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

"I understand, I respect your choice."

Lu Xiao looked somewhat helpless.

Having just had a long private conversation with Torres, Lu Xiao gradually came to understand Torres' decision.

Unlike Griezmann's departure,

Fernando Torres really couldn't hold on any longer.

In theory, Torres didn't leave Atletico Madrid until 2018 in the original timeline.

However, last season's high-intensity competition across three competitions...

In addition, Atletico Madrid didn't have any other good strikers, and they relied entirely on Torres to carry the team, participating in many high presses and physical battles for positioning.

Torres played a supporting role and quietly contributed, helping Lu Xiao score several miraculous goals.

However, Torres' physical injuries were more severe compared to the original timeline.

After undergoing a physical examination in the summer, and based on the team doctor's advice before the season...

Torres' old injury is a serious concern, and he is no longer able to compete at a high level in European football.

Moreover, they won the Champions League title, becoming European treble winners.

This has fulfilled Torres's long-cherished wish.

He had no desires or wants.

So he followed his agent's advice and decided to retire to the J-League, where life is simpler.

The Saudi and Qatari leagues are not as developed as they are a few years from now.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Chinese Super League (CSL), and J-League have become retirement options.

Taking into account both lifestyle and competition intensity, Torres chose the J-League.

After all, national team players can still play in the domestic league even at 40 years old.

Torres's arrival would be a game-changer.

"Thank you for understanding, Lu. I've always felt sorry..."

"Brother, don't say that. What you've been through is enough to break a lot of people. It was an honor for me to fight alongside you last season."

"Thank you, Lu, thank you."

Torres was truly moved.

……

So here's the question.

With Torres and Griezmann gone, who's left in Atletico Madrid's attack?

Head coach Simeone was absolutely furious.

I've been looking for a suitable alternative lately.

However, many of the star players are either too expensive or have already been signed by other teams.

This put Atletico Madrid in a very passive position, as they were unable to find a partner for Lu Xiao.

In addition, Atletico Madrid also has to prepare intensively for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup and Spanish Super Cup.

There are still 3 championships left to complete the "Six-Crown King" mission!

Failing to win the title is undoubtedly a deep regret for Atletico Madrid.

If you miss this opportunity,

Atletico Madrid will probably never be able to achieve a sextuple again.

Therefore, the entire team continued their closed training and preparation as always.

July passed quickly.

On August 10th, the European Super Cup will feature Atletico Madrid vs. Sevilla.

On August 15th, the Spanish Super Cup will feature Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona.

Two important matches,

It's urgent!

Head coach Simeone can only coordinate the lineup and restore fighting strength as much as possible within a limited time.

Meanwhile, Griezmann's transfer was finally finalized.

The Frenchman ultimately joined Barcelona for a record-breaking €1.2 million!

To fill the void left by Neymar's departure.

The MSN trio has become the MSG trio, and Griezmann's addition has filled Barcelona with great anticipation.

"In the Spanish Super Cup, let's show Atletico Madrid who their true core player was last season!"

"Barcelona has finally gotten their revenge!"

"Anything that breaks Atletico Madrid's six-trophy winning streak is a victory!"

Atletico Madrid suffered a series of key losses, while Barcelona secured reinforcements.

No wonder Barcelona fans started getting all aggressive.

Moreover, the Spanish Football Federation has reformed its cup competition system.

The 2016 Spanish Super Cup eliminated the traditional two-legged tie.

It became a game that determined life or death.

Furthermore, thanks to the operation of Chinese capital, the Spanish Super Cup will soon be held at the Bird's Nest Stadium in the capital!

There is still one month until the competition.

Tickets have already sold out like hotcakes!

Scalped tickets were once sold for a sky-high price of 3 yuan!

Even so, a bunch of nouveau riche were waving their money, begging for a ticket.

"It's rare for Lu Shen to compete in the country, I have to see him up close!"

It was clearly a commercially driven Super Cup match, a completely meaningless contest.

Under the influence of both sides,

It turned into a life-or-death battle concerning honor, prestige, and interests!

"Lu, are you under a lot of pressure?"

"Hey, big brother, will you sign a star player for me?"

Lu Xiao wants Hazard, De Bruyne, or even his national teammate Lukaku.

Even if Lukaku doesn't score again, at least he can serve as a target man.

Unfortunately, Lukaku's transfer fee has been inflated to the sky.

Who can blame him when he's a striker who won the European Championship!

Atletico Madrid's only signing this summer was the relatively unknown Gaitán.

And the French fringe striker, 29-year-old Ligue 1 silver boot winner, Kevin Gameiro.

The golden combination of Lu Xiao, Griezmann, and Torres

Instantly from top quality,

It has become the ordinary quality it is today.

Lu Xiao was the only one holding things together.

Regardless of the dissatisfaction of Atletico Madrid fans, Gil, who was protesting the board's decision at the club's training ground, easily sold Griezmann.

To no avail.

August 10th is fast approaching.

The European Super Cup is here!

……

"Time flies. Not long ago, we watched the European Championship final together and witnessed Belgium's historic victory, becoming the kings of Europe."

"Who could have imagined that, just a month later, the European Super Cup, the prelude to the new season, is here!"

LeSports' Zhan Jun was very excited.

2016 was really good for him, with one major competition after another.

Lu Xiao won the Champions League and the European Championship, making him the undisputed "King of Europe"!

No matter how tired Zhan Jun is, he doesn't care!

The new season is almost here!

"That's right, if Atletico Madrid wants to replicate Barcelona's sextuple, they have to win today's game."

"Yes, there is only one match in the European Super Cup."

Zhan Jun then took the opportunity to explain to everyone:

"Last season's Champions League winners, Atletico Madrid, will face off against Europa League winners, Sevilla! It's also an all-La Liga clash!"

"Moreover, this championship is a single-elimination match, and upsets are very possible. Atletico Madrid must be extremely focused and prepared."

Lu Xiao won non-stop this past year.

He seemed to have never lost.

Everyone trusts Lu Xiao, so theoretically there shouldn't be any suspense.

but!

Lu Xiao's chances of winning the championship are not 100% certain; there are too many variables.

"First of all, Atletico Madrid lost two key players recently, Griezmann and Torres, which will likely significantly weaken their strength."

"In addition, the Super Cup is prone to upsets. Many teams have stumbled because of this and failed to achieve a sextuple."

It was really difficult, which is why Barcelona's six-time champions back then seemed so unique.

"Alright, the match is about to begin. Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both sides."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Seville 4-5-1

里科

Pareja, Carrizo, Kolodjejczak, Nzonzi

Franco Vázquez, Mariano, Konoplyanka, Iborra, Vieto

Vitolo

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Atletico Madrid 4-4-2

Oblak

Juanfran, Godin, Jimenez, Felipe Luis

Angel Correa, Kirk, Gabi, Gaitan

Lu Xiao, Gameiro

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Seeing Atletico Madrid revert to a 4-4-2 formation,

Furthermore, Lu Xiao needs to play multiple roles as a forward scorer and a midfield organizer, single-handedly supporting Atletico Madrid's attack and defense.

Zhan Jun couldn't help but worry.

Can Atletico Madrid continue their passing prowess in the new season?

This game is the one to watch.

Intuition told Zhan Jun,

Atletico Madrid might be in trouble!