Starting from playing as a defensive midfielder for Real Madrid

"A familiar scene happened again. Chelsea played the role of Manchester City again this time, and Atletico Madrid seemed not to be very accurate about Chelsea's role.

If Atletico Madrid chooses to be the active attacking side, they must balance the forward pressure and the speed of defense, otherwise Chelsea's backcourt control will become a cage that restrains Atletico Madrid.

In last year's Champions League final, Simeone did not respond well to Chelsea's tactics. I wonder if he has come up with a solution this year? "

The commentator of England's Sky Sports looked with interest at Simeone, who was looking at the pitch under the live camera.

The bandit coach paid Mourinho's tuition on the stage of last year's Champions League final.

You can't fall into the same pit twice, right?

Now Chelsea once again uses the ball control in the backcourt to attract Atletico Madrid to attack forward. If Atletico Madrid can successfully crack it today, it can be regarded as a model for other Premier League teams.

Under the curious gaze of countless fans in front of the TV, Simeone did not spend too much time observing the situation on the field. He also quickly came up with a tactical response plan.

Atletico Madrid's two forwards and two full midfielders still decisively pressed into Chelsea's half to perform high pressure.

At this moment, Atletico Madrid's two full-backs Carrasco and Koke did not move to the wings to press Chelsea's ball carrier.

They moved in behind Griezmann and Diego Costa, exerting defensive pressure on Chelsea's midfield organizers in the middle of the midfield.

Pressing forward on both wings were Atletico Madrid's two full-backs Felipe Luis and Juanfran.

Atletico Madrid's pressing changes at this moment made many fans' eyes light up.

The full-backs move inward to take on the pressing tasks that should have been shouldered by the midfielders, and the space on the wing they vacate is filled by the full-backs in their forward positions.

In this way, Atletico Madrid's frontcourt pressure force is sufficient, and the two defensive midfielders can also occupy positions to prevent Chelsea from counterattacking.

The two central defenders behind the midfielder added an insurance rope to Atletico Madrid's defense.

This kind of pressing formation will definitely not be able to achieve the ball-grabbing effect of Atletico Madrid's entire team, but if it is only to deal with Chelsea's backcourt ball control tactics, this novel style of play is enough.

In the final analysis, Simeone still wanted to block Chelsea's quick counterattack.

As long as this goal can be achieved, it is not so important whether Atletico Madrid can seize the ball in the frontcourt and launch a quick attack.

Mourinho watched Simeone really come up with a response plan, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

To be honest, Simeone's specific tactics are far from the optimal solution, but if he can immediately come up with this set of countermeasures, we can foresee the adequacy of Atletico Madrid's coaching staff's pre-match preparations.

After looking at the Atletico Madrid players who were positioned in the Atletico Madrid half, Mourinho pondered for a moment, then returned to the coaching bench and covered his mouth to communicate with Holland.

On the field, Li Ang was also constantly communicating with Cross using tactical gestures.

Seeing that Atletico Madrid was no longer fooled, Li Ang immediately joined forces with Kroos to control the ball, further slowing down the pace of the game.

On the one hand, they need to wait for the latest tactical instructions from the head coach, and on the other hand, they also need time to observe the opponent's pressing system and find ways to solve it.

In the eighth minute of the first half, Li Ang received a mid-range pass from Maguire, turned around to avoid Diego Costa's press, and then tried to drive the ball forward himself.

However, before he could dribble the ball across the center line, he was directly faced with a double-team from Cork and Gabi.

Looking at Gabi's slightly fierce defensive look, Li Ang had no doubt that if he took the ball two more steps, he would definitely be stopped by the opponent with a tactical foul.

Without wasting any time to think, Li Ang decisively stopped his forward movement, dribbling the ball laterally and returning the ball to Kroos.

He sometimes plays more aggressively now, but it depends on the person. He will still give full respect to a top defensive midfielder like Gabi who is already among the top five in Europe.

After several trials, Li Ang has fully experienced the intensity of Atletico Madrid's midfield defense today.

He made a tactical gesture of "slow down a little more" to Cross, and Cross understood it and continued to control the ball, not rushing forward to organize the attack.

However, they didn't wait long. Soon, Holland, who had finished his communication with Mourinho, walked to the sidelines and made tactical adjustments to the formation with a tactical board in his hand.

Today Chelsea started with a 4231 formation. After Holland made a gesture to change the formation, Chelsea's players quickly changed their positions.

Matic and Kroos' parallel positions in the midfield remain unchanged, but their positions seem to be slightly further forward than before.

Hazard and De Bruyne were lined up on the left and right of them, while Li Ang trotted forward under the surprised gaze of all the fans at the scene until he surpassed Suarez!

"God! What is Li Ang doing? Is this the surprise Mourinho gave to Atletico Madrid and all the fans today?! Li Ang is actually put on the front line by the Chelsea coaching staff at this time!"

"No. 9 and a half? No! Li Ang's position has surpassed Chelsea's official center Suarez! Could it be that now Li Ang has become Chelsea's new center and Suarez retreats to play as a shadow striker?!"

"This is definitely the most historic scene in football this season! When Li Ang first appeared in the attacking midfielder position, we discussed the possibility of him playing as a forward, and now this scene has really happened!

Center back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, forward... In addition to the goalkeeper position, is there any position on the court that Li Ang cannot play? He is simply the Beckenbauer of our time! "

When Li Ang moved to the front of Chelsea's formation and seemed to really become Chelsea's new center, commentators from various countries invariably "climaxed"!

But in essence, Li Ang cannot be regarded as Chelsea's center at this time, because he does not bear too much scoring responsibility. Chelsea's only official center is still Suarez.

What Mourinho wants is Li Ang's connection and fulcrum role in the midfield and frontcourt. When necessary, he also needs to push into Atletico Madrid's penalty area to act as a high-point human shield.

With this description, does Li Ang's tactical role at this time seem to be similar to that of Real Madrid's Benzema?

Yes, what the Chelsea coaching staff wants is an all-round support fulcrum!

When there is no need to use substitutions to bring Llorente on the field in advance, Li Ang's position can be moved forward to achieve Mourinho's tactical intentions.

This is indeed a tactical surprise prepared by Mourinho for the entire Atletico Madrid coaching staff.

When a tactical trap doesn't work, move on to a smarter and more targeted attack.

Atletico Madrid met Real Madrid twice in La Liga this season and was beaten by Real Madrid's quick movement and passing tactics. It is impossible for Mourinho not to take advantage of this.

Chelsea does not necessarily have to be as obsessed with passing as Real Madrid, but the strong fulcrum of the frontcourt can still be established first.

Li Ang naturally does not have the intimidating power of Drogba, but as long as he can suppress Atletico Madrid's defensive players in the top confrontation, that is enough for Mourinho.

As for his ability to connect with the ball, Li Ang reassures the entire Chelsea team.

They have already practiced this changed style of play on the training ground, and now they dare to use it directly in the Champions League semi-finals. They have obviously mastered it.

Simeone immediately lost his composure after watching Li Ang directly seek confrontation with Jimenez as soon as he took up the center position, and raised his hand to confidently ask for the ball!

He has always believed that Li Ang still has a lot of potential to be explored, but he really didn't expect that Mourinho would dare to play such a special code!

At first glance, it seems unreliable for Li Ang to play as a center, but if you think about it carefully, excluding talents such as the sense of smell in front of the goal, Li Ang's static confrontation and back-up ability seem to be completely superior to most in football. center.

And Simeone didn't believe that Mourinho would take aim without aim. He was pounding in his heart at the moment and subconsciously squeezed his palms.

Li Ang on the court also received his first ball in a new position.

Facing Jimenez's defensive interference, Li Ang first calmed his waist and abdomen core, and then opened his arms slightly to block him behind him.

Post-posting ability depends first on the player's physical fitness, and secondly on the player's golf IQ.

Li Ang took the initiative to ask Jimenez for a ground confrontation, but it was not because he was full.

The main reason is that he wants to avoid Godin, a strong defensive point, and the secondary reason is that he wants to actively drag Jimenez into the trap of static confrontation.

If both of them rush to kick, Jimenez will occupy a defensive position. Although he may not be stronger than Li Ang in confrontation, it is still no problem to destroy the ball first.

But when both of them are fighting on the ground, Li Ang's strength and physical advantages will be multiplied.

Regardless of shoulder width, weight tonnage or explosive power, Jimenez is not as good as Li Ang.

So when Cross's long pass reached the two of them, Li Ang, who had already suppressed Jimenez on the ground, jumped up easily and got the ball first.

At this time, Li Ang didn't even need to jump too high. He just needed to suppress Jimenez in terms of strength and ensure that his opponent couldn't jump as high as himself.

After winning the ball, Li Ang continued to withstand Jimenez's defensive intrusion with his broad shoulders. Then he took the ball, half-turned and moved laterally. After a brief observation, he quickly moved the football to the left!

Li Ang completed this series of actions in one go, and it didn't even look like it was his first time playing as a fulcrum center. Not to mention, he really looked like Benzema!

Hazard, who moved forward to receive the ball, passed Juanfran directly with the ball, without giving the opponent a chance to commit a tactical foul.

The first time he reached Atletico Madrid's baseline area in the first half, Hazard sent a wonderful cross.

The football flew into Atletico Madrid's penalty area with a strong spin in the air. At this time, Li Ang really pushed into Atletico Madrid's defensive hinterland like a high center forward, broke through Godin's defense and took off in the middle!

However, the football eventually flew to the back of Atletico Madrid's penalty area. Li Ang, who had attracted the defensive attention of most of Atletico Madrid defenders, also turned his head and looked back.

I saw Suarez draw his bow and arrow after a smart movement, and directly chose to volley without stopping the ball!

The tens of thousands of Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge almost cheered in advance at this moment!

But in the next moment, Courtois used his long wingspan to block Suarez's shot from the bottom line!

The cheers suddenly turned into exclamations.

Li Ang also held his head and regretted Suarez's shot this time.

But then, he applauded and pulled up Suarez, who was kneeling on the turf and lamenting in frustration.

"Great fight! Louis, it doesn't matter if you didn't score this time. We will have enough offensive opportunities later, take your time..."

Li Ang's comfort and encouragement inspired Suarez's fighting spirit.

The hundreds of millions of fans in front of the TV were even more amazed by Li Ang's huge role in Chelsea's attack.

Many commentators have even seriously discussed the possibility of Li Ang transforming into a center again.

But at this moment, Li Ang himself didn't think so much.

After participating in the corner kick attack, while recalling the feeling of suppressing Jimenez to win the ball, he slowly exited Atletico Madrid's penalty area and waited patiently for the next opportunity.

Faced with such an unexpected situation, Simeone was still quickly discussing how to deal with it with his assistant coach, but Chelsea's offensive attempts on the field would not stop there.

Cross, who has tasted the sweetness, will first observe Li Ang's movement as soon as he gets the ball. As long as Li Ang is in the right position, he will directly pass the ball over with a long pass.

Although the physical distance between him and Li Ang was much farther at this moment, their tacit cooperation still existed.

Through precise long-pass connections, Cross sorted out the ball and sent shells forward, while the offensive organization in the frontcourt was still completed by Li Ang.

The division of labor between the two is very clear, and Chelsea's midfielders and frontfield players are also constantly providing running support around them.

In the 20th minute of the first half, Li Ang repeated his old trick and once again suppressed Jimenez in the ground struggle and won the ball first.

His previous transfers of the ball were particularly effective, so Atletico Madrid's defensive players also learned smartly and waited beside Jimenez to block Li Ang's turn pass.

But in this attack, after Li Ang won the ball, he knocked the football back to Suarez who withdrew from the penalty area to meet him.

The Uruguayan forward received the ball with understanding and decisively separated the ball, and still completed the delivery of the ball to the wing.

After passing the ball, Suarez began to move forward and dived into Atletico Madrid's penalty area.

Li Ang ran laterally, more like a midfielder, actively approaching De Bruyne who was entangled with Felipe Luis on the wing.

At this moment, De Bruyne did not pass Felipe Luis in the first shot, and was already pushed further to the sideline by his opponent. When he saw Li Ang coming over to ask for the ball, he took the ball and took a step back, then decisively knocked the ball horizontally.

Li Ang received the ball in the rib area of ​​Atletico Madrid's half. He didn't look back very much, but he directly passed the ball back in an inverted triangle to Kroos, who was coming forward, as if he had an eye in the back of his head!

His transfer immediately made Atletico Madrid's shrinking defense in the backcourt look a little embarrassed.

This gives Kroos more space to take the ball and time to think.

By the time Saul delayed his attack to interfere with Kroos, the German midfielder had already kicked off and sent an overhead through ball behind Atletico Madrid's defense!

Hazard, who crossed diagonally towards Atletico Madrid's penalty area from the wing, penetrated Atletico Madrid's defensive hinterland like a sharp knife at this moment!

The linesman saw clearly that there was no flag-raising action on the wing. This was a good ball and not offside!

Hazard, who had already unloaded the ball in the air on the left side of Atletico Madrid's penalty area, did not hesitate too much at this moment, giving Atletico Madrid players a chance to return to defense.

After he stopped the ball, he just made a slight adjustment and sent an inverted triangle return pass!

Atletico Madrid's defense, which had collectively returned to defense, had no chance at this moment to turn around and press outside the penalty area.

At this moment, Li Ang, who had just completed his forward penetration, faced the football sent by Hazard and directly adjusted his steps to shoot in the Atletico Madrid penalty area!

A terrifying muffled sound hit the heads of all Atletico Madrid players in the penalty area like an invisible sledgehammer!

They were dizzy and subconsciously turned their heads to look, but they couldn't even see the flight path of the football clearly!

Courtois made a save choice with his scalp numb, but Li Ang's shot was too powerful and the ball speed was too fast. He didn't have much confidence to keep the ball away!

The strong wind brought by the football finally blew across his face, and what his palms finally touched was only the air current!

When he turned his head and looked around, the football that had hit the net was unwillingly falling towards the turf inside the goal!

Stamford Bridge burst into loud and hearty cheers at this moment!

Li Ang raised his arms and roared as he rushed towards the boiling stands!

Mourinho raised his arms and shouted to the stands behind the coaching bench with equal passion!

Their recent hard training and preparations have paid off!

Today, Chelsea, who are more prepared, once again stabbed Atletico Madrid in their fate!