Chapter 911 - 15: Iron Blood, Dirty Play, Old Commander, Veteran_2
Griezmann’s ball control is excellent, allowing him to effectively organize the team’s offense during attacks.
His shooting ability is also very strong, with a high accuracy rate whether shooting inside the box or from outside.
Additionally, Griezmann has a strong sense of teamwork; he can collaborate with teammates to create scoring opportunities for the team.
De Paul is an important midfielder for Atletico Madrid. His defense ability is outstanding, enabling him to effectively intercept the opponent’s passes in midfield and help the team regain possession.
De Paul’s passing skills are also very precise, allowing him to provide support for the team’s attack by supplying forward players with passes.
Moreover, De Paul possesses strong running ability and stamina, contributing to the team’s transitions between offense and defense during the match.
...
On the pitch, players from both teams gradually make their entrance; Alvarez wears a serious expression, unable to forget the painful defeat at the season’s start—a moment when he became a "heartless assassin."
In the first round of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Atletico Madrid suffered a crushing 0-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving the team and fans deeply disappointed.
However, one of Alvarez’s goals in this match was controversially disallowed, becoming a major talking point.
Alvarez posted on social media: "A painful loss, but the match isn’t over yet, keep fighting Atletico Madrid!" This statement not only expressed his support for the team but also reflected Atletico Madrid’s fighting spirit.
After the match ended, Atletico Madrid analyzed the reasons for the loss.
The timing of the match fell at the early stage of the season, and Atletico Madrid needed to quickly adapt to the new season’s rhythm to achieve good results in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Playing at a neutral venue, without home advantage, Atletico Madrid needed to fully capitalize on their tactical strengths when facing strong opponents like Paris Saint-Germain.
Strategically, Atletico Madrid adopted a 4-4-2 formation in this match, aiming to limit Paris’s attack through tight midfield defense.
However, Paris Saint-Germain’s attacking power evidently exceeded Atletico Madrid’s expectations,
Even though Atletico Madrid’s overall performance was lackluster, the invalidation of Alvarez’s goal triggered heated discussion.
He showcased excellent running ability and offensive awareness during the match, with a shooting conversion rate reaching 50%.
Yet, the involvement of VAR dimmed this beautiful moment. After the match, many fans took to social media to discuss the controversy, with the topic #ReplayControversialDecision rising rapidly, illustrating fans’ strong emotions regarding this match.
Alvarez, the young forward, displayed his potential and talent during the match.
Despite facing an unfair decision, he chose to express his confidence and support for the team on social media.
His professional career is on an upward trajectory, and Alvarez’s psychological resilience and fighting spirit are undeniably commendable when faced with such immense pressure. To him, a loss is not the end, but rather a drive to continue forward.
Before the match against Real Madrid, Alvarez doubled his efforts in training, particularly in shooting and teamwork; his early morning extra practice gained the admiration of his teammates. As one fan said: "Alvarez is our hope; his fighting spirit has spread throughout the team!"
...
Players from both teams gradually enter the field, Simeone standing on the sideline with a calm expression.
Although Real Madrid’s lineup is luxurious, luxury does not guarantee victory.
Simeone’s Atletico Madrid has become known for its solidity over the years, particularly in defense, resembling an impregnable fortress.
Griezmann remains the absolute core, and Alvarez’s performance this season is on fire, seemingly the new star of Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid’s attack may be sharp, but can they truly break through such a thick wall easily?
This is a story of a sharp spear versus a solid shield.
"The match begins!"
"Both teams engage in a ferocious contest in midfield!"
"They all understand the significance of this match."
The current Atletico Madrid has the ability to harm Real Madrid, as the midfield engagement led by De Paul is like wolves pouncing towards Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s midfield initially pursued dignity, but soon played with true fire.
Just judging from the scene, the ball seems to have become irrelevant; what’s important is knocking down the opponent.
Simeone stands on the sideline watching this scene, his gaze fixated on Chen Zhong who started the match further back.
Even though Chen Zhong has been declining in recent years, it’s undeniable that his experience, vision, intellect, and the spiritual boost he brings to the players on the pitch are invaluable.
"Atletico Madrid’s ball!"
"The eighth minute of the match!"
"Finally, a decent attack!"
The entanglement in midfield aims to create opportunities for their side, and "dirty" Atletico Madrid manages to deliver the ball amidst the chaos.
Former Manchester City player, the Little Spider Alvarez, breaks out from the melee with a miraculous run.
The moment he received the ball, an excited gasp erupted from the spectators of both teams!
"Alvarez!"
"He has the ball!"
"Possibly a one-on-one situation!"
Since joining Atletico Madrid, Alvarez’s career has steadily improved.
After a round of competition, he shook off the defenders around him and charged towards the penalty area, ready to shoot.
The whole stadium’s gasp made Alvarez momentarily dizzy.
And the next moment, an empty step caused him to lose his balance slightly, leaving him awkwardly falling to the ground.
Courtois wiped the sweat from his forehead, happily observing the figure rising from the ground.
"Chen Zhong!!!"
"His tackle was swift and precise!"
"He really is fearless!"
"This is the composure of a veteran!"
Real Madrid fans in the stands breathed a sigh of relief, offering applause to the veteran Chen Zhong, while Atletico Madrid fans cursed and swore, but gradually fell silent.
Oh well, what’s to be done—it’s become a habit.
Over the long years, they have no idea how many times they’ve seen Chen Zhong thwart their plans.
Seeing this scene once again, there’s an inexplicable...
Sense of familiarity, a familiar formula.
Indeed, he’s still the annoying man he’s always been.
Simeone, watching this from the sideline, murmured under his breath—just shoot early, stop posing, didn’t you see Chen Zhong still on the field?
Alonso, witnessing this, instead laughed heartily, simultaneously loudly rallying the players to launch a counterattack.
This successful defense boosted Real Madrid’s morale, and they quickly responded.
After receiving the ball, Chen Zhong had a fifty-fifty physical contest with De Paul, with De Paul like a stubborn bull constantly pressing against Chen Zhong, but Chen Zhong stood firm like steadfast bamboo.
Finally managing to deliver the ball forward.
Mbappe and Vinicius performed a crossover run, with Vinicius being a bit faster.
Just as all fans expect to witness a perfect counter-attack, Vinicius, having first contact with the ball, dribbled too far.
Like a rocket, the ball flew straight to Atletico Madrid’s penalty area.
The goalkeeper easily seized the ball.
Mbappe and Vinicius exchanged glances, both revealing wry smiles.
This wouldn’t be the first time their runs overlapped.
Although it happens less frequently now, as two keen attackers, they frequently have the same thoughts when faced with similar opportunities.