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He Wei was very happy today.
Among the many commentators on CCTV5, Duan Xuan, Shao Shengyi, and others commentated on the Bundesliga, while He Wei, Shen Fangjian, and others were responsible for La Liga commentary.
Ever since Lance of Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga burst onto the scene, Duan Xuan could be seen happily commentating on his matches, while He Wei could only look on enviously, as he also wanted to personally commentate on the performance of Lance on the field.
Just watching Lance play was already a pleasure!
This time, after much effort and subtle hints to his superiors, he was finally scheduled for an important Champions League match!
Manchester United vs. Bayer Leverkusen!
For today's commentary work, He Wei started preparing a long time ago, even collecting and organizing information about Lance's childhood, how he was neighbors with Kevin De Bruyne, and how his parents ran a Chinese restaurant in Munich.
During the commercial break before the match began, the camera had not yet cut to the studio.
He Wei felt inexplicably nervous, constantly adjusting his suit, even though there would be no camera on him during the commentary.
"What's wrong? You're an experienced commentator, and you're still a bit nervous?"
His partner, Zhang Zhidao, chuckled and teased He Wei.
The two had partnered many times before, most notably in the 2011-2012 Champions League final, where He Wei and Zhang Zhidao witnessed Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard, and other veterans lift the Champions League trophy.
This time, the two partnered again to witness the showdown between 16-year-old prodigy Lance and Premier League giants Manchester United.
"Maybe, after all, it's not easy to have a Chinese player, and I hope he can perform even better."
"Oh, don't be nervous. This Lance is definitely a big-game player; the more important the match, the more energized he gets."
Zhang Zhidao had been observing Lance for a long time and was very clear about his characteristics.
Besides, which 16-year-old player can start in such an important match as the Champions League against Manchester United?
Being able to start already indicates that this player is extraordinary.
The two chatted a few more words about today's match, discussing Lance's recent performance, and soon the director's voice came through their earpieces.
"30 seconds until live footage, get ready."
"Okay."
He Wei took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and adjusted himself to his fullest state to commentate on today's Champions League blockbuster!
...
In the players' tunnel, Lance also saw these Premier League superstars in person for the first time.
Last time, Real Sociedad lacked star power, and Antoine Griezmann could only be described as a future star of hope.
But Manchester United in front of him was different.
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were both world-class players.
Noticing Lance's gaze, Rooney even looked back at Lance.
A few years ago, the hot-tempered Rooney might have fiercely provoked his opponent, but now Rooney had matured and gave Lance a thumbs-up with a slight smile.
"Lance, do you know Rooney?"
Lars Bender behind him was very curious, feeling that Rooney and Lance seemed very familiar.
"No, I don't."
Lance also didn't know why Rooney gave him a thumbs-up specifically.
The referee team had already led both teams out, so Lance had to compose himself and follow everyone out in single file.
The overwhelming roar of the crowd came surging like a tidal wave.
The magnificent Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, immediately gave a deep shock!
Accompanied by the Champions League anthem performed by the live string orchestra, Lance was already trembling all over.
It wasn't a trembling of nervousness, but of excitement!
...
"CCTV, CCTV, dear viewers, welcome to the live broadcast of the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League Group A match!"
"The match between Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen has begun."
"The team wearing red jerseys on the field is the home team, Manchester United; Bayer Leverkusen is wearing their away white jerseys…"
"After the first round of Group A, Manchester United drew 1-1 with FC Shakhtar Donetsk away, while Bayer Leverkusen defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 at home."
"Bayer Leverkusen currently ranks first in the group, while Manchester United is temporarily second."
"After the Champions League group stage draw, the qualification situation in Group A is still relatively tight."
"Manchester United, highly anticipated by the media and fans, was originally the favorite to finish first in the group, with Bayer Leverkusen and the other two teams competing for second place."
"This match is now crucial and may directly determine the qualification situation in Group A."
Facing Manchester United, Bayer Leverkusen started very cautiously, actively adopting their favored defensive counter-attack strategy, holding steady in their own half and waiting for opportunities.
Manchester United also dared not act rashly; they knew Bayer Leverkusen's counter-attacks were sharp, so they also carefully controlled the ball, tentatively looking for attacking opportunities.
At the start of the match, there wasn't much intense play from either side, so He Wei and Zhang Zhidao temporarily discussed the Champions League group stage situation.
"Hey! This ball!"
He Wei had thought it might take ten minutes or so for both sides to open up, but he didn't expect something to happen less than 2 minutes into the game!
A Manchester United attack failed, Rooney's shot from outside the box was saved by goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Bayer Leverkusen then initiated an attack from the front, Son Heung-min took on Rafael da Silva 1v1 on the left side of the attacking third, and Bayer Leverkusen's formation slowly pushed up to create a threat.
It was thought that even if Son Heung-min couldn't break through, he wouldn't lose the ball.
But Rafael's precise and fierce tackle caught Son Heung-min off guard!
"Son Heung-min!! He lost the ball!! Michael Carrick, receives the ball and passes to Rooney!!"
Lance was originally just tracking back normally, not sprinting at full speed.
The moment he saw Rooney receive the ball in the center circle, he suddenly felt a nervous tension, gritting his teeth and rushing over, intending to disrupt the play.
But Wayne Rooney had already struck first!
A long pass from the center circle, directly finding the area in front of the box!
Striker Robin van Persie was sprinting forward, with center-back Emir Spahić interfering nearby.
Logically, a typical striker receiving such a long pass would stop it to control it.
As long as the ball was brought under control, Spahić could use his body to pressure the striker's position, pushing him out wide.
But he temporarily overlooked that this striker was not just anyone, but Robin van Persie!
Stopping the ball?
Stopping the ball was impossible!
To Lance's astonishment, Robin van Persie, just outside the penalty area, met the incoming ball with his left foot directly!
A volley!
"Shit!!"
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno was shocked, quickly making a diving save!
But Robin van Persie's shot was too sudden, and the angle was perfectly placed.
Leno could only watch in despair as the ball flew past his fingertips at lightning speed!
"Oh! That ball! Robin van Persie!!"
"It's in!! Robin van Persie with a volley from outside the box, Manchester United opens the scoring just 2 minutes into the match!"
He Wei was stunned; was this Robin van Persie?
The ability of a world-class striker to seize opportunities was truly terrifying!
Zhang Zhidao, having commentated for so many years, was also profoundly shaken by this goal.
"Oh, that ball! It went in just like that, what a decisive strike!"
"Rooney is also getting more and more cunning; this long pass was almost 50 meters, accurately landing on Robin van Persie's head.
Their chemistry is truly amazing!"
"Yes." He Wei felt a chill in his heart.
He felt that Manchester United today seemed to have overcome their slump, gradually regaining some of the pressing intensity from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
He also wondered how Lance would perform when facing adversity.
"This goal is very similar to the one in last season's Premier League, Manchester United against Aston Villa!
The connection between Rooney and Robin van Persie has given Manchester United a dream start!"
"Manchester United leads Bayer Leverkusen 1-0!"