Chapter 567 - 39: Confrontation! Studs.
San Siro Stadium
The originally "restless" hearts of Real Madrid’s players gradually settled down.
And Chen Zhong also understood a principle that sometimes, as a leader, it’s not about whether he wants the best or whether he wants "privileges".
He must have them.
Otherwise, everyone else would fight for this "best" and this "privilege".
Take this match for example, Real Madrid’s performance on the field may appear no different from previous games, but at the significant moment of reaching 700 goals in team history, when Chen Zhong did not express his desire to score this 700th goal.
The team had already started splitting into small groups.
Cristiano Ronaldo wanted this 700th goal, Higuain wanted this 700th goal.
Both individuals had their supporters, like Di Maria who supported Higuain, also an Argentine.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo had support from Pepe, Cavaleiro, and Marcelo.
This led to Real Madrid’s offensive in this match appearing "all for one," but actually just like the beginning of the season, it was each for themselves.
Especially with Chen Zhong’s retreat to assist defense, which further aggravated this trend.
But now, Chen Zhong spoke out, expressing his desire for the glory of the 700th goal.
When he spoke, no, even as long as he expressed this idea and action, whether it was Di Maria, Marcelo, or even the competitors themselves.
Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
No matter how much they desired it.
Then in the subsequent matches, unless an open goal presented itself, an opportunity far too perfect.
Their first moment, their first objective, would be to create opportunities for Chen Zhong.
"The match continues."
"Milan is now two goals ahead of Real Madrid."
"We can see Milan’s fans in the stands are very excited."
"In this match, Real Madrid’s defense is actually quite good."
"The two goals were not due to failures in the team’s defensive strategy and tactics."
"Was it luck?"
"Otherwise, it’s hard to explain Inzaghi’s two goals."
Inzaghi’s two goals, one was from Ibrahimovic’s botched shot that deflected directly to a proactive Inzaghi, facing an empty goal, he easily scored from 3 meters away.
The other came from the referee’s misjudgment.
"Of course, this match, Milan’s starting lineup surprised many, including experts."
"Milan in the starting lineup against Real Madrid at San Siro, the pre-match rumor of ’Seedorf replacing Boateng’ was overturned."
"And in this match, Allegri withstood the pressure from Berlusconi and continued to bench the Dutchman."
"But what truly surprised everyone was that in such an important match, with Zambrotta recovered from injury, Allegri actually started Abate at right-back and Zambrotta at left-back, while Antonini, the absolute starter, was benched."
"This was a very brave move, which might have caused Mourinho to misjudge."
"After all, despite Antonini’s two errors against Juventus, Abate’s appearances this season have been scarce, and he had similarly made basic mistakes in last season’s Derby della Madonnina; using him in a match like this while he faces the illustrious C. Ronaldo."
"I think no one can vouch there wouldn’t be any problems."
"After all, in the last match, Antonini and Zambrotta couldn’t keep up with C. Ronaldo’s pace and speed."
"Him? I think everyone considering this question almost visualizes a big question mark."
"But undoubtedly, Allegri made the right gamble in this match."
"And also possibly because the robust and explosively powerful Abate is Allegri’s only choice?"
Allegri’s performance in this match amazed many, even though Real Madrid largely controlled the situation on the field.
But in terms of score, Milan leads by two goals now.
And Allegri also expressed gratitude to Tassotti on the sidelines.
Initially, he did not have much trust in Abate.
But Tassotti, more familiar with Milan, strongly recommended the young right-back, and Abate obviously received a buff this match, activating actively on the field, even targeting Chen Zhong multiple times.
As if saying.
Brother, if you dare infringe on my territory, I will show you no mercy.
Chen Zhong noticed Abate’s gaze.
Ignazio Abate was part of Milan’s youth training; in the 08-09 season when Chen Zhong was loaned to Milan during the winter window, this youth player, who had been loaned out since the 03-04 season, was not only loaned out but half his ownership was sold.
During team chats, Chen Zhong once discussed Abate with his Milan teammates.
How did he phrase it back then?
"Ignazio is actually a pretty good player."
"But sometimes, he just overthinks."
"He should play more straightforward, think less, and be less meticulous, a bit more restless, not so dilly-dallying might be better."
Their only encounter was at the end of the season, when Abate unexpectedly heard Chen Zhong’s evaluation of him, he approached Chen Zhong alone...