I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 685: Chapter 1: 20, 23, 25

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The first leg of the 2010/11 season Spanish King’s Cup quarter-finals.

Real Madrid VS Atletico Madrid

This is certainly the most anticipated focal event recently; breaking the ”curse” in the World Cup year, becoming the first Asian player to win the European Golden Ball Award, and surpassing Ronaldo at the age of 20, strictly speaking, at about 19 years and 2 months old, becoming the youngest Ballon d’Or winner.

After Chen Zhong won the Ballon d’Or, news about him emerged endlessly.

Atletico Madrid player Aguero’s ’dissatisfaction’ with Chen Zhong is penned heavily among such news, and coincidentally, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have two ”life and death battles” to play in the Spanish King’s Cup.

The first leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium also received focused attention from the media.

After all, since October 1999, Atletico Madrid has not won at the Bernabeu.

In 15 meetings between the two in the King’s Cup, Real Madrid’s 10 victories make people stand in awe.

Using Chen Zhong’s entry into Real Madrid’s first team as a beacon, it’s clear that winning against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu Stadium, or away, has become a ”dream” for Atletico Madrid.

And this dream used to be so close...

For instance, Aguero once created the record for the fastest goal; that match was also Chen Zhong’s first participation in the Derby de Madrid, coming off the bench in a desperate situation to stabilize the team’s defense.

However, this time, Atletico Madrid fans are still quite looking forward to the team’s performance, given that Atletico Madrid now has a ”new face” under the leadership of the new coach Diego Simeone, and the team also officially signed Juan Fran for reinforcement a few days ago, plus the increasingly ”fierce” Aguero and the experienced Fernando.

This has led Atletico Madrid fans to privately discuss: ”Maybe this time, just this time.”

Pure white crowds and red-white striped crowds merge together, fans of both teams arrive at the Bernabeu Stadium, and upon encountering each other, many Atletico Madrid fans become somewhat angry upon noticing the banners held by the opposing fans.

”Damn it!”

”Do you think you’re bound to win?”

”We will stop your post-match celebration!”

Clad in red-white striped jerseys, Atletico Madrid fans say angrily, noting some Real Madrid fans holding banners, thinking of this game scheduled around the afternoon (Beijing time 9 PM).

After the game, Real Madrid will hold a ”celebration” at the stadium in the evening (Beijing time around 3 to 4 AM), celebrating Chen Zhong winning the Ballon d’Or, and allowing Chen Zhong to showcase the Ballon d’Or on a temporarily built stage on the pitch.

This is evidently a form of contempt towards them.

So, do you think you’re bound to win against us?

Do you think having three Ballon d’Or winners makes you impressive?

Faced with the anger from Atletico Madrid fans, Real Madrid fans confidently display their banners and preparations, and even before they speak, Atletico fans can read clearly from their expressions...

Yes, indeed, having three Ballon d’Or winners is impressive.

If you have what it takes, win against us, idiot!

Moreover, our Chen is the youngest Ballon d’Or winner, securing the award at 20 (actually 19 years and 5 months)!

Someone even mentioned the ”20, 21, 22, 23” meme.

This meme refers to the ages at which four players won the Ballon d’Or, in most players’ mouths referring to Chen Zhong, Ronaldo, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Some England fans, or rather Owen fans, substitute Ronaldo with Owen.

Ronaldo was born in September 1976, and received the Ballon d’Or in 1997, 21 years being part of the official data, but actually obtained it at 20 years and 5 months.

In Real Madrid now, the meme has become ”20, 23, 25” referring to the ages at which Chen Zhong, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka won the Ballon d’Or.

And when Chen Zhong was in the player tunnel, he could also hear the fans repeatedly singing this ”number-counting” chant.

”Today everyone is expecting us!”

”Chen, are you nervous?” Marcelo was chattering beside Chen Zhong, his pressure not small during this time due to the rampant news of Real Madrid seeking a new left back, which made the initially laid-back Marcelo put more effort in training lately.

”Mm-hmm.” Chen Zhong glanced sideways at Marcelo, then pinched Marcelo’s shoulder, looking towards Atletico Madrid’s evolving lineup, especially Aguero who seemed a bit dodgy, and smiled, ”No, it should be them who are nervous.”

In recent days, Chen Zhong has thoroughly understood himself and found some direction and clues.

The body-related badge not only satisfied him but also surprised him.

He actually possesses 5 silver badges.

[Badge: Durability (Silver)]

[Badge Description: Increase stamina recovery speed during halftime, reduce physical consumption on the field.]

[Badge: Volley (Silver)]

[Badge Description: Improve players’ accuracy when handling aerial balls.]

[Badge: Outer Instep (Silver)]