It's so good to be young!
This was what Gao Shen couldn't help but think as he watched the Leeds United players charge forward recklessly and fearlessly after the start of the second half.
Professional football is a game for young people.
Especially when this group of young players rallied together and relentlessly attacked Juventus' goal, forcing the Bianconeri to retreat step by step, the more than 40,000 Juventus fans in the stadium were visibly frustrated.
Allegri frequently went to the sidelines to give instructions, while Ronaldo constantly encouraged his teammates on the pitch.
But Juventus' problems had become very apparent.
After Pjanic was contained, Juventus' ball progression encountered serious issues.
This was not a coincidence, but a long-standing problem for Juventus.
In recent years, even a team like Juventus had found it difficult to compete with top clubs from other leagues for players with excellent dribbling and attacking abilities.
Khedira and Matuidi both came from top clubs in other leagues, while Pjanic transferred from Roma.
In addition, Juventus struggled to attract technically gifted players.
Not to mention midfielders with strong ball-carrying and progressive play, who are among the most sought-after players.
For example, Bernardo Silva, currently playing for Leeds United, is valued at over €100 million by Transfermarkt.
It's highly unlikely that a player like that would transfer to Juventus.
Even if he did, there's no guarantee he could adapt to Serie A's style of play.
This has led to Juventus' current awkward situation.
Leeds United, on the other hand, were completely different. Their youth gave them confidence, and they applied relentless pressure on Juventus, keeping the tempo high as if trying to overwhelm the veteran team with a flurry of punches.
If Juventus' aggressive start in the first half had stunned Leeds United, then now it was Leeds United's fierce counterattack that pinned Juventus down and gave them a sound beating.
The most threatening moment came in the 52nd minute when Mbappe, on the left edge of the penalty area, shook off De Sciglio and unleashed a powerful curling shot toward the top right corner, forcing Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny into a desperate save.
This sudden long-range effort sent chills down everyone's spines.
If not for Szczesny's outstanding reflexes, that shot would have gone in.
Vardy then had a good chance at the edge of the box, but Bonucci blocked it with his leg.
The ball grazed the post and went out for a corner, almost resulting in an own goal.
Two consecutive threatening attacks put Juventus on high alert. Allegri constantly shouted at his players from the sidelines and adjusted the team's defense.
But no one expected Leeds United to score again.
It came from a combination play between Mbappe and Milinkovic on the left side of the attacking third, which ended with a foul by De Sciglio.
The Juventus right-back also received a yellow card.
This was a stern warning, like placing him under strict restraint.
Leeds United then took the free kick, sending the ball directly into the penalty area.
Milinkovic, Ruben Dias, De Ligt, Militao, Rodri, and other tall players all pushed forward, clashing with Juventus' defenders.
The entire box descended into chaos.
Moments later, Chiellini was blocked by Militao, while Milinkovic, who had been marked tightly, suddenly broke free.
The Serbian midfielder rushed toward the edge of the six-yard box, outmaneuvering Alex Sandro and Bonucci, and leaped high to meet the incoming cross with a powerful header.
The ball struck Milinkovic's head, veered off course, and went straight into the right side of the goal.
"Goalllllllllllllllll! A second one! Milinkovic scores with a header!"
"2-1, Leeds United have turned the tide!"
Milinkovic himself hadn't expected the opportunity to fall so perfectly onto his head. He turned around almost mechanically, broke free from his teammates, and sprinted to the sidelines to celebrate.
A second goal.
And it came in the Champions League semi-final.
My God, this was unbelievable.
It felt like a dream.
The Serbian midfielder fell onto the sidelines, laughing uncontrollably.
His teammates rushed over and celebrated the goal with him.
He had just scored a world-class goal, and now followed it up with his trademark header, two attacking methods he excelled at.
Milinkovic was truly having a breakout season.
Both in the team's tactical system and in terms of personal performance, he had delivered brilliantly, even contributing impressive defensive numbers.
It could be said that the 24-year-old Serbian midfielder was entering his prime.
...
In the stands, even Andrea Agnelli couldn't help but applaud Milinkovic's header.
"These two goals tonight will increase his market value by at least ten million, maybe even twenty million," Agnelli said admiringly.
In crucial matches like this, a player's true quality is revealed.
Milinkovic's ability to score twice against Juventus proved just how strong he was.
More importantly, he was versatile and dominant both in midfield and the attacking third.
Look at that leap after his late run, even if Chiellini hadn't been blocked by Militao, he probably still wouldn't have beaten him to it.
He had superb footwork, excellent passing, and was a master of making late runs into the box. He rarely lost possession in one-on-one situations, and his defensive work was outstanding.
If there was a weakness, it was that his imposing physique made him slightly slower and less nimble with the ball, but that was common among tall players, even Ibrahimovic.
Of course, Milinkovic's technique wasn't at Ibrahimovic's level, but it was still excellent.
The only downside to such a player was his price.
Just then, Allegri on the sidelines prepared to make a substitution.
Douglas Costa was about to come on, replacing Mandzukic.
Clearly, Allegri had recognized the problem and wanted to reconnect the team's attacking rhythm.
After the substitution, Dybala moved into the central attacking role.
The adjustment was quite reasonable, as Juventus had no other choice.
If Leeds United took a 2-1 away win, Juventus' chances of reaching the final would be almost gone.
No one could underestimate Leeds United's determination to reach the final again.
This season's Champions League final would be held at Leeds United's Amazon Stadium.
Leeds United were going all out to reach the final at their home ground.
"Your Leeds United are truly impressive," praised Andrea Agnelli.
"You too," Gao Shen replied politely. "But you'll need to make changes now, whether in defense, midfield, or attack."
After a pause, Gao Shen added, "Next season, these players will be a year older."
That was the problem with veterans.
But Gao Shen didn't dare to say more, as the match was still ongoing.
Putting Militao and Arnold on the bench was, frankly, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
When the moment came, it would be Arnold's time to step up.
The best time was when Juventus' physical strength was almost gone.
And Mbappe, though not very active tonight, still posed a threat.
With De Sciglio carrying a yellow card, he was under immense pressure, and Leeds United had every reason to exploit that weakness.
It was worth noting that Arnold's link-up with Mbappe was one of Leeds United's most effective attacking patterns this season.
...
By the 70th minute, even after taking the lead, Leeds United maintained their fast pace and continued to create chances.
After Juventus' substitutions, their situation improved slightly, but it didn't change the overall momentum.
With Douglas Costa's introduction, Robertson, his direct opponent, began to reduce his overlapping runs.
So Pochettino prepared for his first substitution.
Just as Gao Shen had predicted, Arnold replaced Militao.
This made Gao Shen in the stands chuckle.
Time's up, time to harvest.
Over the years managing Leeds United, Pochettino had become more experienced and developed a sharper tactical sense.
After Arnold came on, Leeds United's right flank came alive.
In particular, Dembele and Arnold's right-sided attacks were highly active.
Once Ronaldo's stamina declined, he basically stayed in the attacking third, moving less. Relying on Alex Sandro alone was not enough to contain the duo of Dembele and Arnold.
As a result, Juventus' midfield had to shift toward that flank.
This further weakened their attack, leaving the opposite side exposed.
Like in the 77th minute.
Dembele dribbled diagonally, cutting inside to the right edge of the penalty area, before suddenly passing back to the right wing.
Arnold surged forward, received the ball, and went straight to the byline, crossing before Alex Sandro could close him down.
The ball landed near the left corner of the six-yard box.
Breaking free from De Sciglio's marking, Mbappe sprinted forward and, before the ball hit the ground, unleashed a powerful volley.
De Sciglio, pinned behind him, was powerless to stop it.
The French winger's strike sent the ball flying toward the far corner of the goal.
Goalkeeper Szczesny lost his balance and could only watch helplessly as the ball went into the net.
"Goallllllllllllllllllll! 3-1! Mbappe!"
Leeds United had scored again.
The French winger sprinted to the sidelines, crossing his arms under his armpits in his signature celebration pose.
His teammates caught up and joined him in celebration.
A 3-1 away win in the first leg almost guaranteed Leeds United's progression.
All the cameras focused on Mbappe and the celebrating Leeds United players.
No one noticed Ronaldo in the distance, panting as he watched Mbappe's back, his eyes filled with helplessness and a trace of envy.
Being young is wonderful.
(To be continued.)