Football: Starting from being abandoned by Barcelona

The score of 2:0 remained until the halftime break, during which the atmosphere in Leverkusen's locker room was heavy.

Head coach Roger Schmidt stood in the center of the locker room, facing his players. The next 15 minutes might determine the direction of the game.

"I know we are at a disadvantage now," Schmidt said, "but the game is not over yet. We still have 45 minutes and a chance to turn the situation around."

The players looked up and looked at their coach. There was disappointment and frustration in their eyes, but also a glimmer of hope.

"We need to make some changes," Schmidt continued, "our defense needs to be more compact."

"We can't give Manchester City too much space to attack, especially Li Lei and Aguero, who are Manchester City's most dangerous weapons."

The players nodded to show their understanding, and their scattered eyes began to focus in the direction of the head coach.

"On the offensive end, we need more patience."

"Don't rush for success, build our offense slowly."

"Benzema, you will be our key, we need you to make more passes in the frontcourt and win more space for us."

Benzema, the French international nodded, and he also understood that he had a heavy responsibility.

"Kampl, Arangis, your task is to control the midfield."

"Don't let Manchester City's midfield get too much possession. If we can cut off their supply, we can reduce their offensive threat."

"I know it's hard, but we have to do it!"

The two midfielders also expressed their determination.

After speaking, Schmidt looked around and looked into the eyes of every player.

"I believe in you, I believe in our team, we have come here, we can't just give up, let's go to the field, fight, and chase our dreams!"

"For Leverkusen!" he shouted loudly.

"For Leverkusen!" The players responded, and their voices echoed in the locker room.

The atmosphere, at this moment, seemed to have changed.

Frustration and disappointment were gradually replaced by determination and hope.

In the Manchester City locker room, the atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, and the players' faces were full of smiles. They had taken a big step towards victory.

Guardiola, the Manchester City coach, stood in front of the players with a satisfied smile on his face.

"First of all, I want to applaud your performance," he said when all the players entered the locker room.

"In the first half, we played our style and dominated the game. This is the Manchester City I want to see."

At this moment, the players applauded in the locker room, proud of their performance.

"Li Lei, your performance is very good," Guardiola mentioned the young superstar in particular, "Your speed and your passing have caused a lot of trouble for the opponent."

"Keep it up, we still need your strength in the second half."

"Aguero, you have once again proved that you are a world-class striker."

"Your goal gave us a big lead, but we can't be satisfied with it. In the second half, we need more goals."

Aguero raised his thumb to show that he was ready.

"We have done well, but the game is not over yet. Leverkusen will go all out in the second half."

"We can't relax. We must continue our rhythm and continue our pressure."

"Our tactics will remain unchanged in the second half. We must continue to control the ball and continue to look for opportunities."

"De Bruyne, Silva, you are the brains of our midfield. Continue to organize our offense and continue to create opportunities for the forwards."

"Fernandinho, Stones, Otamendi, you are the backbone of our defense."

"Stay alert and don't give the opponent any chance. If we can keep the opponent scoreless, it will be a perfect victory."

"Of course, I will make substitutions when necessary. Our ultimate goal is to take three points from here." Guardiola said proudly at this moment.

"Remember, we are Manchester City, we are the best team, let us go to the field, to complete our mission, let us win this victory!"

"For Manchester City!" Guardiola shouted.

"For Manchester City!" The players responded, their voices were full of strength and confidence.

At the beginning of the second half, Leverkusen showed a new look. They adjusted their tactics and started to strengthen their attack.

In the 48th minute, a well-organized attack gave Leverkusen hope.

This attack started with a back pass from the backcourt.

AaronGis, the brain of Leverkusen's midfield, did not choose a long pass after getting the ball, but chose a beautiful short pass.

He handed the ball to Julian Baumgartlinger next to him, and the German international immediately moved forward after receiving the ball.

His speed put Manchester City's defense in trouble.

Manchester City's defense line, at this moment, had a small loophole.

Fernandinho, Manchester City's defensive midfielder, shifted slightly when trying to stop Bender.

And it was this that gave Leverkusen a chance.

Julian still successfully passed the ball to Bellarabi who was advancing under Fernandinho's defense.

Bellarabi received Julian's cross pass in the penalty area. Facing Manchester City's defense, he did not panic, but calmly adjusted the angle.

Manchester City's defenders seemed to be a little hesitant at this moment.

They did not block Bellarabi's shooting route in time, giving him enough time and space.

Bellarabi did not hesitate, he pushed the ball easily and the ball went into the net.

2-1! Leverkusen scored a goal!

The fans of Leverkusen in the stadium cheered, they rekindled their hope, they believed that miracles could still happen.

In the Manchester City coaching booth, Guardiola frowned.

He saw the problem in his team's defense, if they did not adjust in time, they might pay a greater price.

On the court, Manchester City's players also realized the seriousness of the problem, they began to strengthen their defense, trying to block Leverkusen's offensive route.

But Leverkusen's morale was boosted after the goal, they began to control the ball more and attack more.

The game, at this moment, became more intense.