Chapter 172 Cut Off Liverpool's Luck? Super Super Huge Huge Low-Level Mistake!

The first round of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals between Union Berlin and Real Madrid is in full swing!

Cristiano Ronaldo started strong with an explosive shot, and Union Berlin responded immediately!

Su Luo's brilliant maneuver on the left brought the ball into the penalty area, drawing attention to Mahrez. Unfortunately, Mahrez was caught off guard by Su Luo's skillful play, reacting a split second too late, and Marcelo tackled the ball out of bounds.

Both sides seemed to be testing the waters at first, but soon they began exchanging fierce attacks, thrilling the fans in the audience.

"Is this a contest between masters?" someone exclaimed.

Mahrez took a corner kick, but it was cleared by Pepe. Real Madrid then became more cautious, avoiding immediate aggressive play. Zidane's influence from the sidelines seemed minimal, leaving the players to control the game's pace.

Modric quickly realized that Su Luo was a significant threat on the left, and Mahrez on the right also posed a danger. The recent attack had nearly given Modric a heart attack.

In high-pressure situations, Ronaldo might shoot without hesitation, but Su Luo's presence was more commanding.

Modric decided to slow the game down, signaling his teammates to hold back. Real Madrid's strength lay in their patience and experience.

After Xabi Alonso's departure, Modric had become the brains of Real Madrid's midfield. Even Ronaldo had to follow Modric's pace, cruising on the left, looking for opportunities.

Su Luo, on the other hand, hoped for a fast-paced game, which would benefit Union Berlin.

In an interesting turn of events, Su Luo, possessing skills similar to Modric, found himself defending against the "magic flute" on the right side of the midfield. Su Luo anticipated Modric's move, blocking his options and forcing him to pass back to Casemiro.

"What?" Modric was taken aback and quickly passed the ball, glancing at Su Luo, who smiled and gave a thumbs up.

After a season of learning from Modric, Su Luo had become adept at quick responses, leaving Modric momentarily doubting his own skills.

"After the initial confrontation, the game has temporarily stalemated in midfield," Zhan Jun commented.

"Both sides are being cautious, knowing that one mistake could be costly," Zhang Lu added. "Real Madrid needs to use their height advantage in the penalty area more."

"Yes," Zhan Jun agreed. "Union Berlin's coach, Neuhaus, boldly used newcomer Lisandro Martinez. Despite his strong defense, his height of 1.75 meters could be a disadvantage against Real Madrid's taller players."

Real Madrid controlled the ball, trying to penetrate Union Berlin's defense. Ronaldo struggled against Pavard and Rudiger's double team on the left, while Keita often supported the wing defense. On the other side, Ake's explosive speed helped him defend against Bale.

Kimmich marked Kroos, Su Luo guarded Modric, Forsberg tracked Carvajal, Weghorst tangled with Casemiro, and Mahrez covered Marcelo, also assisting against Ronaldo. Rudiger and Lima protected the penalty area.

Real Madrid found it difficult to break through this organized defense. Instead, Union Berlin's counterattacks frequently threatened Navas' goal.

In the 11th minute, Berlin counterattacked again. With Su Luo tightly marked, Forsberg sent the ball directly to Mahrez, who dashed from left to right, outmaneuvering Marcelo and delivering a precise pass to Weghorst.

Weghorst pulled Ramos away but then slipped!

"Verhorst! It's gone!!" Zhan Jun exclaimed.

Su Luo rushed in from the left and struck the ball with a powerful kick!

Boom!

"Well done!" Navas, having anticipated Su Luo's move, leaped and tipped the ball over the bar. The audience erupted in excitement.

"Keylor Navas's save denied Su Luo's shot!" Duan Xuan exclaimed. "Union Berlin's counterattacks are hitting the mark!"

Su Luo, after the shot, raised his hands, urging the home fans to cheer louder. As captain, he stood proudly on his territory, exuding confidence.

In the stands, Josephine, Ma Fanshu, and Erica watched with bright eyes, while Uncle Hans enthusiastically beat his drum.

"Brothers, you heard the captain! Let's go!" Uncle Hans shouted.

"Eisern_Union!!!"

"Alles_auf_Rot (All things are red)!"

"We set out from East Berlin and march forward under Captain Huaxia's leadership!"

"Lord! Lord! Lord!" the fans chanted, unveiling a massive tifo in the North Stand, depicting a pair of hands squeezing a beating heart, symbolizing the fans' connection to the team and their determination to crush the opponent.

Real Madrid's players were taken aback by the intense atmosphere in the small stadium of just over 20,000 people. They felt a pressure akin to playing at Camp Nou.

"Damn, it's so intense!" Ronaldo muttered, spitting on the grass.

Before the corner kick, Modric called Ronaldo and Kroos over.

"Ronaldo, make more runs into the penalty area. Let's try high balls," Modric instructed, nodding towards Lima.

The players nodded in agreement.

"Alright, let's do it!" Ronaldo said, preparing for the next play.

Forsberg took the corner, and Su Luo suddenly surged forward, heading the ball towards the goalpost. The ball hit the center post and bounced out!

"Su Luo——" Duan Xuan exclaimed. "So close! Navas almost gave up! Just a few centimeters off!"

Union Berlin's attack had once again shaken Real Madrid's defense, leaving the visiting team fans nervously biting their nails. They had never felt such pressure in this season's Champions League!

After Real Madrid kicked off again, they adopted a different strategy. Bale didn't attempt to break through the middle and cut in. Instead, he dribbled down the line and sent a cross with his right foot!

Ake didn't defend, and Benzema came in later, drawing Rudiger's attention.

Ronaldo charged towards the front post and leaped high into the air, pressing Lima to complete a header!

"Cristiano——"

"Ronaldo - Wuuuu~"

"Fabianski makes a great save! The angle was just a bit too right!"

The Madrid TV commentator nearly thought it was in, but Fabianski managed to deflect it. This was Real Madrid's best chance so far!

Checking the time, only 15 minutes had passed.

"The continuous attacks from both teams are quite threatening! This game is nerve-wracking for the fans of both sides!" Zhan Jun sighed, feeling his heart pounding.

Director Zhang applauded from the sidelines. "Yes, this is the right way to play. Real Madrid has adjusted well. If Union Berlin leaves gaps, Real Madrid will exploit them, especially targeting Lisandro Martinez's height."

Zhan Jun was still concerned. "Real Madrid is deliberately aiming for Martinez due to his height. We'll see if they continue with these high balls."

Without Alex, Union Berlin struggled to maintain their defense. Alex's absence at this crucial moment gave Real Madrid too many opportunities.

Sure enough, Real Madrid organized another offensive move. Ronaldo and Marcelo collaborated on the left. Marcelo took advantage of the space, received a pass, and crossed it in.

Benzema leaped before Lima and headed the ball towards the goal!

"Fabianski again!!! He's in great form today!"

Fabianski made another brilliant save, deflecting the ball to the baseline. The alarm bells were ringing for Union Berlin.

Su Luo hurried over and patted Fabianski on the shoulder. "Great job, Lukas!"

"I won't let them score!" The Polish goalkeeper responded confidently.

Relieved, Su Luo moved to the penalty area to help Lima defend the corner kick. However, Tony Kroos's corner kick was intercepted by Fabianski.

"Chance for a Union Berlin counterattack! Let's see if they can capitalize on this."

Su Luo, Mahrez, Forsberg, and Weghorst rushed forward. Kimmich hurried up to support, but his intentions were too obvious. Modric intercepted his passing route, and Keita was marked by Kroos.

Pavard had Ronaldo to deal with, and Ake was up against Bale. Benzema moved between the central defenders, making it hard for Fabianski to decide where to throw the ball.

In this situation, the safest option was to slow down and clear the ball with a long kick. But Fabianski, eager to launch a quick attack, aimed to throw the ball to Rudiger. Benzema's movement made him hesitate, so he switched and threw it to Lima.

Unfortunately, Fabianski didn't realize he was facing an unbeatable combination: Benzema, Zhan Jun, and Zhang Lu. His hesitant throw wasn't strong enough.

Benzema suddenly changed direction, intercepted the ball mid-air, and immediately followed with a volley!

With Fabianski caught off guard, the ball flew into the net!

"Hey, that goal is in! No problem there..." Zhan Jun was stunned, and Director Zhang was delighted.

"Goalkeeper Fabianski made a huge mistake!" Zhan Jun continued after a pause, "A massive, super low-level mistake!"

"Fabianski gifted Real Madrid a goal…"

At that moment, fans worldwide were shocked. On the field, Su Luo stood petrified.

"What the heck! This isn't the Champions League final!" he thought. "This feels like Liverpool and Karius!"

"Could it be Zhan Jun and Zhang Lu commentating?"

Su Luo couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. Could such an iconic moment happen again? Was it because Union Berlin's jersey was red?

Su Luo had mentally prepared for playing Real Madrid, knowing they were a formidable team. Fortunately, it was only 20 minutes into the game. There was still enough time to stage a comeback.

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