The time has reached the 93rd minute, with two minutes remaining in the match.
Above Stamford Bridge, the 1-3 score on the huge screen looked glaringly obvious.
After Drogba pulled one back for Chelsea with a corner kick in the 60th minute, Chelsea's frantic counterattacks were ineffective.
The players on the field were still giving their all, but everyone knew that the game was over. The team that would break history would not be Chelsea, playing at home, but Leeds United, led by that Eastern man, who had gone from the Championship to the Champions League final in just four years.
The boos that had been heard throughout the game at Stamford Bridge had subsided considerably, and most of the fans had tears in their eyes, covered their faces with their hands, and looked numb.
Grant, who had been jumping around on the sidelines directing the players' attacks, fell silent, hands on his hips, standing there blankly without saying a word.
In contrast, look at Leeds United's bench.
Li Shiguang had completely relaxed, with an excited smile on his face, and was hugging and celebrating with everyone around him.
The time has come.
Li Shiguang was also well aware that Leeds United's ticket to the final was absolutely secured.
For Chelsea to turn the tide, they would need to score three goals against Leeds United in the remaining two minutes. However, given the current situation, it seems unlikely that they can even score two more goals to force extra time, let alone turn the tide.
Two minutes passed quickly.
As De Bruyne, who replaced Ribery, dispossessed Joe Cole, referee Austin glanced at his watch and blew the final whistle without hesitation.
1:3!
Leeds United defeated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, advancing to the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League final with a 4-2 aggregate score!
"Austin has blown the whistle! The match is over! Leeds United have eliminated Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate. Lee and his young team have made history. This is Leeds United's first time reaching the Champions League final since the competition's rebranding, and their first time since winning the title in the 1974-1975 season!" Lineker shouted, raising his arms. "Leeds United fans, cheer! Our team is heading to Moscow to compete with Manchester United for the Big Ears trophy!"
"Leeds United have reached the final! Congratulations to them! Judging from their performance over the two legs, they certainly deserve it." Jon's tone was still somewhat somber, but much better than when Chelsea were down 0-3. "And Chelsea, unfortunately, have fallen in the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in five years. As a commentator and a Chelsea fan, I think the players did their best, otherwise they wouldn't have managed a draw at Elland Road. The player who deserves criticism today is Grant. It's no exaggeration to say that Grant is simply not in the same league as Lee or Mourinho!"
And then the whistle blew.
The Leeds United players who had been waiting on the sidelines rushed onto the pitch like madmen. Li Shiguang forcibly suppressed his excitement, first shook hands with Grant who came over, and then turned around and joined the jubilant crowd without any hesitation.
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Without a doubt.
Leeds United's return to the Champions League final after 33 years has become the focus of attention throughout European football.
At the post-match press conference, Li Shiguang was the talk of the town among the media.
Although he was happy, Li Shiguang quickly calmed down.
"...I'm very happy to lead Leeds United to the final, but there's still about a month until the final. We'll focus our energy on other things, such as the FA Cup final against Portsmouth, and the three Premier League matches remaining...I've said before that Leeds United's goal this season is the treble. Now that the players have created the conditions to win the treble, I don't want to give up!"
"...Is it true that Leeds United are interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo? I don't know, and I haven't seen any related reports in the media! I will not talk about any player transfers, whether buying or selling, until all of Leeds United's season is over. In my opinion, such behavior is unprofessional!"
"...Someone wants to buy Leeds United?! That's a pipe dream. I haven't received any offers, and even if I did, I would never sell Leeds United! Leeds United is like my child, gentlemen. You have to understand, it's really not easy to bring a club that was on the verge of bankruptcy and dissolution to where it is now, hahahaha!"
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Li Shiguang's words were a mixture of truth and falsehood.
But there's one thing he didn't lie about.
On the bus back to Leeds from London, Li Shiguang solemnly told his players to quickly shake off the excitement of defeating Chelsea and advancing to the Champions League final, and to focus all their attention on the three league matches in the following two weeks.
Next.
Leeds United and Manchester United face off in the final round at Elland Road.
Leeds United will first play Reading at home, and then travel to face Aston Villa, both of which can be considered tough matches.
After 35 rounds, Reading is fourth from bottom, only one point ahead of Birmingham, who are third from bottom. They are in a critical period of fighting to avoid relegation, and they will certainly do their best to win even against a strong team like Leeds United.
Aston Villa are not without ambition either. They are currently sixth in the Premier League, with Portsmouth and Manchester City close behind in points. To secure a Europa League spot next season, they certainly won't hold back at Villa Park!
In comparison, Manchester United will have a much easier time, as their opponents are Chelsea and West Ham United.
Chelsea have a top-four finish to fight for, but being eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals will definitely affect the players' mentality. Given Grant's abilities, it's not certain that he can help the players adjust before facing Manchester United.
West Ham United are currently tenth and have nothing left to play for. In addition, Manchester United are playing at home. To be honest, it shouldn't take too much effort for Manchester United to beat the Hammers.
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While fans and media in other countries were still discussing how this year's Champions League final had been turned into an FA Cup final by two English teams.
The English media have already turned their attention back to the Premier League.
The league has progressed to this point.
Only Leeds United and Manchester United remain teams with a chance to compete for the Premier League title.
To be honest...
Both teams have performed exceptionally well this season. After a period of adjustment at the beginning of the season, Manchester United has demonstrated formidable fighting spirit and has remained in the top three since the eighth round.
Although Leeds United's form fluctuated in the first half of the season, they played a dominant performance starting from the winter transfer window.
Leeds United are currently top of the league with 84 points, followed closely by Manchester United with 83 points.
As for Arsenal, who were previously neck and neck with these two teams, they have now fallen behind and are completely unable to interfere in the competition between them....
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