Chapter 108 At this moment, right now, the Crescent Moon Blade!
"The game has entered its final moments!"
"The altercation at halftime and player injuries resulted in a total of 9 minutes of stoppage time in this match!"
"Mr. Zhan Jun, I have a feeling this game won't go into overtime!"
Zhan Jun nodded: "I had the same feeling... the players on the field are clearly playing much harder than before!"
The competition has clearly entered a heated phase.
Before the match, probably no one could have predicted that Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid would be tied 2-2 in regular time!
After all, Atletico Madrid has the best defense in Europe, and Real Madrid has the best attack in Europe. It is surprising that this clash of offense and defense ended in a draw.
Both sets of fans were clearly dissatisfied with the result and did their best to support their respective teams.
……
On the pitch, neither side managed to create any significant chances, and possession remained with Real Madrid players.
Modric passed the ball to Jiang Yan, who had dropped back to receive it.
Jiang Yan didn't linger and passed the ball back to Kovacic on the other side.
Modric and Casemiro stared at Kovacic, who had just come on, their minds filled with questions.
Why did Benitez bring on Kovacic at this time?
As the senior player on the national team, Modric knew very well what Kovacic was capable of.
Sending him up at this time, has Benitez really lost his mind?
But seeing Jiang Yan pass the ball to Kovacic time and time again, Modric had no choice but to trust him. Perhaps this young man really had some special talent that he didn't know about?
However, Modric had barely thought of this when, the next second:
"Kovacic has lost possession!"
"He made a mistake right after coming on! Benitez is making a foolish mistake!"
Defender Lucas Hernandez stepped forward and made a tackle on Kovacic, who was receiving the ball.
"Danger! Atletico Madrid's counter-attack!!!"
He Wei's voice suddenly rose in pitch.
With five minutes left in the game, Real Madrid's newly established attacking rhythm was completely shattered by this unexpected interception!
Lucas Hernandez intercepted the ball and, without hesitation, delivered a precise long pass to Griezmann in the attacking third.
After Griezmann received the ball, Torres appeared out of the penalty area like a ghost and reached out to Griezmann for the ball.
Griezmann used a simple change of pace to shake off Carvajal, who came up to cover, and then played a through ball to Torres.
"Torres is one-on-one with the goalkeeper!!!"
Upon seeing this, Atletico Madrid fans erupted in a roar, and the entire stadium seemed to tremble.
"The match is about to end. If this one-on-one chance goes in, it will all be over!"
Atletico Madrid will win their first-ever Champions League trophy!
Faced with this one-on-one chance that could change the fate of both sides, Navas abandoned his goal, his heart rate almost soaring to 180!
Real Madrid fans felt like their hearts had stopped, while some Atletico Madrid fans in the stands were already cheering.
Seeing Navas launch his attack, Torres calmly adjusted her footwork. Her mind was very clear at this moment, and she lightly flicked her toes.
"A chip shot!!!"
The football flew over Navas's head, who spread his arms in an attempt to stop it.
However, the ball only grazed Navas's fingertips before flying towards the goal.
"Goal!"
In the live broadcast room, before He Wei could finish speaking, a white figure suddenly appeared from behind.
He sprinted seventy meters from near the center circle, managing to clear the ball from the air just before it went into the net!
"Jiang Yan! An incredible defensive effort!!!" He Wei's voice cracked. "An unbelievable defensive play!"
He flicked the ball with his toe, sending it flying back onto the field.
Atletico Madrid fans' emotions were like a rollercoaster, plummeting from heaven to the depths of despair. Their raised arms froze in mid-air, and Torres stared in disbelief at the figure in white.
Even after crashing heavily into the goal, Jiang Yan didn't forget to shout, "Second penalty kick!!!"
The final two minutes of stoppage time.
As soon as the ball landed, Casemiro rushed to the spot where the ball had landed like a bulldozer and got to the ball first.
Atletico Madrid's weakness in fielding a six-defender formation became glaringly obvious at this moment. The defense was top-heavy, and although the intensity of the defense was maximized, the midfield only had two players, resulting in almost no control.
Casemiro completed the pass with ease.
The ball returned to Modric's feet, and even after 90 minutes, his legs still possessed magic.
Modric looked up at Ronaldo and Vazquez in the attacking third, and was about to pass the ball when he heard a shout from the left.
"Luca!!!"
It's Kovacic.
Modric's brain was working at lightning speed.
Passing the ball to Ronaldo or Vazquez would undoubtedly be the best option right now, but the image of Jiang Yan firmly choosing to pass the ball to him suddenly flashed through his mind.
Passing to Kovacic might not have been the best option, but Modric instinctively chose to pass at that moment.
He made the pass not out of reason, but out of instinct.
boom!
"Modric passes the ball!"
"A diagonal pass!?"
"Kovacic received the ball! Modric actually chose to pass the ball to Kovacic at this crucial moment!"
As soon as Kovacic received the ball, two Atletico Madrid defenders pounced on him like hungry tigers!
The mistake from just now was still fresh in everyone's mind, and everyone thought that Real Madrid's counterattack was about to end at his feet again.
In the live broadcast room, He Wei raised his voice anxiously: "Kovacic! Don't let us lose the ball again!!!"
Two Atletico Madrid midfielders closed him down aggressively, leaving him no room to turn.
However, when faced with Atletico Madrid's double defense, Kovacic's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile.
Inside the live stream, He Wei was pacing anxiously:
"Kovacic, stop spacing out!"
"There's only one minute left in the game! Are they really going to keep wasting time like this? Are they really going to force overtime?"
However, Kovacic's actions surprised everyone.
Faced with the two players surrounding him, Kovacic not only didn't dodge, but instead took the initiative to meet them head-on!
boom!
Atletico Madrid had two players marking the goal, and Kovacic was hit in the face by Jimenez's hand. He then fell heavily to the ground, pinning the ball under his body, covering his face with his hands, and howling in pain.
"Kovacic was... taken down?"
The referee jogged over to Kovacic to check on him, but Kovacic just covered his face in pain and wouldn't get up.
Upon seeing this, the referee immediately showed a yellow card to both Jiménez and Filipe behind him.
"The referee showed a yellow card to each of Atletico Madrid's defenders!"
At that moment, the camera captured Kovacic peeking through his fingers at the referee's every move.
"Not just a yellow card! The referee also awarded Real Madrid a free kick!!!"
"Is this Benitez's secret weapon!?"
The live stream chat was flooded with comments.
[Holy crap! Holy crap! Holy crap! It's a free kick!]
Did you guys see Kovacic's move just now? He clearly got a real knack for it from Professor Busquets!
[Hahahaha! I thought Benitez sent him up here to be funny, turns out he had another purpose!]
[Benitez! A renowned coach! Kovacic! Hollywood!]
Regardless of the outcome, it's an undeniable fact that an Atletico Madrid defender struck Kovacic in the face!
Look! Jiang Yan is standing at the free throw spot!
Can Real Madrid's signature "banana kick" save the team once again?!
……
Back on the night Real Madrid defeated Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final.
"Mr. Benitez, you summoned me here to...?"
Benitez and Kovacic met at Real Madrid's video room.
As soon as Kovacic finished speaking, Benitez pulled out a USB drive.
"Here's the 'secret manual' that my video analyst team spent a week creating for you."
Kovacic carefully took the USB drive from Benitez, holding it in his hands as if it were a treasure.
"A secret technique?"
Benitez nodded.
"That's right. I noticed a long time ago that you love to show yourself in front of the camera. Now I'm giving you that opportunity. Here's a compilation of fouls from a whole season of La Liga and Champions League matches. I want you to master these before the Champions League match and make them our last secret weapon."
……
Fifteen days, more than five hundred games, all the details of the fouls, and how the fouled players fell to the ground in pain, were all deeply etched into his mind.
Even if Atletico Madrid's player hadn't touched Kovacic this time, he still had at least ten ways to draw a foul!
This is the result of his research over this period of time—the tactic of drawing fouls!
Kovacic stood up with Jiang Yan's help.
"Master, my mission is complete."
Jiang Yan patted the grass off the other person's body.
"Leave the rest to me."
……
In the live broadcast room, tens of thousands of viewers were eagerly anticipating this free kick.
"I believe the audience isn't surprised by what we're seeing now. Jiang Yan first shocked La Liga with his stunning free-kick, from the Bernabéu to the San Siro. This match might end in the most Jiang Yan-esque way!"
The timer has reached 100 minutes.
This free kick is our last chance.
……
Jiang Yan stepped forward without hesitation, picked up the football from the ground, and kissed it deeply.
He is very grateful; football has given him everything.
Today, he will conclude this season's journey in his own way.
He slowly placed the ball on the line drawn by the referee, with Kovacic standing beside him the whole time.
"This match has been really long."
"Yes, Master."
The two exchanged a glance, and Jiang Yan continued:
"End it."
……
At this moment, the whole world is focused on this Champions League final.
In a Spanish tavern, the men who had been chatting and laughing put down their glasses and focused their attention on the rather small screen.
The tavern owner took out a Spanish encyclopedia from a drawer, clutching it tightly in his hand. Jiang Yan's signature was on the first page of the book.
Everyone silently chanted in their hearts—we must get in!
……
In China, not only the CCTV studio, but also street-side barbecue stalls, snack stands, and even lottery shops were packed with people, all eager to witness the outcome of the match firsthand.
Jiang Yan is a hero who saved Chinese football, but this time, he is a hero for Real Madrid.
Not only men who love football, but also women and children were glued to their TVs watching the Champions League final. When they saw Jiang Yan standing at the penalty line, almost everyone's heart was in their throat.
"I feel that Jiang Yan not only looks more imposing from behind at this moment, but he also looks more handsome."
……
In faraway England, Emily is watching the Champions League final on television with her family.
"Emily, your palms are sweaty!"
"I'm sorry, Mom, this moment is very important to me."
"Are you a fan of that Chinese kid?"
Emily nodded: "I might be his first fan."
……
Inside the Madrid training base, staff members gathered to watch the Champions League final.
"Ms. Avril, I heard that Jiang Yan used to pursue you, is that true?"
"How many times have I told you, he's not pursuing me, he's pursuing your senior, the former chief physician—Emily!"
"Oh... I'm so envious. I wish I could become the chief physician."
"You interns, all of you, pay attention!"
……
An eerie silence enveloped the stands at the San Siro. The fans' hearts were gripped by the large hand of Jiang Yan, and they didn't even dare to breathe.
Real Madrid fans stood up, their eyes glued to the scene before them. Whether the team could lift the Champions League trophy depended entirely on Jiang Yan's goal.
Atletico Madrid fans booed Jiang Yan, hoping to affect his mentality.
Qin Wanyu and Arthur, sitting in the front row, silently prayed for Jiang Yan.
In the VIP stands, Lina gripped the armrests of her chair nervously, her palms already soaked with sweat.
Gina sat next to Lina, her eyes fixed on the white figure on the field.
……
Benitez stood on the sidelines, supported by his assistant coach. Although he appeared calm on the surface, he was inwardly panicked, as this was a free kick that could decide Real Madrid's fate.
With this lineup, it will be difficult to defeat Atletico Madrid's tight defense in extra time. Are we going to pin our hopes on a penalty shootout?
On the other side, Simeone had lost his former dominance, with his hands in his suit pockets and knees on the ground, desperately hoping that the ball wouldn't go in.
"God, please bless Atlético Madrid."
Atletico Madrid is just one step away from the Champions League trophy, and he definitely doesn't want to fall here.
……
All eyes in the world were fixed on the white-clad figure in front of the restricted area.
Atletico Madrid's wall of players was so tight it was impenetrable, and Oblak kept shouting instructions to everyone to adjust their positions in front of the goal line.
Jiménez and Felipe had just received yellow cards, their faces turning ashen, but they could only grit their teeth and stand in the wall of men, not daring to make any further moves.
Jiang Yan took a deep breath and slowly took five steps back.
The entire room fell silent instantly, with only the sound of rapid breathing remaining.
He Wei lowered his voice, his tone trembling slightly: "Regular time is over. This free kick could very well decide the outcome of the entire match!"
Zhan Jun continued in a deep voice, "Jiang Yan has decided matches with free kicks more than once in his career. Can he pull off another miracle this time?"
A clear whistle rang out.
Jiang Yan takes a running start.
Every step he took seemed to tread on the hearts of the fans; with each run-up, every heart trembled.
He stopped less than half a meter from the football.
He exerted force with both legs.
Lift your leg.
The body is extremely relaxed.
boom! !
He struck the ball hard on the lower middle part with the outside of his right foot.
He heard the system's explanation for the first time: "Please take the free kicks boldly. Every time you lift your right foot, you will trigger the 'Beckham Curve' effect—the ball's trajectory will be automatically corrected, avoiding the wall and heading straight for the goalkeeper's most desperate corner."
An exquisitely elegant and perfect arc is painted on the canvas of San Siro.
The football soared into the air, bypassed the top of the wall, and curved into a perfect crescent moon shape, heading straight for the corner of the goal!
Oblak made a diving save, stretching his body with all his might, but he couldn't even touch the ball.
At this moment, even if you are the best goalkeeper in La Liga, you can't stop this ball.
The football plunged into the corner, and the net suddenly surged up in a white wave!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!"
He Wei's roar echoed throughout the live broadcast room, and he even knocked the microphone in front of him off.
"Jiang Yan!!! Crescent Moon Blade!!!! In the final moments of regulation time!!! Use the Crescent Moon Blade to end the match!!!!"
"He is not Beckham, nor anyone else. He is a Chinese citizen. Please remember his name—Jiang Yan!!"
"He scored the winning goal against Atletico Madrid!!! His second goal of the match!!!! Helping Real Madrid lift the Champions League trophy again!!!!!"
"11 titles!!! Real Madrid is about to win their 11th Champions League trophy!!!"
"They are the kings of Europe, the best team in Europe!!!"
"Furthermore, an Asian player, as the core of Real Madrid, leading the team to the Champions League title will be a legendary achievement!!"
"Jiang Yan will become the best calling card for Asian football!!!"
Jiang Yan had completely lost it. He excitedly ran towards the corner flag area, faced the stands, and spread his arms wide, making a "ruling the world" celebration gesture.
At the same time, his teammates on the field, the players on the bench, the coaching staff, and all the Real Madrid fans rushed towards Jiang Yan like madmen, towards their hero.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid players knelt on the grass, their faces contorted in pain, some even covering their faces and weeping.
That's what football is all about. A single match can bring two emotions to their extremes, and that's why we love it.
"I dare say this will be one of the best Champions League finals in history. From taking the lead to equalizing, falling behind, and then coming back to win, all these elements were combined into one match. It was absolutely thrilling!"
"Even Oblak, La Liga's best goalkeeper, couldn't save that final free kick. Jiang Yan's free-kick skills have reached their pinnacle!"
The San Siro stadium was completely transformed into a sea of white, with the cheers and shouts of Real Madrid fans deafening, almost lifting the stadium's roof off.
In the stands, fans waved Real Madrid flags, tears streaming down their faces, repeatedly chanting Jiang Yan's name. That figure in white had become a new legend in their hearts.
Just then.
"Beep—beep—beep!!!"
Three long whistles sounded, and the game was officially over.
"Match over!"
Congratulations to Real Madrid for defeating Atletico Madrid 3-2 and winning the 2015-2016 UEFA Champions League title!
Congratulations to Real Madrid! Congratulations to Benitez!
……
On the pitch, Real Madrid's players lifted Jiang Yan high, carrying him onto the stands to bask in the fans' adoration.
He raised his arm and excitedly clenched his fist, only to be met with an even more frenzied roar.
……
In the post-match media interview area, Jiang Yan, as the MVP of the game, naturally couldn't avoid being interviewed by the media.
"Hey Jiang, how does it feel to win your first Champions League title?"
Jiang Yan took the microphone, his gaze sweeping over the media from various countries who had gathered around him, his face still damp with sweat.
The sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly.
"No matter what the future holds, at this moment, I am Real Madrid's hero!"