CHAPTER 59: CHAPTER 30: UNCONVINCED

"It’s still uncertain who will win!" Emery muttered from the sidelines, momentarily focusing on Chen Zhong with a sigh, "They really have a lot of talent!"

Last season, the Almeria led by Emery was still playing in the Segunda Division.

At that time, his team suffered greatly against Castilla, and players like Negredo left a deep impression on Emery.

This season, Negredo has become a member of Almeria. Emery holds Negredo in high regard, not only offering him the No. 9 jersey but also securing his position as the main center forward.

Moreover, Emery specifically designed tactics focused on wing attacks for Negredo to ensure enough support for him.

In the first two matches, Negredo did not disappoint Emery’s trust.

In the first encounter with "Super Laco," Negredo scored early for the team, helping them achieve a 3-0 surprise victory over Deportivo La Coruna away from home, defying all expectations.

This unexpected win shocked many; an underdog team actually defeated Super Laco, akin to your dinner unexpectedly eating you first.

In the second league match at home, despite losing to "The Bats," Negredo scored the team’s only goal. With two goals in two matches, this young forward has completely won over the Almeria fans, becoming a new idol at the Mediterranean Games Stadium.

At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Negredo had already breached Real Madrid’s defense once. Emery believes that with enough support, this young player will again repay with goals.

"I don’t believe you won’t make a mistake!" Emery looked at Chen Zhong, not believing that Chen Zhong could go mistake-free for a whole match. For a defensive player, failing once means all your previous efforts can vanish into smoke.

"Don’t be afraid of fouling!" Emery shouted loudly from the sidelines, "Be more aggressive."

Almeria established a nearly impenetrable defense line in their defensive half, with the players’ actions becoming more reckless and aggressive, especially around Guti, where Almeria’s players seemed to consider taking him down as a badge of honor.

Guti struggled, and his pure white jersey quickly turned dirty.

Each interception turned into a delivery for Negredo, and Emery believed that Negredo would eventually convert one into a goal to repay his trust.

"Damn it, you’re a clever bastard," Schuster squinted slightly, yelling agitatedly from the sidelines, "Sneijder, what are you doing, move forward, I need you more involved in the attack, damn it, did I ask you to play as a defensive midfielder?"

Schuster quickly identified the key. Almeria managed to kill off Real Madrid’s attack because they targeted Guti; but what if we have dual cores?

With Schuster’s timely adjustments, Real Madrid gradually drew the match into their rhythm and began to dominate. Almeria could only sporadically threaten Real Madrid’s goal with occasional counterattacks.

However, Negredo was repeatedly limited by Chen Zhong, dissolving Almeria’s attacks over and over again, surprising Almeria’s fans.

"How is he doing that?"

"I mean, I can understand him matching Negredo physically."

"How is he always in the right spot at the right time to intercept the ball?"

Almeria’s fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

Even Negredo couldn’t believe this person used to be his teammate.

Another cross from a teammate arrived, and Negredo ran towards the drop point of the ball, while Chen Zhong was already waiting there, the two tangling, bumping, and entwining.

Despite having a "favorable position," Chen Zhong constantly denied Negredo access to the ball, greatly frustrating Negredo’s confidence.

The Merengue in the stands began shouting "Chen" every time Chen Zhong completed an interception, which seemed to turn into some sort of slogan.

"Since Chen Zhong came on."

"The Real Madrid defensive line has had an immediate effect."

"Whether it’s early interception, tackling, or aerial duels, he’s got Negredo completely pinned down."

"In the 41st minute of the match."

"Another attack from Almeria."

"They again tried to create an opportunity with a cross."

"I don’t think this is a good idea."

"Because they have Chen Zhong!"

Negredo and Chen Zhong were tangled, their bodies colliding even before the ball arrived. When the ball dropped, both jumped, pushing at each other with their arms.

Negredo already used all his strength, and while they were evenly matched physically, Chen Zhong had the positional advantage, leading to a situation where Negredo couldn’t even get close with his stretched neck, only managing to press his face against Chen Zhong’s.

Chen Zhong saw Sneijder raising his arm far away, and with a powerful header, he fiercely hammered the ball, which bounced on the ground like a mischievous child.

Yet, Sneijder, with extremely high skill, tamed the ball smoothly during the reception and turning process.

"It’s him, it’s him!"

"Our Chen Zhong appeared at the crucial position again."

"Compared to the clumsy Metzelder."

"Maybe Schuster should consider making Chen Zhong the starting center-back for the team."

"The ball landed at Sneijder’s feet, showcasing his extremely high ball control technique."

"Chen Zhong not only completed a beautiful defense but also sounded the horn of a counterattack."

"If I were the team manager, as long as he’s not injured, he would always be my starter."

Sneijder, after receiving the ball, attracted Almeria players before making a precise, forceful short pass to Saviola. The nearby Almeria player quickly closed in, but Saviola had no intention of stopping the ball.

He passed it directly to Raul, who was making a diagonal run back, and in the penalty area, Raul took the ball, evaded a sliding Almeria player, and in a chorus of exclamations from the crowd, unleashed a powerful shot.

Almeria’s goalkeeper reacted quickly, deflecting the ball onto the right goalpost where it rebounded.

At that moment, a white figure darted out.

It was the rabbit, Saviola!

His diligent positioning paid off, as he received the ball on the left side of the small penalty area and executed a calm strike.

The ball rolled into the net past the goalkeeper’s right hand.

2:1

Real Madrid took the lead.

Saviola was ecstatic, having scored his first goal for Real Madrid. At this moment, perhaps the most disappointed weren’t Almeria’s fans but Barcelona’s.

"Oh, oh~" Schuster’s eyes showed a hint of surprise, "This rabbit is still somewhat useful."

Emery closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. Perhaps, during halftime, he needs to adjust the team’s tactics to add more layers to their attack.

Though unwilling to admit, Chen Zhong’s tenacity far exceeded his expectations.

Yet, I still refuse to concede!

Reversals in the second half are common on the pitch.

At least, at least, we should strive for a draw!

Maybe Emery himself didn’t realize that his initial ambition to win at the Bernabeu had turned into a hope for a draw.

The first half ended, and both teams headed to the locker rooms one after another.

Schuster stood before the whiteboard, loudly grumbling, "Damn brats, I’m not satisfied with your performance!"