I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 144: Chapter 48: El Clásico: Chen’s Coronation Battle

Camp Nou, the 232nd Spanish National Derby is about to commence, the ocean of red and blue in the stands announcing Barcelona’s ”glory” to the world. They’re waving flags and shouting loudly, trying to give the visitors from Madrid a little shock.

A century-old feud, the National Derby. Last season, Messi completed the coronation ceremony of the new king with a hat-trick, and in this highly anticipated Spanish National Derby, can Real Madrid’s crown prince ”Chen Zhong” ascend smoothly? It all depends on his performance in this crucial National Derby!

”The match being broadcast to you now is the 17th round of the 07-08 season Spanish Football League.”

”With Barcelona at home facing Real Madrid.”

”Dressed in red and blue stripes is Barcelona, and in white jerseys is Real Madrid.”

”In this match, Barcelona is still using the 433 formation, within the team...”

”Real Madrid team is still using the 442 formation, within the team...”

”In terms of personnel, Barcelona’s Ronaldinho and Deco have returned to the starting lineup, Messi is sitting on the bench, and it seems his injury is not as severe as advertised beforehand.”

”And Real Madrid team, the pre-match speculation that Guti would start is false as he sits on the bench; Chen Zhong and Baptista are paired as the double midfield combination.”

”In the prior 232 Spanish National Derbies, Barcelona slightly holds the upper hand, achieving 94 wins, 50 draws, 87 losses.”

”But in those 154 league matches, Real Madrid boasts a better record with 66 wins, 30 draws, and 58 losses.”

”This is the 78th encounter between the two teams at Camp Nou, with Barcelona holding a clear advantage in the previous 77 league encounters here, with 44 wins, 16 draws, and 17 losses.”

”The last time Real Madrid won away here was in December 2003, with goals by Carlos and Ronaldo.”

The clamor from fans on the stands makes the atmosphere of the entire stadium seem extremely passionate. Amid those shouts, everyone’s face is tinged with a bit of red, and even Chen Zhong can feel his heart racing, making him appear somewhat exuberant.

”Remember! Remember what I’ve said!” Schuster’s blond hair fluttered in the wind as he paced back and forth, watching his disciples on the field, roaring loudly in an attempt to give the players strength and courage with his voice: ”Don’t let them comfortably control the ball, be more pressing, be more aggressive, don’t let them grasp the rhythm of football.”

The golden lion has been planning for this match for too long, waiting to return to Camp Nou for too long.

The Black Swan Rijkaard turned his gaze to Real Madrid’s bench, expressionless, with a hint of sharpness in his eyes, arms crossed, seemingly having it all in hand.

The ball is kicked off, and the two teams begin to tangle on the field; Real Madrid is aggressive and decisive, rampantly sweeping across the midfield without producing the imagined unstoppable effect.

Barcelona retreated, though Deco appeared a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable under Real Madrid’s invasion, even a bit lost, but Real Madrid also seemed mired, obsessed with the contest against Barcelona, unable to extricate themselves!

”Whoa~.”

”Deco is knocked to the ground.”

”Chen Zhong takes the ball, and Toure steps up to attempt a steal.”

”The two continue to tangle all the way.”

Yaya Toure evidently has a task this match, instantly sticking to Chen Zhong once he has the ball; Chen Zhong steadies himself under Toure’s pressure and passes the ball to Baptista nearby.

Baptista passes it with one touch to Raul, who also delivers a one-touch pass to Van Nistelrooy, who promptly takes a shot, a powerful shoot outside the big penalty area.

”Bang!”

The ball rockets towards Barcelona’s goal like a cannonball, Barcelona’s center-back Milito puts his hands behind his back, blocking the ball head-on with his body; the ball lands at Robinho’s feet, and Robinho breaks free from the oncoming Barcelona defender, rushing towards the arc of the penalty area.

Puyol slides directly in, and Robinho tumbles to the ground, rolling several times.

Barcelona fans in the stands cheer, excited by Puyol’s slide tackle, while Real Madrid supporters express their dissatisfaction with whistles and jeers.

The ball rolls out, Chen Zhong and Yaya Toure both rush towards it, clashing as they advance, each step taken amidst physical confrontation.

After getting up from the ground, Puyol watches the two rushing forward; seeing that Yaya Toure does not have an absolute advantage, he takes a couple of steps and slides again to clear the ball, Chen Zhong jumps up, evades Puyol, and the ball rolls not far away, triggering another fierce battle.

”Phew~.”

Exhaling a long breath, every player on the field appears exuberant, while the fans around shout hoarsely, seeming ready to charge onto the field.

Those waving flags, that fervent atmosphere, make even Chen Zhong’s body tremble unconsciously.

This isn’t out of fear, but out of excitement and enthusiasm; the body telling you that you’re ready to fight.

”Kid!” Puyol passes by Chen Zhong, pats his shoulder, and smiles: ”Welcome to Camp Nou, I’ll make sure you’re thoroughly entertained.”