The roar of the crowd in the stadium was deafening, a thunderous wave of sound, yet it was almost entirely comprised of Arsenal fans.
The Bayern Munich players, no longer easily affected by such an atmosphere, slowly emerged from the locker room and made their way toward the pitch. As they passed through the tunnel, the Arsenal players were also exiting theirs.
Cao Baiming, as the team captain, led the way, while the most senior figure from Bayern Munich, Neuer, was at the front of their contingent.
From Neuer's eyes, Cao Baiming could discern something significant.
It was hard to say what experiences had instilled such confidence in them, or where they had found it. It was almost amusing.
Amusing, because they had no hope of winning, and the second half would not improve their situation. Where did such confidence stem from without hope?
The very idea of having hope was even more laughable, a notion so naive, childish, and utterly foolish.
Cao Baiming felt the air beneath his feet, as if the entire surrounding environment was subservient to him: the air, the dust on the ground, even the light itself!
Once this task was complete, he would upgrade his innate talent once more, and they would have to face the consequences.
Soon, the players stepped onto the pitch, the referee blew his whistle, and the second half of the contest began!
As the second half commenced, all of Arsenal believed their opponents' morale had shattered. Cao Baiming, meanwhile, was focused on achieving a "five-goal haul" in a Champions League knockout tie. He had already scored four goals in the first half, each one breathtaking.
He was not just Arsenal's defender; he was a free agent on the pitch and the team's leading scorer. His attributes in speed, shooting, defense, and physicality were all world-class, striking fear into the hearts of the Bayern Munich players.
However, in the fourth minute, Bayern Munich orchestrated a brilliant play and scored a goal, astonishing everyone. The fans who had persevered and not left erupted in cheers, their hopes reignited.
It turned out that during halftime, Bayern Munich's head coach, Robert Lewandowski, had made bold adjustments. He had substituted two underperforming center-backs and a midfielder, and altered the tactical system.
He moved captain Thomas Müller from a forward position back to midfield to organize attacks and instructed the wingers to deliver quick crosses to the tall, strong forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and the newly introduced young talent, Bernard.
This goal originated from Müller, who received a pass from a defender near the halfway line, quickly turned, and switched the play to Serge Gnabry sprinting down the right flank. Gnabry, using his speed to shake off Arsenal's left winger, Saka, whipped in a cross to the penalty area. It was Bernard who leaped between Cao Baiming and Koulibaly to head the ball goalward.
He directed a powerful header towards the top right corner. The ball bypassed the outrushing Arsenal goalkeeper, Leno, struck the post, and ricocheted into the net.
"This is Bayern Munich! This is our never-give-up spirit! We still have a chance! We still have time!" the commentator exclaimed with emotion. "Look at Bernard! Look at Müller! Look at Gnabry! They are all proving to us: Bayern Munich never surrenders!"
As the Bayern Munich players celebrated their goal, they also encouraged each other. They knew the significance of this goal; it not only narrowed the scoreline but also boosted their confidence and motivation.
They still had 45 minutes to equalize, or even take the lead. As long as they didn't give up, anything was possible.
The Arsenal players, on the other hand, looked stunned and uneasy. They had believed victory was already within their grasp, only for their opponents to breach their defense so early in the second half.
They felt the momentum shifting towards the opposition, while they themselves began to falter and feel nervous. They started to worry if they could hold onto their lead, if they could withstand the opponent's ferocious onslaught.
Cao Baiming calmly observed the unfolding situation on the pitch. This goal did not disrupt his rhythm, nor did the opponent's changes faze him. He knew precisely what he and his teammates needed to do: continue attacking!
He believed that defense was not Arsenal's strongest suit. If they were to solely defend their own half and let the clock run down, they risked allowing the opponent to gain more momentum, ultimately losing the match.
Conversely, by maintaining an aggressive, proactive stance and threatening the opponent's goal, they could instill pressure and fear in them, and create more opportunities to extend their lead.
Thus, shortly after the restart, Cao Baiming launched one attack after another. This time, he was not alone; alongside him were two legendary teammates – Messi and Henry!
The trio's understanding was seamless, and their exquisite and varied skills left the opposing defenders and goalkeeper helpless.
In the tenth minute, Arsenal launched a rapid counter-attack. Messi, dribbling down the right flank, drew the attention of three Bayern defenders.
With a sudden change of direction, he slid a pass across to Henry in the center. Henry, without controlling the ball, flicked it with his heel to Cao Baiming, who had made a run down the left flank.
Upon receiving the ball, Cao Baiming immediately accelerated into the penalty area. Facing two Bayern center-backs, he showed no fear or hesitation. With his exceptional dribbling skills and agile body, he effortlessly evaded their challenges.
He knew in his heart that this was an excellent opportunity, a decisive moment. He had already showcased his unparalleled shooting ability and willpower in his previous four goals, but he craved more. He wanted to achieve a five-goal haul, to utterly crush Bayern, and to ensure his name was remembered by the world.
Cao Baiming struck a curling shot towards the far post from the left side of the penalty area! It was an incredibly threatening and difficult shot! Bayern's goalkeeper, Neuer, dived to save it but could not reach the ball! The ball flew into the net in a perfect, elegant arc! This was his fifth goal of the day!
At this moment, the entire Camp Nou stadium erupted! Countless Arsenal fans cheered, disbelieving their eyes. Their captain had just achieved a five-goal haul in a Champions League knockout tie! What a rare and magnificent feat!
Cao Baiming, overcome with emotion, ran towards the corner flag to celebrate, pointing his hands to the sky in gratitude for divine blessing. He knew this was the most glorious moment of his career, the ultimate reward for his hard work and perseverance. He had not only broken his personal record for goals in a Champions League match but had also become the second player, after Messi, to achieve a five-goal haul in a Champions League knockout tie.