Heynckes's shock
Gomez sustained an accidental injury, which led Heynckes to substitute another center, Mandzukic.
Mandzukic was acquired by Bayern for 13 million euros from Wolfsburg this summer.
Compared to Gomez, who possesses superb shooting skills, a keen sense of position in front of the goal, and is adept at seizing opportunities, Mandzukic falls short in all aspects.
However, Mandzukic is known for his strong mental attributes.
He exhibits great diligence on the court and never easily gives up, even in adversity.
After he came on the field, his active presence in the frontcourt and relentless running back and forth put immense pressure on the Werder Bremen players in possession.
Inspired by his performance, Bayern's attacking players intensified their pressure even further.
Consequently, the Werder Bremen players found it increasingly difficult to retain possession, leading to an increase in mistakes.
In the 51st minute, Robben broke through and took a shot at goal, but the ball sailed over the crossbar into the stands.
Two minutes later, Ribery delivered a cross from the left, and Mandzukic managed to redirect the ball despite the defensive interference.
Observing his team besieged by the opponents, Werder Bremen's goalkeeper, Mielitz, attempted to employ time-wasting tactics by taking his time with the goal kick and adjusting the position of the ball on the ground.
His actions triggered protests from the Bayern players, who believed he was intentionally delaying the game.
The referee quickly perceived their concerns and immediately issued a yellow card to Mielitz.
Mielitz refrained from further delay and quickly launched the ball to the frontcourt with a powerful kick.
Since the defensive players is struggling to retain possession, playing the ball forward seemed like the best option, with the aim of gaining distance from their own goal.
With only Arnautovic positioned in the frontcourt for Werder Bremen, he engaged in a physical battle with the opposition defender to secure the ball and passed it back to Lucas.
As Lucas received the ball, he immediately pressed by Kroos.
Bayern had clearly learned from their previous defensive lapse, recognizing the need to prevent Lucas from gaining momentum.
Under Kroos' relentless pursuit, Lucas controlled the ball, executed a stop-and-turn maneuver, and evaded the challenge with ease.
However, Lahm swiftly approached from the flank, while Boateng and Gustavo closed off his forward path.
In a split second, Lucas found himself double-teamed by these four players.
Unable to continue dribbling forward, he quickly changed his dribble route, moving laterally towards the left side of the court.
Several Bayern players hesitated upon seeing his movement towards the wing.
Apart from Lahm, who chose to diligently track him and co-operate with the pursuing kross to defend against him, the defenders Boateng and Gustavo dared not follow suit, being wary of compromising their defensive positions and potentially allowing opponents to use the space behind them.
Lahm, demonstrating impressive speed, caught up with Lucas and aggressively attempted to seize the ball.
Although Lahm's tackle iss unsuccessful and resulted in a slight collision with Lucas, the latter managed to maintain his balance until he reached the sideline.
As Lahm made another attempt to retrieve the ball, Lucas skillfully kicked it to Lahm's feet, causing it to roll out of bounds.
The linesman raised the flag, indicating that possession belonged to Werder Bremen for the throw-in.
Instead of taking the throw-in himself, Lucas signaled his teammates to approach and take over.
De Bruyne understood his intention and jogged over slowly.
While described as jogging, it was more akin to a leisurely walk.
The Bayern players protested to the referee, but this time referee ignored their protest.
De Bruyne reached the sideline, picked up the ball, and surveyed the players ahead of him.
Not finding any particularly favorable options, he decided to pass the ball back to his own backline.
Instantly, Bayern's players charged toward the Werder Bremen players in possession, who quickly passed the ball back to their defenders.
With Bayern's frontcourt players closing in, the defender returned the ball to the goalkeeper stationed in front of the goal.
As the opponents approached him, the goalkeeper controlled the ball and, just as they were about to reach him, launched it forward with a powerful kick.
The Bayern players, who had sprinted all the way, felt an overwhelming sense of frustration, as if they were being toyed with and humiliated.
Their physical stamina had diminished in the second half, and this sprint only intensified their already rapid panting.
Following the goal kick, goalkeeper Mielitz glanced at the Bayern players, seemingly challenging them:
"You like to grab the ball so much, then go ahead and grab it! But it might take you a while since it's a bit far."
In this game, Arnautovic had limited opportunities in the frontcourt. Werder Bremen had little possession, and he found it difficult to receive the ball as the lone forward.
Apart from a few headers, he rarely had the chance to touch the ball, so he didn't break a sweat and remained full of energy.
As the ball flew overhead, Arnautovic leaped high and once again claimed the landing spot.
Observing that his teammate had secured the initial position, Lucas cautiously ran to the left, aware of Arnautovic's tendency to pass the ball in that direction.
As expected, just as Lucas began his run, the ball descended precisely in front of him.
kross, who is marking him, failed to keep up with the sudden acceleration of speed from Lucas, resulting in a considerable distance between them. Despite his effort to chase, kross found himself trailing by at least 2 meters!
Two meters may not seem like much. Against an ordinary player, it might have been possible to catch up in time.
However, when a player has possession of the ball, their speed tends to decrease compared to when they are without it.
Kross desperately pursued, but a realization dawned upon him.
The distance between them didn't seem to be closing much!
The opponent's speed with the ball was nearly equal to his speed without it, hardly any difference!
How is this possible?
Kross is shocked, believing such a feat is beyond his capabilities!
Not only himself, but also those around him,
No one could do it, except for that guy, Barcelona's number ten, Messi!
To accomplish such feats, one needs an extraordinary control of the ball, and Messi happens to possess an unparalleled control of the ball.
But could it be possible that this player's control of the ball is on par with Messi's?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Lucas is now possess attributes similar to Messi's, including his exceptional control of the ball.
Therefore, he effortlessly executes these incredible dribbling moves that leave others astounded.
If one pays close attention, it becomes evident.
Each touch of the ball by Lucas is precise, with consistent force and a distance between the ball and his body that never exceeds one meter, even during high-speed movements.
This alone is sufficient evidence of his prowess, something that anyone with football experience can discern at a glance!
Swish!
Bayern's 68-year-old coach, Heynckes, couldn't remain seated any longer.
He stood up involuntarily, clenching his hands.
In that moment, he realized that he had underestimated the young player on the opposing side.
This young man exceeded his expectations, no one is good as him at his age.
Kross failed to catch up with Lucas.
Now, Lucas once again confronted Bayern's left back, Philip Ram!
(End of the chapter)
Btw Ronaldo Nazario R9 is also a player who runs at similar speed with or without the ball.
Even some said he was faster with the ball.
Truly an alien ( The phenomenon )
Even Mourinho said he was the best player he has ever seen to play the football.