Chapter 350
The sky in Manchester is still gloomy, which seems to reflect the mood of Manchester City players.
After returning from the disastrous defeat in Barcelona, they fell into a trough.
In the Premier League, their performance was not satisfactory.
In the 12th round, they drew with Aston Villa away, and the score of 0:0 reflected their weakness on the offensive end.
In the 13th round, they lost to their arch-rival Liverpool with a big score of 1:4.
All this makes people feel that the bad luck brought from Camp Nou seems to still affect this Blue Moon Army.
But the opportunity has come. On November 26, Manchester City will face the challenge of Barcelona at its home stadium, Etihad Stadium.
This is the last round of the Champions League group stage. Although both teams have secured qualification, this game is about honor and dignity.
More importantly, Guardiola understands that this may be the best opportunity to reverse the team's decline.
The problem lies with Barcelona, so the key to solving the problem must also be found in Barcelona.
So, on this cold night, Guardiola made an important decision.
He will send out Manchester City's full lineup to face this seemingly insignificant but actually significant game.
In the locker room, Guardiola looked at his players, each of whom had determination and determination on their faces.
"Tonight, we are not just fighting for victory," Guardiola said: "We are fighting for our dignity and our beliefs."
"We are Manchester City, and we are never afraid of any challenge."
"Whether in Camp Nou or in Etihad, we must show our style and our strength."
"Tonight, let us reignite the light of the blue moon together."
"Let us prove to the world together that Manchester City will never give up!"
The players burst into cheers, and their fighting spirit was ignited by Guardiola's words.
Yes, they are Manchester City, they are born to accept challenges and create miracles.
Li Lei sat in the corner of the locker room, listening quietly to Guardiola's speech. His recent state seemed to be affected by the team, but he was determined to win today's game.
Etihad Stadium, the home of the Blue Moon, was boiling with passion and expectations at the moment. This night was destined to be extraordinary.
In the live broadcast room of Sky Sports, two famous football commentators Keane and Jones were explaining this crucial game.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Hart
Defenders: Kolarov, Otamendi, Kompany, Baikal Seigner
Midfielders: De Bruyne, Li Lei, Sterling, Francisco, Fernandinho
Forward: Aguero
Barcelona (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
Defenders: Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba
Midfielders: Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta
Forwards: Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez, Neymar da Silva Junior
"The director in front gave the starting players of this game. We saw Manchester City's full lineup, but Barcelona's main core Messi did not appear in the starting list." Keane said with some surprise.
"Manchester City's lineup is star-studded."
Goalkeeper Hart, defenders Kolarov, Otamendi, Kompany, Baikary Seigner, midfielders De Bruyne, Li Lei, Sterling, Francisco, Fernandinho, forward Aguero. "
"Every name represents Manchester City's hope. "
"And Barcelona, although without Messi, has an equally terrifying lineup. "
"Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, defenders Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba, midfielders Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, forwards Sergi Roberto, Luis Suarez, Neymar da Silva Junior. "
"Yes, Keane, Barcelona currently has the initiative in the group stage, and they are not very concerned about this game. "Jones continued.
"That's right. Manchester City obviously needs to win this game to boost their overall condition." Keane said after thinking for a while.
"Since the last defeat at Camp Nou, they have fallen into a trough. Their performance in the Premier League is not satisfactory. "
"They need a victory to rekindle their fighting spirit and regain their form. "
"And this victory must be won from Barcelona. This is Guardiola's philosophy and alsois Manchester City's goal tonight. "
"We see that the captains of the two teams have come to the referee. "Jones said.
The game is about to start. Kompany and Iniesta, representing Manchester City and Barcelona respectively, came to the referee.
As a result of the coin toss, Manchester City will kick off first, and the eyes of the whole audience are focused on the green field.
In the live broadcast room far away in China, the well-known anchor Gao Yi is discussing the upcoming game with the fans.
As a senior fan of Li Lei, Gao Yi has special expectations for this game.
"Hello everyone, welcome to my live broadcast room. Tonight, we will witness the duel between Manchester City and Barcelona together. "
"As a fan of Li Lei, I have a hunch that he will have an amazing performance tonight. "Gao Yi said, his eyes flashing with excitement.
The message area of the live broadcast room was instantly flooded with comments from fans.
"I agree, Gao Yi! Li Lei showed amazing talent during his youth training period in Barcelona. Tonight is his best chance to prove himself!"
"But we can't ignore Barcelona's strength. Even without Messi, they are still a terrible team."
Facing the comments of the fans, Gao Yi nodded and said, "You are right, the soul of Manchester City."
"Barcelona is indeed a strong opponent, but I believe that under the tactical guidance of Guardiola and the cheers of the home fans, Manchester City will definitely win. "
"Li Lei's position tonight seems to be in the midfield, which is a brand new challenge for him."
"I guess Guardiola wants to use Li Lei's speed and skills to create chaos in the midfield and disrupt Barcelona's rhythm."
"Moreover, we see that De Bruyne and Fernandinho are both on the starting list. Their presence will provide more support and protection for Li Lei. "
"This is a very wise tactical arrangement. With the support of De Bruyne and Fernandinho, Li Lei will be able to play more freely and show his ability. "
As the game time approaches, the atmosphere in the live broadcast room becomes more heated.
Everyone is expressing their support and expectations for this game, Manchester City, and Li Lei in their own way.
"No matter what the result is, we will always support Manchester City and Li Lei. "
"Because we are the Blue Moon, we never give up!"
As the referee walked out of the center circle and signaled with both hands, a loud whistle sounded from his mouth the next second.
The second round of the last group stage of the 2015/2016 Champions League, Manchester City vs. Barcelona, officially began.
