ssi is undeniably strong, but he is always a forward, his position relatively fixed;
Whereas Tang Long's position is extrely variable, like a phantom on the pitch, inscrutable.
The referee's crisp whistle marked the formal start of the second half of the match.
Goding and Saul charged at Tang Long like wolves seeing prey, eyes glowing, ready to press him tightly throughout the ga, vowing to lock him down completely.
But in the next second, their eyes widened in surprise—Tang Long had unexpectedly retreated!
This retreat was not the usual move from forward to attacking midfield, but directly to a much further back position, standing solidly in front of the center-backs Stones and Kompany.
"Hmm? Why is he running to the defensive midfield position?" Goding murmured to himself in confusion.
"This is too deep, should we follow or not?" Saul was equally shocked, turning to look at Goding.
No matter what, they hadn't anticipated that Tang Long would retreat from attacking midfield all the way to defensive midfield.
According to the pre-match agreent, Saul and Goding were to mark Tang Long throughout, both to prevent him from turning and cutting off his passing routes.
Saul, being a midfielder, found it relatively easier to execute, but Goding was a center-back!
Usually, he marked forwards, and if they retreated to midfield, following them is normal.
But now Tang Long had retreated to defensive midfield, almost into his own defensive territory, placing Goding in a dilemma.
If he follows, it's too risky, a slight mistake could tear their defensive line apart completely;
If he doesn't, it would directly disrupt their tactical deploynt.
In the mont of Goding's hesitation, Tang Long was already calmly orchestrating in the backfield, like a general in control of the entire situation.
Saul, following the set tactical plan, rushed towards Tang Long without hesitation, preparing to press.
But as he ran, he suddenly noticed the empty space beside him, and looking back, he saw Goding had retreated to his original center-back position and hadn't followed.
"Go on, why aren't you going on?" Saul shouted anxiously, his voice full of confusion and urgency.
Just as the words fell, a red and white figure shot out from the side like lightning, it was Griezmann!
He shouted loudly, "Saul, let's both go, see how he dodges this!"
Saul paused slightly, then obeyed Griezmann's command, the two charged at Tang Long like pincers from front and back.
The first half goal had filled Griezmann with confidence, pride exuding uncontrollably.
At this mont, he was in the lilight, he felt even ssi playing in the UEFA Europa League was nothing special in comparison.
Griezmann thought there was nothing to fear about Tang Long, defending him was a piece of cake.
Thus, he tead up with Saul to form a temporary duo, charged fiercely towards Tang Long.
However, Griezmann, being a forward, was much inferior to his teammate Goding in physical confrontation and defensive skills.
He rushed anxiously to Tang Long with the intent to intercept the ball.
Tang Long saw this, his mouth slightly curled into a smile, a simple ball drag and turn, like bypassing a harmless wooden post, easily outmaneuvered Griezmann.
Saul secretly lanted in his heart!
Originally, when paired with Goding, Goding was the main defender, his task was to force Tang Long with his back turned, preventing him from turning, and would never rashly go for the interception.
Yet Griezmann charged straight in obviously aiming to intercept, but did he have that skill?
After breaking Griezmann's press, Tang Long perford a seamless one-two with Ranocchia and easily bypassed Saul.
Once the two successfully broke through, Atletico Madrid's central defense instantly had a large void.
Atletico Madrid players, seeing this, hurriedly retreated swiftly, trying to cover the gaps behind the two and stabilize the defense.
anwhile, on the other side of the pitch, Stones darted like an arrow released from a bow, quickly shifting from the central position to the flank.
Tang Long, quick to see the opportunity, smoothly passed the ball accurately to him.
In a flash, the right wing presented a great open space, like an uninhabited area.
Stones advanced rapidly with the ball, a scenario not seen in the first half.
During the first half, Griezmann, playing left wing, was like a wall, firmly blocking Stones on his side, making Stones hesitant to insert forward easily.
But now, after Tang Long toyed with both Griezmann and Saul consecutively, the space in front of Stones beca crystal clear, completely open!
Atletico Madrid, known for their tight formation, player's outstanding running ability, and mutual defensive cooperation.
Their defensive system was a stringent net ford from close coordination of their front, mid, and back lines.
But now, due to Griezmann's misstep, the defense showed a crack.
Stones seized the chance, dribbled the ball boldly, sprinting down the gap, in the blink of an eye advancing the ball to the front field.
Usually, young Stones often sought guidance from Ranocchia about how to play as a ball-playing center-back.
Ranocchia, being an expert in this regard, guided him ticulously.
After many days of instruction, Stones, this England lad, finally got it.
At this mont, attracting the defense of two Atletico Madrid players on the right flank, he quickly horizontal passed the ball.
Amidst the crowded field, Tang Long like a black streak of lightning, took an arrow step forward, gently tapped with his left foot, both player and ball cleverly bypassed the converging Karasco.
The saying goes "A dam collapses from an ant hole."
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