I Am Scouted by Real Madrid

Chapter 782: Chapter 45: Do I Have a Fanboy Now?

"When the second half starts."

"I hope you can delay the time as much as possible."

"Also, make sure to protect yourself well."

During halftime, Mourinho stood in front of the whiteboard and spoke these words seriously. In his view, after the team scored two goals, victory had already tilted towards Real Madrid. What they needed to do was keep this score until the end.

Meanwhile, in the Atletico Madrid dressing room, Diego Simeone’s voice seemed to be able to raise the ceiling, and the Atletico Madrid players were all eager with eyes full of fire.

"The match resumes."

"Atletico Madrid made the first substitution."

"Diego Simeone switched Koke for Elias."

Jorge Resurreccion Merodio, nicknamed Koke, born in 1992, this young Spanish midfielder made his first-team debut in 2009.

Last season, he appeared 4 times for Atletico Madrid in La Liga, and this season his appearances have significantly increased, becoming the team’s substitute player and recently helped the team score his first career goal.

He had been eagerly awaiting this match, and as soon as he got on the field, he showcased the charm of youth by aggressively positioning himself and snatching ball possession, leaving Real Madrid unfamiliar with this young midfielder caught off guard.

Mourinho observed this scene from the sidelines, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, as if his vivid expression was saying, whose soldier is this, to be so valiant?

"Atletico Madrid’s attack."

"Koke snatches the ball."

"Aguero is in a good position."

"Passing."

"Brilliant."

Real Madrid’s defense was drawn to Aguero, ready to deliver a blow, but Aguero had no intention of taking the ball, instead letting the ball pass through.

Yes, it was a remarkably brilliant dummy.

The ball came to Fran, who was making a run forward. At that moment, the entire Calderon Stadium erupted. The Atletico Madrid fans in the stands couldn’t help but stand up, excited expressions on their faces; this was the scene they had long awaited.

Fran cut through Marcelo and Cavaleiro directly, storming into the penalty area, heading towards the goal area.

Cavaleiro’s seasoned experience blocked Fran’s route for cutting inward, giving Fran no chance to dribble horizontally.

Francisco saw this and could only make a run down the line, completing a small-angle shot surrounded by three players.

Marcelo, who had just pressed up, looked in the direction of Fran’s shot, only to see the ball hit the side netting, quite unfortunately.

"Real Madrid’s defense is getting more mature."

"This season, they are the team with the fewest conceded goals in all of La Liga."

"Mourinho solved their defensive issues."

This handling by Real Madrid’s defense could be described as textbook-level, with Cavaleiro’s seasoned experience playing a crucial role.

"A new player," Mourinho looked at Koke and said to Francisco, "Looks like we have some trouble."

After saying these words, Mourinho stood on the sidelines, as always, shouting passionately, boosting the players’ morale.

In football, there is a saying about the rookie wall, where a player’s first season, not being fully understood, makes them difficult to target, often allowing them to perform better.

Koke obviously benefited from this phenomenon.

His positioning, his habits, made Real Madrid’s defense somewhat uncomfortable.

"Atletico Madrid’s attack."

"Pepe’s clearance."

"It’s at Koke’s feet."

"One volley shot!"

"Casillas’ heroic save!"

Koke’s performance was very impressive, playing with great confidence, and that moment seemed familiar to many Real Madrid fans.

Oh, right!

Once Chen Zhong, at his position, unleashed a volley shot, replicating Zidane’s wonder goal.

Is this guy imitating Chen Zhong?

Chen Zhong clearly noticed this too, looking towards Koke, who shyly glanced at Chen Zhong before darting away.

Shy?

Chen Zhong was born in 1991, Koke in 1992, the two are similar in age, with Chen Zhong being a year older, strictly speaking, only a few months older. Coincidentally, both played midfield positions, both played in La Liga, and both played in Madrid.

"Atletico Madrid’s attack."

"The two teams noticeably adopted different tactical approaches."

"Real Madrid more frequently employed a defensive strategy."

"Atletico Madrid opted for a more offensive strategy."

"Reyes has the ball on the flank."

"Through pass."

"Aguero broke free from the defenders."

"Shot!"

"Casillas’ heroic save."

Atletico Madrid gradually played to their rhythm, and the key was Koke’s appearance, the young Atletico Madrid player revitalized their midfield, providing more creativity and dynamism.

"Atletico Madrid’s corner."

"They tried to score with a header."

"But it’s hard to threaten Real Madrid’s goal."

Atletico Madrid’s attacking was like a tidal wave, coming in waves, and inevitably, their defense also pressed up.

Mourinho stood on the sidelines watching this, unable to resist a slight smile.

Atletico Madrid, that turtle hiding in its shell, finally stretched its head out, and now was the time to give them a heavy blow.