In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Leeds United were the team that played last, but in the second leg, they became the team that played first.
Elland Road Stadium was quiet for only one day after the match against Birmingham before it became bustling again.
April 9th.
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals has begun, with three Premier League teams taking to the stage: Chelsea hosting Fenerbahce and Leeds United hosting Arsenal.
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Li Shiguang and Wenger met on the pitch once again, marking their third encounter in a month.
As the host, Li Shiguang took the initiative to step forward and greet him: "Arsena, you seem to be in a good mood."
"Ah, Lee." Wenger turned around when he heard the voice. "It's alright. The Champions League match is being played domestically. At least I was able to get a good night's sleep in London last night, without being bothered by the away fans."
really.
Li Shiguang deeply agreed with Wenger's words.
What bothers him most when Leeds United plays in the Champions League is that when they play away games, there are always passionate home fans who stay up late and sing loudly outside the hotel where Leeds United are staying, disturbing his rest.
"Lee, I won't lose at Elland Road this time." Wenger's face was friendly as he extended his hand. "Arsenal has lost too much this season. I'm determined to win the Champions League!"
Li Shiguang smiled and extended his hand to shake hands firmly with Wenger: "Arsène, words alone are useless. Anyone who has come this far is determined to win the Champions League, right?"
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"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Sky Sports. Hello everyone, I'm your old friend Gary Lineker!"
"Hello everyone, I'm Jon!"
"Hello everyone, I'm Martin Keown!"
Martin Keown, an Arsenal legend, was invited as a special guest to Sky Sports today to provide commentary on the match.
After the familiar opening remarks.
Lineker excitedly launched into a long speech: "Next, Sky Sports will bring you the second leg of the 2007-2008 Champions League quarter-finals, Leeds United hosting Arsenal. Last week, the two teams drew 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium. According to Champions League rules, Leeds United, with an away goal, has a slight advantage!"
"Well... both teams' players are already in the player tunnel, ready to go. Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both head coaches today!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Jon immediately clicked on the picture on his computer, and a look of surprise flashed across his face.
"Arsenal have changed their formation! Unlike the 5-3-2 used in last week's home draw against Leeds United, Wenger switched to a more defensive 5-4-1 formation for today's away game!"
"The starting goalkeeper remains Almunia. The five defenders are Clichy and Eboue on the left and right flanks, respectively. The three in the center are Kolo Toure, Gallas, and Senderos, who was seriously injured by Adriano last month. The four midfielders are Flamini and Vasrik Diaby as the two holding midfielders, with Fabregas and Hleb in front of them. The lone striker is former Leeds United player Adebayor!"
Having discussed Arsenal's starting lineup...
Jon took a breath and then recited Leeds United's lineup: "Next, for Leeds United, Lee is still using the 4-3-3 formation he used in the away game last week, but he made some adjustments to the starting lineup! Neuer is still in goal, and the four defenders from right to left are Alves, Thiago Silva, Kompany, and Lahm. In midfield, Modric is on the bench today, Mascherano and Alonso form the double pivot, with Kaká in front of them. The three forwards are Adriano in the center, with Torres and Bale on the left and right respectively!"
After Jon finished reading.
Lineker couldn't wait to speak up: "Jon, looking at Arsenal's lineup, I'm a little surprised. Does Wenger not want to advance? It seems like Leeds United have the away goal advantage."
Jon was also puzzled when he first saw Wenger set up this formation.
But after seeing Leeds United's lineup, he understood.
"Actually, there's nothing strange about it. The importance of this match is self-evident. It's understandable that Wenger would be a bit conservative when facing a strong attacking line like Leeds United away from home."
"Be more conservative!?" Reinkel shook his head, a hint of disdain on his face. "On Eland Road, is being conservative even useful?"
As an Arsenal supporter, Keown naturally wouldn't tolerate Lineker's behavior: "Gary, you're overthinking it. I know Arsène; attacking football is his philosophy, conservative... he doesn't exist!"
"Then how do you explain this five-man defense?" Due to their differing stances, Lineker had disliked Keown from the beginning, so this was the first time he had spoken to Keown. "Even if Clichy and Eboue have strong attacking attributes and are capable of pushing forward to play as wing-backs, do they have a chance to push forward against Leeds United's three strikers?!"
“Maybe!” Facing the aggressive Lineker, Keown remained unperturbed, replying calmly, “You’ll see… Arsène’s arrangements are definitely not just about hiding in the back and defending…”
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But as it turns out, both Rheinkel and Jon misjudged the situation.
Wenger's formation was indeed conservative.
But Arsenal's style of play today was anything but conservative; in fact, it could be described as incredibly aggressive!
After all the pre-match formalities were completed, the players from both teams took their positions.
With the referee Boileau's whistle, the match officially began.
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