"Why is he here?!"
This was the only thought in the minds of Neuer, Jérôme Boateng, Dante, and the other Bayern players when they saw Mark charging into the penalty area.
However, both the spectators in the stands and the fans watching the broadcast at home could clearly see why Mark appeared in that position!
As early as the moment he passed the ball to De Bruyne, who was cutting in from the wing, he had already started sprinting toward the penalty area.
By the time Perišić completed his header, Mark had already entered the box.
It was just that everyone's attention at the time was focused on Perišić and Dost, the two Wolfsburg players inside the area, and no one noticed him.
His reputation as a "super sub" had given him an extraordinary sense of positioning in front of goal, allowing him to anticipate where the ball would drop.
Facing the ball at close range, Mark did not disappoint the home fans.
To everyone's astonishment, he simply lifted his right foot and guided the ball into the net!
In the next second, the entire Volkswagen Arena erupted in thunderous cheers!
"Goal!!!"
"Mark~~~ Ryan!!!"
"This talented youngster scores again as a substitute, breaking Bayern's defense!"
"This is his fifth goal or assist as a substitute this season! He now has the most goal involvements off the bench in the Bundesliga!"
"In the 86th minute, the score changes to 2–3, with only one goal separating the two sides!"
After scoring, Mark immediately rushed into the goal, picked up the ball, and sprinted back toward the center circle.
He didn't come on as a substitute just to watch Bayern's superstars perform up close—he came on to win!
The broadcast camera zoomed in on Mark as he ran:
"This Wolfsburg youngster still hasn't given up!"
"He's telling his teammates and fans through his actions that there's still time!"
This gesture earned him the loudest applause from the home supporters.
In the stands, Löw and Flick also showed faint looks of admiration.
This kid's desire to win is incredibly strong!
Seeing the deficit reduced to just one goal, Guardiola—who had been sitting calmly—stood up and strode to the touchline, gesturing furiously:
"What are the defensive midfielders doing?!"
"Don't they realize they let such a big man slip through?!"
"Stay focused!"
Although Mark's goal wasn't particularly flashy or technically spectacular, it was absolutely crucial.
At that moment, it completely changed the atmosphere on the pitch and the mindset of both teams.
Originally, the two-goal deficit had crushed Wolfsburg's morale.
After all, even if they scored again, they would still lose.
But now it was different.
A one-goal gap could be erased with a single strike!
The fighting spirit of the Wolfsburg players was reignited.
Score one more!
If they could just score again, they could draw against the mighty Bundesliga overlords at home!
The Bayern players, meanwhile, had not expected Wolfsburg to score again—especially in such a simple manner.
Neuer, in particular, was furious with the defense:
"Where was the marking?!"
"How could he be allowed a tap-in inside the six-yard box?!"
"Cover the second ball!"
As Bayern and Germany's goalkeeper, having his goal breached by an unknown youngster was more than enough reason to be angry.
The defenders behind him didn't dare say a word.
At that moment, captain Lahm stepped in to calm things down:
"Manuel, that's enough. This situation cannot happen again."
"Focus!"
Just then, Lahm heard his name being called from the sidelines.
Turning his head, he saw Guardiola pressing both hands downward, signaling his players to stay calm and not rush.
After the restart, Bayern slowed their attacking tempo and firmly took control of possession.
The energized Wolfsburg players continued to press relentlessly, throwing everything forward in a desperate attempt to win the ball back and launch a final attack.
However, after an entire match of high-intensity play, their stamina was clearly fading.
With Bayern tightening their passing and ball control, Wolfsburg were given no real opportunities.
As time ticked away, Wolfsburg failed to regain possession. Instead, Bayern nearly extended their lead once more.
On the left wing, Robben used his individual brilliance again, dribbling past defenders and nearly scoring a solo goal.
Watching the "Little Flying Dutchman," who had played the entire match, still pick up the ball near midfield and sprint to the edge of the penalty area for a quality left-footed shot, Mark, who had just tracked back, couldn't help but complain inwardly:
This old man Robben… his stamina is insane!
Or is it because having no hair reduces wind resistance?
Maybe I should shave my head too—might get a little faster!
During the three minutes of stoppage time, neither side managed to change the score.
Finally, the referee blew the final whistle.
Wolfsburg narrowly lost 2–3 at home to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
Hands on his hips and breathing heavily, Mark looked up at the scoreboard and then at the Bayern players celebrating, a trace of unwillingness flashing in his eyes.
Anyone who loves football—professional or amateur—hates to lose.
He was no exception.
It was a shame that despite coming off the bench, playing well, and even scoring, he still couldn't help the team defeat Bayern.
This had been the most exhausting substitute appearance of his career.
In attack, he had to expend enormous energy to threaten Bayern's defense.
In defense, as the team was pushed back, he repeatedly tracked all the way into his own half—sometimes even to the edge of the penalty area.
Still, Mark didn't believe Bayern were invincible.
He simply wasn't strong enough yet.
Staring at the celebrating Bayern players, Mark silently made a vow:
Next time we meet, I won't lose.
Pulling his gaze away, Mark shook hands with his teammates and opponents one by one.
When he reached Ribéry, the scarred veteran lifted his chin slightly and smiled:
"Kid, you played well."
Mark was surprised.
He hadn't expected Ribéry—who looked so fierce—to take the initiative to praise a rookie like him.
"Thank you."
"Your dribbling reminds me a lot of Ronaldinho. Want to swap jerseys?"
"Of course!"
After exchanging shirts with Bayern's king Ribéry, Mark turned around and was greeted by a shiny bald head—followed by a face full of smiles.
It was Bayern's coach, Guardiola.
"Young man, you played brilliantly!"
"Thank you!"
After shaking hands, Guardiola didn't leave right away. Instead, he put an arm around Mark's shoulder like an old friend and began chatting:
"Especially in the final moments—you kept pressing relentlessly. That's excellent."
"Your desire to win is impressive. And your dribbles down the wing were outstanding."
"With that kind of attitude, you'll definitely become even better… even more exceptional."