Starting from playing as a defensive midfielder for Real Madrid

After steadily winning two consecutive league victories at home in the new season, the entire Real Madrid team is focusing on the upcoming Champions League games.

This season Real Madrid is assigned to Group D of the Champions League.

In the same group are Lyon, the strong team from Ligue 1, Ajax, the dominant player in the Eredivisie last season, and Dinamo Zagreb, the dominant player in the Croatian First Division last season.

None of Real Madrid's three opponents are particularly strong, and two of them are old acquaintances.

Lyon needs no introduction. Benzema's parent team dominated Ligue 1 from 2001 to 2008 and was once a regional hegemon.

In the 2009-2010 season, Lyon even sank the new generation of Real Madrid Galaxy battleship in two rounds of the Champions League quarter-finals with one win and one draw.

Now that Real Madrid meets Lyon again, they also have a chance for revenge.

It's a pity that Lyon's strength is declining year by year. Although they lost the league championship last season, they were still second in the league.

Last season, Lyon fell to third place in the league. This season, they have to play a round of play-offs to enter the Champions League.

Playing against such a Lyon team in the group stage, even with a double defeat in two rounds, the Real Madrid players might not feel that happy.

As for Ajax, Real Madrid's generals had nothing but passionate emotions.

"What a coincidence, brother Jia Mansion, is it you again?"

Ajax's players were probably dumbfounded when they saw they were drawn into a group with Real Madrid again during the draw.

The scene of being slaughtered 4-0 by Real Madrid in the second round last season is still vivid in my mind!

Will we meet the stronger Real Madrid again this season?

The entire Ajax team almost suspected whether the club's senior management had some dispute with UEFA's senior management.

Fortunately, they couldn't meet Real Madrid in the first round, and Lyon also escaped.

In the first round of the Champions League, Real Madrid have to go to an away game to test the quality of Dinamo Zagreb.

Ajax and Lyon, two strong teams that are likely to get the second qualifying spot in Group D, will have to fight head-on first.

Real Madrid players don’t know much about Dinamo Zagreb.

After conducting research, the Real Madrid coaching staff has roughly figured out how this team can compete in the Champions League.

In the first two seasons, this Croatian League One hegemon fell before the play-offs.

When playing in the Champions League qualifying rounds, they all wanted to rely on relatively solid defense to survive.

But obviously, they didn't succeed.

This season, Dinamo Zagreb has obviously adjusted their qualifying style.

Take the initiative first, and then stick to the half court after gaining the lead.

Well, this tactic

I don’t know if the head coach of this team stole Allegri’s guidance before the start of this season’s Champions League qualifying rounds.

The embarrassing smell was simply too strong.

But, don’t worry about whether the scene is good or not.

Dinamo Zagreb really made it into the Champions League this season and got a chance to play against Real Madrid.

Just for this result, the fans of Dinamo Zagreb were overjoyed.

On the afternoon of September 13th, when the Real Madrid players arrived at their hotel in Zagreb, they packed up their luggage and headed to the Maksimir Stadium, home of Dinamo Zagreb.

There were too many Croatian fans watching the Real Madrid bus on the road.

And most of them are not malicious, they just come to see the Real Madrid stars.

Finally, after greeting the onlookers outside the stadium and signing autographs with a few obviously younger fans, the Real Madrid players stepped into the Maximilian Stadium with a relaxed look.

Leon is still very interested in Dinamo Zagreb.

It’s not because this dominant Croatian club has produced football stars such as Kranjca, Suker, and Boban.

It's because of a midfielder who is still a teammate of Tottenham and Bale whose strength is much higher than his reputation.

Luka Modric.

As if he remembered something, Li Ang asked Brother Long next to him again.

"Teacher, is there a young player named Kovacic in this team now?"

Before Alonso came, he specifically remembered the current players of Dinamo Zagreb, and nodded to Leon after thinking about it for a while.

"There is such a midfielder. I heard that he is also the best young midfielder in Croatia. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing. I see that he is much younger than me, so I am a little curious about him."

"Why, do you want to point him at the competition tomorrow?"

"No, that's definitely not possible. I want to increase my efforts so that he can understand the intensity of the Champions League as early as possible!"

Brother Long was amused by Li Ang, but he had no doubts about what Li Ang said.

If nothing else happens, Li Ang will face off against that Croatian boy on the playing field tomorrow.

Now Li Ang is looking for a young midfielder who is not yet 18 years old, huh?

Alonso just hopes that the young player named Kovacic can last a few more minutes tomorrow.

After the pitch, the Real Madrid team spent a peaceful night at their hotel in Zagreb.

Since the morning of September 14th, the atmosphere before the Champions League has completely enveloped the Croatian capital city.

Mourinho and Karanka took advantage of the last period before the game to make final tactical preparations and deductions.

However, most of the Real Madrid players seem to be a little too "relaxed" at this time.

Li Ang felt a little uncomfortable about this.

Dinamo Zagreb is indeed a Champions League team, and Real Madrid does not need to be 120% vigilant against it.

But like now, before the game even starts, you already have the idea of ​​"defeating your opponent". Isn't it a little too optimistic?

However, when seeing Ronaldo and Brother Long remaining calm before the game as always, Li Ang gradually felt relieved.

"Maybe I'm overthinking it and I'll watch it after the game starts."

Li Ang, who sighed in his heart, said nothing in the end. He just took the time to read the report on the playing habits of Dinamo Zagreb's main players before the game.

20:45 pm local time in Croatia.

After a whole day of final preparations, the two teams started the first round of this season's Champions League Group D match at Maximir Stadium.

Today, Uncle Psy still arranged a deformed lineup of 442.

Dinamo Zagreb carefully arranged a starting lineup of four, two and three one.

Ante Cacic, the Croatian coach, is still very pragmatic. He didn't use any tactical thoughts that shouldn't be used. He just came up with a bus.

Real Madrid's players also understood what the opponent meant after seeing their opponent use five midfielders and still shrink for half a game.

Mourinho expected the style of play that Dinamo Zagreb would adopt before the game, but he did not expect that Ante Cacic would be so determined and did not intend to compete for the ball with Real Madrid from the beginning.

Then, since the opponent has retreated, let's attack!

Mourinho gave tactical instructions, and Real Madrid's frontcourt players excitedly crossed the center line and headed straight into the hinterland of Dinamo Zagreb.

When Li Ang saw Shui Ye Ramos on the right, he followed him across the half court excitedly, and quickly moved deeper into his right half court.

There are enough people attacking in the frontcourt now, and there is no shortage of him. His first priority is to defend first.

However, Dinamo Zagreb seemed determined to give up the attack in the opening stage.

After being on guard for a while, looking at Dinamo Zagreb being crushed, Li Ang and Brother Long could only press forward to maintain communication with the attacking echelons at the moment.

And the game scene that should have been like a hot knife cutting through butter did not happen.

On the contrary, Real Madrid pressed hard in the opening game, but after being forced into a positional battle, their offensive efficiency plummeted.

On the one hand, it was because Dinamo Zagreb had shrunk the space so much and made so many fighting moves, which did not give Real Madrid too many opportunities for vertical breakthroughs.

On the other hand, it's because Real Madrid has too many offensive players.

After all, how big can the half-court space be?

The defender first gathered ten people to set up the bus, and the attacker killed six or seven more people.

Sometimes Real Madrid's offensive players can't even find the passing route, so they can only pass the ball back and let Long Ge reorganize the offensive direction.

Real Madrid's quick counterattacks and side advances that they were proud of in the past were no longer working. Mourinho was seen frowning on the sidelines.

Logically speaking, this would make it difficult to penetrate Dinamo Zagreb's defense even in a positional battle.

Real Madrid's players can also carefully stretch the opponent's defense on the outside of the defense.

After all, the gap in level and strength between the two teams lies there.

As long as Dinamo Zagreb reveals a defensive gap, with Kaka's passing ability and Ronaldo Benzema's cutting level, it will be time to launch one or two threatening attacks.

But looking at the slightly impetuous and anxious offensive mode of Real Madrid's offensive players on the field at this moment, Mourinho knew.

Many people in the team have ideological problems!

Uncle Bird was a little angry and wanted to scold those Real Madrid players who had ideological problems at this time.

But the game will not be interrupted here, and the top priority is to solve the problem of the team's offensive chaos first.

So Mourinho quickly made a decision after a brief observation.

"Leo Ang! Le Ang! Step up! Let Sergio and Marcelo stop interfering so frequently. You rush forward to seize the ball. After seizing the ball in their hinterland, you and Kaka initiate a quick on-the-spot attack. Fight back.”

While Li Ang was still staying calmly near the midline, Mourinho stepped forward and gave him some new tactical instructions.

After listening, Li Ang quickly repeated it to Brother Long, and then started to step forward to call Ramos and Marcelo.

Soon, Real Madrid fans saw Li Ang rushing forward to clear the interception.

The commentators from all over the world who are commentating on this game at the moment are also applauding Mourinho's on-the-spot adjustments!

Didn’t Dinamo Zagreb not press forward and give them a chance?

Then Mourinho will move his team's ball-grabbing machine!

In this way, even if Real Madrid loses the ball after the attack fails, Li Ang's large-scale coverage and interception will prevent Dinamo Zagreb from being able to pass calmly in the backcourt.

Correspondingly, Real Madrid's time to regain the ball will be shorter than before, and the number of offensive rounds will also increase.

Without Marcelo and Ramos actively setting up sides, Real Madrid's number of attackers in the frontcourt has been reduced, but correspondingly, the space for several attackers to move has also become larger.

When the ball is mainly concentrated on Kaká and Di Maria, it is paired with Li Ang who can actively respond and transfer the ball.

Real Madrid's passing ability against Dinamo Zagreb's defense has been greatly increased.

The opportunity was created when Dinamo Zagreb's defensive players continued to move left and right.

Just as Mourinho thought, with the defensive gap, threatening passes from Kaká and Di Maria soon arrived.

Benzema completed a header in the 19th minute of the first half after receiving Di Maria's sudden 45-degree lob.

The ball was slightly deflected, but it was a good sign that Real Madrid was gaining momentum on the offensive end.

At this moment, Mourinho signaled Ramos and Marcelo to look for opportunities to set up sides again.

But they are still not allowed to just cross the ball blindly.

Again, the tight defense of Dinamo Zagreb must be opened up, and gaps in the defense must be opened. Only then will Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema, who are the finishing points in front, have more and better opportunities to kick.

Three minutes later, Li Ang simply snatched the ball back from Kovacic who wanted to protect the ball and pull out.

Ignoring Kovacic, who still looked childish, he sat on the ground and raised his hands to complain to the referee. Li Ang quickly passed the ball to Kaka on the right side of the frontcourt.

And Kaká also very coolly kept the ball and sent it straight to the right front.

Shui Ye, who had a clear head, calmed down after getting another chance to advance.

He first pretended to continue making passes, but after advancing five or six meters, he suddenly stopped.

Looking at the Dinamo Zagreb defenders moving towards him, Ramos quickly passed the ball back to Kaka who was following behind him!

At this moment, Kaka had already observed the movements of his teammates in the Dinamo Zagreb penalty area.

He stopped the ball while adjusting his steps, and then sent a big arcing pass to the back of Dinamo Zagreb's penalty area!

Li Ang, who had also moved forward at some point, was now following Benzema.

Seeing Kaka taking the ball, Li Ang quickly patted Benzema on the back.

And Guo Feng, who understood it by heart, also rushed directly to the front point with tacit understanding!

Benzema turned back and moved forward, with Li Ang following up and sprinting in the middle of the penalty area. The two of them directly attracted a lot of defensive attention from the Dinamo Zagreb defenders.

So when Cristiano Ronaldo ran out from behind and slammed Kaká's cross into the goal with an exaggerated take-off height, Dinamo Zagreb's defensive players were dumbfounded!

Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Klava, who was also put in a position, glared fiercely at Li Ang, who went to celebrate with Ronaldo.

"This insidious boy conspired with Benzema to deceive us!"

Real Madrid scored less than 25 minutes into the first half. The mentality of Dinamo Zagreb players, who had no hope of scoring points in the game, showed signs of cracking in an instant.

But for Real Madrid fans, from this moment on, their slightly depressed mood finally improved.

Soon, after seeing Li Ang's little action against Benzema through replays, Real Madrid fans and commentators from various countries also laughed and praised Li Ang for being smart.

Mourinho's previous tactical adjustments have once again conquered fans who like and dislike him.

Just talking about adjusting tactics on the spot to address this aspect, there is probably no coach in the current football world who can confidently say that he can match Mourinho.

"Well done! Next, lock down their central advance. We have to get at least a decent goal difference in this game. You kid must keep your head clear at all times, get the ball back, and hand it over. Angel or Kaka, we have to fight back quickly, understand?"

After celebrating, Li Ang jogged towards his own half and was once again pulled to the sidelines by Uncle Psy.

When Mourinho said something, Li Ang nodded once, and the two of them completed the communication almost head to head.

"Don't worry, boss! Not even a mosquito from Dinamo Zagreb can fly to our penalty area today!"

Li Ang blinked at Uncle Psy and made his promise.

Of course, he also got a satisfied laugh from Uncle Psy and a hard slap on his back.

At this time, the Dinamo Zagreb home fans, who watched Mourinho complete the communication with Li Ang again, couldn't stand it anymore and booed in varying degrees.

Dinamo Zagreb, which had no retreat options, was forced to start pressing forward after the game restarted.

Kovacic seemed a little unconvinced by Li Ang's previous steal on him.

As a newborn calf, he was very brave and had to challenge Li Ang on the way forward.

As a result, for the first time, he was forced to jump away by Li Ang's face-to-face tackle and lost the ball.

For the second time, during the advancement from the wing, Li Ang forced him out of the sideline and lost the ball.

The third time. Well, there was no third time, because at the request of Dinamo Zagreb head coach Ante Cacic, Kovacic changed positions with his teammates.

Kovacic, who was dizzy by Li Ang's defense, was remembered by countless Real Madrid fans in a tragic way.

He was replaced by Ante Cacic at halftime.

After all, he is the most talented midfielder among Croatia's new generation, and Ante Cacic still wants to protect him very responsibly.

As for Kovacic being completely suppressed by Li Ang, Ante Cacic actually didn't care.

Just as Mourinho previously felt that it was normal for Li Ang to be unable to completely restrict Messi.

At this moment, Ante Cacic also felt that it was normal for the seventeen-year-old Kovacic to be unable to pass Li Ang.

"As expected of a defensive midfielder who can limit Messi's performance on the defensive end at the age of twenty. That's amazing!"

Ante Cacic watched Li Ang destroy his own offensive opportunities again and again, and couldn't help but sigh with envy.

As for the final result of the game, Ante Cacic also knew clearly that he was unable to save the defeat.

In the end, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's brace and Di Maria's long-range shot, Real Madrid got the Champions League start they wanted at the Maximilian Stadium.

Li Ang also conquered almost all Real Madrid fans with his extremely stable performance on both offense and defense.

As soon as Li Ang returned to the hotel after the game, he received a congratulatory call from Mendes.

In the end, during the brief exchange with Mendes, Li Ang also knew.

In the past, he deliberately let Mendes put pressure on him and was not in a hurry to negotiate a new contract. He had already gained a very valuable initiative for himself.

At least, after watching this game, Mendes received another invitation from Real Madrid to discuss Li Ang's new contract.

In addition, Mendes now has a mountain of commercial endorsement quotes from China.

Li Ang finally smiled with satisfaction.

"It's time to negotiate some big contracts"