Starting With Real Madrid

No one is perfect, not even goalkeepers.

No matter how skilled a goalkeeper may be, they inevitably have weaknesses and flaws.

For example, Casillas struggles with lobs, while Kahn and Van der Sar have difficulty covering their left half-height zones.

These weaknesses often stem from objective limitations. For instance, Casillas' issue with lobs is due to his height. While his reflexes and jumping ability are exceptional, they can't fully compensate for his physical stature. Similarly, Kahn and Van der Sar, being right-footed, find it harder to handle shots targeting their left sides.

In contrast, goalkeepers like Buffon, or Cech before his head injury, are more balanced. They may have minor weaknesses, but none of them are glaring vulnerabilities, which is why they are seen as near-perfect goalkeepers.

However, such goalkeepers are rare. The world only has one Buffon, and even Cech, who many believed could challenge Buffon's dominance, saw his level decline sharply after his head injury.

How do teams deal with this?

It's simple: through defensive organization and strategic positioning. Defensive lines are often set up to compensate for a goalkeeper's weaknesses. For instance, defenders playing in front of Kahn or Van der Sar would prioritize controlling their left sides and allow more space on their right, where those goalkeepers were stronger and less likely to make mistakes.

This is why goalkeepers often appear to be superhuman during matches. Their defensive lines have optimized positioning to restrict attackers' angles and make the goalkeeper's job easier.

Goalkeepers are critical in football, but they don't act alone, they rely on the entire defense.

---

Before the match, Gao Shen had emphasized three key points for his players, one of which was the goalkeeper.

Napoli's analyst, Lucas, had conducted extensive research on Inter Milan's goalkeeper, Júlio César. His analysis revealed an intriguing pattern: as a left-footed goalkeeper, César shared a common weakness with many goalkeepers, he struggled with balls aimed at his weaker side.

The match against Liverpool was a prime example. Inter Milan was completely outplayed, and Liverpool had numerous chances to score. However, they only managed to score twice, and César was widely praised for his outstanding saves.

But upon closer examination, Lucas found that Liverpool only targeted César's right-hand side oncez the side corresponding to the left when viewed from the attacker's perspective.

That one attempt? Steven Gerrard's goal.

A similar pattern emerged in Inter Milan's following match against Roma. After studying several matches and analyzing Inter Milan's goals conceded, Lucas discovered a striking trend: shots directed at César's right-hand side had a significantly higher success rate than those aimed at his left.

Even more revealing was César's instinctive tendency to use his feet when defending his right-hand side, particularly at half-height, a subconscious habit that created a critical vulnerability.

This insight led Gao Shen to instruct his players to target César's right-hand side whenever possible.

However, as Gao Shen explained to his players, capitalizing on this weakness wouldn't be easy. Inter Milan's defenders were well aware of César's limitations and would naturally position themselves to protect his weaker side, minimizing attackers' opportunities to exploit it.

---

The opportunity finally came during stoppage time in the first half.

---

After Lichtsteiner's header sent the ball into the penalty area, Hamsik controlled it with his chest.

Positioned just outside the penalty area, Hamsik found himself with enough space to act. The Inter Milan defenders had been pulled away, leaving him momentarily unchallenged.

Glancing up, Hamsik noticed César shifting his position from the right side of the goal toward the center.

Without hesitation, Hamsik let the ball drop, swung his right foot, and struck it powerfully.

The crowd erupted as the ball rocketed off his foot.

It was a thunderous shot, heading directly toward the left side of Inter Milan's goal.

César reacted quickly, diving to his right and extending his arm in a desperate attempt to save it.

But his movement was just a fraction too slow.

The ball grazed his fingertips and slammed into the net.

"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!"

"In stoppage time of the first half, Napoli scores again!"

"3-0!!!!!"

"A stunning long-range strike from Slovakian midfielder Hamsik!"

"My word, Napoli's relentless attacking has completely dismantled Inter Milan's defense. Mancini's team is now trailing by three goals!"

"It's turning into a complete rout!"

---

Hamsik, overwhelmed with excitement, sprinted toward the stands, arms outstretched.

The fans roared, their cheers echoing throughout the San Paolo Stadium.

Napoli's players rushed after him, mobbing him in celebration.

Three to zero.

They couldn't believe it.

---

On the sidelines, Gao Shen threw his head back and let out a triumphant roar.

Three to zero!

Even though the match wasn't being played at the San Siro, Gao Shen felt an immense sense of pride in leading his team to such a dominant performance against Inter Milan.

For a moment, he felt a surge of emotions welling up inside him. It was as if he had fulfilled a dream he had cherished for years, a goal that had always felt out of reach was finally within his grasp.

Was this real?

The jubilant embrace of his assistants snapped him out of his reverie.

Yes, it was real.

As the celebrations subsided, Gao Shen found himself growing calm. Unlike the exhilaration he had felt after the first two goals, this time he was composed.

Fulfilling a long-cherished dream wasn't as wild or ecstatic as he had imagined.

Instead, it was a quiet moment of satisfaction, one that made him look ahead to the next challenge.

---

"Data!"

As the first half ended, Gao Shen hugged his players as they headed into the locker room. Then, turning to his staff, he asked in a steady voice for their reports.

Lucas hesitated for a moment, still adjusting to Gao Shen's sudden shift in demeanor.

But others, like Carlo, Buenaventura, and Pintus, exchanged approving glances.

The ability to remain calm in the face of overwhelming success was a sign of Gao Shen's maturity and mental fortitude.

Lucas quickly compiled the data, detailing Napoli's first-half performance and estimating the physical condition of both teams.

Gao Shen reviewed the report, nodding occasionally.

"Good work!" he said, allowing a small smile to break through.

The staff members grinned, pleased with the recognition.

"Lorenzo, Antonio," Gao Shen addressed the fitness coaches. "How are the players holding up?"

"The players' stamina is roughly in line with expectations," Buenaventura replied. "I believe we can maintain this level of intensity for another 30 minutes in the second half."

"Thirty minutes?" Gao Shen raised an eyebrow.

"That's my preliminary estimate," Buenaventura confirmed. "We should be fine for 70 to 80 minutes, though the intensity will drop off sharply after that. Substitutions will be crucial around that time."

Pintus nodded in agreement.

Lucas chimed in, noting Inter Milan's vulnerabilities. "Vieira and Maxwell are struggling, and Materazzi isn't in great shape either. Mancini might have to limit Maicon's attacking runs in the second half."

Hearing this, Gao Shen couldn't help but smile.

He glanced toward Lucas and said jokingly, "Brother, I avenged you!"

Everyone laughed, but the focus soon returned to the game plan.

With the team aligned on strategy, Gao Shen prepared to address his players in the locker room.

The stadium roared with excitement as fans celebrated Napoli's first-half dominance.

But Gao Shen knew the job wasn't done yet.

The second half awaited, and with it, the opportunity to truly solidify their victory.

Three to zero is a dangerous scoreline, he reminded himself as he stepped into the tunnel.

***

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