Chapter 534: Chapter 22: Simply Miraculous! (Part 2)

His cross precisely found Negredo.

Unfortunately, Negredo’s header went slightly wide of the goal; otherwise, Real Madrid could have changed the score to 4-0.

However, Milan fans weren’t completely despairing; after all, they’ve experienced the halftime champagne celebration, only for Liverpool to chase down three goals in the second half.

It’s okay, it’s okay!

Milan fans comforted themselves, then looked at the field with anticipation, hoping to see some change in their team.

“Match time: The thirtieth minute.”

“Gattuso ferociously intercepted the ball.”

“The ball was at Ronaldinho’s feet, Ronaldinho!”

The Brazilian wizard’s body had lost its former slenderness, but on the field, his slightly bulky figure could still step with glorious footwork, executing a lively dance.

Using a beautiful feint, he tricked Khedira, who was trying to intercept. Then, after drawing in Chen Zhong with his nimble steps, he delicately chipped the ball to the eager Ibrahimovic.

The Swedish striker was observing the ball’s drop while moving, and as Alonso quickly closed in on him, he headed the ball out at the last moment before Ibrahimovic could touch it.

“Milan’s corner!”

“This is Milan’s first attack into Real Madrid’s penalty area this half.”

“This is also Milan’s first corner in the match.”

This offensive move lifted Milan players’ morale significantly, and Milan fans began chanting Ronaldinho’s name, though he was no longer the football wizard of the past.

The coach still lacked enough trust in this Brazilian.

However, Ronaldinho’s “self-discipline” paid off; he worked hard during training throughout the season, always hoping to regain his “peak.” Though still a bit bulky now, he’s improved a lot from before.

Ronaldinho was somewhat winded, resting his hands on his hips, revealing his white rabbit teeth as he looked at his teammates and awaited the corner.

Real Madrid, showing due respect to Ronaldinho, had two defenders ready around him.

The ball was launched, and Milan seemed aware that they couldn’t compete with Real Madrid in aerial duels, so this pass didn’t target Ibrahimovic, who raised his arms inside the penalty area wanting the ball.

Instead, it found Zambrotta at the edge of the penalty arc.

Zambrotta bent over, his eyes locked on the ball, choosing not to control it but rather to attempt a volley shot and test his luck.

“Boom!”

The ball made full contact with Zambrotta’s foot.

It soared into the air, a white streak flying toward the goal.

Casillas, obstructed visually, didn’t react immediately in front of the goal.

In that moment, time seemed frozen.

Milan fans craned their necks eagerly, and players followed the ball’s trajectory with anticipation as the ball hit the post with a resounding bounce.

Zambrotta moved forward with purpose, but Alonso occupied the space first, ultimately causing him to fall outside the penalty area.

“The main referee blows the whistle!”

“A free kick is awarded.”

“Alonso receives a verbal warning.”

“This free kick’s position.”

“It’s quite threatening.”

Ronaldinho confidently stood in front of the ball; from this position, he had scored numerous free kicks.

The Brazilian wiped sweat from his forehead, a sharp glint in his eyes.

At the familiar Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, eyeing the familiar white jerseys of the opposing team, Ronaldinho took a deep breath, making his belly appear a little less protruding.

His “tail” swung with flourish.

With nimble movements, he took the free kick.

This strike was extremely dangerous, full of menace.

It curved perfectly around the wall, descending toward Real Madrid’s goal.

Milan fans were ready to cheer, while Real Madrid fans didn’t dare to watch the upcoming scene.

At this crucial moment, Casillas came forward.

Using his fingertips, he slightly altered the ball’s trajectory just as he had done before.

The ball struck the crossbar, rebounding out.

Pepe quickly completed the clearance, kicking the ball out of bounds.

“Ronaldinho’s free kick was to the limit.”

“Unfortunately, he faced Real Madrid’s Door God, Casillas.”

“Saint Casillas!”

“This leap-pounce, fingertip rescue.”

“Stopped this high-quality free kick outside the goal.”

Ronaldinho looked regretfully toward the goal, Casillas’s save denying Milan sure chance. If someone other than Casillas were in goal, the angle and free kick would have almost warranted a celebration.

Even though the strike didn’t score, Milan’s morale was significantly boosted.

“Match time: The thirty-fifth minute.”

“Ronaldinho dropped back to the center to take possession.”

“He avoided Alonso.”

“Distributed the ball.”

“Seedorf’s forward run.”

“Chen Zhong approached from the side.”

“Seedorf fell to the ground.”

“But the ball was passed.”

“Milan’s attack was incredibly smooth.”

“Ibrahimovic!”

“Next pass!”

“Inzaghi!”

Milan’s attack was very fluid, almost always one-touch play.

Seedorf provided the ball to Ibrahimovic, whose pass combined with Inzaghi’s movement created a fantastic opportunity.

Inzaghi, known for prowling along the offside line, succeeded in achieving a one-on-one chance.

His first touch was excellent, combining control with a feint, bypassing Cavaleiro.

Then, facing Casillas, he directly went for a shot.

From a distance of 12 meters from goal, he unleashed a powerful strike, sending the ball flying toward the goal with great speed.

On the stands, Milan fans stretched their necks eagerly, hoping Inzaghi would perform a miracle as Casillas once again, using a miraculous save, denied Inzaghi’s shot.

“Casillas!”

“Another miraculous save!”

“Surely a Saint Casillas!”

“In the recently concluded 2010 World Cup.”

“It was Casillas’s magical saves.”

“That led Spain to the World Cup victory.”

“And in this match, he’s keeping his goal intact.”

“Stopping at least two sure goals from Milan!”

Casillas forcefully punched the turf, then stood up, yelling excitedly.

Clearly, Casillas was at his peak right now.

Mourinho on the sidelines also showed wide-eyed disbelief, turning to Francisco: “He’s incredible, truly incredible.”

Mourinho wasn’t fully satisfied with Casillas’s height, often feeling players found it easier to score against him at goal.

But Casillas’s performance in this match had shifted his perspective.

“Casillas’s throw-in.”

“Chen Zhong chest controlled the ball.”

“Seedorf was knocked down.”

“Gattuso tried a tackle.”

“Also squeezed down.”

“The referee showed no sign.”

“Chen Zhong pressed forward with the ball in the center.”

“Distributed to the left!”

“C. Ronaldo!”

Cristiano Ronaldo received the ball outside the penalty area, positioned on Milan’s left flank.

Nesta attempted an interception against C. Ronaldo, who used a change in rhythm, a series of feints to evade Nesta.

After bypassing Nesta, a narrow “sheep’s path” lay ahead.

Without hesitation, after two steps, he advanced, cutting the ball forward then shot fiercely without hesitation toward the goal!

“Boom!”

A muffled sound echoed as the ball executed like a battle axe.

Ferociously heading toward the goal.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep