Stalemate and Pressure

At the start of the second half, Atletico Madrid made a substitution.

Fernando Torres came on for Gameiro.

From afar, Chen Anno watched Torres take the field and even winked at him.

During Chen Anno's two years at Atletico Madrid, Torres had just returned, and the two had played together for a season and a half.

Though Torres was already past his peak then, his attitude in training was beyond reproach. He worked harder than many younger players.

Simeone's decision to bring him on now made it clear that he would not accept a draw against Liverpool at home.

Sure enough, once play resumed, Atletico Madrid's attack became far more aggressive than it had been in the first half.

In the 47th minute, Torres got his first touch.

Koke sent a lofted long ball from the right, and Torres charged into the box.

His initial burst was not particularly quick, but his positioning was extremely experienced.

He stuck out his backside, pinned Matip behind him, then brought the ball down on his chest.

Van Dijk came across from the side, his shoulder pressing against Torres's arm.

Holy Child wanted to turn and shoot, but Van Dijk had already stretched his leg in front of his planted foot.

When the ball bounced up, Torres barely managed to poke it with his toe, sending it wide of the far post.

A collective sigh rose from the Calderon.

"Heh heh... Torres coming on has changed Atletico Madrid's ability to hold the ball up in the final third."

"That's right. Though he may not be as fast as Gameiro now, his back-to-goal play in the box is exactly what Atletico Madrid need."

Liverpool immediately launched a counterattack.

Rodri received Van Dijk's pass and found Chen Anno, who had dropped back to the center circle,