"Goal!!"
"GOOOOOOOOAL!!!"
"A brace! A one-on-one goal from Cao Baming, no, it was a one-on-one he broke through himself!"
As expected, if Cao Baming was the one receiving the ball, there was no way he'd waste such a golden opportunity!
Even though this long pass was from a considerable distance, at a very awkward angle, and with a slight spin, Cao Baming skillfully used a back-heel trap to deftly evade the defender beside him, completely leaving him behind. At the same time, the ball also came to a stop! 138Reading Network
"Cao Baming actually trapped the ball? Doesn't this guy never trap the ball?"
The score was now 3:0!
The ball, following the instep of Cao Baming's foot, drilled into the far corner of the goal on a bizarre trajectory. The goalkeeper hadn't even figured out what was happening before the ball had already gone in.
Cao Baming wore a very satisfied smile.
Just now, as he was shooting, the number displayed on that white line flickered between 99 and 100.
This was clearly over the top; he didn't need such a high number to score a goal!
In future shots, he might not even need to dribble past anyone once he entered the penalty box!
This was too damn strong!!
At this very moment, the entire stadium erupted in a sudden cheer.
The goal celebration had ended. What was the reason for this sudden roar?
Looking towards the edge of the pitch, near Manchester United's substitute bench, several players had begun warming up. Among them, a familiar face was none other than Cristiano Ronaldo!
Shocking the world, this was the reason!
Ten Hag's face remained stern. He couldn't think of any other tactics at this point, so he decided to send Ronaldo on to try his luck, perhaps to achieve a miracle.
Beside Ronaldo, Militao was also warming up. It seemed Manchester United intended to make a major adjustment at this point in the game!
Although the score was 3:0, it was far from time to give up!
Soon, the ball went out of bounds during a struggle on the flank. Cristiano Ronaldo and Militao seized this opportunity to come on as substitutes!
The fans once again let out a thunderous roar. Even though he hadn't scored yet, his mere appearance was enough to earn such enthusiastic applause. This was the mark of a star player!
Despite his age, the series of records Cristiano Ronaldo had set in his career were unprecedented and unlikely to be matched by anyone in the future. This was undeniable.
Even more terrifying was Ronaldo's formidable physique, which could support him playing well into his 40s. The outside criticism was simply unfounded.
With a determined gaze, Cristiano Ronaldo jogged towards the center of the pitch, heading to the forward position, his most familiar role.
Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo on the field, the broadcaster cheekily cut the camera to Arsenal's substitute bench, to Lionel Messi's seat.
All the fans were expectant, anticipating Messi's debut for Arsenal. Could their wishes be fulfilled today? Seeing both Messi's debut and him competing against Cristiano Ronaldo on the same field?
If that were the case, then this match ticket would truly be the most worthwhile purchase of their lives!
The clock had reached the 65th minute, with only 25 minutes left until the end of the match. With Cristiano Ronaldo's entrance, Manchester United's overall tactical approach had undergone some changes. Cao Baming, with his top-tier awareness and God's-eye view, quickly took in all these changes.
It was merely a futile struggle!
It was far too early to use the supreme treasure at this moment.
However, as the match continued, an unexpected situation, unforeseen by everyone, occurred!
In the 69th minute, Manchester United players displayed their best attack of the second half. Bruno initiated from the center, and then Rashford carried the ball to the flank, attempting to advance.
In a pure test of speed, Neville failed to succeed this time, and the ball fell to Cristiano Ronaldo's feet!
Even the commentators marveled at this exquisite pass!
All eyes in the stadium turned to Cristiano Ronaldo. At this moment, he stood at the edge of the penalty area. What would he choose?
Cao Baming, positioned in the frontcourt, had not anticipated this layoff at all. Seeing his teammates falling back to cover his position, he abandoned his run.
A quick calculation told him it was too late.
The ball flew through the air towards Cristiano Ronaldo. After receiving it, a familiar scene unfolded once more!
A chest trap, followed by a volley shot with the ball at his feet!
The ball shot out like a bullet!
"Great goal! A volley shot!!!"
"The man! He's stepped up! Saving Manchester United at a critical moment!"
Although it was just a goal to narrow the deficit, this goal was incredibly crucial for all the Manchester United players at this moment!
This was evident from the expressions on the faces of all the Manchester United players on the pitch and their excited physical movements.
Cao Baming, in the opponent's half, could only shake his head helplessly.
There was really nothing he could do to resolve this situation!
Arteta's face showed helplessness, but he wasn't overly disheartened. After all, the opponent had only managed to score one goal so far, and with only ten-plus minutes left, a comeback seemed unlikely!
Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo's goal, an unstoppable shot from outside the box, even Messi on the sidelines applauded.
Indeed, this goal perfectly showcased a player's technical skill. While stamina and speed might decline with age, skill could only improve, never diminish!
With this, Manchester United's fans were re-energized, instantly shifting from a gloomy mood to fervent excitement!
Back to the match, Manchester United's overall performance showed some improvement.
Seeing this brilliant shot, Messi, on the bench, was eager to get on, but he knew the head coach wouldn't give him a chance, as he had only participated in two or three training sessions so far.
At this moment, Messi's deep gaze was fixed on the pitch, like a god. The light flickering in his eyes seemed to pierce through the entire field.
Many things that ordinary people couldn't see, only he could perceive.
Just then, a voice called out from the side.
"Messi, go warm up!"
Head coach Arteta shouted, looking at Messi with undisguised anticipation in his eyes.
Messi could hardly believe it for a moment. After confirming, he slowly stood up.
The battle was still fierce, and the fans, engrossed in the game, hadn't even noticed the situation on the sidelines. Only a few seconds later, another wave of frantic cheers echoed through the stadium!
Cao Baming frowned slightly, scanning the surroundings, and soon his gaze locked onto a short figure at the edge of the pitch.
"Holy cow! Arteta wouldn't, would he!!!"