From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Ma...el! Ma’el!”

The team’s right-back Sagna started to choreograph a dance, spinning around on the locker room table, shaking his shoulders energetically.

”Bam bam bam bam... I have a friend, he’s driving a Pagani down the sideline, dancing the Swan Lake on the defensive line...!”

Indeed, black people have some dance talent, you have to admire that.

”Let’s call it the Dance of Ma’el.” Sagna twisted and laughed, lifting the locker room’s atmosphere, shouting, ”Count now, how many names’ dances have I choreographed?”

”Do you only choreograph for front players?”

Center-back Vermaelen felt a bit left out, spread his hands with a smile and said, ”What about us in the backfield? Aren’t we worthy of having one?”

”How would you choreograph yours?”

Sagna stood on the table, thought for a moment, then started twisting and stomping his feet again, ”Bam bam bam... He’s been passed again, he’s out of position again... Oh, look how clumsy they are!”

”Hahaha...!” Laughter erupted in the locker room, and the atmosphere was very joyful, temporarily freeing players from the tense match.

Vermaelen wanted to climb the table to chase Sagna, but Sagna was agile, running and stomping while singing and dancing.

Ma’el sat at his spot with a big smile watching them, feeling wonderful, stepping forward onto the playing field, facing top teams; stepping back into the locker room, stars performing shows.

This life is just great.

Mr. Wenger quickly walked into the locker room, held up the tactical board, spoke to the players about issues and things to watch out for, and after mentioning his plan for large-scale substitutions at the 70th minute, he left the locker room to the players again.

”Beep beep!” Shortly after, the referee’s urging whistle sounded outside the locker room, and both teams took the field again.

......

Before the start of the second half, the substitution board was raised at the sideline, Alaba replaced Raphinha.

After Arsenal weakened their attack and strengthened their defense, Bayern Munich made the same choice.

Even though they are currently trailing, their front attack is somewhat overflowing; for now, it’s better to prevent the gap from widening further, they can wait for goals slowly.

”Alaba, go for it!”

Heynckes came to the young Alaba, patted his shoulder, ”Defend him, most Bundesliga wingers aren’t a fear for you.”

”Certainly, boss!” Alaba expressed firmly, closed his eyes, earnestly praying, hoping God could bless him in this match.

Before going on the field, he drew a cross on his chest... after finishing, he hesitated slightly, was one stroke too short, or another too long?

Would it be unfaithful?

Alaba shook his head, rubbed his chest up and down, seemingly thinking this could erase the previous mistake, and drew the cross again.

”Double prayer!”

In the broadcast studio, Shen Fangjian caught this moment, voice tinged with laughter, teasing, ”This shows Alaba’s emphasis on this match, hopefully this 1992-born wing-back can perform well today.

”After he’s on, the left side will be a battle between two young men, one born in 1992, the other in 1993, both under 20!”

With Alaba finally done praying and running onto the field, the referee looked at his watch one last time, pointed to the sky, ”Beep!”

”Boom!” Van Persie passed the ball to Alexander Song, kicking off the second half for both sides.

The fans inside the stadium couldn’t sit still, the fiery atmosphere made them ecstatic, as more people stood up to watch the game, everyone gradually stood up...

If you don’t stand, you won’t see Robben and Van Persie, just the butt of the person in front.

”Boom! Boom...!”

The second half saw both sides play more expansively, even Arsenal frequently launched long passes seeking teammates in open spaces.

The rhythm quickened, all players spared no effort in running!

Friendlies have one mass substitution, giving substitute players a chance to play, a tacit understanding among all clubs.

Thus, the first-string players’ last confrontational time is left with only about 25 minutes.

The new season is about to start, they must seize this chance to find their form, align their team, and enhance rapport with new teammates!

They’re not teams without ambition, each player fully understands this and naturally doesn’t need reminders.

The match, at this moment, truly heated up.

......

In the 49th minute, Bayern Munich initiated a rapid attack through the middle.

”Boom!”

Toni Kroos and Gustavo’s frequent switches and crosses disrupted Arsenal’s midfield line, captain Lam delivered a penetrating ball from the defensive wing directly to Gomez at the center forward spot.

Gomez played as a wall, returning the ball to Toni Kroos with one touch, who didn’t stop the ball but chipped it high towards the flank of the penalty area.

Thomas Mueller rushed into the penalty box again, met the ball with a volley aimed at the far post, the ball flew over goalkeeper Szczeny, only to be cleared with a header by Gibbs who was covering at the back post.

”Boom!!”

Robben followed up, violently striking with his left foot, sending the ball into the net!

”Two to two! Bayern Munich begins to show their power, Arsenal’s defensive line appears somewhat chaotic, despite having a numerical advantage, they let Bayern Munich attack as if they had an extra player.”

”Robben scores a goal, it’s the scene Bayern fans are eager to see!”

On the field, after Robben scored a goal, he didn’t run to the sidelines to make his classic knee slide celebration, just celebrated a bit with his teammates near the penalty box.