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

Chapter 54 What's it like to step onto the Champions League stage for the first time?

"...Coach Zhang, what are your thoughts on the starting lineups for both sides today?"

Champions League matchday!

In the Sina Sports live broadcast room, commentator Zhan Jun was already eager to begin.

Zhan Jun has been looking forward to this day ever since the Champions League group stage draw results were announced half a month ago.

Recently, Zhan Jun has posted several updates on Weibo, previewing today's big match between Leverkusen and Real Sociedad.

Unfortunately, Lu Xiao's buzz in China didn't last long after his game-winning goal against Bayern Munich.

It was quickly overshadowed by other trending topics on the internet.

For example, Wang Fei and Li Yapeng divorced, Hua Chenyu won the championship of "Super Boy" in the final, and Fang Zhouzi and Cui Yongyuan went to court...

These trending events quickly dominated the top of search rankings, attracting public attention.

Few people continue to follow Lu Xiao's activities.

And very few people actively choose to watch Leverkusen vs Real Sociedad.

CCTV5 is broadcasting the highlight of Group B today: Real Madrid vs. Juventus.

Another match between Bayern Munich and Manchester City also attracted a lot of attention.

Without Lu Xiao,

The Bayer Leverkusen vs. Real Sociedad match won't be broadcast live.

Zhan Jun thought there wouldn't be many people in the live broadcast room today, but unexpectedly, nearly 30 fans still came.

Lu Xiao, a young Chinese player, made his Champions League debut, which still captivated the hearts of many Chinese people.

Two hours before the match, both sides announced their starting lineups.

Lu Xiao, who has been performing exceptionally well recently, is among them!

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.

Bayer Leverkusen 4-4-1-1

Goalkeeper: Leno

Defenders: Donati, Spašić, Toprak, Bonisch

Midfielders: Kruse, Rolfes, Lars Bender, Guardado

Forwards: Derdiyok, Lu Xiao

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.

Royal Sociedad 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo

Defenders: Carlos Martinez, Mikel González, Iñigo Martinez, José Ángel

Midfielders: Javi Prieto (C), Granero, David Zulutuza

Forwards: Seferovic, Carlos Vela, Griezmann

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.

Looking at the two starting lineups, Coach Zhang began with his signature "hehehe" smile and launched into a long speech:

"We are already very familiar with Leverkusen, let's take a look at our opponent Real Sociedad first."

"Their most threatening point is this one on the left wing... uh, Griezmann."

Griezmann is good at dribbling and has a high football IQ.

Although his physical condition is average, he has very delicate footwork skills and can connect with his teammates, giving him a certain scoring ability.

In addition, Granero, who is on loan from Real Madrid, is excellent at passing and organizing midfield.

Forward Vela, who was very talented when he played for Arsenal, has also been performing well in La Liga recently.

I reckon Real Sociedad is better at ground-based penetration. They don't have any high points inside their penalty area.

So they like to penetrate from the ribs and attack from behind.

Leverkusen's two defenders are both slow to turn... Real Sociedad should take advantage of this.

The technical finesse of La Liga teams still surpasses that of Bundesliga teams.

"That's right."

Zhan Jun picked up the conversation:

"Bayer Leverkusen is better at quick counter-attacks and is more efficient."

In the last league match against Bayern Munich, they only had 6 shots on goal and scored 4 goals, with Lu Xiao scoring twice.

He was absolutely the key player today!

Coach Zhang couldn't help but chuckle when he saw Lu Xiao in the picture.

"Lu Xiao is truly the most talented player I've ever seen; his playing style is a real pleasure to watch."

Fortunately, the opponent was a La Liga team, so the physical contact wasn't too excessive.

Lu Xiao should be able to make a difference today.

"Oh?"

Zhan Jun gave a wry smile.

"Coach Zhang, their opponent today is no ordinary La Liga team."

This team, nicknamed the Royal Mafia, engages in fierce battles and contests in midfield.

This will likely be a tough test for Lu Xiao.

"I see. In that case, Lu Xiao would be at a disadvantage if it came down to physical contact."

"Yes, both of their defensive midfielders are very strong, and their backline consists mostly of South American players, so they might use a lot of dirty tricks..."

Zhan Jun couldn't help but worry about Lu Xiao.

He has already put it very tactfully.

In fact, besides their exquisite skills, South American players are also known for playing dirty!

They constantly pull dirty tricks and enjoy using fouls that the referee can't see to annoy their opponents.

He would stomp on someone's toes at the drop of a hat, or elbow them in the groin during a scramble for the ball.

Zhan Jun was afraid that Lu Xiao would easily be ambushed if he encountered these filthy people.

At this point, both teams' players had already left the player tunnel.

The Bayer Arena erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause.

Zhan Jun then steered the conversation back to the Champions League.

"It is worth noting that Lu Xiao made his first start today, setting a new record for the youngest player to appear in the Champions League."

16 years and 104 days old!

Previously, this record was held by Barcelona youngster Bojan, who was 17 years and 19 days old.

Lu Xiao broke the record by more than 200 days!

Zhan Jun couldn't help but secretly click his tongue in amazement.

A 16-year-old boy has appeared in the Champions League starting lineup!

And he's Chinese!

Even if it's not a domestic passport, it's already exciting enough.

"This marks the first time in nearly three years, since October 20, 2010, that a Chinese player has appeared on the Champions League stage!"

Even now, when Zhan Jun and Zhang Lu talk about this, they still feel a deep sense of regret.

Since Hao Junmin left Europe in disappointment,

It has been far too long since the descendants of Yan and Huang have fought on this field.

Look at how Japanese and South Korean players like Son Heung-min, Makoto Hasebe, and Shinji Kagawa are gradually gaining momentum.

Chinese people can only look on with envy.

Now, finally, one of my compatriots is fighting in the Champions League!

Fans in the live stream showered Lu Xiao with virtual gifts and rockets, flooding the comments section with cheers and encouragement.

"Go Lu Shen! Keep it up!"

"There are our own people in the Champions League!! Who understands this feeling of redemption!"

"A 10-year Bayer Leverkusen fan here uninvited."

"Come on, Bayer Leverkusen!"

……

"Kick Barcelona! Kick Barcelona!"

"Kick Bayern Munich!"

"My factory has collapsed—"

Lu Xiao recalled that when he was in junior high school, he often watched the Champions League with his father.

At that time in Henk, a small town in Belgium,

Genk's competitive level was not high enough at the time, and they did not participate in the Champions League.

They could only watch other teams on TV.

Lu Xiao's favorite team is Arsenal, where Henry plays.

Lu Xiao was deeply impressed by the epic duel between Henry and Ronaldinho in the 2005-2006 Champions League final.

There was also the rainy night at Luzhniki Stadium, where Ronaldo held the trophy in tears and Terry shed tears on the field.

And in the summer of 2009, Messi lifted the Champions League trophy, leading Barcelona to a treble and a grand slam, officially launching the Dream Team dynasty.

When I became a youth player and arrived at the Munich youth academy,

He was also unable to attend the Champions League match.

Lu Xiao witnessed Bayern Munich lifting the Champions League trophy on television.

Unexpectedly, during my first Champions League appearance, I heard that familiar Champions League theme song on TV.

Hearing the exhilarating string melody,

Not as a fan, not in the stands.

Right now!

Lu Xiao held the caddie's hand.

He is now starting in the Champions League, enjoying the cheers of the home fans!

"My dream has finally come true... No!!"

Lu Xiao's lips curled into a ferocious smile.

"The dream has only just begun!"

Just then, the system, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly flashed a notification!

Is it time to unlock a new skill?

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