I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 197: Chapter 72: Heartbroken and Falling Apart

Fabio Cannavaro, the first player in history to win the dual Mr. Football titles as a defender.

Born in Naples, Italy, Cannavaro is an expert in social, judicial, and sports issues. In times of crisis within the team, he always stands out to point out the problems and is a figure of authority within the team.

And now, behind Real Madrid is the bloodthirsty Barcelona.

Their lead is under threat.

Under Cannavaro’s leadership, a cool-headed talk took place in the dressing room. All kinds of ”factions,” including head coach Schuster, agreed on only one point.

That is, for Real Madrid, Chen Zhong is indispensable.

Everyone unanimously believes that Chen Zhong’s role in the midfield makes Real Madrid more like a whole and provides a backbone for the team.

No matter the situation, they always have a passing outlet to safely pass difficult balls to him, then wait for Chen Zhong’s distribution.

”Chen may not directly penetrate the opponent’s defense, but his role is extremely important,” said a technical coach from Schuster’s coaching staff. ”When he’s on the field, we are more stable in midfield and defense and act more as a unit. Overall defense has greatly improved, the number of opponent shots has reduced, and Casillas doesn’t have to make save after save like before.”

This technical coach’s words opened Pandora’s box. Although nothing was said during the dressing room discussion, later group gatherings among players and coaching staff meetings pointed out Real Madrid’s biggest current issue.

”Our forwards are losing their ability to capitalize on opportunities.”

Raul, Van Nistelrooy.

The steadfast starting center forwards in Schuster’s lineup, as long as they’re physically fine, they are unwavering starters.

At the start of the season, they met Schuster’s expectations, but as the season progressed, they gradually became ”mystifying.”

It was at this time that Schuster thought of Soldado.

In the team’s 7-0 victory over Valladolid, Soldado’s performance was commendable and left an impression in Schuster’s mind.

The second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 is about to kick off, and before that, Real Madrid needs to challenge Villarreal away.

Villarreal is a name that brings painful memories for Real Madrid. Everyone remembers that bizarre night at the end of 2006 when this seemingly weak team orchestrated a 0-3 disaster at the Bernabeu.

Over a year has passed, and from top to bottom, Real Madrid vividly remembers that crushing defeat because not long ago, against Getafe, one of the ”culprits” of the 0-3 disaster, Uche, who transferred to Getafe this season, scored a bizarre goal again, costing Real Madrid 3 points.

While externally, the ”Andalusia Curse” continues.

This season, Real Madrid lost away matches against Sevilla, Almeria, and Betis.

And none of these teams are exceptions; they all hail from the Andalusia Autonomous Community.

This expedition to Villarreal, located at the southernmost point of Andalusia, is Real Madrid’s last chance to break the ”Andalusia Curse,” because after this, they will have no more opportunities to play in the southern territory.

Moreover, this round of the league, Villarreal vs. Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona, both matches are scheduled simultaneously on Saturday at 8 PM Spanish time.

On an athletic level, the match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona is undoubtedly more appealing, although Barcelona has lost the chance to ”conquer the four devil’s home grounds,” the high-level clash between these two teams is already captivating.

From a metaphysical perspective, whether Real Madrid can break the ”Andalusia Curse,” whether they can end the curse of not winning away, is also intriguing.

This match is very important for Real Madrid’s higher-ups and Schuster.

After all, if Real Madrid again falls under the ”Andalusia Curse,” they might lose their leadership position.

With this premise, Saturday’s football atmosphere is somewhat fervent.

People concerned with La Liga football are eagerly discussing, wanting to know if Barcelona can complete a comeback, and if Real Madrid can break this damned curse.

At the pre-match press conference, Schuster dealt with reporters’ questions with ease. He said, ”The team’s double-forward tactic is unchangeable.”

”Van Nistelrooy and Guti have minor injuries, but it’s no big deal.”

”We will not be eliminated by Rome at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and we will advance to the next round of the Champions League.”

”As for the so-called curse, I can only say it’s a boring joke.”

Schuster spoke confidently to the media, and the starting lineup he announced afterward sparked unprecedented discussions on the web about this match.

”Why, is, Chen, not, included, again?”

This was the first thought in the minds of all Real Madrid fans.