The match progressed to the 40th minute of the first half. Ye Chen frequently moved to the wings, leaving the central position to Wang Chu.
Wang Chu didn't just stand stillâhe actively sought opportunities in the middle.
After Ye Chen shifted to the right, Holstein Kiel's defensive focus also shifted in that direction.
But defense isn't just about numbers.
40:42.
De Bruyne delivered a diagonal pass to Mane on the right.
As soon as Mane received the ball, he passed it swiftly to Ye Chen, as if the ball was burning his feet.
In front of Ye Chen stood two playersâcenter-back Bogenegger and left-back Steve Muller.
Holstein Kiel adopted a 5-3-2 formation for this match to protect the score.
With three midfielders and five defenders focusing solely on defense, only two forwards remained upfield for counterattacks.
Seeing the two defenders ahead, Ye Chen nudged the ball to the left, feigning a cut inside for a shot.
However, just as their focus shifted left, Ye Chen poked the ball forward with his left foot.
The ball slid between the two defenders.
In the next moment, Ye Chen surged forward, threading between them!
The two instinctively tried to close the gap.
But it was too sudden!
As Ye Chen made his move, Wang Chu and De Bruyne immediately advanced into the box.
Since the winger had pulled wide, someone had to fill the central gap.
Both players showed great positional awareness.
Wang Chu, playing as an attacking midfielder, was closer to the danger zone!
Ye Chen, having bypassed the two defenders, didn't rush to cross but carried the ball deeper into the box.
Center-back Jorgensen stepped up to defend.
But as soon as he did, Ye Chen passed the ball.
It was like a sharp blade, slicing through the heart of Holstein Kiel!
"Boom!"
Wang Chu, facing the ball, fired without hesitation.
This time, Wang Chu didn't let Ye Chen downâJensen in goal didn't even have time to react before the net rippled!
By halftime, Dortmund led 3-0 away from home!
"Gooooooooooooal!!"
"The scorer is Waaaang~~~Chu!~~~"
"A brilliant assist from Ye, who danced past three defenders. Holstein Kiel simply couldn't contain him!"
After scoring, Wang Chu sprinted to Ye Chen with a beaming smile, and the two embraced tightly.
The away fans erupted, chanting Wang Chu's name:
"Wang!"
"Wang!"
"Wang!"
Ye Chen glanced at Wang Chu, chuckling.
"Hey, doesn't that sound a bit like dog barking?"
Wang Chu laughed. "Who cares? Thanks, Chen!"
Ye Chen shrugged. "You scored because you made the right runâno need to thank me!"
"Nice one, Chu!" De Bruyne joined the celebration.
Mane hopped onto Wang Chu's back. "Chu, you scored tooâamazing!"
The camaraderie among Dortmund's "Fantastic Four" had deepened through training. Other teammates also congratulated Wang Chu.
However, some midfielders felt the pressureâ
Competition for the midfield was heating up!
Even Wang Chu, who few saw as a threat, had scored and provided an assist.
Playing with Ye Chen was exhilaratingâjust passing him the ball often resulted in stunning assists.
The home team's players were thoroughly outmatched.
Dortmund didn't pursue a brutal rout but slowed the pace.
In the second half, Ye Chen and Wang Chu's chemistry grew stronger.
During halftime, Ye Chen eagerly claimed his reward.
For the first time, he felt the sensation of 99 explosivenessâ
It was indescribable...
The closest description? Unparalleled!
"Jurgen, did you notice? Ye's first step seems even quicker," Buvac asked Klopp, frowning.
Klopp raised an eyebrow. "Really? His explosiveness has always been top-notch!"
"Maybe so."
Why was Ye Chen so eager to complete this task?
Because the skill upgrade was overwhelmingâmissing it would be a lifelong regret!
Ye Chen was unapologetically self-serving. If boosting his performance also benefited his teammates, why not?
This was Wang Chu's first match. Initially, he doubted his ability to keep up with the Bundesliga.
Especially at the startâhe struggled with the pace.
But as the synergy skill kicked in, things clicked!
68:04.
Wang Chu orchestrated from the middle, sending a curved pass to Perisic on the left.
Perisic beat the offside trap and fired a shot past Jensenânetting it!
That was just his third minute after replacing Kuba.
Ye Chen had already been subbed for Lewandowski.
As for Wang Chu's beautiful assist? Simpleâconfidence, boldness, and the fact that today's opponent was... weak.
Despite Holstein Kiel's miraculous run to the quarterfinals, facing Dortmund's superior squad was too much.
The match ended 4-0. Dortmund advanced to the semifinals.
Wang Chu was named MVP with one goal and two assistsâa great personal milestone.
Dortmund awaited the semifinal draw.
However, they couldn't dwell on the cup. Three days later, they faced Bayer Leverkusen at home.
Leverkusen, a Bundesliga powerhouse, boasted formidable players across the pitch.
Lars Bender, Sven Bender's twin brother, anchored their midfield.
Schürrle and KieÃling spearheaded their attack.
Schürrle, nicknamed "Xu Sanduo" for his prolific shots and dribbles, had drawn Chelsea's attention, eventually transferring for £18 million.
Although his Premier League stint was average, his role in Germany's 2014 World Cup victory kept him in demand.
In 2016, he joined Dortmund for â¬30 millionâ
But in this alternate timeline, Ye Chen's presence was altering the Bundesliga landscape.
For instance, Dortmund postponed signing Reus, diverting funds elsewhere.
By summer, they might not sign him at all...
Ye Chen's decision to join the Bundesliga would inevitably reshape careers.
One player's selection meant another's exclusion.
But Ye Chen had no time to ponder these ripples. Dortmund's packed schedule demanded focus.
On the 11th, they faced Leverkusen. On the 18th, Hertha Berlin. And in the early hours of the 23rd, Inter Milan awaited at Westfalenstadion.
Fortunately, Ye Chen just needed to play his part.
After the cup match, unexpected visitors arrived at Dortmundâ
Ye Chen knew then that the national team was getting desperate.