The lights of Old Trafford still did not go out after the game.
More than 70,000 fans in the stands refused to leave. They sang songs, danced, and waited for the moment that belonged to Hero.
The Liverpool fan zone in the South Stand was already empty, and they left the game early ten minutes before the end of the game. But there were still dozens of die-hard fans who stayed there, holding up scarves and watching the Manchester United players with expressionless faces as they celebrated.
On the side of the court, the staff of UEFA has set up a simple award podium.
The logo of UEFA Champions League is printed on the background board, next to it are the team emblems of Manchester United and Barcelona. Zhang Kuang stood in front of the medal podium, the sweat had not yet dried, and the broken hair on his forehead was stuck to his face.
He held a transparent display box in his hand, which contained the game ball.
UEFA The official handed the "Best Player of the Match" trophy to him.
Zhang Kuang took it with one hand and showed a signature smile to the camera.
Flashbulbs poured down like a torrential rain.
"Zhang Kuang, this is your first UEFA Champions League hat trick in your career, how do you feel?" Sky Sports reporter handed over the microphone.
Zhang Kuang looked down at the trophy in his hand, then looked up at the stands that were still singing non-stop, and the corners of his mouth raised slightly:
"Feeling? It feels good. It feels like eating enough food, playing games, and getting enough sleep. It's quite comfortable."
The reporter was stunned for a moment. "Your analogy is really unique. Can you tell me about your three goals today? Two of them were scored by four or five people in a row. Why are you in such good condition today and so smooth in passing?"
"When the feeling comes, you will be in good condition." Zhang Kuang grinned, "If you suddenly get inspired, you will also write amazing articles. Yes, it is like that."
Reporter: "Then what do you think you do better than Messi? What do you think he still lacks?"
Zhang Kuang: "I don't judge others, I just do my own thing."
Reporter: "..."
After the award ceremony, Zhang Kuang put the game ball under his arm and ran to the stands shirtless.
He raised the ball above his head and made a salute gesture towards the huge "Eastern God of War" TIFO in the west stand.
The stands exploded instantly, and countless mobile phone flashlights lit up like stars in the night sky.
Post-match press conference.
When Ferguson walked into the press release hall, the smile on his face had not completely disappeared. He sat down, chewed gum, and glanced at the dense crowd of reporters in the audience.
He had been to this release hall countless times, but today it was particularly crowded. The aisles were full of people, and the camera lens was densely packed like a black forest.
Reporter: "Jazz, congratulations. 4-1, this is a very exciting result. How do you evaluate this game?"
Ferguson chewed gum twice. "Wonderful? No, I think it's not exciting enough. We should have scored six. We had several chances in the first half that we failed to seize, and the same in the second half. Barcelona is a great team, but they met an even greater team today Manchester United."
Reporter: "What about Zhang Kuang's performance? He scored three goals today and also scored four and five players twice in a row."
Ferguson's eyes lit up. "Zhang is phenomenal. On the first ball, he passed Busquets, Alves, Mascherano and Piqué, and then hit the blind spot.
For the third goal, he passed five people, including the goalkeeper. I have been in this industry for forty years, and I have never seen anyone perform this kind of performance that breaks the opponent's entire defense twice in one game."
He paused and then added, "And he is only twenty years old. Think about it, what will he look like in five years? I'm afraid that UEFA will ban him by then because he disrupts the balance of football."
The audience burst into laughter.
Reporter: "Jazz, Messi only scored one goal today, and almost disappeared in the second half. Some people say that Messi is not as good as Zhang Kuang in tough battles. What do you think?"
Ferguson's smile faded a little, and he said seriously, "Messi is one of the best players in the world, but Zhang Kuang is from another dimension.
I don't compare them, because there is no comparison. Messi needs a complete Barcelona to play its best role, while Zhang Kuang only needs one ball."
Reporter: "Then do you think there is a possibility of a comeback in the second round at Camp Nou and Barcelona?"
Ferguson chewed gum two beats faster. "The advantage of three goals is huge, but Barcelona has an away goal. It is never easy to go to Camp Nou, they will attack like crazy at home.
But you have also seen how terrifying Zhang Kuang's counterattack is. If Barcelona dares to press hard, then their back line will be a grassland. And Zhang Kuang is a wolf."
After saying that, Ferguson chewed gum and walked out of the release hall.
When Guardiola walked into the press hall, the expression on his face had returned to calm.
He sat in front of the microphone, fingers crossed and eyes lowered.
Wearing a dark gray suit, he looked more energetic than on the court, but the fatigue in his eyes could not be hidden.
Reporter: "Pep, what does the score of 1-4 mean?"
Guardiola was silent for two seconds. "It means we made too many mistakes on the defensive end. Our defense against Zhang Kuang was not done properly once. The first goal, the second goal, and the third goal were all manifestations of his personal ability.
But as a team, being beaten through the defense in the same way by the same player multiple times in a row is a mistake that shouldn't happen."
Reporter: "You said before that Zhang Kuang and Messi are world-class players. Has your evaluation changed after today?"
Guardiola raised his head and moved the corner of his mouth. "Although Messi did not score as many goals as Zhang Kuang today, I still think that Zhang Kuang and Messi are world-class players at the same level.
Let Zhang Kuang score more goals, but we don't pay enough attention to him. We studied all his goal videos before the game, but studying is one thing, facing him on the field is another."
Reporter: "The second round is at Camp Nou, how will you adjust?"
Guardiola: "We will score, we need three goals. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, they have the ability to create miracles at home.
But the premise is that we must guard against Zhang Kuang. If we let him score two more away goals, the game will be over."
A Catalonia reporter stood up and asked in Spain: "Pep, could the loss be because the passing control failed in the face of quick counterattack?"
After Guardiola listened, he replied in English: "No, I don't think this is a tactical issue. This is... a matter of personal ability.
Yes...Zhang Kuang is too strong. It's not like we didn't try to double-team him, but he had already started running before the double-team was formed."
He paused and then said something to silence the audience, "If Zhang Kuang is not a Manchester United player, the score tonight will be 1:1. If Zhang Kuang is a Barcelona player, we will be 4-1 tonight."
The reporters were in an uproar, wondering what Guardiola meant by saying this? Did he mean that Barcelona just lost to Zhang Kuang? Or did he want to express that he also wanted a player like Zhang Kuang?
When the reporters wanted to ask questions again, Guardiola had already left.
This sentence made the headlines of all Spain media the next day.
--
Of course, Barcelona returned to Barcelona overnight, and the atmosphere on the chartered flight was solemn.
Messi sat by the window, looking at the night sky outside the window, silent.
Xavi was flipping through the competition information on the tablet, frowning.
Guardiola came over and patted Messi on the shoulder. "Rio, the next round is at Camp Nou. We need you. Don't have too much psychological burden, and don't care about how public opinion compares you with Zhang Kuang. Just be yourself. Even if you are not the first in the world, you are also the top three in the world. This is already amazing."
Messi nodded and said nothing.
On the screen of his mobile phone was a notification from Argentina "Olé": "Messi vs Zhang Kuang,0-3."
He locked the screen and closed his eyes.
The plane bumped a bit in the clouds. Messi opened his eyes and looked out the window.
Above the clouds was a sky full of stars, but Messi felt as if he had fallen into darkness.
And in Madrid, Mourinho turned off the TV.
He was sitting in his office with a stack of scouting reports spread out in front of him. The top page read Zhang Kuang, and it had been curled up.
He picked up the phone and dialed Florentino.
"Chairman, we need a budget for the summer. Zhang Kuang, we must buy it."
Florentino was silent for a while. "José, do you know how much it will cost? Hundreds of millions of euros. The key is that even if you spend money, it depends on whether Manchester United and Zhang Kuang are willing. Of course, the most important thing is, what should Cristiano Ronaldo do?"
Mourinho's voice was very calm. "No matter how much money it costs, it's worth it. He can defeat Barcelona alone, and he can also help us pull Barcelona off the throne of La Liga."
As for Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no conflict between them. Aren't Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo equally compatible? Zhang Kuang can not only play as a winger, but also as a center. His position is very flexible.
And... with Zhang Kuang, East Asia, and even Asia, the market will become a dumping ground for Real Madrid jerseys, which also has huge commercial benefits."
Florentino: "José, I understand how you feel. Why don't I understand what you said. Okay, I will try my best this summer."
After the phone call ended, Mourinho leaned on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. The three goals of Zhang Kuang were repeatedly replayed in his mind. The first one was a violent long shot after passing four people in a row, the second was a calm lob shot, and the third one was a goal after passing five people in a row.
The key is: almost no teammates cooperated with him, he did it alone.
He shook his head and said to himself, "Ferguson is so lucky."
Yes, Ferguson is so lucky.
But to be more precise, Ferguson has a really good eye for people.
Two years ago, when Manchester United signed Zhang Kuang for 3 million euros, the whole world was laughing at Ferguson for being an old fool and signing a China young player. Some people compared China Dong, saying that China players are inherently unsuitable for Manchester United.
What's the result?
Chinese Zhang helped Manchester United win the league championship, UEFA Champions League championship, Europe Super Cup championship, and FIFA Club World Cup championship. The key is that he scored more than 100 goals in a single season and also won Ballon d'Or.
Now the whole world is asking the same question, "Zhang Kuang, how much is it worth?"
Transfermarkt's net worth is 180 million euros.
Messi is 120 million euros and Cristiano Ronaldo is 100 million euros.
Zhang Kuang is almost the value of two Cristiano Ronaldo.
--
The next day, the front pages of major media outlets around the world read Zhang Kuang.
The title of the United Kingdom "The Guardian" is "Eastern God of War shines Old Trafford".
The subtitle is "Zhang Kuang hat trick destroys Barcelona, Manchester United steps into the finals with one foot".
The article read, "Zhang Kuang used two goals that passed four and five people to declare that he is the most terrifying offensive weapon on the planet. Barcelona's defense was like paper in front of him.
For the first ball, he passed Busquets, and Spain people didn't even react. For the third ball, he passed Valdés, and Chile people (referring to Valdés, actually Valdés is Spain people) did not even make a save. This is not a game, this is an execution."
The title of "Daily Mail" is "4-1! This is not a score, this is a declaration."
The article read, "Manchester United tells all Europe: UEFA Champions League's victory in the final last year was not an accident. We will do it again this year."
Spain The title of "Marca" 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 why only one goal was scored? Does that mean that eleven Messi are not as good as one Zhang Kuang?"
The title of "Mundo Deportivo" is "Night of Shame".
The article read, "Barcelona was humiliated by Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Zhang Kuang penetrated the entire defense twice, and La Masia's pride was trampled under the feet of a China player.
But we still have Camp Nou. Back at home, Barcelona must create a miracle. Being behind three goals is not the end of the world. There are precedents for reversal in history. But the premise is that we must find a way to defend Zhang Kuang."
The title of Italy "Milan Sports Newspaper" is "Zhang Kuang vs Messi, and the answer is Zhang Kuang".
The article wrote, "This is not one person's victory, this is one person's rule. Manchester United's No. 33 proved with a hat trick that he deserves all the praise. Barcelona's No. 10 only played seven minutes in the opening game."
Germany The title of "Bild" is "Who will guard against Zhang Kuang?"
The article read, "Bayern Munich defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the other semi-final, but Manchester United looks to be the favorite.
If Bayern Munich meets Manchester United in the finals, who will guard Zhang Kuang? Lahm? Boateng? Or pray that he has diarrhea that day? This is a question that gives all Bundesliga defenders insomnia."
France "L'Équipe" is titled "UEFA Champions League Night Dominated by China Players".
The article read, "4-1, Zhang Kuang hat trick. This was a UEFA Champions League night dominated by China players. Messi's downturn and Zhang Kuang's outbreak were in sharp contrast.
The suspense of Camp Nou's second round is already very small. Unless Barcelona can find a way to make Zhang Kuang eat up before the game."
The title of China "Sports Weekly" is "Zhang Kuang UEFA Champions League performed a hat trick in the semi-finals, twice performing a wonderful performance that defeated several people!"
The title of CCTV "Sports News" is "This is an early morning that makes all China fans excited!"
The host was emotional. "Zhang Kuang conquered Old Trafford with a hat trick! He is not only the pride of China football, but also the pride of Asia football!"
On a stage like the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, Zhang Kuang proved that he is a world-class player with three goals. Please see the detailed report below..."
--
On social media, the name Zhang Kuang dominates the global hot search list.
Twitter The top ten hot searches are dominated by entries from this game:
#ZhangKuangHatTrick
#ZhangKuang5Players
#ManUtd4Barca1
#MessiVsZhang
#OldTrafford
Manchester local fan @RedDevil_Mike posted a video, which was the entire process of Zhang Kuang's third goal that he shot while standing in the stands.
Caption: "Friends, I don't know what you most want to express at this moment, but I have only learned to roar at this moment. I kept roaring with tears in my eyes until I was exhausted. It's so exciting."
The video's views exceeded 8 million within two hours.
The most liked reply in the comment area, "You are crying because you have witnessed a great moment."
Barcelona fan @CulerForever replied, "We still have Camp Nou waiting."
Someone immediately criticized him. "You still have Camp Nou? Zhang Kuang scores more goals in away games than at home."
"..."
Over there China Weibo, three of the top ten hot searches are related to Zhang Kuang:
#Zhang Kuang hat trick
#Zhang Kuang has passed five people in a row
#Manchester United 4 vs. 1 Barcelona
"Why don't you love football? How can you not love Zhang Kuang? Who? Who else? Who else can hit four or five people twice in one game?"
"No one can beat this. Maradona has beaten five people in a row, only two or three times in his life. The most memorable one is the 1986 World Cup semi-final against England.
After that, he also replicated it in other games, but he only had two or three such miracles in his career.
But Zhang Kuang did it twice in a single game, and four or five people did it in a row. He did it as early as Ligue 1, and he did it last season. So, who is the king of the ball?"
"Okay, stop bragging. If you brag again, you are still a Hong Kong person."
"Oh, Hong Kong people are not China people?"
"Zhang Kuang 33 jersey is out of stock globally! Boss Anta is going to wake up with a smile tonight!"
"..."
Japan In the Yahoo news comment area, a high praise comment wrote, "Shinji Kagawa is already the best player at the moment Japan, but Zhang Kuang What we do at Manchester United... this is the pinnacle of Asia football. When will we at Japan produce a Zhang Kuang?"
On South Korea Naver, the highest praise comment is very heartbreaking, "What is so crazy about Zhang Kuang? No matter how many championships he has won in Manchester United, how many more championships has Park Ji-sung won in Manchester United?"
"Hey, Oppa, your perspective is very unique, you win!"
"..."
Before the hustle and bustle in the media, Zhang Kuang would still take a look at it, but now Zhang Kuang is a little numb to these things.
April 20, early morning. Carrington Training Ground.
Manchester United The whole team gathered in front of the bus. Ferguson stood at the door, watching his players get on the bus one by one. Zhang Kuang was walking in the middle of the team, carrying a black backpack, headphones hanging around his neck, and chewing a piece of gum in his mouth.
"Zhang." Ferguson called him.
Zhang Kuang stopped and turned around. "BOSS?"
Ferguson walked up to him and lowered his voice. "Enter a few more, Football Association Cup must enter the finals."
"Guaranteed to complete the task."
Zhang Kuang nodded and got on the bus.
Yes, they just finished the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals two days ago, and two days later they will play the semi-finals of Football Association Cup. This schedule is really unreasonable.