Awakening the Messi template, Florentino Pérez begs me to join Real Madrid

A few days ago, in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16, Guangzhou Evergrande defeated Gamba Osaka, a strong Japanese team, 2-1 at home.

Wu Shi delivered one assist and created several threats during the match, making for a commendable performance.

But the price of victory was extremely high.

Conca twisted his knee during a challenge in the 78th minute and is initially diagnosed to be out for at least four weeks.

Starting goalkeeper Zeng Cheng also injured his shoulder during a save and will be unable to travel with the team to the away game.

Two absolute core members fell simultaneously.

Now, what lies ahead for Evergrande is a do-or-die second round at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka.

Guangzhou Evergrande will travel to their opponent's home ground with only a one-goal advantage, and will also lose their midfield maestro and last line of defense.

"You all know the situation."

"In the second leg, Osaka will definitely launch a fierce attack. They only need a 1-0 victory to eliminate us on away goals."

On the tactical board, Lippi drew up Gamba Osaka's expected starting lineup – a luxurious attacking line, playing at home, and fighting with their backs against the wall.

Then, his chalk stopped at the spot where the Evergrande midfield maestro was located, where "Conca" had been written, but it was now erased, leaving a glaring blank space.

All eyes involuntarily fell on Wu Shi.

Wu Shi knew what that blank space meant.

"Wu Shi," Lippi called out.

Wu Shi raised his head.

"In the second round, you'll play as an attacking midfielder. A traditional number 10 attacking midfielder."

Lippi's voice is beyond question.

"Your task is not to replace Conca; you and he are different types. I want you to connect the midfield and the attack in your own way. In defense, you are the first line of defense; I want to see you at every dangerous passing lane. In attack, you are the initiator; you need to judge when to control the ball, when to pass, and when to move forward yourself."

Lippi walked up to him and looked at him:

"This will be the most stressful and challenging match of your career so far. Although the match against Real Madrid was difficult, it was a friendly match without the pressure of points or qualification."

You might be heavily marked, but the team needs you in that position to move the ball around. Tell me, can you handle it?

The meeting room was completely silent.

Position 10: The core of the organization, the hub of offense and defense.

He is only seventeen years old. Although he has tried playing as an attacking midfielder in the league, that was with veterans like Conca and Zheng Zhi providing support.

Now, in the crucial away game of the AFC Champions League knockout stage, he has to single-handedly shoulder the responsibility of organizing the midfield.

Takeshi took a deep breath

"I can."

The old man stared at him for a few seconds, then nodded: "GOOD."

Then the veteran turned to the whole team: "In the second leg, we need to play smart and tenaciously. Defense is the foundation, and our counter-attacks must be sharp. Everyone needs to run an extra kilometer and make one more tackle than usual. Hold onto our advantage and lead the team into the quarterfinals!"

"yes!"

On the flight to Osaka, Takeshi closed his eyes but didn't sleep.

The system is using the time-slicing feature to analyze and review the first leg of the match against Gamba Osaka.

Osaka Nagai Stadium.

On the evening of the match day, the stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 people, was packed to capacity.

During warm-up, Takeshi sensed something was different. The Osaka players looked at him with obvious targeting and knowing analysis.

During one of their encounters, Sakai Takatoku even said in broken English, "Kid, I'll play with you today."

Wu Shi ignored him and continued juggling the ball, but his heart was beating faster than usual.

[System: Environmental stress index: 95% (red alert level). Targeted marking intent detected. Recommendation: Focus on safe passing in the opening stages to adapt to the pace.]

As the players from both sides entered the field, the Champions League theme song (used in the AFC Champions League) was played. The roar almost lifted the roof off.

The referee blows the whistle, and the life-or-death battle begins!

As Lippi predicted, Gamba Osaka launched a relentless offensive from the very first minute. Their pressing in the attacking third was extremely aggressive, with all three lines pushing very high up the pitch.

Wu Shi was surrounded and pressed from the moment he touched the ball.

Sakai Takatoku followed him like a shadow, always keeping a distance of less than one meter.

Pulling and tugging at the hands, bumping into the waist, and tripping and shoving at the feet were all common occurrences. And the referee seemed to be very lenient towards the home team.

In the 11th minute, Takeshi dropped back to the center circle to receive the ball. Just as he turned around, Sakai Gotoku's knee hit the outside of his thigh, while his hand subtly pushed his waist.

Wu Shi stumbled, and the ball was intercepted!

Osaka immediately countered, passing the ball three times and then moving it into the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot!

Substitute goalkeeper Li Shuai made a brilliant save, tipping the ball over the crossbar!

A huge sigh erupted from the stands, followed by even more frenzied shouts.

"Gather together!" Zheng Zhi roared from the backfield.

Takeshi got up, feeling a burning pain on the outside of his thigh. He looked at Sakai Takatoku, who was grinning at him.

[System: First challenge failed. Opponent's defensive strategy was clear: physical contact interference + tackles. Recommendation: Reduce back-to-goal dribbling and increase one-touch passing.]

Current passing success rate: 71% (below target).

Wu Shi gritted his teeth. He forced himself to calm down.

The following matches became a tough war of attrition.

Osaka dominated possession and launched a relentless attack around Evergrande's half of the field.

The Evergrande defense was under immense pressure, and it was only through their united defense and Li Shuai's outstanding saves that they managed to keep the goal intact.

Wu Shi was exhausted from running around in the midfield.

When defending, he has to drop deep to assist Zheng Zhi and Zhao Xuri in intercepting and sweeping the ball; when transitioning from defense to attack, he often receives the ball under close marking from the opponent, and then struggles to turn and pass it.

He played awkwardly and struggled, rarely having a comfortable opportunity to receive the ball and organize the attack.

In the 34th minute, he finally received a well-timed pass on the wing. Just as he was about to turn and advance, Gotoku Sakai made a vicious tackle from behind, bringing down both him and the ball!

"Beep!" The referee finally blew his whistle, awarding a free kick, but only gave Sakai Gotoku a verbal warning.

Wu Shi collapsed to the ground. Anger surged within him, but he suppressed it. Now was not the time for venting his anger.

He looked towards the sidelines, where Lippi stood in the command area, his hands in his trouser pockets, his face expressionless, only nodding slightly at him.

"Looks like the old man thinks you played pretty well in the first half," the system teased Wu Shi.

The first half ended 0-0 thanks to the tenacious defense of the entire Evergrande team.

Back in the locker room, Lippi walked in, his gaze sweeping over every tired and tense face.

"We held on for 45 minutes," the old man said softly. "They haven't scored yet. That means our defense has been successful."

He walked to the tactics board and drew out the possible changes for Gamba Osaka in the second half.

Lippi's gaze fell on Wu Shi: "Wu Shi, you struggled in the first half, but your running and defensive contributions were important. In the second half, I want you to keep that up and organize efficient attacks if the opportunity arises."

"And also," Lippi said, surveying the team with a resolute tone, "be prepared to concede goals. If we score just one, the balance will tip completely."