A penalty kick! It's not just a test of football skill, but also a test of mentality. The essence of the contest between the goalkeeper and the penalty taker is a psychological battle!
No matter what, the penalty taker has only six conventional directions to shoot, and the goalkeeper can cover three of them simultaneously. As long as they are fully focused and successfully predict the opponent's intended target, saving a penalty isn't that difficult.
Mane's eyes were resolute as he gazed at the goal, awaiting the referee's whistle.
At this very moment, Ramsdale's mind was already sifting through data about Mane: what kind of player he was, his preferred shooting styles, and his favored side.
The next second, the referee's whistle blew, and Mane's shot flew towards the goal!
Unexpectedly, Mane feigned a move, successfully fooling Ramsdale. His predicted direction was the exact opposite of where he actually kicked the ball!
And so, the ball simply sailed into the net. As the football entered the net, the entire Bayern Munich crowd erupted in a moment of jubilation.
For a time, it was as if everyone had forgotten that even with this goal, it wouldn't change the inevitable outcome of the match, and they were simply happy.
At this very moment, Cao Baiming's earlier conjecture was confirmed.
As Mane scored, the Bayern Munich players became excited and celebrated him exuberantly.
Thomas, the outcome he feared most had arrived. If only he hadn't scored this penalty, perhaps he wouldn't have to bear this responsibility, and everything would be manageable.
But he still scored it steadily, meaning this point was a direct consequence of his own mistake. Thomas's face showed profound guilt and regret.
Just then, he felt a warmth behind him, followed by a reassuring voice.
"Cheer up, this goal isn't your fault."
Before his head had fully turned, Thomas saw through his peripheral vision that it was Cao Baiming who had come forward to comfort him.
"Let's go back to restart play, the match isn't over yet, they can't win!"
Cao Baiming said, walking towards the center circle, eager to seize every second.
Cao Baiming knew clearly that if Thomas hadn't come out in time for that last play, Mane would have absolutely scored that goal with ease. His finishing in front of goal was world-class.
Moreover, this position and angle were precisely Mane's most comfortable and preferred spots. Thomas had actually done a great job; it was just a matter of bad luck.
Even if his sliding tackle hadn't been a foul, they would still have conceded from the subsequent corner kick, as Cao Baiming had already seen similar situations in his time simulations.
Everything was uncertain, yet everything was also certain. There was no need to dwell on it or blame himself.
Soon, the players returned to the vicinity of the center circle, ready to restart play.
Only a few minutes remained until the end of the match. During these minutes, both sides constantly exchanged possession. Bayern Munich was not like traditional weaker teams; at this late stage, when hope was virtually lost, they chose not to defend solidly but to go all out for a gamble!
Full attack, a high-stakes bet. What if they conceded another goal!
If they could score one goal, at least they could save face in the eyes of their fans. It was worth it, and very much so.
Under Cao Baiming's leadership, Arsenal had no intention of backing down. It didn't matter that they were leading; since the opponent dared to play so aggressively, they would engage in an open game, to see whose blade was sharper or whose gun was faster!
In the eighty-seventh minute, Bayern Munich substituted Cancelo for Coman, their intention becoming even clearer. Their frenzied, aggressive style was astonishing.
This was a substitution of a defender for a forward while trailing in a match, something few coaches worldwide would dare to do. And Bayern Munich hadn't previously given such a wild impression.
However, despite this, Cao Baiming's defensive retreat prevented them from breaking through.
What if they had four forwards? Try ten forwards! See if they could do anything spectacular.
Cao Baiming's eyes flickered, filled with absolute confidence. At this moment, victory was within his grasp, and he could truly and clearly feel the sensation of victory already in his hands. 138reading.com
The match's regular time ended, with five minutes of added time awarded. Cao Baiming knew very well that there was still a good chance to score another goal.
But, he was tired, and there was no need to strive for a larger scoreline, especially since it was already the ninety-first minute.
But just then, a thought suddenly appeared in Cao Baiming's mind.
The highest goal-scoring record in the Champions League? How could he forget about that? The most important thing he shouldn't have forgotten was this!
Before, he was three goals away from equaling the record. Now, it was tied!
No wonder the fans had been so excited before the third goal even entered the net. It turned out that they hadn't just achieved a system mission of three goals in ten minutes, but more importantly, they had equaled the highest goal-scoring record in the history of the UEFA Champions League!
This goal record was calculated from the group stage all the way to the end of the final. And now, the final hadn't even been played yet, and they had already equaled it!
The system hadn't given any prompts because it needed to be surpassed, to be broken!
Since that was the case, there was no need to wait for the next match. It had to be now, in this very game!
Cao Baiming transformed into a ferocious beast, his eyes seemingly ablaze. Though his muscular body appeared of average size, it was as sturdy as a bull's. Anyone who had ever played on the same pitch as Cao Baiming knew this.
In the ninety-third minute of the match, Cao Baiming successfully regained possession. Under a three-man press, he skillfully created space, looked at the number 79 in front of him, and unleashed a long-range shot!
From about thirty meters away from the goal, the football flew at high speed, but ultimately veered wide of the goalposts!
A hair's breadth difference, a thousand miles apart! A thousand miles apart indeed!!!
Cao Baiming could only sigh with regret.
The fans also sighed with helplessness.