"Before the match, our goal was to win. But given the current situation, we could only manage a draw against Chelsea. While this isn't the result we hoped for, at least it's better than losing."
After the game, Chelsea's players immediately returned to London.
Antonio Conte and his coaching staff wasted no time and began preparing for their next challenge.
Manchester City had been in exceptional form recently.
Conte knew that defeating City wouldn't be easy.
Moreover, the physical condition of Chelsea's players had reached its limit.
Right now, the top priority was recovery.
Because of this, Conte didn't make too many tactical adjustments during the five-day break, instead focusing on rest and fitness restoration.
Matchday: Chelsea vs. Manchester City
Time flew by—and soon, it was game day!
8:00 PM. Prime-time kickoff.
The Etihad Stadium was packed with fans.
Tens of thousands of Manchester City supporters had gathered with only one goal—to see their team win.
Pre-Match Press Conference
At the press conference, Pep Guardiola acknowledged Chelsea's strength.
"To be honest, it's been a long time since I've faced such a strong opponent.
"Chelsea is an incredibly versatile team.
"They not only apply immense attacking pressure but also possess solid defensive capabilities!"
"Beating the defending champions at home won't be easy."
Guardiola then specifically mentioned Su Luo.
"Su Luo has been in outstanding form lately.
"Of course, I still believe Messi is the greatest player in the world—but after witnessing Su Luo's performances, I must admit...
There is someone else out there!"
"For this game, our focus will be on applying as much pressure as possible on Su Luo.
"We will do everything in our power to win!"
"Although it will be extremely difficult, I have full confidence in my players!"
The battle was about to begin!
Both managers fielded their strongest possible lineups.
In Qingqiu.com's live broadcast room—
Commentator Zhan Jun announced the starting lineups.
Manchester City's Starting XI (4-3-3 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Nicolás Otamendi, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, David Silva
Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Sergio Agüero, Leroy Sané
Chelsea's Starting XI (3-4-3 Formation):
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Antonio Rüdiger, Andreas Christensen, César Azpilicueta
Midfielders: Marcos Alonso, Danny Drinkwater, Cesc Fàbregas, Pedro
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Su Luo, Willian
With the referee's whistle—
The match officially kicked off!
Not long after the game started—
Manchester City launched an aggressive attack!
They immediately put massive pressure on Chelsea's defense.
After Gündogan controlled the ball in midfield—
He wasted no time and sent a precise long pass forward!
In an instant—
The ball landed perfectly at the feet of Leroy Sané on the left wing.
Sané wasted no time!
Using his blistering pace, he accelerated forcefully and pulled off back-to-back dribbles—beating his marker with ease!
Sané wasn't playing around.
He immediately drove the ball straight into Chelsea's defensive third!
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