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"As we predicted before the match, Real Madrid has become dominant this season, and they are definitely the biggest favorites to win the championship. Although Bayer Leverkusen surprisingly eliminated FC Barcelona in the quarterfinals, the difference in paper strength between them and Real Madrid is still significant."
"The content of the first leg also proved this point; when the BBC trio is paired with a world-class midfield, Bayer Leverkusen's frail defense simply cannot withstand Real Madrid's offensive firepower. The 4-2 score is a true reflection of the strength of both sides."
"Barring any surprises, Bayer Leverkusen will also be defeated by Real Madrid in the second leg, stopping at the Champions League semifinals. Given Bayer Leverkusen's current squad, their ability to reach the Champions League semifinals and maintain the possibility of competing for the Bundesliga title means this season has undoubtedly been a success for Bayer Leverkusen, and they can be completely satisfied with this result."
"To everyone's surprise, even when trailing by a large margin, Bayer Leverkusen's core player Lance still hasn't given up! He is clearly not satisfied with being easily eliminated, and this young player with a big heart still chooses to charge forward alone!"
"His magnificent footwork, coupled with an unyielding fighting spirit, wreaks havoc in Real Madrid's midfield and defense. Did Real Madrid's defense make any obvious mistakes? No, they didn't. Sami Khedira, Luka Modrić, Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, these players have done their best."
"However, this 16-year-old prodigy is simply superior, turning the Santiago Bernabéu into his personal stage and this Champions League semifinal into his solo show. Spinning, dribbling, breaking through, and finally, with an inspired backheel goal, he brought a perfect end to this one-man attacking run!"
"I can only say, he truly lives up to being the 2013 Puskás Award winner. This goal has every reason to compete for the 2014 Puskás Award, to achieve such a level in his first professional season. I believe many fans, like me, are looking forward to Lance's future performances…"
Judging solely by the article, one might think it came from a pro-Bayer Leverkusen German media outlet. In reality, the content, full of praise, came from Real Madrid's mouthpiece, 'Marca,' a staunch Madrid media. This is enough to prove the immense shock Lance brought to Madrid in this Champions League semifinal.
"Oriental Magician Scores! Real Madrid 4-2 Bayer Leverkusen, Second Leg Still Has Suspense"
"Detailed Review of Bayer Leverkusen's Key Man, Without Him Real Madrid Would Have Already Secured the Final"
"Retaining the Last Glimmer of Hope! The Player Who Saved Bayer Leverkusen!"
After a thrilling match, German media were all reporting on it. Although Bayer Leverkusen lost quite badly, this was already the most spirited performance by a Bundesliga team this year. In contrast, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund had no power to fight back against La Liga teams.
German netizens were also filled with emotion.
"Well done, Bayer Leverkusen! Keep fighting in the second leg!"
"The fringe academy player eliminated by Bayern Munich has become Bayer Leverkusen's ultimate savior!"
"For those who haven't watched the match, I recommend you do; you'll come back praising Lance."
"Prophecy: Lance will surpass Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo!"
"Just when you thought the quarterfinals were Lance's limit, he continues to bring surprises!"
Frenzied Bundesliga fans were flooding Twitter, making it seem as if Bayer Leverkusen had won. This doesn't matter; Lance's performance was enough to drive the fans into a frenzy.
However, while the outside world was hotly discussing this match, Lance had no time to rest. The day after returning to the small town of Leverkusen, the team resumed their intense daily training. Between the two Real Madrid matches, there was a Bundesliga fixture.
Bundesliga Matchday 32, Bayer Leverkusen vs Eintracht Frankfurt. Considering the crucial second leg still to come, the coaching staff opted for a partial rotation in this Bundesliga match. Lance, who had played almost every minute for nearly a month, needed a rest.
It was a pity that Lance's Bundesliga goals remained at 38, still 2 goals short of the 40-goal record. With only 3 rounds left in the Bundesliga, Lance might not be able to break the record.
"It's okay, the record isn't important; I want to save my energy for next week's match against Real Madrid."
Bayer Leverkusen lost honorably; both Spanish and German media praised Bayer Leverkusen's spirit. Lance's unwillingness to give up was just that—unwillingness! A loss is a loss!
When they return to their home ground for the next leg, he is determined to win it back! With his obsession with Real Madrid, goal records weren't important; there would be other opportunities later. Lance's body genuinely couldn't handle playing two matches a week continuously, so he actively requested rest.
Fortunately, Bayer Leverkusen's teammates were strong enough, and Eintracht Frankfurt's strength was insufficient. The team successfully defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0, maintaining a 1-point lead over Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich also secured a 5-2 victory over SV Werder Bremen in this round, keeping alive a glimmer of hope for the title.
The Bundesliga title race has entered its final, heated stage.
"After 32 rounds, the Bundesliga is largely settled. Currently, the top four teams in the standings are Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Schalke 04… Among them, FC Schalke 04 leads 5th-placed VfL Wolfsburg by 5 points."
"With only 2 rounds left in the Bundesliga, it will be very difficult for VfL Wolfsburg to make a comeback, so the Champions League spots for next season are largely confirmed. The only remaining suspense in the Bundesliga is the ultimate champion. Anything can happen in the last 2 rounds…"
After all, two years ago, Manchester City staged the 9320 miracle, securing the Premier League title in the very last second. The Bundesliga will likely not reveal its answer until the very last round.
"…For the next two rounds, Bayern Munich's opponents are Hamburger SV and VfB Stuttgart. Hamburger SV has already been relegated two rounds early, and VfB Stuttgart is safe from relegation. Neither team will pose a significant threat; barring any surprises, Bayern Munich has a high probability of securing 6 points."
"Now, let's look at Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga Matchday 33 against Borussia Dortmund; the Bundesliga season finale against SV Werder Bremen! The intensity of these two teams is relatively higher, and SV Werder Bremen's points still offer a possibility of qualifying for the Europa League, so their fighting power will definitely be stronger."
"Therefore, the suspense will likely be maintained until the very last round. Bayer Leverkusen also faces pressure from the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League, which for a team with a thin squad, might require making some sacrifices…"
Bayer Leverkusen appears to be progressing on three fronts simultaneously, but in reality, they do not have the strength to contend for three titles. It is necessary to give up one competition, or even two, and focus on securing one championship.
During this time, the coaching staff and management have also been working overtime, holding meetings to discuss this issue. At the beginning of the season, who would have thought that Bayer Leverkusen would be contending for three titles? Lance has elevated this team to a height beyond what was expected of them.
"How about we give up the DFB-Pokal and the Champions League? We'll focus all our efforts on the Bundesliga and at least win one championship."
After rational consideration, Sami Hyypiä presented his final conclusion. This is the most reasonable choice. It's already very difficult to overturn Real Madrid in the Champions League, let alone reach the final; a championship is highly unlikely.
In the DFB-Pokal, they still have to face SV Werder Bremen, and only by getting past SV Werder Bremen can they reach the final. If they go all out against SV Werder Bremen, it could affect the last two Bundesliga rounds.
Their next opponent is Borussia Dortmund, and with two matches in a week, the priority must be to have the main players play against Borussia Dortmund! This is the only reasonable option. Otherwise, Bayer Leverkusen will relive the nightmare of 12 years ago, repeating the