Chapter 24: Double Rewards? (Two-in-One)
De Bruyne never doubted the quality of Li Luo’s through balls.
‘Li’s passing... he definitely considers the goalkeeper’s positioning and blocking stance.’
‘If I feel uncomfortable, it’s certainly not Li’s fault, but my own shooting technique... which still needs practice.’
The ball grazed the Everton goalkeeper’s white glove and slammed viciously against the crossbar, finally deflecting into the net.
The white mesh rippled gently.
0:1!!!
A roar of thunderous applause erupted from the away section at Goodison Park.
...
【Shock Value +1!】
【Shock Value +1!】
【Shock Value +1!】
【...】
The rapidly climbing shock values did not distract Li Luo. He was savoring the sensation of his two turns to shake off defenders, and the way he had seized the exact moment of a flaw in the opponent’s defensive line after the second turn... The geometric model of spatial awareness in his mind continued to rotate.
“Li!”
De Bruyne did not celebrate alone after scoring; he ran excitedly toward the Chinese teenager. However, two of his teammates were one step ahead.
Bendtner hung off Li Luo’s shoulder, tapping his own forehead: “Wasn’t my knockdown assist crucial?”
Malanda leaned in excitedly: “Li, the boss told me to protect you, but I know that passing the ball to you is the most important thing.”
“No, the most important thing now is to celebrate!”
Li Luo led his teammates toward the away stand.
*Whoosh.*
The Wolfsburg fans responded with the most fanatical cheers and applause.
....
CTV5 broadcast room.
The commentator couldn’t help but slam the desk in admiration.
“Beautiful!”
“Goal!”
“Li Luo connects with De Bruyne to break through Everton’s defense!”
“A sharp through ball from the Chinese genius after a stylish turn.”
“A clinical strike from the Belgian genius after a clever run.”
“Perfect chemistry!”
“Wolfsburg has taken the lead!”
“A Chinese player performing so brilliantly on the Europa League stage against a Premier League side like Everton—Chinese fans will never be stingy with their cheers!”
“Chinese football has been silent for too long.”
“A long time ago, there was a Chinese player who played for this club, Everton.”
Coach Zhang was deeply moved: The moment Li Luo shook off his opponent before delivering that through ball was the essence of the play—an extreme calculation of spatial awareness and positioning while meeting the ball.
...
In the chat room.
Slow-motion replays showed the entire sequence of the attack.
— [Big 1 confirmed, thanks to the 22 good guys on the pitch.]
— [Master tactician Hecking has perfectly built the dual-core midfield system of Li Luo and De Bruyne.]
— [Can’t believe it, Li Luo playing this well against a team like Everton?]
— [Everton’s hardware strength is fierce; I thought Wolfsburg would lose.]
— [Li Luo’s touch count is a bit high tonight.]
— [It’s still early; if Wolfsburg keeps attacking, Everton is very dangerous—they could equalize and overtake in minutes.]
...
In the technical area.
“Defend!”
“Focus on a low block now.”
“Damn it, in cup matches, you rely on defense.”
Hecking looked calm, maintaining the demeanor of a top manager, gently instructing the coaching staff to relay orders. He was implementing the classic "Hecking-style" Wolfsburg strategy for this season: park the bus and look for transitions.
The assistant coaches were still hugging passionately, celebrating the goal.
On the other side, Martinez’s expression was complex.
Spanish coaches are prone to overthinking...
Everton’s flank defense was perfect, yet they were pierced through the middle by Li Luo? Why? Why hadn’t Li Luo shown this kind of thinking—receiving the ball and turning—in previous Bundesliga matches?
His thoughts drifted. The Everton manager suddenly realized: “It must be Hecking. He was worried that a young genius like Li Luo would be overused and end up injured, which is why he had him change his playing style temporarily this season.”
“In this regard, I am not as good as Hecking.”
“Damn it, we’re trailing; why am I thinking about this?”
He pulled himself together, beckoning his midfielders over to give patient, face-to-face tactical instructions.
....
Looking at the celebrating Wolfsburg crowd, McCarthy felt a bit melancholy. He had been just a split second away from stopping that kid Li Luo. Stones bent over, sighing in frustration.
The night air, like a coarse cloth soaked in seawater, slowly wrapped around Goodison Park. The blue ocean in the stands, once churning violently, fell briefly into silence as the score changed. Lukaku remained expressionless, comforting his teammates: “Li is a super genius; why else would he have sat next to me during the Europa League draw? There’s still plenty of time; he might even score.”
....
The match restarted from the center circle.
After the ball rolled gently, the poised Everton players surged across the midline.
“Very fluid.”
“Martinez is a very capable coach; he has made many changes to the Toffees.”
“For example, McCarthy, who was originally a defensive midfielder, has now developed attacking attributes.”
“They are increasingly emphasizing positional fluidity, requiring players to be multi-functional, and demanding more running.”
“Oh, the whole Wolfsburg team has retreated to their own half.”
As time passed, the home fans grew anxious: Their "Miss Toffee," holding a blue blade, kept attacking the armored fat wolf cowering in the penalty area.
They couldn't break through. Wolfsburg was too shameless, parking the bus after taking the lead.
...
“The Prince of Everton, Barkley!”
“A powerful long-range shot!”
“Wide.”
“Don’t rush it. In a positional play phase, a long shot from the Prince really boosts morale.”
Barkley raised his hand to apologize to his teammates, signaling that he hadn’t struck it well. He was considered the homegrown player closest to being the "Everton academy jewel" since Wayne Rooney.
....
Time ticked away, second by second.
Hecking was determined to keep Wolfsburg in a low block. However, the viewers gradually noticed: how did it seem like Wolfsburg was attacking more often?
Whenever Everton lost possession during an attack, Wolfsburg would launch a fierce counter. De Bruyne would guide the long balls, and the other players would sprint forward frantically. Everton’s high defensive line was deployed with great precision, repeatedly diffusing the danger.
....
It was Li Luo’s first time playing in such a ‘fast’ match.
‘The tempo of the back-and-forth is too high.’
‘Possession is constantly changing.’
The geometric model of spatial awareness in his mind was spinning faster and faster. He couldn’t help but think of the "Football: Health Bar Theory," which stated that most football matches are simply a matter of exhausting both sides’ physical stamina while looking for opportunities to change the score.
Fortunately, Li Luo had noticed this in previous matches and had gradually optimized his physical distribution. Relying on his spatial awareness, most of his movements on the pitch were effective and reasonable.
His white jersey was gradually stained with mud and grass clippings; his black hair was soaked with sweat; the sound of the wind whistled in his ears.
....
【Shock Value +1!】
【Shock Value +1!】
【...】
Li Luo was a bit confused: This adds shock value too? What’s going on?
....
“OPTA’s real-time heatmap is out.”
“Hmm.”
“Li Luo’s activity area needs to be viewed in conjunction with his movement.”
“During this period...”
“Cover defending and positioning were key.”
“The timing of his runs and the unfolding of the attacking fan-shape were perfect.”
“His speed is not slow, his footwork is flexible, and his running posture is very scientific.”
“In the defensive phase, he is very much like Matthäus, and also like Beckenbauer.”
Coach Zhang’s tone was serious. He was older, had watched football for a long time, and had seen many legendary matches.
....
In the chat room.
— [Li Luo looks so cool when he runs.]
— [If you’re handsome, even eating dirt looks handsome.]
— [His running posture is scientific, and he doesn’t need extra steps to decelerate, especially during the turn-around phase. It fits the high-intensity environment of top-tier leagues, though it feels like he learned it from Giroud...]
— [Sigh, football tactics are constantly evolving. Future midfield masters, no matter the type, must be able to run.]
— [Is it really going to end like this? I bought over 2.5 goals in the early market!]
...
The cheers at Goodison Park grew quieter. The LED screen in mid-air displayed numbers that made Everton fans’ hearts ache.
“Not much time left for Everton.”
“The match is in the 88th minute.”
“It’s still 0:1!”
“Could there be five minutes of stoppage time?”
Suddenly, a change occurred. After receiving a pass, Lukaku suddenly drifted wide, then started charging at the opponent’s defense from the diagonal of the penalty area.
Facing the Wolfsburg fullback, Sebastian, Lukaku didn’t turn into a delicate flower. He pushed the ball to the byline, created an angle, and unleashed a rocket!
A tight-angle shot!
*Whack!*
The ball slammed hard into the hand of the other fullback, Ricardo.
“...”
“Handball.”
“Handball in the box.”
“Ricardo couldn’t pull his arm back in time while adjusting his center of gravity to track Mirallas.”
The referee blew the whistle, raised his hand, and pointed to the penalty spot.
*Whoosh.*
The long-silent Goodison Park came back to life, erupting in waves of cheers. Hecking covered his face in frustration, while Martinez slapped his thigh in excitement.
....
Everton players hugged and encouraged each other. The Wolfsburg teammates didn’t blame Ricardo. The shot’s velocity had been too fast; it was impossible to dodge.
“We were just a bit unlucky.” Captain Benaglio patted his fullback teammate on the head. “Don’t blame yourself.”
A moment later, Lukaku held the ball and walked to the penalty spot.
“When you’re in adversity, someone has to stand up.”
“The Belgian striker, Lukaku—can he become the hero of Goodison Park?”
“...”
He placed the ball on the spot and kept backing away. As he reached the edge of the box, Lukaku took a deep breath and stood still.
The referee blew the whistle.
*Beep!*
Tens of thousands of fans on-site tensed up. Some even covered their eyes.
“...”
Benaglio jumped around in the goal, making exaggerated movements to try and distract his opponent.
*Huh?*
He waited a long time, why wasn’t the penalty being taken?
“Here it comes!”
“He’s like an angry bull.”
Lukaku wiggled his hips and began his run-up. He reached the ball, swung his arm and leg.
*Boom!*
The ball screamed out like a cannonball. Benaglio channeled a god, diving and touching the ball with his pink gloves!
Lukaku slumped onto the turf, appearing to have lost all his strength.
Then, a miraculous scene occurred. The ball was blocked, but it happened to hit the Belgian striker’s egg-shaped head... causing a deflection that flew into the net.
1:1!!!
The stadium went silent.
*That* went in?
Lukaku looked up blankly, watching the Everton stands celebrating wildly and his teammates rushing toward him.
....
“Beautiful!”
“A stunning header follow-up.”
“In the first minute of stoppage time, Lukaku has equalized for Everton!”
“Brilliant.”
“Benaglio’s save was already excellent.”
“Lukaku is just lucky.”
The commentator’s tone was both amused and helpless. It was a pity; they wouldn’t get to witness Li Luo’s first European victory. Coach Zhang, however, had a different take: it was a matter of probability and stamina. After constant pressure, Everton, with superior overall strength and the home-field advantage, finally seized the opportunity at the last moment.
....
Li Luo looked at the LED screen in mid-air. Stoppage time. About three minutes left.
Can’t give up.
【Shock Value Earned: 158,426】
If he could get a few more ten thousand points, could he redeem two [Europa Stars Mystery Boxes]?
He sprinted toward the net, kicked the ball up, patted Benaglio and Ricardo on the head as he passed, and turned to run toward the center circle. His Wolfsburg teammates saw this and quickly followed the Chinese teenager.
A few minutes. Time is short, but it is also long.
In the technical area, Hecking and his assistants were deeply moved.
“Li is not just a genius; he also possesses excellent mental qualities.”
“Never give up until the very last moment!”
“This fighting spirit...”
“Hey, hey, hey! Don’t think about clocking out; start thinking about how to get the ball to Li!”
On the other side, Martinez waved his hand.
“The score is equalized.”
“In this last bit of time, keep the intensity on Li!”
....
The match restarted from the center circle. Bendtner passed back to the backfield. Li Luo and several teammates quickly charged across the midline. The ball rolled fast across the grass.
“Malanda.”
“Clear thinking, looking for Li Luo immediately.”
“Why did he pass it so high...”
...
Forty meters out in Everton’s half.
Li Luo leaped high. His jumping attribute was high. Relying on his spatial awareness, his judgment of the ball’s trajectory was more precise.
98 Heading stat.
Knockdown.
*Whack!*
The ball seemed to be imbued with life, tracing a subtle arc in mid-air and landing lightly toward De Bruyne on the side.
“Wow!”
“Li Luo’s header knockdown...妙至毫巅 (sublime)!”
“The quality is even higher than Malanda’s pass with his feet!”
...
The moment De Bruyne lifted his foot to stop the ball, his body couldn’t help but tremble. It felt too good. This touch. An unprecedented feeling.
‘Li... Li’s heading is a weakness, how could he deliver such a comfortable pass?’
‘Just how strong has he become?’
Without hesitation, he stopped the ball, took a touch to the outside, adjusted, pulled, adjusted, pulled.
Three-step adjustment.
The moment Everton’s defense tightened, the Belgian midfielder observed Li Luo’s run in advance.
Zone 14.
In an instant, De Bruyne felt as if his whole body was burning with flames; he swung his arm and leg!
*Whack!*
He sent an unreserved rainbow arc!
....
“Wow!”
“Bendtner has pinned the Everton center-back.”
“The ball drops into Zone 14.”
“Li Luo surges into Zone 14.”
“Ball arrives, man arrives.”
“Smash it!”
The LED screen in mid-air showed that stoppage time was entering its final phase. Tens of thousands of spectators held their breath, staring fixedly at the Chinese teenager near the penalty area.
...
The Everton men were not to be trifled with. During their hard-fought journey to fifth place in the Premier League last season, they had engaged in bloody bayonet fights with many top players!
Barkley and McCarthy charged toward Li Luo from the left and right simultaneously.
Li Luo knew everything, but Wolfsburg had no time to reorganize the attack.
At the final moment, he had to force an opportunity!
*Boom!*
His forehead touched the falling ball. His airborne body luckily dodged the ‘men’s sandwich’ of the two Everton midfielders, only getting a slight graze on his shoulder. Both fell to the ground simultaneously.
“Oh!”
“The referee has blown the whistle.”
“Everton foul! Li Luo has won a free kick in an excellent position for Wolfsburg!”
Li Luo was fine. He quickly climbed off Barkley, gesturing to the referee: It’s okay, just give them both red cards.
The refereeing team couldn’t help but laugh. Barkley and McCarthy looked grim, trying desperately to explain.
...
In the technical area, Hecking and the assistant coaches were ecstatic. At the last moment, Li Luo had secured a chance for a winner. Once this free kick was taken, the match would end.
On the other side, Martinez was calm, loudly reminding his players about the key details of defending set pieces. He even shoved a big guy like Lukaku into the box to act as an obstacle!
....
Tens of thousands of fans on-site were even more nervous. In the Wolfsburg lineup, several players had good technique. Li Luo himself looked like he had a lethal free kick.
“The final moment.”
“Stoppage time has already elapsed.”
“After Wolfsburg takes this free kick, the referee will blow the final whistle.”
“We see Caligiuri and De Bruyne both standing near the spot.”
“The director cuts to a close-up of the Italian.”
“Determined eyes.”
“Takes a deep breath.”
“Begins the run-up.”
Unexpectedly...
Caligiuri stepped over the ball and continued to charge into the box.
De Bruyne began his run-up. He knew who he was passing to...
*Whack.*
The ball flew toward the Everton box. The wall jumped high. Bendtner’s face was squashed into a pig-like shape by two Everton players.
“Back post.”
“Wow!”
The next moment, the entire stadium gasped in amazement.
Li Luo had captured the perfect moment to start his run at the back post, easily shaking off the 180cm-tall McCarthy.
He pushed off the turf with force, leaping into the air.
The moment the light ball touched his forehead, it instantly transformed into a cannonball!
*Whack!*
Whistling. Spinning.
The fierce, domineering power smashed through Everton’s goal, unstoppable.
1:2!!!
“Winner!”
“Li Luo’s winner at the very last moment!”
“The roc rises with the wind, soaring ninety thousand li into the sky.”