Chapter 297

On September 14th, the UEFA Champions League witnessed a compelling clash between Real Madrid and Lyon at the Gerland Stadium. Lyon, reigning supreme in Ligue 1 with five consecutive domestic league titles since 2002, harbored aspirations for European glory, yet their recent campaigns were halted in the quarterfinals.

The match, marked by the deployment of mainstay players from both sides, unfolded dramatically. Wang Feng, donning the Real Madrid jersey, orchestrated an early impact. A deftly received pass from Reyes in the penalty area was swiftly capitalized upon by Wang Feng, who volleyed with precision using his right foot to open the scoring.

Emerson's breakthrough down the flank in the 25th minute set the stage for Wang Feng's instrumental contribution. Nodding the ball forward, he paved the way for Raul to clinically push Real Madrid to a 2-0 lead. The script, initially suggesting a comfortable victory for Real Madrid, took an unexpected turn as Lyon, spurred by their home advantage, staged a formidable comeback.

Thiago's goal just before halftime narrowed the gap, and the second half kickoff witnessed Fred's lightning-quick rush attack that exploited Real Madrid's weakened defense, courtesy of Carlos's injury. The tenacious equalizer left the scoreline finely poised at 2-2. Lyon seized momentum, and Malouda's strike in the 67th minute turned the tables, placing Real Madrid in a precarious 2-3 deficit.

Amidst the ensuing chaos, Coach Schuster orchestrated substitutions and tactical adjustments, but panic lingered on the field. In the 85th minute, Wang Feng emerged as the beacon of hope. A right-sided breakthrough drew a foul from Lyon's Essien, setting the stage for a potentially game-changing free-kick.

Facing a rearranging Lyon wall and a fervent home crowd attempting to unsettle him, Wang Feng's execution was nothing short of brilliance. The free-kick, marked by a sharp turn in the air, found the back of the net with the referee's whistle confirming the goal's validity. Real Madrid salvaged a 3-3 draw in a pulsating encounter, with time constraints preventing further score alterations.

Following this intense battle, the Galacticos swiftly returned to the Bernabeu to confront Real Sociedad in the Serie A's third round. Real Sociedad, a team rooted in the Basque Country of Spain, held a historical significance in La Liga but had faced a recent dip in form with two consecutive losses.

Coach Schuster, responding with a rotation lineup, encountered a déjà vu scenario reminiscent of the Lyon encounter. Real Madrid found themselves trailing 0-2 at the end of the first half, leaving the home fans incredulous at the stark contrast from their triumphant performance against Villarreal in the first round.

The restless fans voiced their discontent, clamoring for the inclusion of Wang Feng. Schuster, heeding their calls, made strategic substitutions, bringing on Wang Feng and Raul at the onset of the second half. The impact was instantaneous.

In the 51st minute, Wang Feng's skillful breakthrough on the right culminated in a precise volley to the far corner, reducing the deficit to 1-2. Only six minutes later, Wang Feng, this time orchestrating an attack from the left, forced a bottom pass that led to an inverted triangle diagonal pass to the penalty area. Raul, following up, slotted the ball home, leveling the score at 2-2.

The elation among the fans, subdued during the halftime lull, was palpable. Wang Feng continued to be the catalyst of change. In the 74th minute, he orchestrated an attack from the midfield, receiving a pass from Messia. Without halting the ball, he allowed it to swivel from his toes, setting the stage for a powerful left-footed shot.

Evading challenges from Real Sociedad defenders, Wang Feng's shot found the net, leaving the Bernabeu in raptures. The 3-2 lead was a testament to Real Madrid's resilience, orchestrated by their talismanic Chinese forward.

Real Sociedad, facing a mental collapse after leading for a substantial duration, abandoned a defensive stance and threw themselves into an all-out attacking mode. Seizing a last-minute counterattack opportunity, Real Madrid, orchestrated by Salgado's interception, fed the ball to Wang Feng.

Embarking on a dribble across the halfway line, Wang Feng initiated a three-on-three frontcourt alongside Raul and Guti. A precise cross-field pass found Guti, who, in turn, executed a slanted plug to Raul. The Spanish striker capitalized on the overnight reversal, securing a brace and extending Real Madrid's lead to 4-2.

The Bernabeu, initially contemplating an early exit, transformed into a jubilant sea of celebrations. The fans, recognizing Wang Feng's pivotal role in the comeback, lauded their trustworthy player. Real Madrid, guided by Wang Feng's heroics, emerged triumphant against Real Sociedad.

Post-match, a concerned reporter confronted Coach Schuster about Real Madrid's vulnerability, conceding five goals in two games. Schuster, acknowledging the defensive frailties, attributed the predicament to Carlos's injury and a lack of midfield depth.

Optimistic about addressing these concerns in the upcoming winter transfer window, Schuster underlined his faith in Wang Feng, proclaiming the Chinese superstar as the key to navigating through this challenging period. As the Galacticos set their sights on strengthening the squad, Wang Feng's prowess stood as the beacon guiding Real Madrid through turbulent waters. The stage was set for a season of trials and triumphs, with Wang Feng poised at the forefront of Real Madrid's quest for glory.