Chapter 623: Quarterfinals

The commentator took QPR's pulse, and he was quite accurate.

Simeone also knew where the team's problems were, but he could only wait until halftime to adjust.

Fortunately, Galatasaray also relaxed after taking the lead. In the next 10 minutes of the first half, they did not launch an offensive again, but started to defend cautiously.

If they attack, they will find that QPR, which seems to have a strong lineup and a star-studded lineup, is as fragile as paper at this time. They have every chance to score another goal.

But there are no ifs in the game.

Galatasaray missed an opportunity to extend their lead and QPR went into the dressing room to take a breather.

Simeone immediately made adjustments to the team. There is no need for big changes in personnel for the time being, the main thing is that the functions of each player need to be adjusted.

Fernandinho is dedicated to tracking Sneijder, and Pogba has to take on more defensive tasks when he retreats; when Ricardo is being targeted by Melo, Nainggolan and Pogba have to move more to the right. The ball allows Neymar to give full play to his technical advantages and disrupt the opponent's defense.

The only substitution adjustment Simeone made was: youngster Icardi came on and replaced Klose!

At this time, he doesn't need Klose's experience, but Icardi's momentum!

At the beginning of the second half, QPR launched a fierce high press.

Galatasaray, who are leading the score, will definitely not attack. QPR needs to attack and need the ball, so they can only grab it!

At this time, the role of replacing Icardi is highlighted. After all, Icardi is young and full of energy. He runs with all his strength. Although he cannot grab the ball himself, he can force the opponent to make mistakes and create opportunities for his teammates to steal the ball. Chance!

In the 53rd minute of the game, Eboue passed the ball back to the goalkeeper. The pass was a little soft. Icardi rushed over at a sprint speed of 100 meters. Muslera could only kick the ball to the wing in a hurry. But the ball was not kicked far. Neymar stopped the ball with his chest, passed Riera, and continued to dribble into the penalty area.

Galatasaray's defenders immediately returned to defend. Neymar was hit by Kaya, stumbled a few more steps with the ball, and passed the ball towards the goal.

But he used too much force. Icardi didn't touch the ball, and goalkeeper Muslera didn't touch the ball either.

Liccardo couldn't get the ball at the back point. He turned around and ran a few steps, catching up with the football when he was about to leave the penalty area. With his back to Eboue, he first feinted a shot, and then moved the ball towards the baseline with his feet. After leaving the space, he passed the high ball.

Icardi jumped high in the middle and hit the ball accurately. The football refracted and flew towards the goal.

Muslera failed to make a contribution, he made a hasty save, but failed to save his fate!

"Icardi Goalllllll! This is the youngster's first Champions League goal! He only played 2 times in Sampdoria last season and scored 1 goal. No one expected that he would suddenly become a success after coming to QPR. Outburst! He was once abandoned by La Masia, and he found his place in QPR!"

Icardi was very excited, he jumped towards Ricardo, hugged him tightly and shouted in Ricardo's ear: "Thank you, captain!"

Licado patted him on the head: "Work hard, I am very optimistic about you. Sooner or later you will be the top scorer."

"Unless the captain retires, or we are not in the same league anymore." Icardi said obediently.

The boy can really talk... No wonder he was able to lure Wanda to London.

Fortunately, he already has Wanda, otherwise Ricardo wouldn't dare to sign him.

After pulling back a goal, QPR did not stop the pace of attack.

They still need one goal to advance to the quarterfinals.

Galatasaray shrank back and began to fight back. Sneijder's long pass to launch a counterattack, Drogba to make a transfer, and the monster striker Yilmaz to attack is their usual routine.

However, Fernandinho stepped up his close pressure on Sneijder, making it impossible for Sneijder to pass the ball easily; the defense also stepped up its marking of Yilmaz.

So although Galatasaray's counterattack was impressive,

But it did not pose a fatal threat.

On the contrary, QPR frequently threatened the opponent's goal.

After deliberately shifting the center of attack to the right, Neymar gradually became active. Although his physical confrontation ability needs to be strengthened, with his excellent foot skills, he can often form a breakthrough and send a pass.

And Icardi is very good at grabbing points, making Muslera in a hurry several times.

Especially in the 71st minute, Neymar made a low pass from the wing, and Icardi followed up with a push in the middle. The ball hit Muslera's leg, bounced off the crossbar and then bounced back into the penalty area. Fortunately, Eboue Clear the ball quickly or the consequences will be disastrous.

Despite only 71 minutes remaining, QPR played in a leisurely manner. They are confident. Last season, they were able to do wonders. This season, they have no reason to crash on Galatasaray.

At this time, Simeone replaced Pogba with De Bruyne to sort out the offense.

De Bruyne's appearance made QPR's frontcourt more creative.

Just two minutes after his debut, he almost assisted Ricardo to score.

At that time, he took the ball with his back to the goal, suddenly turned around and sent a through ball. Liccardo came diagonally from the wing. Facing the last defender Kaya, Liccardo successfully got rid of it with a tail flick, and then shot from a small angle. .

But Muslera was very focused, quickly sank down, and blocked the ball with his feet.

In the 78th minute, it was De Bruyne again. He pulled to the right to receive the ball and sent a through ball forward. Neymar intervened at high speed, got the ball near the baseline, dunked it back and made a pass with his left foot.

Icardi took the lead and nodded the ball, and the ball hit the net.

"Icardi Goalllllll! This young man had a fantastic night. He scored twice on such an important stage! It turns out that Ricardo and Marotta have a good eye for discerning people. They have done what they have done in these two seasons. Most of the purchasing decisions made have proven to be unique! Who would have thought that a young player who played 2 times and scored 1 goal in Serie B last season would make such a rapid progress this season?"

"There are more than ten minutes left in the game. QPR must focus on defense now. If this score is maintained, they will advance to the next round smoothly!"

"QPR is making history with every step they take. They have entered the Champions League main draw for the first time in history, they have entered the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time in history, and now they are about to enter the top 8 of the Champions League for the first time in history!"

When it comes to defense, QPR is really not afraid of anyone. Simeone, who has been in Serie A for many years, has rich defensive experience. Although the defensive system he created for the team is not as good as the orthodox Italian chain defense, it is not far away.

Moreover, QPR's ball control skills are also growing, and they can kill time through skillful ball control.

In the last ten minutes or so, Galatasaray worked hard to attack aggressively, but the ball was always firmly controlled by QPR and did not give them many chances.

As Drogba kicked a kick into the stands, the referee blew three whistles to signal the end of the game.

QPR is in the quarter-finals of the Champions League!