When the referee held the whistle in his mouth and raised his arms high, Wembley Stadium exploded like a ignited powder keg.
The voices of 83,000 people converged into a stream of air that was visible to the naked eye, making the lights on the roof of the stadium tremble.
Manchester United In the fans' stands, a wave of red surged, countless arms were raised above their heads, and scarves drew flaming arcs in the air.
"Manchester United! Manchester United! Manchester United!"
This sound penetrated the entire city from the London night sky, spreading all the way from Wembley Park to the River Thames bank. Even Big Ben seemed to be shaken three times.
Barcelona The players collapsed on the grass as if their bones had been ripped out.
Messi put his hands on his hips, lowered his head, and stared blankly at the turf.
Xavi knelt on the ground and held the back of his head with both hands. Iniesta turned his back and covered his face with the jersey.
They are so close to the championship.
Eleven against ten, the two-goal lead was equalized, then overtook, and then was defeated again.
The cruelest thing in life is to lift you to the clouds and then kick you into hell.
Manchester United's teammates immediately gathered together, lifted Ferguson and threw it up. After throwing Ferguson, they threw Zhang Kuang again. Without Zhang Kuang's three goals and one assist, and without his goal line hook at the last moment, Manchester United would not have been able to win the championship.
While the Manchester United team was celebrating, the commentators were summarizing the game.
He Wei took a deep breath in the commentary box, and when he spoke again, his voice trembled with obvious restraint:
"The game is over! The champion of the 2010-2011 season UEFA Champions League is officially born: it is Manchester United! The warriors of Manchester United are in Wembley Stadium, under the referee's extremely controversial decision and in a desperate situation with ten players, defeated the invincible Barcelona 4:3 and won the fourth UEFA Champions League trophy in the club's history!"
He paused, as if trying to organize his words, but finally let go of his emotions:
"At this moment, I think of Manchester United's rebirth after Munich Air Disaster, and the magical three minutes on the night of Camp Nou in 1999.
And today, history repeats itself again! Football never believes in scripts, but always writes epics that are more bizarre than scripts."
Xu Yang answered from the side, his voice a little tight. "There are too many things to discuss in this game, the referee's penalty, the players' fighting spirit, the tactical game...
But in the end, there is only one thing we remember: Zhang Kuang, this twenty-year-old China young man, declared his existence to the world with a hat trick and a goal-line save on the stage of the UEFA Champions League final."
He Wei suddenly raised his volume and spoke faster, as if he was releasing the emotions that had accumulated throughout the second half:
"Friends, please remember this night: May 28, 2011, London Wembley. When the prejudices of the world are rushing towards you, when unfair penalties try to deprive you of victory, when the opponent has one more player than you, when two of your goals are disallowed for no reason... what else can you do?"
He paused for a second, and then said word by word:
"Zhang Kuang said: I can still score the third one, I can still hook the ball in front of the goal line, and I can still take home the championship trophy with my own hands Manchester.
This is football. Never say it is impossible until the last second. This is Manchester United. They are bleeding red and will never be defeated.
And this is Zhang Kuang, a young man who is writing a legend. His name is destined to be recorded in the history of UEFA Champions League along with this trophy."
He took another deep breath, and then slowly said three poem-like sentences:
"The iron curtain fell for ninety minutes, and it was difficult to tie the two goals. One person was in charge of the situation, and from then on Wembley became known as the king. Ten years later, when you ask about the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, what will people say?
They will say: That year, the referee blew away Manchester United two goals and sent off one of them, and then Zhang Kuang snatched Barcelona's championship trophy away from their arms."
--
At the same time, sports channels in various countries around the world exploded almost at the same time.
Sky Sports's Martin·Tyler's voice was completely hoarse. He took a big drink of water before he could barely speak:
"This is the craziest game I have ever commented on in my life. Gary, do you believe it? Do you believe what just happened? Manchester United came back to win the championship despite blowing off two goals and sending off a player. Do you believe it? I feel like this only exists in scripts, novels, and comics. I never thought this would happen in reality!"
Neville's voice had a clear nasal sound, he did cry just now:
"I don't believe it. I regret retiring that early. I should have participated in this game. I watched Zhang Kuang play for a whole season. I know how good he is, but I still don't believe that someone can do such a thing in this situation.
Rooney was whistled for two goals, Carrick was sent off with a red card, ten against eleven, Barcelona had a ball possession rate of 79%, then Zhang Kuang scored three goals, assisted once, and finally scored Messi's must-goal on the goal line..."
He took a deep breath. "I declare that I am a Zhang Kuang fan for life. I have played football for more than 20 years and this is the most powerful player I have ever seen."
Spain LaSexta: "This is one of the darkest nights in Spain football history, not because Barcelona lost, but because Barcelona's victory was once walked by the referee almost within reach, and then torn to pieces by a China man in an instant.
Negreira Case If true, this will be a national shame for Spain football. Until now, I don't think this is true because there is no conclusive evidence.
But... from the referee's destruction of the game today, and recalling some of the controversial penalties on the La Liga game over the years... my heart is not firm."
Sky Sport Italia: "Italy football has a special understanding of defense, but the kind of breakthrough Zhang Kuang showed tonight: dodging sliding tackles three times, Pendulum passed the goalkeeper, stopped the ball on the goal line and kicked it in!
That's not a problem that defense can solve, that's... it's Maradona a repeat of 1986, even with a little more provocation."
Germany ZDF: "Germany people believe in discipline and tactics, but sometimes football requires something beyond discipline and tactics.
This is what Zhang Kuang provided tonight. He penetrated Barcelona's entire defense line by himself. Before that, he had been running on the field for nearly ninety minutes, but he was still running, still accelerating, and still passing people. His human body is equipped with a perpetual motion machine."
Hong Kong TVB: "Tonight was really exciting! Zhang Kuang scored a hat trick in the UEFA Champions League final, becoming another player to score three goals in the UEFA Champions League final after AC Milan's Inzaghi in 2007!
And Inzaghi relied on missed shots back then, but what about Zhang Kuang? A heavy artillery outside the penalty area, one in front of the goal, and one in the middle circle! The three goal styles are completely different! This young boy is definitely world-class!"
Japan NHK: "Zhang Kuang player, completed a hat trick in the UEFA Champions League final. This is the first time that Asia player has scored a goal in the UEFA Champions League final, and it is also the first time to perform a hat trick.
Japan The football world needs to carefully study the growth path of this China player. His speed, explosive power, sense of smell in front of goal and psychological quality have all reached the world's top level.
Player Shinji Kagawa's performance in Borussia Dortmund was already outstanding, but player Zhang Kuang... he plays in a completely different dimension."
South Korea SBS: "Park Ji-sung player tried his best in the game, and his defensive coverage was amazing. But the real protagonist of this game was Zhang Kuang.
Korean China national football team football has been catching up with the world's top players, and Zhang Kuang is already on top of the world. We have to admit this."
United States ESPN: "United States people may not understand football very well, but the narrative of sports is common. A twenty-year-old young man, on the biggest stage in the world, faced the hostility of the whole world, carried the entire team by himself. This is the script of "Rocky", but it is true."
Brazil Globo Esporte: "Brazil people know skills, understand people, and know goals. But what Zhang Kuang showed tonight, even Brazil people have to applaud.
He's not playing football, he's dancing, dancing between the three tackles, dancing in front of the goalkeeper, and dancing under the lights of the entire stadium. Ronaldo's performance in the 1998 World Cup final was not so crazy."
Argentina TYC: "Messi performed very well in this game: one goal, multiple threats. Although Chinese Zhang has better data than Messi, he Not as good as Messi, a gentleman. If Messi can hear us, I hope he can know his own advantages. Football is not just about comparing data. In the hearts of fans, Messi is the best."
--
After the Manchester United players celebrated each other within the team, they were all called back to the locker room. They had to simply clean up and put on their award uniforms before returning to the field to receive their awards.
In Manchester United's dressing room, the smell of champagne was so strong that it was choking.
Vidić held a large bottle of champagne and unscrewed the cork like a grenade. With a bang, the wine rushed to the ceiling like a fountain, pouring it all over everyone's heads and faces.
'Champion!!!' he roared angrily and poured the remaining wine on Zhang Kuang's head.
Before Zhang Kuang could hide, Berbatov grabbed his neck from behind. "Don't run! You are the biggest contributor tonight! You deserve to be doused!"
"Fuck! Dimitar! Let go! The champagne got into his eyes!" Zhang Kuang struggled to shout, but the entire locker room gathered around and poured wine on him one after another.
Rooney squeezed in from outside the crowd carrying another bottle of champagne. He was still wearing a substitute vest, his face was full of wine, his eyes were red, but he was smiling so hard that he couldn't close his mouth.
He shouted, spraying champagne in Zhang Kuang's face, "You are Manchester United's fucking Hero! Oh my God! When those two balls were blown off, I thought it was over! And then you fucked Barcelona through again!"
Zhang Kuang was so sprayed that he couldn't open his eyes, and stretched out his hands to grab at random. "Wayne! Don't force me to drink it for you!"
"Drink! Champion champagne! You must drink it!" Rooney laughed.
Scholes stood in the corner of the dressing room, leaning against his cabinet, holding a glass of champagne in his hand and sipping slowly.
He is thirty-seven years old, and this is his third UEFA Champions League trophy. The first one was in 1999, twelve years ago.
The second one was in 2008, and today is the third one.
As a football player, he is lucky to get one UEFA Champions League in his life, let alone three? What kind of luck is this?
He watched the group of young people who were more than ten years younger than him in the locker room going crazy, and his eyes finally stopped on Zhang Kuang, who was surrounded by everyone.
"Paul, not together?" Ferdinand came over and patted his shoulder.
Scholes shook his head and smiled, "I just have to watch, these guys keep making trouble, my old bones can't stand the torment."
Ferdinand also laughed. He followed Scholes's gaze and looked at Zhang Kuang, and then said, "This kid is really a monster."
"Hmm." Scholes took a sip of wine, "It's just the most powerful monster I've ever seen. This monster helped us create a legend. In the future, we will also be three UEFA Champions League players. Who wouldn't envy you? Uh, forget, you are one less than me. You only joined Manchester United in 2002, haha..."
Ferdinand spread his hands indifferently. "It doesn't matter, since Zhang Kuang is here, maybe I can get another one next year? Then I won't have three as well?"
"Oh, I really dare to think about it... but it's not impossible!"
After a while of commotion, Ferguson opened the door and came in.
The old man changed into a crisp suit and his hair was neatly combed, but he still couldn't suppress the smile on his face.
He stood at the door and looked at the mess all over the house. There were champagne bottles on the floor, soaked towels, sneakers kicked everywhere, and golden wine stains hanging on the walls and ceiling.
He cleared his throat.
Everyone fell silent and turned to look at him.
Ferguson looked around, and then slowly said, "I have been coaching for thirty-five years, and the trophies I have won can fill an entire exhibition room, but this one..."
He paused and his voice deepened. "This one is different."
The locker room was so quiet that you could even hear the hum of the air conditioner.
"I almost asked you to stop playing. I almost made you lose this championship because of my anger." Ferguson glanced at everyone's face, "But you didn't let me do this. You returned to the field, ten of you, against all the malice on the field, and won the game."
His eyes finally stopped on Zhang Kuang's face.
"Especially you, Zhang." Ferguson walked towards Zhang Kuang and stretched out his right hand.
Zhang Kuang was stunned for a moment, quickly wiped the champagne on his face, and stretched out his hand.
But Ferguson didn't shake hands with him - the old man directly pulled him over and gave him a strong hug.
"Thank you." Ferguson said in his ear, the voice was so soft that only Zhang Kuang could hear, "Thank you for saving my coaching career. If we really stop playing, I will never be able to clean up my life."
Zhang Kuang was a little confused when the old man hugged him, and then he grinned. "Sir, I just played a game."
Ferguson let go of him, took a step back, and his expression changed from moved to the usual stern. "Okay, don't get carried away, don't celebrate for too long.
There are awards to be given, hurry up, boys, wash your backs, I'll give you five minutes, and then straighten your backs and go out to receive the awards."
At this time, the door of the locker room was pushed open again, and Glazer and David·Gill walked in.
Glazer had a capitalist-standard professional smile on his face, but his eyes were obviously more eager than they should have been. He walked quickly to Zhang Kuang and held his hand, holding it extra hard.
"Mr. Zhang, congratulations." Glazer said, "Your performance... is unparalleled. Manchester United shines even more because of you."
"Thank you boss for the compliment. I am a professional player and help the team win. This is what I should do." Zhang Kuang nodded.
Glazer did not let go, but moved closer and lowered his voice and said, "When will your agent be free? We need to negotiate a new contract as soon as possible. Your contract is somewhat outdated, and Manchester United can't lose you yet."
Zhang Kuang raised his eyebrows, "Okay, boss."
Glazer then said to everyone, "If you win the championship, the bonus will be credited to your account immediately. Take a good rest during the holidays. If we win this damn UEFA Champions League next season, I will double the bonus for you!"
"Oh, okay, long live the boss!"
--
Wembley Stadium has set up the award podium.
The staff of UEFA set up a simple podium in the center of the turf. The silver UEFA Champions League trophy, the famous 'Big Ears Cup', was placed on the table in the center of the stage, shining coldly under the lights.
The players from Barcelona came out first.
They walked through the aisle expressionlessly one by one, stepped onto the podium, and received the runner-up medal from UEFA Chairman Platini.
Messi walked in the middle of the team with no expression on his face. He lowered his head and took the medal. He walked straight off the stage without even looking at Platini.
Same goes for Xavi.
The same goes for Iniesta.
Puyol is the last one.
Captain Barcelona paused for a moment after receiving the medal, shook hands with Platini, and then walked off the stage in silence.
Barcelona The whole team stood under the podium, surrounding the sparkling trophy. What they had just within reach just a few dozen minutes ago, they could only watch from a distance now.
Puyol stood at the front of the team, with his hands on his hips and his lips pursed into a line.
His eyes swept over the Manchester United players who were preparing to play in the tunnel. Especially when he saw Zhang Kuang, his pupils shrank significantly.
The players of Barcelona did not stay long. They stood honestly in the designated area for the runner-up, waiting for the award from the champion team.
If this was not a hard and fast rule, they would have wanted to leave long ago, because the championship celebration does not belong to them.
Of course, they are not as unqualified as the Argentina team when World Cup was awarded the championship in 2026. When the champion team received the award, the runners-up collectively turned their backs.
In the auditorium, the Barcelona fan area is already mostly empty.
Some people left early, some sat in silence, and some lowered their heads to check their cell phones.
On social media, fans all over the world are frantically discussing Negreira Case, the referee's penalty, and Zhang Kuang's hat trick.
The faces of Barcelona fans are darker than the Wembley night.
Manchester United players changed into championship commemorative T-shirts, with the words 'CHAMPIONS2011' printed in gold on a red background.
Vidić walked in the front, followed by Zhang Kuang. This was what everyone requested. When they walked out, the audience burst into warm applause and cheers. He looked up at the night sky of Wembley. The lights turned the sky into a warm yellow.
The whole Manchester United team walked onto the podium, and Platini stood in the center of the stage with an official smile on his face.
But when his eyes met Zhang Kuang, his smile visibly froze for half a second.
Zhang Kuang also glanced at him, without smiling, just nodded slightly as a greeting.
Platini happily put a gold medal on each player, and then took photos with everyone. Next, Platini took Big Ears Cup from the staff. At this time, Vidić walked to the trophy and pulled Zhang Kuang out of the team.
"Come here! Raise a glass with me!"
"I really don't need it!"
"Shut up! Who do you think is more qualified than you? I am the captain, listen to me." Vidić glared at him.
Then he grabbed one ear of the trophy with one hand, and pressed Zhang Kuang's hand on the other ear with the other hand.
"Get ready..." Vidić took a deep breath.
Manchester United All the players gathered around the podium, putting their hands on each other's shoulders, like a red wall.
Vidić and Zhang Kuang looked at each other, and he said, "1, 2, 3!"
Then the two of them worked hard to lift the trophy at the same time. "We are the champions!!!!!"
The silver trophy was raised high, and golden ribbons poured down from the air, covering all the red figures.
The entire Wembley exploded again.
"Manchester United! Manchester United! Manchester United!"
The roars of 80,000 people converged into a beam of light that shot straight into the London night sky.