Hoyoung, having recently absorbed Xabi Alonso's passing techniques like a sponge, was now displaying skills beyond expectations.
Although I'm not at that level yet, I was able to get a feel for it beyond that level thanks to a few days of pass tutoring.
His refined ball sense and kicking accuracy created a perfect synergy, leading to moments like this.
---
[A precise ground pass directly towards the opposite goalpost!]
Between Zambrotta and Thiago Silva, Gonzalo Higuain emerged, skillfully beating the offside trap. Calm and composed, Higuain received the pass with a stable first touch and, spotting the approaching goalkeeper Dida, flicked the ball to his right.
There stood Cristiano Ronaldo, the goal at his mercy. And as expected of Ronaldo, he didn't miss.
Crash!
[GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!] [Cristiano Ronaldo scores!]
"Siuuuuuuu!"
Ronaldo celebrated with his iconic move, the crowd erupting in unison. Real Madrid had scored their second goal in the 20th minute of the first half.
---
The Crowd Roars
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium shook with the deafening roar of fans.
"¡Vamos!"
"To the semifinals!"
"Ronaldo! Higuain!"
The home crowd celebrated as though this was the final of the Champions League. The sense of hope was palpable, growing stronger with every passing second.
---
The Commentary
[Real Madrid's gameplay today is on an entirely different level compared to the first leg.]
[This team runs on Woo Ho-young's tactics. He has reached the pinnacle of playmaking, creating opportunities out of thin air. His precision in long passes rivals even Xabi Alonso.]
"Fantastic," exclaimed the commentators.
"This could be one of the best goals in Champions League history."
---
The Sidelines
Ronaldo celebrated by sharing high-fives and playfully pretending to swing a bat with Hoyoung. The mood was electric.
Hoyoung grinned. "Don't let your guard down yet. We need one more goal to turn this around."
Momentum was on their side, and Real Madrid's relentless attacks were breaking AC Milan's defensive wall.
'There's still plenty of time,' Hoyoung thought as he glanced at the clock, which showed 21 minutes into the first half.
---
Leonardo's Realization
AC Milan's manager, Leonardo, bowed his head in frustration. His initial strategy had been a mistake. Trying to neutralize Woo Ho-young had backfired.
'Real Madrid is playing with 13 players today, not 11,' he thought bitterly.
It was time for a change in approach. Instead of focusing on stopping Hoyoung, AC Milan needed to play their own game and exploit other vulnerabilities in Madrid's lineup.
---
Tug-of-War
The match turned into a grueling battle. Every pass, every tackle, and every move was fiercely contested. AC Milan doubled down on defense, aiming to hold out until the second half while draining Real Madrid's energy.
"Watch Woo Ho-young's passes!"
"Block the passing lanes!"
"Pressure Alonso!"
The veterans Pirlo and Seedorf tightly marked Alonso, cutting off Real Madrid's central oxygen. However, this opened up space for Hoyoung to exploit.
"Stick to Woo Ho-young!"
Gattuso, AC Milan's midfield enforcer, took the challenge personally.
---
The Battlefield
As Hoyoung received the ball, Gattuso lunged in aggressively, initiating a physical battle. Despite the bruises and pain, Hoyoung held his ground, evading tackles with remarkable agility.
Frustrated, Gattuso resorted to borderline fouls, grabbing jerseys and throwing elbows, but Hoyoung remained unshaken.
Beep!
"Gattuso! The physicality is too much," warned referee Howard Webb.
Gattuso nodded reluctantly, but his aggression didn't subside.
Minutes later, another foul occurred.
Beep!
[Gennaro Gattuso receives a yellow card.]
---
The Decisive Moment
Real Madrid refused to let up. Ramos delivered a clean pass to Ronaldo, who skillfully controlled it with his chest. After weaving past Maldini, Ronaldo found Hoyoung.
Hoyoung, with perfect timing, unleashed a killer pass between Thiago Silva and Maldini, placing the ball perfectly for Ronaldo.
[Ronaldo receives Woo Ho-young's pass!]
Without hesitation, Ronaldo unleashed a shot.
Crash!
[GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!] [Cristiano Ronaldo scores his second goal! Woo Ho-young with another assist!]
The Bernabéu erupted once again. Ronaldo sprinted to the corner, while Hoyoung celebrated subtly, throwing uppercuts into the air.
Gattuso, now mentally exhausted, could only glare at Hoyoung.
"Downpour," Hoyoung whispered mockingly.
Gattuso, seething with frustration, could barely contain himself. But the momentum was all Madrid's now.
At that sight, Gattuso finally...
"What the hell!"
Gattuso mental health also deteriorated.
And then.
[Fighting Spirit of the Fighting Bull (SU)]
'I got it.'
Now all that remains is victory..