But this was also one of Ancelotti's trump cards, so it shouldn't be too bad!
As soon as Hazard came on, Cao Baming's eyes were fixed on him. Although he was no longer involved in defense, he still watched out of curiosity.
Just after the match started, Real Madrid gained possession. After two transfers, the ball indeed reached Hazard's feet. With others, the ball was usually passed immediately along the optimal route, but it was different when Hazard received it.
He stopped the ball at his feet, looked ahead, and his gaze swept across the front. However, he wasn't looking for a passing route, but for a breakthrough route.
He knew what his mission on the field was: to dribble past opponents!
Even if he couldn't dribble past them, he had to attract enough defensive attention to create opportunities for his teammates, and he indeed achieved that.
With his astonishing burst of speed, he barely needed any elaborate feints. A slight change of direction and acceleration was enough to leave Vieira yards behind him.
And that wasn't all. Hazard continued to dribble forward, even making a dummy pass before cutting inside himself.
This forced Gabriel, outside the penalty area, to resort to a foul to stop him. One more step and he would have entered the penalty box.
He had only just come on and had already earned a free-kick!
Cao Baming smiled faintly, realizing that Hazard did have some skill. Perhaps not as good as his peak self, but he was indeed still a formidable opponent.
However, the next second, seeing Carlos slowly walk towards the penalty spot, Cao Baming realized the seriousness of the problem!
This was... a little over thirty meters from the goal. Was this ball for Carlos to take?
The goalkeeper wasn't wearing a bulletproof vest today; that was only for training!
Cao Baming's heart truly clenched. At this moment, sweat was already beading on Ramsdale's forehead.
Carlos stood behind the ball, his expression calm and composed.
This man not only possessed powerful long-range shooting ability but also excellent accuracy.
Now that Zidane was not present, the free-kick would naturally fall to him. Everyone was curious whether Carlos would use his signature powerful free-kick.
Under the goalkeeper's arrangement, the wall slowly formed.
Cao Baming still chose a crucial position. He might not have been the tallest, but he jumped the highest, and more importantly, he was the bravest.
The fans held their breath, filled with anticipation.
The next second, with a thunderous roar, the football shot towards the goal. It was indeed a cannonball!
The ball hit the back of the net, clean and decisive!
Neither the wall nor the goalkeeper touched the ball, avoiding any unnecessary trouble.
Real Madrid narrowed the deficit by one goal with this strike!
Instantly, the morale of the Real Madrid players surged. Ancelotti, on the sidelines, secretly rejoiced, seeing that his substitution choice was the right one.
Not just this free-kick, but also his previous performance and the current situation on the field.
It was very clear that after the substitutions at the start of the second half, Real Madrid's attacking threat had increased.
The defense might not have changed much, but that didn't mean Ancelotti didn't have backup plans.
Let these three geniuses play for a while. Losing another goal is acceptable!
As an experienced head coach, Ancelotti had already planned everything.
After a few minutes of play, Arsenal gradually found themselves at a disadvantage. With the momentum of Real Madrid rising, their attacks became more confident, frequent, and daring.
On the contrary, the front three players started to struggle to get possession. Cao Baming had to retreat again behind Messi to personally win back the ball, essentially returning to his old role.
It seemed it wouldn't work. He was needed both in attack and defense!
Cao Baming sighed helplessly, deciding to continue being his team's free man all over the pitch!
But then, on the wing, Modric suddenly launched a sharp attack, a through ball tearing through the defense and heading forward!
His teammate flicked the ball to Hazard on the wing.
Facing double coverage, he appeared very confident. A feint, followed by a rapid acceleration, and both defenders were left behind, seemingly with ease!
Even a third defender wouldn't be able to stop him!
After successfully reaching the byline, Hazard didn't cut inside but sent a deadly cross. Rodrygo, making the run, slotted the ball into an empty net!
This goal stunned everyone. The spectators involuntarily covered their heads and mouths.
Was this Hazard? This was Hazard, the "King of Dribbles"!
Had the peak Hazard returned?!
In an instant, the Real Madrid fans erupted in cheers. A new hero for the Bernabeu might be emerging, and that was Hazard!
At this moment, even Cao Baming felt sincere admiration.
This was truly unexpected. He had absolutely not anticipated that Real Madrid still had Hazard as a hidden ace all along. It turned out they were just saving him for a big move!
Ancelotti was still himself, always hiding his best cards until the very last moment.
Now, the score was tied! Two to two!
Although Hazard hadn't scored himself, his impact since the start of the second half was evident. Moreover, he was instrumental in both goals, either by earning the first free-kick or creating the chance for the second cross through his individual skill.
Now, the trouble might be escalating.
Real Madrid had come back from two goals down in just five minutes. The pressure was now on Arsenal!
Real Madrid's head coach, Ancelotti, maintained a calm and composed demeanor, as if this was all within his expectations.
Although his expression didn't betray him, Cao Baming knew, by looking at him, that he was probably inwardly gloating and perhaps mocking Arteta's tactics.
Cao Baming wouldn't let that guy continue to be smug, especially since he was mocking Cao Baming's own tactics.
You can change your tactics based on the opponent's, did you think I couldn't?
Cao Baming's eyes flickered. As the goal celebrations ended, he slowly walked back onto the field.
The next goal would undoubtedly belong to Arsenal; there was no doubt about it.
Arsenal restarted the game. Since they were the ones who conceded, everyone stood around the center circle to restart. The ball was still at their feet; they needed to control it first before thinking about anything else.