Chapter 662: Dramatic Changes at Barcelona

Chapter 662: Dramatic Changes at Barcelona

Corresponding to Atletico Madrid's rise is the decline of Barcelona. Last summer, they formed the "MSN" front line, which was highly anticipated, and their performance at the beginning of the season was impressive. ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

However, as core player Messi gradually declined, the team lost its former power and agility, almost announcing its withdrawal from the championship race prematurely.

Recently, former Barcelona assistant coach Capa made startling remarks in an interview with Catalan TV: "Messi has lost his drive and passion. He seems indifferent to his performance on the field."

"Perhaps many people don't want to hear this, but I have to say that an outstanding player needs to play with full passion. Maradona did it, Wang Feng does it now, and even Ronaldo is the same."

"But our core player has lost all of this, especially in the match against Valencia. I think any fan who has watched that game won't question my words."

"I don't know if his injury or other reasons are affecting his performance. I see him being very professional on the field, but that's clearly not enough."

"If a player behaves professionally, he stops shining. Miracles can only come from a genuine love of football from the heart."

A stone creates a thousand ripples. Capa's remarks sparked heated discussions among Catalan fans, and almost everyone agreed that the Argentine star seemed to show signs of giving up this season.

Some believe the main reason is that he is afraid of facing Real Madrid led by Wang Feng. Several consecutive defeats have indeed left people feeling hopeless. "Nevertheless, our core cannot be a surrendering player. Perhaps the club should consider promoting Neymar or Suarez and abandoning Messi."

Others believe that the Argentine star's mind has long been on the national team, as he has repeatedly expressed his desire to achieve something significant in the World Cup in Brazil.

"If we can win in Brazil, it will be more special than any other time," Messi said in an interview with the BBC. "This is South America, we have countless supporters, and I am sure Argentina can achieve something special."

"I am now full of energy and hope, eager to put on the blue and white jersey and everything is possible on the World Cup stage." Unlike the club's negative attitude, Messi is always enthusiastic when talking about the World Cup and the national team.

So far, the 26-year-old Argentine star has played 8 World Cup matches for the national team, scoring only 1 goal in the group stage, which is also criticized.

In the second half, Di Maria organized an attack, formed a two-on-one situation with Wang Feng, approached the bottom line, and then passed the ball back. The Chinese superstar, positioned near the near post, volleyed it into the far corner, making it 3-1!

This goal was also Wang Feng's 30th league goal of the season, scoring 30 goals in 23 league matches. Although it was slightly less impressive compared to his previous seasons with over 100 goals, it was still the most elite data in European football during the same period.

Subsequently, the away team seized another free-kick opportunity, and Jaume Costa's direct shot beat Casillas's outstretched fingers.

In the 76th minute, Wang Feng cut inside from the wing and passed diagonally. Higuain, near the penalty spot, fired a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

The score settled at 4-2, and Real Madrid took all three points to continue leading the league standings.

In the second leg of the Spanish King's Cup semi-finals, the Galacticos visited Anoeta Stadium to challenge Real Sociedad.

With a 3-goal advantage, they started the game very relaxed. In the 7th minute, Wang Feng used his dribbling skills to get past Martinez and entered the penalty area from the left side.

Helpless, the home team defender could only choose to bring down the Chinese superstar from behind, and the referee decisively awarded a penalty. Wang Feng stepped up to take it himself and scored.

Eight minutes later, Bale received a pass from the right side of the penalty area from Jesé, cut inside past Musacchio, and fired a powerful shot. The ball grazed the inside of the post and went into the net.

This goal became the last straw that broke the home team's back, as they no longer had the confidence to fight back.

The score remained unchanged until the end of the game, with a total score of 5-0 over two legs, and the Galacticos proudly advanced to the Spanish King's Cup final!

The other semi-final battle took place between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. In the first leg at Camp Nou, the two sides fought to a 0-0 draw. When they met again at Calderon Stadium, Atletico Madrid ultimately won 1-0 thanks to Diego Costa's decisive goal, advancing to the final.

The King's Cup final will witness the Madrid derby. This will be the fifth time the two teams have faced each other in the final stage since 1902. In the previous four encounters, Atletico Madrid won three times and lost once, but facing the "King of Finals" Wang Feng, who knows what sparks will fly.

With the league title virtually out of reach and being denied entry to the King's Cup final, Barcelona fans are completely furious, calling for the dismissal of Martino and Rosell.

Unexpectedly, the day after the defeat, there was a dramatic change at the Barcelona club as Rosell, as desired by the fans, ended his term early and handed over the club to the first vice president Bartomeu until 2016.