The whistle for the second half of the match sounded, and Lucescu walked towards the field with firm steps. His eyes gleamed with an unyielding spirit, as if he wanted to unleash all the fighting spirit and experience he had accumulated over the years.
He proactively sought out Lin Feng, and their figures once again intertwined on the field. Lucescu knew that his physical abilities were no longer as outstanding as they were in his youth, but he still wanted to compete with Lin Feng. This was not only for Ankaraspor's honor but also to prove his own worth.
With every confrontation, Lucescu seemed to be battling his youthful memories. He was no longer the lightning-fast young forward who could easily break through an entire defense, but he still engaged in one contest after another with Lin Feng, fueled by his love and dedication to football.
During a scramble, Lucescu stuck close to Lin Feng, and both rushed towards the ball. Lucescu, relying on his rich experience, cleverly feigned with his shoulder, attempting to shake Lin Feng off. However, Lin Feng was like a solid rock, firmly holding his position.
Just as they were about to touch the ball at a crucial moment, Lucescu suddenly felt a surge of powerlessness. His leg muscles seemed to have been drained of all strength, unable to support his rapid movements. He tried hard to adjust his steps, but his body involuntarily tilted forward.
With a 'bang', Lucescu fell heavily onto the grass. A sharp pain shot through his knee, making him wince. He struggled to stand up, but his body felt as heavy as if it were filled with lead.
Just then, Lin Feng quickly moved forward, controlling the ball at his feet. He glanced at Lucescu, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew that this veteran had given his all, but the game was cruel, and only the winner could stand tall in the end.
Lucescu lay on the grass, panting heavily. He felt that his physical strength had reached its limit, but he still didn't want to give up. He struggled to support his body, wanting to stand up again. His eyes revealed a hint of tragedy, as if he was engaged in a silent battle with time and fate.
Seeing Lucescu fall painfully to the ground, Ankaraspor's team doctors quickly rushed onto the field at the Head Coach's signal. They gathered around Lucescu, conducting preliminary examinations with tension and order. The team doctors gently pressed Lucescu's knee joint, asking about his sensations, their expressions serious and focused.
After a simple examination, the team doctors told Lucescu that his knee ligament might have a sprain and advised him to leave the field immediately for treatment. The team doctors prepared to report this situation to the Head Coach and substitute Lucescu. However, Lucescu firmly waved his hand, rejecting their advice.
He stood up with difficulty, supported by the team doctor, his eyes revealing determination and reluctance. He deeply hoped to continue playing, as this might be his farewell performance in the Europa League. He tried to walk a few steps, attempting to prove that his physical condition could still support the match, but he found that his knee joint simply couldn't bear his weight.
At that moment, Lucescu's emotions finally broke down. He stood on the field, tears streaming down his face. Years of professional career, countless glories and hardships, intertwined into a series of images that flashed through his mind. He was reluctant to leave this field, reluctant to leave his teammates who had fought alongside him, and even more reluctant to leave the fans who had always supported him.
Ankaraspor fans in the stands saw this scene, and they all stood up, applauding the veteran. Soon, fans from the entire Estadio de la Cerámica also joined in, giving Lucescu the warmest applause. At this moment, fans from both sides stood together, regardless of victory or defeat, regardless of opponent, simply out of respect and reverence for a veteran at the end of his professional career.
Lin Feng quickly crossed the field, a hint of concern in his eyes. He walked to Lucescu's side and extended his strong arm, steadily helping the veteran up. Lucescu looked up at Lin Feng's young Asian face, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
"I'm old after all," Lucescu said with a helpless, bitter smile, his voice revealing a hint of world-weariness. His eyes flickered with reluctance and emotion, as if he saw a reflection of his younger self.
Lin Feng didn't speak, just silently helped Lucescu walk towards the sideline. He knew that at this moment, any words would seem pale and powerless; only companionship and understanding could convey inner care and respect.
As they reached the sideline, Lucescu gently patted Lin Feng's shoulder and said earnestly, "Keep going, play well. Play a wonderful game and let the fans see your strength. You will eventually understand how precious every game opportunity is."
After Lucescu, the Ankaraspor veteran, sadly left the field, the entire team seemed to lose a part of its soul. Although they still fought with all their might, trying to equalize away from home, their offensive organization appeared chaotic and disorganized. Villarreal's defense was like an impenetrable wall, neutralizing Ankaraspor's attacks time and again.
The second half of the match gradually entered a heated stage, with players from both sides going back and forth, vying for every ball. In the 56th minute, Villarreal got an excellent attacking opportunity. They executed a series of exquisite passes at the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball inside. Although Ankaraspor's defenders tried their best to intercept, the ball still bounced around in the crowd.
Just then, Villarreal's rising star Rodri suddenly burst into the penalty area. Relying on his keen sense and excellent reaction speed, he found the ball in the chaotic crowd. He unhesitatingly extended his foot and poked the ball towards the goal. The ball arced gracefully through the air, then slammed into the top corner of the net.
Although the goalkeeper tried his best to save, the ball's speed was too fast and the angle too sharp; he could only watch helplessly as the ball flew into the net. The entire stadium immediately erupted, Villarreal fans cheered wildly, celebrating Rodri's debut goal in his professional career.
Ankaraspor's players, on the other hand, looked at each other, their faces showing helplessness and disappointment.
With a 2:0 score, Villarreal maintained their winning streak, securing a 2:0 home victory over Ankaraspor, giving Villarreal the upper hand in qualifying from the Europa League group stage.