I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 875: Chapter 88: First in Team History

The halftime break quickly concluded, and the fans at Wembley Stadium quietly awaited the players from Real Madrid and Barcelona to emerge. Both teams would not easily give up victory in this match.

”The players of both teams have returned to the field.”

”The first half ended in a draw.”

”However, Real Madrid controlled more of the action.”

”Let’s see if the situation will change in the second half.”

As the referee blew the whistle to start the second half, the electronic scoreboard at Wembley Stadium still showed a glaring 0-0 score.

Real Madrid initiated the attack first. After Chen Zhong received the ball, he moved toward the wing, pulling Manchester United’s defense, and then lobbed the ball to the middle on the right, where Kaka completed a volley just outside the penalty area.

The ball headed toward the goal with intense spin, and if Ferdinand hadn’t blocked it with his body, the final outcome would have been hard to predict.

”Real Madrid has launched an offensive right at the beginning.”

”It seems the tactics haven’t changed from the first half.”

”Chen Zhong with the ball.”

Real Madrid’s strategy in the second half became more apparent: give the ball to Chen Zhong and let him handle it. After getting the ball, Chen Zhong didn’t pass it away but moved slowly in the midfield.

Initially, the Manchester United players didn’t feel much.

They thought, let him move if he likes, but soon, they realized something was off.

They suddenly recalled Ferguson’s frequent warnings about Chen Zhong’s long shots before the match.

Park Ji-sung and Carrick quickly advanced, but Chen Zhong already aimed at the goal, took a run-up, and then smashed the ball with a powerful kick toward the goal.

Van der Sar’s positioning was excellent, and he blocked the ball with both hands.

The Manchester United fans in the stands erupted in cheers upon seeing this.

Ferguson also let out a sigh of relief.

”Corner kick for Real Madrid!”

”Chen Zhong’s shot was very threatening.”

”But Van der Sar’s save was very timely.”

Mourinho couldn’t help but smile from the stands; in his tactical setup, it was essential to create some corner opportunities.

Alonso raised his hand near the corner flag, indicating he was ready, and his teammates on the field responded positively.

”Alonso is taking the corner.”

”And the ball is kicked out.”

”Delivered to the penalty area!”

The corner kick from Alonso traced a bizarre arc in the air, showing the superb technique of the Spanish midfielder.

Inside the penalty area, Chen Zhong, at the edge of the goal-area, outleaped Carrick who stumbled forward, but Vidic was still present. Vidic couldn’t overpower Chen Zhong but could interfere with him, and Chen Zhong executed a powerful header in front of the goal-area. Van der Sar punched the ball out with both hands.

But it’s not over yet!

Kaka followed up with a push shot, yet Ferdinand timely appeared at the goal, clearing the ball.

This offensive maneuver left Manchester United’s players in a cold sweat, while Real Madrid’s players felt a bit regretful.

The broadcast camera captured Mourinho’s somewhat anxious expression on the stands while Ferguson’s hands on the sidelines began to tremble slightly.

”A very unfortunate offensive attempt.”

”Real Madrid was just a little short of breaking Manchester United’s goal.”

”Manchester United has forged a solid iron defense at the front!”

The match continued with Manchester United falling into a passive position, whereas Real Madrid kept launching wave after wave of offensives.

Chen Zhong with the ball near the center circle; Manchester United players actively pressed him this time, but Chen Zhong suddenly executed a through ball—not to Cristiano Ronaldo but to the forward-moving Kaka.

The ball penetrated through five defenders and reached Kaka’s feet.

Kaka, slightly adjusting himself outside the penalty area, unleashed an iconic strike with the outside of his foot, directly rushing to the far corner.

Van der Sar responded, yet couldn’t block the ball.

1:0

Real Madrid took the lead, instantly deflating the once buoyant Manchester United. The collective gasp from the 70,000 fans in the stands buried the stadium in a wave of sound.

Real Madrid’s lead at this moment was unexpected, and the previously heroic Van der Sar couldn’t save the situation.

Ferguson looked at the light in Kaka’s eyes meaningfully and vaguely.

Years ago, Manchester United’s coach, Ferguson, greatly admired Kaka, but the need for a work permit to join the Premier League prevented signing this Brazilian genius, giving AC Milan the opportunity to swoop in, ultimately resulting in Manchester United failing to bring Kaka aboard.

The Son of God’s successful first season at AC Milan stimulated Ferguson to promote the birth of the ”Special Talent Clause.”

”Goal scored!”

”Chen Zhong’s assist!”

”Kaka’s goal!”

”1:0”

”Real Madrid has taken the lead!”

Real Madrid fans in the stands rejoiced, even singing the team song together, while Mourinho couldn’t help but raise his hands in celebration of the goal from the stands.

Ferguson loudly called out the names of his players on the sidelines, attempting to mount a comeback in the remaining time, but Real Madrid quickly struck another fatal blow against Manchester United.

In the 72nd minute, Kaka drew the defense at the front and then diagonally passed to Chen Zhong, who calmly adjusted from 22 yards outside the penalty area, launching a left-footed outer curve shot!