"That's absolutely ferocious!"
"He's built like a tank!"
"Taking on two Italian players by himself—one of them De Rossi, the so-called 'Wolf King'—and Leo Lin still wins the ball! He muscles through and protects possession for Spain deep in their own half, stopping Italy's high press from turning into a Counterattack!"
Jim Beglin couldn't stop praising Leo Lin as he stood tall in Italy's half.
Across Europe, commentators were applauding his first-half display.
The live chat exploded with excitement. Spanish fans had always embraced the national team's elegant style—but what they truly longed for was a midfielder with bite.
"From today onward, weld Lin into the starting lineup—weld him in permanently!"
"Bullying Verratti! Knocking De Rossi to the ground! That's what a Midfielder looks like! Forget elegance—let's become raging bulls!"
"This is the kind of Midfielder every club dreams of! Liverpool, what did you do to deserve him?"
The Spanish fans were in a frenzy.
After play resumed, Leo Lin began making more forward runs—that was Lopetegui's plan.
Shut down Italy's Counterattacks early, then gradually increase the tempo. Spain would build layer by layer—from the back line to midfield to attack—using vertical, tight short passes to punch through Italy's defense.
To break down a compact defensive block, especially one as disciplined as Italy's, Lopetegui believed dense short passing was the best solution.
Soon, crisp passing echoed across the pitch.
Spain's midfielders and forwards were almost entirely playing one-touch passes.
The rapid-fire exchanges were dizzying.
Spain weren't in a hurry to cross. Once the ball reached the attacking third, they circulated it patiently, forcing Italy's pressing players to burn energy.
Only when the Italians began to tire or ease off the pressure did Spain suddenly increase the pace, driving toward the penalty area.
39th minute.
"David Silva flicks it with his heel—Leo Lin steps in and switches play!"
"Opportunity on the left—cuts inside and sends it across!"
"Isco lets it run through his legs—into the far side!"
"Chance to shoot!"
"Asensio strikes!"
"Over the bar! That was beautiful football from Spain!"
Just three minutes later—
"Another attack down the flank! Carvajal overlapping!"
"Busquets with a superb Long Pass! Carvajal controls wide—cuts it back!"
"Edge of the box—Leo Lin arriving—he hits it!"
"Buffon with a world-class save! He tips Leo Lin's shot over the Crossbar!"
"What a save from Buffon!" Derek Rae exclaimed.
For this match, Derek Rae and Jim Beglin were on commentary together.
"Buffon remains one of the finest goalkeepers in the game today. His goal-line technique is beyond question."
"His trademark wide coverage in one-on-one situations is something fans never tire of praising."
"Many affectionately call him 'the youngster.' Despite his age, he's still performing at an elite level—almost getting better with time."
From the corner, David Silva delivered. Leo Lin hovered at the top of the arc.
Sergio Ramos lurked at the far post. As the ball swung into the middle, Ramos exploded forward, powering a header at goal!
But it was too central. Buffon gathered it cleanly.
Soon after, the first half came to an end. The score remained 0–0 as both teams headed to the locker rooms.
"The first half finishes goalless."
"No goals, but a fascinating tactical battle."
"Both sides have executed their game plans superbly."
"Italy's back line has been excellent. Bonucci's experience and front-foot defending have stood out."
"And Buffon—still extraordinary—has produced several stunning saves. He's been outstanding."
"Buffon once said he wants to win his first Champions League trophy before retiring. It may be the only regret of his career."
"Based on his current level, he might still have a chance. But Juventus haven't been in the best form lately."
Back in the locker room, Lopetegui didn't make sweeping tactical changes. He was satisfied with the team's first-half performance.
But he walked over specifically to Leo Lin.
"In the second half, you have full freedom to shoot and to play forward passes," Lopetegui said quietly.
"I'll tolerate mistakes. But I want more forward through balls."
"Lofted passes over the top or along the ground—it doesn't matter. That's your specialty. Let them see your craft."
Leo Lin nodded.
It seemed Lopetegui had placed complete trust in him.
...
The second half began.
Right after kickoff, Italy struck first on the break. With fresh legs, they surged forward.
Verratti attempted a diagonal through ball toward Belotti—but Sergio Ramos anticipated it perfectly and slid in to block.
Leo Lin instantly sensed the moment.
He moved quickly into space in midfield. Ramos's short pass found him.
He received and turned.
Spain were breaking.
Ahead of him stood De Rossi and Verratti. Behind them, Bonucci and Barzagli. And in goal, the legendary Buffon.
It was a Counterattack—but for a split second, Leo Lin didn't know where the path forward lay.
Then—
The system prompt rang in his mind.
Like a mountain buried in snow, like endless darkness—suddenly, a beam of light pierced through.
In that instant—
The Extraordinary Passing skill lit up.
The Laudrup Vision skill flared brilliantly.
Leo Lin saw it.
The space behind Bonucci.
A razor-thin passing lane threading into that space.
No ordinary player would even consider attempting such a ball.
But Leo Lin saw it clearly.
It was like that impossible route Messi once tried to play to Suarez in a fierce clash—only this one was even more concealed.
And no one in Italy's lineup possessed the vision to anticipate it.
They couldn't defend what they couldn't see.
This was a passing lane capable of slicing through everything in front of it.
Leo Lin glanced at Isco.
Isco instantly made the run, accelerating into the space behind Bonucci.
Leo Lin felt his body tremble slightly—not from fear, but from excitement.
He swung his leg.
A piercing through ball.