The day before the game, the front page title of "Manchester Evening News" was. "Tonight, Old Trafford faces a real test."
Ferguson was unusually high-profile at the pre-match press conference. He sat in front of the microphone, chewing gum, and his eyes were sharper than usual:
"Although we defeated Barcelona in last year's UEFA Champions League finals, last year was last year and this year is different. This year it is a two-round system.
Barcelona's tactics have become more refined and their players have become stronger. We will take it lightly and we will go all out. Their passing and controlling style is still terrifyingly strong.
Of course, I believe we will advance successfully in the two rounds, after all, we have accumulated confidence in last year's showdown."
A reporter asked, "Jazz, who do you think will be the player who decides the game tomorrow? Messi or Zhang Kuang?"
Ferguson glanced at him. "Do you still need to ask? Zhang Kuang has always been the one who decides the game, whether it is in UEFA Champions League, Premier League, or the national team."
Guardiola's response was very calm, almost as if he was reciting the text. "Manchester United's quick counterattack is really fast, and they have the world's best shooter. This will be the most difficult opponent for Barcelona, even more difficult to deal with than Real Madrid."
But we're not going to change our philosophy, we're going to keep the ball, we're going to pass the ball, we're going to score goals and we're going to win in the end, it's that simple."
But Spain reporter noticed that when Guardiola said "the world's best shooter", the corners of his mouth twitched.
The title of "Daily Mail" is. "The absolute nuclear weapon of Ferguson will decide the game. This nuclear weapon is: the God of War from the East."
Zhang Kuang UEFA Champions League has scored 22 goals this season, 8 of which came from long-range shots outside the penalty area, 7 headers, 4 from inside the penalty area, and 3 free kicks.
This material was played repeatedly by Sky Sports, and the accompanying pictures were all of Zhang Kuang taking the ball on the left, accelerating, cutting inside, and shooting, over and over again, which made Barcelona fans feel terrified.
"The Sun" put the focus off the court. "Zhang Kuang invited the whole team to eat China dishes before the game, and Rooney ate a plain-cut chicken alone."
The accompanying picture is a photo of Zhang Kuang and Rooney at the entrance of DoubleTree by Hilton Swinton restaurant. Rooney is still holding a bottle of Tsingtao Beer in his hand, with an expression on his face as if he just won the lottery.
The title of "Mundo Deportivo" is arrogant like Catalonia: "Manchester United has only one Zhang Kuang, Barcelona has eleven Messi."
But the comment area below was invaded by Manchester United fans, and the most upvoted reply was, "Eleven Messi? Then who will defend?"
Vidić is out due to injury, Ferdinand wears the captain's armband.
As for Barcelona, Villa is out for the season and Sánchez is starting.
On April 18, at 6:30 in the afternoon, the outside of Old Trafford was already filled with water.
Red scarves were spread from the entrance of the stadium to the street corner a few hundred meters away, and scalpers were walking among the crowd holding signs that read "Vote Wanted."
Manchester The April evening is cool, but the air is full of hot expectations.
A fan who flew in from Shanghai stood outside the stadium holding a homemade banner that read "Zhang Kuang, Nong Haofa". A group of the United Kingdom fans gathered around and asked him to explain what it meant.
He explained for a long time, and finally said in English: "It means'ZhangKuang, howareyou'butinShanghaidialect."
United Kingdom fans suddenly understood, and then asked, "How do you pronounce 'Nong Haofa'?"
Fans Shanghai taught the lesson eight times, and fans United Kingdom pronounced it as "Dragon's good words", and everyone burst into laughter.
In addition to Manchester United fans, there are also Barcelona fans. They were singing and dancing in a corner of the square as if they were practicing.
There were also some reporters at the scene randomly interviewing fans. They asked a variety of questions, but they mainly asked about their views on the game that day.
Asking about the game at Manchester United's home court? You can imagine what the answer will be.
Of course, if you ask Barcelona fans, it will be another answer.
Most neutral fans guessed that Manchester United would win. After all, Manchester United had Zhang Kuang, and the scoring efficiency was terrible.
--
The time came to 19:30. In the Sky Sports studio, Martin·Tyler straightened his tie and showed his iconic smile to the camera:
"Good evening, welcome to the first round of the semi-finals of Old Trafford. UEFA Champions League, Manchester United versus Barcelona. I am Martin·Tyler, and I am Gary·Neville."
Neville leaned on the back of the chair and crossed his hands. "Hello everyone, I am Gary·Neville, welcome to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals Manchester United plays against Barcelona at home. I wonder what everyone pays most attention to in this game? Martin, what do you think is the most popular thing about this game?"
Martin: "What else could it be? Of course it is the duel between Zhang Kuang and Messi, and the duel between Ferguson's quick reaction and Guardiola's passing control. These are the two most attractive points."
Neville: "Yes, I guess these two points are what fans are most concerned about tonight. So Martin, what do you think of the showdown between Zhang Kuang and Messi?"
Martin: "From the data, Zhang Kuang scored 84 goals in the league and UEFA Champions League scored 22 goals. The number of goals scored in other games does not count. For these two items alone, it is difficult for Messi to compare.
Messi UEFA Champions League has only scored 10 goals this season and 41 in the league. If we don't compare Zhang Kuang, his data is at the Ballon d'Or level, making history.
However, these information become insignificant in front of Zhang Kuang. Therefore, I don't even think that tonight's game can be compared with Zhang Kuang and Messi. It is more like Messi trying to prove in front of Zhang Kuang that he has the strength to catch up with Zhang Kuang."
Neville: "Haha, Martin, what you said is so right, and you are so bold to say it, it is indeed like this. There is no comparison between these two people. Messi can be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo, and compared with Kaká, but it is really inappropriate to compare with Zhang Kuang, the difference is too big."
Martin: "But now there are many media and fans who insist on comparing these two people together, which is really inappropriate."
Neville: "Then tell me about another point of view. Who do you think will be better than the pass-and-control tactics that are said to be the most advanced in the world today, and the quick-reaction tactics that Ferguson has used for decades?"
Martin: "This is even more difficult to compare, because quick counterattack tactics may seem old and backward, but they never go out of style. Who dares to say that quick counterattacks are useless? Which coach doesn't use quick counterattacks?
The pass-and-control tactic seems advanced and has strong control, but it also has shortcomings, that is, it must be implemented by a team of 11 people who all cooperate with each other tacitly. These 11 people must not only cooperate with each other tacitly, but also have a very high level, which means that not all teams are suitable for this tactic.
But quick counterattack is different. Quick counterattack only requires two or three extremely fast and skilled players, and the tactics are simple and practical.
It's like no matter how sophisticated and difficult you make the engine, you can never compare to the practicality and speed of motor drive. Although the motor is simple, it is practical."
Neville: "Haha, Martin, you are right, the metaphor is very good. So, do you predict the score?"
Martin thought for a while, "I never make predictions. But I can say that if Zhang Kuang scores a goal tonight, Manchester United has a high chance of not losing."
Neville smiled, "If you say this, it's as if you didn't say it."
Martin also laughed, "Then what do you want me to say? I said Manchester United 3-1? If Barcelona wins, your headline tomorrow will be 'Martin prediction failed'. If I said Barcelona wins? Manchester United fans will kill me. So I choose not to predict.
That's not right, why did you do the host's job and I became the guest commentator? You have to return the host's job to me. I'm here to ask you, Neville, tell me about Barcelona's weaknesses."
Neville smiled and said seriously, "Barcelona's weakness is behind Alves. Alves is the right back who loves assists most in the world. After he presses forward, the gap behind him is Zhang Kuang's runway.
If Busquets cannot make up the position in time, Zhang Kuang will have at least three solo chances tonight. In addition, Mascherano plays as a central defender, and his height is a flaw. If Manchester United plays high ball, both Hernández and Ferdinand can pose a threat."
Martin: "So Manchester United's tactics are very clear, defend and counterattack, and hit behind Alves."
Neville: "Yes. And Ferguson will definitely let Zhang Kuang stay in the frontcourt and not participate in defense, just to counterattack at any time. Zhang Kuang's physical fitness is Manchester United's biggest weapon. He can sprint at the same speed in the 90th minute."
Martin: "Haha, it's what I said again, 'Although quick reaction tactics may seem old and backward, they will never go out of style.'"
In the studio of CCTV, there is a stack of information in front of He Wei, and next to it is Zhang Lu.
The background is a picture of the team logos of Manchester United and Barcelona side by side.
"Good evening, audience friends. Welcome to the first round of the 2011-12 season Europe Champions League semi-finals, Manchester United vs. Barcelona at home. My name is He Wei, and the person commentating with me today is Director Zhang Lu."
Zhang Lu:"Hey, hello everyone."
"Director Zhang, needless to say the significance of this game. Manchester United has just won the league six rounds ahead of schedule, and its morale is at its peak. Barcelona is the leader of La Liga, and Messi is in hot form. What do you think of the match between the two teams?"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, the key to this game is in the midfield. Barcelona's Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets, the passing and control abilities of these three people are at a historical level.
If Manchester United fights with them to control the ball in the midfield, he is seeking death. Ferguson must know this, so Manchester United will definitely play defensive counterattack tonight."
He Wei: "The counterattack arrow is Zhang Kuang."
Zhang Lu: "Yes. Zhang Kuang's speed and breakthrough ability are the strongest weapons for Manchester United to break through Barcelona's high defense line. Barcelona's back The defense line is very high, and Alves likes to assist. The gap behind him is Zhang Kuang's runway. You see, tonight Zhang Kuang will have at least three single-handedly or nearly single-handedly opportunities."
He Wei: "Director Zhang, do you think Manchester United can defend Messi?"
Zhang Lu: "You can't guard him. You can't completely guard a player like Messi. But you can limit him. The central defender combination of Ferdinand and Smalling has experience and physical fitness. It should be able to cause some trouble for Messi. The key is Carrick and Scholes. They must cut off the connection between Xavi and Messi."
He Wei: "Compared to Zhang Kuang? Can Barcelona defend against Zhang Kuang?"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, it is possible for Manchester United to defend against Messi, but it is impossible for Barcelona to defend against Zhang Kuang, because Messi's body has shortcomings and his speed is not very fast.
Because it is difficult for Barcelona to compete with Zhang Kuang in terms of body, speed, header, and technique. Zhang Kuang's comprehensive ability is a level higher than Messi..."
He Wei: "Okay, the players from both sides are ready to enter. Let's take a look at the scene."
The live broadcast sounded, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Old Trafford! The visiting team is entering now, Barcelona!"
Barcelona players filed out, their blue and red jerseys particularly eye-catching under the lights. Messi walked in the middle of the team with expressionless faces and lowered eyes.
He habitually touched his left leg with his left hand, which was where his shin guard was. Polite applause erupted from the stands, mixed with sporadic boos.
"The one entering now is Team Manchester United!"
Old Trafford was instantly ignited.
Seventy-four thousand eight hundred and eleven people stood up at the same time, and the red scarves surged into a sea of fire under the light.
The melody of "GloryGloryManUnited" started from the North Stand and quickly spread to the entire audience.
Zhang Kuang walked at the end of the team, with "ZHANG33" printed on the back of the red jersey.
He raised his head and glanced at the stands. The huge TIFO with his face on the west stand was particularly eye-catching under the light: "Eastern God of War".
The corners of his mouth raised slightly.
The referee team walked in the middle circle, and the referee Miguel·Rojo lowered his head to check his watch.
He is from Spain, and the penalty scale tonight may become the focus.
Neville said in the studio, "The referee Spain called the Spain team, which is interesting."
Martin: "You mean he will favor Barcelona?"
Neville smiled, "I didn't say it, but statistics show that in the UEFA Champions League games that Rojo has officiated in the past two seasons, Barcelona committed fewer fouls than his opponents, but the number of cards he received was almost the same.
What does this mean? It means that he allows Barcelona's tactical fouls, but will also punish excessive actions. Moreover, do you remember what Zhang Kuang once revealed? Barcelona bribed the referee, who was the referee of La Liga."
Martin:"So Zhang Kuang is probably going to get fouled a lot tonight."
Neville: "It's hard to say. Alves, Busquets, and Mascherano. The task of these three people tonight is to take turns taking care of Zhang Kuang. If Rojo doesn't play his cards early, Zhang Kuang may be kicked badly."
The two were chatting, and the on-site ceremony was almost in progress. Both teams were taking their positions, waiting for the referee's whistle.
"Beep--!!"
As the referee's whistle blows, the whole game begins.
He Wei: "China Central Television, China Central Television, good evening, viewers, you are watching the first leg of the semi-finals of the 2011-12 season Europe Champions League In the game, Manchester United plays against the Barcelona team at home. You can see that the Manchester United team in red is attacking from left to right on the screen, and the Barcelona team is attacking from right to left.
Now let's introduce the starting situation of both sides. Let's first take a look at the Manchester United team playing at home. Manchester United's ranking today is still 433. The starting players are also familiar players. They are in order..."
In the 3rd minute, Iniesta made a pass from the middle and Messi shot low with his left foot from the top of the penalty area. De Gea fell to the ground and confiscated it. Barcelona's first attack tested the Manchester United goalkeeper.
He Wei: "Messi's shot is very threatening, but De Gea is very focused. Barcelona entered the state at the beginning, and their passing and control rhythm is very fast."
Zhang Lu: "It seems that today Barcelona is going to avenge last year's failure in the finals of UEFA Champions League. Hehe, I wonder if Barcelona can go as he wishes today?"
In the 5th minute, Carrick tackled Xavi in the midfield. Rojo gave him a verbal warning but did not play the card.
There were boos from the North Stand.
Martin: "Carrick's tackle was not small. Rojo only gave a verbal warning. If it was La Liga, this might be a yellow card."
Neville: "Rojo's challenge today is not small. I'm afraid his penalty will be magnified. Let's see how he maintains fairness..."
In the 8th minute, Zhang Kuang received a pass from Evra from the left. His quick start got rid of Busquets, Alves, and Piqué. Taking advantage of the fact that Barcelona's defense line in the penalty area had not yet formed, he cut in and took a long shot from 25 yards with his right foot. The ball missed the right goal post.
"Wow..." Manchester United fans in the audience sighed together, which was a bit of a pity.
But soon the audience gave me warm applause!
Zhang Kuang frowned, shouldn't be, why is the accuracy missing today? Is it possible that yesterday's 1v7 damaged the accuracy of the gun?
Is it impossible? There is no necessary connection between the two.
Martin: "Although Zhang Kuang's first shot missed, it was a sign that he was very excited tonight. You can see that he had already observed Valdés's position before catching the ball."
Neville: "Yes, his start is still sharp, his speed is still fast, and his passing is still so smooth, but he lost a little accuracy in the last shot."
In the 10th minute, Alves made a pass from the right, Sánchez nodded the ball towards the goal, and De Gea held the ball in front of the goal line.
He Wei: "Sánchez's header is very threatening, De Gea's reaction is quick. Barcelona's wing attack is really sharp, and Alves's cross is of high quality."
Zhang Lu: "In terms of offense, Alves is indeed an excellent full-back. His role in Barcelona is obvious, and his cooperation with his teammates is also very smooth."
In the 12th minute, Messi made a pass from the middle, Sánchez pushed the ball 10 yards from the right rib of the penalty area, and De Gea fell to the ground and blocked it with his legs.
Zhang Lu: "Hey, Sánchez handled this ball a little hastily. Messi's through ball was so comfortable, he could have stopped for a moment before shooting. De Gea's attack was very decisive, blocking the angle with his legs."
He Wei: "Director Zhang, I don't know if you can tell. Tonight's Barcelona seems to have deliberately sped up the pace. They have reduced many unnecessary kicks, and their continuous counterattacks have become more direct and efficient."
Zhang Lu: "Hey, don't tell me, it's really like this, but it's just a little strengthened. It doesn't actually change their tactics..."
In fact, not only He Wei and Zhang Lu saw it, but Ferguson standing on the sidelines also saw it. He quickly shouted to the court, "Pay attention to their quick counterattack, wing, wing, suppress it!"
Guardiola also walked around the sidelines, nervously watching the changes on the court. Although he was determined to leave for Bayern Munich at the end of this season, he also wanted to get a UEFA Champions League before leaving.
Especially the opponent in this game was last year's mortal enemy Manchester United! So he also sent signals to the field from time to time to fine-tune his tactics.