"It’s still uncertain who will win!" Ery muttered from the sidelines, montarily focusing on Chen Zhong with a sigh, "They really have a lot of talent!"
Last season, the Alria led by Ery was still playing in the Segunda Division.
At that ti, his team suffered greatly against Castilla, and players like Negredo left a deep impression on Ery.
This season, Negredo has beco a mber of Alria. Ery holds Negredo in high regard, not only offering him the No. 9 jersey but also securing his position as the main center forward.
Moreover, Ery specifically designed tactics focused on wing attacks for Negredo to ensure enough support for him.
In the first two matches, Negredo did not disappoint Ery’s trust.
In the first encounter with "Super Laco," Negredo scored early for the team, helping them achieve a 3-0 surprise victory over Deportivo La Coruna away from ho, defying all expectations.
This unexpected win shocked many; an underdog team actually defeated Super Laco, akin to your dinner unexpectedly eating you first.
In the second league match at ho, despite losing to "The Bats," Negredo scored the team’s only goal. With two goals in two matches, this young forward has completely won over the Alria fans, becoming a new idol at the diterranean Gas Stadium.
At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Negredo had already breached Real Madrid’s defense once. Ery believes that with enough support, this young player will again repay with goals.
"I don’t believe you won’t make a mistake!" Ery looked at Chen Zhong, not believing that Chen Zhong could go mistake-free for a whole match. For a defensive player, failing once ans all your previous efforts can vanish into smoke.
"Don’t be afraid of fouling!" Ery shouted loudly from the sidelines, "Be more aggressive."
Alria established a nearly impenetrable defense line in their defensive half, with the players’ actions becoming more reckless and aggressive, especially around Guti, where Alria’s players seed to consider taking him down as a badge of honor.
Guti struggled, and his pure white jersey quickly turned dirty.
Each interception turned into a delivery for Negredo, and Ery believed that Negredo would eventually convert one into a goal to repay his trust.
"Damn it, you’re a clever bastard," Schuster squinted slightly, yelling agitatedly from the sidelines, "Sneijder, what are you doing, move forward, I need you more involved in the attack, damn it, did I ask you to play as a defensive midfielder?"
Schuster quickly identified the key. Alria managed to kill off Real Madrid’s attack because they targeted Guti; but what if we have dual cores?
With Schuster’s tily adjustnts, Real Madrid gradually drew the match into their rhythm and began to dominate. Alria could only sporadically threaten Real Madrid’s goal with occasional counterattacks.
However, Negredo was repeatedly limited by Chen Zhong, dissolving Alria’s attacks over and over again, surprising Alria’s fans.
"How is he doing that?"
"I an, I can understand him matching Negredo physically."
"How is he always in the right spot at the right ti to intercept the ball?"
Alria’s fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Even Negredo couldn’t believe this person used to be his teammate.
Another cross from a teammate arrived, and Negredo ran towards the drop point of the ball, while Chen Zhong was already waiting there, the two tangling, bumping, and entwining.
Despite having a "favorable position," Chen Zhong constantly denied Negredo access to the ball, greatly frustrating Negredo’s confidence.
The rengue in the stands began shouting "Chen" every ti Chen Zhong completed an interception, which seed to turn into so sort of slogan.
"Since Chen Zhong ca on."
"The Real Madrid defensive line has had an imdiate effect."
"Whether it’s early interception, tackling, or aerial duels, he’s got Negredo completely pinned down."
"In the 41st minute of the match."
"Another attack from Alria."
"They again tried to create an opportunity with a cross."
"I don’t think this is a good idea."
"Because they have Chen Zhong!"
Negredo and Chen Zhong were tangled, their bodies colliding even before the ball arrived. When the ball dropped, both jumped, pushing at each other with their arms.
Negredo already used all his strength, and while they were evenly matched physically, Chen Zhong had the positional advantage, leading to a situation where Negredo couldn’t even get close with his stretched neck, only managing to press his face against Chen Zhong’s.
Chen Zhong saw Sneijder raising his arm far away, and with a powerful header, he fiercely hamred the ball, which bounced on the ground like a mischievous child.
Yet, Sneijder, with extrely high skill, tad the ball smoothly during the reception and turning process.
"It’s him, it’s him!"
"Our Chen Zhong appeared at the crucial position again."
"Compared to the clumsy tzelder."
"Maybe Schuster should consider making Chen Zhong the starting center-back for the team."
"The ball landed at Sneijder’s feet, showcasing his extrely high ball control technique."
"Chen Zhong not only completed a beautiful defense but also sounded the horn of a counterattack."
"If I were the team manager, as long as he’s not injured, he would always be my starter."
Sneijder, after receiving the ball, attracted Alria players before making a precise, forceful short pass to Saviola. The nearby Alria player quickly closed in, but Saviola had no intention of stopping the ball.
He passed it directly to Raul, who was making a diagonal run back, and in the penalty area, Raul took the ball, evaded a sliding Alria player, and in a chorus of exclamations from the crowd, unleashed a powerful shot.
Alria’s goalkeeper reacted quickly, deflecting the ball onto the right goalpost where it rebounded.
At that mont, a white figure darted out.
It was the rabbit, Saviola!
His diligent positioning paid off, as he received the ball on the left side of the small penalty area and executed a calm strike.
The ball rolled into the net past the goalkeeper’s right hand.
2:1
Real Madrid took the lead.
Saviola was ecstatic, having scored his first goal for Real Madrid. At this mont, perhaps the most disappointed weren’t Alria’s fans but Barcelona’s.
"Oh, oh~" Schuster’s eyes showed a hint of surprise, "This rabbit is still sowhat useful."
Ery closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Perhaps, during halfti, he needs to adjust the team’s tactics to add more layers to their attack.
Though unwilling to admit, Chen Zhong’s tenacity far exceeded his expectations.
Yet, I still refuse to concede!
Reversals in the second half are common on the pitch.
At least, at least, we should strive for a draw!
Maybe Ery himself didn’t realize that his initial ambition to win at the Bernabeu had turned into a hope for a draw.
The first half ended, and both teams headed to the locker rooms one after another.
Schuster stood before the whiteboard, loudly grumbling, "Damn brats, I’m not satisfied with your performance!"
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