I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 90: Chapter 11: The Violent Midfielder

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Champions League Group Stage Round Three

Inside the stadium, the music of ”Hala Madrid” echoed, and the Merengues sang the song loudly. That overwhelming momentum was truly moving, and when the music paused, everyone shouted ”Madrid” in unison, creating an intense sense of pressure.

The music ended, and at the moment the players walked out of the tunnel, the whole stadium erupted with deafening cheers.

”CCTV5, CCTV5.”

”We are now live with the Champions League Group Stage Round Three match.”

”The players in white jerseys are from Real Madrid, while those in red are familiar faces to Real Madrid, hailing from Greece’s Olympiacos.”

”If you’ve been following Real Madrid, you’ll know that in recent seasons, Olympiacos often clashes with Real Madrid.”

”The last meeting between the two teams was in the 2005-06 season, where Real Madrid won 2-1 at home. Although they lost 1-2 away, Real Madrid had already secured qualification by then.”

”Looking at past results between the two teams, Olympiacos is undoubtedly the kind of opponent Real Madrid would want to meet, but based on performance, Olympiacos’s strength cannot be underestimated.”

”This season, the team has undergone significant changes in its lineup and performed admirably in their league. In the Champions League group stage, they are second only due to goal difference.”

”They have drawn with Lazio and defeated Werder Bremen in succession.”

”Within the team are former Real Madrid player Raul Bravo, former Real Sociedad striker Kovacevic, former Spanish defender Domi, former Atletico Madrid winger Galletti, and former Real Madrid midfielder Cesar.”

”Among them, Kovacevic, during his La Liga days, scored 10 goals in 15 matches against Real Madrid. Before every match against Real Madrid, he always felt particularly good.”

”These players are very familiar with Real Madrid and may pose significant challenges to Real Madrid.”

The screen starts showing the lineup for Olympiacos. For this match, Olympiacos has fielded a 4-5-1 formation, with Kovacevic prominently placed as the lone forward, and former Real Madrid players Sassel and Bravo are also included.

”Last week’s league defeat against the Spanish caused some dissatisfaction among Real Madrid’s fans.”

”But from the latest information for this match, Cannavaro, Diara, Heinze, and Robben have all coincidentally suffered muscle injuries, impacting all three lines of Real Madrid.”

”Real Madrid continues with the 4-4-2 formation for this match, with Van Nistelrooy and Raul starting together, alongside Sneijder, Guti, Chen Zhong, and Higuain.”

”In defense, Marcelo, Metzelder, Pepe, and Ramos form the line.”

”This season, Chen Zhong, who has shone at the defender position, replaces Gago, who has not performed well this season, and now appears in the team in a more defensive midfield role.”

”This season, Schuster has tried many players in this position. Even Drenthe has played here. Who knows what kind of performance Chen Zhong will deliver in this match?”

”Alright, viewers, as the whistle sounds, Olympiacos kicks off.”

In the stands, some fans, arriving late, were still finding their seats, while Olympiacos’s performance in the opening stages seemed rather ordinary.

Of course, this is the Santiago Bernabeu; they are certainly mainly focusing on defense!

Just as everyone thought this, Olympiacos delivered a precise long pass from the backfield, showing everyone they weren’t here just to play a supporting role.

Real Madrid, not fully settled, was caught off guard. The ball, after a few triangular passes, reached Olympiacos players in the front. He delivered a straight pass down the wing.

Metzelder turned to get the ball but was intercepted by the suddenly appearing Kovacevic.

Years have left marks on Kovacevic’s face; he is no longer the man from the golden era of scoring with his mate in the top leagues.

But...

But!

When facing Real Madrid, he always felt a surge of motivation.

The youthful wind on the pitch was more precious than gold. In the familiar yet unfamiliar Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Kovacevic, bringing shock to the Merengues once more, faced the goalkeeper Casillas rushing out and finished the attack with a resounding shot.

The ball went directly into the bottom left corner of the goal.

1:0

When the referee’s whistle sounded, when the boos filled the air, Kovacevic swung his arms and slid passionately toward the corner flag, yelling loudly, seemingly saying:

”Against Real Madrid, I’m a pro!”

”Kovacevic!”

”Once again, he scored when facing Real Madrid.”

”This is his 15th goal in 16 matches; he really gets fired up against Real Madrid!”

”He’s found the camera. We can see him talking into the camera.”