I Am Scouted by Real Madrid-Chapter 444 - 72: Chen: King of Stat-Padding? (A Long Stretch)

Chapter 444: Chapter 72: Chen: King of Stat-Padding? (A Long Stretch)

Among this batch of T-shirts, the best-selling one is printed with the words "Chen, the Vegetable King."

On this website, this shirt is priced at 22.95 Euros.

Besides this T-shirt, two others are also popular. One is printed with "Rent Bernabeu," through which fans mock Florentino’s economic policies that are bound to be punished.

Another features the word "Backdrop," with a picture of Ibrahimovic executing a scorpion kick against Chen Zhong’s defense, definitely a beautiful goal.

These disturbances also prompted some Merengue fans to take countermeasures by producing a batch of T-shirts, printed with Barcelona’s key losses or draws this season.

They even made a poster of Chen Zhong overpowering Ibrahimovic, with a tiny Messi watching stupidly in the distance, alongside the score of 1:2 and a striking caption asking who the real best is?

To symbolize the first encounter of the season, when Chen Zhong of Real Madrid clinched the game against Barcelona.

And in that clinching moment, it was Chen Zhong overpowering Ibrahimovic with a brilliant headed goal.

The dispute between the fans of the two teams made Atletico Madrid, who are about to face Real Madrid in a third match, seem like mere spectators, which was unacceptable for them. So Atletico Madrid’s fans, players, and coaches started speaking out.

After all, there are still two rounds until the second national derby between Real Madrid and Barcelona!

At the pre-match press conference, Flores looked serious, facing the cameras and declared, "I hear there’s a saying in China: things don’t happen thrice."

"We have failed twice before, but this time, we will achieve the much-awaited victory at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium."

"When we learned we would be playing against Real Madrid, the lads got extremely excited."

"They are all waiting to achieve that long-awaited victory at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium."

Flores gradually stabilized his precarious position during this period. Fans watched his team’s triumphant progress in the UEFA Europa League and their gradual stabilization in the league.

The fans of Atletico Madrid gradually gained confidence in Flores, and this time Flores made comprehensive preparations, at least that’s what he told the media.

Atletico Madrid’s forwards Aguero and Fernando also gave interviews, both expressing their confidence on camera, believing they will perform well in the upcoming Spanish matches.

Even though Atletico Madrid fans were already cheering loudly, Real Madrid fans still focused on the upcoming national derby with Barcelona.

Pellegrini did mention Atletico Madrid, and for this opponent that had been defeated twice, Pellegrini politely said, "At Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid’s only goal is victory."

These words also reflected Pellegrini’s current mindset.

A day later, Real Madrid will play a derby battle against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Derbies are always tough matches, but Pellegrini doesn’t think Atletico Madrid can be a stumbling block for Real Madrid.

And under the persistent questioning of reporters, Pellegrini could only respond patiently: "It’s a pity they originally had the chance to battle on three fronts, but they were eliminated by us in the King’s Cup, and they trail us by as much as 39 points in the league, now sitting in a lower position on the league table."

"But luckily for them, they have advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. They have excellent players, but in the league, they are 39 points behind us."

"Maybe they should focus their energy on the UEFA Europa League."

At this point, Pellegrini also mentioned the two teams’ history of encounters, noting that Atletico Madrid hasn’t won against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium since 1999. He issued a bold statement, "We need Atletico Madrid to go another year without winning at Bernabeu."

These comments also drew strong dissatisfaction from Atletico Madrid fans.

Some even made inappropriate remarks, and the atmosphere between the two teams began to rapidly oppose each other. As the captain of Real Madrid, Chen Zhong also stepped forward, saying, "Atletico Madrid has excellent players, but this season they’re in an awkward position in the league, and their only chance to enter European competition is to win the UEFA Europa League."

"But for us, this game is extremely important. From the coach to the players, none will allow the team to slip up at this moment."

"With almost ten rounds left in the league, we will win every game we can."

"And bring the league championship back again."

Obviously, by "every game," Chen Zhong meant this city derby and the subsequent national derby.

Time quickly approached match day, and Atletico Madrid fans charged into the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, causing trouble outside the stadium before even entering.

Clearly, they hoped this way would make Real Madrid take them seriously.

Some fans even wore unified T-shirts bought from the Catalonia region, printed with terms like "Vegetable King" and "Backdrop."

Some Atletico Madrid fans even composed and sang songs.

"CCTV, CCTV!"

"Broadcasting live now is the match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at home."

"Players in white jerseys are from Real Madrid, while those in red and white are from Atletico Madrid."

"This is the third meeting between the two teams this season, with Real Madrid winning both previous matches."

"In this game, Atletico Madrid is lined up in a 442 formation."

"The forwards consist of the Aguero and Fernando combination."

"On the flanks are Simao and Reyes, with Assuncao and Thiago in the midfield."

"At the back are Antonio Lopez, Dominguez, Uyfalusi, and Barrella."

"The goalkeeper is still the young Spanish genius De Gea."

"Real Madrid also uses a 442 formation on their side."

"Negredo and Higuain partner up front."

"C. Ronaldo and Kaka are on the left and right, with Chen Zhong and Alonso forming the central midfield pair."

"In defense are Alvaro, Pepe, Albiol, and Ramos."

"Marcelo sits on the bench for this match, and Callejon, who started when Kaka was injured, is also on standby on the bench."

For this match, Pellegrini implemented some tactical innovations.

Although the team lined up in a 442 formation, in actual play, Negredo was the center forward, with C. Ronaldo and Higuain as wingers, and Kaka played in an advanced midfield role.

Chen Zhong and Alonso were central midfielders, with Alonso slightly withdrawing in position.

Of course, when using this tactic, Pellegrini had communicated with Chen Zhong.

Real Madrid had reached such a critical point in the season, with all competitions entering key phases for championship contention, and Pellegrini feared the team would be targeted, so he prepared some "secret weapons" in advance.

This 442 formation could shift to a 433 or even 424 formation during attacks, which could have some surprising effects in crucial matches.

Pellegrini wanted to give Atletico Madrid a surprise in this game.

But it was Atletico Madrid who gave him a surprise first.

"Atletico Madrid won the kickoff."

"However, Real Madrid was ready."

"Atletico Madrid’s aggressive start didn’t achieve the expected result."

Atletico Madrid’s initial aggressive play was already a well-known secret. Pellegrini looked at Flores with a hint of amusement, as if to say, is this all you’ve got?

But soon, Flores showed Pellegrini what kind of surprise he had prepared!