Chapter 39: Whose Hell
"The first half has been a beautiful performance from Mallorca, playing away from home. Through determined defense and a stunning counterattack, they've managed to take a one-goal lead despite being at a huge disadvantage. For a two-legged match, Mallorca has already gained the upper hand. Surely, they'll double down on their defensive-counterattack strategy in the second half... Oh, the second half is underway, and neither team has made substitutions. Mallorca is starting the second half..."
"Tristan passes the ball to Cameroon striker Eto'o, who quickly makes a long pass back to the deep-lying captain N'Gonga. It looks like Mallorca plans to pass around at the back to waste some time... They often do this, and it works quite well for them. This small island team has done well these past two seasons without any stars, relying on their tough defense... Oh, hell, they're starting an attack!"
In the announcer's startled voice, after controlling the ball at his feet, N'Gonga didn't do what everyone expected, which was to pass back and forth to waste time—this was exactly what the Galatasaray players thought would happen. As soon as Eto'o passed back, two forwards and at least three midfielders rushed past midfield, preparing to press high.
After receiving Eto'o's pass, N'Gonga lifted his right foot and quickly sent a low, fast ball out, passing it to the left wing to Stankovic!
Galatasaray's right winger Okan had been rushing forward. He had planned to press Mallorca's left-back Olesola to cut off N'Gonga's passing options, but as soon as N'Gonga lifted his foot, the ball was passed behind him...
Okan barely managed to stop and turn to try and defend Stankovic, but he lost his balance and fell to the ground awkwardly...
Though Stankovic wasn't the fastest, he was still quick compared to fast players like Eto'o and Ibagasa. As an Eastern European player, his technique and footwork were solid, allowing him to carry the ball forward at a decent pace, almost as fast as a full sprint.
With no one defending him, Stankovic charged forward, past midfield. Only after he crossed the center line did Galatasaray's defensive midfielder Yümit step forward to defend. Stankovic didn't waste time and quickly passed the ball across to N'Gonga, who had been making a run in support.
After passing the ball, N'Gonga didn't stay back. Instead, he pushed forward boldly and received Stankovic's pass!