r18novel Chapter 78 The Withering of the Purple Lily
Chapter 78 The Withering of the Purple Lily
Following the French Ligue 1 season, the second leg of the Europa League knockout stage will take place immediately.
The two sides fought a fierce battle in the first leg at Frankie Stadium.
Monaco secured a 1-2 victory thanks to Jiang Ming's last-minute goal.
According to the away goals rule in European competitions at the time.
Monaco not only lead by one goal on aggregate, but also have the advantage of two away goals.
If Florence wants to advance, they must score at least two goals in this match.
Even if Florence wins 1-0 but only scores one goal, they will still be eliminated due to fewer away goals.
Yaldin's lips curled up: "Now it's Florence who's in a hurry."
"If they want to win, they have to push forward and attack in this game, otherwise they'll be eliminated."
"So for this match, let's just park the bus and play a counter-attacking game against them!"
Jardim patted the tactics board: "Jiang, you'll drop back to the defensive midfield position this game, responsible for the team's ball distribution and orchestration."
"Once Florence pushes forward, you can use precise long passes from the back to tear apart their defense!"
"Let's show these Italians what real counter-attacking football is all about!"
As he spoke, Jardim turned to look at Mbappe.
Mbappe felt the coach's gaze and immediately straightened his back.
Standing there, he's a soldier!
"Kilian, this will be your first start in European competition."
"Your connection with Jiang was very effective last time, keep it up in this game!"
"Florence's defenders are slow to turn, so use your speed to outpace them, and Jiang will pass the ball to you!"
Mbappe chirped like a chick pecking at rice, "I get it, boss!"
"If Jiang says 'Don't be a coward,' I'll charge forward!"
……
"Welcome, fans, to the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16."
"Monaco will return to their home ground to face Florence in this match."
"Florence is now completely at a disadvantage, and it remains to be seen whether they can pull off a comeback like Monaco."
"Sousa said in the post-match press conference after the last game that they would not give up."
"The formation they used in this match also revealed their ambition."
"Florence has reverted to a three-center-back formation, which is clearly an attempt to strengthen their attack and push the wing-backs up more..."
……
With the referee's whistle.
Game start.
The game has just started.
Florence's players pressed forward relentlessly, just like in their last encounter.
But Monaco's players were well aware of this.
After all, the lesson learned in the last game won't be wasted.
Moreover, Jiang Ming was also playing in the defensive midfield position in this match.
They will find it quite easy to break down Florence's offensive rotation.
Wallace wasn't as flustered as he had been last time when facing Zarate's pressing.
Because he discovered that a familiar Chinese player appeared in his passing path.
"Jiang Ming!"
"Found another great receiving position!"
"Such a comprehensive understanding of the big picture!"
"Receive the ball, turn, and immediately deliver a long, lobbed pass from the spot!"
The football transformed into a white streak, traversing the night sky above the Stade Louis II.
Mbappe understood perfectly.
The speed increased instantly underfoot.
His bold words before the match were not just empty boasts.
Bernardeschi was supposed to be Florence's attacking focal point.
However, in this match, he was placed in the right wing position.
Sousa probably understands that if he puts the slower Tomovic against Mbappe, it would be a bad situation.
Then their right flank will become a wide, main road.
Therefore, Sousa could only try to put Bernardeschi in that position.
Let's see who's faster, him or Mbappe!
"They're here!"
"The two are now matched up!"
"Mbappe and Bernardeschi accelerate at the same time..."
Wow! Mbappe is clearly much faster!
"Bernardeschi could only slow them down by pulling on their jerseys!"
Amidst a series of pulling and tugging disturbances.
Mbappe ultimately chose to collapse to the ground.
The referee immediately blew his whistle.
A free kick from the backfield.
……
Sidelines.
Sosa scratched his head.
"Damn, Monaco only needs one midfield playmaker."
"There's actually a rising star in the frontcourt who can break through so quickly."
His composure died completely.
I was originally thinking of trying to make a comeback by switching to three center-backs in the away game.
Surprisingly, the opposing team also had skilled counter-attackers.
It hadn't been long since the game started, and they were already completely outmatched.
Instead, it created a set piece for Monaco.
Bernardeschi's top speed of 34km/h is not as fast as his.
Is this kid Henry?
……
Seat B raised his right hand.
The set piece is served.
The Monaco players immediately rushed forward, trying to win a point.
"No one has gone too far."
"Who will win this ball?"
Chaos erupted inside the restricted area.
Carrillo stared at the football that kept falling towards him.
Just as he was about to push off with his feet, someone blocked his way, preventing him from jumping.
With no other option, Carrillo had to head the ball across.
"The ball reached the far post."
"This is... Jiang Ming!"
"A low shot from a tight angle at the far post!"
"Wow! Goal!"
"Monaco scored from a set piece created on a counter-attack shortly after the start of the match!"
"The young Chinese player is just like Thomas Müller inside the penalty area!"
"His keen sense of smell and ghostly positioning led him to the second landing spot!"
"Then a powerful shot from a tight angle! Successfully pierced the Florence goal!"
"1-0, Monaco takes the lead at home, 3-1 on aggregate against Florence."
"The Purple Lily has been forced to the edge of a cliff!"
……
Live stream chat.
"Guys, is this game even worth watching?"
"If Fiorentina can't even beat Monaco at home, they're bound to get thrashed on the field when they play at Monaco's home ground."
"Indeed, it's mainly because Yaldin is too perverted."
"Instead of using Lemar, who is a key player, they brought on Mbappe, and this substitution decision actually worked."
"That's because Mbappe is the perfect fit for Jiang Ming's style of play! The essence of counter-attacking is like a dog catching a frisbee!"
"Florence is out of the running, we can only wait and see if Dortmund or Liverpool can teach Monaco a lesson..."
……
The cheers at the Stade Louis II continued unabated.
Monaco, having scored another goal, played with increasing intensity.
Especially their twins.
Jiang Ming was behind him, launching frisbees with a whoosh.
Mbappe was in front, running forward with barking.
In an instant, Florence's defenses were shattered.
They could only stop Monaco's counter-attacks by having multiple defenders cover them and committing fouls.
Bernardeschi was the worst off.
This is only the first half.
He has already been beaten by Mbappe three times.
Bernardeschi even felt that a highlight reel was going to be made after the match.
And he was just a background figure in that highlight reel.
……
The 64th minute of the match.
Jiang Ming receives the ball.
Ilicic immediately judged that he was going to send a long pass.
They immediately moved forward to press and seize the opportunity.
Just as the two were getting close.
Ilicic made a tackle to steal the ball.
Jiang Ming kept his feet on the ground and stomped on the ball.
Then gently push it forward.
The football slipped through the gap between Ilicic's legs!
"hiss--"
"He's using a step-back dribble to nutmeg his opponent again."
"Iličić's eyes were already blazing with anger."
"Moutinho receives the ball smoothly and passes it forward..."
"Carrillo backs down the defender and passes the ball back."
"B. Silva unleashes a first-time shot!"
"2-0!!"
"4-1 in total score!!"
"Monaco has killed the game!"
"The Viola florida has completely withered at the Stade Louis II!!"