I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 127: Chapter 40: Chen Shines in This Match

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The fans sang ”Hala Madrid” in unison, and when they all shouted ”Madrid” together, the overwhelming momentum was breathtaking.

”We are live broadcasting the 14th round of the La Liga.”

”The match between Real Madrid at home against Santander Athletic.”

”The team in white jerseys is Real Madrid, and the team in black jerseys is Santander Athletic.”

”In this match, the biggest interest is likely to be on Chen Zhong, who signed a new contract with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium yesterday.”

”At just 16 years old, Chen Zhong has become an indispensable member of the Real Madrid team, and in these few short months, he has become head coach Schuster’s favorite player.”

”Fans who have been following Real Madrid may understand that the biggest issue for Real Madrid now is the instability of the defense, and in this match, with Chen Zhong dropping back into a position more like a defensive midfielder, can he bring some change to the team’s defense?”

”Let’s wait and see!”

Barcelona is closing in match by match in the league, and the points gap between the two teams has narrowed to just two points.

In the lineup announced by Real Madrid, Heinze still couldn’t start due to his right knee injury, and this marked the third time Heinze missed a Real Madrid match after returning from the national team.

During this time, Marcelo has become Schuster’s most favored choice for the left-back position.

Before the match, a reporter asked Schuster if he would make any tactical adjustments for this game. Schuster avoided the topic then, but also expressed his confidence in the match: ”Currently, the only thing I can tell you is that Guti’s position will change, and I will implement a rotation lineup for this match. I’m not afraid to make mistakes, as it’s much better to make them now than later.”

”Santander Athletic is no pushover. I lost in Germany, but here at the Bernabeu, I won’t accept defeat. We’re looking to achieve our 14th consecutive home victory.”

”Don’t ask me about the starting players. My confidence in all my players has never changed. If you ask me whether Sneijder will start or if Gago will partner with Diara, I can only say that we’re more inclined to put more attacking players on the field to replace the somewhat lackluster ones.”

Before entering the player tunnel, Casillas appeared particularly excited. Everyone knew that this match held special significance for Casillas.

More than once, people have discussed in front of them that this would be Casillas’ 400th official match appearance for Real Madrid, a number that undoubtedly ranks in the top three among all active La Liga players.

The top two are also teammates of Casillas, players from Real Madrid, namely the first-ranked Raul and the second-ranked Guti.

The match officially began, with Santander Athletic gaining possession. They evidently understood Real Madrid’s ”slow start” and ”defense” reputation, attempting to advance down the wing at the outset.

However, when their cross came to the middle, Chen Zhong, playing further back in this match, directly headed the ball out of bounds ahead of the attacking player.

This scene drew generous applause from the Merengue supporters in the stands.

”Well done, Chen!”

”I almost thought we were going to concede a goal again.”

”Just now, my heart skipped a beat. We’ve been scored against too many times in that way.”

Santander Athletic was awarded a free kick, and Pepe came forward, patting Chen Zhong on the shoulder with a grin, saying: ”You should give me a chance to shine.”

”I could have cleared it just now, too.”

After joining Real Madrid, Pepe hasn’t earned a great reputation among fans or the media.

He has been plagued by injuries, his performances on the field seem rash, and coupled with the 30 million Euro premium purchase, many believe that signing Pepe was a significant mistake for Real Madrid in the transfer market.

”Next time for sure.” Chen Zhong patted Pepe’s shoulder and said: ”You’ve been too anxious recently. In our position, we not only need to have a temper, but we also need to keep a clear head.”

Chen Zhong and Pepe have a good relationship, and hearing what Chen Zhong said, Pepe didn’t argue. He only smiled, patted Chen Zhong’s back, and went to prepare for defense.

Cannavaro stared at Chen Zhong for a long time, but in the end, he didn’t approach to talk to Chen Zhong.

Santander Athletic took the corner kick, but Real Madrid’s aerial defense in the penalty area was very tight.

Pepe rose high to clear the ball, but it didn’t travel very far.

Under the ball’s landing point, Chen Zhong gained an advantage in his contest with the Santander Athletic player. He stopped the ball with his chest, then flicked it to the side. Marcelo performed a beautiful aerial stop and quickly advanced with the ball.

Real Madrid launched a quick counterattack. After Marcelo bypassed two players, he passed the ball to Van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy received the ball outside the penalty box, then delivered a direct pass to Raul. At 10 yards out, Raul, facing the goalkeeper, calmly shot through the legs, instantly electrifying the whole stadium.

”Goal, goal, goal, goal, goal!”

”At the 4th minute of the match.”

”Real Madrid takes the lead.”

”After Chen Zhong picked the ball to Marcelo, a series of seamless cooperations ensued.”

”With Raul scoring a goal for the team.”