Chapter 792: Chapter 50: Stop Dreaming
Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the Real Madrid fans in the stands were talking among themselves; in this match, the team was struggling to break the deadlock.
With key players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Alonso, and Kaka absent, Chen Zhong could only help the team control the pace of the game but could not score that crucial goal.
The main issue for Real Madrid now is not the midfield or defense, but the forward line, lacking a player who can finish decisively.
In the past, even if Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka couldn’t score, they could put immense pressure on the opponent’s defense, and eventually, Chen Zhong would come forward and make the decisive strike.
But now?
During the halftime break, Mourinho made some adjustments, and Adebayor showed that he couldn’t be completely relied upon in this match.
After repeatedly missing opportunities, Mourinho in his tactical arrangements wanted Adebayor to act more as a pivotal point.
"The second half begins."
"In the first half, under the tight defense of Sporting Gijon."
"Real Madrid, missing several key players, did not score."
"I hope there will be a different change in the second half."
In the second half, Real Madrid quickly gained possession; the ball was still at Chen Zhong’s feet. After some thought, Chen Zhong passed the ball to Di Maria nearby, while he himself started moving forward.
This move made the players of Sporting Gijon slightly stunned.
After receiving the ball, Di Maria dribbled horizontally, trying to stretch the defense of Sporting Gijon. The players of Sporting Gijon indeed fell for it; they couldn’t just watch Di Maria dribble the ball around freely.
Di Maria was not too greedy with the ball, after moving a certain distance, he made a lob pass, directing the ball to the advancing Chen Zhong. Chen Zhong received the ball with his back, facing two Sporting Gijon players, and passed the ball forward again to the advancing Di Maria.
The ball was deflected after being blocked by a Sporting Gijon player.
Di Maria headed the ball towards the far side to Adebayor, who, facing this golden opportunity, took a direct shot without stopping the ball.
Mourinho craned his neck, eyes full of anticipation.
However, the ball went off in the wrong direction, brushing past the goalpost and out of bounds.
"Adebayor!"
"It’s Adebayor again!"
"He’s missed another great chance."
"He could have adjusted and then taken the shot!"
The commentator’s voice was full of regret, and Adebayor was also very frustrated by this. Watching the scene, Chen Zhong clapped forcefully, hoping to help his teammates forget what just happened.
"It’s okay! It’s all right!"
"Stay focused."
"Let’s go again."
As Chen Zhong shouted, he also patted Adebayor on the shoulder, encouraging him.
"The match continues."
"Real Madrid on the attack."
"Di Maria has the ball, and now the focus of the organization is on him."
"Diagonal pass, Chen Zhong!"
"Take the shot!"
Juan Pablo had a bad premonition in his mind as he saw Chen Zhong moving forward; sure enough, Di Maria made a diagonal pass to Chen Zhong’s feet.
His teammate wanted to interfere with Chen Zhong, but Chen Zhong’s outstretched arms acted as a barrier.
Pablo’s brow twitched as he quickly adjusted his position.
Chen Zhong drew his bow and nocked his arrow.
A powerful shot!
The ball swept rapidly towards the goal from outside the penalty area.
In history, Sporting Gijon has only won twice at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and now it seems that this record is going to continue.
Pablo wanted to control the ball in his hand, but after it bounced, it hit the bottom edge of the goal and went into the net.
1:0
Real Madrid has scored.
This is almost a fatal blow to Sporting Gijon.
Their strategy was to defend firmly, and then rely on counterattacks to see if they could snatch one at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
But now, Real Madrid has scored.
Sporting Gijon’s head coach Preciado dumped out all the remaining water in the bottle, then knelt by the field, hands on his head, obviously, in a trophy-less season, winning at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium was as good as their championship trophy.
Preciado’s kneeling also made the 2,000 Sporting Gijon fans who came to support their team at the Bernabeu sigh deeply.
The draw in the first half gave them some expectations, but Chen Zhong’s goal reduced their hopes to almost zero.
Sporting Gijon has not won at the Bernabeu in 16 years; their first win at Real Madrid’s home ground dates back to the distant 1947-48 season.
Is it really impossible?
After all, even without many of their key players, Real Madrid still has Chen Zhong!
That newly crowned Golden Ball winner, the world’s highest-paid player.
"1:0"
"Chen Zhong’s heavy cannon shot from outside the penalty area."
"The goalkeeper made a save, but still couldn’t stop it."
"The home fans in the stands are very happy."
Seeing Chen Zhong score, Mourinho also breathed a sigh of relief. In his heart, he actually expected and could accept a loss in this match.
Still able to accept that Real Madrid’s home had conceded until now.
After all, every other team in La Liga has lost at home this season, with Barcelona even losing to minnows Elche in their first home game of the season.
And Real Madrid remains unbeaten at home, not only in the league but also winning all home games in the King’s Cup and Champions Cup, 22 home games, 22 victories.
Real Madrid’s unbeaten home record, with the league home record of 9 years unbeaten, in some ways, also gave the players and the coach immense psychological pressure.
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