The most low-key superstar

Chapter 365 Impressed
Leonardo said before the game that he would try to prevent Manchester United from scoring away goals, but in San Siro, the Red Devils scored three goals. After the game, Ferguson even regretted that he could not end the suspense in the first round. "The start made us a little messy. , but then gradually built confidence and at 3-1 we were unstoppable and in full control of the game, followed by a dizzying finish where their second goal brought the suspense back to life."

As Ferguson said, the end of the game was not good for Manchester United, but the Red Devils were more worthy of victory in the overall process, especially in the midfield competition, Manchester United gradually gained control, with 51% possession of the ball. 49%, pass success rate 81.7% to 76.1%, the visiting team has a rare upper hand.

There was a collective slackening, "At 3-1 we were completely in control of the game, then a goal was scored and the game changed again, which brought the situation closer. At Old Trafford, we have to make sure we get the job done. " Judging from the scene of Ferguson getting angry at Evans at halftime, the 'hair dryer' of that year may have to be activated for the 10 minutes of relaxation before the end. Compared with the previous two Champions League knockout matches, this is Manchester United's first The most hopeful promotion after one round, Ferguson naturally didn't want to let go of the opportunity to avenge his shame.

Sky TV said, 'After an unusually heavy 3-2, Manchester United has entered the quarter-finals with one and a half feet.So what about AC Milan?Nothing is impossible on the pitch!But it is very difficult to achieve a big reversal at Old Trafford with the current Milan team. '

Even the media such as Gazzetta dello Sport and Italian National Television felt that 'this is impossible', and more people chose to remain silent.

Later, there were rumors that according to Galliani himself, "He is not superstitious at all, and he chose the same restaurant and menu to entertain his Manchester United counterparts before the game." 'Obviously, the general manager of Milan did not achieve the desired effect this time.

Before the game, Ferguson once told his opponent unceremoniously, "I came during the derby, but I only saw one great team, and that is Inter Milan..."

Sacchi, who suggested overall football and total defense to Mourinho before, suggested a steady counterattack to Leonardo before the game. The reason why Sacchi, who hates counterattack the most, violates his nature, is probably still worried. Manchester United's hard power.Sacchi felt that defensive counterattacks were the only way to limit Manchester United's high-speed attack.Sacchi, like Borriello, who was interviewed by the TV station before the game, believed that Nicole must be Milan's most terrifying opponent.

"Actually, Sacchi is right. Everyone knows how strong Nicole's offense is, but we haven't seen any targeted defensive arrangements. In this game, Nicole led Manchester United to fly in San Siro."

After the game, Sacchi said in frustration, "Mr. Leonardo didn't listen to my opinion, but the results told me that this time I was right."

It should be said that both Ferguson and Sacchi's predictions were right and wrong, but now there is only one result for this Milan team to encounter Manchester United.An excellent first half, a Ronaldinho who not only touched the ball but also scored a goal; a Milan who played with heart, a Leonard who not only made no mistakes in tactical arrangements, but also showed the effect in 45 minutes Many, but not enough for the Rossoneri to beat Manchester United.

After Wayne Rooney scored twice in the second half, only a brilliant goal from substitute Seedorf made the defeat seem less burdensome, but only "appeared".Can Milan beat Manchester United by two goals in the away game, or return the opponent 3 to 2, and get a chance to play in the extension period?By then, Ferguson, who has already used a 4-5-1 at the San Siro, will only make Leonardo's head hurt even more.

At home, a 4-3-3 actively countering a 4-5-1, Leonardo's choice of starters played the strongest notes this Milan side could play, at least in the first half.Bonera replaced Abarth and played well on the wing, and Leonardo's insistence on possession and fast passing philosophy has also been well practiced.

In the face of Manchester United's high-pressure press and side pressure, Milan passed and received the ball in a small area smoothly and aggressively.In the opening 10 minutes, Ronaldinho and Antonini created three chances, but unfortunately only Ronaldinho took one of them.Ronaldinho even entered a carnival state, which made the Manchester United defender in charge of guarding him extremely painful.

However, what is more painful is Milan's midfield. They were tortured by Nicole's quickness and flexibility and almost collapsed. Nesta said after the game, "Before the game, my friends in Rome told me to be careful." NO.19, that guy is too dangerous, he was born to make trouble for you, I know him, but this time, I have personally experienced it.”

But the chances Milan squandered in the first 30 minutes quickly cost them dearly.Just as Antonini was injured in midfield, Manchester United scored a goal from Nicole.Afterwards, Antonini was replaced by Favalli, and Milan’s assists on this side ended, but Milan’s offensive continued, but Manchester United in the second half was no longer Manchester United in the first 45 minutes. After several attempts, Rooney, Finally, the goal was assisted by Valencia, who came on as a substitute, and the latter was exactly the player Ranieri tried to bring in when he was at Juventus.

Between Rooney's two goals, AC Milan disappeared from the field at one point, the midfield was completely out of control, and Pirlo and Ambrosini were forced to fall back in the face of Nicole's aggressive counterattack until the end of the game, Milan went all out with chances created by substitutes Seedorf and Inzaghi, Ambrosini and even Nesta. But the game is over.

State TV commented, "Milan's wasted chances, Antonini's injury, defensive errors, and especially Dida's insensitive reaction, decided the Rossoneri's defeat. Manchester United, who had never scored in the San Siro, could. Went home with three points and three goals."

"We, like many teams, tasted the bitter coffee that Nickle brought us."

"In the Milan camp, Ronaldinho and Bonera performed the best, Dida and Huntelaar were the most mediocre, Nesta and Pato obviously still need time to find their status. Favalli has tried his best, but he obviously cannot Compete for speed and stamina with your opponent like Antonini did. Seedorf scored a great goal and saved the last hope for Milan." The reporters in England were kind and didn't say anything too much.

When Ferguson politely said after the game that the game was not over and Manchester United should be careful of Milan's counterattack, Leonardo's first sentence in the interview was also, "It's over? Not yet, I didn't see how big the opponent is. advantage. We can also beat the opponent 2-0 in the away game. Their luck is very good today. Who knows if we will have similar luck..."

Lei Shuai said, "He has nothing to criticize the players. The team created opportunities in the first half. Even if it is 3-0, there is nothing surprising."After this game, the only thing the team needs to reflect on is why they conceded three goals so easily.Another key is that I have found a way to restrain my opponent. '

Seedorf also believes that Milan still has a chance to qualify. "They scored three goals from five shots and I've made it all clear and nobody should think that Milan are easily discouraged."

As for why he came off the bench?

"I just recovered from a small injury, I personally feel ready, this is Leonardo's decision. In general, our performance in the first half was not bad." The Dutchman emphasized, "For the away game He is ready for the game, but it is up to Lai Shuai to decide whether he should play or not. '

If you don't talk about the harsh result that Milan must win by 2 goals to be considered a win, and only talk about the usual wins and losses, Milan still has the confidence to fight against their opponents.

Milan has the second highest away record in the league this season. They have also won Juventus away in the league. In addition, in the UEFA Champions League group stage, they won Real Madrid and Marseille in away games. They also didn’t feel good playing in San Siro and ranked sixth at home. If the away loss to Inter Milan and the Champions League loss to Zurich are included, San Siro is not a blessed place for Milan at all this season.Is it beneficial to change places?Really anything is possible.

Of course, this possibility will be greatly reduced if you encounter Manchester United. Manchester United will lose at most one goal at home this season. How can you chase two goals?

But as Manchester United, it is obvious that they want to enter the top 8 with a victory, not a tie, or even rely on the number of goal difference to advance. This is what Ferguson is most concerned about. Win and enter the quarterfinals.

This season, Manchester United has 11 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss at home in the league, ranking second. With such a performance at home in the Premier League, theoretically there is no need to worry about Milan's "rebellion".

But Manchester United still has some hidden worries at home, that is, its occasional instability, or it does not explode, and once it does, the end will not be good.The only team that lost at home in the league was Aston Villa. The FA Cup was knocked out by Leeds. The UEFA Champions League lost to Besiktas on the premise that they did not qualify for the first place. These are not super teams, especially Leeds United in the League One. , It can be seen that even with the home court advantage, Manchester United has not reached the point where they can see who will be eliminated this season. If they don't want to tie Milan or lose to their opponents, the instability of Manchester United's home court must not explode in the second round.

"The chance of a comeback, I don't think Old Trafford is their blessed place, we are recovering, they can feel it immediately, Old Trafford will impress them." Back to London Nickel said this when he was interviewed by reporters.

Compared with another chaotic situation between Lyon and Real Madrid today, most of Manchester United has entered the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The instability mentioned above is largely due to the importance of the Manchester United players themselves. It is not enough. Now that it is the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, there should be no such factors as underestimation in the heart. The fans of Old Trafford will look forward to the team's two consecutive victories against Milan this season with a more or less relaxed mood. .

(End of this chapter)