I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 419: Chapter 60: I Refuse to Accept C. Ronaldo (Part 2)

This is a high-profile match, and if something explosive happens just minutes after it starts, it’s also a ”test” for his career; he felt the pressure Chen Zhong was putting on him.

At this moment, Florentino, watching this scene in the VIP room, also fell into contemplation. This season, Real Madrid seems to have faced quite a few targeted penalties on the field, while Barcelona seems to have been favored to some extent.

”No card!”

”Maybe considering the match just started.”

”Callejon is very dissatisfied with the referee’s decision!”

”Chen Zhong held Callejon back and negotiated with the referee.”

”The match continues.”

Atletico Madrid got a free-kick opportunity, Aguero frequently turned his head to look at Chen Zhong, clearly reminded by Chen Zhong’s tackle of the ”fear” he once felt ruled by Chen Zhong.

The free-kick by Atletico Madrid was not sent to Aguero but to the flank, clearly hoping to ”steer clear” of the area where Chen Zhong was, seeking chances on Real Madrid’s flanks.

But no matter how they try, they eventually have to attempt to bring the ball back to the center, as Atletico Madrid’s flanks don’t have breakthrough experts.

But this returns them to a distant point: when trying to re-center the ball, both Fernando or Aguero have players closely marking them.

”Atletico Madrid is controlling the ball on the flank.”

”Real Madrid’s defense is very tight.”

”After Pellegrini took charge, the team’s defensive performance this season has been excellent.”

”Attempt to cut inside.”

”Marcelo intercepted the ball.”

”Counterattack!”

Simao Pedro Fonseca Sabrosa, simply known as ”Simao,” once played for Barcelona.

In 2007, Simao was chosen over Cristiano Ronaldo as Portugal’s Mr. Football and transferred to Atletico Madrid that summer window.

Simao was satisfied with his status as Portugal’s Mr. Football, yet he didn’t realize that he only had an advantage in certain areas because he played in the Portuguese league, rather than having superior skills.

That year, often in the media, he expressed his dissatisfaction with C. Ronaldo, paired with his performance at Atletico Madrid, making his remarks somewhat ”impactful.” Honestly speaking, Simao had top-level talent and skills, qualifying him as a sharp flank weapon, capable of securing a spot in most teams worldwide.

His only mistake was, at a crucial timing, going to Barcelona mistakenly, where there was clearly no position for him, and after a disappointing season, Simao transferred to Atletico Madrid for 20 million Euros, with scarce performances.

He is Atletico Madrid’s sharp breakthrough weapon in the frontline, with very accurate free kicks. In some sense, he did embody the ”Luis Figo” playstyle, but he had a distinct flaw: his physical condition wasn’t outstanding, making him susceptible to injuries.

In his first season, he played only 22 matches due to injury, yet he scored two goals, and in his second season, his performance peaked, but this season he has started to decline.

Even criticized by some media, doubting his capability of playing at mainstream media levels.

But Simao isn’t one to easily concede defeat or age, especially toward Cristiano Ronaldo; he felt that everything in this world is against his wishes.

The club started feeling he was old and was unwilling to offer him two-year contracts, settling for one-year terms, and that youngster Cristiano Ronaldo - had he forgotten who overshadowed him previously as Portugal’s Mr. Football, started posing in the national team!

Simao’s eyes burned with intense flames as he attempted to break through the flank like he did in his younger years, but Marcelo shattered his dreams with one swift move.

No, how is it possible!

How could he read my movement?

Am I slow?

No, definitely not, this must just be an accident!

Watching Marcelo leave with the ball, remembering how he just lost possession, Simao felt a bit down!

Compared to Simao’s complex mindset, the head coach, Flores, on the sidelines had a much simpler mentality. He first punched the air, then kicked, then harshly scolded Simao: ”What people are you passing on the pitch!”

”You need to follow the team’s tactics!”

Real Madrid’s sharp counterattacks have already established a formidable reputation in La Liga. Flores nervously watched as they quickly passed the ball into his half, observing Cristiano Ronaldo decisively cut inside after receiving the ball.

He felt his heart jump into his throat!

Meanwhile, Flores didn’t forget to monitor Chen Zhong’s positioning. Everyone knows that Chen Zhong’s insertions from the back and his shots from outside the penalty area have become a secret weapon for them.

”Watch Chen!”

”Watch!” Flores shouted from the sidelines, as nervous as a small wife, while Pellegrini glanced at Flores, with eyes flashing with an indiscernible light.

”C. Ronaldo takes the ball on the flank!”

”Steps over, cuts inside.”

”Uses a change in rhythm to outmaneuver the opponent.”

”Carries the ball laterally, Atletico Madrid players attempt to intercept.”

”Shoots.”

Atletico Madrid has clearly studied Real Madrid’s tactics, and Negredo is more playing the role of a ”spoilsport,” distracting Atletico Madrid’s defense, drawing away defenders to create space for other attacking players as his primary goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo mostly acts as the spearhead during counterattacks, with extremely fast sprinting speed in a straight line.

And Chen Zhong, in recent times, often played the role of the Terminator.

Atletico Madrid’s players quickly formulated a response; Chen Zhong was immediately closely marked by two players.

Cristiano Ronaldo carried the ball laterally again, glancing at Chen Zhong before gesturing like he was going to pass.

Atletico Madrid’s players started to ”surround and kill” Chen Zhong, yet C. Ronaldo’s move was just a fake; it seemed like a pass but was actually a ball stop.

He tricked the defender ahead, opened up some space, and his footwork was both quick and ruthless.

A beautifully forceful low shot, skimming along the grass straight towards the goal.

The shot had high quality and was very well disguised.

Atletico Madrid fans cried out in surprise, while Real Madrid fans were full of anticipation.

But De Gea showcased incredibly high standards; his reaction time was very fast, diving low to deflect the ball with his foot.

”De Gea!!”

”A miraculous save!”

”This young Spaniard’s ground speed is too fast!”

”Reaction is too quick!”

”His goal line technique is excellent!”

The ball wasn’t fully controlled, spinning weakly towards the baseline after being blocked.

Just as De Gea wanted to get up for a second save, he noticed the fan’s cheers and his teammates’ exclamations alerted him something wasn’t right.

As he was about to pounce on the ball, he saw only a pair of golden boots and the number 10 printed on the shorts.

It was Chen Zhong!

Realizing this, De Gea quickly expanded his body area, diving towards the ball like a canopy. If Chen Zhong wanted to shoot in this situation, the odds were he would save it; even if not, it could at least alter the ball’s path.

At this critical moment, Chen Zhong didn’t opt for a forceful miracle but used an agility not typically associated with his build, deftly nicking the ball with his toe.