Even though Arsenal had the advantage on the field, they still encountered a huge challenge in the game.
This challenge did not come from the opponent. When the Yellow Submarine's defensive line was in a critical situation, coupled with Riquelme being frozen by Qin Xiong like a shadow, and Arsenal's mature and stable defensive protection this season, Villarreal could not create a threatening offense.
But Arsenal missed the opportunity to score again and again.
In the 37th minute of the game, Qin Xiong received Fàbregas's straight ball in the front field and used the difference in the rhythm of stopping the ball to successfully break through between Tacchinardi and Senna. Then, when Senna retreated to cover the defense, he changed direction to go in the opposite direction and let the active Tacchinardi pounce on empty space when he returned to defend.
After two consecutive changes of direction, Qin Xiong saw the opportunity and did not rush into the empty space between Venta and Alvarez's ribs. He decisively sent an outside spinning ball with his right foot outside the instep to cross the ball.
The ball bypassed the back of Alvarez and Arsu. It was more awkward for the goalkeeper to attack. Only an unusually decisive goalkeeper would do so. Unfortunately, Balbosa, who had been out of the game for a long time, stood in front of the goal line in trepidation and quietly waited for Arsenal's offensive development.
The ball arced past two Villarreal CF center backs and flew perfectly to Henry's running path, who had cut diagonally in front of Arsu.
The football was nearly a meter above the ground. Henry rushed out from behind Arsu and directly shot in the air. He used the arch of his foot to directly deflect the football and fly into the goal.
But after he touched the ball, all the Gunners fans in the stands let out a burst of stunned exclamations.
Henry's arch of foot did not touch the football. It was the front of the foot near the tip of his foot. The football flew directly into the stands and brushed against the strong rotation. The effect of the shot was worlds apart from Henry's expectation.
"Henry missed another great opportunity in front of the goal. It's a pity for Qin Xiong's previous series of wonderful plays! But Arsenal has always had the advantage on the field. I believe they will create better opportunities. "
Wenger looked a little puzzled and helpless on the sidelines.
He must be anxious. They must take down the Yellow Submarine at home. Otherwise, it would be hard to say when they go to the away game.
Henry stood at the shooting spot with his hands on his hips and his head lowered. He did not know what was going on with his condition today.
There was absolutely no problem with his physical condition, but his sense of smell in front of the door was completely different from usual.
Was it excessive anticipation and excitement that led to nervousness at the critical moment?
Henry did not know. He would not admit it.
But he had to admit that this was the first time he had stepped onto the stage of a Champions League semi-final since representing Arsenal for several years.
The last time he stood on the stage of the Champions League semi-finals was when he was still playing for Monaco.
It was indeed a long time ago.
The super striker, who made countless teams tremble in fear in Europe, was particularly unfamiliar with the finale on the European peak stage.
Qin Xiong stood in the midfield, observing Riquelme's movements and Henry from a distance.
He would not blame Henry, but in today's game, it was really difficult to be magnanimous and tolerant.
In the Champions League semi-finals, every minute was crucial and every opportunity was precious. If they did not defeat Villarreal at home, not only would Arsenal miss the best opportunity to lay the foundation for the Champions League final, it would also be a blow to Arsenal itself. If Villarreal retreated unscathed, it was conceivable that the opponent's morale would be unprecedentedly high.
The first half of the game was over. Villarreal successfully defended the first half, which gave them confidence for the second half.
Pellegrini breathed a sigh of relief for the time being.
It could not be said that Villarreal's defense was perfect. The best result was that the good opportunity created by Arsenal was not taken.
Henry encouraged his teammates during the halftime break. The pressure on his shoulders was also great, but at the same time, his determination to set foot in the Champions League final was no less than any of his teammates.
Wenger did not make any tactical adjustments. The team was operating well, but the opportunity was not taken.
In the second half, the two sides changed sides to fight again. Qin Xiong walked side by side with Fàbregas when he walked onto the field. He said to Fàbregas, "In the second half, pay more attention to Riquelme's running position. Once he controls the ball and moves forward, you must remain calm. Don't easily snatch the ball from the ground. Make sure that you have teammates around you and only intercept when the opponent advances forward. Otherwise, he can hit through any of our points. He has the ability to control the ball. "
Fàbregas nodded with a serious expression.
He knew that Qin Xiong reminded him so not because he had a problem marking Riquelme. For most of the first half, Qin Xiong followed and defended against Riquelme, limiting the Argentine midfield master. Although Qin Xiong was beaten up, more often than not, his defense against Riquelme was successful because Riquelme's shortcomings were as prominent as his strengths.
Fàbregas knew that there was only one possibility for Qin Xiong to say this to him: in the second half, Qin Xiong wanted to invest more in the attack!
He was not Superman. If he invested more in the attack, it would naturally weaken the defense.
Then, in the second half, Qin Xiong might not be able to immediately mark Riquelme most of the time.
At the beginning of the second half, Villarreal carried out a wave of threatening attacks. The defensive midfielder, Senna, hooked the ball into the front of the penalty area. The brave and fierce Sorin suppressed Fàbregas and ferried the ball over. Touré, who was about to get the ball from Mali, saved the ball in time. Arsenal could not let the opponent form the final shot.
In the 61st minute of the second half, Fàbregas instigated a counterattack in the middle and back field. Because most of the attacks were launched from Pires' side in the first half, Pellegrini clearly focused on the defense on Pires' side during the halftime interval. Therefore, in Fàbregas' eyes, he saw that the success rate of the attack on the right side was higher than in the first half, so he passed the ball to Ljungberg.
Ljungberg dribbled the ball forward on the right side of the front field. At the same time, Qin Xiong ran side by side with him on the right side of the front field.
When Sorin came to defend against Ljungberg, Ljungberg suddenly passed the ball diagonally to Qin Xiong.
In front of Qin Xiong were Senna and Tacchinardi. He took the initiative to run to receive the football. After Ljungberg sent the ball out, he rushed forward. It looked like the two of them would complete a one-two wall pass.
But just as Senna rushed to Qin Xiong, he saw that Qin Xiong took the initiative to suddenly brake when the football rolled over. He did not control the ball, but ran in the opposite direction along the rolling direction of the football and just happened to cross in front of Senna.
Senna was on the verge of collapse. Qin Xiong was completely like a wild beast that no one cared about!
Of course, there was no pressure from behind. Qin Xiong could concentrate on attacking the front.
When Tacchinardi rushed up to intercept Qin Xiong, Qin Xiong deftly poked the ball forward from the left side of Tacchinardi's body. Then, he crossed with Tacchinardi again and brushed past him!
The ball passed by!
After Tachinadi braked and stabilized his center of gravity, Qin Xiong had already rushed past him like an arrow.
Villarreal's midfield defense collapsed!
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