66 Solo Challenge
To contain Schweinsteiger, Schaaf instructed the right midfielder, Hunter, to fall back and closely mark him to limit his passing and breakthroughs.
While Hunter couldn't completely shut down Schweinsteiger, his presence did reduce the threat to some extent.
However, with Schweinsteiger contained, Bayern's attack changed immediately. Ribery took on the offensive responsibility, becoming the new attacking focal point.
Consciously, Bayern aimed passes towards Ribery to increase his chances of breakthroughs and shots towards goal.
The right flank of Werder Bremen became notably dangerous during this period, with Ribery reaching his peak performance.
His dribbling, combination play with Robben, and sheer speed gave Bayern a formidable wing attack.
In this match, despite Robben not participating, Ribery displayed a remarkably excellent performance.
In the 22nd minute, Ribery cut inside with the ball and passed it to Muller, who then dribbled horizontally, evading defensive players, before returning the ball to Ribery.
Their exchange of passes and positional interchange bewildered Werder Bremen's defenders.
Sensing an opportunity in their defense, Ribery swiftly made a dribble towards the edge of the small penalty area.
Simultaneously, Pizarro had already created space inside the penalty area, waiting for a clever pass from his teammate.
Werder Bremen's two defenders encountered Ribery's menacing dribble, with one moving to intercept Ribery while the other cut off the passing lane to Pizarro.
However, Ribery's astounding speed allowed him to bypass the defenders and advance towards the bottom line of the small penalty area.
With no clear angle for a shot, Ribery was, nevertheless, supported by three Bayern players inside the penalty area, ready to capitalize on any pass and create quality shooting opportunities.
Just when everyone expected him to pass, Ribery noticed a gap in the defenders' positioning and, with a quick step towards the penalty area, took a direct shot.
The unexpected shot caught Militz off guard, and his hasty jump failed to connect with the ball.
Fortunately, Ribery's shot hit the post and ricocheted out, sparing Werder Bremen from conceding a goal.
Their early attacks posed a significant threat, and had it not been for some unfortunate luck with the final shot, Werder Bremen might have been trailing by two goals at this point.
Seeing Ribery becoming the focus of the attack, Schaaf immediately adjusted the team, with De Bruyne consciously shifting to the team's right side to assist Lin in defending against Ribery.
Both Lin and De Bruyne were known for their attacking prowess and weak defensive abilities, making it difficult for them to individually handle Ribery.
In addition to strengthening the defense on the right flank, this arrangement also aimed to utilize the attacking capabilities and mutual understanding between De Bruyne and Lin to improve Werder Bremen's offensive play.
Feeling under constant pressure from Bayern's formidable attack, they needed to engage the battle in Bayern's half of the field.
After seeing the coach's gesture, De Bruyne immediately moved towards the right side, forming a defensive triangle with Lin and the right-back, Selassie. Their aim was to restrict Ribery's breakthrough space.
Ribery didn't underestimate the young duo of Lin and De Bruyne.
He attempted to use his rhythm to outmaneuver them, but De Bruyne didn't fall into his trap. Instead, he calmly stepped back, blocking Ribery's progress without conceding ground.
Impressed by De Bruyne's defensive move, Ribery acknowledged the challenge.
Lowering his center of gravity and focusing on his right foot, Ribery utilized his signature dribbling moves, seeking to outplay the defenders.
De Bruyne maintained his low center of gravity, matching Ribery's movements, attempting to prevent Ribery from accelerating.
Though a capable defender, De Bruyne was swiftly outpaced by Ribery, who sprinted ahead, leaving De Bruyne stumbling.
Fortunately, Werder Bremen's defender, Selassie, anticipated the situation and swiftly intercepted the ball, passing it to Lin.
Lin, who was rapidly tracking back, seized the opportunity with no Bayern player around him. He turned and dashed towards Bayern's half with the ball.
After being pressed by their opponents for over 20 minutes, it was time for them to vent their frustration.
Witnessing his teammate's breakthrough, De Bruyne swiftly rose from the ground and chased after Lin, spitting out grass shavings from his mouth.
In the forward position, Arnautovic also began sprinting, attempting to exploit any open spaces.
Although Lin had no intention to pass, his teammate's movement successfully drew one defending player away, alleviating some defensive pressure.
After losing possession, Ribery relentlessly pursued from behind.
Being the offensive and defensive core of Bayern, the entire left flank belonged to him. No wonder he's the Allianz King, not Robben, there's quite a big gap between their defensive roles and activity!
Ribery is fast, but Lin isn't slow either.
Ignoring the chasing Ribery behind him, he directly charges into Bayern's half.
Seeing Lin advancing with the ball, Badstuber immediately moves to intercept, aiming to team up with Ribery for a joint defense to stop him.
However, Lin doesn't continue along the wing but instead cuts towards the center upon seeing Badstuber closing in.
At this moment, Gustavo can't just stand by; he rushes towards Lin, planning to triple-team him, cutting off his ball.
Lin's breakthrough last time at the Allianz impressed the entire Bayern team deeply, so even facing a triple-team now, Bayern's players still don't have absolute confidence.
If it were the first encounter with Bayern, Lin might have naively continued his breakthrough.
But this time, he chose to trust his teammate.
After luring Gustavo's pressure, Lin cleverly passes sideways to the edge of the box.
Gustavo's departure temporarily creates a defensive gap, and Bayern's other midfielder, Schweinsteiger, due to his earlier offensive push, is not back in time near the center circle to defend.
Bayern defender Dante, drawing on his extensive defensive experience, recognizes the issue and is ready to close this gap.
Before Dante can position himself, Lin has already passed the ball.
Immediately, a green figure streaks in, appearing first to intercept Lin's pass.
Danger!
Goalkeeper Neuer and Dante sound the alarm internally—it's highly likely an on-target shot is coming!
De Bruyne now also readies, lifting his right foot and leaning back, preparing for the shot!
Neuer, seeing the setup, knows it's a powerful strike, so he adjusts his stance for a diving save.
With his hands behind his back, Dante slightly turns his body, lifting his right leg to block the shot.
Taking a powerful shot is painful on impact and might even result in injury.
Therefore, for defenders intercepting such shots, they need to overcome their fear and courageously move in, which requires bravery!
De Bruyne, witnessing their actions, unexpectedly doesn't shoot but gently lifts the ball in a chip pass over Dante and into the box.
Simultaneously, another green blur rushes into the penalty box from Bayern's left at lightning speed.
Werder Bremen's number 10 receives the ball in the penalty area!
At this moment, only the Bayern goalkeeper and the goal stand before him!
