This match against Sporting Cologne was very exciting.

More than 30 minutes have passed since the start, and the score is still 0-0.

However, this score does not reflect the intensity of the game.

From the opening to the present, players from both sides have been attacking with all their might.

The fast-paced transition between offense and defense made fans of both teams excited!

They all stared intently, as if they could miss a goal at any time if they were distracted.

The fans are like this, and the coaches are even more like this.

The coach of Sporting Cologne is 65 years old. His legs were a little numb while standing on the sidelines, but he remained motionless.

The same goes for the Boca coaching staff.

But there was one person who got distracted from time to time.

Taking advantage of a dead ball opportunity, Russo looked back at the bench again.

Look at the big man sitting on the edge.

But today, the two of them didn't look at each other.

Long Yu focused all his attention on the game, staring in the direction of the court with a serious expression and a good look.

While Russo watched the game, he often remembered what Riquelme said yesterday.

"He said that he understands your thoughts about him."

"His original words: If Russo doesn't want to use me, then there is no need for him to put me on the bench to help me get familiar with the team as soon as possible."

These two sentences hit Russo hard in the heart.

He actually understands the painstaking efforts I have put into him?

On weekdays, he has always been very cold towards himself.

Even some slight hostility.

After all, he is a coach who doesn't give him a chance to play. It's normal to be a little hostile.

But he didn't expect that in his heart, he actually understood the training he had given him?

Thinking of this, Russo even suddenly felt a little guilty.

Are you too harsh on him? Too much?

Thoughts were flying on the sidelines, and the confrontation on the court was fierce.

The first half is coming to an end, and the two teams still have nothing to gain.

Palermo was not in good form today and their chances of scoring goals were too high for three consecutive times.

He was so angry that he scolded his mother.

Riquelme's two long-range shots also missed the goal.

But it's not their fault.

After all, Sporting Cologne is in great shape.

Especially their defensive players, who fought aggressively and suppressed the Boca stars, rarely had the opportunity to let go of their hands and feet to attack the goal.

The referee's whistle sounded and the first half of the game was over.

With regret, players from both sides left the field.

Palermo was panting heavily, and his physical energy consumption was quite serious in this game.

Riquelme also ran a lot of distance, and there were beads of sweat on his face.

It only lasted 45 minutes, but the physical exertion of the two of them was very serious.

The assistant coach looked at Russo and whispered: "We have to consider personnel adjustments as early as possible in the second half."

Russo said nothing, he walked towards Long Yu.

"Long, there's no need to go back to the locker room, go to the court to warm up."

Long Yu's face was expressionless: "I'm a scumbag substitute. I haven't returned to the locker room at halftime in any game?"

"okay."

"hehe."

"Be prepared to come on as a substitute in the second half."

"Um?"

Long Yu turned his head in surprise, and Russo had already entered the players' tunnel.

I'm going to appear in the second half.

nice.

What Long Yu was looking at was the direction of Sporting Cologne's goal!

In the locker room, Russo adjusted the team's tactical arrangements.

Especially the two full-backs.

Russo asked them to press forward boldly.

He worked well in the midfield and frontcourt today, but his condition was average.

Need support from the back line.

The players left the locker room, but Riquelme and Palermo did not leave.

"Old boy."

"Um?"

Although Riquelme and Palermo do not see Russo outside on weekdays, they still show due respect in front of outsiders.

Only in private can you be more casual with him.

"Old man, my physical exertion is quite serious today."

"I know."

"If I persist a little longer in the second half, you can let Long come on as a substitute."

"Well, let's see."

"Don't look at it! You have to let him go! You promised!"

"Control your little temper! Do you know how to respect the old and love the young?"

Russo was so angry that he didn't bother to talk to Palermo and strode out of the tunnel.

Palermo looked at Riquelme and let out a sigh of relief.

"Romy, he finally agreed to Long's appearance."

"Yeah, good thing."

"After I come off the field, pass the ball to him properly."

"No problem. But you'd better get one before you leave to make sure it's stable."

"no problem!"

The promise made in the locker room was quickly fulfilled in the second half!

Only 9 minutes into the second half, Boca created a good opportunity!

Riquelme's wonderful long pass!

Stick to the earth and go straight to the back of the goal!

Palermo moves forward quickly!

He doesn't have much physical ability to catch the ball, pass people, or control the ball!

On the penalty area line, shoot directly!

Three consecutive high shots in the first half, this goal must be scored!

If I don't make it, I'll go back to the youth team!

One kick!

The ball hit the goalpost hard...

Bounce into the net!

The ball went in!

1 to 0!

Boca finally breaks the deadlock!
To be continued...