green star

Chapter 421 Champions Cup Semifinals
When the players came out to warm up, the sky was cloudy all afternoon, and finally it rained, but fortunately, it was only light rain, and it should be said that this kind of rain was very comfortable for the players.

Li Rui looked up and looked at the stage, there was already a sea of ​​red, Old Trafford was full of seats, the whole stadium seemed to be surging with huge red waves, the sound was loud, although the game hadn't started yet, However, fans are already enjoying the game.

Rooney poked Li Rui, and Li Rui turned his head to look over. It turned out that AC Milan players on the other side also came out to warm up.

Compared with last season's AC Milan, this AC Milan still has a lot of changes. To be precise, it has lost a few famous faces. However, these players who left Milan have played against Manchester United this season. , Shevchenko moved to Chelsea, the Ukrainian striker has met Manchester United this season, Rui Costa returned to Benfica, in the group stage, Manchester United and Benfica, Rui Costa as Benfica's The captain on the field performed quite well. The only one who didn't meet Manchester United was Stam who returned to the Dutch League.

Now in this Milan team, Pirlo, Gattuso, Maldini, Seedorf and other meritorious players are still there, but the core of the Rossoneri's offense has become the 25-year-old Kaka.

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And this game is also considered to be a duel between Kaka and Li Rui. The media also described the duel between these two players as a match between sparks hitting the earth. This is also the first time that Li Rui was mentioned by the media as such a top-level duel At a high level, when Manchester United and AC Milan played against each other last season, although Li Rui was also eye-catching, he was more often dubbed a "supernova". Now, in the eyes of everyone, Li Rui Already the most influential player in the Manchester United team, and Kaka as Milan's new offensive core and future banner——

25-year-old Kaka VS 22-year-old Li Rui! !
The 25-year-old Kaka is entering the golden age of his career, and the 22-year-old Li Rui is already on the road to becoming an absolute superstar. Both of them have tasted the taste of the league championship and are considered international football players They are future legendary superstars in the world, but neither of them has tasted the taste of standing on the top of Europe! ! !
And now, to realize this dream, one must defeat the opponent! !
Life is heroic, while I am young, let's watch me gallop. For Li Rui, this green grass is his battlefield and stage! !

money!

honor!

Passionate!
In this way, this life should not be in vain!

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In the Manchester United dressing room.

Ferguson stared at everyone with a very serious expression, "I don't think I need to say anything about the importance of this game." He didn't wait for the players to answer, because there is no need to answer, "About this game , I have only one request, it is very simple - win this game, score as many goals as possible, and try not to concede goals!"

The team members looked at each other in blank dismay, the boss' request was really 'simple'! ! !

"After killing the Milanese, we will enter the final. The opponent in the final, I think everyone knows, either Liverpool or Chelsea. We are very familiar with these two teams. We can win in the league. They, then in the final, we will still win them!!"

What Ferguson said was like drawing a big cake for everyone. Li Rui was even thinking about the Champions Cup final in Athens.

Ferguson saw everyone's reactions in his eyes. Of course, whether it was Chelsea or Liverpool, if they met in the final, they would definitely not be so easy to deal with. The Champions League final can make any team's combat effectiveness There was a MAX outbreak. The reason why Ferguson said this was of course to mention everyone's greatest desire for the European championship! !
Come on boys, kill Milan, you are the European champions - the old Scottish man at this moment is like an old wizard with antlers on his head, casting alluring magic!

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Everyone's emotions were mobilized, the desire for honor, and of course the huge championship rewards were stimulating everyone's adrenal glands! !
Seeing that the players were in a good mood and they were right, Ferguson also began to explain the tactics in the game, and he continued, "Let me say it again, Inzaghi's game today was a substitute, but I think Ancelotti Likely to bring inzaghi in the second half or even earlier. don't think inzaghi is old, his smell in front of the goal is absolutely deadly, everyone beware. Leo are you listening ?” Ferguson suddenly turned his attention to Ferdinand, who was a little distracted.

"Ah—boss, I'm listening!" Ferdinand hurriedly concentrated his attention. Ferdinand's performance in the game against Roma was very poor, which also caused him to be criticized. However, Ferguson still put him in today's game. Being placed on the starting list is not only a kind of trust, but also a kind of pressure. Ferdinand knows that if he continues his recent sluggish performance, he must be careful.

Ferguson glared at Ferdinand again. He knew that Ferdinand would still be under pressure in this game. He had to face the impact of Kaka, and the defensive task was very heavy.

"As for Kaka, we must pay extra attention, do not give him the space to sprint, our defensive midfielder and the back line must protect each other, and do not open too much space." Ferguson saw clearly, Kaka's characteristics It's a sprint with the ball. Kaka is not an organizer like Zidane, but more of an assault relying on personal ability.

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In the player channel, Li Rui found that the AC Milan player standing next to him was Kaka. Kaka also noticed Li Rui. He turned his head and smiled at Li Rui. Li Rui also smiled and nodded. In addition to English, he speaks a little German, but he can't speak Italian or Portuguese, and the two can't communicate.

Manchester United captain Ryan Giggs and AC Milan's old captain Maldini smiled and chatted about something. Both of them are respectable players. Giggs is a star produced by Manchester United, and Maldini is even more The son inherited his father's business and has been branded with the brand of Milan since the moment he was born.

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Amidst the tsunami-like cheers of the fans, players from both sides entered the field.

Then the two teams stand in a row to take pictures, shake hands, pick sides, captains shake hands, and exchange team flags.

Manchester United's captain Ryan Giggs lost to Maldini in the coin guessing game today, so AC Milan picked the right to kick-off.

Li Rui took a deep breath, looked at the turf under his feet, kicked it, and then looked up at the opposite side. Opposite him was AC Milan's starting striker Gilardino today.

Last season, he was eliminated by Barcelona in the semi-finals and failed to reach the final of the European Champions Cup. This was the first major failure that Li Rui suffered in his career. During the semi-final match, Li Rui was also a little emotional. He forced himself not to think so much, and devoted himself to the game——

Now, the only thing to do is to play well and help the team beat the opponent! !

The taste of failure, no one wants to taste the second time in a row! !

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With a whistle from Russian referee Baskakov, the game began.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, audience friends, the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford has finally started!! First, the visiting team AC Milan served, and now the football is at Kaka's feet, If the Brazilian golden boy can help Milan enter the final and even win the 'Big Ear Cup', he will be the most powerful contender for the Ballon d'Or!! Haha, just kidding! Don't forget, their opponent is Manchester United!! This is Old Trafford!! We have Wayne, Ryan, and...of course, Li Rui!!"

Sky TV is still in charge of explaining the game, and his commentary partner is not his old partner Lineker. Lineker has tonsil inflammation, so he missed the commentary for the game where Mars hit the earth. The partner arranged by Bi is Chris Wright, another commentator who is very popular with England fans.

Chris Wright took advantage of the start of the game to explain to the fans the starting rosters of both sides of the game again——

Manchester United (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: 19-Van der Sar;
Defense: 22-O'Shea, 5-Ferdinand, 15-Vidic, 4-Heinze;
Midfielder: 24-Fletcher, 11-Gigs, 18-Scholes;

Forwards: 9-Rooney, 10 Li Rui, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo;

AC Milan (4-4-1-1):

Goalkeeper: 1- Dida;

Defense: 44-Odo, 13-Nesta, 3-Maldini, 18-Jankulovski;

Midfield: 8-Gattuso, 21-Pirlo, 23-Ambrosini, 10-Seedorf;/22-Kaka;

Forward: 11-Girardino
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"What do you think about this game, Chris?" Tabby asked his new partner.

"AC Milan is an away game. Their goal is not to lose. Of course, it would be even better if they can score an away goal. Therefore, I think AC Milan will focus on defensive counterattacks. This is from their current game. The formation of the game can be seen, so the key to the game is whether Manchester United can score goals as soon as possible, whether Li Rui, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo's trident can help the team take the lead as soon as possible is very important." Chris. Wright said.

"Are you so sure?" Taibi asked with a smile. Chris Wright is a new commentator launched by Sky TV. He is regarded as Taibi's junior, and he admires this young man very much.

"Obviously, I think Ancelotti will be more conservative!" Chris Reiteker nodded seriously, and he said decisively.

"Well, let's wait and see." Taibi said with a smile.Although he is also optimistic about Manchester United winning the game, Taibi believes that the Milanese will cause Manchester United a lot of trouble.

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Seedorf passed the ball back to Pirlo behind him, and Pirlo dribbled in the midfield for a while and then passed it to Ambrosini who inserted in the back.

Ambrosini rushed forward with the ball, Fletcher immediately came up to intercept, Ambrosini immediately made a through ball, and the football reached Kaka's feet.

O'Shea came up immediately. Ferguson repeatedly emphasized in the tactical arrangement before the game that he should also pay attention to protection between the midfielder and the defense line, especially to press Kaka tightly and not to give Kaka the space to sprint.

O'Shea didn't dare to shoot rashly in the face of Kaka who was dribbling the ball, so he could only run with him.Kaka dribbled the ball quickly. While dribbling, he looked up to observe the situation.Seedorf is also quickly forward and ready to respond at any time, and Vidic in the penalty area is entangled with Gilardino, which is not a good place to pass the ball.

Kaka glanced at O'Shea who was following him, and then he made an emergency stop, which made O'Shea nervous. You must know that Kaka's characteristic is to make an emergency stop, change direction and then speed up to break through. O'Shea also made an emergency stop, and quickly Forced to stretch his legs and steal the ball.But Kaka knocked the football behind him with the heel of his left foot. It was Seedorf coming up. He hit the wall and pushed the ball lightly. Kaka accelerated past O'Shea and caught up with the football. !

"Kaka!! AC Milan's beautiful breakthrough!"

After breaking through O'Shea, Kaka faced Ferdinand, who came out to intercept him, and he stopped the football beautifully, pulled the ball horizontally, and then directly shot from a long distance. The football hit the billboard behind the goal, making a loud noise .Van der Sar was in a cold sweat!

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Ferguson frowned on the sidelines. He found that Kaka was even more powerful than a season ago. This Brazilian was indeed at the peak of his career and was very threatening.

"Beautiful cooperation, the shot is also very exciting, a little short, Kaka is definitely a dangerous person, Manchester United's defense must be more careful." Taibi's voice did not finish, the whole stadium burst into crazy cheers.

Cristiano Ronaldo stood on the spot with his arms raised high, the football was in the net, but the camera on the scene was aimed at AC Milan goalkeeper Dida, this was only the first time Manchester United attacked since the opening, and the goal appeared up.

"Ahaha-this goal--" Chris Taylor, the commentator of Sky TV, kept laughing, because this goal was too dramatic.

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This is Fletcher stealing the ball in the middle of the frontcourt. Li Rui leaned on Ambrosini's chest to stop the ball. Then he turned half and half and pretended to break through to the right, but knocked the football lightly. Scholes got the ball After a direct through ball, Rooney did not stop the ball on the penalty area line. He directly swung his right foot and volleyed.

Manchester United's captain Ryan Giggs took a corner kick from the right side of the field. Li Rui sent the football to the back. Bouncing off Dida's left shoulder, Heinze competed with Gilardino on the goal line. Neither of them could touch the ball. Manchester United lead 1-0!

Judging from the slow motion, it may be more accurate to say that this ball is an own goal. However, Dida now hopes that this ball will be counted as Cristiano Ronaldo's, because he is not willing to be labeled as an "own goal" and play as a goalkeeper. An own goal - what a shame!
"Unlucky Dida, unlucky AC Milan! Haha—maybe he wants the ball to fall on Cristiano Ronaldo." Chris Taylor is still laughing, but I believe Dida will agree with him In a word.

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At this time, the scoreboard began to show that in the 7th minute of the game, Manchester United scored a goal. It was Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the goal. In the end, UEFA officials still counted the goal in Cristiano Ronaldo's account. Dida's own goal was not counted.

"This is the 350th Champions League goal in Manchester United's history. UEFA officially counted the goal as Cristiano Ronaldo's account, 1:0! Manchester United has made a good start."

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Ancelotti shook his arm a little emotionally. His plan for this game is to defend the first half, and then wait for an opportunity to attack in the second half and strive for goals. It would be best if he can win the away game. Of course, he can get a goal A draw is also an acceptable result.

However, Manchester United scored so early, which disrupted Ancelotti's wishful thinking. Now that the score is behind, he must make an immediate decision, which is to accept the 0:1 backward situation and continue to defend counterattack?Or take the initiative to attack and try to equalize the score as soon as possible? !
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Ancelotti made his decision quickly. He rushed to the sidelines, then waved his arms at Maldini, and communicated his tactical intentions to other players on the field through the captain.

Don't worry, hold on to the defense! !
Maldini quickly conveyed the coach's tactical intentions, which prevented Manchester United's plan to take the opportunity to expand the score.

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After these few minutes, the AC Milan team stabilized their position and began to wait for an opportunity to attack.

As Milan's offensive core and the current team's top scorer, Kaka showed good form in this game. After receiving a pass from Odo in the middle circle, Kaka began to drive straight, relying on the perfect combination of speed and technology, Drive straight all the way and tore through Manchester United's defense in the middle, and then in front of the penalty area, feinted a shot and pretended to shoot, but cleverly distributed the football to Gilardino who was plugging in.

Gilardino took advantage of the trend, suddenly hit the penalty area, and then kicked the goal. Ferdinand came up at the first time. On the turf, he signaled to the referee that he was asking for a penalty.

The referee Baskakov's whistle from Russia sounded, but it was not the penalty that Gilardino wanted, but a penalty for Gilardino diving, and Baskakov verbally warned Gilardino promise.

Gilardino's diving made Ferdinand very angry. He bent down and shouted at Gilardino, "Boy, warn you! Don't try to act!!"

Gilatini returned a glance to Ferdinand without showing any weakness, and then walked back resentfully.

Manchester United fans were very angry at Gilardino's attempt to fake a penalty kick, boos were harsh, and in the ensuing game, as long as Gilardino got the ball, it was - the boos were loud.

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In the 20th minute of the game, Scholes sent a through ball, and Li Rui quickly chased towards the football.

However, Gattuso's defense was in place. He rushed up, grabbed in front of Li Rui, and made a vicious tackle on the ground. You could see Gattuso's studs glowing dark green under the floodlight. Light, Li Rui jumped up in a hurry. He didn't want to get injured when the team was facing three sprint championships.

However, after being shoveled by Gattuso, the football jumped up. The football hit Li Rui's leg and bounced off the touchline. AC Milan's penalty!

After the tackle, Gattuso got up and didn't even show any friendly gestures. He gave Li Rui a vicious look, then went to the sideline where the ball was about to be thrown, and when he walked past Li Rui, Taking advantage of the opportunity, he bumped Li Rui with his shoulder.

Li Rui's complexion changed, and his heart became angry. He really wanted to pay back to Gattuso, but at the moment of impulsiveness, Li Rui held back. He knew that Gattuso was not the kind of foolish guy. In fact, He is a very good and smart guy, or rather cunning, and he clearly wanted to annoy Li Rui.

Li Rui held back his anger, returned a glance to Gattuso, turned his head and walked away.

Slow motion continued to replay the hidden conflict between the two just now, and the Old Trafford stadium suddenly booed loudly.

Seeing this scene, Ferguson was also wary for a while. It seems that AC Milan did it on purpose, intending to provoke Li Rui. In fact, the idea of ​​the Milanese is also understandable. Li Rui was irritated and performed abnormally, which still had a great impact on Manchester United's offense. Furthermore, if Li Rui was irritated, had a conflict and was sent off, it would be even better for Milan.

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AC Milan's throw-in, Gattuso throws the football to Seedorf, who dribbles the ball forward for some distance and passes the ball to Pirlo, who makes a wall-banging match with Ambrosini Finally, he took a step forward, looked at the situation in the penalty area, and suddenly made a cross!

This pass was very beautiful, bypassing Manchester United's defense and passing into the penalty area.

Gilardino rushes to the top in front of Vidic!

Van der Sar struggled to hold the ball out.

"It's dangerous! It's dangerous! Pirlo's pass is beautiful, but Gilardino's header is a bit too straight!" Taibi exclaimed loudly.

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AC Milan's corner kick, Pirlo's corner kick, the quality of this corner kick is average, Ferdinand jumped to the top of the ball, he pushed the football out of the penalty area, Manchester United counterattacked.

Fletcher gave the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right, and Jankulovski just made an assist. At this time, there was an empty space on the left of AC Milan.

Cristiano Ronaldo's speed is very fast, he dribbled the ball along the sidewalk, Ambrosini caught up to block him, and Cristiano Ronaldo quickly accelerated past Ambrosini's side with a dexterous feint.

The sky above Old Trafford cheered for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who broke through Ambrosini, just wanted to continue to advance, but he was knocked to the ground by Gattuso with the ball in the replay, but the football was shoveled to the feet of Scholes on the other side.The referee raised his hands horizontally, indicating that the attack is favorable, and the game continued!

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Speed ​​is not a characteristic of Scholes. Instead of dribbling, he passed the ball diagonally to Li Rui who was in the middle.

Li Rui was slicing towards the football. He immediately accelerated, and directly used his speed to sway away the veteran Maldini who was coming up to intercept him. However, he also swayed the angle of his shot so that it seemed impossible to shoot directly.

Li Rui made an emergency stop immediately, and was about to cut into the penalty area, but Nesta, who was filling the position, quickly posted it. Li Rui pulled the football horizontally, and then kicked a pass. The football passed from Nesta's cheek While wiping it, he spun towards the restricted area! !
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Li Rui's breakthrough alone attracted the attention of Maldini and Nesta. Now, only Otto is defending Rooney in front of AC Milan's goal.However, Oddo is much taller than Rooney. He pushed Rooney with one hand, looked up at the ball, and prepared to jump for the top.

It seems that there is no chance to be shorter than a fat man!
But at this moment, Oddo, who was confident to push the football out, felt that his center of gravity was unstable. It was Rooney who secretly pulled Oddo's jersey by his side, which made Oddo not exert enough force to push the football out. far away.

Heinze came up, a direct dive header! !

"Heinze's header! It's beautiful!" Before the commentator finished speaking, Dida flew across and lifted the football over the crossbar.

Giggs then took a corner kick, Li Rui's header was not strong enough, and the football was firmly hugged by Dida.

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Manchester United's offense was wave after wave, which also made Chris Taylor in the commentary very happy. He smiled proudly at Taibi and said that his prediction was correct. Manchester United will take the initiative. AC The Milan team will be more conservative. Although AC Milan is one goal behind, it doesn't mean to press all of them to attack.

However, less than 3 minutes after Chris Taylor finished speaking, AC Milan scored a goal and equalized the score.

This is the 31st minute of the game. It was Manchester United's attack, Giggs passed the ball, Fletcher competed for the top in the center circle, but was sentenced to a foul on Ambrosini.

AC Milan quickly took a free kick. After Seedorf got the ball, he turned around with a beautiful pull to get rid of Fletcher's counter-grab, and then passed a through ball.

Then it was time for Kaka to perform. Kaka, who got the ball, moved the football forward and passed O'Shea, and then suddenly changed direction and accelerated. This time he broke through Vidic's hasty approach Grab, and before Heinze returned to the tackle, he shot into the far corner from a small angle with his left foot, 1 to 1!

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"Beautiful goal! It was Kaka who scored the goal! Kaka scored! In this attack, Manchester United's defense was completely powerless against him, crazy goal! 1:1! AC Milan equalized the score! More importantly, they scored a crucial away goal!" Taibi said loudly, although he is an Englishman, he had to admit that the goal was quite wonderful.

"This goal is indeed wonderful. This is the value of a superstar. Kaka is in good condition." Even Chris Taylor has nothing to say about this goal by AC Milan. The embodiment of the personal ability of a superstar, what can you say?

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Li Rui looked at Kaka who was madly celebrating his goal, and scratched his hair in displeasure. Objectively speaking, Li Rui's performance after the start of the game was still good. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was Li Rui's assist.

In addition, Li Rui's breakthrough is quite sharp. If it weren't for Manchester United's bad luck, Li Rui could at least get an assist.

Of course, as a shooter, what Li Rui needs is to score goals. He needs to use goals to prove his existence and declare his existence. This is the true and most important value of a shooter! !

at this time.The scene scene switched between Li Rui and Kaka. The meaning is obvious. Now, Kaka scored a goal, helping the team score a crucial away goal and equalize the score. Then, What about Li Rui?Now is the time to step up as a shooter! !
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Li Rui knew that at this time, he had to do something. As the core of the team's offense, he had to set an example for the whole team, and there was nothing better than a forward to mobilize the morale of the whole team! !

Two minutes later, Li Rui got the ball in the front court, and he started his own performance. First, he stepped on the ball and pulled the ball to avoid Gattuso's upper wall, and then accelerated to wipe it from Jankulovski's side. Passed by, and then about 2 meters away from the goal, it was a powerful long-range shot.

The football flew towards the goal like a shell fired from the chamber. The shot was so powerful that Dida kicked it out with both fists. After kicking the football out, Dida fell down as if he had been hit by a rifle. , it can be seen that the toe of Li Rui's shot is so big! !
Nesta grabbed the football big foot out of the penalty area before Rooney made a supplementary shot, terminating Manchester United's attack.

Although Li Rui's shot did not score a goal, Li Rui's powerful and long-range shot still made the Manchester United team very refreshed, and then Li Rui's movement of waving his arms towards the stands made the whole old special Rufford almost exploded! !

And other Manchester United players were also mobilized by Li Rui's shot and this uplifting action! !
Ferguson, who was on the sidelines, saw what Li Rui did, and sat down on the coach's bench. The Scottish old man also had a gratified smile on his face. He had planned to 'roar like a lion' at the players, but now it seems It is not necessary for the time being! !Although Li Rui is not the captain on the field, he did a good job! !
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However, what Li Rui didn't expect was that 5 minutes later, AC Milan scored again, and it was Kaka who scored the goal! ! !
This ball is almost the same as Manchester United's conceded goal just now. It is also an offensive opportunity for Manchester United, but AC Milan launched a quick counterattack.

This is Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled by Gattuso in the frontcourt, Giggs passed a free kick from the left, and O'Shea was sentenced to a foul on Maldini for fighting for the top post.

Just when the Manchester United players who were fully pressed were still walking back slowly, AC Milan quickly sent them away. Dida took a free kick and drove the football forward with a big foot. Kaka advanced forward, he He grabbed a header in front of Fletcher, who was not concentrating and was obviously a little unprepared, and then volleyed Heinze with the outside of his right foot. What Manchester United fans didn't expect was that O'Shea desperately returned to the defense but met Heinze. Hitting the ground, the ball passed between the two, and Kaka also shot in between the two at high speed.

Then facing the attacking Van der Sar, Kaka calmly pushed his right foot to the lower right corner and scored——

The ball is in! !

AC Milan 2:1 Manchester United, completed a good show from equalizing to reversal in 5 minutes! !

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Li Rui felt a little bewildered. He didn't expect Milan to score again. In such a short period of time, being equalized by the opponent to going overtaken by the opponent is a bit unbearable even for an experienced veteran, let alone Li Rui. Li Rui heard O'Shea muttering to himself in frustration, 'Doesn't God want us to enter the finals? '

Li Rui glanced at O'Shea. Although he was not as pessimistic as O'Shea, this feeling was really uncomfortable and powerless.

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In the remaining less than 10 minutes, Manchester United was hit by this conceded goal, and their performance on the court was a bit chaotic, without any good offensive opportunities.

Finally, at the end of the first half, on the scoreboard at Old Trafford, the score of Manchester United 1:2 AC Milan was so dazzling, boos began to sound from the stands, and Li Rui and his teammates almost rushed into the stadium. out of the players tunnel.

Li Rui also lifted his jersey and covered his head. He was ashamed of his performance in the first half of the game.Hearing the happy voices of AC Milan players, Li Rui felt his heart was bleeding.

It can be said that Li Rui paid more attention to this game than ever before. He has been waiting for a year for this. He was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup last season. He does not want to taste the painful taste again. He is extremely eager for the final of the Champions Cup stage! !

However, now it seems that, at least from the first half of the game, AC Milan seems to be closer to the final in Athens. Don’t forget that this is Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, but AC Milan Leading 2:1, holding two away goals! !

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PS: I have caught a cold, I am not in good condition today, let everyone feel better tomorrow.Thank you for your great support.

(End of this chapter)