Football: My AI System Provides Max-Level Predictions-Chapter 770 - 555: Old Luo’s Stylish Cut-In Ignites the Crowd, Guardiola: Let Tang Long Defend Him!

Tang Long's direct volley shot, like a sledgehammer, struck fiercely upon the opponents' hearts.

However, Ranocchia's stunning assist was even more like a divine stroke, leaving everyone astounded.

This kick, as if infused with magic, instantly turned the game on its head!

Ranocchia's move was truly about seizing victory in the midst of danger, finding life amid desperation.

From the beginning, he meticulously planned, calculating every step with pinpoint precision.

On the field, he was like a master of strategy, cleverly bewildering Bayern's strong players Alonso, Vidal, and Muller, as if announcing to them: You are all under my control.

And this seemingly miraculous lure-and-switch tactic stemmed from his careful observation and learning from Tang Long.

Ranocchia, a mature 28-year-old player, calm and restrained, was completely different from young players like Sterling and Bonazzoli, who would boast noisily once they learned something new from Tang Long.

This season, Guardiola shifted him from center-back to defensive midfielder, a change that allowed him to focus more on studying Tang Long's every move on the pitch.

He knew that Tang Long was the best midfield teacher beside him.

Even though Tang Long transitioned from attacking midfielder to left winger this season, during their more than two years together at Inter and Manchester City, Ranocchia had ample time and space to explore the mysteries of Tang Long's football philosophy.

He mused to himself: "Tang uses dribbling to draw two to three defenders, then at the last moment, he delivers a precise pass to a distant open spot, forming a perfect connection with a teammate, much like Pirlo used to do!"

In this crucial Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash, Ranocchia boldly imitated Tang Long's style of play.

He began dribbling on the field, though his dribbling was far less fluid than Tang Long's, at the last moment of turning with the ball, he even appeared a bit awkward, nearly tripping over;

But his thoughts were incredibly clear, with only one belief in mind: pass the ball to Tang Long!

In the end, he succeeded!

The pass broke through numerous barriers, accurately finding Tang Long, completing an astonishing connection.

This pass, like a fuse, instantly ignited Bayern coach Ancelotti's fury.

Ancelotti was seen on the sideline, jumping up and down, face flushed red, loudly roaring at the players on the field:

"What on earth are you doing? How can you let the opponent's defensive midfielder's pass toy with our entire defense at will!"

He furiously pointed at Muller, Vidal, and Alonso, with a sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through these three players.

However, the three just looked bewildered, glancing at each other, able only to whisper softly.

Because before the match, Ancelotti had not instructed them to especially mark Ranocchia's long passes!

In their previous understanding, Ranocchia carrying the ball forward from the back was clearly a perfect interception opportunity.

Once the ball was intercepted in that position, whether it was Vidal, Muller, or Alonso, they could quickly make a through pass, connecting with forward Lewandowski for a direct attack on opponent center-back Kompany.

But who could have thought that this seemingly heaven-sent opportunity was actually a carefully designed trap by the opponent~

Not only did they fail to intercept, but they were also tightly ensnared, allowing Manchester City to score an incredibly valuable away goal.

When the giant scoreboard at Allianz Arena showed the glaring score of 0:1, Bayern's players on the field felt as if cold water had been poured over them from head to toe, suddenly realizing they had no room to retreat.

At this moment, the entire stadium seemed to solidify, with everyone holding their breath.

"9 minutes into the game, just 9 minutes, and Manchester City has scored!"

"The aggregate score over two legs is now 3:1, with Manchester City leading Bayern!"

"Bayern has been pushed to the edge of a cliff, now they must score at least two goals to possibly stay on the Champions League stage!"

The camera swept to the audience, with many Bayern fans holding their heads in their hands, faces full of anxiety and unease, their eyes revealing a trace of confusion, as if asking: What's happened to our team?

Could it be that Bundesliga hegemon Bayern Munich's Champions League journey this season really stops at the last 16?

Of course, some Bayern fans held on to a sliver of hope, silently muttering to themselves: "It's still too early to say that, after all, there's at least 80 more minutes, enough for both teams to continue battling."

Tang Long's goal, like a weight heavily added to the scales, completely broke the balance of the match.

Recalling what the veteran goalkeeper Bravo, experienced in the Champions League and part of Barça's treble-winning team in 2015, said to Tang Long in the player tunnel:

"Tang, the faster you score the first away goal, the greater our advantage becomes!"

Is this sentence becoming reality step by step?

For Bayern, the idea of eliminating Manchester City with a 1:0 scoreline now seems utterly out of reach.

They must speed up the pace and equalize the score as soon as possible, otherwise, once the second half starts, with Manchester City's strength, scoring two consecutive goals would be incredibly difficult!

"Bayern! Bayern!"

"MIA SAN MIA!"

In an instant, the capacity crowd of 75,000 at Munich's Allianz Arena erupted with a deafening roar.

The sound seemed to pierce the sky, carrying the fans' unwavering belief and endless anticipation.

This is a powerful Latin motto: "What belongs to us will ultimately be ours!"

Four years ago, at Wembley Stadium, London, Bayern won their fifth Champions League title in history by defeating Dortmund 2:1 with Robben's decisive victory.

The strong Champions League heritage, like a power deeply embedded in the team's soul, ensures this team never bows easily in the face of adversity.

At this moment, under the tumultuous cheers and encouragement of the fans on the scene, Bayern's players seemed injected with a shot of adrenalin, launching a full-scale counterattack with only one firm goal in mind:

"We must score at least one goal to equalize before the end of the first half!"

Little Flying Hero Robben was extremely active on the right flank.

As a typical left-footed winger, that signature inner cut to shoot at the far corner is a skill that shocked the entire European football scene.

Manchester City rehearsed countless times against Robben's skill before the match, and all players were on high alert, ready to defend staunchly.

Guardiola repeatedly warned the players: "Once you see Robben intending to cut inside, you must stop him at all costs, even if it means conceding a free kick outside the penalty area, but you absolutely can't let Robben complete his long shot."

Strangely, ever since Tang Long scored, in the ten minutes following, even when Robben had the ball on the right, he didn't choose his best inner cut, instead he either passed back or crossed from the sideline, which greatly reduced his offensive threat.

Seeing this, Manchester City's players couldn't help but relax their vigilance a bit.

Yet they couldn't have imagined that Robben, who seemed less eager to score in this match, would burst out so unpredictably.

In the 27th minute of the first half, the ball quickly rotated under Vidal's feet and then accurately passed to Robben on the right.

At this moment, Robben was facing young Manchester City player Robertson.

Guardiola opted for the young Robertson to start, instead of the more experienced Kolarov, precisely because of Robertson's shorter stature, faster speed, and better stamina, hoping he could contend with Robben.

Seeing Robertson quickly approaching, Robben's lips slightly curled into a smile, a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

He feigned to go down the sideline, stepping hard with his right foot to the right, and his left foot lightly swayed over the ball. Just as Robertson's center of gravity shifted, Robben quickly exerted force with his left foot, pushing the ball toward the middle, then dashed inside like an arrow off the bow!

This was Robben's first inner cut of the match!

With this move, he managed to push the ball forward seven or eight meters, instantly gaining half a body advantage over Robertson with his incredible speed.

"Quick, assist in defense!"

Seeing this, Diego dared not slack off, immediately rushing forward to assist Robertson in defense.

Yet, just as Diego left his position, Vidal swiftly ran behind him.

This movement was like a key chess move, putting Diego in a dilemma, hesitating.

If he doesn't intercept, Robertson alone couldn't stop Robben.

If he does, Vidal is looking for the gap behind.

What to do?

As he hesitated, Robben took the opportunity to dribble effortlessly past Diego, who tried to intercept but failed to reach.

"Too fast!" Diego shouted in frustration, quickly turning to chase.

At this moment, Robben resembled an unstoppable locomotive with Diego and Robertson clinging tightly behind him, pursuing relentlessly.

As he entered the range of 25 meters from the goal, Robben didn't even glance at goalkeeper Bravo's position, his eyes fixed only on the top right corner of the goal.

He lifted his left foot and fiercely nailed the ball's center!

The whole stadium seemed to freeze in time, everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on the rapidly spinning ball in the air.

Everyone knew Robben intended to cut inside to shoot, goalkeeper Bravo especially knew Robben aimed for his top right corner.

Nonetheless, knowing it, they still couldn't stop it!

Like a cannonball, the football flew toward the goal with immense power — with a "swish," the ball went in!

Robben scored a long-range goal!

The broadcast room exploded instantly.

-[Wow, Old Luo still got it!]

-[Old Luo's pace is way too fast, no one can catch up to him!]

-[Robben's inner cut shot is even more accurate than a penalty; I'm really impressed!]

-[The Dutch Little Flying Hero is simply god-like, it's astonishing, why can't anyone stop him?]

-[Haha, the score is equal; my roommate next door is a Bayern fan, and he's so excited, he's starting to smash tables!]

Robben's inner cut shot secretly earned Tang Long's admiration too.

Watching Robben's celebrating figure, he thought: In today's Premier League, at least in terms of inner cut shots, no one can surpass Robben.

"Ahhhhh!!!"

The Allianz Arena instantly erupted into a frenzy of excitement.

Countless German fans leaped from their seats, cheering and jumping, faces beaming with exhilaration.

The cheers, the shouts interwove like surging waves, one after another, as if attempting to overturn the entire stadium!

Seizing this moment, Guardiola stood by the sidelines, waving at Tang Long to come over.

Guardiola instructed him:

"It seems Robertson struggles to defend Robben alone. If your stamina permits, try to retreat somewhat and assist in defending the right side."

Tang Long nodded, and as he turned, Robben's celebrating figure rushed past him swiftly, bringing with it a strong breeze.

Robben ran to Bayern's substitute bench, sliding down on his knees, face exuding confidence and pride.

His teammates gathered around, patting his body, joining his celebration.

Tang Long watched this flying Dutchman, furrowing his brows, secretly thinking:

"It's just an equalizing goal. Overall, we're still ahead; why act as if they've already advanced?"