Soccer: Maxed-out ball control, the skill is too overpowered.

Chapter 373 Pushing Manchester City to the Brink

"Kevin, Kevin! Hey, man!"

"What?"

On the way to the players' tunnel.

Lu Xiao called out to De Bruyne, but Ding Ding was a little helpless and didn't want to pay any attention to Lu Xiao.

But Lu Xiao is a good friend after all, and his emotions on the court didn't carry over off the court, so Kevin De Bruyne stopped and turned around.

"This is Antoine Griezmann, Kevin, Kevin De Bruyne."

Next to him was his good friend Griezmann, and Lu Xiao took the opportunity to introduce the two good friends.

Griezmann had long known about Lu Xiao and De Bruyne as the "Belgian duo," and he also really liked De Bruyne's playing style.

Out of mutual respect between technically skilled players, Griezmann hoped that Lu Xiao could introduce them.

And so a Frenchman, a Belgian, and a Chinese man born in Belgium met.

"Hello." De Bruyne shook hands a little awkwardly.

In retrospect, he would definitely be considered a person of high character.

I've heard Lu mention you many times.

Griezmann, on the other hand, was very outgoing and struck up a conversation with De Bruyne as if they were old friends.

"Oh? What did he say about me?"

"You are one of the best midfielders in the world."

Lu Xiao had mentioned this more than once, but De Bruyne still felt a little embarrassed hearing it from a stranger.

"You are also a very good midfielder; I've watched many of your games."

"Really? I'm honored."

Griezmann gave a slight French chivalrous salute in thanks.

This is something De Bruyne can't handle.

He was just being polite; in reality, he analyzes Griezmann's matches through pre-match debriefing.

Griezmann is currently only somewhat known in La Liga.

He truly gained international fame in the world of football thanks to the 2018 World Cup.

However, they are all technically gifted midfielders, skilled at passing and organizing, and possess dribbling ability.

The two people, who were completely unrelated, still started chatting casually.

"What are you talking about?"

The Belgian veteran Kompany came over, worried that Lu Xiao and his Atletico Madrid teammates might bully the honest man.

Kompany needs to support De Bruyne.

"Praise Kevin."

"Yes, I admire Kevin. You're good too, big guy."

In the first half, Kompany repeatedly marked Griezmann, and his tight defense made it very difficult for Griezmann.

"You were excellent. Don't cause me any more trouble in the second half."

"That won't do, I want to win."

The players from the two opposing teams exchanged a knowing smile.

Putting aside any vested interests, they are all world-class athletes, so it's hard for them to harbor any resentment; at least on the surface, they appear to be on good terms.

As soon as they parted ways, Griezmann couldn't help but reveal the truth.

"Lu, we need to be careful in the second half."

"Oh? Why?"

"I know the look in Kevin De Bruyne's eyes very well, your good brother."

"What do you mean?"

"I've only ever seen that kind of brilliance in your eyes," Griezmann said solemnly. "That indomitable tenacity."

Such opponents are usually very difficult to deal with.

Lu Xiao was also quite surprised. Griezmann had only met De Bruyne once and already understood the guy quite well.

……

Just as Griezmann had predicted.

Manchester City, trailing 1-2 at home, did not collapse; they played with discipline and methodical play.

While maintaining a stable defense, they created enough pressure on Atletico Madrid.

Two key figures played crucial roles.

Vincent Kompany, the core of Belgium's defense, constantly reminded his teammates as captain and provided them with ample motivation.

And De Bruyne, with David Silva being closely marked, repeatedly approached the middle lane and delivered deadly threats.

Ding Ding's dribbling skills are quite good; after repeatedly getting rid of opponents, he can still deliver excellent passes.

If Lu Xiao hadn't been on the opposing side, he almost would have cheered for De Bruyne.

That's a really damn good story!

"De Bruyne!!! Outside-of-the-foot curler!!"

A mesmerizing low shot, as if remotely controlled, traced a strange arc along the grass, bypassing defender Jiménez, and finding the left flank!

Sterling makes a quick run from the back, heading straight for the penalty area!

The agile black striker didn't try to score this time, delivering a deadly cross to the center!

"Aguero!!!"

Just as Atletico Madrid fans were about to have their hearts stop.

A pair of gloves extended, and the ball was pushed out of bounds!

"Oblak!!! Amazing save!!"

Zhan Jun let out a long sigh of relief, his heart pounding.

Aguero's shot was almost guaranteed to go in; he fired from the edge of the six-yard box and cleverly chipped the ball into the top corner, making it very difficult for the goalkeeper to handle.

Oblak made a spectacular save, diving to his feet and nearly hitting the goalpost.

An excited Jimenez rushed over and hugged Oblak's head, kissing him passionately.

"Get out of my way!! You need to keep a closer eye on people!"

Oblak shrugged off his teammates in annoyance, he's such a worry!

Manchester City took a corner kick, and De Bruyne's corner kick was very tricky, a cross-shot that flew towards the far post.

Kompany's header hit the crossbar, giving Atletico Madrid fans another scare.

Manchester City are gradually demonstrating the fighting spirit of a Premier League powerhouse.

At their peak, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Kompany, Aguero, Sterling... this group of players bombarded Atletico Madrid's goal one after another, and the air raid sirens sounded over the penalty area.

Atletico Madrid deployed a defensive wall to stifle the opponent's attacks, relentlessly repelling their offensive onslaught.

Meanwhile, the attacking third is also looking for opportunities.

The more critical the situation, the more Lu Xiao craves off-the-ball movement.

Kompany, Fernandinho, and others took turns marking him.

If Inzaghi, Chicharito, and others had made off-the-ball runs, there might have been many one-on-one opportunities.

Unfortunately, my positioning was too textbook-like and easily predicted.

At most, they can only beat weaker teams, and maybe even a team with a score of 80.

It's very difficult to get a score of 90 or above.

It's okay, I still have muscle memory and dribbling skills, there will always be opportunities...

Before they could get a chance, Atletico Madrid's defense succumbed to the pressure.

Another corner kick, De Bruyne suddenly kicks it to the near post.

Godin cleared the ball immediately, but under pressure, he couldn't kick it far, and the second ball landed outside the penalty area.

An unexpected person appeared at the landing point!

"Kompany!!! He took a long-range shot himself!!"

Defenders' footwork is usually characterized by high shots.

But at the crucial moment, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany stepped up!

"Don't let him..."

Lu Xiao was well aware of Kompany's strength and wanted to give him a heads-up, but it was too late!

boom--

A powerful long-range shot that pierced the net!

"Goal! Manchester City's attacking defender Kompany! A crucial goal!!"

A stunning long-range shot found the top corner of the net!

Manchester City equalized in the 73rd minute of the second half! 2-2!

Zhan Jun's passionate voice left fans scratching their heads.

He himself wore a wry smile.

There's no way around it, Kompany's shots are really amazing, almost unstoppable.

It can only be said that Manchester City also displayed tremendous fighting spirit in dire straits.

"Damn, this guy is outrageous!"

Griezmann complained unhappily.

"Vamos! Vamos!!"

Captain Godin quickly clapped to encourage his teammates to keep going. At 2-2 away from home, Atletico Madrid still has a slight advantage.

We must hold Manchester City to their last desperate save!

We can't let them score again.

Head coach Simeone also waved his hand, signaling to the players to tighten their defense as much as possible, stabilize the defensive line, and not give them any opportunities.

Griezmann, Lu Xiao, and Torres all need to play deeper to limit the opponent's passing game.

Atletico Madrid adopts an "absolute defensive" stance!

At the same time, they are hoping that Lu Xiao can create opportunities and play a role in the counterattack.

The last 10 minutes,

Manchester City launched a furious counterattack, putting Atletico Madrid under increasing pressure!

Even with Barcelona and Real Madrid going all out, that's about it!

"Aguero!!! A low shot! Slightly wide!!"

"David Silva's attempt from outside the penalty area!!"

"Sterling!!! One-on-one!!!"

"Huh? This is boring!! Sterling wasted a golden opportunity!!"

De Bruyne nearly sealed the game with an unstoppable lob pass that bypassed the defense, allowing Sterling to break through and create a one-on-one opportunity.

As he dribbled the ball towards the edge of the penalty area, under pressure from goalkeeper Oblak, he hastily took a shot that went wide of the goal.

Manchester City fans at the stadium were about to celebrate, but tens of thousands of them ended up burying their heads in their hands and lamenting.

Sterling himself had a vacant look in his eyes and looked like he was about to cry.

Time ticked by, and stoppage time arrived amidst Manchester City's relentless attacks.

Lu Xiao and his Atletico Madrid teammates were almost numb, constantly battling, running, intercepting, and diving to block shots.

According to Einstein's theory of relativity, for example

These 10 minutes are even harder to endure than class; the time seems to stretch on indefinitely.

Every Atletico Madrid player was on edge, almost as if they were in hell.

They've given up hope of winning; they just want to withstand Manchester City's onslaught and keep the score at 2-2.

During the match, left-back Filipe Luis, defensive midfielder Gabi, and right winger Saul were all substituted.

They brought on three fresh players: Angel Correa, Siqueira, and Augusto.

Manchester City have also used all three of their substitutions.

De Bruyne wanted to fight until the very last moment, but unfortunately he was exhausted and had to be substituted.

As he walked off the field, Lu Xiao clearly saw the resentment in De Bruyne's eyes.

However, Lu Xiao also breathed a sigh of relief.

Manchester City's threatening attacks today were all created by De Bruyne. With him on the pitch, Atletico Madrid's defense could be penetrated at any time.

Sterling, who missed a one-on-one chance, was also substituted, and Pellegrini was very dissatisfied with his performance.

The introduction of Spaniard Jesús Navas increased the attacking threat, and the striker was changed from Aguero to the tall striker Bony.

They simply launched a high, long ball into the penalty area, attempting to create a threat in the traditional English style.

The continuous high balls, each one lobbed into the penalty area, made Atletico Madrid fans hold their breath!

"Bonnie!! Header on goal!!!"

"It's off-center!"

With only one minute left in stoppage time, Atletico Madrid fans watching the game were drenched in cold sweat, let alone the players on the field.

Everyone's jerseys were already soaked.

Goalkeeper Oblak places the football, preparing to kick off the goal kick, trying to buy himself some time.

As a result, he caught a glimpse of Lu Xiao cutting in front of him out of the corner of his eye.

!!!

Lu!!

He hasn't given up yet!

Bro! It's your turn now!!

The two did not communicate at all, not even with gestures!

But Lu Xiao trusts that Oblak can find him!

With all Manchester City players in the attacking third, Oblak changed his mind and quickly launched a long goal kick!

At first, no one else at Manchester City realized the danger!

Until the football was about to fly towards Lu Xiao's head!

"Ouch!! This ball!!!"

The referee was almost about to blow the whistle, but he definitely gave Lu Xiao one last chance to attack!

"Fuck!!"

Kompany panicked completely and rushed frantically towards Lu Xiao.

But Lu Xiao started early and had already reached the landing point. He used almost all the last bit of strength in his right foot to flick it!

"Beautiful!!! A perfect nutmeg!!"

[Regular Red Bull] Unleashes its power, replenishing the last bit of stamina before it runs out in the final stage!

At the point of physical exhaustion, Lu Xiao felt as if his lungs were about to explode.

Insufficient oxygen and hemoglobin in the brain and inner ear caused Lu Xiao's ears to ring, making it difficult for him to hear even the noise from the stadium clearly.

His consciousness was also on the verge of blurring, and his body relied entirely on instinct to complete the lobbed ball over his opponent, shaking off Kompany and taking a powerful dribble!

"Lu Xiao—he's going one-on-one!!!"

Just like all the fans, Zhan Jun's heart rate suddenly spiked!

Coach Zhang, who was standing next to him, felt like he was about to faint. He couldn't say a word and could only make "ouch, ouch" sounds.

At this very moment, in the literal sense.

The whole world is focused on Lu Xiao!

He glanced at Joe Hart's position out of the corner of his eye and kicked him again!

Sorry, you're destined to be just a background character in my story!

Fierce Tiger!

boom--

It carries the explosive power of a fatal blow!

The football streaked across 30 meters like a shooting star, disappearing from Joe Hart's sight in an instant!

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