The Rise of Millwal

Chapter 324: The Art of the Counter: A Classic Clash

Chapter 324: The Art of the Counter: A Classic Clash

Real Madrid equalized the score, allowing them to stabilize their mindset. After more than an hour of play, the players gradually acclimatized to the rhythm on the pitch. Particularly when they decided to relinquish control in pursuit of counter-attacks along the flanks, the Italian-style defensive foundation laid down by Capello last season began to manifest its effects.

Millwall's attacks remained fierce and powerful. Their intricate passing and movement were a joy to behold, flowing smoothly, particularly with their sudden bursts of speed in the threatening areas around Real Madrid's goal, showcasing the maturity of the team.

Unfortunately, it seemed their forwards had left their shooting boots behind today. Despite leading in attempts on goal, Millwall couldn't find the net for the second time.

Nedved, executing a run similar to his first-half goal, found himself in the right place at the back post again. This time, he darted to the right side, with Shevchenko providing cover and Larsson ready to pass from the other side. Real Madrid was aware of Nedved's presence, but they were just a step behind, allowing him to get a touch. However, he had lost his shooting angle, blocked by Ilgner and Sánchez, and instead of attempting a shot, Nedved passed it back to the open Shevchenko, who unleashed a powerful strike!

He aimed at the other side of the goal, knowing Ilgner wouldn't have time to react!

Bang!

The ball struck the post again and bounced out.

After the shot, Shevchenko knelt on the ground, filled with self-reproach, lamenting that he had missed a golden opportunity to score.

Nedved walked over and pulled him up, saying nothing as he prepared to contest the corner kick.

Pirlo's corner was well-placed, but in the scramble for the ball, Nedved was outdone by Hierro, and Real Madrid cleared the danger with a header.

Raúl received the ball outside the box, immediately passing it to the left without a glance.

Carlos stormed forward again, initiating a counter-attack for Real Madrid!

This counter-attack was quick, precise, and ruthless. Once Carlos crossed the midfield line, he executed a diagonal long pass. The towering Morientes was double-teamed by Makélélé and Capdevila, but he managed to wrest the ball away despite being surrounded. Rather than stopping for the high ball, Morientes redirected it with a header.

Mijatovic followed up and passed the ball straight to Morientes with perfect timing. This combination completely shook up Millwall's defense. Mijatovic's lofted pass allowed Morientes to turn away from Capdevila and, despite Makelele's continued interference, he powered home a powerful header.

Bang!

The ball hit the far post but ricocheted into the net.

Real Madrid had turned the game around with a simple and brutal counter-attack!

All the Real Madrid fans at the Amsterdam Arena rose to their feet, cheering, while the Lions' fans stood frozen in shock.

This was unbearable!

Millwall's fluid attacking play was a sight to behold, virtually masterful.

Yet, Real Madrid had inexplicably surged ahead!

It was Carlos who created danger again on the left, and this counterattack was full of the essence of Italian football; they had very few attacking players. Apart from Raul's pass to Carlos, only three players were involved in a swift attack - the two forwards combined to do it all in less than five seconds.

There was a reason why Heynckes preferred tall forwards. Facing Millwall's defensive unit, which had a clear height disadvantage, Morientes's natural ability was maximized.

"Real Madrid turned the game around in the 69th minute and now leads Millwall 2-1. In the first 70 minutes, Millwall was in control of the match, demonstrating some outstanding attacking football. However, football is not merely determined by who attacks more fiercely or plays better combinations. Real Madrid seized their opportunities, while Millwall squandered several chances in front of goal. If they had converted even two of the many shots that hit the crossbar or post, it's likely that Real Madrid wouldn't have stood a chance. Aldrich might need to reflect on why his team didn't tighten up defensively while leading 1-0. Of course, the fans and viewers want to witness an intense battle."

Aldrich stood calmly on the sidelines, sensing no panic or disappointment at this moment. Instead, he felt exhilaration!

Had Heynckes taught him a lesson?

No, it didn't feel that way.

Millwall's tactics were inherently extreme today—either they crush their opponents or the space left behind during their aggressive pressing becomes a natural pathway for counter-attacks. If an opponent can capitalize on those opportunities, conceding would be inevitable.

Even if they lost, Aldrich wouldn't regret it. Losing with a conservative approach would feel thoroughly disappointing.

What's more, the game is not over yet. Millwall's attacking struggles are not due to a lack of creativity; They were about to score. It would be nice if they could accumulate more offensive momentum and the forwards stay calm and improve the quality of their shots; with twenty minutes left in the game, a goal is not out of reach.

However, with Real Madrid now in the lead, would Heynckes make adjustments?

Certainly he would.

On the sidelines, Heynckes instructed Real Madrid's forwards to tighten their formation, with Raúl dropping back into midfield to disrupt the opposition's central play.

Just three minutes after the match resumed, Aldrich noticed Real Madrid's changes and decisively gestured to his players. They understood that with Real Madrid's defense having more numbers than before, their previously flowing attacks would face greater obstacles, impacting the quality of their offense. A slight adjustment was necessary.

If Real Madrid could hold on for another fifteen minutes, they would lift the European Cup again after 32 years!

Millwall's earlier tactics were running into difficulties. The most obvious change was that Pirlo struggled against Raúl, who was shadowing him closely, diminishing his effectiveness.

However, Millwall's tactical adjustments began to show results.

After receiving the ball, Pirlo directly passed to Makélélé, who returned it. Helguera took possession on the backline, performing a give-and-go with Makélélé and then surged forward. He bulldozed past the midfield line.

Raúl, originally marking Pirlo, noticed Helguera charging forward from three meters away and abandoned his pursuit of Pirlo to chase after the center-back.

Was Helguera not afraid of losing possession?

As soon as Raul moved, Helguera passed the ball back to Pirlo. Pirlo seized the gap and Raul turned around to intercept. Pirlo then passed the ball back to Helguera for another pass.

Makélélé had retreated to defend parallel with Southgate. After passing, Pirlo also dropped back into a defensive holding role.

Helguera continued forward, while Calumbu rushed to intercept. Helguera distributed the ball to Capdevila, who sprinted down the sideline.

When Kalembu was marking the wing, Capdevila passed the ball horizontally in front of the penalty area. After Nedv?d grabbed the ball from Redondo, he quickly passed the ball without stopping. The ball directly broke through Real Madrid's defense, and Millwall's players received the ball in the penalty area! !

Real Madrid's players were stunned, gazing incredulously at the player who had eluded their defensive line.

Helguera?

What the hell are you still doing up here?

A center-back charging into this position? He's out of his mind!

Panucci erupted into the box while Hierro rushed to block Helguera's angle. Although Helguera had a prime shooting opportunity, he hesitated, fearing he might waste the chance.

As Hierro closed in on his right front side, Helguera calmly passed the ball into the gap between Hierro and Sánchez.

Trezeguet caught the attention of Sanchez, leaving Larsson with a perfect opportunity. He rushed forward and to shoot ! !

He was careful not to use too much force.

Millwall's previous consecutive shots hitting the goalpost and crossbar left a deep memory on him!

Larsson aimed for precision, pushing the ball into the far corner with a gentle touch, the angle adeptly designed to outwit Ilgner, who was now powerless. Once on the ground, he couldn't reach the ball in time.

They all watched helplessly as the ball curled into the corner of the net.

"What a turnaround! Millwall equalized in a flash, and it was Larsson who found the back of the net! The surprise assist came from none other than center-back Helguera! Helguera initiated this entire attack from deep in defense, linking up brilliantly with his teammates through a series of slick one-twos that dismantled Real Madrid's defense. It was as if the Real Madrid defenders collectively had a brain freeze—was Helguera losing it? Charging forward like that, what would happen if they lost the ball? Could Millwall's defense handle a counter?

But let's roll back and check the highlights. What we saw was classic total football from Millwall! Helguera's role kept changing like a game of musical chairs—he started as a center-back, then dropped to defensive midfielder, then surged forward to play as an attacking midfielder. In the meantime, Makelele stepped back to fill in the center-back role, Pirlo transformed into a defensive midfielder, and Nedved linked up before dropping back into midfield. They were ready for any counter, and there was no shortage of bodies in defense. This incredible interchange and teamwork completely ripped through Real Madrid's back line!"

Seeing the ball roll into the net, Larsson, relieved, smiled widely as the referee signaled the goal was valid. He sprinted toward the net, picked up the ball, and ran back, having no intention of celebrating.

As Larsson returned with the ball, his teammates rushed over to high-five him and partake in a brief embrace.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Millwall sought to score again, their stamina nearing its limit.

Aldrich didn't celebrate either; instead, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, turned in place, and called on the substitutes to warm up.

He didn't want extra time, but with just twenty minutes left and the score level, he had to prepare for it.

Helguera charged into the opposition's penalty area, but that previous attack was a surprise and replicating it would be tricky; Real Madrid had learned from their earlier mistake and wouldn't fall for it again.

Heynckes signaled the substitutes to warm up. His ongoing conflict with Suker is largely due to concerns over the forward's lack of stamina. However, at this stage of the game, whether it is just ten minutes or overtime, Suker is definitely suitable to play.

Mijatovic, Suker and Raul.

This is the offensive trio that Capello coached Real Madrid last season, and their offensive performance varied between 4312 and 4321.

At this moment, Heynckes intended to bring in this trio, while the others focused on solidifying their defense.

Real Madrid were the first team to make the swap, sending Davor Suker, who has a flashy left foot, to replace Morientes. Aside from that goal, Morientes didn't make much of an impression during the game.

With Real Madrid now emphasizing defense, Millwall's fatigue began to show. After giving it their all for more than eighty minutes, the youngest player, Pirlo, was running on empty, leading Aldrich to substitute him with Ballack.

Following these substitutions, the game settled into a quieter rhythm. Millwall had replaced their midfield general, the core of their attacking and defensive transitions. Hence, Ballack needed time to adapt. If he struggled to catch up with their previously fast-paced play, any mistakes in his positioning could prove fatal.

Under these circumstances, both teams were wary of conceding as the match progressed toward extra time.