Chapter 551 - 31: His Heart Is on the Line
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium
The Real Madrid fans in the stands are cheering for Chen Zhong’s goal.
The kind of direct face-to-face shot that sent the goalkeeper to the ground and slipped from his hands activated the violent genes hidden within their bodies.
De Gea got up from the ground, standing in front of the goal, listening to the cheers inside the Bernabeu, his face full of seriousness.
He waved his hands and looked at the team’s central defender Godin, saying, "We can’t let him shoot from that position again!"
"Absolutely not!"
Diego Roberto Godin Lail, known as "Godin," the Uruguayan, played for Villarreal last season, transferred to Atletico Madrid this season for 18 million Euros, and soon secured his position as the team’s main player with his performance.
After hearing De Gea’s words, Godin widened his eyes, looking at De Gea, as if he could hardly believe his ears.
No way, brother.
What height do I have, what height does he have, what value do I have, what value does he have, what salary do I have, what salary does he have?
You’re asking me to stop him?
Are you serious?
Godin joined Villarreal in August 2007, coincidentally the same year Chen Zhong was promoted from Castilla to the first team.
At first, the two could be considered peers, both in the central defender position.
Godin once marveled at Chen Zhong’s good fortune.
After all, back then, Metzelder was always injured and making mistakes, which gave Chen Zhong enough opportunities, allowing this 16-year-old overly young monster to shine on the field.
But soon, Godin also successfully gained the trust of the team, gradually becoming Villarreal’s main central defender.
The first encounter between Godin and Chen Zhong was last season, and judging from the outcome of the match, the Uruguayan clearly did not "turn the tide," or else he would be bought by Barcelona rather than joining Atletico Madrid.
Just as everyone hopes to have a central defender who can stop Messi, many now hope to have a midfielder or central defender who can rival Chen Zhong.
Otherwise...
The outcome is evident.
If you don’t let me enter the penalty area, I’ll knock you over, or carry you into the box...
Real Madrid, after scoring, played with even more ease.
In the 19th minute of the match, Chen Zhong, with the ball in the middle, performed a Marseille Turn, bypassing the advancing Thiago, and then chipped a pass to Cristiano Ronaldo who was entering the box.
The Portuguese faced the ball without hesitation and hit it with a volley towards the goal.
But De Gea’s reaction was swift, showing excellent goal-line technique as the ball was deflected by his hand outwards.
This scene made Cristiano Ronaldo jump twice in place, looking very frustrated, his little eyes looking at De Gea as if to say: "I hate you now!"
De Gea’s stable performance also gradually steadied the hearts of Atletico Madrid’s players.
And on the sidelines, Diego Simeone regained his fighting spirit, using his hoarse voice to inspire the players to battle.
This achieved a certain effect.
"Atletico Madrid’s attack."
"Aguero taking it down the flank."
"Collaborating with Reyes on the right."
"Chipping to the center!"
"Forlan!"
Atletico Madrid’s attack is very...
Characteristic?
If Atletico Madrid used to have a template before, you could often know which part to find whom.
But under Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid became more free, or rather flexible.
They had no fixed routine, when the ball was delivered to the front, it completely relied on the players’ individual abilities and ideas.
This greatly tested the "ingenuity" of the attacking players.
When Aguero took it down the flank, Chen Zhong didn’t "shamelessly" follow, but looked towards Forlan.
This man, who once won the La Liga Golden Boot, clinched the European Golden Boot, and in La Liga was the second after Ronaldo to score more than 30 goals in a single season.
The Uruguayan was somewhat silent this match, but for a striker, silence is nothing, a goal is enough to make up for everything.
Forlan moved swiftly, finding a small path in Real Madrid’s defense.
This all-powerful shooter, with seasoned experience, even in front of the currently hottest Luis Suárez, he still held his own.
However, upon noticing that his teammates overlooked this Uruguayan, Chen Zhong chose to personally attend to this senior.
Forlan noticed Chen Zhong’s approach, but "when paths cross, the brave win," he had no reason to fear an up-and-comer.
When Aguero passed the ball, everyone noticed this "new vs. old" showdown.
Once when Aguero was completely shut down by Chen Zhong, it was Forlan’s stepping up that gave the team a glimmer of attacking hope, and now, must he stand up again?
Atletico Madrid fans undoubtedly supported Forlan.
Some fans even muttered: "What’s with Chen?"
"Is Chen invincible?"
"We have Forlan!"
Forlan positioned himself first, even though Chen Zhong had long legs, he couldn’t get the ball.
And since he had already entered the penalty area, Forlan assumed a stance that seemed to say, if you dare to extend your leg, I’ll dare to fall for you.