I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 546: Chapter 28: Iron-Blooded?

”And he clearly brought his excellent World Cup form to the club.”

On the stands, Real Madrid fans were chanting ”Saint Casillas,” and this save by Casillas had evidently thrilled them.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid fans felt as if they were on a rollercoaster, plummeting from a high to a low in an instant. They stared blankly at the scene before them, with countless words in their hearts eventually turning into a sigh.

Aguero also glanced at Casillas with some disbelief.

At this moment, he seemed like a rookie seeing Casillas anew for the first time.

Casillas, with his face flushed, also celebrated with a fist pump, feeling excited to enjoy the cheers of the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

”Atletico Madrid’s corner kick.”

”Let’s see if they can make something happen with this corner.”

”Diego Simeone brought some freshness to the fans at the start of this match.”

People had started to grow tired of the Derby de Madrid, given it’s a contest that has been won by Real Madrid for over a decade, especially in recent years at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The Derby de Madrid had become a ”game” where 22 players played for 90 minutes, with Real Madrid eventually claiming victory.

But now, everything seemed to have changed, at least in terms of performance, Atletico Madrid players appeared more energetic.

Diego Simeone was shouting on the sidelines, not blaming Aguero for missing the opportunity, since it was already missed, but urging the players to prepare for this corner kick.

This scene also left Mourinho a bit dazed.

This ”novice” really has something, or is it all just bluster?

Atletico Madrid players ran around ostentatiously, and Chen Zhong even retreated back into the penalty area to participate in the defense. People eagerly watched Atletico Madrid’s corner, hoping it might bring something fresh.

But Atletico Madrid players clearly lacked ”height,” and the ball was quickly headed out by Real Madrid players.

”Real Madrid’s opportunity!”

”The ball is at Alonso’s feet.”

”Takes the shot directly!”

Pepe leapt high and headed the ball away, Alonso received the ball and wanted to pass it to Chen Zhong, but Chen Zhong shouted loudly, ”Long ball!”

”Find Cristiano!”

”Cristiano!”

Alonso instantly understood, and at this moment, Cristiano Ronaldo also started his run, Alonso’s long pass overtook and caught up with the Portuguese, who skillfully handled the somewhat tricky ball.

Then, like a sharp knife, he headed towards Atletico Madrid’s goal.

The Real Madrid fans on the stands started to uproar, Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance had been outstanding during this period, even achieving his first career four-goal haul.

They were all expecting a spectacular performance from the Portuguese.

”This, what is this?”

”Atletico Madrid? This is Atletico Madrid!”

”Can’t believe my eyes.”

People initially focused on Cristiano Ronaldo, but soon were drawn to Atletico Madrid’s collective retreat defense.

The red and white jerseys swayed, and from their perspective, it looked like a wave of players in red and white crashing towards their own goal.

Such a proactive and tough scene occurring within the typically lax Atletico Madrid left the fans incredulous.

And even more astonishing was the scene that followed.

As Cristiano Ronaldo progressed, Atletico Madrid players rushed at him like mad dogs from the side.

Using shoulders, thighs, bodies.

Fiercely crashing into Cristiano Ronaldo’s body.

Their eyes weren’t focused on the ball; it seemed they just wanted to bring down the Portuguese. This pure malice, some considered ”savage,” others called ”tough,” and some basketball fans even likened it to ”hack-a-player!”

The ”hack-a-player” tactic in soccer is a strategy specifically targeting the opponent’s key player, with its core idea being to intentionally foul the player when they touch the ball, even if it might result in yellow cards for the team.

The goal of this tactic is to limit the key player’s performance and reduce their influence in the match. For example, in the 1986 World Cup, the South Korea Team used this tactic against Argentine star Maradona.

The ”hack-a-player” tactic is not exclusive to soccer; similar strategies exist in basketball as well.

Some seasoned fans quickly realized Atletico Madrid was using this defensive strategy, the hack-a-player tactic.

And among the key targets for hacking, the Portuguese was evidently included.

Cristiano Ronaldo fell to the ground, and the ball was quickly cleared by Atletico Madrid players. He angrily spread his arms, loudly complaining to the referee about something.

But the referee offered no explanation, only awarding a free-kick.

At the same time, the referee gave Atletico Madrid players a warning look.

This made Diego Simeone on the sidelines feel invigorated.

”The referee’s leniency seems broader in this match.”

As Simeone thought about it, he squinted his eyes and couldn’t help but smile.

His gleaming white teeth stood out so starkly in the sunlight.

Mourinho also looked towards Simeone, understanding the core of Simeone’s tactics, but...

You’re definitely in for a verbal bashing from me after the game.

”Real Madrid is awarded a free-kick opportunity.”

”Real Madri...”

”Quickly take the free kick!”

”What!”

Real Madrid players surrounded the referee as if they wanted to protest, while Cristiano Ronaldo noticed Chen Zhong’s eye signal.

The referee had just signaled for the free-kick to be taken.

And at that moment, Atletico Madrid fans seemed to still be enjoying the spectacle.

Eager to see the referee’s predicament under the siege of Real Madrid stars, and the anger on the faces of Real Madrid fans.

But quickly, their ”snickers” turned into horror.

As Cristiano Ronaldo quickly pushed the ball to Chen Zhong, who then played a through ball back to Cristiano Ronaldo, letting him chase the ball.

It was evident that Atletico Madrid players weren’t completely synchronized. At this moment, some players adhered to coach Diego Simeone’s tactics and retreated in defense.

But some players chose to protest to the referee.

They believed Real Madrid’s quick free-kick was unreasonable.

Only after seeing the furious Diego Simeone on the sidelines and the indifferent referee did they realize how foolish they had been.

”A successful free-kick collaboration!”

”C. Ronaldo is through on goal!”

”He’s entered the penalty area!”

”Facing the goalkeeper, takes the shot!”

Cristiano Ronaldo charged forward, and standing in his way was the young goalkeeper De Gea.

This genius goalkeeper had once been portrayed as the victim of Chen Zhong’s heavy cannon, and some domestic fans even labeled this genius goalkeeper with ”butterfingers.”

Facing De Gea, Cristiano Ronaldo did not hesitate for a moment, unleashing a powerful low shot,

The ball shot like a cannonball towards the far corner of the goal.

The Real Madrid fans on the stands were ready to celebrate, while Atletico Madrid fans were full of hope, wanting De Gea to perform a miracle.

Both carried the expectations of their respective team supporters.

And De Gea responded.