I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 322: Chapter 17: Reinforcements and Homecoming (Part 2)

After achieving success in Greece, Valverde returned to Spain after Pellegrini left Villarreal, becoming the new head coach of Villarreal, a position he is capable of handling.

At the time, when the club chose Valverde as head coach, Pellegrini also offered his advice and was the one who recommended Valverde, as he deeply recognized Valverde’s abilities.

Given time, he might even coach renowned teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona.

”My judgment is not wrong.”

”If we want to win the league, we can’t make a single mistake.”

Pellegrini mumbled while writing and drawing in his notebook, and Francisco was completely speechless, unable to understand why his ”partner” still couldn’t see the reality.

Real Madrid is not like those small teams, rarely touching the league title; winning the league is not a ”great” thing. Even coaches who have been fired after winning the league are not few. Why can’t you see the truth?

Time quickly moved to match day.

As the saying goes, in the candy box, eat candy; in the love song stadium, sing love songs.

The world has thousands of stadiums, and the name of the Love Song Stadium is undoubtedly one of the most romantic stadium names.

Pellegrini once again arrived at this familiar stadium, while the Villarreal fans continued singing their melodious songs from the stands. They were full of morale, and before the match, every Villarreal fan firmly believed that in this game, they would rebound from the bottom with a high probability of eventually winning,

After all, they are the Yellow Submarine, specializing in sniping top teams.

On the sideline, Chen Zhong couldn’t help but chuckle while listening to the Villarreal fans singing.

Kaka was positioned next to Chen Zhong, and upon hearing Chen Zhong laugh, he couldn’t help but signal to Chen Zhong with his eyes, seemingly asking what he was laughing about.

Chen Zhong, feeling Kaka’s gaze, began to share the story of his first visit to the Love Song Stadium.

Kaka listened, somewhat dumbfounded.

C. Ronaldo couldn’t help but turn his head, his expression a bit complex.

On one hand, he felt proud that back then, the Love Song Stadium considered him the ”villain.” On the other hand, he felt insulted when compared to that so-called ”substandard” Rossi.

C. Ronaldo undoubtedly had feelings for Manchester United, but he didn’t believe any Manchester United player could surpass him.

Just like he once said in an interview, he is the best player in the world.

In the players’ tunnel, Chen Zhong once again heard that familiar song ”Yellow Submarine,” a song that was a hit in Europe and a masterpiece by The Beatles in the 1960s.

When Real Madrid players walked out of the players’ tunnel, Villarreal fans continued singing ”Yellow Submarine,” staying put without taking liberties.

Perhaps Chen Zhong’s debut truly left them with a lasting memory.

Chen Zhong, looking complex, gazed toward the Villarreal stands. He actually preferred them in their rebellious form; couldn’t they return to that?

”Good evening, fellow fans.”

”This is the second round of La Liga.”

”Villarreal hosts Real Madrid at home.”

”Here is the Love Song Stadium, and we can see the fans are very enthusiastic.”

”This season, Villarreal has not won in three league matches, and the new coach Valverde has faced media questioning.”

”In this match against the strong and title-chasing Real Madrid, can they create a miracle?”

”Let’s wait and see.”

Real Madrid made slight adjustments for this game. Negredo, who started consecutively, sat on the bench, replaced by Higuain.

Flanking Higuain were C. Ronaldo and Kaka.

Behind them was Granero.

And in midfield, it was still the combination of Chen Zhong and Alonso.

This midfield duo is also Pellegrini’s favorite.

Chen Zhong’s defense is formidable and stable, and Alonso, while having good defensive abilities, also boasts a beautiful long pass from the backfield.

In defense, from left to right were Marcelo, Albiol, Pepe, and Ramos, with Casillas as the goalkeeper.

Pellegrini stood on the sideline, looking serious, as this ”homecoming” for him didn’t carry the slightest warmth, because he knew clearly that Villarreal was Real Madrid’s first challenge this new season.

And it was the strongest team Real Madrid had faced in the four rounds.

As the team’s captain, Chen Zhong helped obtain the kick-off, and Pellegrini stood on the sideline, nervously watching the field situation. The bizarre formation of Real Madrid, akin to the calm before the storm, cast a shadow on the heart.

”Real Madrid starts the ball.”

”The ball is given to Chen Zhong.”

”Chen Zhong.”

”Hmm?”

The commentator was apparently a bit disbelieving in their eyes. In the past, Pellegrini had always claimed that the team employed different tactics in the league and the Champions League group stage, with Chen Zhong still prioritizing defense. But now, what’s happening?

Is Chen Zhong advancing from the start?

Villarreal was evidently unprepared, as they scattered everywhere at the start, completely unexpecting Real Madrid’s central defender to turn into a bulldozer charging forward.

They quickly adjusted, but after drawing their attention, Chen Zhong passed the ball to Granero, who showed a style reminiscent of the Wolf King, Guti.

Taking the ball, he calmly pushed it to the feet of the Portuguese.

The moment prompted the commentator to exclaim: ”Cristiano Ronaldo!”

A few quick passes threw Villarreal’s defense line into disarray, causing countless Villarreal fans to lose control of their expressions.

At that moment, Real Madrid surged like a tidal wave, six players rushing towards Villarreal’s backfield.

The Villarreal players, with some personnel and attention drawn by Real Madrid, were concerned about C. Ronaldo’s passing and didn’t immediately step up to block him.

This allowed the Portuguese to reach full speed.

And when the Villarreal players realized something was amiss, C. Ronaldo was already like a sharp blade slicing into their heart.

”The Villarreal players evidently haven’t settled into the game.”

”They surprisingly didn’t block C. Ronaldo first!”

”C. Ronaldo’s speed is exceptionally fast!”

”He’s already within shooting range!”

The commentator passionately shouted, and those following Real Madrid matches, especially C. Ronaldo, knew that this was the moment for C. Ronaldo to take the shot.

However, at that moment, C. Ronaldo surprisingly didn’t act with his usual ”selfishness.”

He feigned a shooting stance, fooled the defending player before him, and after drawing the remaining two defenders to create a gap, he made a brilliant backheel pass to Granero.

Granero, without pausing, nudged the ball to the side.

Higuain had already drawn the defenders away, and before Chen Zhong was an open highway.

Chen Zhong, withstanding the Villarreal players’ impact, instead of forcing a shot from outside the box when off-balance, poked the ball forward as he fell.

All eyes turned to the ball.

And then, a flash of white burst in!

The Son of God!

Kaka!

He displayed incredible explosiveness, pulling away from the defending players around him to surge forward.

Facing the defenders abandoning Higuain to close in on him, he struck a powerful volley without stopping the ball.

The ball soared from the sky, darting swiftly toward the goal.

”Boom”

The ball went straight into the bottom left corner of the net.

Spanish national goalkeeper Diego Lopez was helpless, and the Love Song Stadium stands plunged into silent despair as white-clad figures animatedly filled the center of the pitch, those who rushed forward to celebrate with Kaka.

After thanking God, Kaka darted past celebrating teammates, heading directly toward Chen Zhong, who stood with open arms waiting for him.

The two tightly embraced.

The cameras clicked, freezing the moment.

After the match, someone called this moment the ”Hug of the Century.”

And not far from where the two were embracing, C. Ronaldo’s previously radiant smile slowly faded, turning stiff.

I should be outside the field, not on it, watching how sweet you both are...

Why, seeing how close you are, do I feel a bit uncomfortable inside?

Kaka!

Chen!

You’re my ”prey!”

I won’t allow you to be that close!