Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan advances to the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5–2 aggregate victory over Ajax.
• AC Milan and Juventus also advance, making all three Serie A giants reach the quarterfinals.
• Barcelona eliminates Chelsea, Arsenal eliminates Real Madrid, Benfica eliminates Liverpool, and Lyon eliminates PSV Eindhoven.
• Villarreal advances on away goals after a draw with Rangers.

Character Developments

• Chen Tao is disappointed but resilient after Werder Bremen's elimination from the Champions League.
• Lin Feng offers support and comfort to Chen Tao.

Significant Themes

• The dominance of Serie A in European football.
• The challenge and pressure of facing stronger teams in the Champions League.
• The importance of resilience and moving on from losses in football.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Chen Tao discuss Chen Tao's feelings after Werder Bremen's elimination and the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal draw.
• Lin Feng, Chen Tao, Gao Lin, Hao Junmin, and Zhu Ting discuss their teams' chances in the Champions League and Europa League.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan trails Juventus by six points after a draw, but sees hope in upcoming matches against AC Milan and AS Roma.
• Juventus vs. AC Milan (29th round) is the marquee match; Inter Milan plays Sampdoria.
• Juventus and AC Milan draw 0-0 despite intense pressure and controversial referee decisions.

Character Developments

• Juventus's Capello is confident but underestimates AC Milan's resilience.
• AC Milan's Ancelotti remains determined despite injuries and adversity.
• AC Milan's players show unity and determination after Gattuso's red card.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and bias in refereeing.
• Resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
• The impact of injuries on team performance.

Character Interactions

• Capello vs. Ancelotti: Both coaches display confidence and determination, but Capello underestimates AC Milan.
• Juventus vs. AC Milan: Both teams show intense rivalry and determination, with AC Milan showing remarkable resilience despite being a man down.
• Inter Milan fans vs. AC Milan fans: Inter fans initially cheer for AC Milan to beat Juventus, while AC Milan fans express anger at perceived referee bias.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Juventus draws with AC Milan at home, fueling Calciopoli scandal suspicions.
• Juventus suffers a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, failing to score an away goal.
• Inter Milan wins three consecutive league matches, narrowing the gap with Juventus.
• Inter Milan loses the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Villarreal, 0-1.

Character Developments

• Juventus players struggle with pressure from the Calciopoli scandal, affecting their performance.
• Inter Milan players show determination and momentum in their pursuit of the league title.
• Lin Feng demonstrates his skill and efficiency as an attacking midfielder against Villarreal.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Calciopoli scandal on Juventus' performance and public opinion.
• The contrasting playing styles of Lin Feng and Villarreal's Riquelme, and their effects on their respective teams' attacks.
• The high stakes and pressure in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Character Interactions

• Juventus players struggle to cope with the pressure, affecting their teamwork and performance.
• Inter Milan players show unity and determination in their pursuit of the league title.
• Lin Feng and Riquelme showcase their contrasting playing styles and skills on the pitch.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan and Villarreal battle for midfield control, making it difficult for both teams to maintain their attacking rhythm.
• Lin Feng struggles due to tight marking, but manages to score a goal from a free kick at the end of the first half, assisted by Córdoba.
• Inter Milan scores again in the second half, with Lin Feng executing a Bergkamp-style turn and scoring a stunning goal, putting Inter Milan up 3:1.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates exceptional skill and creativity, scoring a goal reminiscent of Bergkamp's famous turn, earning him the nickname "China's Bergkamp."
• Riquelme, initially confident, becomes convinced of Lin Feng's extraordinary talent and shifts his focus to improving his own performance.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of football tactics, with modern defensive midfielders compressing the space for attacking midfielders.
• The impact of luck on the game, with both teams experiencing near misses and unlucky moments.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Riquelme engage in a silent competition, with Riquelme eventually acknowledging Lin Feng's superior talent.
• Lin Feng works well with his Inter Milan teammates, particularly Córdoba, who scores the first goal.
• Mancini, Inter Milan's coach, has confidence in Lin Feng's creativity and is pleased with his performance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan defeats Villarreal 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, securing a two-goal advantage.
• In the second leg, Inter Milan travels to Spain and holds Villarreal to a 0-0 draw, qualifying for the semifinals.
• Juventus's Calciopoli scandal continues to ferment, leading to public suspicion and media scrutiny.
• Inter Milan overtakes Juventus to top Serie A after defeating Messina 3-0.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng continues to demonstrate his skills, drawing attention and respect from opponents like Riquelme.
• Moratti feels both expectant and uneasy about Inter Milan's chances in the Champions League semifinals, fearing a potential matchup against AC Milan.
• Juventus's players and executives face growing suspicion and potential consequences due to the Calciopoli scandal.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Calciopoli scandal on Juventus and Italian football.
• The importance of fair officiating in maintaining the integrity and flow of matches.
• The potential consequences of internal disarray and loss of focus on a team's performance.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Riquelme exchange shirts after their match, expressing mutual respect and anticipation for future encounters.
• Moratti's mixed feelings about Inter Milan's potential Champions League run and his concerns about Lin Feng's contract.
• The Inter Milan players' frustration with the lack of attention given to their Serie A ascent due to the Calciopoli scandal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Riquelme, Villarreal's midfielder, displays exceptional attacking prowess in the first half, attempting long-range shots and dribbling past multiple defenders.
• His skills draw comparisons to Ronaldinho, with fans questioning why he was not playing for a bigger club like Barcelona.
• Inter Milan's coach, Mancini, instructs his team to apply more pressure on Riquelme to prevent further threats.
• In the second half, Villarreal goes all out, pushing their defenders forward to join attacks. Inter Milan struggles to counterattack due to intense midfield pressing.
• Villarreal earns a crucial penalty in the 54th minute, reducing their deficit to one goal. Inter Milan's Mancini makes substitutions, bringing on Martins and Cruz to boost their attack.
• Inter Milan's counterattack in the 57th minute forces a yellow card from the opposition, creating a weak point in their defense.

Character Developments

• Riquelme showcases his skills, proving himself a superstar-level player, and earns praise from fans and commentators.
• Mancini, Inter Milan's coach, demonstrates strategic thinking, choosing to defend rather than gamble on an attack, and makes substitutions to strengthen his team's counterattacking capabilities.
• Adriano, Inter Milan's striker, reacts negatively to being substituted, showing a lack of team spirit and professionalism.

Significant Themes

• The importance of a team's key player and the strategies used to contain them.
• The balance between defense and attack, and when to prioritize each.
• The impact of substitutions on a team's performance and dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Riquelme's skills captivate fans and earn praise from commentators, drawing comparisons to Ronaldinho.
• Mancini and Adriano's relationship becomes strained due to the substitution decision, with Adriano reacting negatively.
• The coaches of both teams employ similar tactics to cancel out the other side's key player, leading to a tense and strategic match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan was leading 2-1 on aggregate, but Villarreal scored two goals in the second half, making it 3-3 on aggregate and putting Inter Milan at risk of elimination.
• Lin Feng scored a stunning free kick, giving Inter Milan a 2-1 lead in the match and a 4-3 aggregate lead.
• The match became an all-out attacking battle, with both teams desperate to score more goals.
• Martins scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, securing Inter Milan's advancement to the Champions League semifinals with a 5-3 aggregate win.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Proved his worth as Inter Milan's key player, scoring crucial goals and demonstrating his leadership and determination.
• Roberto Mancini (Head Coach): Realized the team's defensive flaws and made strategic substitutions to boost their attack, ultimately leading to their victory.

Significant Themes

• Never Give Up: Despite being behind and facing elimination, Inter Milan fought back and secured their advancement.
• Teamwork and Perseverance: Both teams displayed exceptional teamwork and perseverance, pushing through fatigue and adversity to attack until the very end.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and his Teammates: United in their determination to win, they supported each other and celebrated together after scoring goals.
• Roberto Mancini and the Team: Mancini showed his passion and commitment by sliding on his knees after Lin Feng's goal, and the team responded to his tactical changes with renewed energy and focus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• China's national football team secures their second victory, with Grandpa Zhang scoring again.
• The team's strength is noted to lie in defense and forward line, but midfielders are lacking.

Character Developments

• Grandpa Zhang, the veteran striker, continues to prove his worth by scoring in consecutive matches, boosting team morale and public confidence.

Significant Themes

• National Pride: The victory brings immense joy and pride to the Chinese people, highlighting the unifying power of sports.
• Team Dynamics: The team's strengths and weaknesses are analyzed, emphasizing the importance of balance and harmony among different positions.

Character Interactions

• While not explicitly stated, the chapter implies positive interactions among team members, with Grandpa Zhang's performance inspiring his teammates and the public.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan wins a nerve-wracking match against Villarreal, but fans are cautious about their chances in the Champions League semifinals.
• Juventus is eliminated by Arsenal, focusing their season on the Serie A title.
• AC Milan and Barcelona are favored to win the Champions League, while Inter Milan and Arsenal are seen as evenly matched.
• Inter Milan draws Arsenal for the semifinals, avoiding AC Milan and Barcelona.
• Inter Milan's packed schedule in April, with nine matches, takes a toll on the players.

Character Developments

• Inter Milan fans become more realistic about their team's chances after a close match.
• Mancini focuses on the upcoming Serie A and Italian Cup matches over the Champions League.
• Zhang Linpeng, a young Chinese defender, is promoted to Inter Milan's first team.

Significant Themes

• Realism vs. Optimism: Inter Milan fans and the coaching staff become more pragmatic after facing a strong opponent.
• Youth Development: The number of Chinese players studying abroad and excelling in youth teams increases, raising hopes for the future of Chinese football.

Character Interactions

• Inter Milan fans discuss and debate the team's chances, their draw, and the state of Serie A and Chinese football.
• Mancini interacts with his players, trying to motivate them amidst a packed schedule and numerous injuries.
• Lin Feng and Zhang Linpeng interact, with the latter excited to sit on the bench with his senior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan goes behind 1:0 against Ascoli after a penalty.
• Mancini criticizes the team during halftime, leading to a confrontation with Adriano, who storms off.
• Inter Milan equalizes through Martins in the second half.
• Lin Feng comes on, tests the defense, and wins a free kick, which Mihajlović scores from.
• Inter Milan scores another on the counter, winning 3:1 away from home.
• Juventus draws with Fiorentina, increasing Inter Milan's lead at the top to two points.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows tactical maturity by testing the defense and setting up Mihajlović's goal. His presence boosts Inter Milan's control of midfield.
• Mihajlović: Scores a beautiful free kick and celebrates his goal with the fans and Mancini, showcasing his friendship with the coach.
• Adriano: Challenges Mancini's authority, leading to a rift between them. He is benched and storms off after being criticized.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Unity: Despite the tension between Mancini and Adriano, the team pulls together to secure a crucial away win.
• Experience and Youth: Mihajlović's goal highlights the importance of experience, while Lin Feng's performance showcases the potential of youth.
• Leadership: Lin Feng's calm demeanor and tactical awareness demonstrate his growing leadership on the pitch.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Mihajlović: Lin Feng sets up Mihajlović's goal, and they celebrate together, showing their good rapport.
• Mancini and Adriano: Tensions rise between the coach and the striker, leading to a falling-out.
• Inter Milan Fans and Players: The team's performance and Mihajlović's goal unite the fans and players, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan plays Udinese in the second leg of the Italian Cup semifinals.
• Inter Milan leads 1-0 from the first leg; a draw would secure their place in the final.
• Inter Milan scores an early goal in the first half through Cruz, making the aggregate score 2-0.
• Udinese struggles to score, needing three goals to advance.
• Inter Milan scores again in the second half, securing a 3-0 aggregate win and a place in the final against AS Roma.

Character Developments

• Cruz: Scores crucial goals, becomes a team favorite, and gains recognition for his humility and reliability.
• Bonucci: Struggles with confidence after a mistake, but improves after Favalli's substitution.
• Wome: Performs well as a substitute left-back, earning Mancini's approval.
• Lin Feng: Provides a decisive pass for Cruz's second goal, demonstrating his vision and skill.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: Inter Milan's goals are a result of team effort, not individual prowess.
• Adversity and Resilience: Inter Milan overcomes fatigue and underestimation to secure victory.
• Confidence and Trust: Bonucci's struggle with confidence highlights the importance of trust in high-pressure situations.

Character Interactions

• Cruz and Lin Feng: Their combination leads to a crucial goal, strengthening their bond as teammates.
• Mancini and his Assistants: They discuss strategies and potential opponents, showing Mancini's leadership and his team's unity.
• Inter Milan Players: They support each other, both on and off the pitch, fostering a strong team spirit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan faces AC Milan in a crucial Serie A match, with the title race at stake.
• Both teams are also preparing for Champions League semifinals.
• The match is moved forward to give AC Milan more time to prepare for the Champions League, but it disadvantages Inter Milan who had just played in the Italian Cup semifinal.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng's status has risen, and he is now compared to Kaka, with their showdown being a major talking point.
• Mancini and Ancelotti, the head coaches, are friends but find themselves on opposing sides. They both understand the importance of the Champions League but must prioritize their teams' interests.

Significant Themes

• Rivalry: The intense Milan Derby rivalry is a central theme, with both teams determined to win at any cost.
• Ambition vs. Pragmatism: AC Milan's owner, Berlusconi, prioritizes winning the derby over the Champions League, while the coaches, Mancini and Ancelotti, are more pragmatic and consider the bigger picture.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Kaka's rivalry is a significant subplot, with both players looking to outdo the other.
• Mancini and Ancelotti's friendship is strained by their professional rivalry, with both coaches understanding the other's predicament but unable to help due to their respective teams' interests.
• Berlusconi's interference in AC Milan's affairs is a point of contention, with Ancelotti having to field his strongest lineup despite the risk of injuries ahead of the Champions League.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan scores a crucial goal in the Milan Derby, with Figo scoring and Lin Feng assisting.
• AC Milan equalizes in the second half with a long-range strike from Kaka, using half-space attacking tactics.
• Mancini adjusts Inter Milan's tactics to counter AC Milan's half-space attacks by having Lin Feng mark Pirlo.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng: Shows tactical awareness by marking Pirlo to disrupt AC Milan's attacks. Demonstrates his speed and defensive abilities.
• Pirlo: Struggles against Lin Feng's marking, highlighting his importance in AC Milan's tactics.
• Mancini: Quickly adapts his tactics to counter Ancelotti's half-space attacks, showing his tactical prowess.
• Ancelotti: Implements half-space attacking tactics, but Mancini's countermeasure forces him to reassess his strategy.

Significant Themes

• Tactical battle between coaches (Mancini vs. Ancelotti)
• Importance of adaptability and quick thinking in football strategy
• The role of half-space attacks in modern football tactics

Character Interactions

• Mancini vs. Ancelotti: Engage in a tactical battle, with each coach trying to outwit the other.
• Lin Feng vs. Pirlo: Lin Feng's marking of Pirlo disrupts AC Milan's attacks and highlights the importance of both players in their respective teams' strategies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• AC Milan dominates the second half, pressing Inter Milan heavily.
• Kaka's shot and Shevchenko's header are saved by Cesar.
• AC Milan misses a crucial chance from a corner.
• Inter Milan's players start cramping due to exhaustion.
• AC Milan substitutes key players in the 78th minute, easing pressure on Inter Milan.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng realizes the importance of limiting Pirlo to disrupt AC Milan's tactics.
• Inter Milan's players show signs of exhaustion and start cramping.
• Mancini and Ancelotti both feel the pressure and wish for time to pass quickly.

Significant Themes

• The importance of tactical awareness and adaptability.
• The physical and mental toll of high-intensity matches.
• The strategic use of substitutions to manage player fatigue.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Zanetti help stretch Materazzi and Córdoba's legs when they cramp.
• Mancini and Ancelotti both show concern for their teams' physical condition.
• Berlusconi reacts angrily to Ancelotti's substitutions.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• AC Milan's relentless attacks put Inter Milan under immense pressure.
• Ancelotti's rushed substitutions, taking off Pirlo, Kaka, and Seedorf, cause uproar among AC Milan fans.
• Inzaghi and Kaka threaten Inter Milan's goal, but the post denies AC Milan's victory.
• In the 89th minute, Lin Feng scores a game-winning goal on a counterattack, putting Inter Milan ahead 2:1.

Character Developments

• Ancelotti: Makes questionable substitutions due to fear of injury, causing fan backlash.
• Lin Feng: Proves his worth as Inter Milan's king with a crucial late goal, solidifying his status among fans.
• AC Milan Fans: Disappointed and frustrated with Ancelotti's decisions and their team's missed opportunities.
• Inter Milan Fans: Ecstatic and proud of their team's resilience and Lin Feng's match-winning goal.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Perseverance: Inter Milan's ability to hold on and counterattack despite being outplayed.
• Importance of Key Players: The impact of Pirlo's injury and the subsequent substitutions on the match's outcome.
• Fan Expectations and Disappointment: The contrast between AC Milan and Inter Milan fans' reactions to their teams' performances.

Character Interactions

• Ancelotti vs. AC Milan Fans: The coach's decisions are questioned and criticized by fans.
• Lin Feng vs. AC Milan Defense: Lin Feng's relentless attacking and eventual goal highlight the AC Milan defense's vulnerabilities.
• Inter Milan Players vs. Lin Feng: The team celebrates Lin Feng's goal as a sign of their new king's arrival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan wins the Milan Derby but suffers heavy injuries, raising concerns about their upcoming Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.
• AC Milan also struggles after the derby, facing a similar situation in their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.
• Juventus's form continues to decline, making it difficult for them to catch up to Inter Milan in the Serie A title race.
• Moratti offers 150 million Euro for Messi, triggering his release clause at Barcelona.

Character Developments

• Mancini maintains a strong leadership despite rumors of discord within the Inter Milan squad.
• Adebayor's attitude and performance decline after his father's death, leading to potential issues with his contract renewal.
• Moratti's confidence in Inter Milan grows, leading him to consider investing more in the team and making a bold offer for Messi.

Significant Themes

• The impact of injuries on team performance and morale.
• The influence of off-field issues (like the Calciopoli scandal) on a team's performance and player morale.
• The value of young, talented players in the transfer market.

Character Interactions

• Moratti and Laporta discuss a potential transfer of Messi during Barcelona's visit to Inter Milan's training ground.
• Facchetti and Moratti discuss Adebayor's future at Inter Milan.
• Mancini and the Inter Milan squad welcome Barcelona to their training ground, with Messi impressing the Inter Milan players.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan and Barcelona's youth teams played a friendly match, with Barcelona winning 1–0.
• Lin Feng, Messi, and Ronaldinho compete in various skill games, with Lin Feng excelling in speed with the ball and shooting.
• A shooting challenge tests players' eyesight, anticipation, and shooting ability. Lin Feng becomes the first to score 10 points by using the curtain and metal frame as reference points.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates his exceptional speed with the ball and shooting skills, impressing both teams' executives and players.
• Messi shows his competitive spirit and analytical skills by observing Lin Feng's performance closely.
• Ronaldinho displays his showmanship and skill in the shooting challenge, but misses the final number plate.

Significant Themes

• Competition and camaraderie among players from different teams.
• The importance of skill, anticipation, and adaptability in football.
• The impact of individual performances on team dynamics and perception.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Linpeng and Wu Lei reunite and exchange shirts, expressing their friendship and shared experiences.
• Lin Feng and Messi indirectly compete in the shooting challenge, with Lin Feng ultimately scoring higher.
• Ronaldinho's playful attitude contrasts with Lin Feng's focus and determination during the shooting challenge.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inter Milan and Arsenal face off in the Champions League semifinals.
• Inter Milan arrives early in London, receiving hospitality from Tottenham Hotspur, who want them to weaken Arsenal.
• Wenger focuses on limiting Lin Feng, assigning two defensive midfielders to contain him.
• In the first leg at Highbury, Arsenal scores an early goal through Henry, putting Inter Milan at risk of elimination.

Character Developments

• Arsène Wenger: Focused on winning the Champions League, he studies Inter Milan meticulously and deploys a tactical plan to limit Lin Feng.
• Thierry Henry: Scores the crucial goal for Arsenal, potentially securing their place in the final.
• Lin Feng: Struggles against Arsenal's defensive tactics, facing intense pressure to perform.

Significant Themes

• Youth vs Experience: Arsenal's young squad vs Inter Milan's more experienced team.
• Tactical Awareness: Wenger's focus on limiting Lin Feng and Mancini's response to Arsenal's tactics.
• Pressure and Expectations: Both teams face immense pressure, with Arsenal hoping to reach the final and Inter Milan trying to avoid elimination.

Character Interactions

• Wenger vs Mancini: The two coaches clash in their pre-match press conference, with Wenger confident and Mancini defiant.
• Lin Feng vs Arsenal's Midfielders: Lin Feng struggles against the combined efforts of Gilberto and Flamini to contain him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arsenal's coach, Wenger, employs a man-marking tactic using Gilberto to neutralize Lin Feng, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder.
• Lin Feng adapts by dropping deeper into a defensive midfielder role, disrupting Arsenal's tactics.
• Inter Milan struggles due to injuries, with key players like Verón and Cambiasso unavailable.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng demonstrates adaptability and versatility by successfully switching to a defensive midfielder role.
• Gilberto struggles to contain Lin Feng after the role switch, highlighting the difficulty of defending against a defensive midfielder.

Significant Themes

• Tactical Adaptability: Lin Feng's role switch forces Arsenal to adjust their tactics, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in football.
• The Impact of Injuries: Inter Milan's struggles are exacerbated by key player injuries, highlighting the significance of squad depth.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng and Gilberto: Their one-on-one matchup changes dynamics when Lin Feng switches roles, with Gilberto initially dominant but later struggling.
• Lin Feng and his teammates: His defensive contributions boost Inter Milan's morale and ease pressure on the defense.
• Wenger and Arsenal players: Wenger's tactical instructions are initially effective but need adjusting as Lin Feng adapts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arsenal's high-tempo attacking style was initially effective but declined in the second half when Inter Milan defended deeper and Lin Feng shifted to Defensive Midfielder.
• In the 68th minute, Lin Feng scored a crucial away goal for Inter Milan after a counterattack, making the score 1:1.
• Arsenal equalized in the 85th minute through Fabregas, making the score 2:1 in favor of Arsenal.
• The match ended 2:1, with Arsenal winning the home leg but Inter Milan getting an away goal.

Character Developments

• Lin Feng's performance impressed Arsenal fans and even Professor Wenger, who considered signing him.
• Lin Feng's stamina was depleted after the intense match, and he longed for a holiday.

Significant Themes

• The high-tempo attacking style's effectiveness against deep-lying defenses.
• The importance of away goals in two-legged ties.
• The impact of a player's performance on a team's tactics and a coach's transfer plans.

Character Interactions

• Lin Feng's combination play with Cruz led to Inter Milan's equalizing goal.
• Arsenal's players struggled to adapt to Lin Feng's threat after he shifted positions.
• Fàbregas asked Lin Feng to swap shirts after the match, indicating mutual respect between the players.