Chapter 402
As the game started, the atmosphere on the scene became more tense.
The solemn voice of the German commentator echoed in the commentary booth: "From the perspective of the formations of the two teams, both are relatively conservative arrangements. Such a rhythm may be slow, but it is beneficial to us."
It is obvious that the commentary team has done a lot of preparation for this game. They have studied the player configurations of both sides in detail and tried to provide the most professional commentary for the audience.
However, after the game started, the performance of Manchester City players was unexpectedly outstanding.
When the captains of both sides chose their sides under the supervision of the referee, Manchester City was lucky to win the first attack.
The moment the whistle blew, they showed their offensive football style. Through high-intensity pressure, they quickly controlled the rhythm of the game.
In the first few minutes of the game, both sides were quite cautious. The players mainly fought in the midfield and tested the opponent's defense.
Leverkusen tried to take advantage of the home advantage and launch an attack through the wing.
But the five players in Manchester City's midfield: Fernandinho, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Navas and Li Lei, firmly controlled the rhythm of the game.
Their outstanding performance left Leverkusen no chance.
Especially Li Lei, the young player from the East, relied on his speed advantage to complete many key replacements.
Whenever his teammates made a small mistake, he could always make up for it quickly.
Under the excellent defense of the midfield, Manchester City soon launched a very threatening counterattack.
The commentator's voice sounded again: "Li Lei's performance is really outstanding! His speed and defensive awareness have won Manchester City many valuable opportunities!"
In the live broadcast room far away in the East, the fans were also boiling.
"Li Lei is great! He is simply Manchester City's Dinghaishenzhen!"
"With Li Lei, Manchester City's defense is like a copper wall and iron wall!"
"This has just begun, and Li Lei has already shown his value!"
Gao Yi looked at the comments of the fans and nodded.
The game continued, and Leverkusen began to gradually strengthen its attack, trying to reverse the situation.
Manchester City's advantage soon turned into a real goal. In the 17th minute of the game, Manchester City took the lead in breaking the deadlock.
This goal is a perfect embodiment of defensive counterattack.
Time goes back two minutes ago. Leverkusen midfielder Kevin Kampl was trying to cooperate with striker Karim Benzema on the wing, hoping to open Manchester City's defense.
However, they obviously underestimated the personal abilities of Manchester City players.
In a one-on-one match, Manchester City captain Kompany perfectly intercepted Karim Benzema's attack.
Kompany, who got the ball, did not choose to stick to the ball, but made a decisive move and passed the ball directly to the midfield.
At this time, De Bruyne, the midfield brain of Manchester City, was waiting for this moment.
Manchester City's offense and defense conversion speed is amazing.
In just a few seconds and a few breaths, they completed the transition from defense to offense.
Leverkusen's players seemed a little caught off guard, and they had not had time to adjust their formation.
What was even more unexpected was that Manchester City's frontcourt players also joined the counterattack.
Li Lei, a young player from the East, took the lead in launching an attack on the right side. He actively ran without the ball and looked for gaps.
Running without the ball, he made Manchester City's offensive line feel disconnected at all.
Leverkusen's defensive players had no choice but to keep a close eye on their defensive targets and try to stop Manchester City's attack.
Two minutes later, the opportunity came.
Li Lei received Aguero's return pass outside the penalty area. Facing Leverkusen's defense, he did not hesitate at all.
A wonderful personal performance, Li Lei used his textbook left foot to shoot the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Leverkusen's goalkeeper Bernard Leno, facing such a perfect shot, could only sigh at the ball.
He didn't even have a chance to react, the ball was already lying in the net.
1-0! Manchester City leads!
In the stadium, Manchester City fans cheered and shouted excitedly, celebrating this hard-earned goal.
In the far east, Li Lei's fans were even more excited.
"Li Lei is amazing! This goal is simply perfect!"
"Li Lei's left foot is Manchester City's secret weapon!"
"It has just started, and Li Lei has already changed the direction of the game!"
"This goal shows Manchester City's teamwork and individual ability." Gao Yi analyzed.
"From Kompany's interception, to De Bruyne's pass, to Li Lei's shot, every link reflects Manchester City's strength."
When Li Lei's goal helpedWhen Li Lei helped Manchester City take the lead, the Manchester City coaching staff and the players on the bench were all excited.
At this moment, Manchester City's head coach Guardiola was standing on the coaching bench in a neat black suit.
When he saw Li Lei's goal, even such a calm coach couldn't help waving his fist and showing a happy smile.
The assistant coaches on the coaching bench also hugged each other excitedly, their faces filled with the joy of victory.
The players on the bench were even more excited. They jumped up, shouted, and cheered for their teammates.
This goal was not only a change in the score, but also a morale boost. It gave Manchester City a lot of confidence and they saw the dawn of victory.
However, for Leverkusen, who played at home, this goal was undoubtedly a blow.
