Football singularity-Chapter 352 Rumble Time

Please vote to show me your support for the story the higher we climb in the rankings the more motivated I will feel. Mass releases will be rewarded for each 10 rankings we manage to climb.

~~~

[Saturday 17/08/2019, 10:20, Hilton Hotel Cologne]

In the penthouse suite, Rakim could be seen with his upper body bare, lying on his stomach on the large white couch in the living room. His gaze was mostly focused on the Sky Sports talk show on TV, where pundits were already discussing yesterday’s shocking opener and matches that were played today. They were having a field day as the excitement hung in the air as another season of the Bundesliga began.

On his back, the blond figure of May can be seen dressed in a pair of sports leggings and a sports bra as her hands continued to move on his back. Pressing and kneading his muscles she did her best to help him relax knowing he would have to get to work later on. "I can’t believe you sometimes," May stated as she once again massaged his left shoulder causing a soft grunt from her boyfriend.

"Huh, what’d I do?" He asked tilting his head trying to look at her only to have his head pushed down again forced to relax. "You didn’t have to join me in the gym as soon as you got back from your morning meeting, even though all I did was Pilates."

"It was a good cooldown plus even though I’ll be on the bench it’s good to keep my body ready on matchdays," he responded not at all understanding why she was so worried. It was like after their relationship had become truly official, she had started worrying about him more.

Not that he minded it though since it felt like he was on cloud 9, but he couldn’t understand why she suddenly started to treat him as if he was made out of glass. "Just don’t push yourself too far, everyone is already proud of what you have achieved anything else is just icing." She stated leaning down to place a soft kiss on his left shoulder.

"Icing’s the best part, though," Rakim murmured, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. In the next moment, he turned his body in one fell swoop exchanging their positions as she now lay under him. "Since you’re worried enough for both of us, I’ll have no fear once I step on the turf," he told her before capturing her lips not allowing her to retort as he had clearly only heard what he wanted to.

~~~

[Saturday 17/08/2019, 14:20,]

The BayArena was alive with anticipation, the home fans clad in red and black whilst the away fans in blue colours quickly filled the stands. Their chants already echoed across the stadium as they welcomed their respective teams. This was their own team’s opening day of the Bundesliga season, and Bayer Leverkusen was set to face newly promoted Paderborn. Commentators Derek Rae and Stewart Robson were seated in their booth, scanning the lineups and observing the warm-ups below.

Derek Rae: "Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the BayArena for what promises to be a thrilling start to both team’s Bundesliga season. Bayer Leverkusen hosts SC Paderborn, and Stewart, the home side will be eager to start their campaign on the right foot, especially with Bayern dropping points yesterday."

Stewart Robson: "Absolutely, Derek. Under Peter Bosz, Leverkusen showed glimpses of brilliance last season, particularly with their attacking style. The likes of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland will be key today. But let’s not underestimate Paderborn. They’ll be looking to make a statement as they return to the top flight."

Derek Rae: "Indeed, and speaking of statements, Stewart, one player on the Leverkusen bench who could make an impact if called upon is 16-year-old Rakim Rex. Fresh off a Scottish Cup victory with Celtic after a lone spell, he joined the club this summer with a hefty $23 million price tag. The nickname Mr Showtime sure suits him with the buzz surrounding him."

Stewart Robson: "Media work is almost a secondary requirement for athletes nowadays. However, you don’t often see that kind of money spent on someone so young, especially coming into the Bundesliga, but Rakim’s has already proven from a young age that he is worth the investment. In his own words, ’I am the chosen one,’ and continues to live up to that each match he plays, showcasing his flair and versatility."

Derek Rae: "There’s no denying the hype, Stewart. But the big question is—will we see him debut today? It’s always a gamble throwing a young player into the intensity of Bundesliga football, especially in a high-pressure opener like this."

Stewart Robson: "True, Derek. But if you look at Peter Bosz’s history, he’s not afraid to take risks with young talent. Havertz was a teenager when he broke through at this very club and look where he is now. If Rakim’s called upon, it’ll be fascinating to see how he adapts to the pace and physicality here."

Derek Rae: "And it’s not just the physicality—it’s the tactical demands. Paderborn, despite being underdogs, are known for their high-energy pressing game. Rakim will need to show he can handle that if he’s to make an impact."

Stewart Robson: "Absolutely. Still, you can’t teach flair, and Rakim has that in spades. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bosz uses him in the latter stages, especially if the game’s tight and they need a spark of creativity."

Both commentators continued their discussion as the atmosphere in the stadium grew electric reaching a fever point. It was only released when both teams emerged from the tunnel. Leverkusen fans roared their support, while Paderborn’s travelling contingent matched them with their boisterous chants.

~~~

---

Starting line ups:

Bayer Leverkusen XI 3-4-3

GK: 1 L. Hrádecký

RCB: 4 J. Tah

CB: 5 S. Bender

LCB: 18 Wendell

RM: 8 L. Bender

CM: 15 J. Baumgartlinger

CM: 20 C. Aránguiz

LM: 9 L. Bailey

RW: 29 K. Havertz

ST: 31 K. Volland

LW: 10 K. Demirbay

Coach: P. Bosz

Substitutes:

6 A. Dragović

38 K. Bellarabi

22 Rakim Rex

11 N. Amiri

3 P. Retsos

19 M. Diaby

16 T. Jedvaj

28 R. Özcan

7 Paulinho

VS

Paderborn XI 4-4-2

GK: J. Huth

LB: J. Collins

LCB: U. Hünemeier

RCB: C. Strohdiek

RB: M. Dräger

LM: C. Antwi-Adjei

CM: K. Gjasula

CM: S. Vasiliadis

RM: 9 K. Pröger

ST: S. Michel

ST: S. Mamba

Coach: S. Baumgart

---

[Saturday 17/08/2019, 14:30,]

(Wheuuuuuiiiiit)

[1st Minute]

With the referee’s whistle Volland who stood over the ball at centre field wasted no time sending the ball backwards to the waiting feet of Aránguiz. Aránguiz quickly controlled the ball, scanning the field for options. Paderborn’s forwards, Michel and Mamba, sprinted forward, eager to press high and disrupt Leverkusen’s rhythm. The Chilian midfielder, however, remained composed, sending the ball to his backline.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

Wendell received the ball on the left side of the defensive line, immediately finding himself under pressure from Paderborn’s energetic forwards. He took a touch and sent a sharp pass to Sven Bender in the centre. Bender, Leverkusen’s captain gestured for his teammates to calm things down, pivoting away from trouble before pinging the ball wide to his brother Lars on the right.

Lars Bender controlled the ball expertly, his eyes darting upfield as he assessed his options. Paderborn’s left winger, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, charged at him with intent, forcing Lars to move quickly. A sharp touch to the inside gave him just enough space to launch a diagonal ball upfield towards Leon Bailey on the left wing.

The Jamaican livewire brought the ball down with a deft first touch that drew oohs from the crowd. Bailey squared up against Paderborn’s right-back, Mohamed Dräger, teasing him with a quick shimmy before bursting down the line. Dräger scrambled to recover, but Bailey’s pace was electric.

"Oh, I see Bailey is wasting no time introducing Dräger to the Bundesliga in the most ruthless way possible." Derek Rae commentated with excitement as the Leverkusen fans who had just sat down sprang up from their seats in excitement.

"True he’s a nightmare for fullbacks, Derek. Quick feet, raw pace, and a directness that unsettles any defender." Robertson agreed as they watched the Jamaican winger accelerated past Dräger instantly initiating an attack as most of his teammates flooded forward. They were making full use of the attacking tactics that Bosz had drilled into them as none of them ran into the same area.

Bailey reached the edge of the penalty area and whipped in a vicious low cross. The ball cut a curved arc as it sailed into the box right around the six tard line skimming just inches in front of Kevin Volland who battled with Hünemeier.

.

.

.

.

To Be Continued...