CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 28: APPLAUSE

Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

White handkerchiefs waved from the stands, as the Merengue’s dissatisfaction with Metzelder grew increasingly severe as the match progressed.

Initially, the Merengue had high expectations for Metzelder.

However, Metzelder’s performance on the pitch left them utterly disappointed.

More and more Merengue began to chant Chen Zhong’s name, and these relentless calls created immense psychological pressure for Metzelder, like tiny hammers breaking his heart apart.

Continuous injuries and prolonged absence from the field have led to declines in both his physical fitness and competitive state, and the more he tries to prove himself, the more likely he is to make mistakes.

"We can hear it clearly."

"Real Madrid’s fans are chanting Chen’s name."

"It seems they are very dissatisfied with Metzelder’s performance in this match."

"Almeria’s attack, taking advantage of Real Madrid’s flank space."

"Another cross, Metzelder leaps high."

"Missed the header?"

"Really missed it!"

"An excellent opportunity for Almeria!"

"Negredo!"

Negredo’s eyes were full of delight as he watched Metzelder leap high, then saw the ball soar over Metzelder’s head and land perfectly in his grasp.

Heinze and Cannavaro quickly converged on him from both sides, while Negredo didn’t hold the ball, spotting his teammate charging forward on the far end, and chipped a pass over.

Ramos wanted to intercept the ball, but neither his positioning nor his physical stance provided any advantage, and Artis lightly flicked the ball with his forehead, breaking into Real Madrid’s penalty area, facing Casillas with arms spread like a mother hen protecting chicks, aimed between his legs intending to sneak a small goal into the large net.

Casillas tucked in his left leg to block the shot.

Artis wanted to follow up with another shot, but Casillas had already smothered the ball with his body.

On the sideline, Emery grimaced regretfully, gazing skyward as if savoring Artis’ shot, contemplating what might have happened if it had succeeded.

Many Almeria fans held their heads in disbelief, gawking at whether they were shocked the ball didn’t go in or astonished Casillas reacted so swiftly.

The Merengue’s waved their white handkerchiefs more vigorously, chants of "Chen" and boos intertwined, engulfing the entire stadium.

Schuster stood on the sidelines with a grim face, watching Metzelder, who was also watching him.

"Get Chen warmed up," Schuster suddenly said, "Right now, immediately, get Chen warmed up!"

"Are we going to substitute him?"

"No!" Schuster shook his head, gritting his teeth, "I just need to show him that if he keeps playing like crap, he can get off the field, and let someone capable take over."

"I don’t care whether he’s young or not!"

"I only care whether this damn guy can play football properly!"

Schuster’s intentions were well-meaning, hoping to put some pressure on Metzelder, but it turned out to be the last straw that broke the camel’s back, exacerbating his sleepwalking performance, causing concerns among teammates.

All teammates worried about Metzelder making another mistake, prompting Guti, Sneijder, and Diara to form an impromptu trio of Defensive Midfielders, while Ramos and Heinze contributed to solidifying the defense, even Raul retreated.

Commentary: (⊙o⊙)...

"Almeria has begun to assert itself at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium."

"But Schuster evidently knows how to handle this situation confidently."

"He’s utilizing three Defensive Midfielders in the match, fortifying their side’s half."

"This is to lure Almeria forward."

"Then use short passes to circulate the ball to the flanks and launch a counterattack."

Well, this is nonsense spoken with great solemnity!

This commentator nailed it.

"Schuster wasn’t blinded by two consecutive victories."

"Clearly, he’s learned from his predecessor Capello’s experience."

"On the football field, regardless of looking good or not."

"First, achieve results before pursuing beautiful football to satisfy the fans."

"Now he is..."

"Oh, this collision."

"Metzelder collided with an Almeria player."

"Seems like there’s no major issue."

"Hold on, what’s happening?"

This was an Almeria attack when Metzelder, while pre-emptively guarding position, failed to cleanly cut off the ball, almost allowing Almeria’s player to slip through. Once that happened, whether it was passing or shooting, it posed a massive threat.

Metzelder clearly realized this too, so in haste, he used both hands and feet, let’s just consider it a tactical foul!

In short, he toppled the opposing player to the ground, the two rolling together like tumbleweeds, and the referee blew the whistle, giving Metzelder a verbal warning, then awarding a Free Kick.

The matter could have ended there.

But that incomplete tackle prompted a chorus of boos throughout the stadium, as the Merengue were reminded of Chen Zhong’s performances in previous matches.

High aerial duels, anticipation interceptions, decisive slides, long pass assists, scoring from corners.

Metzelder was inherently slower, previously renowned for his aerial defense, but looking at this match, what’s he playing as?

He practically seemed not like a professional player.

Schuster already had pent-up anger, observing Metzelder’s "lame" behavior, hearing the fan’s boos, then noticing Chen Zhong completed his warm-up just as there was a natural break.

Decisively opted for substitution.

"In the 11th minute of the match!"

"Real Madrid has used their first substitution quota."

"They replaced Metzelder with Chen."

"This undoubtedly feels like humiliation for Metzelder."

Metzelder’s face turned pale on the field, the boos and applause on the pitch were clear to him; the boos were for him, and the applause was for the young player replacing him.

He stood there stunned, causing Schuster’s anger to flare instantly.

"Is he going to refuse the substitution?" Schuster’s eyes flashed with a chilling gleam; should Metzelder truly dare act so, regardless of whether his annual salary was 4 million or 40 million Euro, there would be no place for him on this team.

According to the rules: substituted players refusing to leave permits the match to resume.

However evidently, Metzelder lacked that courage, he was momentarily dazed, and under Negredo’s reminder, he walked despondently towards the sideline.

Life after joining Real Madrid was nothing like he had imagined.

He hadn’t become the "new king" of Real Madrid’s defense but rather seemed like a burden, a vampire, prolific in the disdain of fans and the coaching staff.

Despite this, he wouldn’t be crushed so easily.

It was just an off-game for him, as long as he trains diligently, sincerely completing the fitness coach’s assignments, he will surely have the opportunity to serve the team in a healthy, energetic state.

Upon Metzelder’s exit, applause drowned the boos, the Merengue’s handkerchiefs began to retract.

Almeria took the Free Kick.

The ball precisely targeted the left side of the penalty area, and Negredo leaped high, attempting a header to score, but a familiar figure appeared before him.

"It’s Chen!"

Negredo’s face showed a trace of a smile, then suddenly changed!

He felt his solar plexus being jabbed by Chen Zhong’s elbow.

Starting with an elbow to my solar plexus?

WCNMD

True TM good brother!