I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 733: Chapter 22: What! Chen Is Standing in Front of the Goal! (Part 2)

Compared to Marcelo’s worries, Espanyol’s players were much more optimistic. They exchanged glances as if to say, did you see that? Did you see that!?

He still hasn’t gotten used to the goalkeeper position; he even rushed out and headed the ball away just now.

Even Mourinho on the sidelines couldn’t help but shout, ”Chen, remember, you’re a goalkeeper, a goalkeeper.”

Then he glanced at Cristiano Ronaldo with concern, recalling how the two of them took turns playing goalkeeper during extra practice sessions to train in shooting.

Mourinho had Chen Zhong play goalkeeper partly because of his fit height and partly because he heard privately about how Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated during practice when Chen Zhong repeatedly blocked his shots.

This sparked the idea in Mourinho’s mind to let Chen Zhong play as goalkeeper.

Now, it seems Chen Zhong’s reaction time and positioning are decent, but his goalkeeping technique is somewhat amateurish.

Bear in mind that professional goalkeepers have unique techniques; even their hand shapes rank in categories. Some goalkeepers, despite having good wingspans, become famous ’butterfingers’ due to poor hand shapes.

Chen Zhong...

He seems to have no technique at all!

The match resumes, with Real Madrid’s attack being particularly fierce. Although they are mindful in defense, it pales in comparison to their commitment to attacking.

The players all seem to have a thought.

And that is...

Not conceding a goal seems rather difficult.

Chen Zhong’s one or two moves looked very amateurish at first glance.

So, they can only try their best to score first.

Soon, Real Madrid got a chance to strike, but unfortunately, the goalkeeper in front showed heroic performance, directly punching the ball out.

Real Madrid then got a corner kick opportunity, their second corner in this match.

Chen Zhong was eager to try; basically, he participated in every corner kick Real Madrid has had. Not participating this time made him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Alonso took the corner kick.

Khedira leapt high, seizing the chance for a header on goal, but the ball went over the crossbar.

This scene left Real Madrid’s fans a bit regretful; if this ball had gone in, it would have been nice.

Although a bit superstitious, Real Madrid hasn’t lost any game in the season where they have scored first, which is why they really wanted to see Real Madrid scoring first.

Real Madrid’s offensive was fierce, causing Espanyol to be very passive. At the 9th minute of the match, Cristiano Ronaldo got the ball, dribbled past the opponent, and chose to cross horizontally.

In the chaos, Khedira arrived from the back and completed a shot from 25 yards, but this powerful shot was deflected out by Cameni.

Real Madrid controlled the game situation, and Espanyol didn’t get their second attacking chance until the 11th minute. They returned the ball to Luis Garcia outside the penalty area, and without much hesitation, the midfielder Garcia directly attempted a long-range shot, trying to breach Real Madrid’s goal.

Chen Zhong’s positioning was excellent; he pushed the ball away with both palms and then gathered it in his arms before the opposing player could follow up.

This scene caused Mourinho to break a sweat. Chen Zhong’s decision and technique were quite amateurish. If he had been a little slower or more panicked, the opposition could easily have scored on the follow-up.

Fortunately, Chen Zhong bounced out like a spring to claim the ball.

”Chen Zhong has made another save.”

”A very thrilling save.”

”Originally, it could have been dealt with in a much safer way.”

It has to be said, Chen Zhong playing as a goalkeeper has a unique charm, making seemingly mediocre shots from the opponents unexpectedly interesting.

Luis Garcia looked at Chen Zhong somewhat regretfully. If he had been a little late, his teammate could have seized the chance to score.

Espanyol’s regret didn’t last long; a minute later, Real Madrid launched another attack. After Chen Zhong became the goalkeeper, Alonso became the team’s midfield commander. Alonso passed the ball to the side, where Marcelo received it on the left and charged forward, initiating a swift counterattack for Real Madrid.

However, Espanyol was well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Now with an additional player on the field, Real Madrid’s numbers were sparse in the center, so they fortified the middle. Seeing this, Marcelo could only choose to cut inside from the left and end the attack with a powerful shot from 19 yards out.

This was a very bold attempt and also showcased Marcelo’s attacking talent.

Although he is a fullback, he possesses the speed and breakthrough ability of a winger.

Next, Espanyol launched a counterattack in the 17th minute of the match, but Real Madrid’s defense was resolute; everyone seemed willing to sacrifice themselves, which made Espanyol feel like every shot was bound to find the net.

Alonso blocked in front of the goal, Alvaro selflessly blocked Espanyol’s shot, and Adebayor even ran back from the front to act as a human wall at the goal.

This made Chen Zhong feel a bit awkward in front of the goal.