I AM the Football Star

Chapter 527: Chapter 144: Europa League Debut, Little Bald Baby

Perhaps many people still remember San Remo from the time last season when Morici was sidelined due to injury.

Due to various reasons, although San Remo achieved impressive results during that period, the process was often extremely challenging. Most of the matches were won by turning the tables in desperate situations.

But such scenes have disappeared in the latter part of the Italian Third Division season and early this season.

Now, San Remo often becomes the side to score first. They are the leaders.

This match was no exception.

In the thirty-third minute, both sides had familiarized themselves with each other’s pace and began seeking ways to break through.

Ascoli had a simpler approach; they hoped to rely on their number ten to break through, as their number ten truly had that ability.

But they underestimated Lu Yang’s defensive prowess.

After scoring a goal, Lu Yang didn’t rush to keep the momentum going.

Scoring isn’t that difficult, but players who think scoring is too easy often struggle to score.

Lu Yang, playing left-winger, transformed into a left-back during this period.

More accurately, he adopted the standard wing-back role, mostly defending in the backfield, rising to the front only when needed.

On the opposite side, Canyes played more like a genuine winger, always lingering around the midfield, ready to advance at a moment’s notice.

Bam!

Lu Yang performed a front slide tackle, intercepting the ball from Ascoli’s number ten, who wore a helpless expression.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to intercept directly against high-caliber players.

This realization is one of Lu Yang’s most direct experiences from several matches this season.

Apart from sudden ground sliding tackles, one can mainly find ways in the opponent’s passing paths.

And making a ground tackle requires very precise judgment.

If you fail, it’s a foul, maybe even a yellow card.

The ability to boldly execute successful tackles distinguishes top defenders from ordinary ones.

Lu Yang is undoubtedly a player with potential as a top defender.

After receiving the ball, Lu Yang quickly passed it to Latu Yidi.

Latu Yidi used the outside of his foot for a wall pass, allowing Lu Yang to break through and receive it easily, taking large strides and advancing quickly.

Morici saw Lu Yang’s position and swiftly ran left to create space for Lu Yang.

After crossing the midfield line, Lu Yang made a pass to Morici on the wing.

After stopping the ball, Morici steadied himself briefly and then faked a sprint before making a real pass, slicing the ball directly along the sidelines.

Fernandez, who was ready to support Morici, had a good connection with him, moving early to beat the offside trap.

This direct pass on the flank tore open the opponent’s defense. Fernandez received the ball on the wing, where he was unmarked, allowing him to cross without pressure and under excellent conditions.

This choice of crossing was also very clever.

Everyone thought Fernandez would look for Sogel, but Fernandez targeted Lu Yang, who was running in from behind.

Lu Yang leapt high, but the distance from the goal was significant, and there were tall defenders blocking in front, making a direct goal unlikely.

But Lu Yang’s vision was extraordinary!

He feigned a shot, but in reality, he made a back header.

The ball flew diagonally out to the back point outside the penalty area.

There, Canyes, who had been cutting in without the ball, was ready outside the penalty area.

Facing this half-high headed pass, Canyes’s right foot seemed summoned.

Bam!

From the right side outside the penalty area, Canyes unleashed a powerful volley with the outside of his right foot.

The ball traced a classic C-shaped curve, skipping past players in the penalty area before nestling into the top right corner of the goal.

Such a goal is rare; even if Canyes tried ten more times, he might not accomplish it due to the large curve and perfect placement.

But this time, Canyes nailed it.

”World-class goal! Canyes delivered a super world-class goal! This goal is a strong contender for the best goal of this Serie B round!”

”Canyes scored! In this 352 system, he is absolutely flourishing! Capable of both passing and shooting!”

”Of course, the brilliance of this goal lies in Lu Yang’s offensive choice! His back header was a stroke of genius!”

”The Lu-Canyes connection, this was a collaboration between the two widest players in San Remo’s formation, culminating in this goal at this moment!”

”Two to nil! San Remo has fully capitalized on their advantage!”

Canyes ran to the corner flag area to celebrate passionately.

The sensation of scoring such a goal is truly nostalgic for a player originally from a right-back background.

After joining San Remo, Canyes felt he was being completely unleashed.

During halftime, the commentary compared the teams’ statistics for the first half.

It was found that San Remo led Ascoli significantly in various data metrics.

This indicates that San Remo’s lead wasn’t just luck.

This is related to San Remo’s formation; their formation ensures that once they take the lead, their advantage increases.

But it also relates to the off performance of Ascoli’s number ten player.

”He was frozen by Lu Yang! He barely made any remarkable plays in the first half.”

”Ascoli needs to adjust their form, especially their number ten player.”

”Lu Yang’s defense was very solid; his defensive intensity even exceeded the Serie B level; many Serie B defensive experts might not do better.”

”Everyone noticed how the 352 formation liberated Canyes offensively, but perhaps they overlooked how it equally liberated Lu Yang defensively.”