Cao Baming's missed shot could be considered a rare occurrence, as it was seldom seen, with barely a few instances in the entire year.
Wasting such a prime opportunity only made Cao Baming more focused.
However, soon after, a midfield teammate's error led to another loss of possession, directly handing the ball over to Bayern Munich!
In the final minute, Bayern Munich sought to capitalize on their last chance for an attack. Ultimately, a long-range shot from Coman, who had been substituted on at the last moment, was successfully saved by Ramsdale!
Making amends for his earlier mistake!
It was a corner for Bayern Munich, and the goalkeeper had also left his goal, knowing this was their final opportunity.
Time ticked away, less than a minute remaining, entering the true final countdown.
The Bayern Munich fans were also anxious. They understood that there wasn't enough time to organize another attack. Whether the corner went in or not, the referee would likely blow the final whistle shortly after.
This was undoubtedly their last chance, this corner!
Bayern Munich deployed a corner tactic they had prepared, determined to secure a goal this time!
With twenty seconds left until the end of the match, the referee periodically checked his watch. At this moment, the corner was taken!
Inside the penalty area, players exerted their last reserves of strength, fighting for the high balls and vying for position.
Bayern Munich surprisingly employed a deceptive tactic. Four tall players, nearly 1.9 meters tall, stood near the front post, while the ball was sent to the back post!
It was an unexpected move, but the back post wasn't unattended. A pre-designed run led to Coman, ready to receive the ball, leaping high, reaching a full meter in the air!!
The cross was excellent, landing perfectly at his head. However, all of Arsenal's players were focused on the front post, overlooking the danger at the back.
Only Cao Baming noticed him. Just as Coman was about to receive the ball, Cao Baming surged past him, with an even higher leap, completely overpowering him!
His feet were a full 1.5 meters off the ground as Cao Baming successfully intercepted the ball and cleared it!
Upon seeing the ball cleared by Cao Baming, the hearts of the Bayern Munich fans sank. The referee held the whistle in his hand, ready to blow. He glanced at the time; ten seconds remained until the end of the match.
But for Cao Baming, it wasn't over. The opposing goalkeeper was right beside him, about ninety meters ahead – an empty net!
After clearing the ball, Cao Baming took two quick steps forward, received the ball himself, and without any hesitation, kicked it with a powerful strike that echoed throughout the stadium.
Everyone assumed Cao Baming was merely clearing the ball. Only Cao Baming knew he was shooting, desperately aiming for the one goal he needed.
"The opponents, do they really think this is the last corner? It's time for a lesson!" Cao Baming's eyes flickered.
However, the referee also believed it was a clearance. Watching the ball fly overhead, even though the time hadn't fully expired, he unhesitatingly blew the whistle for the end of the match.
"Beep... beep beep."
"Full time!"
Cao Baming's heart leaped, and a torrent of profanities flooded his mind!
"That dog referee must be blind!!!"
Everyone else was indifferent, unaware of what had happened. But in the next moment...
Everyone present was astonished to discover that the football, after crossing midfield, showed no discernible deceleration and continued to fly forward, seemingly towards the opponent's goal!
A second later, the ball entered the net. It even brushed the inside of the net for a considerable time, its kinetic energy far from depleted. The power of the shot was akin to a blast from within the penalty area!
A clearance from the goal line, at a distance of at least ninety meters. Who would have imagined Cao Baming's lob shot could be so precise!
Everyone was stunned, even the referee stood frozen for a moment, unsure of what to do.
Seeing Cao Baming's furious expression, the referee's legs suddenly felt weak.
The referee repeatedly apologized. Because rules were rules, any goal scored after the final whistle was invalid, and he couldn't change that.
However, the fans had witnessed this incredible shot firsthand. With tens of thousands of witnesses, Cao Baming soon stopped dwelling on it.
The referee's skill was indeed lacking; he couldn't even distinguish between a shot and a clearance. What a pity!
The record he had within his grasp was now gone, for such a reason!
The Bayern Munich players found no joy in this outcome either. They felt as if they had struggled for a long time only to die in the end, and then to be slapped across the face with a resounding thud.
The players began to exit the field. The referee apologized again. The team didn't dwell on it too much, especially since Cao Baming himself hadn't made a big fuss.
Cao Baming distinguished between grievances clearly. The referee's whistle could be understood; it wasn't intentional, and strictly speaking, he hadn't done anything wrong.
It felt a bit tight on time, but waiting a little longer wouldn't have hurt. After all, he was confident of scoring against Manchester City in the final, even 100% certain.
The substitute players by the sideline rushed over to celebrate. Cao Baming displayed a hint of emotion but remained the calmest.
At this moment, his thoughts were once again powerfully affirmed, and the club's management's appreciation for Cao Baming grew even higher.
With the match concluded, the system began to settle the rewards for goals and other bonuses. Cao Baming's teammates swarmed him.
For them, the goal not counting might have been a slight pity, but they wouldn't have displayed the same level of astonishment as the fans. As Cao Baming's teammates, they had witnessed such scenes countless times during training.
Back in the locker room, everyone continued to discuss the match, their spirits uplifted by the victory.
It seemed as if everyone in the locker room hadn't experienced the feeling of defeat in a long time, as if they had completely forgotten what it felt like to return to the locker room after a loss.
Indeed, Arsenal's last defeat was more than six months ago.
Now, everyone had become accustomed to victory, taking it as a given.