Chapter 266: Chapter 83: A Perfect Debut Performance! The Genius’s Dipping Shot!

"Ole...Ole.....!"

After the second half kicked off, Dortmund wasn’t in a hurry to equalize. They continued using the counter-attacking strategy from the start, retreating deep and waiting for opportunities.

It seemed they wanted to drag Arsenal into the quagmire of positional play, then suddenly change up to launch threatening attacks.

"Bang bang bang.....!"

Fortunately, Arsenal was prepared, not attacking aggressively but patiently passing the ball back and forth in the midfield, wasting time.

"Shinji Kagawa’s sudden charge! He couldn’t snatch the ball from Arteta’s feet, which isn’t his strong suit.

"The game’s rhythm is slightly slow at this stage, with only a few players occasionally stirring up confrontations in certain areas. Both coaches have opted for a more cautious approach.

"Let’s see this attempt! Alexander Song’s long pass aiming for Ma’el... Piszczek this time held his position, clearing the ball to the sidelines!"

"The game is reaching the 60-minute mark, and Dortmund still isn’t attacking?

"Ah.....we see Polish attacker Kuba is warming up, along with young general Perisic and Zidan also getting ready.

"This signals a strengthening of their offense. Klopp is preparing substitutions, just like in the first half, aiming to stabilize first before seeking a counterattack."

On the field, Wenger saw many of Dortmund’s attackers warming up, and he sent Andre Santos and Frimpong to prepare as well.

His expression was serious, mixed with hesitation. A one-nil scoreline is dangerous, and making substitutions to strengthen defense at this time means giving up part of the offensive front.

If they can hold on, it’s fine. If not... it means handing over victory with no chance for redemption.

"Make the change."

In the 65th minute, after some internal struggle, Wenger decided on the substitution and submitted the application to the fourth official.

He withdrew the underperforming Walcott and Gervinho, bringing on Frimpong and Andre Santos, shifting to a 5-3-2 formation.

"Security is paramount in the Champions League,"

He explained to assistant Philip, eyes fixed on the field, "Dortmund’s attack is fierce, and post-substitution, they will present greater threats.

"Engaging in direct confrontation now is a less secure choice, as the opposition is likely to score.

"If we establish a continuous offensive, we can only hope for stellar performance from our forwards, which involves a high risk."

"I also believe we should make the change." Philip nodded in agreement, "And even with the substitution, we still have threats in counterattacks.

"The pairing of Ma’el and Van Persie is trustworthy—one has technique and experience, and the other has physique and speed."

Wenger smiled and nodded, looking at Ma’el’s back, "Haha... I never expected him to become such a reliable player at this young age."

"That’s what a genius is." Philip shrugged with a smile, sighing.

Three minutes later, Klopp successively withdrew center-back Gross, midfield Kael, and Shinji Kagawa.

Perisic, Kuba, and Zidan came on—the team’s proud attacking aces!

The counterattack commenced, marking the final showdown in this Champions League opener between the two teams.

...

"Dortmund’s attack, they’ve changed their formation to 4-3-3, or even 3-4-3 in attack; this is their last gamble!

"Seven attacking players are pressing forward past the midfield, facing Arsenal’s eight-man dense defense. Creativity is needed now!

"Götze’s breakthrough crossing! Szczeny disrupts the ball, very dangerous! Perisic was waiting right behind!"

"....."

"Dortmund is gaining momentum! At the scene, I can hear the cheers at the Westfalen Stadium growing louder and louder, and the North Stand is starting a wave!

"They’re telling the team’s players in their own way that they have unwavering support. Go forth boldly in pursuit of victory!

"Kuba’s ground slicing long shot! The football was caught by Szczezny! Arsenal’s goal has been under siege... Frimpong can’t hold off the opposition’s attack in the midfield!"

"This is a quick counter! From Szczezny, he’s looking for Ma’el again! They connected like this once in the first half!"

On the field, the ball arced through the sky, descending over Dortmund’s backfield sideline.

Having learned from the first half, the Dortmund players stood closely behind Ma’el to interfere, allowing teammates time to chase back.

With no advantageous position held in advance, they would not fully rush Ma’el again to prevent giving him a stop-and-go chance.

"Pa!"

Ma’el easily controlled the ball, observing Van Persie’s position and noticing he drew away two Dortmund defenders.

If he could break through Piszczek, there might be a very good scoring chance!

"Cover! Cover!"

Piszczek noticed this too, nervously waving to his teammates behind, signaling that Ma’el might attempt to surpass him with simple speed.

There was considerable space behind him, enough for his opponent to exploit a speed advantage.

"Bang... bang... bang.....!"

Ma’el dribbled towards Piszczek, taking a couple of steps towards the center, then suddenly kicked the ball past Piszczek’s right side and himself darted left.

Split dribble!

He aimed to use the simplest method to make the Bundesliga’s best right-back lose his defensive position!

Piszczek had anticipated this intention but was still fooled when Ma’el dribbled towards the center, a reflexive response.

No way..... the pressure Ma’el exerted on him in this match was tremendous. Even the best players make mistakes under high pressure.