Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions-Chapter 760 - 549: Sterling Displays Thousand-Pound Hip Technique, Assists Tang Long in a Point Kill! Lahm Looks to the Sky and Sighs!

Lahm just recovered from injury, and Ancelotti originally didn't want to bring him out too early.

But witnessing Alaba's clumsy performance in defense against Tang Long was like a wooden stump, he had no choice but to send the team captain Lahm onto the field.

At this moment, Lahm's thigh muscles were still wrapped in thick bandages.

This Bayern legendary captain took a deep breath, feeling like he was being pushed into action unprepared, and was a bit anxious facing Tang Long immediately upon return.

But he thought again, "Lahm, what are you afraid of? You're the captain; if you're scared, what will Bayern do? Just get up and go for it! I'll take on what Alaba couldn't!"

He knew his condition was far from optimal, but for the team, he must give his all.

It was exactly this mindset that allowed the small-statured Lahm at 170 cm to firmly hold the main position as Bayern's full-back for a long time.

The greatness of a man doesn't rely on his tall stature, but on whether he can adopt a steadfast mindset when facing difficulties.

As the second half commenced, in the 50th minute, Lahm took the ball at midfield. His gaze sharp as an eagle's, he precisely captured Lewandowski's running position, then immediately sent a forceful long pass, the football tracing a beautiful arc in the air, directly towards the space behind Manchester City's defense.

As soon as this ball was sent out, Guardiola's heart tightened at the sideline.

He had long known that Lahm, whether in passing or overall vision, was a top-class player;

and during his own tenure coaching Bayern, he precisely valued this trait, occasionally pulling Lahm from full-back to a defensive midfielder position.

"Lahm is the smartest player I've worked with." This is Guardiola's original quote.

Now, this smart player would use his experience and skills to help the team turn the tide at Etihad Stadium.

Lewandowski initiated at just the right moment; this time, Kompany and Stones had a coordination error, Stones pressed forward a step too slow, leaving his rear leg behind, resulting in Lewandowski successfully breaking the offside trap!

"Damn!"

Lewandowski faced Bravo one-on-one!

The Polish striker's eyes were firm, he calmly adjusted his pace, pushed towards the far corner, and the ball hit the net with a sound!

"Lewandowski!"

"He received Lahm's long pass and equalized the score!"

"The second half started off with such intensity!"

"Lewandowski proved with his actions that he is still a world-class striker!"

The entire Etihad Stadium was instantly overwhelmed by the cheers of Bayern fans; they excitedly waved flags, faces beaming with pride;

while Manchester City fans fell into a brief silence, their hearts filled with concern. Some fans unconsciously clenched their fists, an incredulous look in their eyes — just 5 minutes in, and they were equalized?

Cheering erupted from a small tavern in Munich, beer foam splashed into the air;

watching the game, Matthaus and others were all joyous, wearing wide smiles.

Matthaus said to Klinsmann, "Compared to Lewandowski, who is stronger?"

Klinsmann replied without hesitation, "At the World Cup, I'm stronger than him. In the club realm, I'm far inferior to him!"

Guardiola was at the sidelines, jumping up and down in frustration, waving his arms, shouting loudly at the players on the pitch:

"Where is your protection in the middle? Lahm's long pass was as easy as a stroll — what are you all doing?"

Then, he fixed his gaze on Tang Long, shouting loudly, "Tang, put more pressure on Lahm. Don't let him pass easily; absolutely don't let him move comfortably!"

Tang Long understood the strategy; he started frequently retreating to the midfield, actively engaging in tight defense against Lahm.

Every time Lahm had the ball, Tang Long would shadow him, utilizing his excellent physical condition and speed advantage, constantly disrupting Lahm's passing routes.

Lahm never feared being pressed; if he did, his small build would have been crushed by the tall Bundesliga strikers long ago.

However, Tang Long's pressing made Lahm feel exceptionally strained; sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, his breathing became rapid.

"Hmm? Why doesn't he fall for my feints?"

"Strange, he always manages to block my passing lanes..."

"Yikes! Almost lost the ball to him, that pass was too light." Lahm touched his thigh, still somewhat tight — a common issue when returning from a month's recovery, which impacts a player's performance.

Bang!

Lahm was just about to execute another long pass to Lewandowski as before; Tang Long charged forward, side tackling the ball strong enough to send it flying into the stands, the crowd gasped!

"How can this guy be so fast and powerful?" Lahm secretly marveled, eventually admitting that this Chinese forward indeed had extraordinary strength, leading him to start understanding Alaba's struggles.

In a subsequent bout, Tang Long even skillfully used his body to push Lahm aside, successfully intercepting his pass, triggering a wave of enthusiastic cheer from Manchester City fans.

Ancelotti was loudly commanding the team from the sidelines. He turned to Robben with a serious expression, shouting, "Robben, cut inside less in the second half, more crosses from the outside, use your speed to tear open their defense! Hummels, always watch out for Tang Long's late runs; absolutely don't let him find opportunities easily!"

Next, he looked at Lewandowski and encouraged him, saying, "Robert, keep it up, we'll increase through balls, you need to stay closer to the offside line and look for opportunities, good job!"