On the evening of April 30, Madrid, Calderon Stadium.
Groups of fans gathered in the direction of the stadium from every corner of the city.
Today, more than 10,000 fans even came to Hamburg!
But only more than 5,000 people bought tickets to enter the stadium. Others could only gather outside and watch the live broadcast on the big screen in the square.
In the stadium, except for the more than 5,000 seats occupied by Hamburg fans, all other seats were filled by Atletico Madrid's home fans.
The Calderon Stadium can accommodate close to 55,000 spectators, which means that the ratio of Hamburg fans to Atletico Madrid fans today is about 1:10.
This is the disadvantage of playing away from home!
Don't underestimate the power of fans.
The cheers of every fan in the stands can be transformed into energy and injected into every player on the court, making them more motivated and stronger.
This is also an important reason why teams playing at home tend to have a higher winning rate.
When Atletico Madrid players came in to warm up, all kinds of crazy shouts began to erupt in the stands to cheer for the players.
And Hamburg fans are not to be outdone.
Although there were few people, they opened their throats and sang songs belonging to Hamburg to counter the enthusiastic atmosphere created by Atletico Madrid fans.
These two teams have entered the Champions League finals in history, but they have waited too long!
The old Hamburg team reached the final for the first time in the 1979-1980 season. The venue was Madrid, but at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
In the final, they lost to England's miracle team Nottingham Forest 0:1.
This defeat allowed Nottingham Forest to successfully defend the Champions League title, and also allowed them to create a magical record of winning more Champions League titles than league titles.
But Hamburg made a comeback three years later, and in the 1982-1983 season they once again reached the Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.
This time they had no regrets. They also defeated Serie A giant Juventus with a score of 1:0, winning the first Champions League trophy in team history and the only one so far.
Since then, Hamburg has gradually declined and has never been able to reach the final again, let alone win the championship.
Compared with Hamburg, Atletico Madrid's experience in the Champions League final was even worse.
In the distant 1973-1974 season, they met Bayern in the Champions League final with Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller.
The two sides fought hard for 90 minutes without scoring, and the game entered overtime. In the 114th minute, Aragones scored a free kick and scored Bayern's goal. Atletico Madrid led 1:0.
Just seconds before the final whistle, Bayern defender Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck, who rarely attacks forward, suddenly moved forward and completed a world wave 40 meters away from the goal. Score a goal and tie the score!
At that time, the European Champions Club Cup regulations stipulated that if a tie was tied within 120 minutes, the outcome would not be determined by a penalty shootout, but an extra game.
As a result, Atletico Madrid and Bayern held the only Champions League rematch so far.
Atletico Madrid lost their spirit and eventually lost to Bayern 0:4. Since then, they have never reached the Champions League final in 40 years.
One is a 30-year wait, and the other is a 40-year wait.
Therefore, both Hamburg and Atletico Madrid fans are full of expectations for our team's semi-finals!
Atletico Madrid fans even believe that although Hamburg defeated Atletico Madrid 1:0 in the first round, they will definitely come back and win and reach the final!
…
"Viewers, welcome to tonight's second leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Atletico Madrid plays Hamburg at home. My name is Zhan Jun. Today I will bring you a live commentary of this game together with Director Zhang Luzhang."
As the television broadcast camera slowly moved in the audience, the voice of commentator Zhan Jun also appeared.
Then Zhang Lu's voice appeared: "Hey."
Zhan Jun continued: "At this time, there is less than an hour before the official start of the game, and the players on both sides of the stadium are warming up before the game."
"After being defeated away by Hamburg in the first leg, Atletico Madrid are not in a good situation because they have to score at least one goal at the Calderon Stadium to get back the score."
"And if Atletico Madrid is scored by Hamburg instead, due to the away goals rule, then they will need to score three more goals to advance!"
"This is indeed a challenge for Simeone. His team must defend firmly and avoid Hamburg's goals while ensuring that they score goals."
"Today's game is played at the Calderon Stadium, which also gives Simeone a lot of confidence. So far this season, Atletico Madrid has remained unbeaten at home, whether in La Liga or the Champions League!"
"But the problem is that their opponent Hamburg has remained undefeated in all competitions this season! This is a level higher than Atletico Madrid's unbeaten home game."
"So, after tonight's game, will Atletico Madrid's unbeaten record at home be broken, or will Hamburg's unbeaten season be ended? Or will the two sides draw a draw?"
"Is it Simeone who led Atletico Madrid back to the Champions League final after 40 years, or Pan Yi, the youngest head coach in the history of the Champions League, leading his Hamburg team, the youngest team in the history of the Champions League, to successfully advance finals?"
"Director Zhang, which side do you favor more?"
Hearing Zhan Jun change the topic, Zhang Lu smiled and said:
"You know, I have always admired the tactics guided by Pan Yipan, so if you ask me, I definitely still support Hamburg."
"Of course, I think Hamburg will reach the final, not just because I am a pan player. There are also tactical considerations."
"Judging from the starting lineups of both sides that we just got, Atletico Madrid surprisingly arranged a 352 formation, with center back Alderweireld starting, forming a three-center back combination with Godin and Miranda."
"Captain Gabi should play as a single defensive midfielder. In front of him are Koke and Arda Turan. On both sides of them are the two wing-backs Felipe and Raul Garcia. The forwards are still Villa and Diego Costa."
"So why did Simeone suddenly make such a change? I think it was because he was scared of being beaten by Pan Yi in the first round."
"His original 4-4-2 formation was a bit too old and too rigid. It seemed unable to turn around when faced with Hamburg's more flexible movement and coordination. As soon as the offense was strengthened, the defense was lost, and as soon as the defense was used, the offense was lost."
"But why do I still think that even if Simeone changes to 352, Hamburg still has a better chance of winning? After all, Pan Yi still discharges his usual set of 433, there is no change?"
"That's because of Hamburg's 433, the combat effectiveness of both wings is amazing. Whether it's Robertson + Son Heung-min on the left, or Salah + Carvajal on the right, they all have the ability to tear through the opponent's defense and penetrate behind them. .”
"And this is exactly the biggest weakness of Simeone's three-centre-back system. In fact, whether Hamburg faces opponents who use three-centre-backs in the Bundesliga this season, or when Pan Yi met Conte in Milan, it is difficult to deal with them. It’s not too strenuous.”
"Also, Simeone has always used 442, and today he suddenly changed to 352. Even if they practiced it in the last league game, whether the players can really be fully familiar with it and apply it is still a question."
"For example, Belgian central defender Alderweireld has always been a substitute for Godin and Miranda. Now he is asked to start and he is asked to play an important defender. Can he withstand this? Pressure and Hamburg pressing him? That's all a problem."
"Hamburg, on the other hand, doesn't have such troubles. Their lineup has been working together for too long and can handle most situations..."
…
In the visiting team's locker room, the players have returned from warming up, while Pan Yi is making final tactical arrangements.
"They are likely to take advantage of their home court advantage to seize the opportunity after the opening game and fight fiercely to gain the initiative in the game."
"And of course we are not afraid! We have to break through their goal before they score, and severely dampen their energy and fighting spirit!"
"Of course, their defense this season is as solid as an iron wall, but don't forget that we already broke their goal in the first round. So, we can do the same tonight!"
Then Pan Yi mentioned a few more points that need to be paid attention to, such as the pressure on their central defender, the restriction on midfielder Gabi, and the follow-up defense of forwards Villa and Costa, etc.
Of course, the most important point is the attack and suppression on both wings.
Due to Atletico Madrid's 352 formation, there are only two wing-backs actually standing on the wing. So as long as Hamburg can form more two-on-one advantages on the wing, Atletico Madrid will inevitably invest more resources. To the defense on the wing.
For example, their two central midfielders, Koke and Arda Turan, have to pull out to support, which will open up the space in the middle.
"When defending their counterattack, the focus should still be on the passing points in their midfield, including their two central midfielders and two wing-backs, as well as Villa, who may drop back to get the ball."
"Especially Villa. In recent games, he often gets the ball in the midfield and then goes to the frontcourt to organize attacks. We must kill this point."
"Their formation will be more flexible in transitioning between offense and defense. Simeone should also fine-tune it after the game starts, so we will have to make adjustments at any time according to changes in opponents and adapt accordingly!..."
Finally, Pan Yi looked directly at his players and began a passionate speech:
"As our coach, I just want to say that we have been working hard since pre-season and that's why we can win the Bundesliga title and why we are here today."
"Whether we win the Champions League or not, no matter what happens, I can say that I am very happy to have you as a group of players. Because we are a young team, and when you are young, you are not afraid of failure! "
"But obviously, since this season, you have never let me down, and I have never tasted failure. You have made me happy coaching this team, and I am proud of you!"
"Together, we have set many records and created a lot of history of our own!"
"So, let us continue this happiness! Friends, we are only one step away from the Champions League final!"
At the end, Pan Yi pointed to the door of the locker room behind him:
"Now, let's go out with our heads held high and walk onto the turf of the Estadio Calderon. Let's beat Atletico again and let's make history again!"
…
As Pan Yi said in the locker room, from the moment the opening whistle sounded, Atletico Madrid launched a fierce attack on Hamburg's position.
This team, which has always been known for its defensive posture, seems to have changed after changing its formation today.
Two forwards, two midfielders, and two wing-backs began to take turns attacking Hamburg's defense.
Such an opening set a tone for the entire game, which was fast pace, high pressure and strong confrontation!
Many teams cannot withstand such a wave of fast breaks.
Sometimes such a fast pace can easily disrupt the opponent's deployment and strategy, allowing them to score before their position is stable, and then become even more chaotic, thus further expanding their advantage.
But Hamburg is not one of the "many teams".
They had already been mentally prepared after Pan Yi reminded them, and the various fierce battles in the past two seasons have also tempered their mentality, allowing the Hamburg players to deal with the impact of full speed at the beginning in an orderly manner.
Pan Yi's other words are also very reasonable. We have already defeated them, so no matter how hard we try, aren't we still the same group? Who else are you afraid of?
This also made the Hamburg players confident and patiently dealt with Atletico Madrid.
Of course, this "circle" does not mean that Hamburg will switch to defense across the board.
While they retreated slightly, they still harassed Atletico Madrid's defense on both sides. This made it impossible for Atletico Madrid players to devote their full strength to the attack.
Especially the two wing-backs, who are a little afraid of the speed of Hamburg's Son Heung-min and Salah, are always a little timid when pressing forward and cannot penetrate too deeply.
"Simone really has two skills. Most people can't handle this opening attack."
On the sidelines, Inzaghi on the visiting team's bench sighed.
"But this was all anticipated by the boss, and corresponding plans were made." Nagelsmann said with a smile, "It seems that the boss is still more skilled."
As a little fan of Pan Yi, Nagelsmann admires and admires Pan Yi from the bottom of his heart.
"Stop flattering and watch more games." Pan Yi snorted, keeping his eyes on the court.
But he still felt good in his heart.
After all, he is the future coach of Bayern, but to be completely subordinate to him is a very fulfilling thing.
"Oh." Nargelsmann replied, and then continued watching the game honestly.
At this time, Atletico Madrid had launched several consecutive attacks on the field, but they failed to pose any substantial threat.
Sometimes the wingbacks on both sides initiate crosses, but Costa and Villa in the middle do not have much advantage in grabbing points, and are often pushed out by Van Dijk and Rudiger.
Sometimes it was Koke or Arda Turan who tried to break through the middle with the ball, but Hamburg's defensive level has been maintained very well. When Atletico Madrid's ball reaches the top of the arc, it is densely packed with Hamburg players, and they can only The sides were divided, and finally the cross was passed.
In desperation, Atletico Madrid players could only try long shots, but due to the long distance, they failed to put any pressure on Navas.
This situation lasted for more than ten minutes.
Simeone on the sidelines couldn't sit still.
He stood up and began pacing in the coaching area.
He also discovered that Hamburg was now very secure.
Although Atletico Madrid attacked more fiercely at the beginning and grabbed more fiercely, Hamburg did not panic and Atletico Madrid failed to deal an effective blow to it.
And if Hamburg counterattacks at this time, once it can get behind Atletico Madrid, the situation will become very dangerous.
And such a scene...
Of course Simeone is the most familiar with it!
He is the best at defending first and then counterattacking others.
Of course, Hamburg's defense is a bit different from the bus-style defense Atletico Madrid usually plays.
Since the wingers on both wings remain in front, if Hamburg counterattacks, they will advance even faster than Atletico Madrid!
It would be bad if Hamburg could steal the ball in their own backcourt and quickly find Son Heung-min or Salah on either side.
Thinking of this, Simeone began to shout to the players on the field:
"Stay in formation! Pay attention to your position! Don't press too hard!"
As the latest instructions continued to be conveyed to the field, Atletico Madrid players did not play as fiercely as they did at the beginning, and their offensive also temporarily slowed down.
As a result, Diego Costa, who is at the forefront of Atletico Madrid's forward line, has fewer opportunities to get the ball.
…
If you ask a fan, who is the most handsome player in the world?
Many people may answer Beckham, and some may tell you it is Kaká. Some more experienced people may say it is Paraguay star Santa Cruz.
But on matters like aesthetics, it is difficult for people in the world to unify, and they may even quarrel over it.
And if you mention a name, mention "grand beauty", and say that Diego Costa is the most handsome player in the world, then everyone will shut up and form a united front.
Yes, Diego Costa is the most beautiful player in the world!
There are many handsome players on the football field, but there is only one "great beauty"!
Of course, Diego Costa is famous not just for his looks.
He has inherited the fine tradition of Atletico Madrid's striker. He is efficient and strong and has a super high scoring rate!
And his path to promotion at Atletico Madrid is also inspiring.
He joined Atletico Madrid at the age of 19, but has been loaned out, and there has never been a place for him in the forward line of the Shenzhen Legion. It was not until the age of 24 that he met Simeone, an equally tough person.
When Simeone became the team coach, Atletico Madrid had already lost its two great forwards, Forlan and Aguero.
So Simeone entrusted Diego Costa with an important task and he became Falcao's partner.
Simeone, who advocates iron-blooded defense, is of course happy to see a striker like Costa with such strong impact and aggressiveness rushing into the opponent's penalty area!
Diego Costa also lived up to Simeone's trust, scoring 20 goals throughout the season.
At the beginning, he did not have outstanding skills or excellent shooting skills, but with his running and fighting, he finally gained a foothold in Atletico Madrid.
In the second year, he ushered in an amazing transformation, scoring 27 goals in the league and 36 goals in all competitions, officially entering the ranks of La Liga's top forwards.
However, in addition to scoring many goals and being handsome, Costa also has some qualities that attract the attention of fans.
Those around him are always keywords such as tough, despicable, rough, and dirty.
Yes, he is not a model player on the ball.
He will even use diving and cheating points to win the team.
If you like bad guys, he'll fit the bill.
Because he is an exquisite egoist, his unscrupulous competitiveness makes people love and hate him.
This is Costa, a player whose "sportsmanship" attribute is 1 and approaches 0 infinitely.
As an opponent fan, his trash talk on the court, his dirty tricks, and his dirty fouls really make people dislike him, and they will only hate him more and more as the court incidents escalate.
As a fan of the home team, his competitive spirit, his big heart, and his desire to win at all costs make people feel that he is indispensable on the court.
However, tonight Costa found that the goals and victory he wanted became a bit difficult.
He had a rough night.
At the beginning of the game, although there were a lot of balls passed from the midfield and backcourt, few of them were comfortable enough for him to stop and make a ball or shoot.
As the game progressed to nearly 20 minutes, the ball was rarely even passed to him.
Next to him, there are always two big men, Van Dijk and Rudiger, who are constantly squeezing him. Even though he is as strong as he is beautiful, he still feels a little uncomfortable.
Diego Costa felt agitated after not holding the ball for too long.
Seeing that the midfielder couldn't pass the ball, he simply ran back and raised his hand to ask for the ball from his teammates.
Then after getting the ball, he tried to advance with the ball, but was intercepted by Hamburg players who were defending in layers.
This is really annoying!
You know, this is the Champions League semifinals!
If we can beat Hamburg, we can advance to the finals!
This will be Diego Costa's first Champions League final in his life!
But in such a crucial battle, he felt that he was unable to use his strength. How could he not feel aggrieved?
At this moment, the two sides started another fight in the midfield.
Atletico Madrid got the ball and then passed it to Costa who retreated to receive.
Van Dijk also followed him out immediately and leaned against Costa with his body.
Diego Costa was outside Hamburg's 30-meter zone, with his back to the direction of attack. After stopping the ball, he kicked the ball across and passed it to Alda Turan who came in from behind.
But De Bruyne, who was not far away, saw through Costa's intention, kept the ball with a tackle, and then immediately looked up ahead, preparing to launch a fast break.
At this time, Diego Costa became even more angry.
You won’t let me get the ball, you won’t let me shoot at the goal, and now you won’t even let me pass the ball and make a pass?
I won’t let you spread it properly either!
So, when De Bruyne was about to raise his foot to kick the ball out, Diego Costa rushed over and made a flying tackle.
He rushed over so fast that he knocked De Bruyne to the ground even while dribbling the ball!
The point is, because De Bruyne saw someone coming from the corner of his eye, he turned around and made a move to protect the ball. Therefore, Costa's shovel first hit De Bruyne's supporting foot, and then ball!
After falling to the ground, De Bruyne covered his ankle and let out a cry of pain.
There was an exclamation of "Oh" in the Calderon Stadium, and then it fell silent for an instant. Everyone looked at the referee who was running towards Costa.
The referee's whistle had already sounded at the first opportunity.
As he ran, he took out a card from his pocket with his right hand.
The color of this card is——
Yellow!
(End of chapter)
