<h4>Chapter 393: Battle of vengeance</h4>


    Liverpool is a port city in northwest Ennd, located in Merseyside County. As one of the eight core cities in Ennd, itsmercial and port trade are first-rate, deserving the name of an international metropolis.


    When the ne carrying the Real Madrid teamnded at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, there were already home team fans waiting near the airport with banners and slogans such as "Wang Feng, we don''t wee you!" and "Wang Feng, go away!"


    "It seems you have be the most unwee yer in the hearts of Liverpool fans," joked Raúl, to which Wang Feng shrugged and replied, "It''s my honor."


    Jokes aside, the Liverpool City Hall deployed arge number of police forces and implemented strict security measures for the visiting Real Madrid yers and fans, as fanatical fans had caused incidents in the past.


    The tragic Hillsborough disaster that shocked the world footballmunity urred during the Champions League knockout stages, with shes between Liverpool and Juventus fans resulting in 39 deaths and over 300 injuries.


    After the incident, UEFA also issued the highest level of penalties, banning all British teams from participating in Europeanpetitions for five years, with Liverpool''s bansting seven years.


    The pain will forever be remembered, football is supposed to bring joy, and everyone will do their best to prevent uncivilized incidents from happening.


    On the evening of April 24th, at Anfield Stadium in Ennd, the highly anticipated first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals officially kicked off.


    In this match, Benitez deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Reina as the goalkeeper, and Avraam, Carragher, Skrtel, and Aurelio as defenders, Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano as midfielders, and Kuyt, Torres, and Babel as forwards.


    To be honest, this starting lineup was somewhat unexpected by the outside world, as it was predicted that the Spanish coach might adopt a defensive formation, with 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 being the preferred choices to limit Wang Feng''s performance.


    However, Benitez was very firm in his decision, determined to win the first leg of the match, which would provide security when they visit the Bernabeu. Therefore, he deployed the team''s strongest attacking lineup.


    Torres, the "golden boy" brought in from Atletico Madridst summer, set a record for Liverpool''s highest transfer fee, conquering the coach and fans in just one season, securing his position as a starter in the front line.


    So far, the 24-year-old Spanish forward has scored 21 league goals, bing the first Liverpool yer to score more than 20 goals in a single season since Fowler in the 1995-1996 season.


    At the beginning of the match, both sides appeared cautious, with the first ten minutes mainly focused on probing. Real Madrid had a slight advantage in midfield control, but Liverpool''s sharp insertions also posed a threat.


    The home teampleted the first threatening attack, with Avraam intercepting the ball in the backfield and quickly sending a long pass to find Torres in the frontcourt.


    The Spaniard swiftly advanced, flicked the ball past Heinze, and took a powerful shot. However, goalkeeper Casis remained very focused, anticipating the trajectory in advance and catching the ball, resolving the crisis.


    Real Madrid had a rtively higher ball possession rate, and they soon organized an effective attack. Sneijder sent a through ball into the penalty area, Wang Feng received the ball, dribbled past defender Skrtel, and shot towards the bottom right corner of the goal, but unfortunately, it was blocked by the post.


    After nearly a season of training and coordination, Ramos, Pepe, and Ashley Cole''s performances weremendable, and they had developed a tacit understanding with each other, demonstrating excellent defensive strength.


    However, Heinze had a weakness. Due to his aging and past injuries, the former Manchester United defender''s performance had severely declined, often bing a breakthrough point for opponents.


    The young Torres keenly noticed this and seized the opportunity to frequently attack from Heinze''s side, using agile movements and strong physical qualities to gain the upper hand.


    He first burst from the sideline, shook off Argentine defender and then entered the penalty area, but his shot from a narrow angle missed the target. Then, he received a through pass from Gerrard, again evaded Heinze, and unexpectedly chipped the ball into the far corner, but fortunately, Saint Iker remained stable and caught the ball.


    Upon careful calction, although Real Madrid had control of the main possession, Liverpool created more chances, and they were also more threatening. They found effective attacking methods.


    When the time came to the 27th minute, the home teamunched another attack from the nk. Gerrard made a wide-range transfer to divert the attention of the Gxy Warship''s defense, and Mascherano quickly sent a high-speed cross from the bottom.


    Lurking in the penalty area, Kuyt leaped high and barely grabbed the first point. So, instead of shooting directly, he flicked the ball to the back post.


    At some point, Torres, with clever movements, shook off the defense and emerged unmarked. With no one to disturb him, he headed the ball from close range, and it found the bottom left corner of the goal, giving Liverpool the lead!


    "Fernando Torres!" eximed the livementator excitedly, followed by the deafening cheers of the home fans, finally receiving rewards after so much effort.


    Tens of thousands of fans wearing red jerseys stood up one after another, shouting the Spaniard''s name at the top of their lungs. At this moment, he was the god of Anfield!


    The Gxy Warship''s onught was not over yet. In the 37th minute, their defense line made another fatal mistake. Once again, it was Mascherano with a cross from the nk. Due to Heinze''s absence, Ramos hastily defended and ended up tripping Torres.


    "Beep~" The referee''s whistle sounded like a haunting melody in the hearts of the Real Madrid yers. German referee Fandel decisively pointed to the penalty spot, "No, I didn''t mean it, you can see my intention." Ramos exined anxiously.


    Fandel shook his head, insisting on his decision. Liverpool was awarded a penalty kick!


    Kuyt walked to Torres and extended his hand, "Mate, well done! You take this penalty." Torres was somewhat surprised; wasn''t he the team''s first penalty taker?


    "Your performance today is outstanding. I believe in you. If you can score a brace or even a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, it will be a wonderful experience." Kuyt added with a smile.


    Torres nodded gratefully. He did not disappoint his teammate''s trust, easily deceiving Casis and slotting the ball into the bottom left corner, 2-0! Liverpool extended their lead.


    Watching the home team yers celebrating together, Ramos hung his head in frustration. At that moment, an arm rested on his shoulder, "Brother, why so down? We haven''t lost yet!"


    The Spaniard looked up at Wang Feng, "It was my mistake just now, giving them a goal. I was too reckless!"


    "No, you just wanted to defend with all your might. Besides, who can guarantee that they will never make a mistake? There are still over fifty minutes left in the game, and even if this round doesn''t go well, we still have the second leg. It''s too early to be discouraged now!"


    Looking at the confident and spirited face in front of him, Ramos gradually dispelled his despair. Yeah, we still have time and opportunity, and we have yers who can create miracles to rely on!