Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray was a little lost in thought, recalling the day the draw was announced, and the English media were all popping champagne. Apart from the disgraceful Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United—three Premier League giants—all drew favourable matchups.
According to the English media's script, Barcelona and Bayern Munich would fight to the death, and no matter who advanced to the semi-finals, they would be severely weakened and injured.
Meanwhile, the three Premier League teams would easily defeat their respective opponents without breaking a sweat, waiting for the Champions League semi-finals to encircle Barcelona. With Manchester United's strength to dominate Europe, they would surely crush a fatigued Barcelona, and finally meet another Premier League team from the other half of the draw in the final.
For two consecutive years, three of the four Champions League semi-finalists were Premier League teams. For two consecutive years, the Champions League final turned into an all-Premier League affair. Before the new round of matches began, the most talked-about topic among the English Fleet Street media wasn't predicting the games.
What's there to predict when it's just crushing weak teams? Playing against Villarreal, Porto, and Dortmund was so easy, it was practically a sure thing, wasn't it?
The English media were all reviewing Arsenal's defeat, thinking that if Arsenal had eliminated Dortmund, perhaps Premier League teams could have swept all four Champions League semi-final spots. British netizens even used various memes online to mock Arsenal, creating different emoji packs to play on the joke. It was as if Arsenal was too weak, rather than Dortmund being strong enough. The most active on the internet were Manchester United fans.
"Do we still have to step in?"
"Watch closely, I'll only teach you once how to deal with Dortmund."
"For foreign battles, you still have to look at Manchester United. The Champions League, tremble, your king has returned."
Even many columnists in the English media began to predict the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi showdown, discussing who was better between them from multiple angles, comparing the two top players in the world, even before Manchester United and Dortmund played. It was as if the Dortmund team was just a backdrop, a stepping stone for Manchester United's ascent to glory.
If anyone dared to ask, "What if Dortmund pulls off an upset?" someone would surely reply: "How can Dortmund win, relying entirely on a 16-year-old?"
"Edwin van der Sar's 1311-minute clean sheet record, they are the team with the fewest goals conceded in the Premier League. At the same time, they are also the team with the most goals scored."
"Not only do they have Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, but they also have Dimitar Berbatov on the bench. I can't even imagine how Manchester United could lose."
However, looking at the 3-2 score, commentator Andy Gray finally realised how ridiculous the arrogance of the English people was.
Did Manchester United make mistakes in this match? Did they perform poorly?
No, Manchester United did very well on both offence and defence. Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney performed perfectly, and the defence cooperated very well, restricting Jin Hayes for 98% of the time, shutting down Dortmund.
But it was in that 2% of the time that Dortmund seized the opportunity, scoring three goals in quick succession to take the lead.
Now it was Manchester United's turn to worry. With 75 minutes gone, Manchester United's play became increasingly chaotic. After their dominant shell was shattered, the players began to doubt themselves, completely losing their control of the field. Dortmund, however, played with increasing courage, constantly threatening Van der Sar.
"Jin, he suddenly explodes after 10 minutes of silence! Dribbling through the middle, he fakes past Darren Fletcher, then past Nemanja Vidić, and breaks into the penalty area!!!"
"Alexander Frei—"
"Ohhh—Brilliant Save! Van der Sar—a world-class save!"
Andy Gray broke out in a cold sweat again. Fletcher, the defensive midfielder praised many times by Sir Alex Ferguson, was easily tricked by Jin Hayes's back-heel flick and turn, like a wooden stake. Vidić, the defensive stalwart of Manchester United, was mesmerised by Jin Hayes's dazzling step-overs, and then a sudden change of direction shifted his centre of gravity, allowing Jin Hayes to burst into the penalty area. Vidić didn't even have time to foul.
Jin Hayes crossed to the other side, and Alexander Frei had an almost open goal. Fortunately, Van der Sar, as Manchester United's last line of defence, completely burned himself out. The 39-year-old veteran was still giving his all. He made a miraculous save to rescue the team, and Manchester United, who had been calm before the match, also went wild, with Gary Neville hugging Van der Sar's head and kissing him. The height difference between the two made the scene quite comically endearing.
"Dortmund has a corner kick, they are on a roll at home, almost completely overwhelming Manchester United!"
"The camera pans to Sir Alex Ferguson, a 3-2 score might still be acceptable—but for Manchester United, who are aiming for the championship, they must make adjustments."
In the close-up, the red-nosed old man was no longer in the mood to chew gum; the gloom and anger on his face were visible to the naked eye. So much so that assistant coaches Mike Phelan and René Meulensteen on either side didn't dare to breathe a word, fearing Ferguson's wrath if they spoke. This Manchester United tyrant possessed absolute authority, and no one dared to cross him.
"You two, why aren't you talking? Hmm?"
On the bench, Ferguson spoke first. The two assistants exchanged glances, swallowed, and were extremely hesitant. In the end, Meulensteen was a bit bolder, "I think it's better to let Cristiano Ronaldo return to his familiar right wing, let him create danger from the flanks. Playing as a centre-forward, he finds it difficult to perform."
"And the midfield lacks the ability to deliver passes; even though Paul isn't feeling well, the team can't do without him."
Currently, Manchester United indeed lacked a central midfielder. Michael Carrick was more of a tempo-setter, lacking the ability for precise passing. Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Park Ji-sung were all workhorse players; Owen Hargreaves was out for the season, leaving Paul Scholes as the only playmaker.
Were they going to rely on Anderson, the 2007 Golden Boy Award winner? Facts proved this Brazilian was a disappointment, one of Manchester United's more forgettable signings. It's hard to believe it's 2009, and Manchester United still had to rely on the Class of '92 to hold the fort. From Ferguson's arrival in the Premier League until his retirement, that generation truly spanned his entire coaching career.
"Ah, I'm getting old." The Scottish old man felt powerless for the first time. But even if he retired, he had to win another Champions League. How would they respond to this next move?
"Get Paul and Dimitar ready."
"Oh? Manchester United makes adjustments, bringing on two players simultaneously. Veteran midfielder Scholes, and striker Berbatov, replacing Fletcher and the underperforming Nani." He Wei noticed the substitutions on the sideline and couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Manchester United hadn't given up yet.
"It looks like Manchester United wants Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the right wing, and Berbatov will lead the line as the striker."
"Rooney will roam behind him, providing support, and behind them, Scholes will be responsible for organisation."
"Manchester United has been forced to use their last weapon, planning to win away from home using their most familiar method." As commentator Zhang Lu said, after Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov came on, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the right wing. Wayne Rooney dropped back slightly, forming a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo attacking down both flanks, Scholes and Rooney linking play in the middle, and Berbatov acting as a pivot, using his exquisite ball control to create opportunities for teammates, or attempting shots himself.
After the substitutions, Manchester United regained control of the game. Manchester United's attack became more patient and rhythmic, no longer as aimless as before. Cristiano Ronaldo's threat on the wing also increased, constantly using his speed to challenge Marcel Schmelzer's defence on that side. Schmelzer was under immense pressure trying to defend Cristiano Ronaldo one-on-one, and Mario Götze and Jin Hayes even had to drop back to help defend, effectively neutralising Dortmund's left-wing attack.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, with the ball on the right—very fast!! He's beaten Götze! Facing Jin Hayes—sudden switch!" Jin Hayes originally intended to take on Cristiano Ronaldo one-on-one; a true man would engage in a 1v1 duel. Defending Cristiano Ronaldo was simple; his upper body never moved, only his feet performed flashy tricks. So there was no need to focus on his feet; by simply watching which way his shoulder dipped, one could easily judge his breakthrough direction.
"Damn it!!" Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't shake off Jin Hayes after several attempts, cursed under his breath, and simply cut inside to pass the ball to Scholes. After passing, he was violently bumped by Jin Hayes, and Cristiano Ronaldo almost lost his balance and fell to the ground.
"How is that possible?!!!" Cristiano Ronaldo was shocked. He had become a physical powerhouse over the years; he was no longer the scrawny kid from 2004. Being hit by a 16-year-old felt like being hit by a truck.
"Is he a monster?"
Jin Hayes looked at Cristiano Ronaldo's wide-eyed, incredulous expression and almost couldn't help but burst out laughing. This is the man of steel, dude.
However, before Jin Hayes could celebrate for too long, Scholes delivered a miraculous long pass to the left wing, precisely finding the weak-side Giggs. With the defensive focus all on Cristiano Ronaldo's side, Giggs's area was completely open. The veteran, with his delicate footwork, dribbled past Dedê and sent a low cross into the penalty area.
"Berbatov!!!" The striker surged forward from the back, rushing towards the goal, seemingly about to strike, and Roman Weidenfeller, with nerves taut, was just about to make a save. But Berbatov didn't shoot. His shot was a feint. He lifted his right foot and gently brought it down, using a back-heel flick to fake out the defender, and then a cut-back to the penalty spot.
The true killing blow was right behind him.
"Rooney!!!"
Boom!
Rooney's signature powerful shot—unstoppable, crashing into the net.
"That's a goal!!! Wayne Rooney!! Another away goal to equalise the score!"
3-3.
"Manchester United holds three away goals! They have the absolute advantage!"
Dortmund, who had just gained momentum, was once again forcefully pushed back by Manchester United.
"Is this the oppressive feeling of a Premier League hegemon? The substitutions had an immediate effect!"
Jin Hayes suddenly felt like he was fighting a boss. He had painstakingly chipped away at its health, and finally, with resources depleted, he had emptied the boss's health bar. Just as he was about to celebrate victory, he heard a roar from the boss, signalling a new phase of transformation.
Red Devils Manchester United - Phase Two. Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive attacks from the wing, Scholes's precise guidance, veteran Giggs's sporadic breakthroughs and passes, Berbatov's delicate technical handling. Add to that Rooney's finishing ability. Manchester United was back.
Jin Hayes was no saint; facing this situation, he could only curse under his breath. This goal couldn't be blamed on his teammates; Manchester United's overall lineup was indeed much stronger than Borussia Dortmund's. Even with his abilities, he couldn't withstand Manchester United's offensive firepower bursting forth in the second half. If it weren't for the Borussia Dortmund players' united determination not to give up, they would have been overtaken by Manchester United long ago.
In the last 10 minutes, Borussia Dortmund's stamina declined, and it was completely Manchester United's turn to attack. The match turned into a half-court offensive battle for Manchester United. The torrential rain of attacks suffocated Borussia Dortmund. Götze, Nuri Şahin, and Jin Hayes all received yellow cards for their defensive efforts. Jürgen Klopp quickly made substitutions, replacing Götze with the fast and balanced Tamás Hajnal, and Şahin with defensive midfielder Florian Kringe.
The excessive pressure on the defence forced Jin Hayes to repeatedly expend stamina to activate man of steel. Coupled with the mental energy consumed by the previous free kick, Jin Hayes was almost unable to dribble the ball to the front of the field to create threats; he could only patiently remain silent, waiting for an opportunity.
At 80 minutes, 85 minutes, and 90 minutes, Manchester United was almost on the verge of breaking through the goal. The Westfalen fans could no longer breathe, a huge stone pressing heavily on their hearts.
"Is this how it ends?"
"It's already good enough, pushing Manchester United to this extent."
"Indeed, I feel today's match was very exciting, both sides played to their maximum potential."
"It's a pity, it would be great if we could win at home."
The Borussia Dortmund fans in the stands were not too upset; they were just a little regretful, and at the same time, their hearts were already at ease. Pushing Manchester United to a 3-3 draw, what more could they do? Entering the Champions League for the first time in many years, reaching the quarter-finals, and playing a close match against a favourite to win the championship—what more could they ask for?
Commentators from various countries also began to praise Borussia Dortmund's resilience.
"In the last 10 minutes, Manchester United's relentless attacks failed to break through Dortmund's goal; these young players held on."
"With only one minute left in injury time, it looks like both sides are about to shake hands and settle for a 3-3 draw."
"Both sides worked together to contribute a spectacular goal-scoring battle."
"This is the Bumblebees' youth storm, this is Borussia Dortmund!"
"They are excellent, no matter whether they can create a miracle in the second leg, no matter whether they can advance. Borussia Dortmund is the biggest dark horse of this season!"
"Go, BVB! You are the glory of the Bundesliga!"
"I have to admit, Manchester United's opponent is even braver than we imagined."
"Manchester United was not as relaxed as predicted before the match; today they hit a wall."
"The advantage of 3 away goals will help us take the initiative in the second leg."
"Both sets of players are excellent, especially the opposing attacking midfielder, the 16-year-old Jin—Arsenal's decision to let him go might be a huge loss."
"Corner kick!! Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range shot was saved by Weidenfeller, giving Manchester United a corner kick! The 13th corner kick of the match."
"With only 30 seconds left in the match, it looks like this is the last attack of the entire game." "Ryan Giggs takes the corner kick—"
...
In the dying seconds of the match, Borussia Dortmund fans were once again plunged into tension. Manchester United got a corner kick—Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić, Michael Carrick, Rooney, Berbatov—almost everyone who could compete for a header was in the penalty area. Borussia Dortmund's goal could be broken at any moment.
Outside the penalty area, only Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, and Scholes were protecting. Everyone's attention was focused inside the Borussia Dortmund penalty area. Both sets of players, including the commentators, coaches, and fans, were on edge.
Borussia Dortmund fans even began to pray to God, hoping to hold on to the 3-3 score. Anna's small hands were icy cold, and her whole body trembled in the stands. Maria didn't even dare to look anymore, burying her head in her husband Hans's chest.
Cristiano Ronaldo lurked in the penalty area, his gaze resolute. He constantly tangled with defender Robert Kovač near the penalty spot, trying to hide his attacking intentions as much as possible. Ryan Giggs raised his hand to give a signal, then started his run-up. The ball traced a beautiful arc, dropping towards the far post.
"Chance!" Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted two steps towards the near post, then suddenly turned back, shaking off Kovač and charging towards the far post. At that moment, no one was marking the most dangerous player.
"Oh no!!"
"It's over!"
At this critical moment, all Dortmund fans felt a chill in their hearts. They watched as Cristiano Ronaldo ran to the far post and jumped, about to score a perfect header for a decisive goal. Borussia Dortmund's fate hung by a thread.
Just at the crucial moment, a figure appeared in front of Cristiano Ronaldo. His eyes blazed, his teeth bared, and his face became grim and determined.
"Never!!"
Mats Hummels. In the first half, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal against him. This time, I will absolutely not let you score again.
Bang!
Hummels, like a saviour, unbelievably headed the ball away from above Cristiano Ronaldo's head. At that moment, the entire stadium erupted in cheers. A comeback from the brink.
However, their cheers were a little too early. Hummels's powerful header flew out of the penalty area. A figure in a yellow jersey had been waiting for a long time. He didn't face the incoming ball but had his back to it, lightly cushioning it, just avoiding Scholes's tackle. He charged towards the front of the field without any deceleration.
Who else could it be but Jin Hayes.
Manchester United's offensive turn was over.
Next up is my offensive turn.
...
Hiss!
Patrice Evra and Gary Neville were terrified, frantically closing in. Facing the two's encirclement, Jin Hayes, after resting for 10 minutes, finally recovered some of his stamina. Even if his mental energy hadn't recovered, he had to make one last desperate fight. Jin Hayes wanted to defend Westfalen.
Gary Neville charged aggressively, but Jin Hayes's heart was calm; he used a reverse elastico with his left foot to fake out the opponent, then pulled the ball back to his right foot and chipped it up. Patrice Evra darted in from the side, but Jin Hayes cleverly turned to evade him, then hooked the ball at the last possible moment. The agile teenager, in the Champions League quarter-finals, in the dying seconds of injury time, could still perform brilliant, dreamlike footwork, suddenly breaking through between two players.
"Faster, faster!! Hurry up!!"
With his stamina depleted and mental energy exhausted, Jin Hayes had just dribbled past two players purely on instinct and was now completely spent. The referee could blow the whistle at any moment. Patrice Evra, Scholes, Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić—a group of Manchester United players were still frantically chasing. Jin Hayes only felt that he wasn't fast enough. His previously decent speed was simply not enough at this critical moment.
French left-back Patrice Evra's footsteps were getting closer and closer; the physically strong defender was about to catch up to Jin Hayes. Even if it meant a red card foul, Evra vowed to stop this player. Jin Hayes's legs felt like lead, his head felt like a thousand tiny needles, his lungs burned, almost suffocating, a metallic, bloody taste filled his mouth. The 16-year-old teenager, pushed to his limit, still sprinted madly forward, heedless of the danger. He was completely burning his willpower, even risking his life to charge towards Manchester United's goal.
A desperate attack.
"Hurry!!! Damn it!!"
"But at what cost?"
Cost? I don't care what the cost is. As long as I score this goal.
Unconsciously, Jin Hayes felt as if he had lost something, and gained something else. His originally heavy legs, his nearly exploding lungs, his almost falling-apart body, at this moment became incredibly light. Every step he took was more powerful than the last. The wind whistled in his ears. Jin Hayes couldn't help but close his eyes, feeling the airflow across his face, feeling the layers of air resistance easily broken through by himself.
"I feel like I'm flying?"
The nervous Edwin van der Sar in front was getting closer and closer; the originally small goal seemed to be getting bigger and bigger. From a bystander's perspective, Jin Hayes looked much more terrifying.
Patrice Evra almost reached out to grab Jin Hayes, looking like he was about to tackle him to the ground. But this player suddenly accelerated, stepping on the gas and instantly pulling away. It was as if he had activated a nitro boost. From the stands, Jin Hayes visibly pulled ahead by 2 metres in an instant. He had transformed into a sprinter, bursting down the pitch.
He Wei was incredibly excited. In the dying seconds of injury time, Jin Hayes was still trying his best. He hadn't given up.
"Jin Hayes!!! Dribbling past two players and accelerating! He's crossed the halfway line!!"
"A clear path ahead!"
Seeing Jin Hayes taking long strides, dribbling the ball, and kicking it several metres ahead, Evra was immediately left five metres behind. The brutal speed and passion ignited everyone's adrenaline.
"Jin Hayes!! He's practically passing the ball to himself three seconds later! Unstoppable!"
Van der Sar had already rushed out of the penalty area, attempting to clear the ball before Jin Hayes could receive it. But the next moment, the goalkeeper was stunned. Jin Hayes's insane acceleration brought him rushing forward, his eyes blazing, he dribbled past Van der Sar with sheer determination.
"It's over—"
The 39-year-old goalkeeper wanted to reach out and pull him, but could only grasp at the wind behind Jin Hayes in despair. The yellow jersey number 10, transformed into a yellow supercar, igniting nitro acceleration throughout, charging towards the finish line with the force of thunder.
"Decisive goal!!! Decisive goal!! Jin Hayes did it!!!"
"In the dying seconds, Jin Hayes can still sprint!"
"Borussia Dortmund! 4 to 3! A decisive goal against Red Devils Manchester United!"