Chapter 257 Successful Link! Bell's Possession Eats Everything Raw!

After successfully eliminating Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Su Luo finally avenged last season's loss. He netted six goals in a row at home, even shaving his head afterward as a sign of his determination.

Following the match, Atlético Madrid became the subject of ridicule from their rivals, Real Madrid, for half a month. Some even claimed this defeat devalued the prestige of the Champions League.

Many users on social media commented on the situation:

"Atlético Madrid's controversial win in the Champions League quarter-finals this year was heavily aided by the referee. It's clear UEFA's technical reforms are overdue. They were lucky to eliminate Union Berlin in the semis last year, thanks to the referees overlooking so many fouls."

"Atlético's aggressive play kept escalating, and eventually, Su Luo was taken out of the game by a brutal tackle. If he hadn't been injured back then, maybe he could have knocked Atlético out and made it to the finals."

Some even speculated, "If Union Berlin had reached the final, they'd have had a psychological edge over Manchester City! Su Luo had already defeated them twice before, so who knows—they could've been the ultimate dark horse."

But those are just 'what ifs.'

Su Luo's explosive performance against Atlético this time was driven by pent-up anger. He obliterated them, making a clear statement. Atlético paid the price, being thoroughly humiliated in front of the world. Their morale and energy were shattered, and from there, Simeone's team began to decline.

Now, there are two weeks left until the Champions League semi-finals. Most of the major leagues are winding down, and the championship races are nearly settled.

In the Premier League, Chelsea are at the top. After defeating Southampton, there are only five games left in their 38-match season, and they're 10 points ahead of Manchester City and nearly 20 points ahead of third-placed Tottenham.

Chelsea have already broken the Premier League points record, reaching 100 points! They've also scored 105 goals, more than any other team in Europe. Their firepower is unmatched.

Of course, much of that comes down to Su Luo, who has scored 67 goals in the league this season alone! His total is simply astonishing, far surpassing his own previous record. Now, with 70 goals within reach, it's safe to say we're witnessing a miracle that's changing football history. Most players don't score that many goals in their entire career!

Faced with this unbeatable Chelsea squad, even Guardiola has given up on the title.

"We can't compete with that," he admitted. "My focus is now on the FA Cup."

With just three days to go until the FA Cup semi-finals, the top four teams are gearing up. Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur, while Manchester City takes on Arsenal—a double North London affair.

Manchester City shouldn't have much trouble against Arsenal. In the past two seasons, they've beaten them four times in a row. As for Tottenham, their fans are cautiously optimistic since the semi-final will be held at their home ground, White Hart Lane.

Tottenham, who have stabilized their fourth-place position in the league, are able to fully focus on the FA Cup. On the other hand, Chelsea just finished their exhausting battle with Atlético Madrid. Although Su Luo performed miracles, his condition might be affected, right?

Besides, White Hart Lane has been a fortress this season. No team, except Chelsea, has won there. Tottenham have only lost once at home all season, and they sit firmly in third place.

In their last encounter at White Hart Lane, Tottenham led 2-0 before Su Luo turned the game around with a stunning hat-trick. Tottenham fans haven't forgotten, and many claim that Chelsea's victory was pure luck, insisting they haven't truly conquered their stadium.

Even Tottenham manager Pochettino acknowledged:

"In the league, we were overturned at home. That just proves Chelsea's strength. We'll have to give everything we've got in the FA Cup if we want even a small chance."

Harry Kane, Tottenham's star striker, was more blunt:

"We're hoping to reach the FA Cup final, but it's a shame we have to face Chelsea in the semi-final. It's going to be really tough."

Kane added with a smile, "Su Luo's five-minute hat-trick still amazes me. He's the best player in the world right now. I just hope he doesn't play as well this time."

"We'll do our best to defend our home turf and make up for the gap in quality with our fighting spirit," he concluded.

Tottenham's other key player, Son Heung-min, expressed his admiration for Su Luo without hesitation.

"Su Luo is the number one star in Asia," Son admitted. "It's hard for anyone else to catch up to him. I'll do my best, but let's be real—there aren't many competitive players in Asia outside of him."

Son's remarks sparked a fierce online debate between fans from Korea and Japan. Many island fans were quick to fire back, questioning Son's claim. "What about Leicester City's Shinji Okazaki or Wolfsburg captain Makoto Hasebe?" some argued.

Regardless of the controversy, Su Luo paid little attention. With the FA Cup semi-final approaching, he needed to refocus.

This season had been exhausting for him, mentally and physically. Fighting on four fronts, Su Luo had led Chelsea through it all. Now, with just a few matches left, they were on the brink of ultimate glory.

On the night of the game, as per his usual routine, Su Luo visited a nightclub before the big match. It was the same familiar place, with the same familiar booth.

Alone on the dance floor, Su Luo moved to the rhythm of the electronic music, searching once again for the elusive illusion link. Every previous attempt had failed, but this time he felt different.

Unexpectedly, the long-lost illusion finally appeared!

"Link-start!"

The sensation was strong. Su Luo closed his eyes briefly and when he reopened them, he found himself standing on the familiar green field. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Inzaghi, Haaland, and other legendary players were still there, playing as if they'd never left. Everything was just as it had always been.

Feeling his condition improve, Su Luo was confident: he would win against Tottenham away!

"Welcome to the semi-finals of the 2016-17 FA Cup!" the announcer's voice boomed.

"Today's match is between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea!"

"First, let's take a look at the lineups for both sides!"

The broadcast rights to the FA Cup were still held by Xinying Sports, and they had invited Su Dong as the commentator.

"For Chelsea, in goal we have the young Courtois," Su Dong began.

"The defense consists of Azpilicueta, David Luiz, and Rudiger."

"In midfield: Willian, Matic, Kante, and Marcos Alonso."

"And up front, Su Luo, Lukaku, and Pedro!"

"Lukaku is back from injury just in time, which is fantastic news for Chelsea," Su Dong added. "Now Su Luo won't have to shoulder the responsibilities of both a striker and midfielder. With Lukaku back, Su Luo can focus more on being a threat. Interestingly, he's starting on the left wing today. Let's see how that works out."

Su Dong took a sip of water before continuing, "Looking at Tottenham, they've also fielded their strongest lineup."

"In goal: Lloris."

"The defense: Trippier, Dier, Alderweireld, and Vertonghen."

"Midfield: Wanyama, Dembele, Eriksen, and Dele Alli."

"And up front, it's the duo of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane."

As the match kicked off, Tottenham immediately took the initiative. Eriksen, Alli, and Dembele controlled the ball well, putting Chelsea under pressure.

"The first shot of the match comes from Son Heung-min!" Su Dong called out.

"Unfortunately, his attempt from outside the box is just wide!"

Tottenham's game plan was working perfectly. They had Su Luo under control by focusing on his positioning. Since Su Luo was playing on the left wing, they blocked his path forward, and with enough time, Tottenham's players formed a tight defensive circle around him.

Trippier, tasked with marking Su Luo, felt confident after several successful defensive plays.

"Su Luo? That's all he's got?" Trippier smirked.

But in the 8th minute, everything changed. Su Luo received a pass from the back and began dribbling slowly toward Trippier. Trippier remained calm, blocking Su Luo's path inside and preventing him from cutting in to shoot with his stronger right foot. He left Su Luo the outside lane, figuring he could catch up even if Su Luo tried something tricky.

Suddenly, Su Luo made his move. With a powerful kick, he sent the ball flying over ten meters ahead and sprinted past Trippier with blistering speed.

"Su Luo!! He's turned on the jets!" Su Dong shouted, excitement in his voice. "His speed is incredible!"

Tottenham's defense was caught off guard as Su Luo stormed into the penalty area. Facing the panicked Lloris, Su Luo coolly slotted the ball into the net with a low shot.

"Goal! Su Luo scores in the 8th minute, giving Chelsea the lead!"

"That acceleration was lightning-fast, even by his own standards!" Su Dong exclaimed. "Su Luo used to be known for his technical skills, but today, he scored purely with speed! Chelsea leads 1-0!"

The goal immediately brought comparisons to Gareth Bale's famous solo run, where he passed the ball to himself and beat the defense. Even current-day Bale would struggle to pull off such an incredible sprint from the outside.

Su Luo's teammates were ecstatic.

"Su, since when were you that fast? Faster than me!" one of them laughed.

"Wow! Have you been secretly training in sprinting?" another joked.

Su Luo smiled, playing along. "Yeah, I've got a friend who's a sprinter. I learned some acceleration techniques from him. Maybe I'll teach you guys one day."

In reality, Su Luo couldn't teach them, even if he tried. This speed came from the long-lost possession mode. Since reconnecting with the Mirage, Su Luo had unlocked a new player—one with five-star skills!

What's more, the duration of the possession mode had doubled! It used to last only 10 minutes, but now Su Luo could stay in the mode for 20 minutes, depending on his physical condition and willpower.

This was fantastic news for Su Luo. With 20 minutes of enhanced play, he could dominate the game and even break his opponents' spirits during that period.

And the newest player he'd unlocked?

It was clear now—Gareth Bale!

Su Luo had added another weapon to his arsenal: the ability to pass the ball to himself within three seconds, just like Bale.

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