I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 749: Chapter 29: Metamorphosis and Level 2

Mourinho had been talking about Real Madrid’s issues in the Champions League, from the competitive difficulties to the team’s psychological problems in the knockout stages.

Mourinho referred to the match against Lyon as a ”double obstacle”: on one hand, it’s the rare challenge of the round of 16 for Real Madrid over the past six years, and on the other, the embarrassment of four winless matches against Lyon.

Mourinho sensed that the match would be very difficult, under immense pressure on his shoulders.

Before the match began, Mourinho took a seat on the bench for photos with the journalists, and notably, that was the only time he sat on the bench during the entire match; he didn’t sit down again afterwards.

Mourinho paced alertly up and down the sidelines in the technical area, sometimes reminding Ramos not to forget his defensive duties, and at other times requesting Alonso or Khedira to cover for Ramos.

It was evident that Mourinho was uneasy about the team’s dynamics in the first half, as he continuously jotted down notes in his notebook. Journalists joked that Mourinho’s notebook was about to catch fire.

But soon, Chen Zhong’s goal allowed Mourinho to relax.

When Chen Zhong scored the second goal, the smile on Mourinho’s face was obvious, and when Chen Zhong struck a stunning free kick, Mourinho even had the thought to start jesting.

He even began contemplating some tactics, quickly executing a brilliant substitution.

In the match against Lyon, Mourinho’s decision to substitute Benzema for Adebayor was a stroke of genius because the French forward scored just 43 seconds after coming on.

After the match, Mourinho explained that he had started Adebayor because he anticipated a lot of long balls in the match, with significant pressure and physical confrontations from the opposition, making it more suitable for the Togolese to start.

And when the players were tired, the defensive rhythm declined, and the match opened up with more space, it was then time for Benzema to come on.

Indeed, Mourinho’s strategic acumen was proven as the match progressed in line with his vision, with the French forward scoring upon entering the pitch.

Some media analyzed that this capability is why Florentino wanted Mourinho, as he has abilities that his predecessor Pellegrini did not.

After the post-match interview, Chen Zhong shared a story about Mourinho during a domestic interview, saying: ”Before the match, the coach told us...”

”You must learn to suffer, and cannot be helpless on the field.”

”We are the champions among champions and will definitely pass through the round of 16.”

”He cheered us on, hoping to help us forget the past losses at Lyon away games.”

”But...” perhaps because he was facing his compatriots, Chen Zhong added playfully: ”He might have forgotten that in the matches I’ve played, we’ve never lost to Lyon.”

In this match, after Chen Zhong completed a hat-trick, Marca expressed that if anyone could lead Real Madrid to bury Lyon and break through the round of 16, it would only be Chen Zhong.

Real Madrid handed Chen Zhong the captain’s armband, gave him the highest salary and status, and brought him back to Madrid from the Apennines to play in such matches.

In fact, Chen Zhong was aware of this and needed no reminders.

Whenever the team faced difficulties, one could rely on Chen Zhong, who didn’t choose to avoid but faced the challenges bravely.

Real Madrid was lucky, for not only did they have the best coach in the world, but they also possessed the best player.

Finally, Marca praised Benzema again, saying: ”Chen Zhong put one foot into the Champions League quarterfinals for Real Madrid, and Benzema’s goal shows promise in changing the slump on Real Madrid’s front line.”

Prior to the match, Benzema expressed his belief that Real Madrid was sure to pass through the round of 16 and that the jinx of being unable to defeat Lyon was a thing of the past.

”This year’s Real Madrid is vastly different, and we will win in Lyon.”

”Because now, Real Madrid has Chen...”

After hesitating for a while, Benzema spoke again: ”Of course, and me.”

Before the match, Benzema realized that despite his good performance on the field, the coach might still give the starting position to the Togolese striker Adebayor.

This did not deter Benzema; it instead fueled his fighting spirit further.

In private, Benzema stated: ”I have confidence in myself, and my teammates trust me too. I will train hard, striving for my chances.”

”My goal is to play in all the matches I can.”

Even before this match began, Benzema sought out Chen Zhong alone, pledging: ”If I get to play in this match, I will give it my all.”

In this match, as Adebayor was unable to breach the opponent’s goal, Mourinho began considering substituting in Benzema during the second half.

In the 53rd minute, Benzema started warming up alongside Di Maria and Marcelo on the sidelines.

Benzema, smiling, seemed to be in good spirits.

In the 64th minute, Benzema finally stepped onto his former home ground at Gerland Stadium, where the Lyon fans applauded and cheered for their former King.

What Lyon didn’t expect was that Benzema would quickly strike back, delivering a fatal blow to his old club.

Forty-three seconds after coming on, Benzema made history for Real Madrid: Benzema became the fourth player in Champions League history to score less than a minute after coming on as a substitute, following Nonda, Recoba, and Niangis.

Furthermore, Benzema surpassed Basel player Grek’s 89-second goal and became the fastest player to score after coming off the bench this season.

In this match, besides contributing to goals, Benzema, who came off the bench, actively engaged in defense, retracting multiple times to help his team clear the ball, showcasing a highly positive mindset.

Benzema stated that it was Mourinho who turned him into a fighter, and Chen Zhong who provided him with mental support.

”Mourinho is the greatest coach, transforming my mindset, and Chen Zhong is the best captain who gave me the courage to face everything; now I am a warrior.”

Post-match, Benzema received praise from the media, with Marca awarding him the team’s second-highest score, 8 points, while Chen Zhong received the highest rating of 10 points.

The Madrid media said that Benzema’s previous goals lacked significance and that this time he finally scored his first important goal since joining Real Madrid.

Though he only played for half an hour, he showcased his best version in the white jersey.

Benzema started to strive and flourish; Mourinho turned him into a warrior, and after this match, Real Madrid could say it finally possessed an exceedingly talented forward.

Benzema began to believe in himself and in tomorrow; Mourinho’s transformation of him had made significant progress.

To show respect for Lyon, Benzema didn’t celebrate after scoring, even though his departure brought Lyon a hefty 35 million Euro revenue.

Now, Benzema can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as he proved himself; Mourinho could relax his brows, having once complained that Benzema was a ”cat” or a ”rabbit,” but this time, the ”rabbit” finally showed its ferocity.

Benzema’s transformation has also drawn attention from some potential rivals.

Real Madrid’s center forward ”weakness” was seen as a vulnerability by many teams, but Benzema’s transformation has made some teams, which regard Real Madrid as a contender for the championship, aware of the crisis.

For instance, Barcelona’s Guardiola.

When he saw Benzema’s performance as a substitute in this match.

He muttered the names Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, Chen Zhong, with brows furrowed tightly.

Three Ballon d’Or winners, plus a transformed Benzema.

The King’s Cup final, the upcoming league matches, and the possible future Champions League...

This indeed is very challenging.