I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

He said there would be a day he’d prove himself.

At that time, he hoped to be right in front of him.

However, in the last match, Abate didn’t even make it to the substitutes, but he appeared in this one.

This player, praised by Galliani as a "track athlete" and "turbo engine", really has his unique tactics against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Whether it’s chasing, assisting defense, or even tactical fouls, using any means, although he couldn’t completely make the Portuguese disappear, Abate at least maximized the limitation on the Portuguese.

In fact, Abate’s presence forced Chen Zhong to focus more on the right half where Di Maria was roaming.

And when the ball was passed to Di Maria, it basically meant that C. Ronaldo was out of the play, and the ball would generally end up with Higuain.

"Real Madrid’s attack!"

"Chen Zhong with the ball."

"C. Ronaldo raises his hand for the ball."

"C. Ronaldo’s performance in this match isn’t impressive."

"Abate is sticking to him like a piece of gum."

Chen Zhong looked at Cristiano Ronaldo, who raised his hand for the ball, and passed it over, playing ahead while he quickly moved forward.

This was something Real Madrid often did last season.

Pass the ball to the flank.

Then the center forward creates space.

Chen Zhong pushes forward, the flank passes the ball.

Abate clearly studied Real Madrid’s tactics before the match, as he tugged at Cristiano Ronaldo, their bodies entangled, fighting as they moved forward.

The Portuguese had a look of utter frustration on his face, pushing against Abate.

In the end, neither of them touched the ball.

Cristiano Ronaldo angrily looked at Abate. If 700 goals were what Chen wanted, then the assist had to be his, but what’s this guy doing?

This match is against me?

The Portuguese’s control over his emotions is clearly not very good. Seeing this, Chen Zhong gestured from afar for Cristiano Ronaldo to calm down, but this action obviously made him even more infuriated.

He felt embarrassed in front of his friend.

He stared intently at Abate, muttering something under his breath, clearly targeting the Italian.

"Milan has possession."

"Abate receives the ball."

"C. Ronaldo coming from behind."

"This kick!"

"Very risky."

Cristiano Ronaldo, upon seeing Abate receive the ball, glanced at Chen Zhong.

Then quickly from behind, a sliding tackle, trying to intercept the ball.

But Abate’s passing speed was very fast, and he also timely avoided Cristiano Ronaldo’s kick.

He didn’t protest, just glanced at the Portuguese climbing from the ground, staring blankly, seemingly thinking about something.

Chen Zhong took the initiative this time, running over and patting Cristiano Ronaldo on the shoulder, saying, "Focus, don’t get into fights with him. This is exactly what he wants."

"Pass me the ball." Cristiano Ronaldo said seriously to Chen Zhong, "I will get the ball to your feet."

Chen Zhong didn’t give the Portuguese any definite reply, but during the subsequent time, he still passed the ball to the Portuguese.

By the thirtieth minute, Real Madrid gradually took control of the situation, and Milan’s fans grew increasingly restless.

This was evident from the increasing amount of green laser dots on Mourinho’s face.

They watched Real Madrid’s offensive, growing agitated.

After knocking off a pressing Milan player, Chen Zhong made a powerful short pass to Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese adjusted his stance while controlling the ball, facing Gattuso. In place, he performed a step-over, trying to confuse the opponent, and at this moment, the irritating Abate was charging quickly from afar.

Cristiano Ronaldo bit his lip, taking notice of this scene.

If he could just make another couple of moves, he might get past Gattuso.

But facing that lunkhead Abate, he chose to turn and take the ball towards the flank, while Gattuso blocked the possible passing lanes.

"C. Ronaldo is down."

"In the first half, Abate slid-tackled C. Ronaldo three times."

"Did C. Ronaldo successfully cross in the first half? Was there an instance? Maybe once?"

"Of course, Abate also didn’t successfully cross."

"But trading an Abate for a C. Ronaldo? Milan is definitely getting the better deal!"

"Exactly, Chen Zhong, perhaps you should consider diversifying the team’s attack."

Mourinho, standing on the sideline, clearly couldn’t watch any longer. He called out to Chen Zhong, hinting that he should not continuously pass to Cristiano Ronaldo’s side.

Clearly, Chen Zhong is capable of ball progression himself, and Di Maria and Higuain were actively positioning.

"In this match, Abate seems a bit daft."

"But in this gritty match,"

"Abate’s obstinance seems to have had a very positive effect."

"I believe this player will have a bright future."

"If he could use this stubbornness to influence more players."

"Whoa~"

By the 37th minute, perhaps Mourinho’s actions stimulated Cristiano Ronaldo, or maybe Abate really pushed the Portuguese over the edge.

During a quick Real Madrid counter-attack, Chen Zhong took the ball at the center circle, hesitated briefly, but still chose to pass to the quickly surging Cristiano Ronaldo.

This decision was partly emotional, and partly because during the counter-attack, the Portuguese was running faster than Di Maria.

Cristiano Ronaldo, upon receiving the ball, chose a diagonal breakthrough.

Abate decisively slid in from the side.

He simply kicked the ball flying, disrupting Real Madrid’s attack.

If it were just this, it would be nothing, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s subsequent, seemingly deliberate foot stomp on Abate’s calf completely ignited the entire stadium.

The main referee blew the whistle, as Abate clutched his foot in pain on the ground, loudly protesting.

Players from both teams began shoving each other, with Milan players crowding over, led by Gattuso charging forward, and from Real Madrid, Pepe came running up from behind.

When the main referee arrived, Pepe exaggeratedly fell to the ground.

And the main referee, without hesitation, showed an "innocent" Gattuso a yellow card.

"What?"

"Me?"

"A yellow card?"

Gattuso experienced something similar to 2007; he led the charge. Even though he was a well-known figure on the pitch, he could control his temper well, especially at times like this.

And, Abate, why are you getting up?

You should be playing up your misery at times like this, you know?

Weren’t you doing well just now?

Also, was it you who pushed Pepe just now?

Chen Zhong stood at the edge, mouth agape, watching Gattuso trying to explain, raising an eyebrow.

Although they clashed fiercely on the pitch, their relationship off the field was quite decent.

After giving Gattuso a yellow card, the main referee verbally warned Cristiano Ronaldo and then gave the Portuguese a yellow card.

Cristiano Ronaldo forced a "smile", his flushed demeanor making it clear he was somewhat irrational in such a non-essential match.

And Chen Zhong immediately rushed over, putting his arm around the Portuguese.

On the pitch, even Ronaldinho would act out in retaliation. That infamous Luis Suárez might bite when pissed off, so Cristiano Ronaldo’s actions are understandable.

But if you argue, a second yellow leading to a red wouldn’t be good.

The first half ended with Real Madrid failing to score, and the camera panned to Mourinho, the master of in-match adjustments, with everyone anticipating his halftime adjustments.

ps: Abate’s storyline was omitted in the Milan arc.