Three days before the game, Manchester newspapers were already exaggerating the red-blue battle.
The headline of "Manchester Evening News" is. "Red Devils's defense line faces the ultimate test, and the fateful showdown between Drogba and Vidić is staged again!"
The article reviewed in detail Drogba's past scoring records against Manchester United, calling Ivory Coast "Theatre of Dreams's least popular regular".
"The Sun" put a large photo of Zhang Kuang on the front page.
The accompanying text is. "The sharp sword of the East is being sharpened, Chelsea may become the next sacrifice."
The article wrote in an extremely exaggerated tone that if Zhang Kuang scores another hat trick in this game, he will not only be Manchester United's ace, but the most terrifying scoring machine in the first five rounds of Premier League's history.
The title of "Daily Mail" is "The Beast is back, Boas bets on the veteran!"
They focused on Drogba's return from injury, saying this was the biggest variable in Chelsea's away game against the leader.
Although "The Bolton News" was beaten six to zero by Manchester United in the last round, they still did not forget to gain popularity. Their title was. "Even we lost six, Chelsea, you can do whatever you want."
The report is full of self-deprecating humor.
Europe Mainstream media also made predictions about this Premier League focus battle before the game.
The title of "Bild" is. "Looking ahead to the red-blue battle, Manchester United has an obvious home court advantage, but Drogba is the biggest variable."
They believe that Manchester United has stronger offensive firepower, but Chelsea's experience and tough-fighting ability should not be underestimated.
"Milan Sports Newspaper" defined this game as a "showdown between old and new forces", saying that Zhang Kuang represents the edge of the new generation, while Drogba symbolizes the final glory of the old-school center.
"L'Équipe" is more cautious. They believe that Boas's tactical system has not yet been fully adjusted, and it will be difficult to face the hot Manchester United away from home.
The title of "Marca" is. "Premier League Tianwang Mountain, Real Madrid Barcelona are all watching."
They raised the attention of this game to the entire Europe level, saying that no matter what the result, this game will have a profound impact on the trend of the season.
China media even started preheating a week in advance.
The front page title of "Titan Sports" is. "Zhang Kuang meets Blues again. Can the world's top shooter continue his miracle?"
The article compared the data of Zhang Kuang and Drogba in detail this season, and concluded that Zhang Kuang has completely surpassed Ivory Coast in terms of goal efficiency.
The title of "Sina Sports" is more straightforward, they wrote "Manchester United Chelsea war is about to break out, Zhang Kuang will become the god Theatre of Dreams if he wears a hat."
There have been more than 10,000 discussions among China fans in the comment area.
The title of "Hupu Football"'s hot post before the game is "Can Terry guard Zhang Kuang? I bet a pack of spicy strips, Zhang Kuang will score at least two."
The replies below all indicate that you will definitely lose with this bag of spicy strips.
The sports version of "Ming Pao" cuts in from a more macro perspective, with the title "From Hong Kong to Manchester, Zhang Kuang took two years to complete the journey that others took ten years to complete."
At the press conference the day before the game, Ferguson walked into the press room with a glowing face, and his first words after sitting down made all the reporters laugh.
He said, "I know you all want to ask whether Zhang Kuang will continue his form of more than three goals per game, because in the last UEFA Champions League group match, he only scored two goals. It seems that his three-goal form has declined.
At that time, the players in our team were also curious about whether he had lost too much energy and was in poor condition, but Zhang Kuang showed through training in the past two days that he has a lot of energy, so we will wait and see tomorrow night."
The whole audience roared with laughter.
After making a joke, Ferguson immediately became serious, and his tone became calm and solemn. "Chelsea is a top opponent. Although Boas is young, his high-position pressing concept has already taken shape in Blues.
Drogba's comeback is their biggest variable. I watched his training video last week and he was in very good condition. That man is a beast in the penalty area.
But we are on Old Trafford, we are the leader, and we will not back down. After all, we have defeated them once on Community Shield."
A reporter asked Zhang Kuang about his expectations for this game. Ferguson smiled and said, "I never set goal targets for players, but I know he will stand up on the most important stage."
After Ferguson's brief pre-match speech, in the same position, the belated Boas's voice was calm and restrained, with the prudence and sharpness unique to a young coach:
"Manchester United's 433 has been polished for more than a season, and Jazz Ferguson's system is very mature. The trident linkage of Zhang Kuang, Rooney, Berbatov or Hernández is their sharpest weapon.
Especially Zhang Kuang's inward cuts and long shots from the left are the most difficult shots in the world to prevent. However, we have made targeted arrangements."
A reporter asked him if he would use two people to double-team Zhang Kuang.
Boas shook his head slightly and said, "This is a tactical secret. You can see it for yourselves during the game."
When talking about Drogba, his tone was obviously softer. "Didier is ready. He has shown a strong desire to score goals in training.
It is no accident that he scored against Manchester United in two consecutive seasons. He knows how to deal with Ferdinand and Vidić. That man was born for such big scenes."
--
In the early morning of the race day, the Carrington Training Ground air was filled with the fresh smell of grass clippings and soil.
Zhang Kuang is the first player to arrive. He is used to arriving two hours early on major game days to calm down his body and senses.
He changed into training clothes in the locker room, walked into the empty training field alone, and jogged along the sideline. The sun slanted down from the gaps in the clouds, making his shadow very long.
After running a few laps, he stood thirty meters outside the penalty area and stared at the empty goal for a long time. Yes, he wanted to practice shooting, but that was too tiring. Why should he be tired when he could rest?
If you have this strength, it is better to spread it on a woman's belly. Why waste it on the training ground?
Teammates arrived one after another.
Ferguson walked into the locker room at ten o'clock in the morning on time, holding a stack of printed tactical reports in his hand.
He did not speak immediately, but handed the report to each player one by one, then stood in front of the tactical board with his hands on his hips and looked around at everyone.
He said, "Chelsea's defense has a shortcoming in speed. Terry and David Luiz are both fast. There is a large space behind their high defense.
Zhang Kuang, Rooney, there is only one thing you have to do today, push their defense back, and then attack from behind."
He paused, then looked at Vidić and said, "Drogba is very strong, but you are stronger, captain. Your task today is to keep him quiet for the whole game."
Vidić did not answer, but nodded vigorously, with a steely determination in his eyes.
Ferguson nodded in the end, said nothing more, and waved his hand to signal everyone to rest.
At 2:40 in the afternoon, Manchester United's bus drove into the entrance of Old Trafford's player tunnel.
Zhang Kuang stepped out of the car with headphones on, and a huge sound surged out from inside the stadium, shaking the air. He looked up at the west stand, where a giant TIFO had been spread out, a red blade spanning the entire stand piercing the blue shield, with huge letters saying REDDEVILSUNSTOPPABLE next to it.
After getting off the bus, many reporters and fans were greeting them. Zhang Kuang and his teammates smiled and said hello and went straight into the locker room.
The atmosphere in the locker room was solemn and focused. Everyone was doing their own pre-match preparations. Some were listening to music, some were tying their shoelaces repeatedly, and some were adjusting their shin guards.
Ferguson walked in at the last moment and said, "There are 75,000 people waiting for us outside. Today is not just a three-pointer. This is telling them that Premier League we have the final say this season."
He didn't say anything more and waved his hand to signal everyone to set off.
The players stood up from their seats, patted each other on the shoulders, filed out of the locker room, and walked forward along the players' tunnel full of historical echoes.
Photos of Busby Babes, George Best, Cantona, and Beckham were hung on the walls on both sides of the passage. They watched in silence as this generation of Red Devils walked towards the battlefield.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, the broadcast signal of Sky Sports cut into the live broadcast room.
Martin·Tyler's steady voice resounded throughout the UK: "Good afternoon everyone, welcome to Old Trafford. This is the focus of the fifth round of the 2011-12 season Premier League League. Manchester United faces Chelsea at home.
The person commentating with me today is Gary Neville. Gary. I don't need to say more about the importance of this game."
Neville took over and said, "Needless to say, Manchester United leads the way with four wins, followed by Chelsea with three wins and one draw.
The two teams have very different styles. Manchester United's 433 is stable and smooth, while Chelsea tries high-post pressing and quick transition under Boas. This is the collision of two football philosophies."
Martin·Tyler read out the starting lineups of both sides, Manchester United 433 formation, Chelsea 442 formation, Chelsea's 442 is surprising, because Chelsea hasn't played 442 for a long time.
In 2005, Mourinho started playing 433. Later, Grant, Scolari, and Hiddink all played 433, or changed to 4231.
After that, Ancelotti played a 4321 Christmas tree formation for a while, but in the later period Ancelotti still played back a 433.
Unexpectedly, Boas hit 442, which is really surprising.
Manchester United: goalkeeper De Gea, defense Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, three midfielders Carrick is in the center, Giggs and Scholes are on both sides. The front trident is Zhang Kuang, Hernández, Rooney.
Chelsea goalkeeper Čech, defense Ashley Cole, Terry, David Luiz, Ivanović, midfielders Mata, Meireles, Lampard, Ramires, double forwards Drogba and Sturridge.
Martin: "Gary, do you think Marshal Boas's 442 high-position pressing can block Manchester United's attack?"
Neville: "Who knows? At least Chelsea's start was pretty good. The data of 3 wins, 1 draw and 10 points shows that they don't have any big tactical problems."
Martin: "Well, then it depends on the performance of both parties."
"..."
China In the live broadcast room of CCTV, the voice of He Wei is echoing. "Good evening, viewers, welcome to the focus of the fifth round of the 2011-12 season England Football Premier League, Manchester United takes charge of Old Trafford to face off against Chelsea. I am He Wei, and the one who is commentating with me today is Zhang Lu."
Maybe many people are wondering where Xu Yang is. That's because after Xu explained the game between Jordan Team and China Hong Kong, his tactical analysis of Hong Kong Team was too accurate, so he was asked to go and talk about tactics.
Zhang Lu cleared his throat and said, "Hello, audience friends, there are several points to watch in this game. The first is whether Zhang Kuang can continue his form, and the second is whether Drogba can score Manchester United's goal again after his comeback."
He Wei smiled and said, "Director Zhang, do you think Zhang Kuang can score a goal today?"
Zhang Lu said with a smile, "You have to ask how many goals he can score. Chelsea's defense speed can't keep up with him. As long as the midfielder can send the ball to his feet, he will definitely be able to create a threat."
"..."
Old Trafford At the scene, 75,628 fans filled the stands to the brim.
In the Manchester United die-hard section of the west stand, the red flags were undulating and the singing had not stopped half an hour before the game started.
They sang the team song "Glory Glory Manchester United" by Manchester United. The singing was neat and loud, like a red tsunami that continuously impacted every corner of the stadium.
The South Stand is a mixed area, with some Chelsea fans wearing blue jerseys scattered here and there. Although they are at an absolute disadvantage in numbers, they still hold up their Drogba and Terry jerseys and respond to the voices of the home team fans with songs.
Golden sunlight shines through the gaps in the stadium roof, cutting the emerald green turf into a staggered pattern of light and dark. The air is filled with the smell of hot dogs, beer and grass clippings. This is the smell that Old Trafford is most familiar with.
The referee Martin Atkinson stood at the exit of the players' tunnel with his whistle in his mouth. Behind him were the players from both teams.
When the time came, the entrance ceremony began. Players from both teams lined up and walked out of the tunnel. Manchester United was the first to appear.
The moment Zhang Kuang stepped onto the turf, the west stand erupted in deafening cheers.
During the handshake session, Zhang Kuang and Terry looked at each other for less than a second. Terry's eyes were cold and sharp.
Zhang Kuang nodded slightly and then looked away.
Vidić and Terry guessed coins, Vidić guessed correctly, and Manchester United kicked off first. Afterwards, the two sides took a group photo and the players took their places.
Atkinson glanced at his watch, put the whistle into his mouth, and the crisp whistle sounded across the sky above Old Trafford.
He kept looking at his watch, and when the time on the watch on his hand was up, he blew the whistle to start the game.
"Beep!"
The game officially begins.
He Wei: "China Central Television, China Central Television, good evening, viewers, what you are watching is..."
Only four minutes into the game, Chelsea created the first threat.
Lampard took the ball in the midfield and sent a through ball. The ball penetrated Manchester United's midfield defense and landed accurately at the feet of Drogba at the top of the penalty area.
Drogba caught the ball with his back, and Vidić pressed up from behind, but Drogba's body was like a moving wall.
He held Vidić hard, flicked the ball with his left foot, rotated his whole body half a circle to make room for shooting, then volleyed with his right foot, and the ball flew to the lower right corner of the goal.
De Gea's reaction was astonishingly fast. He quickly got down to the ground and dived sideways. His fingertips barely touched the ball, and he poked the ball out of the baseline.
Martin Tyler's voice suddenly rose. "De Gea, a god-level save! Drogba's turn and shot was too sudden, but Spain's goalkeeper's reaction was equally world-class!
His move on the goal line, the timing, angle, and hand shape were all perfect. This is another key save for De Gea since the fifth round of the league this season. He is using actions to prove that he is worthy of Manchester United's starting goalkeeper position."
Neville took a deep breath and said, "This is the terrifying thing about Drogba. When he takes the ball with his back at the top of the penalty area, he can use his body to hold any central defender and then turn around and shoot."
Vidić's defense was actually to the extreme. His body was almost hanging on Drogba, but Drogba still completed the shooting action.
The goal didn't go in, and 90% of the credit goes to De Gea. His anticipation and speed on the ground are world-class."
He Wei said in the CCTV live broadcast room, "De Gea's progress this season can be seen with the naked eye. He is becoming more and more like Van der Sar. That kind of calmness in front of the goal and decisiveness in making saves are the most reliable reassurance for Manchester United's defense."
Look at his expression after the save. There was no celebration. He just quickly stood up and commanded the defense to prepare for the corner kick. This calm temperament is an essential quality for a top goalkeeper."
Zhang Lu said, "Drogba is indeed in good condition today. This time the pressure of Vidić is fully revealed. The captain of Manchester United cannot tolerate any mistakes against a center of this level and must go all out in every confrontation."
Drogba's body is too strong. Vidić was so close to him but he turned him around. If it weren't for De Gea, this goal would have definitely been scored."
On the MyScore graphic live broadcast platform, fans' comments instantly flooded the screen.
A fan named "Red Devils Diehard 1987" said, "De Gea's save is worth 30 million. My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I saw it."
Another Chelsea fan named "Lan Qiao Wet Dream" said, "Drogba's turn was so scary. Vidić was almost flying when he carried him. He will definitely score a goal if he does it again."
There are also neutral fans who say "just watch the excitement and don't take sides" and say, "It has only been so intense for four minutes. The game today is absolutely beautiful. Both sides are aiming for each other's life. The showdown between De Gea and Drogba is so exciting."
"..."
In the next few minutes, the two sides started a fierce stranglehold in the midfield.
Carrick and Lampard faced each other many times near the center circle, and the ball bounced back and forth between the players on both sides like marbles.
Chelsea's high-post press pressed very high, and Mata and Ramires frequently moved inward, trying to cut off the forward transmission line of Manchester United's midfielder.
Between the fourth and eighth minutes, Manchester United's midfield passing success rate once dropped below 60%, and Chelsea's pressing tactics had initial effects.
Boas paced back and forth on the sidelines, shouting to the court from time to time to direct the defense to press forward. Ferguson sat firmly on the coaching bench, chewing gum, and showed no signs of emotion on his expression.
Old Trafford's singing never stopped in the west stand during this period. After they finished singing the team song, they started to sing a new song compiled for Zhang Kuang.
The general lyrics of the lyrics are "The red lightning from the east makes Theatre of Dreams's opponents afraid." The melody is to the tune of Manchester United's old song "Reds' Team Song". The songs of more than 3,000 home fans merged into a red sound.
Although the expedition force of Chelsea is small in number, they are also trying their best to make noise in a corner of the south stand. They shout the name of Drogba and try to inject power into the team with their singing.
At the ninth minute, Old Trafford was completely ignited by a red lightning bolt.
Zhang Kuang retreated to his own half to receive the pass from Carrick. When he got the ball, Ivanović had already pressed up from the right, and Ramires also chased back from the other side to double-team, and the two formed a gate for attack.
But Zhang Kuang didn't pause. He pushed the ball toward the center with the outside instep of his left foot, and moved his body sideways, like a slippery loach slithering through the gap between Ivanović and Ramires.
This step was too fast. Ivanović wanted to reach out to pull her, but her fingers only touched the corner of Zhang Kuang's clothes, and then she was completely thrown away.
Zhang Kuang dribbled the ball forward for nearly ten meters. He looked up and looked ahead. Terry's position was relatively high. There was a large open grassland behind Chelsea's defense line.
He did not choose to pass the ball, and continued to dribble the ball to the left and suddenly took off about thirty meters away from the goal.
He pulled out his right foot with all his strength from the instep. At that moment, his body was like a fully stretched bow. The power was transmitted from the waist and abdomen to the legs and then exploded out from the instep.
The ball carried violent external spin, like a cannonball that was compressed to the extreme, roaring straight to the upper right corner of the goal.
Čech flew to save. He judged the right direction, fully extended his arm, and tried his best to explore the air with his fingertips. However, the speed and arc of the ball exceeded the limit of human reaction. The ball passed over his fingertips, hit the lower edge of the goal crossbar, and bounced into the net.
The ball went in.
1:0!