The fans were still buzzing with excitement.
Was the first half of this match over already? The referee's whistle was so sudden!
The PSG fans quickly began to cheer wildly. Even though it was only a draw, they were filled with joy.
Upon closer reflection, it wasn't entirely unreasonable.
Their opponents were a fully-fledged Arsenal. Even if they were as legendary as the outside world claimed, weren't they still thoroughly dominated in the first half of their last encounter?
It was just average, really.
Mbappé's expression was full of frustration. He was clearly not satisfied with the draw, and compared to their previous match, things hadn't improved; in fact, they were worse.
In the last game, they had at least held a lead in the first half, only to be ruthlessly overturned in the second.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness, but this lack of confidence was something he kept to himself.
For the PSG players, seeing the fans celebrating on the sidelines offered no boost. Instead, it brought a sense of resignation.
From a player's perspective, what was there to celebrate about such a scoreline?
To be so happy with just a draw was essentially broadcasting to the world that their opponent was stronger.
As a PSG player, this was absolutely unacceptable!
Soon, both teams returned to their respective locker rooms, and Cao Baiming began busy calculating points.
The points earned in the first half were pitifully few, but that was not an issue at all, as he hadn't even exerted himself yet.
He hadn't even used the three enhancement potions. If there was a reason, it was that they weren't absolutely necessary yet. No team had proven to be that strong!
If he could avoid using them, it would be best to save these potions for the World Cup, Cao Baiming thought.
Soon, the break was almost over. Before the second half began, commentators on various platforms made their predictions for the match's progression.
The fans were also not idle. Since they weren't busy playing on the field, fatigue wasn't a factor, and there was no need for rest.
During the halftime break, they also made bold predictions for the upcoming match.
In their last encounter, it was Cao Baiming who suddenly exploded in the second half, scoring six goals to win. Would the script be the same this time?
If so, PSG would likely lose even more miserably than last time!
After all, last time they at least had a point deficit to start the second half with. This time, it was a complete reset!
A draw was indeed a scoreline filled with possibilities!
In the PSG locker room, an impassioned pre-match pep talk ensued, after which the players lined up and exited the room.
The two teams walked side-by-side down the narrow corridor of the players' tunnel, neither team turning to look at their opponent. Yet, a strong aura of fierce determination permeated the corridor.
Even the staff passing by felt an intense pressure.
The PSG players entered the field with a unified surge of spirit!
Arsenal, however, had already composed themselves, not taking their opponents seriously at all.
As Cao Baiming walked towards the field, he waved to the fans on the sidelines, contemplating what to do that evening.
Perhaps it was this confidence, from an unknown source, that led to the entire team adopting such a mindset.
The match continued, and the commentators resumed their work, describing the situation on the field.
On the field, the players quickly entered a state of heated competition, engaging in a direct battle of wits and skills. 138 Reading Network
Simultaneously, the players from Tangguo (China) had assembled ahead of schedule that day.
Despite the Tangguo players staying up to watch today's match, they went to bed early in preparation for a more formal practice match the following day.
Today marked the day when the Tangguo players selected for the World Cup, along with potential backup players, officially joined the team for training.
The timing was neither too early nor too late.
Since most Tangguo players did not play overseas and were primarily selected from the Chinese Super League, they could assemble early.
However, in the absence of Cao Baiming, the training was limited to developing basic chemistry and warming up fundamental skills.
After all, Cao Baiming was the undisputed tactical core of this reserve team; his position was unshakeable.
Anyone else in the team could be replaced, but Cao Baiming could not. Without their core, the team's tactics could not be implemented at all.
Wu Lei, playing in La Liga, also found it difficult to return to the team in a short period, and his return might even be later than Cao Baiming's.
His performance was comparatively inferior, but he still deserved to be a source of pride for all Tangguo people.
The current tactical system, which relied entirely on naturalized players, had been highly controversial before. However, it had now successfully advanced, and this was the true test for it!
The Champions League matches continued, with the scoreline remaining a draw.
Both Messi and Henry were discreetly conserving their energy for the World Cup. Neither wanted to risk injury by forcing breakthroughs. Consequently, these two absolute dribbling kings of the five major leagues had single-digit dribble counts in this match.
While this might be a decent statistic for an average player, it was clearly not applicable to them.
Cao Baiming took on the role of an observer on the field.
There was no need to worry about winning the match; it just didn't require much effort.
Even though Cao Baiming had gradually eased his defensive pressure, Mbappé had barely touched the ball, a torment for any striker!
He finally couldn't stand it and came to midfield himself to demand the ball!
However, by then, the match time had reached the eightieth minute.
The fans were also puzzled. A match that could have produced ten goals previously was now stuck in a stalemate.
However, Cao Baiming soon responded to the fans' expectations with a goal.
If they were to win, they needed to score. Cao Baiming seized the opportunity, received a pass from Messi, and broke through Verratti's slide tackle before shooting.
The score was changed!
It was that effortless!
After scoring, Cao Baiming's expression remained calm and collected.
It was as if the goal had been scored without any effort, and there was nothing worth celebrating.
He had realized that there was no need for flashy celebration moves.
The fans were increasingly captivated by this calm and elegant turn.
Soon, the clock ticked down to the final two minutes.
Mbappé grew increasingly anxious.