CHAPTER 33: CHAPTER 4: AWARD CEREMONY

Spain, Madrid

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The Merengue fans are chanting Hala Madrid, waiting for the start of the award ceremony. The epic song reverberates through the stadium, impressive in its power.

Meanwhile, the Atletico Madrid fans in the northwest stands of the Bernabeu can only endure the song while waiting. Every moment feels agonizingly long for the over 1,000 Atletico Madrid fans now.

Raul, as the captain of Real Madrid, will be lifting the trophy in the home stadium to display it to all the fans.

Before entering the field, Raul passed through the media area and was interviewed. When asked by reporters who would win this match, the living legend from Bernabeu simply said, "This is a match neither team wants to lose. The first game of the new season is important to everyone."

He didn’t mention who would win, but his determined look and decisive tone clearly conveyed his thoughts.

Rumor has it some people expect Atletico Madrid to beat us at Bernabeu? Well, let’s wait and see!

Schuster naturally couldn’t escape the "ordeal" when faced with reporters questioning if he would consider making Raul more of a team substitute since his goal count has sharply decreased in recent seasons.

Schuster laughed heartily and said, "I thought this topic was outdated already—how can you expect me to give up my captain?"

The fans are ready to welcome the trophy, and all Real Madrid players are present, surrounding Raul as they watched the legend of 13 years lift the championship trophy.

Chen Zhong stood a short distance away, looking at the large trophy. It’s thick at the top and thin at the bottom, with rivet-like protrusions. He feels that if the handles on each side were removed and a stick added, it would become a mace.

Who knows when this trophy might change its appearance. Maybe next time, when I become a team legend like Raul?

Chen Zhong thought somewhat trance-like.

"We can see Real Madrid’s captain Raul."

"Raising the championship trophy high."

"Over 1,000 Atletico Madrid fans on the scene have turned their backs."

"They don’t want to see this scene."

"Especially not with Raul raising the trophy."

"Raul was once an Atletico Madrid fan."

"If it weren’t for then-technical director Mendes’ assessment."

"Originally, Raul would’ve stayed to become an Atletico Madrid star."

"But things are different now."

"He’s especially motivated when playing against Atletico Madrid now."

"Raul has scored 14 goals in the 20 matches against Atletico Madrid."

"Collected 14 jerseys of his own."

"We don’t know if he will score his 15th goal in this match. Let’s watch and see!"

Schuster set up a 442 formation for this match, with Van Nistelrooy as the center forward, Raul back in his familiar second forward position. The midfield is paired with Sneijder and Guti, while Diara and Robinho are on the wings.

Drenthe received the opportunity to start in this match as the team’s left-back, Ramos took the right-back position, with Cannavaro and Pepe as the center-back pairing, and Casillas is guarding the goal.

The two teams have played 140 historical matches, with Real Madrid winning 73, drawing 31, and losing 36, holding the advantage. In the Bernabeu stadium, they’ve played 70 matches, with Real Madrid winning 46, drawing 11, and losing 13.

Since Atletico Madrid’s promotion in 2002, the two teams have faced off at Bernabeu 10 times, with Real Madrid maintaining an unbeaten record of 6 wins and 4 draws.

The last time Atletico Madrid won at Bernabeu was in October 1999.

Schuster stood at the sidelines, the wind rustling his blonde hair. His gaze focused on Fernando, Aguero, Simao, and Garcia. He couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional as he turned to Francisco and said, "Atletico Madrid does have some strength."

With the whistle sounding, the match began. Atletico Madrid showcased strong aggression from the get-go. It seems fans’ "humiliation" fired them up, wanting to add some colors to Real Madrid’s celebration at Bernabeu.

"This is the opening match of the La Liga season!"

"On the left is Real Madrid, and on the right is Atletico Madrid."

"Atletico Madrid passed the ball to the flank. Ramos recklessly rushed forward, and Simao sent in a cross from the flank."

"Cannavaro appeared in the danger zone and completed the clearance."

"A beautiful clearance."

"Atletico Madrid’s corner kick."

Pena ran to the corner flag, raised his right hand high to signal his teammates, and the players in the penalty area tangled with each other. Cannavaro was directing teammates for defense, and Van Nistelrooy also returned to the penalty area to assist in defending.

Pena took the corner kick, the ball made an arc, and Van Nistelrooy leaped up high, heading the ball toward the distance at the near post.

On the substitute bench, Chen Zhong’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He noticed a figure rushing from outside the penalty area—that was Aguero.

Aguero easily pushed the ball into the goal from close range without anyone marking him.

"Beeeeep~"

The referee blew the whistle and pointed to the center circle with both hands.

The goal stood.

0:1

The electronic board’s time froze at 55 seconds.

Atletico Madrid fans in the stands shouted with all their strength, expressing their excitement, joy, and thrill.

But soon their joyous sounds were drowned out by the Merengue fans’ booing.

Schuster stood on the sidelines, his face turned grim. Even if he didn’t hear voices from commentators worldwide, he knew countless people were now discussing him, analyzing him!

"Unbelievable!"

"Aguero!"

"Aguero scored for Atletico Madrid!"

"He created the fastest goal in the Madrid Derby history."

"55 seconds!"

"He broke through Real Madrid’s goal in just 55 seconds!"

"Broke through the goal guarded by Casillas."

Aguero rushed towards the Atletico Madrid fan section, leaping high, and punched vigorously. His passionate celebration was so glaring, so distasteful.

Van Nistelrooy stood with his hands on his hips, looking somewhat bewildered. Raul clapped loudly, signaling his teammates to gather their spirits. Cannavaro and Pepe simultaneously glanced at Drenthe.

By division, that area should have had Drenthe present.

"I—I don’t know." Drenthe stammered his explanation, appearing flustered. Wearing the Real Madrid jersey and starting for the team, everything was so wonderful, yet they conceded a goal right from the start.

Although not entirely his responsibility, it still made him panicked.

Atletico Madrid’s coaching bench, Javier Aguirre stood at the sidelines in a suit, gently applauding, appearing simply "elegant."