Chapter 101: Trailing in the Overall Score

Run!
Run without stopping!
Knowing that his body couldn't compete with the muscle-bound Liverpool players, Dai Zhiwei no longer stubbornly planted himself at the edge of Liverpool’s penalty area, where he couldn't receive the ball anyway. Instead, he chose to keep moving, roaming the front line to support his teammates.

He firmly believed that diligence compensates for lack of skill.

Determined not to "disappear" on the pitch, Dai Zhiwei ran even more vigorously through the midfield, stretching the area he covered. Liverpool pressed aggressively, and Dai Zhiwei responded with proactive positioning, always giving his all to seize every opportunity, no matter how slim.

Relying on his youth and stamina, he actively supported both offense and defense, rapidly counter-pressing after losing the ball. This caused Liverpool considerable trouble, as several long-pass counterattacks lost precision, effectively returning possession to Villarreal.

During another attack, Dai Zhiwei had just settled the ball when Emre Can, who had been marking him, slid in from behind, bringing him down forcefully.

He felt a sharp pain in his ankle, but thankfully it was not stabbing, so he didn’t have to worry about any serious injury.

“It seems Liverpool really fear Dai Zhiwei. Emre Can’s foul was fierce, but perfectly timed. If Dai Zhiwei had turned, this Villarreal attack would have threatened Liverpool’s goal,” Zhang Haixuan swiftly commented on the match.

“Fans familiar with Emre Can know he’s a player with four forms,” Cai Yicheng, Zhang Haixuan’s co-commentator, continued. “Based on his surname 'Can,' there’s the pinyin form—'惨' (miserable), English phase one—'can' (able), English phase two—'can' (capable), and the ultimate NBA form—'LeBron.' Right now, it seems Emre Can is in the fourth phase. Dai Zhiwei needs to be careful!”

Zhang Haixuan glanced at his longtime partner and quickly replied, “But there are still sixty minutes left in the match. Who knows what might happen next?”

The referee immediately ran to where Dai Zhiwei was fouled, separating the tangled players. He had a clear view of Emre Can’s tackle from behind and showed him a yellow card without hesitation.

Emre Can patted Dai Zhiwei on the shoulder; it wasn’t malicious, just a matter of lacking control.

Before this match, Lovren and Emre Can had received specific instructions: Lovren was to closely mark Dai Zhiwei, denying him any easy touches, while Emre Can was to cover as needed.

After their first encounter, they both knew the consequences of letting Dai Zhiwei receive the ball freely near the penalty area.

Just now, Lovren was outmaneuvered by Dai Zhiwei, allowing him to get the ball and turn. Emre Can had no choice but to foul.

At this point, Liverpool had slowed their attack, and Villarreal began committing more to offense, increasing their support for Dai Zhiwei.

Dai Zhiwei again broke through on the left, successfully evading Lovren’s tackle. Working in tandem with Dos Santos, he reached the byline, creating the best crossing opportunity of the first half.

Soldado finally found use for his heading ability, leaping high to meet Dai Zhiwei’s cross and powering the ball toward goal. Unfortunately, it grazed the crossbar and flew out, sending Klopp and the KOPs into a cold sweat.

Though Dai Zhiwei’s performance was improving, it wasn’t enough to break Villarreal’s goalless spell. Even the least observant fans could see Villarreal’s attack was struggling.

Fortunately, the Yellow Submarine’s defense was solid, and Liverpool’s attacks posed no threat to Areola’s goal.

A few minutes later, the first half ended, both sides entering the break with the score at 0–0.

In the Penguin live broadcast room, the commentators watched the first-half replay and began analyzing: “Villarreal’s attack was dangerous in the middle phase, creating two chances thanks to Dai Zhiwei’s dropping back and opening up the flanks. But then Liverpool intensified their pressure on Dai Zhiwei. Whenever he controlled, turned, or passed, two Liverpool players would surround him. Once Dai Zhiwei was shut down, Villarreal’s attack stalled completely.”

“In the latter part, Dai Zhiwei kept tearing at Liverpool’s defense with his movement, but none of his teammates could finish. Relying on Dai Zhiwei alone to break through the Reds' defense is just too difficult!”

The host analyzed, “Villarreal needs someone to step up and share the attacking burden with Dai Zhiwei. Would that be enough to break Liverpool’s defense?”

The commentator shook his head. “Breaking Liverpool’s goal is no easy task. Ultimately, La Liga teams like Villarreal still struggle to adapt when facing Premier League sides.”

“Let’s hope Dai Zhiwei can shine in the second half!”

The halftime break passed quickly. Though Marcelino gave plenty of tactical instructions in the dressing room, Dai Zhiwei still felt as if Liverpool’s defense was a wall of steel, nothing like the ease with which he used to score.

But as Dai Zhiwei stepped onto the Anfield pitch once more, he knew there was no retreat. Only scoring, only breaking through every defense, would make him king of football!

Forward!

Only forward!

Villarreal kicked off the second half. Dai Zhiwei had just touched the ball to a teammate when Firmino darted forward at lightning speed, charging toward the just-receiving Soldado.

Soldado hadn’t expected Liverpool’s players to be so fired up and quickly returned the ball to Bruno. Seeing Firmino’s fierce approach, Bruno pivoted, trying to distribute wide.

But as Bruno released the ball, Milner raced over and intercepted, immediately passing to Coutinho, who was already roaming the right flank.

As Coutinho passed, Sturridge suddenly accelerated to run parallel to his teammate, and Coutinho was fully aware of this movement.

The Yellow Submarine players clearly weren’t going to give Coutinho time to adjust. Gaspar sprinted over, blocking his path.

Coutinho accelerated with the ball, charging straight at Gaspar. He feinted repeatedly before attempting to dribble past, but Gaspar remained unmoved, lowering his center of gravity, eyes fixed on the ball, waiting for the right moment to make a challenge.

Coutinho’s dribbling skills are top-tier in the Premier League, though not rare in La Liga. Gaspar wasn’t intimidated.

But he didn’t expect that Coutinho had no intention of dribbling past him. Coutinho gently nudged the ball to Sturridge and continued his run forward.

Sturridge instantly hit top speed, surging past Gaspar’s defensive zone with the ball.

With Liverpool’s two attackers concentrated on the right, Bruno—who had tracked back from the midfield—stood in front of Sturridge, prepared to foul if needed to stop the advance.

Unfortunately for Bruno, his preparations were futile. Sturridge passed again—without hesitation, sending the ball to his teammate, completing a two-on-two exchange.

Bruno, moving too aggressively, couldn’t adjust in time and watched as possession returned to Coutinho.

Now, Coutinho found himself in a tricky spot. Ahead was Ruiz, ready to block, and behind was, inevitably, Musacchio covering. Sturridge was caught up by Gaspar, and Bruno was blocking the passing lane to Firmino.

But Coutinho only smiled contemptuously at this situation. “You think I can’t pass? You’re underestimating me.”

A barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips. While running, Coutinho suddenly flicked the ball backward with his heel. Musacchio, desperately tracking back, was caught off guard. Forced to halt, his balance shifted unable to recover, and he fell, watching helplessly as the ball slipped past.

Liverpool’s fullback Moreno appeared in the ball’s path, swinging his thigh powerfully.

As foot met ball, several cameras captured the football becoming momentarily oval under the force.

Was this a shot?

No!

It was a pass!

Because Sturridge and Coutinho’s aggressive advance drew all Villarreal defenders to the right, the left was left wide open. Here, Milner, originally on the right, stood alone.

Comfortably controlling the ball, unmarked, Milner took a touch, entered the left side of the penalty area, adjusted his steps, and shot from distance.

Even in team training, he rarely encountered such an empty box, able to face the keeper one-on-one from distance. How could he pass up such a golden chance?

But Areola was no ordinary keeper.

The young French goalkeeper possessed excellent positioning and innate reflexes. When Moreno’s pass came across, Areola anticipated that Milner would finish from the left, positioning himself early and diving as Milner struck.

He stopped it!

The sensation from his hands brought Areola some relief, but the powerful shot rebounded back into the box.

The closest player now was Gaspar, who had just failed to cover for Musacchio. As the ball rebounded, he slid in, hoping to clear it quickly. Just as he was about to make contact, he relaxed, thinking he’d prevented Liverpool from taking the lead.

But at that moment, a red blur surged forward, shattering the Yellow Submarine defender’s hopes. He appeared suddenly in Villarreal’s penalty area, sending the ball into Areola’s net with his left foot.

All Gaspar saw was the bold number 10 on his back.

Coutinho, charging in from outside the box, stretched out a foot, sending the ball into Villarreal’s net. The momentum carried the Portuguese youngster into the goal itself.

“goooooooooooooooooooooooooooal!”

After scoring, Coutinho rushed out of the Yellow Submarine’s goal, roaring as he sprinted to the sideline camera, half-turning with his back to the pitch, pointing both thumbs at his number 10 and his name.

And all the Liverpool fans at Anfield gave the hero who broke the deadlock their loudest applause and cheers.

Klopp, seated among the Liverpool coaches, stood excitedly, hugging his assistants. He shouted words even he didn’t quite understand, venting his joy.

On the other side, Marcelino furrowed his brow. He knew the match had become difficult. Though the aggregate was 2–2, Liverpool had a precious away goal—at this score, Liverpool would advance.

Now, Villarreal had to attack, but to go toe-to-toe with Klopp’s side?

Whether it was Liverpool’s Coutinho, Firmino, Sturridge, or even the “aging” Milner, all were dangerous on the counter.

If they pressed forward and Liverpool countered, what if they were routed? This wasn’t an unlikely outcome.

For a moment, Marcelino frowned, unable to decide.

Dai Zhiwei, still in midfield, frowned as he watched Coutinho celebrate.

Comparison is the greatest fear. If Coutinho had performed poorly, it wouldn’t matter if Dai Zhiwei was locked down by Liverpool’s defense. But now, with Coutinho—a midfielder—scoring, and Dai Zhiwei yet to shine, it was hard to justify—even to himself.

Without waiting for instructions from Marcelino, Dai Zhiwei decided to act alone. Regardless of whether Villarreal went all out, his responsibility remained the same.

That was to score!

Only five minutes after Coutinho’s goal, Pina combined with Dai Zhiwei on a one-two, breaking Emre Can’s defense and unleashing a high-quality shot from the edge of the box.

Mignolet, who had performed well all match, made a desperate save, deflecting the ball back into the area with one hand.

Lovren and Kolo Toure weren’t in sync defensively; Kolo Toure moved forward to clear, leaving Lovren alone to guard Dai Zhiwei. But Dai Zhiwei—frustrated all match—wasn’t so easily handled.

In fact, as long as it wasn’t a static strength matchup, Dai Zhiwei had no fear of Lovren’s English-style defending.

After completing the one-two with Pina, he didn’t hesitate, continuing his forward run.

As Pina’s shot was saved by Mignolet, Dai Zhiwei burst forward near the penalty spot, using his momentum to force past Lovren’s close marking, racing for the rebound.

Though Kolo Toure was ahead, Dai Zhiwei was faster, jumping almost simultaneously, head held high, diving forward for the header!

(To be continued)