Jardim Seizes the Opening

The ball skimmed across the grass, rolling forward at tremendous speed.

Its entire path was like a precisely calculated straight line, passing by Glik's feet.

It even seemed to account for the space Raggi would need to turn and make a tackle.

The ball rolled perfectly into Mane's running path.

"Ah... look at this..."

"Chen Anno with the through ball! Brilliant!"

"Mane! He's onside!"

Mane caught up with the ball on the right side of the box.

He did not need any extra adjustment, because Chen Anno's pass had been so perfectly weighted.

He swung his right foot straight at it and fired a composed low shot!

The ball rolled beneath the armpit of the advancing Subasic and slowly into the far corner.

"Straight at goal... it's in!!!"

"Sadio Mane!"

"Three-one!"

"Liverpool score again in first-half stoppage time!"

"Chen Anno's through ball pierced Monaco's entire defense!"

"Mane's movement and finish were equally superb! Liverpool have extended their lead to three-one before halftime!"

"One goal and two assists! Chen Anno has dominated the match!"

Mane sprinted toward the corner flag and slid several meters across the Anfield turf.

Chen Anno jogged over leisurely, grabbed his black head, and bumped it against his stomach several times.

"That was fucking brilliant, Sadio!"

"Hehehe..."

A silly grin spread across Mane's face.

In the distance, Glik stood rooted to the spot, blankly watching Chen Anno's back.

His chest heaved violently, his breathing as heavy as that of an enraged bull.

The fist clenched at his side cracked loudly.

He had thrown himself into the collision, wanting to use his physical advantage to tell Chen Anno that Monaco's back line did not welcome him.

But with one casual turn and one seemingly offhand through ball, Chen Anno had rendered all his efforts futile.

It felt like