Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

The second round of the League Cup between Manchester City and Crystal Palace is in full swing. Although Manchester City's starting lineup has been adjusted, the players' performance is unexpectedly outstanding.

Before the first half of the game was over, Manchester City was already leading Crystal Palace 3:0.

On the bench, Li Lei, captain Kompany and veteran Silva sat together, all with relaxed smiles on their faces.

They were very happy to see their teammates on the court perform well.

"Look how well our boys played," Kompany said with a smile.

"Kolarov is very stable on the defensive end, and Iheanacho's speed also caused a lot of trouble for the opponent's defenders."

Li Lei nodded and echoed: "Yes, Delph's performance in the midfield is also very good. His passing and vision have created many opportunities for our offense."

Silva also smiled and said: "This is the strength of our Manchester City. Whether it is starting or substitute, everyone has the ability to play."

"The depth of our lineup is unmatched by other teams."

Li Lei and Kompany both agreed. As the mainstay of Manchester City, they are well aware of the team's strength.

"However, we can't take it lightly," Kompany reminded.

"Although Crystal Palace is not the strongest opponent, we still need to stay focused and strive for a greater score advantage."

Li Lei nodded and continued: "The captain is right. We still have the second half of the game. We must continue to maintain this momentum."

"If there is a chance, I also hope to play and contribute my strength."

Silva patted Li Lei on the shoulder and said: "Li, you don't have to compete with them for opportunities!"

"I believe Guardiola will give you opportunities in more important games. Now, let's enjoy the game and cheer for our teammates on the field."

The three smiled at each other and continued to watch the game attentively. Whether on or off the field, they are a team and are working for the same goal.

On the field, Manchester City's players continued their performance.

Kolarov's tackle resolved a dangerous attack by Crystal Palace.

Iheanacho's world wave made Manchester City's score 4:0; Delph's accurate long pass assisted Sterling to complete a hat trick.

The result of the game seemed to be no suspense.

But Manchester City's players did not relax. They continued to interpret what is true professionalism and what is Manchester City's style with their performance.

The whistle sounded and the first half of the game ended.

Manchester City led Crystal Palace with a score of 4:0, almost locking the victory.

The players walked to the locker room to accept Guardiola's guidance.

On the bench, Li Lei, Kompany and Silva also stood up, ready to meet any challenges that may arise in the second half.

But their idea was destined to be overthinking, and these guys on the field pressed them firmly on the bench.

At the end of the game, the score of 5:0 was displayed on the scoreboard, leaving the game without any suspense.

After defeating Crystal Palace in the League Cup, Manchester City did not have much time to celebrate.

Because just one day later, they will face Norwich at home at the Etihad Stadium, which is the 11th round of the Premier League.

Considering the upcoming Champions League group stage, Guardiola decided to rotate players again in this game.

Many main players got a chance to rest and save their energy for the upcoming Champions League battle.

However, the progress of the game was not as smooth as Manchester City expected.

At the end of the first half, the score was a 1:1 tie.

Guardiola also realized the problem and it was time to make some changes.

At the beginning of the second half, Li Lei was substituted.

His appearance immediately brought new vitality to Manchester City's offense.

His speed, technology, and unparalleled determination quickly changed the direction of the game.

At the critical moment of the game, Li Lei received a pass from his teammate and used a wonderful long shot to rewrite the score to 2:1.

This goal not only won the game for Manchester City, but also once again proved the importance of Li Lei in the team.

The whistle blew at the end of the game, and Manchester City defeated Norwich 2:1 at home.

Three days later, Manchester City will go to Spain to challenge the strong enemy Barcelona in the Champions League group stage.

Time is tight and the task is heavy.

Manchester City's coaching staff immediately began intensive preparations.

They had to complete a tactical analysis of Barcelona and develop a targeted game plan in just three days.

The players were also not idle. They had to get familiar with the opponent's playing style during the intense training.Adjust their status.

At the same time, they have to take a plane across the border to the venue of the game.

For Li Lei and his teammates, this is a huge test to complete a lot of work in a short time.

Physical fitness, psychology, tactics, every link cannot go wrong.

But they did not retreat or complain, because this is the life of top players.

Challenges, pressure, and tight time are all what they must face and overcome.

In these short and long three days, Li Lei felt the power of the team.

Everyone is working for the same goal, and everyone is supporting and encouraging each other.

The plane took off, and Li Lei looked at the clouds outside the window, full of expectations.

Li Lei sat on the bus to the Camp Nou Stadium and looked at the familiar street scenes of Barcelona through the window.

This is his first time to return to this city since leaving the La Masia Youth Training Camp.

However, at this time, he is already a professional player wearing a Manchester City jersey.

Manchester City performed well in the previous Champions League group stage. Facing Monchengladbach and Steaua Bucharest, they won all the home and away games.

Now, they will challenge Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and this game will determine the top of Group C.

For Li Lei, this is not only an important game, but also a special return.

Barcelona, ​​the city where he once lived and trained, carries too many memories of his youth.

However, the atmosphere at this time made him feel a little strange.

The bus slowly moved forward on the way to the stadium. Outside the bus, Barcelona fans were making noise.

They waved flags and shouted slogans, as if they were expressing their unwelcome to Manchester City in this way.

Li Lei frowned, he could feel the hostility of the city towards them.

As a former Barcelona youth training player, he knew how enthusiastic and proud the fans here were.

But now, he has become an "enemy" in their eyes.

"This is football," Li Lei thought to himself, "You never know where the next stop will be, and you never know what challenges you will encounter."