A football match, whether it's a major competition, a friendly, or even a practice session, still requires a warm-up. After all, playing for a full ninety minutes is quite demanding, and even the strongest bodies can encounter problems without proper preparation.
Thinking this, Cao Baming came up with a plan. He began his warm-up on the way to their destination.
These actions left Mike and the young female assistant who were traveling with him utterly bewildered.
"It's time, and Cao Baming isn't here yet? Should we call him again?"
"I just called him. He said he's still on the way. Should I call him one more time?"
"Hurry up, or I'll have someone else take his place immediately."
As he spoke, a figure appeared in the distance.
Cao Baming didn't shout or deliberately try to attract attention. However, when he entered the stadium through the side gate, all eyes involuntarily turned to him, focusing on him.
"He's finally here! He's finally arrived!"
Glancing at his watch, he realized it wasn't exactly late. The match was about to begin.
"Do you still need to warm up? There's no time. Should I ask Edrick to play for a bit first?" Arteta walked up to Cao Baming and asked.
"No need, no need, I can do it. I already warmed up on the way. Don't worry!"
Arteta's eyes widened in surprise. He had warmed up on the way… He didn't quite understand that statement.
"Alright, then… you go on!"
Seeing Cao Baming's demeanor, no one could bring themselves to refuse him. The light flickering in his eyes was like a burning flame, as if it had already ignited, and this anticipation seemed capable of burning away anything that dared to stand in his way.
At this moment, Cao Baming had already set his sights on his goals, specifically two things.
First, he wanted to complete the two missions the system owed him, ideally within this friendly match. Second, naturally, was to score as many goals as possible!
To reach the goal-scoring target as soon as possible, he couldn't afford to waste such opportunities. With the level of defense they were facing, he could score at any minute!
He knew instinctively that these twenty new guaranteed goals wouldn't be used in a match like this.
As the referee's whistle blew, everything outside the pitch became unimportant. Cao Baming began to focus his entire attention on the game.
Although this was a friendly match, Arsenal's starting lineup was remarkably complete, more so than in any previous major competition. The eleven players on the field represented Arsenal's strongest lineup at present.
The tactical combination they deployed was also their strongest, and even the depth of their bench was at its best. It was a shame this was just an ordinary friendly match, not a Champions League final.
Cao Baming couldn't quite recall the name of the opposing team. He only remembered it had something to do with dreams.
The players on the opposing team appeared exceptionally excited. He had never seen players become so pumped up within minutes of a match starting.
They had seen their true idol, and at this very moment, that idol was Lionel Messi.
Cao Baming understood that in the current situation, he was no longer the center of attention. There weren't many spectators for this match, only a few hundred. And of course, their favorite idol was Messi.
The passion of these players and their desperate efforts made Cao Baming feel a pang of sympathy, making him reluctant to go all out.
However, the mission rewards were more important. The number of goals was even more critical!
On the field, although no distinct advantage or disadvantage was yet apparent between the two sides, this was only because the match had just begun. Even top teams needed time to establish their strategies.
Arsenal's players were clearly more experienced. Messi, on the other hand, seemed like a grandmaster on the field. Every opposing player who looked at him had shining eyes, a light of respect, as if they were looking not at a person, but a god.
Seeing this, Cao Baming secretly rejoiced. He certainly didn't lack fans. Their lack of focus on him was a fantastic thing, as it would make it easier to create opportunities and score goals!
Just then, a ball came from Messi's feet. Cao Baming, on the right wing, shot without hesitation!
The ball went directly through the legs of two defenders and flew straight towards the goal. The goalkeeper seemed to react a beat too late, completely stunned, and watched helplessly as the ball entered the net!
He had never witnessed such a rapid shot in his life! It was an eye-opening experience!
Messi couldn't believe it. He had only made a darting run, passed the ball to Cao Baming, who had made a timely overlapping run, thinking he would deliver a beautiful cross from that excellent position.
To his surprise, he had shot directly, and it had gone in!!
Since a goal was scored, there was nothing more to say.
The game was now opened up, no longer a 0-0 scoreline. However, Cao Baming's onslaught had only just begun.
Just over a minute into the match, the players from both sides returned to the center circle to restart the game.
At this moment, Cao Baming was even surprised because, before the ball even reached his feet, a golden line seemed to appear before his eyes!
Was this… a shooting path?
Upon closer inspection, he noticed the line was slightly curved, but not too pronounced. It was almost a straight-line dribble, directly into the penalty area!
Just then, the ball arrived at Cao Baming's feet. In just three seconds after the opposing team's kickoff, Gabriel successfully intercepted the ball.
After receiving the ball, Cao Baming looked forward. The golden line he had seen earlier now appeared clearly before his eyes!
This was a 100% guaranteed opportunity!
The next second, before anyone could react, Cao Baming suddenly exploded forward at high speed, the ball at his feet!
When he encountered a defender, a simple pause followed by a burst of speed was enough to effortlessly get past them, without even needing to adjust his direction much.
In an instant, Cao Baming had gone past five players and reached the vicinity of the penalty area!
Cao Baming was unstoppable!
He was like a runaway giant train; any attempt to obstruct him proved utterly futile.