But as the saying goes, what you fear most is what happens...
Mourinho abandoned defense and ordered his team to push forward, his biggest fear being that they would concede a goal before scoring one.
In the 73rd minute, the situation on the field truly pierced Mourinho's heart.
Fly received a pass from Wilshere at the edge of the penalty area, and facing Pepe behind him, he continuously feinted in place. Finding that the Portugal defender wasn't falling for it, he made a short pass to the onrushing Wilshere's feet, while he himself quickly sprinted towards Real Madrid's penalty area.
Since Fly didn't have the ball, Pepe merely followed him, without any additional movements.
Just then, Wilshere executed a fake pass, deceiving Xabi Alonso, and the ball threaded its way through the gap...
Fly, who had already anticipated the ball's trajectory through God's Eye, suddenly made a turn, leaving Pepe, who couldn't brake in time, two steps behind.
Then, Fly ran directly into the ball's path and unleashed a powerful shot, the ball instantly transforming into a cannonball flying towards the goal.
Because the ball emerged from the gap so unexpectedly, Casillas, who was in front of the goal, didn't receive an immediate warning.
By the time he reacted, the ball was already flying towards the goal...
In this situation, Casillas could only rely on instinct to make a save; whether he could block it was purely up to luck...
But clearly, Fly, with his cheat, was not Robben. Facing such a rare and excellent opportunity, he wouldn't give the goalkeeper any chance to be relieved.
The ball, without surprise, flew into the goal from Casillas's right side, splashing white foam...
2-1, Fly scored twice, helping Arsenal take the lead.
The aggregate score for Arsenal vs. Real Madrid over two legs also reached 7-4, with Arsenal essentially securing a spot in the Champions League Final.
With a three-goal difference and the away goal rule, Real Madrid would need to score four goals in the remaining 20 minutes to complete a comeback.
This was even more difficult than Barcelona's situation in the final stages of the second leg!
"GOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!"
"Number 13, Fly Adams!!!"
"Oh my God... Fly has once again scored two goals in quick succession at a familiar time. Is Fly truly invincible after 60 minutes?"
"2-1, Arsenal completed the feat of equalizing and then taking the lead in just five minutes!"
"Currently, the aggregate score for both teams over two legs is 7-4. Real Madrid has almost no hope of a comeback..."
"It seems we can congratulate Arsenal in advance on qualifying for this season's Champions League Final. As for their opponent, the answer will be decided in tomorrow's other semi-final."
"However, based on the first leg score between Manchester United and Schalke 04, there's a 99% chance that Manchester United and Arsenal will meet in the Champions League Final."
"After three years, Premier League teams are once again meeting on the Champions League Final stage. The Premier League's status as the world's top League is beyond doubt..."
When Fly scored Arsenal's second goal of the match, Arsenal fans erupted in wild celebration.
The entire Emirates Stadium cheered for Fly and Arsenal.
Arsenal players also rushed towards Fly, tackling him to the ground, celebrating the goal that virtually killed off the game's suspense.
"Fly!!!"
"Fly!!!"
"World's Best!!!"
In the VIP box, Taylor was dancing with joy. Although she wasn't entirely clear on the Champions League qualification rules, she understood simple math...
Seven is greater than four, so Arsenal advances. It's that simple...
"Taylor, it looks like Fly is going to the Champions League Final."
Although Emma Watson secretly didn't want Fly to win, she still had to pretend to be happy on the surface.
Otherwise, if Fly knew she was gloating after his loss, it would be difficult to poach him...
"Of course, I've said it before, I unconditionally trust Hani, he's always the best!"
Taylor nodded, her previous worries completely gone, replaced by unparalleled confidence.
In stark contrast to the Arsenal players were the Real Madrid players on the other side.
At this moment, almost all Real Madrid players looked dejected.
They knew all too well what this goal meant.
Even Ramos tried to rally them together, hoping to lift their spirits through mutual encouragement.
But it didn't work...
Even Cristiano Ronaldo, with his most resolute personality, couldn't help but bite his lip, a look of unwillingness on his face.
Mourinho paced anxiously on the sidelines, shouting his players' names, demanding they intensify their attack. Even if doing so might lead to Arsenal scoring more goals, they had no other choice now...
Wenger, meanwhile, was waving his fists on the sidelines, a proud smile on his face. He was very satisfied with his team's performance.
"Arsène, we're going to qualify. This time we can really open the champagne early..."
Hearing his assistant coach's remark, Wenger raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly:
"It's not time yet, my old friend, wait a little longer..."
The more crucial the moment, the more cautious Wenger became.
Although, theoretically, with 20 minutes left in the game and his team leading by three goals, it would indeed be appropriate to open the champagne.
But Wenger decided to save some good karma; everything would wait until the end of the match...
However, Wenger didn't do nothing. He decisively substituted Wilshere, who had taken quite a beating in the match, bringing on Djourou to strengthen the defense.
Arsenal's formation also changed from 4-4-2 to 5-3-2.
Mourinho, on the other hand, went all in, replacing Lass Diarra and Xabi Alonso at once.
He brought on Adebayor and Özil, mindlessly stacking attacking players.
As for Benzema... unfortunately, the frenchman was completely out of Mourinho's favor at this point.
In the 81st minute, a highly controversial incident occurred on the field.
Real Madrid player Higuain fell in Arsenal's penalty area after contact with Varane, and the Main Referee unhesitatingly awarded a penalty.
This decision sparked strong dissatisfaction among Arsenal players, who surrounded the Main Referee, protesting that it was a wrong call.
Varane, as the player involved, even rushed excitedly to the Main Referee, shouting, "That's not a penalty at all! He's diving!"
But the Main Referee was unmoved, sticking to his decision.
"Player, get back to your position. That was a foul, I don't need you to teach me how to officiate a game..."
"You..."
Before Varane could lose his temper, Fly stepped forward to pull him aside, comforting him as they walked: "Rafael (Varane), Real Madrid needs four goals to complete a comeback now. What if we let them have a penalty?"
"Don't make trouble for yourself. Otherwise, if you get a red card, you won't be able to play in the Champions League Final, and it's not worth it..."
Varane's mind calmed down upon hearing this, and he nodded in response, "I understand, Boss, I'll listen to you..."
"This is a highly controversial penalty! From the slow-motion replay, Varane doesn't seem to have committed a foul!" Cuck also expressed doubt about the decision in his commentary, "Arsenal's players have every right to be angry!"
Side character, on the side, smiled and added, "But it's clear that Fly controlled his emotions. He pulled Varane aside because he clearly understands the situation on the field right now..."
"There's no need to jeopardize yourself for a goal that doesn't affect the overall outcome. Fly is increasingly resembling a team leader."
"My goodness... to think he's only just turned 18 and already possesses such a mature mindset, it's incredible!"
The boos from Arsenal fans echoed throughout the stadium, expressing their strong dissatisfaction with the Main Referee's decision.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans cheered amidst the boos, hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo could once again score for the team. Even if this penalty had virtually no impact on the qualification situation, they still wanted to grasp that extremely slim hope.
What if?
What if the dream really came true?
Cristiano Ronaldo held the ball, standing at the penalty spot, his eyes firm and cold.
He took a deep breath, took a run-up, and struck the ball. It flew like a cannonball straight into the top corner of the goal.
Although Szczęsny guessed the right direction, he still couldn't prevent the ball from hitting the net.
2-2, Real Madrid equalized, and Cristiano Ronaldo completed his brace.
As for the aggregate score between the two teams, it stood at 7-5. Real Madrid still needed three goals to complete a comeback...
But time was gradually running out. Did they still have hope?
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