Chapter 261: Champions League Round of 16 finals, shield-to-shield battle, conflicts everywhere!

Madrid, Spain.

Chu Feng pressed down his baseball cap and looked forward.

A dilapidated stadium surrounded by construction teams. On the rusty sign next to it, the words "Calderón Stadium" can be vaguely seen.

That is to say, Chu Feng’s previous minor was Spanish, otherwise he really wouldn’t have been able to recognize those words.

"Atletico Madrid's stadium, which has been used for 51 years, is being demolished just like that?"

Maguire asked incredulously.

He felt that a stadium full of history like this would be more appropriate to renovate it.

"A stadium with a large enough capacity and better facilities is too important for the club, otherwise why does Arsenal sell the captain every year?"

Chu Feng said with a smile.

Tottenham has also been preparing for a new stadium in recent years, but such a costly project would put too much of a financial burden on the club.

It was not easy for Wenger to bear such great pressure and lead Arsenal to consecutively finish in the top four of the league and occasionally win the FA Cup.

“I heard that Atletico Madrid’s new stadium is sponsored by your hometown group?”

Rashford glanced at his phone.

"Well, Wanda Group, they're in real estate, very rich!"

Chu Feng smacked his lips.

In 2017, Wanda and Atletico Madrid signed a five-year title sponsorship contract worth 50 million euros.

If I had become famous a few years earlier, maybe Old Trafford could have changed its name to Wanda Stadium, which would have been really exciting to play there.

But Chu Feng was just thinking about it. You have to know that from 1908 to 2019, Manchester United has used the "Old Trafford Stadium" for more than a hundred years.

It is the most important symbol for Manchester United.

Although the naming rights of Old Trafford Stadium are as high as 26 million pounds per year, to be honest, Manchester United does not lack this money.

"Let's go. The boss is calling us back."

After Chu Feng received a call from Mourinho, he urged his teammates to finish their pre-match visit.

“There’s still so much time left before the competition.”

Lingard grumbled a few words in dissatisfaction.

Don't be fooled by his honest appearance, he is actually only slightly better than Kyle Walker.

Before the game against Arsenal, Chu Feng couldn’t sleep at night and went out for a walk. He happened to see a woman, a woman stronger than Lukaku, entering Lingard’s room.

And that woman was obviously not Lingard's girlfriend.

Chu Feng couldn't say anything, after all, it was someone else's private life.

Compared to Lingard, Pogba, who is usually the focus of attention, does not smoke, drink, or go to nightclubs. He seems to have no other hobbies except perming his hair and dancing.

"We are here to play a game, not to travel!"

Chu Feng said in a deep voice.

"Yes, yes, play the game well first, there will be plenty of opportunities to play later." McTominay quickly grabbed Lingard.

He and Chu Feng have been roommates for five years, and he can be said to be the person who knows Chu Feng best in Manchester United.

Although Chu Feng is usually very gentle, it doesn't mean he won't get angry.

Moreover, he is very serious about the competition. Mistakes on the field can be forgiven, but if the game is affected because of having fun, Chu Feng absolutely cannot accept it.

Lingard seemed to want to say something but hesitated. In the end, he said nothing and left with everyone else.

When he was in the youth training camp before, he saw Chu Feng beat Mitchell with his own eyes. That scene still chills people’s hearts. Moreover, if he had a conflict with Chu Feng.

There is no doubt that his teammates will definitely stand on Chu Feng's side, whether it is Valencia's veterans or McTominay's young players.

Even Maguire and Matic, who were transferred here, are like this.

Oh, yes, there is Mourinho, he is Chu Feng's biggest supporter, the two of them are not just a general master-disciple relationship. ——Time flies to February 13th.

The last time Manchester United and Atletico Madrid met was the UEFA Super Cup final.

But if we only look at European competitions, the last time the two teams met head-on was 28 years ago, in the 1991-92 season, in the round of 16 of the European Cup Winners' Cup.

At that time, Atletico Madrid defeated Manchester United 3:0 at home and drew 1:1 with Manchester United away.

Then we didn't meet for decades.

The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is surrounded by fans wearing red and white checkered shirts. Looking down from the sky it looks like numerous red and white petals floating in the waves.

In the city of Madrid, most of the fans are Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid fans, but the former's fan base is more high-end, while the latter's fan base is more civilian.

But the same thing is that the fans of both teams are crazy.

"Atleeeti Atleeeti! (Ah Atletico, Ah Atletico!)"

"Atletico de Madrid"

“.”

The passionate melody rose up, creating a hot atmosphere before the game even started.

In comparison, Manchester United fans numbered only a few thousand, like a small boat on the waves.

At the pre-match press conference, the head coaches of the two teams were at loggerheads.

"We are not afraid of any opponent, even Manchester United, we are confident that we can beat them."

"Playing in the game?"

"Although Manchester United won the game, the way they delayed time made me feel sick and ashamed!"

"We have made sufficient preparations today and will not give Manchester United any chances!"

Simeone said viciously to the camera.

The UEFA Super Cup final was a great humiliation in his eyes. It was bad enough that he had not played the game, but he even failed to win the fight.

This was unacceptable to Simeone, who called himself a bandit coach and injected iron and tenacity into Atletico Madrid.

So he wants revenge! "So what do you think of Chu? In the last game, he--"

The reporter was interrupted before he could finish his words.

Simeone showed a dangerous smile: "Atletico is not Manchester City or Liverpool. We play real manly football. I think that 'kid' should understand that Atletico is much stronger than he thought."

"Of course, if he still wants to solve the problem through violence, we will show him how powerful we are."

The rhetoric in the next conference room was equally intense.

"Atletico? If I say they are the most annoying team in Europe, never playing their own football but always trying to hinder their opponents, there will probably be many people who agree."

Mourinho looked at the camera with extremely sharp eyes.

"That's an unhealthy attitude from a manager. Remember when Simeone infamously got Beckham sent off in 1998?

"He wants to use any means to give his team an advantage, maybe by taking an opponent off the field, maybe by injuring an opponent."

"And then use this to force you into a desperate situation."

Mourinho's tone became increasingly cold, and he believed that Atletico Madrid was the destroyer of modern football.

Finally, he left after saying two words.

"We don't play football just to cause bruises to the opponent. We want to win, but not to hinder the opponent from playing football."

"Since Simeone is so confident, I hope I can still see his smile after the game."

The visiting team's locker room at this time.

"The rhythm of the Champions League and the league is very different, so we try to find our own rhythm as much as possible after the game starts."

Chu Feng pointed at the tactics board.

In Manchester United's previous Champions League group matches, the opponents they faced were not very strong, and they had never played against La Liga teams.

So it’s easy to get into a situation where you can’t vary or it’s hard to change speed.

Chu Feng recently reviewed Atletico Madrid's Champions League games in recent years and found that Simeone basically uses the same strategy, which is to take advantage of the home advantage to get off to a good start.

Use your big move at the beginning to try to break the opponent's goal.

"Also, Kante cannot play in this game, so we must pay attention to the backcourt and try to kill the threat outside the penalty area." Mourinho walked in and continued: "Also, the attack in the frontcourt must be fast, and we can't give Atletico time to adjust the defense."

Since Simeone took over as coach of Atletico Madrid in December 2011, Atletico Madrid has kept 34 clean sheets in the Champions League, the most among all European teams in the same period.

Even though Manchester United's offensive line is very luxurious, it is not easy to score goals.

There is no mistake in the poem, post, content, and read the book on 6, 9, and bar!

It is also foreseeable that Atletico Madrid's defense against Chu Feng in this game will definitely be at a terrifying level.

After being involved in a fierce physical confrontation, it was a big challenge for Chu Feng to create a threat or complete a breakthrough.

The same goes for other Manchester United players.

"Chu, cross-position more frequently in the frontcourt. As long as we can disrupt Atletico's defensive formation, the teammates in the back row will be able to gain space."

Mourinho looked at Chu Feng and warned him.

"Um!"

Chu Feng nodded, and then shouted: "Come on! Let's go home with victory!"

"come on!"

The Manchester United players shouted and then walked out of the locker room.

The atmosphere in the player tunnel seemed to have dropped to freezing point.

Chu Feng turned his head and looked around, then met Felipe's eyes.

If Felipe hadn't been so arrogant last time, he definitely wouldn't have fought back violently, but to be honest, he did feel very good after throwing that punch.

I don’t know if Felipe will give me a chance today.

Thinking of this, Chu Feng's eyes became eager to try.

Felipe couldn't help but look away and rubbed his nose subconsciously, but soon glared back firmly.

He didn't care about the physical pain, but the mental blow was too great.

Ever since he was knocked down by Chu Feng with a punch, he has become a laughing stock in European football, and his personal social media accounts receive private messages of ridicule, contempt and even insults every day.

"Wait for me!" Felipe wiped his neck with his hand.

"I hope you can hold on a little longer!" Chu Feng did not give in, "Don't fall down again like a woman."

How could the Atletico Madrid players tolerate such remarks and immediately went up to Chu Feng to argue with him.

The Manchester United players stopped him without saying a word.

Beep, beep, beep! A quick whistle suddenly sounded, and the referee Zwaye said solemnly: "Gentlemen, I hope you can control yourselves, otherwise..."

After saying that, in order to show the authority of the referee, he took out a yellow card from his pocket and showed it to the players.

"See you on the field!"

Atletico Madrid captain Godin stopped his teammates and spoke coldly to Chu Feng.

"See you on the court!" Chu Feng tightened his armband expressionlessly.

When the players' tunnel quieted down, Maguire covered his mouth and whispered, "Damn it, I'll have a chance to kill these Spaniards later. Last time it was over before I even had a chance to do anything!"

"Harry, don't be impulsive! If you get a red card, the boss won't forgive you!"

Mahrez frowned.

This big head is really stupid. He didn't see Chu's real intention? Deliberately anger the Atletico players and try to get them to get cards. Then when they return to Old Trafford, Manchester United will be able to advance easily without any bloodshed.

Football is like a war. Player strength, tactical arrangements, pre-match strategies, and the outcome of a game will be affected by many factors.

"Are you still not confident about me?" Maguire patted his chest.

"Just remember it." Mahrez's mouth twitched wildly. He was worried because of you!

After saying that, he found De Gea again and told him to keep an eye on the ball to prevent Maguire from making any more low-level mistakes.

Soon, under the guidance of the referee team, players from both sides walked out of the tunnel.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!

The Wanda Metropolitano Stadium was filled with thunderous cheers, and the red and white colors were intertwined on the stands on all sides, like a grand oil painting.

There are two Champions League knockout matches held tonight, one is Manchester United vs. Atletico Madrid, and the other is Roma vs. Porto.

Without a doubt.

The former is more exciting and intense, and also attracts the attention of most fans.

At this time, the number of online viewers in LeTV Sports' live broadcast room alone has exceeded 10 million.

"Good evening, audience friends!"

"Now we are broadcasting the 2018-19 season, the Champions League quarter-finals, Atletico Madrid vs. Manchester United at home!"

"Here are the starting lineups for both teams."

"First up is Atletico Madrid in red and white, with Simeone still using 4-4-2."

"Since Simeone took over as Atletico Madrid coach, the team has not only become a regular in the Champions League, but also reached the Champions League final twice."

"Atletico Madrid is a tough nut to crack for any European team."

"The team wearing the black away jersey is Manchester United. Since Kante played in the Champions League for Chelsea, he will not be able to participate in today's game."

"So Mourinho opted for a more balanced 4-3-3."

"Both teams are known for their defense."

Zhan Jun glanced at the data book and continued to explain: "Atletico Madrid is the team with the fewest goals conceded in La Liga this season, with only 17 goals conceded after 24 rounds. Manchester United also did a very good job on the defensive end, with only 15 goals conceded after 26 rounds, making it the best defensive team in the Premier League."

"This matchup between the two teams can be described as a battle of shields. Both teams are likely to adopt a defensive counterattack tactic. This will be a huge test for the defense of both teams. Whoever performs more stably will take the initiative."

"Coach Zhang, which team do you think is better?"

Zhan Jun passed the topic over.

"Of course it's Manchester United, although on paper the two teams are not much different."

Zhang Lu paused for a moment, "But Manchester United still has a trump card in hand, that is Xiao Chu, who has scored 21 goals and 9 assists in the league. His ability to create 30 goals alone is enough to scare the opponents!"

In fact, although he said that, he was somewhat uneasy in his heart.

Because 442 has a natural advantage over 433, mainly because of the number of people in the midfield, Manchester United is likely to have a disjointed formation, resulting in the strikers being isolated and helpless.

But there’s no point in thinking so much now.

"I hope Xiaochu can perform well today." Zhang Lu said finally and looked at the screen again.

Beep!!! The referee blew the whistle and the game began! (End of this chapter)