Football: Starting with the Crescent Moon Slash

Chapter 118 Thank you for your arrogance

After Mane scored, Liverpool launched wave after wave of attacks.

In the 30th minute of the match, another iconic curling shot broke through Chelsea's goal.

2:0!!!

"Beautiful! Jiang Yan's signature crescent moon blade!"

Jiang Yan scored his first goal in his Liverpool career!

After scoring, Jiang Yan opened his arms wide, enjoying the cheers of the fans.

When the fans saw Jiang Yan's crescent moon blade, they went completely wild, chanting his name.

"To receive such home-field treatment at a neutral venue—only Jiang Yan could pull that off!"

Klopp was all smiles on the coach's bench.

This money was really well spent!

He originally intended to let Jiang Yan play only half a game to get a feel for the game, but he didn't expect him to be in such good form!

Klopp was even a little reluctant to let Jiang Yan leave the field!

This continued until the second half, when Arnold made a long pass to Jiang Yan, who dribbled the ball solo and scored.

Liverpool ultimately defeated Chelsea 3-0.

After the match, Liverpool die-hard fans who had traveled a long way to attend the game held up Jiang Yan's number 18 jersey in the stands, and the crowd chanted in unison, "You will never walk alone!"

Sitting on the bench, Milner couldn't help but exclaim, "Is this the influence of a superstar?"

After the match, many mainstream media outlets in China reported on Jiang Yan's first game for Liverpool.

Jiang Yan's performance sparked heated discussions among netizens.

[Jiang Yan's performance in his first match against Chelsea was simply phenomenal!]

[I can already imagine how Jiang Yan will intensify the intensity of the Premier League teams when the new season starts!]

[I'm really fed up with you Jiang Zemin fans. You think you're so great after beating a third-string Chelsea team? A mere 3-0 victory! Wait until Chelsea's full-strength lineup, then let's see how arrogant you'll be!]

The second match of the International Champions Cup saw Liverpool face AC Milan at the Santa Clara Levi's Stadium.

Santa Clara was brightly lit at night, and the stadium was packed.

-

Klopp remains cautious when facing AC Milan, the former Serie A champions.

In this match, Jiang Yan, Mane, Firmino, Milner and others all played.

AC Milan also fielded key players such as Donnarumma, Sousa, and Lapadula.

However, they were still inevitably beaten 4-0 by Liverpool. Jiang Yan contributed a goal and an assist, showcasing his masterful style.

Social media exploded after the game.

Jiang Yan's performance in these two matches was simply a case of overwhelming superiority!

Chelsea and Milan are no match for him!

[Where are the people who said they could only bully weaker players? Well, let them shout!]

Domestic media outlets also covered it extensively:

Chinese prodigy Jiang Yan shines in North America, conquering Liverpool fans in just two matches!

Liverpool's official website immediately released a highlight reel of Jiang Yan's goals, with a simple and direct caption: "Having you is our good fortune."

Compared to the first two matches, fans around the world are still more looking forward to Liverpool's third match.

That match took place at Wembley Stadium: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid.

The reason why fans are paying attention to this match is not only because the two clubs have a large fan base, but also because of—Jiang Yan.

Liverpool is Jiang Yan's current team, while Real Madrid is his former club.

Fans jokingly refer to it as: a showdown between Jiang Yan's old and new lovers.

The stadium was packed with people.

This hall of fame, which carries the history of English football, has been completely swallowed up by red and white.

Liverpool's sea of ​​red clashed with Real Madrid's white wave.

In the stands, Liverpool fans held up signs that read, "Thank you for your arrogance."

Real Madrid fans, meanwhile, held up signs that read "traitor," seemingly forgetting all the glory Jiang Yan brought to Real Madrid and his current situation there.

This match was broadcast not only domestically.

Fans around the world watched the game through various channels.

Above the stands, the commentator was loudly introducing the lineups of both sides.

Real Madrid have fielded a highly attacking 4-3-3 formation!

Goalkeeper: Casillas!

"Defense line: Varane, Nacho, Carvajal, Marcelo!"

Midfielders: Kovacic, James Rodriguez, Asensio.

Forwards: Morata, Benzema, Vazquez

Real Madrid's current head coach was promoted from the reserve team; Jiang Yan's former coach was the Frenchman Zinedine Zidane.

Real Madrid's management had given him orders early on: other matches were not important, but the match against Liverpool had to be won, and won decisively!

Regarding the lineup selection, Ronaldo and Bale have just returned from injuries and have not yet received clearance from the team doctor to play.

Using his full starting lineup would not only affect the upcoming schedule but also easily draw criticism from the outside world, so he had to field a midfield combination led by James Rodriguez.

Fortunately, the defense is almost entirely made up of last season's starters and rotation players.

Zidane believes that even if Liverpool field their strongest lineup, it will be incredibly difficult to break through Real Madrid's current defense. Real Madrid can easily win if they can consistently capitalize on transitions and play a defensive counter-attacking style.

"Let's take another look at Liverpool's lineup."

Liverpool also fielded a 4-3-3 formation!

Goalkeeper: Karius.

"Defenders: Arnold, Klavan, Moreno, Milner."

"Midfield pairing: Stewart on the left, Jiang Yan in the center, and Lallana on the right."

"Forwards: Coutinho, Sturridge, and this year's new signing Mane!"

Inside the CCTV live broadcast studio.

"Both sides have adopted a 4-3-3 lineup, it seems they're planning a real battle. What do you think, Mr. Zhan Jun?"

"It seems that both teams are taking this match very seriously, and they have fielded a lineup that consists mainly of their starters and a few substitutes."

Zhan Jun had just finished speaking.

The referee blew his whistle.

The highly anticipated battle has officially begun!

Real Madrid kicked off first.

The match had barely begun when Real Madrid displayed an extremely strong desire to attack.

James Rodriguez received a pass from Kovacic and began dribbling forward.

Meanwhile, Vazquez and Morata also began to move forward into Liverpool's penalty area.

The commentators on the sidelines kept reporting the current situation to everyone: "Real Madrid is playing very proactively this time! Although they are missing Bale and Ronaldo, they still have James Rodriguez! Morata! Benzema!"

"They want to drag Liverpool into their most familiar rhythm of play!"

However, Liverpool isn't buying it.

Coutinho and Mane, among others, had already identified their targets and began high-pressure one-on-one pressing.

Inside the live stream room.

"Here it comes! Klopp's tactic from his Dortmund days—high-pressing!"

Zhan Jun immediately chimed in: "That's right! Between Real Madrid and Liverpool, whoever gets into their attacking rhythm first will gain control of the game!"

"However, all three of Real Madrid's midfielders are capable of controlling the ball, especially James Rodriguez. If Liverpool's high-pressing tactics cannot be contained, then they will be ineffective."

He Wei had barely finished speaking.

On the pitch, James Rodriguez deftly passed the ball to Marcelo, who was making a run forward.

Suddenly, a red figure darted out!

boom!

It's Jiang Yan!

He anticipated James Rodriguez's passing route and easily intercepted the ball thanks to Makelele's "Interception" skill set!

"Beautiful! Jiang Yan intercepts the ball! Showing no mercy to his former team!"

After receiving the ball, Jiang Yan took two steps, and with the help of the "God's View," the best passing route had already appeared in his mind.

boom!

He slammed the outside of his right foot into the ball, scooping it high into the air.

A long, 45° diagonal pass that spanned half the field landed precisely on Mane's running path!

After studying the videos for a period of time, he has a thorough understanding of his teammates' characteristics.

Mane has a very perky butt, so his first step is very fast, and he gets past Carvajal in just a few steps.

"Mane breaks into the penalty area!"

boom! !

"A low shot!"

Casillas made a desperate diving save, instantly deflecting the ball out of bounds.

"Casillas!!"

"Good goalkeeper!"

The entire Wembley Stadium erupted in thunderous cheers from Liverpool fans.

"Casillas's crucial save saved Real Madrid, but Liverpool created threats from the start. Jiang Yan's ability to create chances is indeed top-notch! It's just that his teammates were a bit lacking in finishing."

Liverpool's corner kick.

Zidane stood on the sidelines with a furrowed brow.

He knew Jiang Yan's strength better than anyone else. That pass just now seemed casual, but it was actually incredibly precise. Jiang Yan saw clearly the running distance of his teammates and the gaps in Carvajal's defense.

And what's most terrifying is...

His eyes never once touched Carvajal, meaning he did it entirely on instinct!

"Jiang Yan is truly terrifying. If we can't contain him, it will be difficult to secure victory."

Zidane had barely finished speaking.

Liverpool's corner kick has been taken.

The corner kick flew into the penalty area, and both sides exchanged headers, but fortunately Real Madrid managed to clear the ball.

However, Real Madrid had not cleared the ball far enough.

Jiang Yan had already anticipated the ball's trajectory and arrived at the edge of the penalty area ahead of time.

"Jiang Yan! He got the second ball!"

"His judgment of the landing point was incredibly accurate!"

boom!

Jiang Yan met the ball head-on without adjusting his stance and unleashed a powerful shot.

The ball flew towards the top corner of the goal with a loud whooshing sound.

Casillas leaps into the air and stretches out!

Bang-!!!

The football slammed into the crossbeam with tremendous force and bounced out!

"So close!"

"If that ball goes in, it'll be an absolute world-class goal!"

"To score a world-class goal against my former club—just thinking about it is exhilarating!"

Zidane, sitting on the coach's bench, gasped and nearly collapsed.

Klopp, on the other side, held his head in regret.

If this ball goes in, it will boost the team's morale significantly.

He was also very grateful that his team had Jiang Yan.

In the stands, Liverpool fans held up a banner that read "Thank you for your arrogance," which was particularly glaring under the lights.

The boos from Real Madrid fans gradually subsided after that long-range shot.

Some have even begun to doubt: "Can we still win without Jiang Yan?"

At this moment, Jiang Yan simply patted his jersey expressionlessly.

The best opportunity is always the next one.