I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 811: Chapter 59: First Battle Against Barcelona: Center Forward Chen_2

If it’s a double defensive midfielder, then Real Madrid’s midfield will have Alonso and Khedira play as double defensive midfielders; if it’s three defensive midfielders, then Pepe, Alonso, and Khedira will play as three defensive midfielders.

There are some differences in the predictions of three defensive midfielders between ”Marca” and ”Diario AS”.

However, in the end, ”Marca’s” prediction was closer to reality.

Although many people believe that neither Real Madrid nor Barcelona will treat Saturday’s match as the most important one, based on the current situation, since this match will determine whether the league championship is decided earlier, and will also affect the players’ mindset in the next three matches, Guardiola and Mourinho will both have their disciples go all out against the opponents.

However, Real Madrid, which focuses on defense, must pay attention to one thing: if any player is directly sent off in Saturday’s match, according to the consistency principle of suspensions in La Liga and the King’s Cup, the sent-off player will not be able to participate in the King’s Cup final.

And the referee for this match, Munis-Fernandez, has sent off 6 players in the first 7 rounds of the league; now he has gone 11 games without showing a red card, it might be his time to erupt this Saturday...

”CCTV, CCTV.”

”Now broadcasting for everyone is a focal match of the 32nd round of La Liga.”

”Real Madrid versus Barcelona’s national derby.”

”Players from both teams have entered the pitch.”

”This match has drawn a lot of attention from fans.”

”We can see that both teams are playing cautiously after the opening.”

At Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the fans in the stands loudly cheer for the team; after the match begins, both teams play cautiously, Real Madrid’s midfield is very tough, and the actions of other players on the defense line are also big.

In this match, Marcelo is seen by many as Real Madrid’s weak link, but judging from the performance at the start, maybe he hasn’t contributed much to defense.

But his attitude and positivity cannot be faulted.

”Marcelo is actively pressing.”

”Messi’s reaction is very quick.”

”Toyed with Marcelo.”

”Marcelo knocked over the linesman.”

Barcelona is clearly organized around Messi for their attack, Marcelo presses forward immediately, but Messi’s foot frequency is faster than Marcelo’s.

Marcelo brakes untimely, knocking down the linesman on the side, helplessly watching Messi rush toward the penalty area.

Messi moves left and right, weaving through multiple players, as if to enter unimpeded, had it not been for Khedira’s final slide tackle, Real Madrid’s three defensive midfielders might have been breached by Messi.

”Khedira!”

”Intercepted the ball!”

”Real Madrid’s counterattack!”

”Marcelo.”

”Quick dribble! Diagonal pass!”

”To C. Ronaldo!”

”C. Ronaldo dribbles all the way, attempting to get past!”

Real Madrid’s counterattack is very swift, Marcelo passes the ball to the Portuguese, who dribbles forward, facing Adriano.

Perhaps Messi’s skillful dribbling has provoked him.

He wants to try dribbling past too.

But ultimately he doesn’t succeed in breaking through Adriano.

After this probing exchange between the two teams, they fall into a prolonged period of mutual probing.

Midfield is tumultuous; Real Madrid’s toughness in midfield is stronger than Barcelona’s.

”Focus, pay attention, be tougher!”

Mourinho loudly shouts from the sidelines, his expression serious, his body language conveying his inner emotions; despite saying before the match that Messi has never scored against his team.

But from his pre-match arrangements and on-the-spot reactions, Mourinho has never underestimated Messi.

”The ninth minute of the match!”

”Barcelona’s player has fallen to the ground.”

”The referee shows no sign, this isn’t the first time a player has fallen.”

”Real Madrid’s counterattack, the ball is at Alonso’s feet!”

Alonso replaces Chen Zhong’s role; among Real Madrid’s three midfielders, Khedira and Pepe are more like the butcher’s role, while Alonso is the organizer!

After taking the ball, Alonso doesn’t dwell on possession, but quickly uses a long pass to try to send the ball to the front field to Chen Zhong!

Chen Zhong jumps high, towering half a head over Pique who is marking him.

The two land on the ground, Pique tries to body check, but Chen Zhong remains unmoved, instead pushing the ball to Kaka, who after taking the ball, sends a direct pass to Cristiano Ronaldo!

The Portuguese finishes a one-on-one, he doesn’t adjust, and shoots directly!

The ball, like a cannonball, flies toward Barcelona’s goal.

However, Valdes reacts very quickly, diving sideways to deflect the ball away.

Puyol swiftly brings the ball under control, as Cristiano Ronaldo actively tries to press back, but Barcelona holds possession in defense, almost like teasing the Portuguese.

”Control the pace of the match!”

Guardiola gestures wildly from the sideline, calling out; he can’t let the team fall into Real Madrid’s pace.

Barcelona starts using short passes and horizontal passes to waste time, using ball control to drain Real Madrid’s enthusiasm, while also displeasing the Real Madrid fans in the stands.

Boos fill the entire Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Every fan is expressing their dissatisfaction through their actions and voices.

”Hold the formation steady!”

”Maintain composure!” Chen Zhong shouts loudly; Barcelona wants to drain their patience and find opportunities and flaws, he needs to motivate his teammates.

Under Chen Zhong’s call, Real Madrid maintains their formation, not giving Barcelona too many opportunities in a short time.

But people are not machines.

In the 19th minute of the match, Barcelona still finds an opportunity!

Iniesta takes the ball and observes the surroundings; after cooperating with Xavi in two passes, suddenly delivers a direct pass.

”Barcelona in possession!”

”Iniesta takes the ball.”

”Chooses a direct pass!”

”Beautiful!”

”Messi!”

This is a surgical knife-like pass, directly breaking through Real Madrid’s defense; Messi takes the ball, successfully stays onside, and charges into the penalty area!

Instantly, the entire stadium erupts.

Messi, with the ball, remains calm, facing the rushing out Casillas and shoots with a lob.

The ball rises from the ground, and then...

Casillas raises his hands and catches the ball...

Messi: ?

Casillas: (●ˇ∀ˇ●)

Real Madrid fans in the stands breathe a sigh of relief, and Mourinho, who was somewhat anxious on the sidelines, can’t hold back, exhales first and then laughs.

Yes!

Messi’s lob is like his height, only technique, no height.

This was directly snatched by the quick-reacting Casillas.

Guardiola doesn’t know how to express himself either.

Against Mourinho’s team, scoring a goal and not scoring a goal are two entirely different challenges; Real Madrid now is like a turtle shell, hard to crack.

But if a goal is scored, the subsequent development will be more favorable for Barcelona.

Messi’s opportunity was the team’s best chance in the first half, but a one-on-one leads to this result?

Guardiola murmurs to himself, looking up at the sky, his gaze lost in contemplation.

”They can’t hold on!” Chen Zhong mutters.

Real Madrid is at the top of the league, the leader.

Whereas Barcelona is the pursuer.

Real Madrid doesn’t need to win, but Barcelona must win.

Otherwise, winning the league championship will only remain a theoretical possibility; this is also why Mourinho adopts a defensive approach.

Because the ones anxious are never them.

It’s Barcelona!

Sure enough, Barcelona is now impatient.

Chen Zhong raises his hand for the ball; it’s now time for their counterattack.