield instantly rose a notch.

Carrick's mind processed the information, but his body couldn't keep up.

The main problem is that Gaio's footwork frequency is too fast!
This is not the stride frequency of a player who is over 1.8 meters tall; the transitions between movements are too fast!
After getting past Carrick, Gaio cut inside from the left wing.

All that remained in front of Gaio was Phil Jones, who had retreated into his body.

Manchester United's right-back stood ready, but Gaio gave him no chance.

As he dribbled closer to the penalty area line, he suddenly slowed down, and in the instant Jones shifted his weight forward, he gently flicked the ball forward, and the ball went through Jones's legs!
Crotchless!

Gaio then unleashed his ultimate speed and devoured Jones whole!
Jones had already reached out and tugged at Gaio's jersey from behind, but he was still a step too late.

The jersey wasn't held!
Gai chased the ball into the penalty area, but De Gea didn't come out. He stood in the six-yard box, watching Gai change his rhythm.

Seeing that De Gea did not come out, Gaio did not hesitate for long. He adjusted the ball to his right foot and took a shot from a tight angle. The ball flew past the inside of the goalpost!
That was so unexpected!

Many people know that Gaião's dominant foot is his left foot. This time, he broke through Manchester United's defense from the left wing, which was already surprising. But then Gaião shot with his right foot!
Liverpool fans had one thought on their minds: "Surely this will go in!"

however.

The moment they were about to raise their arms in celebration, they froze again.

On the field.

Facing Gaio's shot, De Gea miraculously reacted by diving to the ground and palming the ball away!

Wow!

The fans couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

However, before Anfield's sighs of regret could even settle, Gaio had already moved faster than anyone else.

He didn't feel confident of defeating De Gea.

Be ready to fire a follow-up shot at any time.

He continued his forward run after taking the shot, and when the ball was miraculously saved by De Gea...
Gaio instinctively raised his foot, using his left leg to deflect the rebounding ball towards the other side of the goal using his shinbone, which is where the shin guard is located!
This time, De Gea also quickly got up and tried to make a second save.

But it was too fast!
De Gea had no chance, Gaião scored into an empty net!

Seven minutes!
Liverpool 1-0 at home!

boom! !

Anfield was instantly engulfed in a roar!
(End of this chapter)