I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 411: Chapter 56: Almost the Grand Finale (Part 2)

The nickname ”Light of Asia” tells it all.

...

San Mames Stadium

Red and white flags wave in the stands, and the frenzied fans scream for the home team. The madness of Athletic Bilbao is awe-inspiring. This is a team bound by regional and racial ties, showcasing an extremely wild side on their home ground.

On the streets, outside the stadium, everywhere you look are patterns or flags of red and white, united as they sing the same song, marching toward San Mames Stadium!

The concise and powerful lyrics are filled with the fans’ loyalty and passion for the team.

In the lyrics, they repeatedly emphasize the team’s unyielding spirit and unique culture. Every Athletic Bilbao fan, when looking at Real Madrid players, has eyes full of thirst for victory and aggression.

”Basque Lions!”

In the distance, a fan wearing a red and white jersey waves a flag with the Athletic Bilbao insignia. With each wave, the stands erupt with the fans’ shouts...

”Hello, dear viewers!”

”You’re watching live coverage of La Liga’s 18th round.”

”Athletic Bilbao at home versus Real Madrid!”

”The players in red and white striped jerseys are from Athletic Bilbao, and those in white jerseys are from Real Madrid.”

”The two teams have faced off in league history 156 times, with Real Madrid holding the advantage with 76 wins, 31 draws, and 49 losses. Among these, they have 26 wins, 16 draws, and 36 losses away.”

”Athletic Bilbao has always been resilient at their home ground, with a slightly better track record there.”

”This time, Real Madrid nearly encountered an accident on their charter flight to Bilbao, which may have affected the players’ mindset to some extent.”

”Alright, as the main referee blows the whistle!”

”The match has officially begun!”

The teams entered the field one after the other, and the camera panned from the players to the two coaches. Real Madrid’s coach Pellegrini didn’t look too well, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, appearing somewhat fatigued.

After checking into the hotel, it wasn’t just the journalists’ disturbance; some Athletic Bilbao fans set off fireworks outside the hotel, causing various troubles.

Compared to Pellegrini’s exhaustion, Joaquin Caparros Camino, who officially became Athletic Bilbao’s coach in July 2007, stabilizing the team and securing a European competition ticket, seemed quite spirited.

The state of the two teams’ coaches somewhat reflects the players’ states.

In this match, Real Madrid is using a 4-2-3-1 formation; Pellegrini managed to secure some benefits, allowing the team some rotation.

Higuain

C. Ronaldo, Pirlo, Granero

Baptista, Chen Zhong

Marcelo, Pepe, Albiol, Ramos

Casillas

Negredo sits on the bench for this match, and recently unwell Alonso is also taking a break, with Chen Zhong and Baptista pairing up as the team’s defensive midfielders.

This combination is a special adjustment to counter Fernando Llorente.

During the handshake, Fernando Llorente, nicknamed the ”Basque Lion King,” gave Chen Zhong a big hug, and in a deep voice, said, ”This time, we’ll have a good match.”

The two had faced off in the 07-08 season, but back then, Fernando Llorente didn’t gain much advantage over Chen Zhong, as he was just beginning to make a name for himself!

After facing difficulties against Chen Zhong in the 07-08 season, Fernando Llorente seemed to unlock potential, becoming the absolute core of Athletic Bilbao, even catching the attention of the Spain National Team.

In the 07-08 season, Fernando Llorente appeared 35 times, scoring 11 goals.

In the 08-09 season, Fernando Llorente appeared 34 times, scoring 14 goals.

By the 09-10 season, Fernando Llorente had already scored 6 goals for Athletic Bilbao, a commendable performance considering his tactical impact.

His outstanding performance also attracted Juventus’s attention, and in this era where center forwards are highly sought after, it seems inevitable that Fernando Llorente will leave Athletic Bilbao.

”You’ll still be the loser!” Chen Zhong retorted without hesitation. Fernando Llorente might have grown over the years, but hadn’t he grown as well?

Compared to Fernando Llorente, Chen Zhong is more focused on Gorka Iraizoz.

The goalkeeper from Athletic Bilbao tops La Liga’s save rankings with 71 saves, surpassing Almeria’s Diego Alves with 69 saves. Next are the goalkeepers from Deportivo La Coruña and Malaga. Even the goalkeepers from Real Madrid and Barcelona aren’t in the top ten of the save rankings.

After all, these goalkeepers don’t face as many challenges.

In the league rankings, Chen Zhong is also top in passing; in La Liga up to the 18th round, Xavi leads with 1432 passes, Chen Zhong follows with 1333, then Busquets with 1022, followed by Pique and Alves, both with over 900.

If not for some of these passes, where Chen Zhong didn’t have time to use an arc, his badge might have already been upgraded.

After the team captains went through a series of procedures, Athletic Bilbao obtained the kickoff.

With the cheer and support from the home fans, Athletic Bilbao launched a fierce attack right from the start, exactly as Pellegrini had anticipated.

”Athletic Bilbao’s attack!”

”They attempt to gain the upper hand right at the start!”

”A very swift advance!”

”Real Madrid players are reacting a bit slowly!”

”Gurpegi!”

”Shot!”

With just a few passes, Athletic Bilbao seems unafraid of Real Madrid’s counterattack, with nearly 7 players participating in this offensive.

Gurpegi decisively takes a shot from 20 yards.

The somewhat inattentive Casillas relied on his keen reflexes to touch the ball, which then hit the left post and bounced out.

Athletic Bilbao’s player Toquero attempts a follow-up shot. Pepe tries to interfere but still allows Toquero to complete the shot. Fortunately, the right post saves the day again.

Gurpegi quickly attempts another follow-up shot, but Chen Zhong swiftly steps in, blocking the ball away!

Right from the start, Athletic Bilbao made Real Madrid hear the dreaded ”thunk” of the posts twice and forced Casillas into a save; their momentum is fierce.

However, the Real Madrid players appear unable to concentrate!

”Focus up!” Chen Zhong slapped Albiol’s shoulder heavily. The tall defender seemed somewhat absent-minded moments ago.

Reacted a beat too late!

If he hadn’t abandoned Fernando Llorente to cover, who knows if Gurpegi would have scored!

”Last night’s events seem to have affected Real Madrid players!”

”If it weren’t for Chen Zhong’s timely cover!”

”The team might have conceded right at the start!”

”On Athletic Bilbao’s home ground, that’s definitely not a good thing!”

”Let’s see, here’s Athletic Bilbao’s corner kick!”

Fernando Llorente stands in the penalty area, his gaze fixed on Chen Zhong, seemingly saying, come on! Apart from you, no one else can stop me!

The Basque Lion King is issuing a challenge to Chen Zhong with his gaze.

Chen Zhong glanced at the underperforming Albiol and accepted his challenge without any hesitation.

”I’m coming!”

”But will your teammates pass the ball to you?”