Chapter 446: Another old rival

Chapter 446: Another old rival

Post-match press conference, Arsenal coach Wenger expressed helplessness that the team couldn't contain the Real Madrid frontline led by Wang Feng. "Everything happened too fast; the attack led by the Chinese superstar didn't give us much time to react," he said.

But he also mentioned that the Gunners were not sitting ducks; the team also played to their tactical strengths and scored goals. He acknowledged that the second leg at the Bernabéu would likely be a tough game, but they would give it their all, and there's still hope.

Finally, the Frenchman talked about the connection between Wang Feng and Arsenal. "In fact, the team has been following him from very early on, probably tracing back to his first season with Genk," he said.

"At that time, both me and assistant coach Henk were very surprised. The impression the Chinese superstar gave us was of youth, vitality, and almost overflowing talent."

"I said to Henk, 'Oh my God, we can get him.' The club even contacted his agent, Balmond, to discuss the details."

"Unfortunately, everyone knows what happened next. The inexplicable work permit system prevented everything, and Wang Feng eventually joined Inter Milan, bringing them five league titles and three Champions Leagues."

"The Premier League lost a super superstar, and that's also one of the reasons why Sir Alex Ferguson, myself, and other coaches jointly pushed for the special talent clause. Now, this system has helped many teams bring in extremely talented young players."

On April 12th, Real Madrid returned to Madrid for the 30th round of La Liga, hosting Valladolid at home.

Despite using a backup lineup, the home team opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Van der Vaart assisting Wang Feng. Before halftime, the Chinese superstar once again attracted defenders with continuous breakthroughs, then passed to Cassano, who easily extended the lead.

In the second half, Wang Feng was substituted to rest, and Garcia, along with Van der Vaart, extended the lead for the Galaxy Battleship. The away team scored a goal to salvage their pride, and the final score was 3-1.

On April 15th, the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals took place as scheduled, with Real Madrid facing Arsenal's challenge.

Soon, the away team suffered another serious blow. In the 39th minute, Wang Feng continued to act as a fulcrum in the frontcourt, and after two consecutive passes with teammates, there was a trend of tearing open the defense. Arsenal defender Walcott had no choice but to trip him.

Real Madrid won a free kick in the frontcourt, about 25 meters away from the goal. This was within Wang Feng's shooting range! The away team didn't dare to slack off and hastily put in many personnel to build a wall, and goalkeeper Almunia kept a close eye on the Chinese superstar.

At this moment, Raul ran to Wang Feng's side: "Wang, how are we going to play this ball? Do you need me to pretend to run to cover?" After thinking for a moment, Wang Feng smiled and said, "I see Arsenal almost assume that I'll shoot directly, how about we cooperate, you go to the back post, and I'll pass to you."

The Spanish forward was somewhat surprised but still nodded. Wang Feng's passing accuracy was not low, and this kind of cooperation might catch the opponents off guard, achieving unexpected effects.

"Looking at this free kick from Real Madrid, taken by Wang Feng, I wonder if he can continue his high shooting accuracy record? Run-up, shoot! No, it's a pass! This is a pass! Raul at the back post shoots, and it's in! Raul extends the lead for the Galaxy Battleship!"

"It's unbelievable, Wang Feng didn't choose to shoot directly. His momentum at the start deceived everyone, but this was indeed a pass, the ball bypassed the wall and flew towards the back post."

"Arsenal's defense line, even the goalkeeper, didn't react, and with no one marking him, Raul easily volleyed into the net, too easy!"

"As the game has progressed, Real Madrid has gained a two-goal lead, plus they hold two away goals, the Gunners are truly forced into a desperate situation!"

In the second half, Arsenal almost went all out to attack in an attempt to reverse the situation, but they lacked a breakthrough expert, only scoring a goal in the 88th minute by Adebayor, but it was ultimately not enough.

The Galaxy Battleship won 2-1, advancing to the Champions League semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate score!

In the other three Champions League quarter-final matches, Barcelona defeated Bayern 5-1 on aggregate, also advancing to the semifinals. While Eastern Zoro suffered a 1-1 draw at home, they suffered a 0-4 defeat at Camp Nou.

Chelsea eliminated Porto 2-0, and Manchester United defeated Villarreal 3-1, with two seats occupied by Premier League and La Liga teams each.

Next, Real Madrid will face Chelsea, their old rivals, while Barcelona will need to compete with Manchester United for a place in the final.