The halftime break ended quickly, and the players returned to the pitch.
Barely a minute into the second half, Arsenal's entire formation changed significantly from the first half. However, AC Milan remained unfazed, as they had prepared an even more unexpected shift.
Just one minute after the whistle, the head coach opted for a substitution.
Cao Baiming's gaze shifted to the sidelines, where he spotted a familiar figure: Olivier Giroud!
Everyone was astonished, including the players on the field and the fans in the stands, because the player being substituted was not a striker, but an attacking midfielder!
This was a clear gamble, abandoning passing and organized attacks for direct play and aerial battles with a big man in the box!
This setup, surprisingly, was precisely what countered Arsenal. Apart from Cao Baiming, the defensive players were not particularly strong in heading, and their overall height was less than their opponents.
Cao Baiming had a premonition, and now it had come true. The opponent was pulling out a trump card at this moment, appearing to have been prepared for it all along but only revealing it now.
A confident glint once again flickered in Ibrahimović's eyes. Everyone had expected him to be substituted for a rest in the second half, but even Giroud couldn't replace him!
With these two giants in the box, the pressure on Arsenal was immense!
If the ball could be delivered directly and accurately, the threat would be extraordinary. Any high ball presented numerous opportunities!
Just five minutes into the second half, Goretzka in the center played a long ball towards the penalty area, the intention as clear as day!
At that moment, Cao Baiming stood beside Ibrahimović, only to see the ball fly directly over his head!
"Damn it! I guessed wrong, I totally guessed wrong!"
The ball continued forward, directly towards the penalty spot in the center of the box. Olivier Giroud, who had just come on, had already anticipated its arrival in this area.
Beside him, White's forehead beaded with sweat. In the next second, during the aerial duel, a slight delay in his reaction caused him to be overpowered by Giroud's arm!
"Giroud! Giroud! Giroud! He did it! He did it! He did it! This is a stunning goal! This is a sensational goal! This is an awe-inspiring goal!" "The ball flies into the center of the box, where a golden-haired eagle awaits – that is Olivier Giroud, one of the greatest strikers in French history!"
"He showed no hesitation, no reservations. He had only one target: Arsenal's goal! He used his powerful physique to overpower White, his sharp eyes to lock onto the ball, his flexible neck to adjust the angle, and his mighty head to deliver a fatal blow!" "The ball shot across the sky like a meteor, drawing a beautiful arc as it soared towards the opponent's goal! Arsenal's goalkeeper was helpless, only able to watch as the ball found the back of the net!"
"This is an unparalleled header! This is not a header an ordinary person could achieve! This is not a header, it's a miracle! A masterpiece accomplished with the head! Its impact is beyond words; it can only be felt with the heart! Fantastic, absolutely fantastic!!"
The commentator on the scene cheered passionately, his voice filled with excitement. The fans in the stadium were equally thrilled!
Scoring just five minutes after coming on? Incredible!
After the celebrations, the players returned to the center circle for the restart. At this moment, a hint of seriousness appeared on Cao Baiming's brow.
If he didn't get serious, things would become even more complicated! They had let the opponent equalize so carelessly!
Just three minutes later, an opportunity suddenly presented itself. At this point, Cao Baiming was maintaining a high level of concentration, and such an opportunity could not escape his eyes.
At this moment, the ball was at Saka's feet on the left wing. He was looking for a passing option when Cao Baiming suddenly raised his hands high, his gaze sweeping towards the front, spotting Messi and a vast open space!
After passing the ball, Saka began to sprint down the left flank, preparing to receive it! Cao Baiming easily controlled the ball at his feet, looking forward. There were only five defenders – child's play!
Cao Baiming saw Messi and the open space and immediately made a bold decision. He powerfully kicked the ball forward and then rapidly followed it!
This was an astonishing breakthrough! Cao Baiming, with his speed and agility, left the opposing defenders behind, charging towards the opponent's box like lightning!
Saka was not idle either, closely following Cao Baiming's stride on the left, providing support and options! Messi was also active, moving rapidly on the right, creating space and opportunities for Cao Baiming!
The commentator exclaimed: "Wow! What's going on? Cao Baiming has suddenly launched a furious attack, he's like a rocket!" Saka and Messi are also following up; this is a chance for a three-man combination!"
AC Milan's defense was in disarray, unsure how to defend against such a fast and agile combination!
Cao Baiming brought the ball to the edge of the box. He saw Messi on the right wing break free from his marker and cut inside!
The commentator exclaimed: "Cao Baiming sees Messi! Messi has beaten his defender! This is a perfect moment for a pass!"
Cao Baiming didn't hesitate. He used the outside of his foot to pass the ball to Messi!
The commentator shouted: "The pass is coming! The pass is coming! The pass is coming!"
The ball sailed through the gap between the AC Milan defenders, drawing a beautiful and deadly arc in the air!
The commentator declared: "What a beautiful pass! What a precise pass!"
Messi received the ball without hesitation and gently chipped it with his left foot!
The commentator roared: "Shoot!!!!!!"
The ball flew towards AC Milan goalkeeper Tatarusanu!
The commentator chanted: "Goal? Goal? Goal?"
Tatarusanu reacted incredibly quickly, lunging his arm to make a save!
"Save!!!!!!!"
The ball collided with Tatarusanu's arm, changing direction and spinning towards the far post!
"Deflection!!!!!!!"
Everyone held their breath, awaiting the final outcome! The ball grazed the post and flew past, leaving a white streak on the net!
"Miss!!!!!!!"
Clang! A loud noise echoed.
Hiss...! A collective gasp arose from the crowd.