Star Card System

Chapter 266: Champions League debut

"Do you think this lottery result is very good?"

Ranieri was stunned.

"How do you say this?"

Xia Xing shrugged.

“Malmö is not weak, but I think we have a high probability of beating them.

“And if we want to qualify, we have to score enough points against them.

"Benfica, I've been paying attention to them recently.

“Their finishing strength has actually declined and is not as good as it was at its peak.

“Especially since there are no big-name stars in the team, we are playing as a whole, just like us.

“So I think we have a fighting chance.

"As for Real Madrid, although it is difficult to win, it is not impossible at all.

“After all, we even beat Barcelona, who beat them, so why can’t we beat Real Madrid again?

“So I think this draw result is very good.

"As long as we can perform at a normal level,

"I think we can qualify from the group!"

Seeing Xia Xing's serious expression, Ranieri was stunned for a moment, and then smiled.

"Xia, it's great to have you here in Leicester City."

"Coach Ranieri, it's great to have you in Leicester City."

"Are we bragging about each other's business? Haha."

"No, no, no, I mean it. Coach Pearson is a very good coach, strict and hard-working, and he can give Leicester City huge room for advancement; and you are a very thin coach, free and flexible, you It will definitely bring a huge surprise to Leicester City, I am very confident about it.”

Seeing Xia Xing's sincere eyes, Ranieri was extremely pleased.

What could be better than being praised by the best player on your team?

Now I seem to be full of energy.

But Ranieri also found it funny.

Shouldn't I give you a blood injection?

Why did your few words actually make me excited?

hehe.

This guy is really good.

Leicester City found a treasure.

The national team match day is over and the players return to their clubs.

Looking at the state of the players, Ranieri was a little worried.

At the beginning of this season, Leicester City also felt the power of the FIFA virus.

After experiencing the hard work and flying around in the national team, the Leicester City soldiers are very tired.

Even though he worked hard to recover on the training ground, it was still not enough.

In the end, after much consideration, Ranieri decided to send in a substitute lineup.

On September 13, Leicester City played Aston Villa at home.

This is the fifth round of the Premier League this season.

In addition to the status issues of the starting players, there is also a Champions League game three days later, and Ranieri hopes that the players can recuperate.

So this game was almost played by the entire substitute lineup.

But having said that, the competitive status of these substitute players is really no worse than the current main players.

Of course, Xia Xing still starts the game as the unshakable main core.

Aston Villa was also in mediocre form in this game.

But they were determined to hold on.

Anyway, Vardy did not play in this game, Mahrez did not play, and even Kante and Drinkwater were not on the court.

Aston Villa is looking forward to facing a lineup like Leicester City.

Not even a point.

And they really went all out.

From the first minute, they defended with all their strength until the 80 minutes of the second half.

Ranieri has made substitution adjustments, but Vardy and Mahrez are indeed out of shape and failed to help the team defeat the city.

In the end, Xia Xing stood up.

In the 86th minute of the game, Xia Xing took a direct free kick in front of the penalty area!

The ball hit the net!

1 to 0!

The Full Moon Scimitar reappears!

In the end, Leicester City defeated Aston Villa by one goal at home, scored three points, and continued to lead the Premier League standings.

This bloodless victory made the Leicester City soldiers very happy.

Not only did they get three points, but they also rested many players who were infected with the FIFA virus, which is good.

Three days later, on September 16, Leicester City visited the Stadium of Light to challenge Benfica.

On the sidelines, they saw Benfica's classic eagle release ceremony.

The heroic eagle flew around the field and finally landed on the team flag in the center of the field.

More than 60,000 fans cheered in the stands.

This is a traditional ceremony at Benfica and is very common at home.

But for Leicester City players, it is very new.

Even the team's core players Vardy and Mahrez have a sense of novelty in their eyes.

"The football culture of different countries is so interesting."

"Yeah, it's great to play against different opponents."

Yeah, it's really fun, it's great.

For Leicester City, this game has a very special meaning.

This is their first Champions League game, which is of great significance.

For many players, two seasons ago they were still playing in the Championship.

Two seasons later, they actually made it to the Champions League!

This huge change even made them feel a little dazed.

Back in the locker room, they were still extremely excited.

However, Ranieri reminded everyone again: "Our opponent is not easy, and you must go all out to face it. This is our first game in the Champions League, and we must give the fans a good answer!"

Ranieri's phrase "our first game in the Champions League" refers to everyone at Leicester City Club.

It doesn't mean him personally.

Because he has played in the Champions League countless times.

The best record is the Champions League semi-finals.

He is very experienced in the Champions League.

But the players are obviously inexperienced.

No, there is no experience.

This experience includes a lot.

For example, the control of the rhythm of the game, the adaptability to different types of opponents, the penalty standards of different types of referees, etc.

These are all game experience.

Leicester City will naturally play with all the main players in this game.

Goalkeeper Schmeichel,

Four defenders from left to right Fox, Wes Morgan, Huth, Danny Simpson,

Four midfielders from left to right Xia, Kante, Cambiasso, Mahrez,

Double strikers are Vardy and Van Persie.

Drinkwater, Shinji Okazaki, De Laet, Inler and other players sat on the bench.

Almost the same as the previous starting lineup, the only change is that Cambiasso got the chance to start.

Ranieri hopes that the Argentine veteran can use his experience to stabilize Leicester City's midfield.

After all, Xia Xing, Kante, and Mahrez are too young, and the strength of veterans is still needed at critical moments.

Standing in the center circle, Leicester City is ready to kick off.

The referee whistles!