“The first half of the match has ended, Manchester United leads Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 thanks to Gao Nuo’s goal.”
“Today’s match has been very exciting, with both teams having good scoring opportunities in the first half.”
“For Paris, Mbappé’s shot was cleared off the line by Luke Shaw.”
“Aside from Gao Nuo’s goal, Neymar had a free-kick that hit the post for Manchester United.”
“Also, Luke Shaw and Achraf Hakimi clashed just before halftime, but fortunately, both sides showed restraint.”
“The match has paused for now; please, Zhang, analyze the situation of the first half for everyone.”
Zhan Jun summarized the first half of the match in one breath.
Zhang’s analysis that followed was a bit cliché, mostly tactical knowledge.
Spectators uninterested in this got up one after another, lit a cigarette, or sang a song.
Paris Saint-Germain’s locker room.
“Crash~~~”!
A trolley filled with water was kicked into the corner, knocking over the iron rack holding towels.
The sudden noise startled everyone, followed by an irritable voice.
“I can’t believe this is a Champions League semi-final!”
“What kind of rubbish are you playing out there? You’re embarrassing me!”
“What did I say before the match? Didn’t that Chinese kid teach you a lesson?”
“Is this how you execute my tactics? If you don’t want to play, get off the field!”
Seeing Mbappé’s displeased expression, Zidane suppressed his anger and began to set up tactics.
“In the second half, we’ll play 3-4-2-1, push both wings forward, and pay attention to combinations in the half-spaces!”
“Defensively, mark Gao Nuo closely! I’ll emphasize it again: shut down their central area!”
Manchester United’s side didn’t have the heavy atmosphere of Paris Saint-Germain; Erik ten Hag was very satisfied with the first half.
“Well done, just as we planned before the match, we’ve completed half the task.”
“Rest well. In the second half, keep your spirits up. The opponent will definitely strengthen their attack, so we cannot relax.”
“Bruno will drop back to midfield. In the second half, we’ll play 4-3-3 to strengthen midfield control.”
“Gao, we’ll be playing more counter-attacking football in the second half. I need you to run hard, don’t conserve energy; I’ll substitute you later.”
“Remember, lads, not losing away from home means we’ve gained the upper hand.”
.
15 minutes quickly passed, and both teams returned to the field.
In the 52nd minute of the match, Manchester United was on the attack, and Zidane’s midfield setup took effect, with Paris Saint-Germain pressing all over the field.
The sudden intensity caught Manchester United off guard, and the rhythm of their midfield and attack was a beat too slow.
Rice’s pass to Rashford was directly intercepted, and Manuel Ugarte and Achraf Hakimi exchanged passes, allowing Paris Saint-Germain to quickly move through the midfield.
Luke Shaw, still holding a grudge, saw Achraf Hakimi, who had called him “fatty” in the first half, and in a moment of hot-headedness, showed his studs.
“Beep, beep, beep—!”
The Referee’s whistle blew, and he ran over, immediately showing a red card and sending Luke Shaw off.
“Manchester United players are surrounding the Referee, arguing for Luke Shaw. From experience, this red card will be very difficult to overturn. Manchester United has suffered a major blow in the 52nd minute of the second half and will play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.”
“Oh! That challenge was unnecessary. Even if Achraf Hakimi had gotten past, Paris Saint-Germain wouldn’t have had a great opportunity in attack.”
“Exactly. Replays clearly show that Luke Shaw’s studs connected with the opponent’s ankle; the red card is justified.”
“Oh, Achraf Hakimi, right? He’s still lying on the ground. It looks like he might be injured.”
Erik ten Hag’s face on the sidelines was ashen. He had repeatedly emphasized during halftime to just hold steady to complete the task.
With about 40 minutes left in the match, playing with one man down put Manchester United in a passive position, and he was in a difficult spot.
“Who the hell do I take off? Tactically, substituting an attacking midfielder is the most reasonable, but with the opponent’s formation, a double pivot would mean the midfield is overrun. Damn it! What should I do!”
Manchester United’s appeal was unsuccessful. Luke Shaw walked into the player tunnel with a disgruntled expression, and Achraf Hakimi was carried to the sidelines, seemingly unable to continue the match.
Erik ten Hag finally made a decision, waving to Malacia and quickly giving him instructions.
“We see the fourth official on the sideline holding up the substitution board: Malacia replaces Neymar! Erik ten Hag’s choice is somewhat conservative.”
Zhan Jun’s voice was as surprised as Neymar’s expression.
Walking to the sidelines, Neymar’s face was extremely grim, even more so than Luke Shaw, who had been sent off with a red card.
The home fans’ furious jeers made him feel even worse.
Ignoring Erik ten Hag’s outstretched hand, he plopped down on the bench, angrily threw the water bottle handed to him by the assistant coach onto the ground, and covered his head with a towel.
Neymar’s mood was understandable.
Erik ten Hag was somewhat helpless. Leaving Gao Nuo and Rashford upfront gave them an advantage in counter-attacking speed. Ultimately, he still didn’t dare to abandon central defense.
Zhan Jun offered his opinion, “Erik ten Hag’s response is quite rational, but as before, he lacks understanding of the mentality of superstar players, much like Cristiano Ronaldo in the past. This substitution lacks respect, and I hope there are no issues in Manchester United’s locker room.”
The live stream immediately exploded, with Neymar’s fans and Manchester United fans arguing.
“Substituting Neymar at this time, Erik ten Hag (Baldy) is still Erik ten Hag (Baldy), always playing with fire.”
“Did you see Neymar’s expression when he came off? This was a revenge match! Erik ten Hag was a bit inconsiderate.”
“No one is above the team. You fanboys are too extreme. Neymar wasn’t in good form, so what if he was substituted?”
“Not in good form? He had free-kicks and dribbles, and you’re telling me he’s not in form? Look at what Rashford did?”
“Argue all you want, but don’t drag others into it. Rashford has an advantage over Neymar in counter-attacks.”
“If I were Erik ten Hag (Baldy), I’d just substitute all the forwards, park the bus, and be done with it, instead of getting into all this trouble.”
“He’s useless. Erik ten Hag (Baldy), leave Manchester United soon!”
In the 58th minute of the match, Paris Saint-Germain continued to execute their tactic of attacking the half-spaces.
Soler replaced Achraf Hakimi as the right wing-back.
Gonçalves, Manuel Ugarte, and Soler combined on the right flank.
Malacia, who had just come on, hadn’t found his rhythm yet and was easily beaten, allowing Paris Saint-Germain to penetrate to the byline.
Soler drew Pau Torres to the wing and played a cut-back pass to the center.
Gonçalves deliberately let the ball run past him, then ran towards the goal, and Mbappé behind him unleashed a powerful shot!
The shot from the edge of the box was angled precisely, and Nübel’s view was obstructed by Gonçalves, so he couldn’t react at all.
“Roar!!!”
Mbappé, having equalized, finally smiled and roared with the fans.
Erik ten Hag and his assistant coaches discussed back and forth over the tactics board.
With a grimace, he waved over Süle, substituting Gao Nuo.
“Manchester United, having conceded the equalizer, makes a change, bringing on a defender and taking off a forward. It seems Erik ten Hag has decided to defend the score and settle for a draw.”
Zhan Jun’s commentary lost its passion, just like the dull match that followed.
For over 30 minutes, Paris Saint-Germain besieged Manchester United’s penalty area.
Crosses from the byline, central penetrations, runs into the half-spaces.
Headers, kicks, set pieces.
It wasn’t until the end of the match that Manchester United fans breathed a sigh of relief.
Paris, having showcased all their skills, failed to break down Manchester United’s parked bus.
In the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, 10-man Manchester United drew with their opponent.
