After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

The 2019-2020 FA Cup final was held in the spacious and grand new Wembley Stadium.

In the stands, there were still no roaring fans, only rows of silent empty seats, and players and staff wearing masks and strictly observing social distancing on the substitutes' bench.

However, the weight of this final match was not lessened in the slightest by the empty stadium.

The final was between Arsenal and West Ham United, two London teams locked in a fierce battle for an ancient trophy with a century-long history.

The match began in a somewhat peculiar atmosphere.

The sounds of the ball hitting the ground, the players shouting, and the coach giving instructions from the sidelines were all exceptionally clear.

Arsenal clearly got into the game faster, controlling possession and constantly attacking West Ham United's territory through the midfield orchestration of Rice and Rodri.

Yan Yuan, Arsenal's attacking linchpin, displays skill and rhythm in every touch and every dribble he makes on the empty pitch.

In the 23rd minute of the first half, it was Yan Yuan who attracted several defenders in the middle and then made a surgical through pass that tore apart the Hammers' defense.

Aubameyang understood perfectly, surged forward at high speed, and calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.

1-0! Arsenal take the lead.

After scoring, Aubameyang ran towards Yan Yuan, and the two made a synchronized celebration gesture while maintaining a distance between them.

After the break, West Ham United intensified their attack and equalized in the 65th minute from a corner kick.

At a crucial moment, it was Declan Rice, the team's midfield cornerstone, who stepped up once again.

In the 78th minute, Arsenal won a free kick in the attacking third. Yan Yuan made a feint, and Rodri delivered the ball to the far post.

Rice, like a tiger descending a mountain, overpowered his former teammate and smashed the ball into the net with a powerful header!

2-1! Arsenal are ahead again!

After scoring, Rice displayed exceptional professionalism and emotional restraint when facing his former club, West Ham United, who had nurtured him.

He didn't celebrate wildly; he simply raised his hands, a complex expression on his face, and gave a slight nod to the empty stands before being surrounded by his teammates who rushed up to him.

This scene earned the respect of both the opponents and West Ham United fans watching on television.

Because Rice was a kid who came from the Hammer Gang.

In the final moments of the match, Arsenal scored again to seal the victory, ultimately lifting the FA Cup trophy with a score of 3-1.

The awards ceremony this season was simple yet grand. Yan Yuan raised the trophy high, and the players, wearing their medals, were sprayed with champagne.

Nash was just as happy as his team, but the season wasn't over yet.

After the match, Yan Yuan told reporters in the mixed zone:

"This is an important title; it proves our hard work and growth. But now, we must look further ahead. We still have one last, and most important, goal left: the Champions League."

Due to objective reasons, the Champions League schedule for this season has been drastically compressed.

The Champions League knockout stage has been significantly modified.

The remaining matches of the Round of 16 were only able to take place after the national leagues in each country had basically finished.

An even more significant change is that, in order to end the season as soon as possible, UEFA announced that starting with the quarter-finals of this season's Champions League, all knockout matches will be single-elimination matches played at neutral venues.

This undoubtedly greatly increases the unpredictability and excitement of the competition.

Arsenal's opponent in the round of 16.

It's Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, and they need to finish the second leg first.

The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 will be held at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal.

The match was also held behind closed doors, but this venue, which had witnessed countless classic moments, still exuded a somber atmosphere prelude to a major battle.

Bayern Munich, a regular in the Champions League, is experienced and exceptionally strong, with names like Lewandowski, Müller, and Coman shining brightly.

However, this night belonged not only to the gunman, but also to Yan Yuan.

From the start of the match, Bayern Munich attempted to control the tempo with their strong performance.

But Arsenal played with extreme composure and pragmatism, tightening their defense and patiently looking for counter-attacking opportunities.

Yan Yuan's movement and support in the attacking third were key to Arsenal's transition from defense to attack.

Both sides had their chances in the first half, but neither managed to score.

55th minute of the second half.

Arsenal intercepted the ball in their own half, and Rodri delivered a precise long pass to Yan Yuan in the attacking third.

Yan Yuan received the ball with his back to goal near the center line. Facing Süle's close defense, he first lightly tapped the ball, then skillfully turned around and instantly got rid of him!

He dribbled the ball deep into the box, forcing Bayern's defense to retreat as they fought.

After breaking into the right side of the penalty area, Yan Yuan did not try to score himself. Instead, he spotted Aubameyang making a run into the middle and delivered a precise cutback pass to the Gabon striker, who easily slotted the ball into the net!

1-0! Arsenal take the lead in a deadlock!

Bayern launched a major counterattack after conceding a goal, and in the 68th minute, Lewandowski used his individual skill to equalize the score.

1-1, the pressure is back on Arsenal.

However, just five minutes later, Yan Yuan gave a strong response.

After a beautiful one-two pass with Rodri on the right wing, he cut into the penalty area and, facing Neuer's block, calmly opted for a clever chip shot. The ball arced gracefully into the far corner of the goal!

2-1! Yan Yuan scored the crucial goal!

This goal ignited the passion of the Arsenal bench.

With the game entering its final ten minutes, Bayern pressed forward with all their players, leaving huge gaps in their defense.

In the 85th minute, Arsenal launched another efficient counter-attack. Aubameyang broke through on the right and crossed the ball, and Rodri, who followed up at the far post, unleashed a powerful shot to extend the score to 3-1!

The Spanish midfielder nearly sealed the game with a powerful shot.

But the performance was not over yet.

In stoppage time, Yan Yuan completely took over the game.

He received a pass from his teammate in the attacking third, dribbled past several defenders to create space, and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area. The ball, like a cannonball, pierced Neuer's goal for the third time!

4-1! Yan Yuan scores his second goal!

Bayern pulled one back in the final moments through Müller, but it was too late to turn the tide.

Ultimately, Arsenal secured a convincing 4-2 victory at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, eliminating the formidable Bayern Munich and advancing strongly into the Champions League quarterfinals!

Yan Yuan scored two goals and provided one assist, making him undoubtedly the most dazzling star of the match.

His technique, speed, and clutch performance have made him a figure of great interest throughout European football.

This season's Arsenal captain is still the same familiar Arsenal captain.

……

In July, all sixteen rounds of the World Cup were completed.

UEFA held the draw for the Champions League quarter-finals at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

As previously stipulated, all matches will be changed to single-elimination matches and will be held in one venue.

Therefore, the results of the lottery are particularly important, as almost every step is related to the final fate.

When the draw guest announced "Arsenal" and was about to draw their quarter-final opponent, countless Gunners fans held their breath.

Then, that adrenaline-pumping name was announced—"Barcelona!"

Boom! The entire football world erupted in chaos.

It's Barcelona again!

Enemies meet on a narrow road.

The mere mention of "Arsenal vs. Barcelona" is enough to ignite all the discussion.

In the Champions League knockout stage last season, it was Yan Yuan who led Arsenal to a stunning double victory over Barcelona, ​​with an aggregate score of 10-0!

Especially in the first leg at Camp Nou, Yan Yuan made a gesture after scoring a goal, imitating Messi's classic "drying the jersey" celebration, which was seen as the ultimate provocation and subversion of the Barcelona dynasty.

This encounter had a very special background.

The competition format has been changed to a single-match elimination system, which greatly increases the element of chance.

After experiencing a humiliating defeat last season, Barcelona is in a period of rebuilding and recovery. Their morale and tactical discipline have improved, and they are eager for revenge to wipe away their shame.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are riding high on five titles: the UEFA Super Cup, the Community Shield, the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the EFL Cup, as well as the momentum from their victory over Bayern Munich.

Yan Yuan was at the height of his power.

The media portrayed this showdown as a binary choice between a "revenge battle" and "another massacre".

There are only two possible outcomes.

Either Barcelona successfully avenges their defeat and returns to the ranks of top teams;

Alternatively, Arsenal could stage another "disaster," shattering Barcelona's dream of revival.

……

As soon as the draw results were announced, the football section of Hupu, the largest Chinese sports community, was instantly flooded with related posts.

With diverse titles and distinct styles, they perfectly capture the fans' love of excitement and a desire for drama.

"Our team's draw... it's really going to be a disaster. Last time we beat them 10-0, are we going to suffer a heavy blow this time? Anything can happen in a single-match game!"

"Yan Shen, the legendary rat catcher."

"A Barcelona fan passing by. This time, I'm not asking for a win, I just hope we don't get humiliated again. Let's save some face for the kids."

Yan Shen: I heard you want revenge? (Leans back tactically)

"Although I don't like Barcelona, ​​I hate Yan Yuan's arrogant attitude even more. His act of hanging up the jerseys last time was really disrespectful!"

"Stop messing around, upstairs. This season, it's only because UEFA is giving us face. If we had to play two legs, home and away, do you believe Yan Shen will still be hanging jerseys out to dry at Camp Nou?"

"I want to see Yan Shen continue to break through Messi's defenses."

Besides Arsenal and Barcelona fans discussing the match, even Chelsea fans joined in the discussion.

"Brothers, even though we're usually bitter rivals, this time we Chelsea fans are firmly on Arsenal's side! It's time to collect some interest on the debt from Stamford Bridge! Give the club a hand!"

"I'm moved to tears. London is only truly united during times of war!"

"Thanks, fans, but let's get through this first. Don't jinx us."

"Good grief, the London coalition, huh? Barcelona: Come at me all at once, I'm in a hurry (doge emoji)."

"There's nothing we can do about it. Barcelona has offended both Arsenal and Chelsea, so everyone hates that club."

Fans have also started a discussion: "With this season's single-elimination format, can Arsenal beat Barcelona by more than three goals again?"

"Win by three? Bro, you're being too conservative. Based on last season's storyline and Yan Shen's current form, I'd guess it'll start at 5-0."

"The 'tainted milk factory' has been struck by lightning! Even if Barcelona is weak, they're still Barcelona. The chances of them losing in a single-match format are very high."

"I bet a bottle of soda that Yan Shen will definitely score again, but whether he'll hang up his jersey again depends on his mood. I don't think he will, because it's not like the game is at Camp Nou."

"Family members, if Arsenal beats Barcelona by a large margin again, what new celebration will Yan Yuan do?"

"I guess they'll just throw the jersey to the Barcelona bench (just kidding)."

These comments, full of banter, mutual teasing, memes, and even a touch of "chuunibyou" (a Japanese term for adolescent delusions of grandeur), vividly reflect the fans' high level of attention and complex emotions towards this match.

The London teams' playful banter about "uniting against outsiders" added a dramatic regional dimension to the match.

Chelsea fans brought up the "Stamford Bridge disaster" again, hoping Arsenal could "avenge" it. Although this "support" was somewhat playful and temporary, it became an interesting anecdote before the match.

The draw ceremony concluded, and the matchups were finalized.

For the entire Arsenal team, after enjoying the joy of winning the FA Cup and eliminating Bayern Munich, they must immediately calm down.

The upcoming match carries a heavy burden of grudges, attention, and pressure.

In this decisive single-elimination match, neither side has any room for retreat.

The cabin was relatively quiet on the chartered plane returning to London.

Some players were resting with headphones on, while others were reviewing match information.

Yan Yuan sat by the window, gazing at the rolling sea of ​​clouds outside with sharp and focused eyes.

Last season's 10-0 victory is now history. Although they have won big, Barcelona is still not an opponent to be underestimated.

Yan Yuan knew that he and his team were about to face a much tougher and more talked-about battle than the last round.

Head coach Nagelsmann was whispering with his assistant, clearly already working on the tactical details for the match against Barcelona.

Rice and Rodri sat together, discussing the issue of midfield interception.

Aubameyang would occasionally crack a joke with his teammates to try and ease the tension.

The plane broke through the clouds and flew steadily toward the British Isles.

The current calm is temporary. What awaits them on the next stage is a clash between two titans that will determine the final outcome of the season and is destined to be etched into Champions League history.

Will Barcelona successfully avenge their defeat, or will Arsenal suffer another "disaster"?

All the suspense will be revealed in the next 90 minutes.

The guns of North London are already pointed at the giants of the Iberian Peninsula; a pinnacle showdown in European football is about to erupt.