Football: Starting from the Ronaldinho template

Chapter 312 Against Barcelona, ​​Scoring Twice
The 2016-17 season was a turbulent, transitional, and disappointing one for Barcelona.

They are currently three points behind Real Madrid in the league, which isn't too much.

But just a few days ago in La Liga, they lost 0-2 to Malaga.

Messi, Neymar, and Suarez failed to score throughout the match, with Neymar even receiving a red card.

The Brazilian prodigy is having a lot of trouble lately.

He not only received two yellow cards during the match, but also applauded the fourth official as he left the field, a gesture brimming with sarcasm.

Will the La Liga Football Association tolerate this?

That same evening, in addition to the one-match suspension due to the red card, a further two-match suspension was imposed.

This will cause him to miss three matches: the game against Real Sociedad, the away game against Real Madrid, and the home game against Osasuna.

"If we don't win the league title this season..."

Late at night, Enrique was feeling down, unable to understand why, just two seasons ago, they were the five-time European champions.

How did it turn out like this?

The attack relied entirely on the individual abilities of MSN to solve problems. The midfield lacked creativity and could not provide enough support and ammunition for the forwards, making the attack predictable.

Once Messi and his two teammates were shut down, the team was in a stalemate.

With no one to take Xavi's place, Enrique searched through the team's youth academy and teams in the top five leagues, but still couldn't find a replacement for the metronome.

Gomez's performance was nothing short of disastrous.

He couldn't adapt to Barcelona's system, appearing slow, hesitant, and lacking confidence.

Iniesta is getting older, has been injured more often, and his attendance and form are not guaranteed, so he cannot support the entire midfield on his own.

Even Busquets, who was usually the most consistent player, experienced an unusual slump.

It's not just a matter of reduced defensive coverage; there have also been numerous errors in passing the ball during transitions from defense to offense.

Rakitic has completely transformed into a workhorse midfielder.

"Our midfield has lost possession, lost rhythm, lost creativity, and is left with only mechanical lateral and back passes, completely disconnected from the forward line."

Enrique pressed his temples hard, hoping for a flash of inspiration that would solve the problem.

But it's a pity.

When his phone rang, Enrique saw the words on the screen, patted his cheeks to relax his stiff muscles, and forced a satisfied smile at himself in the mirror before answering the call.

"Why isn't Natasha asleep yet?"

Enrique looked at his well-behaved and adorable daughter on the other end of the screen with doting eyes.

"Dad, I'm waiting for you to come home so I can show you my drawing!"

Natasha's voice was clearly sleepy.

"Dad still has work to finish here. Let's watch it after the competition the day after tomorrow. Just put it on the living room table so I can see it as soon as I get home, okay?"

Enrique sounded somewhat guilty as he spoke.

These past few years, I've been so busy at Barcelona that I've unconsciously neglected my family.

But that's how professional football coaches are.

Wenger, Guardiola, and Mourinho all prioritize either their careers or their families.

After all, a person's energy is limited.

Many Barcelona players, including Busquets, Gomez, and Suarez, are also suffering from insomnia. They remember Arsenal, no longer the easy target they once were.

Instead, they have a complete lineup with Qin Ming, Sanchez, Kanté, and Van Dijk.

What's most concerning is that Arsenal now has a strong spirit, no longer believing that falling behind means defeat and that they can never win a game against the odds.

Roberto, who was going to be matched up against Qin Ming, couldn't sleep no matter how much he tossed and turned.

People say that the era of the two unparalleled superstars is over, and now the football world is dominated by one superpower and many strong teams.

But nothing is based on anything until Qin Ming wins the Champions League title.

Messi and Ronaldo haven't declined much in ability; they are still very competitive, and both teams have a deep history.

But looking at Arsenal's current momentum, is there really any team that can stop them?

Can I do what no other guard in the world has ever done?
With anxieties about the future, April 12th arrived.

Emirates Stadium.

Crowds of people.

No Arsenal fan would pass up the opportunity to thrash their former nemesis.

What are your thoughts on Barcelona right now?

Reporters are conducting random interviews off-site.

"This is typical of a team at the end of its cycle: the head coach is exhausted, key players are aging, big-name signings have failed, and the tactical system has collapsed! A new era has arrived!"

Holden David waved and shouted, otherwise the noise around him would easily drown out his voice.

"Do you believe it when people say Messi can create miracles?"

The reporter asked again.

"Haha! Messi? Maybe he can create one or two miracles, but the team's structural flaws cannot be made up for by mental strength! Qin Qiang wasn't strong last season, and in the end, they still lost to Atletico Madrid!"

"Football is a team sport; even the best individual has its limits!"

Although Holden David loved Goal!, he also experienced the harsh realities of life.

Arsenal fans flooded into the Emirates Stadium.

Pre-match press conference.

“We’ve already proven once that we can do it.”

Wenger smiled slightly.

In previous seasons, when facing Barcelona, ​​he always carried a tragic sense of "challenging giants".

But now he holds the certification of "Bassac Star".

The psychological advantage derived from such historical achievements is unparalleled.

It will convey a belief to the whole team: Barcelona is not invincible, and we are their nemesis.

But for Wenger, it has a deeper meaning.

Because that Champions League final was Wenger's last and greatest dream.

This encounter was no longer just a contest of skills and tactics, but also an opportunity for him to prove himself and put an end to the era of the old Gunners.

Enrique, sitting next door, was filled with unease.

The closer the match gets, the more serious the situation becomes. Barcelona has players who can single-handedly change the game, but what about Arsenal?
However, judging from their performance this season...

Qin Ming has a greater impact on the game, like an unknown magic.

You never know what he's capable of doing.

Even Messi at his peak wasn't this good, was he?
During the pre-match handshake, Qin Ming smiled as he looked at his old acquaintances.

Two years ago, he was still wondering when he would meet top players like Messi and Ronaldo.

He has now faced Messi three times.

I wonder if there will be a chance to face Real Madrid this season?
2017 years!
Without the European Championship and the World Cup, this is the period when I have the best chance of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Therefore, he will do his best.

Thinking about the silver Globe Award ceremony, which Qin Ming held up and reflected light, he wanted to plate it with gold.

Both men remained silent when shaking hands with Messi.

Hands parted, people went their separate ways.

"Qin, what did you say to him? Did you say anything harsh before the match?"

Morata was eager to get started.

As a product of Real Madrid's youth academy, his childhood dream was to play against Barcelona.

This isn't the kind of dream that just comes up easily, like my dream of playing for Real Madrid/Juventus/Arsenal.

"Said nothing."

Qin Ming shrugged helplessly, "Besides, I'm not that bored, am I?"

"Yeah, why say so much? Just kick their goal through!"

Morata straightened his back and raised his head.

After the match started, neither side held back.

Even the slow-starting Barcelona team forced a faster pace, both offensively and defensively.

Otherwise, it would be dangerous if Arsenal seized the tempo.

The same applies to Arsenal; they prefer to take the initiative rather than playing defensively and waiting for their opponents to make the first mistake, like other teams do.

"Barcelona's midfield is a level below what it was three years ago!"

"The four midfielders—Rakitic, Iniesta, Roberto, and Mascherano—are clearly focused on defense!"

"The problem is that Arsenal snatched it away in a very embarrassing way!"

Zhan Jun saw it clearly from God's perspective.

Barcelona's midfielders could barely advance beyond 40 meters.

The only option is for the three forwards to drop back to receive the ball, especially Messi on the right, who frequently drops back to use his footwork to get the ball, get rid of defenders, and then pass it to his teammates.

This caused him to drift further and further away from the penalty area.

Seeing this situation, Wenger managed to safely navigate the first ten minutes of back-and-forth exchanges.

Arsenal's possession began to climb steadily. Barcelona's formation was severely compressed, causing Enrique to frown deeply.

This is going to cause a disaster!
A gasp rippled through the stands, and Enrique's eyes widened in surprise.

Arsenal capitalized on the weaknesses in their three-man defense today.

Qin Ming pulled the ball to the left sideline, his chest seemingly magnetic, holding it firmly to his side.

Roberto stepped forward to press the ball.

Snapped!
The backward-bent lumbar spine straightened like a gun, propelling the soccer ball forward!
He just barely passed by Roberto.

Whoosh! Qin Ming took another step and charged forward, leaving Roberto stunned for a brief moment.

Is that some kind of freestyle football?!

"Gunner see the Arsenal playing some Hot Stuff!"

The Gunners made Arsenal play a beautiful game!
"Let's see the Arsenal showing them how!"

Now let Arsenal teach them a lesson!

The rousing melodies of the Emirates Stadium swirled and rose, filling everyone's ears.

Qin Ming kept walking while the song played.

Like a hawk sweeping across the front, Mascherano quickly covered for the ball. Although the Argentine defensive midfielder is short, his tackling skills are superb.

The only problem is that the legs are a bit short.

Before Arsenal fans were on tenterhooks, before Mascherano touched the ball with his toe.

Qin Ming flicked his ankle slightly.

It was as if nothing had happened, yet the football suddenly flew into the air.

Sixty thousand fans were stunned.

too fast!
It wasn't over yet. As the football was spun and lifted into the air, Qin Ming pushed off the ground with his left foot and leaped into the air, avoiding the unstoppable Mascherano.

in a blink.

Qin Ming's center of gravity swayed slightly upon landing, and before he could regain his balance, he swept his foot out!
The ball evaded Umtiti's challenge and rolled toward Cazorla.

The master of both feet, without stopping the ball, delivered a through pass with a snap!

Barcelona's defense had long been thrown into chaos by Qin Ming.

There were gaps, weaknesses, and cracks everywhere, but Cazorla chose the best one.

Morata excitedly received the ball and faced the goal.

Even a master with two weak feet wants to shoot directly without stopping the ball.

"Alvaro!"

But upon hearing that all-too-familiar voice, Morata seemed to trigger some underlying code, changing his foot position from shooting to passing.

Ter Stegen, standing in front of the door, was horrified.

Morata has become so strong now that he has already covered the near post. If Morata dares to shoot, he will definitely keep the ball out of the goal.

That powerful kick shattered all his expectations.

No surprises!

Qin Ming is also a master of balance on both feet, unlike Lukaku who can miss shots from half a meter in front of the goal.

He pushed the ball into the empty net.

"QINNNNNNN!!!"

"GOAL!!!!!"

Accompanied by commentator Paul Dutton's drawn-out roar.

The entire Emirates Stadium erupted in cheers.

"Beautiful! Qin Ming! Goal!"

"In the 28th minute, Arsenal took the lead, 1-0! The home team is in the lead!"

"Once Barcelona's midfield lost control, they were no match for Arsenal!"

"But Qin Ming is different!"

"With the support of Kanté and Cazorla behind him, he can fully unleash his talent!"

"Look at his amazing move just now, stopping the ball with his chest and then striking it with force, with at least a one-second pause in between!"

CCTV's He Wei was also shouting.

As Arsenal fans cheered, Qin Ming and his teammates ran to the corner flag to celebrate what seemed like an easy goal.

Morata, with his nostrils pointing skyward, was trying to curry favor.

He claimed that he faked a shot just to fool Ter Stegen.

Cazorla smiled without saying a word.

Kant grinned sheepishly, having seen media reports a few days ago saying that his big teeth didn't look good.

My smile is much more subtle now.

As Qin Ming passed the coach's bench, he saw Wenger in a red tie and black suit.

It seems like nothing has changed.

It seems like everything has changed.

Qin Ming thought of his original intention when he came to Arsenal, because in his mind, Arsène was Arsenal, and Wenger was the greatest godfather of this cannon.

No one is more suited to stand in the light and twilight of this Emirates Stadium than this old man.

He probably wouldn't have come if it weren't for Wenger.

He recently sensed something was amiss, if leaving was inevitable.

Wenger's pride and dignity will not allow him to exit the stage amidst ruins.

When he leaves Arsenal, he will surely leave a financially healthy and competitive Arsenal for his successor.

This is the character of a great old man.

The spiritual journey he completed at Arsenal will surely be more sublime when he takes his final bow than when he first opened it.

Come on!

Qin Ming smiled and extended his hands.

Wenger chuckled, shook his head, and gave Qin Ming a high five.

"Let's go! Let's crush Barcelona in the first leg and give them no chance!"

Qin Ming swaggered over and called his teammates back to their half of the court.

Enrique, sitting next door, smeared his face with mud, determined to carry out the tactics to the end.

Losing by a small margin on the road is not enough.

But when Rakitic, Iniesta, and others get the ball, they always encounter a short, dark guy.

Kanté.

He is the Premier League's top defensive midfielder in terms of average interceptions, tackles, and clearances per game.

His small figure formed a barrier.

To face Arsenal's center-back head-on, you must first get past him.

Messi dropped back to receive the ball and charged forward.

"His legs aren't as long as Qin's!"

Kante felt much more relaxed because his center of gravity was lower, allowing him to keep up with Messi's pace.

Snapped!
The next second he was slapped in the face.

As Messi shifted his weight and changed direction, his left foot flashed out, leaving Kante with nothing.

"Leo! Leo! Leo!"

The Spanish commentator had barely finished speaking.

boom!
Van Dijk charged in like a tank, and Messi was thrown back by a tremendous force.

The two are not on the same level in terms of combat ability.

Van Dijk intercepts the ball and launches a long pass!

"Qin Ming headed the ball to Cazorla, a beautiful diagonal pass, and Sanchez moved into the penalty area!"

Based on Arsenal's past performance, they will definitely continue to play on the ground.

However, Sanchez chose to pass the ball directly through the air.

The football whistled through the penalty area, but only reached waist height.

Neither Mathieu nor Umtiti were encountered.

Pique was prepared to extricate himself from the predicament.

But then he heard a series of whooshing sounds behind him. Pick glanced at the scene out of the corner of his eye and was instantly filled with panic.

Arsenal's number 10 dove like a fish in a low dive to the top!
Bang! Before Pique could clear the ball, it hurtled towards the Barcelona goal like a cannonball!

Ter Stegen was too far away to reach the goal.

The football grazed his fingertips and slammed into the goal.

2-0! ! !

(End of this chapter)