Chapter 106 Intensity

Not only the commentators outside the venue, but also the audience inside the venue understood this point.

Benitez has completely entrusted Jiang Yan with the reins of Real Madrid's attack.

Entrusting such a huge responsibility to a 19-year-old is something that, even in the history of the Champions League, you would never find another coach who would dare to do so.

However, not a single member of the coaching staff objected to or questioned Benitez's decision.

Jiang Yan's performance over the past half-season has been remarkable. The goal conceded in the first half has fully unleashed his potential. Handing the game over to Jiang Yan now might be the best choice.

At that moment, the entire Bernabéu stadium seemed to reach a certain consensus.

The fans stopped their anxious shouts and began to pray, all eyes fixed on the young figure in the midfield.

That slightly thin figure suddenly became incredibly noble.

"Jiang Yan is now Real Madrid's attacking linchpin. What will happen in the upcoming matches? Let's wait and see!"

……

Madrid, an unassuming little tavern.

Under the dim lights, the pub was packed with Real Madrid fans who had come from all directions, probably because they couldn't go to the San Siro to watch the game for various reasons.

On the glass of the tavern, Jiang Yan was holding up a poster with the tavern's logo. The owner had framed the poster and placed it in the most conspicuous spot.

The tavern owner was an old man with a white beard.

The television in the pub was showing the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid match.

"Boss, didn't you say you taught Jiang Yan Spanish? Your relationship must be more than just friendship!"

"Hmph, of course!"

"Then you should ask him quickly, is it even possible to win this game? What should we bet on, brothers!"

"Heh, that impatient kid. Real Madrid will definitely win. Jiang Yan, don't underestimate him just because he's Asian. When it comes to willpower, he's second to none!"

"Hahahaha! You old man, you have a rather amusing way of saying things!"

……

In the 70th minute of the match, Real Madrid had possession of the ball.

Jiang Yan received the ball in the backfield and, from a "God's-eye view," precisely locked onto Benzema as he retreated.

Benzema is currently playing as a false nine, while Bale and Ronaldo are starting to move inwards.

"Jiang Yan's long pass! It pinpointed Benzema!"

"Benzema has the ball in midfield. This French striker has been constantly improving since joining Real Madrid in the 09 season, and now he has fully adapted to the false nine role! Can he win his second Champions League trophy today?"

Benzema dribbled towards the penalty area, and Augusto and Gabi immediately double-teamed him.

Faced with Atletico Madrid's two-man ironclad defense, he had no intention of forcing a breakthrough.

He has neither the dribbling skills of Cristiano Ronaldo, nor the absolute speed of Gareth Bale, nor the all-around abilities of Jiang Yan.

Benzema glanced toward the wing.

He spent most of his time at Real Madrid playing a supporting role to Ronaldo and Bale, which is not a sign of weakness, but rather a display of top-notch football intelligence and a willingness to sacrifice for the team.

Benzema is dribbling the ball and starting to move towards the wing!

"Gabi and Augusto are right behind him! It looks like the three of them are determined to fight to the death!"

Benzema's runs were not meaningless.

"No! It's Jiang Yan! Jiang Yan rushed back from backstage!!!"

"Benzema's run has drawn away two defenders, Jiang Yan is now wide open!"

Inside the penalty area, Bale and Ronaldo each attracted a defender. If Benzema can pass the ball to Jiang Yan, Real Madrid will have another excellent opportunity.

Benzema dribbled down the wing while keeping an eye on Jiang Yan in the middle.

Gabi had spotted Jiang Yan's forward runs, but he believed that as long as Benzema was contained here, no matter how far Jiang Yan pushed forward, he wouldn't pose any threat.

However, Augusto failed to reach a consensus with Gabi.

Augusto was torn between continuing to mark Benzema and returning to mark Jiang Yan.

"Augusto! Focus!"

However, it was this moment of hesitation that Benzema exploited.

Benzema turned with the ball, and Augusto couldn't keep up, allowing him to create space.

boom!

"Benzema's long pass after turning!"

"The target is—Jiang Yan!!!"

Benzema's supporting role is excellent; he has a great grasp of both the timing and choice of his passes.

At the same time, [Ball Washing Master] is activated, easily unloading Benzema's long pass.

"Jiang Yan! Perfect ball control!"

The moment Jiang Yan controlled the ball, Atletico Madrid's four defenders had already switched positions, and center-back Godin quickly started his run, trying to clear the ball from his feet.

Jiang Yan, however, would not give the other party such an opportunity.

[Ball Washing Master] gave him more time to handle the ball. Jiang Yan delivered a [Falling Knife Curve] cross before Godin could extend his foot.

"Jiang Yan passes the ball!!!"

The camera followed the ball, and Cristiano Ronaldo leaped high in the penalty area, his powerful hang time giving him a significant advantage in aerial duels.

However, Ronaldo's jump this time was somewhat presumptuous.

The ball, after passing over the defenders' heads, plummeted rapidly and landed at Bale's feet.

Ronaldo could only watch helplessly as the ball fell, missing the opportunity to shoot.

Inside the live stream room.

"Jiang Yan's dipping cross!"

"Cristiano Ronaldo really embarrassed himself this time! He was a bit too presumptuous with that shot!"

"I wonder if Ronaldo will regret what he said in the pre-match press conference!"

"Without Jiang Yan's help, Ronaldo seems to have lost his shooting boots!"

"Now it's Bale's turn to shoot!"

boom!

Bale took a shot from near the goal, and the ball struck the post with a thud!

Damn it!

Bale was about to follow up with a second shot when he saw a white figure appear at the ball's landing point.

"Jiang Yan! Jiang Yan anticipated the ball's trajectory! He's about to shoot!"

"Jiang Yan! Your judgment regarding the ball's trajectory and the opportunity in front of the goal is absolutely superb!"

The moment Bale received the ball, relying on Inzaghi's "goal-sniffing instinct," he sensed the change in the ball's position. Even before his brain could react, his body reacted first, making the same "inverted L" run to reach the other side of the goal.

Bell, standing in front of the door, looked at Jiang Yan behind him with a look of fear.

As a striker, he could sense the man in front of him's almost obsessive dedication to scoring goals!

It was an almost beastly sense of smell—the smell of a goal!

Jiang Yan met the incoming ball without hesitation and took a shot in the most domineering and satisfying way!

boom!

"Jiang Yan! Volley!!"

His body was extremely stretched out, his waist and abdomen exerted force, and his whole body was like a fully drawn bow. His instep was straight, and he slammed the ball hard on the bottom!

Immediately afterwards, a muffled thud resounded throughout the entire venue.

"Goal...goal!!!!"