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

The second round of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Tonight, at the Etihad Stadium, Hoffenheim will play Manchester City away.

Although Hoffenheim had a 1-0 lead in the first leg at home, the Hoffenheim players understood that the real test would come when they arrived at Manchester City's home ground.

With his star player Stones absent, Guardiola made some changes to his starting lineup for this match.

The commentator pointed out: "Manchester City's lack of Stones orchestrating the ball distribution from the back will inevitably reduce the accuracy and speed of their back passes."

The opening scene.

Manchester City's attacking force, led by De Bruyne and Aguero, began to apply pressure, attempting to overwhelm the young Hoffenheim team in their own half.

Nagelsmann's deployment was equally tit-for-tat.

Amiri and Grillitsch acted like two precise pliers, tightly blocking Manchester City's defensive midfielder Fernandinho's path to receive the ball, forcing Manchester City to pass the ball to both flanks.

Meanwhile, the midfield and defense were on high alert: Yan Yuan was always by De Bruyne's side.

Yes, Hoffenheim's number 17 is here to defend Manchester City's number 17.

When Manchester City's possession extends to the right flank in their direction, Yan Yuan will immediately move inside to fill the gap between the midfield and the defensive line.

Together with De Jong and the backline, they instantly formed a dynamic defensive triangle.

De Jong would sometimes drop into the defensive line, allowing Vogt and Maguire to pull wide and closely mark Manchester City's wingers, and the formation would switch between 4-4-2 and three-center-back in an instant.

In the 7th minute, De Bruyne delivered a brilliant through ball to Aguero, who had made a run into the penalty area. In a flash, Maguire, who was chasing back, made a precise sliding tackle to clear the ball!

The ball narrowly missed the goal, and Aguero looked up at the sky speechlessly.

"What a crucial interception! Maguire! His clearances are always so timely. I saw Aguero was about to celebrate, but it seems he's celebrating a little too soon," the commentator exclaimed.

Hock Village withstood the initial onslaught.

In the 18th minute, three Hoffenheim players combined to press left-back Delph, but Grillitsch cleverly intercepted the ball and, without adjusting, passed it directly across the middle.

Amiri arrived at the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful long-range shot that whistled past the left post and went out of play!

This was Hoffenheim's first attempt to hit the target in this match.

"Hoffenheim's counter-attack was so simple! The price Manchester City paid for their high-pressing was that a huge gap in the defensive midfield area was exposed to Amiri!" the commentator pointed out.

Seeing that the high-pressure tactics were not effective, Manchester City slightly tightened their defense.

Nagelsmann keenly sensed the changes on the field and ordered a change in formation.

Hoffenheim abandoned the somewhat energy-consuming high-pressing strategy, and the overall formation retreated, shrinking to the edge of their own half's 30-meter zone, building a solid "5-4-1 defensive chain".

Next, Kaderabek positioned himself close to Sterling, and Schulz also moved inward to protect the flanks and mark Manchester City players making runs into the box.

Yan Yuan's position is equally important; he is firmly positioned in the right-hand side of the middle lane, becoming the pivot point for counterattacks.

On Hoffenheim's left flank, Gnabry was ready to sprint at any moment. His runs were not only to attack the goal, but also to draw away Manchester City's right-back Walker.

Once Walker is drawn out of the defensive zone.

Yan Yuan would then transform into a sharp blade, thrusting forward instantly from the right flank, or more precisely, from the right rib area.

In the 28th minute, Manchester City won a corner kick. De Bruyne's pass was punched away by goalkeeper Baumann with a high leap!

The ball flew towards the edge of the penalty area, where captain Vogt was already waiting. He controlled the ball with his chest, even having time to look up, before launching a long diagonal pass behind Manchester City's right-back!

There, was Ute, who had retreated to provide support!

Uth played an excellent pivot role, holding off Otamendi with his back to goal, and skillfully stopping Vogt's penetrating long pass before passing it back to Amiri, who was making a rapid run into the middle!

Amiri, without controlling the ball, deftly flicked it with the outside of his left foot, creating a diagonal through ball that pierced Manchester City's last line of defense!

The ball found Gnabry perfectly, who had successfully beaten the offside trap!

Gnabry, the speedy horse, charged into the penalty area.

Otamendi hastily chased back, but had already lost the initiative.

Gnabry calmly cut inside, shifting Otamendi's weight, and then unleashed a decisive shot with his left foot towards the near post!

The ball wasn't very powerful, but its angle was extremely tricky.

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson's view was blocked by two teammates positioned near the post, and by the time he saw the ball, it was too late!

The ball rolled along the grass and into the far bottom corner of the goal!

1-0!

2-0 on aggregate!

Hoffenheim's fan section erupted instantly!

The commentator's voice almost cracked:

"Gnabry!!! The calm killer! Hoffenheim takes the lead at the Etihad Stadium! A great counter-attack!"

From Baumann's clearance to Vogt's long pass, Uth's one-two, Amiri's through ball, and Gnabry's decisive strike! A flawless execution! Nagelsmann's tactics were completely effective! Manchester City paid the price for their defensive gaps!

As the broadcast panned across the sidelines, Guardiola's brow furrowed, and he kept making his signature hand gestures.

Nagelsmann clenched his fists, his eyes burning with fire, but he still tried his best to remain composed.

After scoring, Manchester City launched an even fiercer counterattack, attempting to equalize before the end of the first half.

They won three corner kicks in a row.

De Bruyne changed his strategy, no longer launching high balls, but instead trying to take tactical corner kicks and play close-range combinations.

The defenses of Hock Village are undergoing a severe test.

Maguire and Vogt, the central defensive pairing, tightly marked Aguero, the most threatening player in the penalty area, while De Jong became the first line of defense at the near post, making a concerted effort to clear dangerous crosses.

In the 43rd minute, Manchester City created their most dangerous attack before the end of the first half.

After a tactical corner kick, the ball was swept to the edge of the six-yard box in the ensuing chaos. David Silva, with his back to the goal, executed a difficult half-turn bicycle kick with almost no angle to his face!

The ball is extremely fast!

On the goal line, Bowman made an incredible reaction!

With his height, long reach, and lightning-fast reflexes, he incredibly poked the sure goal over the crossbar with his fingertips!

"Top-notch save! Baumann! He kept the goal intact! Silva's shot was so imaginative! So dangerous!" the commentator exclaimed.

This is the strength of Germany's third goalkeeper, Baumann.

下半场开始，霍村阵型从略显攻守不均的433收缩为更稳妥的4-4-1-1。

Yan Yuan was once again given the role of a "free man" by his mentor.

His position is no longer fixed on the right wing, but he needs to move around in the wide area of ​​the midfield and forward field. He appears wherever he is needed, like a key piece that moves around.

Manchester City made a substitution, replacing Bernardo Silva with winger Leroy Sané, aiming to strengthen their attack on the left flank and pressure Hoffenheim's right flank.

The pressure on Kaderabek on the right flank of Hoffenheim has increased dramatically.

The first 25 minutes of the second half turned into a grueling war of attrition.

Hoffenheim's defensive organization displayed amazing discipline.

Under Nagelsmann's tactics.

De Jong transformed into a sweeper at the edge of the penalty area, covering a vast area and almost completely blocking all of Manchester City's attempts to penetrate from the front.

Even more deadly was Yan Yuan, who roamed around everywhere!

He's not just a simple winger; he's more like an interception radar, you can find him anywhere!

Yan Yuan constantly anticipated the passing intentions of De Bruyne and David Silva, repeatedly appearing on the key connection line between Manchester City's midfield maestro and striker Aguero!

Manchester City's reliance on through balls was repeatedly disrupted by Yan Yuan's movement, who anticipated, positioned, and blocked them, or forced them to change course to a safer route due to his interference.

The commentator also noticed Yan Yuan's change:

"Watch Yan's position! He's constantly filling those most dangerous gaps in the middle! He's cutting off Manchester City's supply lines! This young man's ability to read the game is amazing! His positioning awareness and interception judgment are top-notch!"

On the counter-attack, Yan Yuan and Grillitsch formed a layered attack on the right flank, while Schulz and Gnabry dominated the left flank.

Hoffenheim's counter-attacks no longer rely on a single attack down the left flank. Schulz and Kaderabek, the two full-backs, have started to take turns making runs and delivering crosses.

Although this tactic did not immediately translate into goals, the alternating attacks effectively disrupted Manchester City's defensive formation and wore down their energy.

However, Manchester City still boasts a wealth of star players, and there are always those who can step up in crucial moments.

In the 55th minute, Sané received the ball on the left wing, which is the right wing area facing Hoffenheim, and faced Schulz's defense.

He forcefully broke through the bottom line by changing his speed and rhythm!

Schultz tried his best to catch up, but he was ultimately half a step too late.

Schulz was brutally beaten by Sané.

Sané delivered a beautiful low, triangular back pass before the ball rolled out of bounds!

That pass found Aguero perfectly near the penalty spot!

Vogt had already pounced on him, and Maguire had also moved in to cover from the side.

Just when everyone thought Aguero would unleash a powerful shot, the top striker displayed remarkable composure!

He feinted a powerful shot with his right foot, but it was just a convincing feint.

This feint instantly fooled Maguire, who was blocking him head-on!

After Maguire was outmaneuvered, Aguero calmly adjusted to his left foot and unleashed a powerful shot without hesitation.

The ball flew like a cannonball, soaring straight into the top left corner of the goal!

1-1! Bowman was powerless to stop him!

Manchester City have equalized!

Guardiola excitedly pumped his fist on the sidelines.

"Gooooooal!! Aguero! Unparalleled shooting skills! A calm feint fooled Maguire! This is the value of a top striker!" the commentator shouted.

After scoring, Aguero kissed the team crest, giving Manchester City a surge of momentum.

Nagelsmann, with a grave expression, immediately walked to the sidelines and shouted loudly at Yan Yuan, De Jong, and others, making a downward hand gesture:

Stay calm, focus on the game, and forget about this goal!

Conceding a goal did not break Hoffenheim's spirits.

Just eight minutes later, they responded to Manchester City with almost the most typical tactics.

Yan Yuan!

He received the ball in the middle of his own half, slightly to the right, just past the halfway line.

At this point, Manchester City's defensive focus naturally shifted to the left as the ball progressed.

Yan Yuan looked up and made a judgment in less than a second!

He adjusted his position, swung his right foot up with the instep, locked his ankle, and delivered a precise long pass across the field!

The ball traced a long, flat trajectory in the air, perfectly clearing the heads of Manchester City's entire left flank defense.

They accurately located Gnabry, who had made a run into space on the left flank!

Gnabry controlled the ball, cut inside, and executed the move flawlessly!

Unfortunately, his final right-footed curler was brilliantly blocked by the experienced Kompany, who made a diving save to push it out of bounds.

"Beautiful pass! Yan! Such vision and footwork! This completely broke through Manchester City's defense! Gnabry handled it well too, but Kompany covered in time. Yan is telling everyone with his pass that Hoffenheim's tactics are still in operation!" the commentator exclaimed.

In the final 20 minutes, both sides were nearing their physical limits.

Each attack was accompanied by heavy panting.

Now is the time for Manchester City and Hoffenheim to go head-to-head.

Uth also began to frequently drop back to receive the ball in areas far from the penalty area.

His aim wasn't to shoot, but to act like a magnet, drawing in Manchester City's most solid defensive cornerstone, captain Vincent Kompany.

When Kompany was forced to follow Uth out of his preferred defensive zone in order to limit Uth's playmaking, Manchester City's penalty arc and flanks were left with strategically deep gaps.

Meanwhile, Yan Yuan's role has quietly shifted once again.

He no longer drops back to participate in defensive sweeping, a task now being taken on by De Jong, Grillitsch, and others.

Yan Yuan is now roaming behind Ute, his position quietly moving forward to the attacking midfield area, or even further.

Yan Yuan is now a pure shadow organizer.

His position became blurred with Amiri's, and the two began to frequently switch positions, using their unpredictable runs to tear apart the tired nerves of Manchester City's defense.

Hoffenheim's attacks became increasingly covert, yet they were accumulating deadly energy.

In the 86th minute, Manchester City were organizing their final attacking push.

Defensive midfielder Fernandinho receives the ball slightly ahead of the center circle and attempts to pass it forward.

His teammates were tightly marked by Hoffenheim players, and their passing lanes were almost completely blocked.

In the brief moment he hesitated, a foot, like a steel claw, stabbed out from his side and behind.

It's De Jong!

He accelerated forward and precisely intercepted the ball from Fernandinho's feet.

The moment the ball was intercepted.

De Jong shouted.

"Everyone!"

At De Jong's command, several Hoffenheim midfielders and forwards responded simultaneously!

Amiri sprinted at high speed towards the open space on the left flank, drawing away a recovering defender.

Schulz on the left flank surged forward like an arrow, drawing the attention of the defense on the flank.

On the right flank.

Yan Yuan activated it.

Instead of drifting to the wing as usual, or waiting for the ball in the middle, he suddenly started running from behind Grillitsch at the same moment De Jong intercepted the ball!

He cut diagonally into the space between Manchester City's two remaining defenders, Otamendi and Walker!

That was the space Kompany left behind after he left to restrict the retreating Ute.

At this moment, De Jong, who had just completed the steal, did not pause at all; he didn't even need to look up to find his target.

Long-term training and teamwork have taught him where to pass the ball from that position!

Not to mention that De Jong already has a top-notch overall perspective.

With his last breath, De Jong delivered a long diagonal pass to the open space on the right front before the Manchester City players could win the ball back!

Grillitsch has comfortably received De Jong's diagonal pass on the right wing.

He saw Yan Yuan's determined forward movement and the gap in the somewhat thin defensive line that Otamendi was holding up alone.

Grillitsch did not choose to cross from the byline, nor did he make any adjustments.

He turned slightly, and with his last bit of strength, used the instep of his right foot to deliver a quick cross with a distinct arc!

The ball wasn't high or far back; instead, it drew a low, flat parabola, heading straight for the penalty area near the penalty spot!

The target is Yan Yuan, who has already penetrated the core of the enemy's ribs!

Otamendi realized the danger and immediately turned to stick to Yan Yuan, trying to block him with his body.

However, the moment their bodies made contact, Otamendi felt a powerful force coming from the side.

Yan Yuan did not avoid confrontation!

Instead, they charged straight at him!

Using the momentum from his run-up and his solid core strength, he forcefully pinned Otamendi down by half a body length!

That half-body distance inside the penalty area is a matter of life and death.

At the same time, Yan Yuan completed his terrifying thought and judgment in a flash.

He was clever; instead of rushing towards the landing point, he suddenly reduced his pace by half a step at the last moment.

This allowed him to get half a step ahead of Otamendi, clearing the path of the cross.

Yan Yuan judged that the ball was very fast and at a very forward angle, and that the opposing goalkeeper Ederson intended to rush out to block the near post.

At the same time, Otamendi's hand was tugging at his jersey, which likely obstructed the referee's view.

Therefore, it must be dealt with immediately; the ball must not be allowed to land!

For Yan Yuan, the only option was to act before Ederson could fully launch his attack to block him.

Complete an extremely fast and high-angle shot!

Thus, Yan Yuan, who had just gained a half-step advantage in the physical confrontation and made accurate predictions about the landing point of the pass and the goalkeeper's actions, was in a predicament.

Using the momentum of his sprint, he "threw" himself out!

Yan Yuan did not attempt to completely stop the ball to adjust, but instead chose the most difficult, yet most likely to penetrate, approach.

A diving header from the edge of the six-yard box!

He accurately swung his head and hit the lower half of the ball, his neck muscles exploding with power, giving the ball a rapid upward spin!

Just as Ederson had predicted, the instant the ball was headed away, he had already dived to a position less than two meters away.

Arms fully extended, ready to block the frontal angle!

However, this incredibly tricky header perfectly sailed over Ederson's outstretched fingers, which he desperately tried to reach but missed by a hair's breadth. With a strong spin, it drew a beautiful arc and fell firmly into the top corner of the far post!

It grazed the bottom edge of the crossbar and flew into the net!

2-1!

The moment the ball went in, the Al-Ittihad Stadium fell into an eerie silence.

Immediately following this was a deafening roar of jubilation from the mere few hundred Hoffenheim fans who had traveled to Hoffenheim!

The sound quickly drowned out the noise from the home crowd.

"Yan!! Goooooooal!!!" The commentator went completely insane.

"Incredible! Incredible! 86th minute! A last-minute winner! A brilliant run! A perfect duel! Utterly calm judgment! Hoffenheim takes the lead again!"

Yan scored a crucial header!! This goal completely extinguished Manchester City's hopes! Look at his run! Look at the power he showed against Otamendi!

Ladies and gentlemen, Hoffenheim is just minutes away from achieving their best result in club history!

The broadcast cameras were immediately glued to the sidelines.

Nagelsmann could no longer contain his emotions and excitedly ran along the sideline for more than ten meters.

Then he swung his fists violently, his face turning red with extreme excitement, and let out a roar that only he could hear!

He used all his strength to celebrate!

Guardiola, standing a few meters away, remained expressionless, his right hand habitually touching his chin, his gaze complex as he looked at the field. He then sighed heavily and shook his head slightly.

At this moment, his frustration and disappointment needed no words.

With little time remaining, Hoffenheim are united in their determination.

Nash gave the final order: Defend with all your might!

Captain Vogt transformed from a standard center-back into a free-roaming sweeper, eliminating any threat that entered the 30-meter zone.

The entire formation has become an extremely rare 6-3-1 bus formation!

The three lines were completely compressed inside and outside the penalty area. Except for Ute, who symbolically harassed the enemy in front, the other ten players all retreated!

Kaderabek dropped to the right center-back position, Schulz and Amiri guarded the left wing, and Grillitsch dropped back to cover the right flank.

Yan Yuan returned to the right midfield to form a tight defense, becoming a key link in the interception chain.

De Jong and Maguire became mobile barriers in the penalty area.

The stoppage time was incredibly long, especially for Hoffenheim fans.

Manchester City also committed all their heavy artillery.

In the final stages, Manchester City won a free kick in an excellent position just to the right of the edge of the penalty area.

De Bruyne stood in front of the ball, and all eyes in Al-Ittihad were focused on him.

A run-up, a shot! A powerful, curved ball hurtling towards the top left corner of the goal! The ball was incredibly fast! Baumann's save failed to reach it!

"Bang!!!"

With a crisp sound, the ball slammed heavily into the inside corner where the crossbar and post meet!

It bounced back into the penalty area.

In the chaos, Aguero managed to get the landing point!

He was just inches from the door, and he stepped right there to mend it.

At this critical moment, a huge figure appeared out of nowhere: Vogt!

He used every trick in the book, throwing his massive body completely onto the goal line, and used his feet!

Or rather, Vogt used his entire body to block Aguero's shot!

The ball hit him solidly and bounced out, but Kaderabek cleared it out of bounds with a long kick!

"Vogt bravely blocked the shot! He was almost inside the goal line! Clearance! My God! Hoffenheim's goal was in a real crisis! Just centimeters away from a goal!" The commentator's voice trembled with relief.

The final minutes were endured amidst Hoffenheim players' repeated falls, clearances, and diving blocks.

There was more than one player who collapsed from exhaustion and cramps.

When the ball was finally caught and pinned under Hoffenheim goalkeeper Bowman for the last time, and the final whistle blew through the Manchester night,

The roar of the Hoffenheim fans erupted in one corner of the Etihad Stadium!

The team members hugged each other wildly, jumping and shouting, tears and sweat flowing freely.

Bowman excitedly pounded the turf.

Nagelsmann rushed onto the field and hugged each player tightly. Finally, he gave a big hug to his beloved disciple, who was soaked in sweat, looked exhausted but had a bright and shining eye.

Hoffenheim secured a thrilling 2-1 victory in Manchester, the land of miracles, and advanced to the Champions League semi-finals!