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"Ancelotti's strategy was completely disrupted by the two goals in the first half."
"Even after adjustments during half-time, they still had no solutions."
"Toni Kroos's substitution, on the contrary, made Real Madrid's offence even more chaotic."
The 80-million-euro man, James Rodríguez, who came on as a substitute in midfield, no longer had his aura.
His magical performance at the World Cup seemed to have been left behind in Brazil.
Today, James was caught in Bayer Leverkusen's tight defence, barely finding any screen time.
"Gareth Bale… passes to James, a bit hesitant… turns and passes back to Modrić to reorganise."
"The ball goes to Bale again, Bale tries to outrun on the outside? No, he stops to observe, then passes back to Carvajal."
"Carvajal… crosses to Khedira, then to the left wing."
"After much passing around, the ball comes back to Cristiano Ronaldo's feet… he tries a shot himself…"
When Cristiano Ronaldo took that shot, even Real Madrid's own fans sighed.
"Whoosh—"
Watching Cristiano Ronaldo's sky-high shot, Lance, who was nearby to help defend, couldn't resist whistling.
"What do you mean?"
Cristiano Ronaldo glared angrily, staring fiercely at Lance.
This kid had been intentionally and unintentionally mocking him since the start of the match.
In places where the camera couldn't catch, Lance always liked to use "trash talk" to interfere with opponents.
Lance committed no fouls, nor did he violate sportsmanship.
But he would occasionally deliver a stinging taunt, which always annoyed Real Madrid players.
Not just Cristiano Ronaldo—even the good-tempered Modrić harboured a deep dislike for this yellow-skinned Asian kid.
"What, you want to fight?"
Lance had dealt with tall, strong white school bullies since he was young, so he wasn't afraid of a fight at all.
Besides, if there was a conflict, Cristiano Ronaldo would be the one to initiate it.
"Damn it!"
Cristiano Ronaldo clenched his fist, then released it.
He still maintained his composure, knowing that with the team two goals down, it was not appropriate to waste any time.
The Asian kid was deliberately provoking him; any card for Real Madrid would be a guaranteed win for Bayer Leverkusen.
The proud Cristiano Ronaldo still held back, but a hurried long-range shot that followed betrayed his inner frustration.
"Cristiano Ronaldo—another shot into the stands!!"
"He's wasted quite a few chances today."
Real Madrid was clearly building up a good attacking opportunity.
Modrić was orchestrating left and right, pulling the defence apart, precisely to create a golden chance.
Cristiano Ronaldo was drawing the firepower; if he could pass, Bale, in conjunction with Benzema, would have a chance to shoot.
James Rodríguez was also lurking outside the box, and Modrić himself had a long-range shot.
Real Madrid had multiple attacking options to utilise, but this attack was terminated by Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range shot.
Modrić's planning went to waste.
"Damn it!"
Modrić instinctively looked at Lance.
This Asian kid was both killing and demoralising them, scoring two goals and psychologically dismantling Real Madrid's offence.
If he had a choice, Modrić really didn't want to face someone like this.
The commentator also uttered that classic line at this moment.
"Time is running out for Real Madrid."
Bayer Leverkusen, united in their efforts, defended tenaciously.
With high morale, Kimmich and Harry Maguire displayed peak career performance.
Van Dijk's return from injury also significantly stabilised Bayer Leverkusen's defence.
Additionally, Rolfes and Lars Bender were both top-tier Bundesliga defensive midfielders.
Their own backline was impregnable!
Lance had more energy to use for offence and creating opportunities.
As time approached the 80th minute, an opportunity arose!
Real Madrid's centre-back Pepe received a crucial yellow card for a malicious foul on Lance, and, enraged, he seemed to want to confront Lance.
Ancelotti quickly used his last two substitutions, replacing Pepe and Marcelo with the returning Varane and the defensively solid Coentrão.
Lance keenly seized this moment!
Varane had been absent for many matches and might not yet be adapted to the pace of the game.
Furthermore, he and Coentrão had just started playing together, and the crucial space in the channel between the centre-back and full-back might be a good breakthrough point!
Adding to that, Real Madrid's overall formation was pushing higher and higher.
Eager to score, they probably wouldn't pay much attention to protecting their backline.
"Kevin?"
"Understood!!"
Lance didn't need much communication with De Bruyne; a single look was enough to convey the message!
"Real Madrid is still pressing in the attacking third. The key objective now is to score an away goal; even one goal would make the second leg at the Bernabéu much easier."
"Ronaldo!! Breaking through on the left, get past him, get past him!!"
On Spanish national television, the Spanish commentator's teeth were chattering nervously.
He kept repeating Cristiano Ronaldo's name.
"Ronaldooooooo—"
As Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range shot seemed destined for the net, the commentator was almost shouting himself hoarse.
But in front of the goal, Harry Maguire was incredibly reliable, diving to block the low shot!
Khedira and Modrić both pressed forward, trying to contest the clearance.
"Now is the time!!"
Lance looked at De Bruyne and immediately surged forward.
Firmino and Son Heung-min also showed great understanding, both following Lance's run.
Real Madrid's attention was entirely on the ball; for now, no one noticed the trio's early acceleration.
Until Rolfes headed the ball to De Bruyne, De Bruyne delivered a stunning diagonal pass that shocked the world!
He didn't aim for the wing, but directly for the most adventurous, most lethal space in the channel!
Coentrão and Varane indeed didn't react in time!
Coentrão was closing down De Bruyne, Varane was pulled out of position by Firmino's run, on the other side, Ramos was marking Son Heung-min.
The moment Lance surged from deep to receive the ball, Real Madrid fans' hearts almost stopped.
"Lance—what a chance!! Bayer Leverkusen on the counter!"
Varane came charging in diagonally with a desperate tackle.
Under the effect of Monster Dribbling, Lance's danger perception kicked in, and he performed a "rainbow flick" over his head, jumping to evade Varane's sliding tackle!
He landed and accelerated with a powerful burst!
"One-on-one!! Lance—"
Facing a Champions League knockout match, against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid, Lance actually dared to perform a rainbow flick and showboat?
Fans worldwide couldn't believe that someone had such a big heart!
Casillas rushed out of his goal, trying to intercept at the edge of the box.
Even if he brought him down for a penalty, it would be better than a one-on-one situation.
However, during Lance's accelerating dribble, his control of the ball was always perfect; he changed direction with the outside of his foot, smoothly bypassing Casillas's defensive area!
Seeing this scene, Bayer Leverkusen's coaching staff had already started raising their hands in celebration.
Ancelotti felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Real Madrid fans and Bayer Leverkusen fans had completely different mindsets; human joys and sorrows were not shared at this moment!
"Goooooooal!!!"
"3-0!!"
As Lance's powerful shot blasted through the empty net, the one-on-one chance was successfully converted!
German commentator Scholl roared powerfully!
As if to vent all the humiliation from last season against Real Madrid and La Liga!
"Hat-trick!! Lance's three goals crushed Real Madrid, winning this Bundesliga defence battle!!"
"He is the guardian of the BayArena!"
Real Madrid?
Taken down!