Chapter 120: Chapter 120: What's the Strategy for the Second Half?

Football: The Rebirth of the Football Journey - Volume 1Words: 5769

At the 45-minute mark, the fourth official on the sidelines raised the board – three minutes of added time.

The first half of the national derby had been relatively polite, and the match was progressing smoothly.

The only issue was the abundance of goals, which delayed things a bit.

Otherwise, one or two minutes of stoppage time would have sufficed.

Bayern fans were beaming with joy.

Heynckes, too, wore a wide smile.

But for Dortmund supporters, the mood was heavy.

In the stands, Lina twisted the corner of her shirt nervously, watching the pitch with concern.

As Ye Chen's girlfriend, she didn't want her boyfriend to lose his first match against Bayern.

Ma Fanshu also sincerely hoped for a Ye Chen victory.

Trailing, equalizing, falling behind again...

Isn't that how the story's supposed to unfold?

But what she hadn't expected was not another equalizer – but falling even further behind!

Trailing by two goals at halftime at Allianz Arena... well, at least it's a bit better than Liverpool's situation against AC Milan back in the day.

But let's not forget – the Champions League final was at a neutral venue. This is Bayern's home ground!

Two goals down at halftime – what's the plan for the second half?

Strongly suggest Bayern pop champagne during the break...

Otherwise, I don't see how Dortmund can turn this around!

Mourinho, watching from the sidelines, looked slightly disappointed.

Kroos, however, was having a great game.

Though not the fastest player, his decision-making was spot on, and his interceptions were solid.

If he could be brought to Real Madrid, he'd make a great backup for Alonso.

After all, Alonso was already 30 – it's time to find a suitable successor!

The players returned to the center of the pitch.

Commentators Jian Jun and Zhang Lu discussed the situation.

"That goal came out of nowhere – conceding at this point gives Dortmund almost no time to respond!" Jian Jun said gravely.

Zhang Lu nodded. "At halftime, it's all up to Klopp's adjustments. Honestly, I think Dortmund is better suited to a 4-2-3-1. Forcing two strikers upfront weakens the midfield's defensive cover. Take Hummels' earlier mistake – he habitually looks for Kagawa to drop deep and receive, but now Kagawa's shifted left, leaving no one to pass to. On top of that, Kehl and Sven Bender are both defensive players... It's a domino effect!"

"Good point, Coach Zhang. Three minutes of added time – let's watch the remainder of the half!" Jian Jun said as Lewandowski kicked off to Ye Chen.

Ye Chen took possession, but before he could decide his next move, Gomez charged at him.

Ye Chen quickly passed back to Sven Bender.

Gomez collided with Ye Chen. "Hey, weren't you saying you'd lead by three goals? Looks like you're just one down now!"

Ye Chen ignored him and sprinted away.

With three minutes left, Bayern showed no intention of sitting back.

They pressed high.

Hummels, cautious, passed back to Weidenfeller.

No more mistakes in these last minutes.

The keeper wasted no time and launched a long pass to Götze upfront.

Despite being only 176 cm, Götze's direct opponent, Rafinha, was just 172 cm!

And physically, Götze was far stronger than Ye Chen – charging like a small tank.

Götze headed the ball to Piszczek.

Piszczek didn't stop it – he used the outside of his foot to pass to Ye Chen in the center.

With Gustavo right behind him, Ye Chen shifted sideways.

Lewandowski made a run, immediately followed by Boateng.

Kroos stood as Ye Chen's only obstacle.

Ye Chen adjusted towards goal, and Kroos stretched out a leg to intercept.

But Ye Chen flicked the ball forward three or four meters and slipped past Kroos.

Boateng, initially focused on Lewandowski, moved to cover. Ye Chen, once trailing, accelerated visibly and overtook him.

It wasn't that Boateng was slow – Ye Chen was just too fast!

Neuer, watching Ye Chen close in, bolted from his goal like a shark sensing blood.

But Ye Chen reached the ball first. Neuer pressed on, arms wide.

Faced with Neuer's fierce charge, Ye Chen showed no fear – a simple toe poke sent the ball flying towards the bottom-right corner.

Neuer, despite his lightning reflexes, couldn't touch the ball.

It nestled into the net.

Ye Chen raced past the goal, placing his finger to his lips – Bayern fans, silence please!

I'm the top scorer – not Gomez, me!

Dortmund fans erupted in cheers. Bayern supporters buried their heads in disbelief.

As Ye Chen made the hush gesture, jeers and hand signals from the crowd followed.

Ye Chen only smiled, jogging back to the pitch.

Lewandowski and Kagawa rushed over – high-fives all around.

Pulling one back before halftime was crucial.

The speed of the goal was staggering – like lightning.

Bayern's counterattacks were quick, but this response was even faster.

After the match, someone calculated – from kickoff to Ye Chen's goal, just 18 seconds had passed!

Ask Ye Chen what he can do in 18 seconds?

"I can score against Bayern."

The stadium erupted.

CCTV commentator Huang Jianxiang roared, "GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!"

"Ye Chen strikes against Bayern!"

"This goal is definitely making Bundesliga's goal of the week – absolutely stunning!"

"No wasted movement – and that finish, calm and clean!"

"Remember – that was against Germany's top keeper, Neuer. Lesser strikers wouldn't even dare shoot!"

Xu Yang nodded, "Ye Chen's gesture may seem provocative, but the entire stadium was chanting for Gomez. It's just Ye Chen's way of responding... with his feet, he's telling Bayern fans – I'm the top scorer here!"

Dortmund fans were ignited.

Seconds ago, they mourned Bayern's two quick goals.

Now, Ye Chen had answered – in style!

"Ye, I'll have your babies!" Dortmund fans screamed.

In the stands, Lina's eyes flashed dangerously...