Football: Starting with the Crescent Moon Slash

"Today, we're going to play... the ultimate defensive counter-attacking style!"

Counter-attacking, as the name suggests, means using defense as offense. First, solidify the defense and lure the enemy to press forward, then seize the opportunity behind the defense to launch a quick counter-attack and score.

This was also Real Madrid's favorite style of play during the Benitez era.

Solid defense + breakthroughs on the flanks.

Or they could simply send a long pass to Ronaldo or Bale.

"The core principles of our counter-attacking strategy are: compact defense, rapid transition, and efficient finishing. These are the three core elements of our lineup."

A compact defense means constantly shrinking the space, creating local numerical advantages, and striving for enough steals.

A quick transition means completing a counter-attack within 8-15 seconds, so there is no room for delay in passing the ball; it must be passed in one touch.

The key to ending high efficiency goes without saying: pass less and shoot more!

To implement this tactic, not only must the strikers have a high scoring efficiency, but the speed of midfield transitions is also of paramount importance!

Midfielders not only have defensive responsibilities, but also need to pass the ball to the most threatening player in a timely manner after winning possession, or become that threatening player themselves.

In cup competitions like the Champions League, the defensive counter-attacking tactic has proven highly effective.

"Hey Gareth, I've finally waited for you! I'm so glad I didn't give up!"

Bale's soleus muscle injury recovered remarkably quickly, just in time for the Champions League round of 16 match.

"Hehe, Jiang, your performance lately has been phenomenal! You'd better pass me the ball a few more times later. I'm really hungry for goals after not scoring for so long!"

"It's good to stay hungry," Benzema said, sitting on Bale's other side. "Last game, it was because I maintained the hunger of a striker..."

Bale slapped Benzema on the head and said with a look of disgust, "Look at how many golden opportunities you've wasted. If I were Jiang, I would have given you a good dressing down during halftime."

"Oh, don't worry~ I believe in Benzema's ability~" Jiang Yan said with a smile.

At this moment, Bale's gaze turned to Jiang Yan's other side, where Kovacic was looking at the three people talking with a fawning expression.

"By the way... what is this kid doing?"

Jiang Yan scratched his head awkwardly, then said somewhat embarrassedly, "This guy... let's just say he's my little brother."

"? You've only been in the first team for less than half a year, and you already have followers..." Bale was extremely shocked by Jiang Yan's social skills.

But upon closer reflection, it seems that it was also because of this Asian kid that his relationship with Karim, Modric, and others gradually improved.

He then looked at Jiang Yan with a complicated expression.

On the other hand, two important figures had their first formal meeting on this day.

Inside the VIP box at Real Madrid.

"You must be... Miss Qin Wanyu."

Jiang Yan led Qin Wanyu into the VIP room and handed her his name tag.

Turning around in the direction of the sound, she saw a girl with beautiful blonde hair and a pair of beautiful legs appear behind her.

Qin Wanyu carefully examined the girl behind him, only to find that the girl's eyes were fixed on his chest.

"They really are excellent breasts."

"You are... Emily!"

Qin Wanyu recognized the other person first and gave them a big hug.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you in England?"

Emily sat down next to Qin Wanyu without hesitation, looking somewhat tired.

"I rushed back after finishing the formalities. After all, it was his first Champions League knockout match, and I didn't want to miss it."

Looking at the tired-looking girl in front of her, Qin Wanyu felt a sense of empathy.

"So you...you love him too."

The two of them remained silent, gazing at each other.

……

"Welcome everyone to CCTV5 at 3:30 a.m. Beijing time. I am your host, He Wei."

"I'm your host, Zhan Jun. Tonight, the two of us will take you through this exciting Champions League match."

"I believe everyone is more excited about young player Jiang Yan's performance than the outcome of the match!"

"Today is Jiang Yan's first Champions League knockout match. As people who have watched Jiang Yan grow up, we naturally want to witness his first time!"

"Let's wait and see what kind of performance Jiang Yan will deliver tonight!"

[I'm a little touched by what He Wei said. It's true, watching Jiang Yan grow up all the way is truly moving!]

[Jiang Yan can start in the Champions League, it seems he has completely replaced James Rodriguez, who has been a substitute for the last two games!]

I wonder how long Jiang Yan will be able to play today; it would be best if he could play the entire match!

[Hopefully Benitez will give Jiang Yan this opportunity!]

[Wow, guys, why are you all so serious today? Jiang Yan's on the field, let's just blindly bet on him!]

【Followed! Followed!】

[Where's the guy who said to buy the opposite side last time? Did he meet me on the rooftop?]

I've figured it out: Jiang Shen is Little Ball Dog's nightmare!

Beep——!!!

"With the referee's whistle, the match officially begins!"

For Real Madrid, the long-awaited BBC trio is determined to take the lead at home, with Jiang Yan partnering with Casemiro and Modric.

As for Roma, they also opted for a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Szczesny (the Old Smoker)

Defense line: Florenzi, Manolas, Rüdiger, Digne.

Midfielders: Weinkel, Pjanic, Keita

Forwards: Salah, Dzeko, El Shaarawy

"Both the home and away teams tacitly chose the 4-3-3 formation, but in terms of player level and ability, Real Madrid is far ahead."

"Yes, it all depends on what tactics Rome will employ!"

"The focus shifts to Benitez on the coaching bench... Benitez remains calm and composed, showing no intention of getting up."

"Yes, it's said that Benitez only takes the initiative to direct the team during crucial moments of the game, or when the score is behind."

"It seems he has a lot of faith in the players' individual abilities!"

Snapped!

Keita sent a long pass to Dzeko in the attacking third.

Edin Dzeko, a 29-year-old veteran striker, only transferred from Manchester City to Roma in the winter transfer window this season. During his three years at Manchester City, he consistently delivered impressive performances. It remains to be seen whether he can continue his brilliance at Roma!

As soon as Dzeko received the ball, Jiang Yan and Casemiro were already double-teaming him.

"Dzeko passes the ball! The target is... Salah!"

"Dzeko has demonstrated his rich experience and excellent vision; Salah is now completely outmatched!"

"This 23-year-old Egyptian youngster joined the team around the same time as Dzeko, and this is their first time playing together in a Champions League knockout stage, yet they already have such great chemistry! Truly, the younger generation is formidable!"

Zhan Jun was enthusiastically describing the perfect teamwork between Dzeko and Salah, while He Wei discovered something amazing.

"Jiang Yan! Jiang Yan has miraculously appeared in front of Salah once again! He's filled the empty spot once more!"

Salah dribbles the ball and faces Jiang Yan alone.

Jiang Yan stared at Salah in front of him, thinking, "This guy's current market value is 2000 million euros. If I kill him here, won't my market value skyrocket?"