Football singularity-Chapter 544 RESPONSE OF CHAMPIONS!
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~~~ 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
[42’]
The spell was broken when Adrián finally rolled the ball out to van Dijk, but the energy within the home side had shifted as that moment lingered like electricity in the air. The Dutch defender, normally so composed, seemed to stand a little taller, his shoulders squaring as he felt the weight of thousands of voices behind him.
"You can see the effect that’s had on both sets of players," Drury observed as Liverpool began to string passes together, building up play from the back. "The home side looks rejuvenated, while Leverkusen... well, they have just felt the full force of what makes Anfield so special."
Wijnaldum collected the ball in the centre circle, his touch crisp with a sense of urgency as he turned, looking to create something. Faking a pass inwards to Henderson, he sent Havertz lunging the wrong way before proceeding to feed Mane with a weighted ball up the left flank. The Senegalese winger took it on the turn, his movements momentarily bamboozling Bender, who had expected him to charge forward.
Instead, he spun to the sidelines, performing a deft Cruyff turn that had Bender struggling to stay upright. "Oh, he’s through," Peter Drury exclaimed as Mane charged into the box at an angle, inviting Tah to challenge him.
The German centre-back committed himself, sliding in with his studs showing as he desperately tried to prevent Mané from getting his shot away. But the Senegalese had already seen him coming. With a delicate touch, he lifted the ball over the incoming challenge, the sphere floating tantalizingly in the air as both players collided in a tangle of limbs.
"Penalty!" The crowd roared as one, 55,000 voices united in their demand for justice. Referee Björn Kuipers hesitated for a moment, his hand moving toward his whistle, but then he waved play on. The protests were immediate and deafening.
The German centre-back had no choice but to commit, sliding across the penalty area with his studs showing. Mané, reading the challenge perfectly, dragged the ball back with the sole of his boot, sending Tah skidding past him like a freight train on ice. The crowd held its breath as the Senegalese winger steadied himself, now with only Hrádecký to beat.
"Mané! He’s done Tah completely rotten!" Tyldesley’s voice cracked with anticipation.
Time seemed to slow as Mané drew back his right foot as Lukas Hardeckey rushed out of his line. It was too late, though, as the winger’s foot had wrapped around the ball and unleashed a curling shot toward the far corner.
[43’]
The ball arced just past Hrádecký’s outstretched glove, whispering past the inside of the far post, and kissed the net.
[GOAL – 43’ Sadio Mané | Liverpool 2–2 Leverkusen (Aggregate: 4–5)]
Anfield exploded like a tsunami as Red smoke flared behind the home team’s goal. Scarves were thrown in the air as they sang to the rhythm of a drum beat. "SADIO MANÉ WITH A RESPONSE OF CHAMPIONS!" Peter Drury bellowed, barely heard over the thunder of Anfield. "And just like that, they are back in this match."
Clive Tyldesley added, breathless, "It had to be something special to beat Hrádecký tonight—and that was exactly that." Mané slid to his knees in front of the away corner; arms stretched wide as teammates piled on.
~~~
That proved to be the last significant action of the first half as Leverkusen focused on possession and defence following the restart. Despite the home side wanting to pile on the momentum, the Germans were a well-oiled machine. So when they put their minds to running out the clock, they did just that, forcing referee Danny Makkelie to blow his whistle after two added minutes.
In the Leverkusen dressing room, the atmosphere that should have been joyous was now filled with tension. The feeling of having given away the lead weighed on everyone after they had already felt like they had set foot in the quarterfinals. So, to have their lead reduced so abruptly in the dying minutes of the first half was a major blow to them.
The door banged shut behind the last player, and for a heartbeat, nobody spoke. Rainwater dripped off jerseys, ticking against the tile like a clock they suddenly heard too clearly. Some of the trainers handed out warm towels to the players and provided them with paper cups of electrolyte water.
Rakim, along with the rest of the bench players, hit the field to get in a small training session. They did so to give the players who had been playing breathing room to decompress and focus on the coach’s instructions. However, they all really wanted to get a feel for the field and use the chance to get warm just in case they were called upon for action.
Peter Bosz strode to the centre of the room, his leather trainers squeaking on the tiled floor. He looked around the room, making eye contact with a few of the players as he took a deep, calming breath. "Sit. Breathe." Benches creaked as they took their designated spots.
Bosz raised a hand to gather their attention. "We knew Anfield would give them fifteen crazy minutes. We’ve had it. It’s over."He tapped his temple. "Now we play our game again."
He pointed at the whiteboard, where the 4-2-3-1 magnets were displayed. He moved the midfield trio closer to the double pivot as he circled Robertson and Alexander-Arnold. "We will hold our ground for the first 10 minutes, and when they get desperate, they will take greater risks. That’s when I want you, Demirbay and Diaby to be ready to pounce on the counter."
He jabbed a finger at the attacking quartet. "When it breaks, finish. No pretty passes— there are no extra points for style, just finish. One goal and their mountain doubles."
He continued to give them instructions on which areas of the field he wanted them to target for the next 5 minutes. Making sure they were all on the same page, he didn’t put too much pressure on them and let them relax for the last few minutes. Moments later, a knock from one of the officials signalled them to get ready for the start, and they did just that with a few players getting the last wiggles and nigles treated by the physio.
~~~
[UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 – 2nd leg | Aggregate: Liverpool 2–2 Leverkusen (Aggregate: 4–5)| 20:57]
"And we’re back here at Anfield for what is hopefully another wonderful half of Champions League football." Peter Drury’s voice resonated through the live broadcast as an aerial shot of the field was shown, with players from both sides jogging onto the field. "We have seen some exciting glimpses from both sides already, and most importantly, a palette of goals. Clive, what can we expect from both teams in the second half?"
"Well, Peter, Liverpool simply have to go for it," Tyldesley replied, his voice carrying the weight of the situation. "They need a goal to force extra time, two to win it outright. But Leverkusen... they’ll be thinking one goal kills this tie dead in the water. It’s a fascinating tactical battle but also a battle of wills ahead."
"Thank you for the analysis, Clive, and here comes the second half!" Peter Drury announced as the players took their positions. "Liverpool kick us off, and they know time is running out on their European dream."
The rain had stopped, but the pitch remained slick under the floodlights. Steam rose from the turf like morning mist, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as Danny Makkelie performed the mandatory checks and promptly blew his whistle, signalling the restart at 21:00.
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To Be Continued...
