I Am Jose-Chapter 188 - : The Third-Place Killer

"Well done, Carlos!"

On the sidelines, José clapped his hands forcefully. While this save didn't necessarily prove that Roa had returned to the level of Argentina's national team's starting goalkeeper, at the very least, he was a reliable presence in goal. With Mallorca's first-choice keeper, Franco, out injured for an unknown period, Roa's performances would significantly impact the team's results.

Franco was a relatively quiet goalkeeper, but Roa was the complete opposite. Just a glance at his imposing beard was enough to tell he was far from a gentle character. His style was all about roaring and bellowing on the pitch.

After pumping his fist and letting out a few shouts, Roa took a few steps forward with the ball before turning sideways and launching a powerful throw using his momentum!

A throw-in from the goalkeeper typically doesn't cover as much ground as a goal kick, but it has its advantages. However, accuracy is not one of them.

The ball flew nearly twenty meters before landing right at Ronaldinho's feet. The Brazilian controlled it with his left foot, then, just as Lusín closed in, flicked it over his opponent's head with his right foot and turned to break forward!

Lusín reacted quickly, executing a half-turn in an attempt to slow Ronaldinho down. However, the young Brazilian had grown significantly stronger physically. Even under intense pressure, he managed to push forward steadily. After breaking into Celta's half, he laid the ball off to Rufete, who had sprinted up the flank in support.

Rufete advanced with the ball and, before Juanfran could close him down, swung a long pass to the left. Capdevila, who had surged forward, controlled it smoothly before delivering a cross into the box!

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Luke met the cross with a powerful header, but Celta's Argentine goalkeeper, Caballero, was equal to the challenge, diving to his left and palming the ball away!

"Oh! Another brilliant save by Caballero! This match is turning into a showcase for Argentine goalkeepers. Franco was solid before his injury, Roa just pulled off a stunning stop, and now it's Caballero's turn! Bielsa must be having a headache—who should he pick as Argentina's number one?"

While the Argentine national team coach might have a "happy dilemma," the two managers on the sidelines saw it differently. Outstanding goalkeeping performances often meant that the defenses were under too much pressure.

Celta's coach was already shouting from the sidelines, urging his defenders to tighten up. His words seemed to have an effect, as Rufete's ensuing corner kick was headed clear, triggering a counterattack for Celta!

Gustavo López sprinted down the flank, with Capdevila hot on his heels. This match was crucial for Capdevila as well—he was competing with Celta's Juanfran for a spot in the Spanish national team.

Although not known for his defensive skills, Capdevila was putting in a tremendous effort, tirelessly harassing López. Each time López tried to break free, Capdevila would chase him down with relentless determination.

Realizing he couldn't break into the box, López abruptly stopped, shaking off Capdevila before sending a precise pass to the edge of the penalty area. Karpin, arriving at full speed, took a first-time shot!

Roa reacted swiftly, diving to parry the shot. However, Van Buyten was a step too slow in tracking back, allowing Jesuli to pounce on the rebound and stab it home!

Roa, still on the ground from his initial save, was powerless to stop the follow-up, and Celta had pulled one back!

"Goal! Jesuli on the rebound! Van Buyten was too slow to react on that play... This could spell trouble for Mallorca! Their lead is now down to a single goal!"

Jesuli wasted no time celebrating. He ran straight into the net, scooped up the ball, and sprinted back toward midfield. This match was a battle between two teams vying for a Champions League spot, and neither side was willing to back down.

José frowned. Moments earlier, Celta's momentum had been fading, but this goal reignited their fighting spirit. Fatigue would no longer be a factor for them; instead, they were fueled by renewed hope. What had seemed like a comfortable victory was now under threat.

"This is a problem... too many unexpected setbacks."

José muttered under his breath. Franco's injury was an unexpected blow, Van Buyten's mistake was another. Now, he needed to find a way to correct this situation.

Without hesitation, he made a substitution. Gamarra was brought on to replace team captain Nadal. Celta had been attacking relentlessly, frequently using quick passing and movement to disrupt Mallorca's defense. Although Nadal had performed well, covering for his teammates and breaking up attacks, his energy was draining fast. The fact that he had been a step too slow in covering for Van Buyten on the goal was proof that he was running out of steam.

Nadal had no objections to the change—he was exhausted. José, on the other hand, valued Gamarra's ability to read the game and cover for teammates. The Paraguayan defender, unlike most South American players, came from a footballing culture that emphasized defensive solidity. He had once been the defensive leader in front of legendary Paraguayan keeper Chilavert. Though not the tallest, his mobility and awareness made him an excellent cover defender, perfectly suited for handling Celta's attacking style.

Sure enough, after Gamarra's introduction, Mallorca's defense stabilized. His timely interventions helped neutralize the threats that had previously slipped past Van Buyten. With their attacks consistently breaking down, Celta's momentum began to wane. The initial adrenaline that had kept them going started to fade, and fatigue set in.

Football is all about momentum swings. As Celta's attacking rhythm slowed, Mallorca seized the opportunity to hit back with even greater intensity.

Ronaldinho started operating more from the left midfield position, linking up with Rufete on the flanks before delivering passes into central areas. But instead of simply crossing the ball, they focused on setting up shots at the edge of the penalty box, allowing Motta and Kaladze to arrive late and take advantage of openings. Celta's defensive midfield had been a weak point all game, and Lusín found himself overwhelmed trying to deal with two surging attackers on his own.

Sensing the danger, Celta's coach made a change, bringing on a defensive midfielder for the exhausted Mostovoi. However, without Mostovoi, Celta lost their primary playmaker, allowing Mallorca to ramp up the pressure even further.

Ronaldinho roamed all over the pitch, appearing on the left, in the center, and even swapping positions with Luke up front. Using his pace and skill, he tormented Celta's defenders.

"If we can extend the lead now, this match will be over."

José stroked his chin, then turned to his bench.

"Didier, warm up."

At the sound of his name, Drogba shot up from his seat and sprinted to begin his warm-up. While stretching, he kept his eyes on the game, trying to gauge what his role would be.

Two minutes later, José called him over.

"Didier, you're going on for Finidi. Tell the team—we're going all out in attack. Everyone except the two center-backs should push forward. Rufete will drop deeper on defense. Your job is to cause havoc in the box, draw their defenders, and create space for your teammates. If you get a chance, take the shot yourself. But our priority is clear—we must score the third goal."

Drogba nodded. He understood his mission—to disrupt Celta's defense and open opportunities for others. And in this role, he was more than capable.

As he came on, Finidi jogged off, panting heavily. The two exchanged a quick hug before Drogba sprinted onto the pitch.

"A striker replacing a defender! José really is a risk-taker... But given Celta's shaky defense, this move could actually work."

The commentator's words proved accurate. Celta's defense was on the verge of collapse, and Drogba's presence was the final straw.

In the 78th minute, Mallorca sealed the game.

Rufete whipped in a cross, and Drogba outjumped two defenders to nod it down. Ronaldinho, arriving at full speed, struck a low left-footed shot into the near corner, catching Caballero off guard—3-1!

As Mallorca's fans erupted in cheers, José pumped his fist and high-fived Nadal.

Three matches, three wins against third-place teams. Mallorca's winning streak not only cemented their top spot in the league but also eliminated three rivals from the Champions League race.

"The Third-Place Slayer—that's what they've become."