Chapter 389: Mourinho's Big Move Directly Targeting Atlético’s Weakness

“A familiar scene is playing out again — Chelsea now playing the role Manchester City once did, and Atlético seem to be struggling to handle it.

If Atlético choose to be the proactive attacking side, they must perfectly balance their forward pressing and their retreat speed.

Otherwise, Chelsea’s deep possession will trap them completely.

Last year’s Champions League final showed how poorly Simeone handled this tactic. I wonder if he has figured out a solution this year?”

The Sky Sports commentator spoke with great interest as the camera focused on Simeone standing with hands on hips, intently watching the field.

Indeed, Simeone had paid a heavy tuition fee to Mourinho in last year’s final.

Surely he wouldn’t fall into the same trap twice?

Now Chelsea were again using deep possession to bait Atlético’s pressing.

If Atlético could successfully counter it, it would also set an example for other Premier League teams.

With millions of fans watching eagerly, Simeone didn’t waste much time analyzing.

He quickly deployed his tactical response.

Atlético’s two forwards and two wingers pressed deep into Chelsea’s half.

However, Carrasco and Koke, the wingers, didn’t spread wide to press Chelsea’s fullbacks.

Instead, they tucked inside, applying pressure behind Griezmann and Diego Costa on Chelsea’s midfielders.

Meanwhile, Atlético’s fullbacks — Filipe Luis and Juanfran — pushed forward aggressively to cover the wide areas.

This pressing structure surprised many viewers.

By letting the wingers tuck in and assigning their defensive tasks to the fullbacks,

Simeone kept sufficient manpower up front while maintaining solid defensive balance in midfield and at the back.

This wasn’t a full-field press, but it was smart enough to disrupt Chelsea’s deep build-up.

After all, Simeone’s priority was to prevent Chelsea from counterattacking —

winning possession high up was a bonus, not the main goal.

Seeing Simeone respond so decisively, Mourinho couldn’t help but flash a rare look of surprise.

In all honesty, Simeone’s adjustment wasn’t perfect.

But the fact he responded so quickly spoke volumes about Atlético’s preparation.

Mourinho glanced again at Atlético’s defensive shape —

then quickly returned to the bench, covering his mouth as he discussed tactical changes with Holland.

On the field, Li Ang and Kroos also communicated constantly with hand signals.

Seeing that Atlético weren’t taking the bait,

Li Ang and Kroos immediately slowed the tempo, focusing on keeping possession patiently.

They needed to wait for Mourinho’s new instructions,

while also carefully probing Atlético’s pressing scheme to find weaknesses.

In the 8th minute,

Li Ang received a mid-range pass from Maguire, spun away from Diego Costa’s pressure, and tried to drive forward.

But before even crossing midfield, he was immediately double-teamed by Koke and Gabi.

Seeing Gabi’s fierce, uncompromising eyes,

Li Ang didn’t even think twice — he stopped his dribble and calmly passed sideways to Kroos.

Li Ang might sometimes play boldly,

but he knew better than to mess around against elite defensive midfielders like Gabi — one of Europe’s best.

After several probing exchanges,

Li Ang fully grasped the ferocity of Atlético’s midfield defense today.

He made a “slow it down” gesture toward Kroos, who nodded and continued calmly controlling the ball.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long.

Holland, having finished discussing with Mourinho, quickly walked to the sideline, tactical board in hand, signaling a formation change.

Chelsea, who had started the match in a 4-2-3-1, adjusted rapidly on the pitch.

Matić and Kroos stayed in parallel lines at midfield —

but now pushed slightly higher.

Hazard and De Bruyne flanked them,

while, to the shock of the entire stadium, Li Ang jogged forward —

even passing Suárez’s position!

“My God! What’s Li Ang doing?! Is this Mourinho’s big surprise for Atlético and all the fans today?!

Li Ang has just overtaken Suárez — is he now Chelsea’s new center forward?!”

“Half-nine? No! He’s past Suárez!

Is Li Ang now the actual center forward, pushing Suárez into a shadow striker role?!”

“This might be one of the most historic tactical shifts of the season!

When Li Ang first appeared as an attacking midfielder, we speculated he could someday play up front — and now it’s happening!

Center back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, forward…

Is there any position on the pitch Li Ang can’t play besides goalkeeper?!

He’s practically the Beckenbauer of our era!”

As Li Ang moved into Chelsea’s most advanced position,

But strictly speaking, Li Ang wasn’t truly a center forward.

He wasn’t tasked with being the primary finisher — Suárez still carried that role.

Mourinho’s goal was for Li Ang to act as a link-up man and physical pivot,

occasionally pushing into the box as an aerial target.

Essentially,

Li Ang was playing a role similar to Benzema at Real Madrid —

the all-around connector and frontline focal point.

Without burning a substitution by bringing on Llorente early,

this tactical shift let Chelsea adapt seamlessly.

And this was Mourinho’s surprise move for Atlético.

When one trap didn’t work,

he switched to a smarter, more precise offensive strategy.

Atlético had suffered against Real Madrid’s wing switches and crossing tactics earlier this season —

Mourinho had no intention of wasting that weakness.

Chelsea didn’t need to spam crosses like Madrid,

but establishing a powerful frontline pivot was key.

Li Ang, while not as physically intimidating as peak Drogba,

was strong enough to cause Atlético’s defenders real problems.

And when it came to technical link-up play,

Li Ang was one of the best.

Chelsea had already rehearsed this exact tactical variation on the training ground —

now they simply executed it on the biggest stage.

Seeing Li Ang posting up against Giménez, calling for the ball confidently,

Simeone visibly tensed up on the sidelines!

He had always believed Li Ang still had hidden potential —

but he hadn’t expected Mourinho to dare to play this card so boldly!

At first glance, Li Ang playing as center forward seemed unreliable.

But thinking it through carefully — excluding pure striker instincts around the box —

his static dueling ability and back-to-goal play were actually superior to most professional center forwards.

And Simeone knew better than to think Mourinho was bluffing.

His heart thudded with unease, and he subconsciously clenched his fists.

On the pitch, Li Ang received his first ball in the new role.

Facing pressure from Giménez, Li Ang first stabilized his core,

then subtly opened his arms to shield the defender behind him.

Back-to-goal play relies first on physical strength, second on football IQ.

Li Ang seeking direct contact with Giménez wasn’t reckless —

he was deliberately drawing him into a static ground duel.

If they both attacked the ball dynamically, Giménez might have positional advantage,

and although he might not overpower Li Ang, he could still disrupt him before full control.

But in a static ground battle?

Li Ang’s strength and frame were massively amplified.

In width, weight, explosiveness — Giménez was inferior.

Thus, when Kroos’ long ball arrived,

Li Ang had already pinned Giménez down and easily rose first to meet the ball.

He didn’t even need to jump high —

just overpower Giménez enough to deny him a clean leap.

After securing possession,

Li Ang continued to shield Giménez firmly with his broad shoulders,

spun half a turn, and quickly switched the ball to the left flank.

The whole action flowed smoothly,

showing no sign that this was Li Ang’s first time playing pivot center forward.

He really did have that Benzema flavor!

Hazard, collecting the pass, burst past Juanfran with a simple touch,

leaving no time for a tactical foul.

For the first time in the match,

Chelsea broke into Atlético’s baseline.

Hazard swung in a swirling cross.

Li Ang, now charging into the heart of Atlético’s defense like a real No.9, leaped ahead of Godín!

However, the ball sailed towards the far post.

Drawing most of Atlético’s defenders toward him,

Li Ang flicked his head to glance at the back post.

There, Suárez timed his run perfectly,

and unleashed a powerful volley without letting the ball touch the ground!

Stamford Bridge rose as one, ready to celebrate!

But in the next instant,

Courtois — with his incredible wingspan — somehow parried the shot out for a corner!

Cheers turned into stunned gasps.

Li Ang clutched his head in regret over Suárez’s missed chance,

but quickly applauded and lifted the disappointed Uruguayan off the turf.

“Beautiful hit, Luis! Don’t worry — we’ll get plenty more chances! Just keep going!”

Li Ang’s encouragement reignited Suárez’s fighting spirit.

Meanwhile, fans and pundits around the world marveled at Li Ang’s impact on the play.

Li Ang himself didn’t overthink it.

After joining the attack for the corner,

he calmly trotted back, savoring the feeling of dominating Giménez, and awaited the next opportunity.

Simeone hurriedly discussed countermeasures with his staff,

but Chelsea’s aggressive attacks wouldn’t stop.

Kroos, tasting success, constantly searched for Li Ang’s movement.

As long as he was well-positioned, the ball would be sent his way.

Despite the distance, their mutual understanding remained perfect.

Through precise long balls, Kroos controlled the tempo and launched attacks,

while Li Ang connected everything up front.

Their division of labor was clear,

and Chelsea’s forwards adjusted their runs accordingly.

In the 20th minute,

Li Ang again pinned Giménez in a ground duel,

securing first contact.

Previously, his successful lay-offs had taught Atlético’s defenders to crowd him quickly,

hoping to intercept his next pass.

But this time, Li Ang, after winning the ball,

laid it off simply to Suárez, who had dropped deep to support.

Suárez, reading the play perfectly, sprayed it wide to the flank.

Then he charged into the box,

while Li Ang rotated laterally —

acting more like a deep-lying playmaker.

On the wing, De Bruyne battled Filipe Luís,

but couldn’t beat him on the first dribble and got pushed toward the sideline.

Seeing Li Ang arriving for support,

De Bruyne smartly dropped the ball back to him.

Li Ang, stationed near the half-space without looking back,

immediately played a cut-back pass into the path of Kroos!

This caught Atlético’s defenders off guard,

granting Kroos space and time.

As Saúl belatedly closed him down,

Kroos lifted a lobbed through ball behind Atlético’s backline.

Hazard, cutting in diagonally,

slashed into the penalty area like a sharp dagger!

The linesman kept his flag down — no offside!

Hazard controlled the ball cleanly without breaking stride,

then quickly squared it back into the middle.

Atlético’s defenders, still trying to scramble back,

were helpless.

And there was Li Ang —

meeting Hazard’s pass at full sprint,

unleashing a brutal first-time strike from the top of the box!

The thundering crack echoed across Stamford Bridge like a hammer blow.

Atlético’s defenders, dizzy and disoriented,

couldn’t even track the ball’s flight path.

Courtois guessed and flung himself desperately —

but the shot’s power and speed left him no real chance.

The ball blasted past his face,

his fingers brushing nothing but air.

As he turned in despair,

the ball crashed into the back of the net!

Stamford Bridge exploded with an overwhelming, joyous roar!

Li Ang raised his fists and bellowed towards the delirious stands!

Mourinho did the same on the sidelines,

pumping his arms toward the jubilant Chelsea fans!

All their painstaking preparation had paid off.

Today, the better-prepared Chelsea had once again

struck directly at Atlético’s weakest point!