Chapter 283: No cowardice tonight, we are warriors!
Malaga and Real Madrid were about to start a war. Instead of a war of words between the fans of the two teams, there was a war of words between the fans of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
This is a phenomenon unique to Spanish football.
The two teams compete for the most successful club in Spain, and every matchup is like a final.
Fans of both teams often taunt each other.
Last season, Barcelona lost all four major players. Real Madrid fans humiliated Barcelona in order to avenge Barcelona's consecutive "Six Crowns" in 2009.
That year was Barcelona's most glorious moment. They won all the trophies they could get. Naturally, Real Madrid lost all four.
Barcelona fans were so excited that they mocked Real Madrid.
The bad blood between the two teams has existed since their inception.
This has something to do with history and politics.
…
At seven o'clock in the evening on May 9th, the Bernabeu was packed with people.
The focus battle between Malaga and Real Madrid is about to begin.
Players from both sides warm up on the court.
Reporters set up their guns and cannons on the sidelines.
The four referees are also warming up. This battle will affect the formation of the La Liga championship this season, and they must take it seriously.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the darling of the Bernabeu. Every outstanding performance of his will arouse the cheers of Real Madrid fans.
Mourinho observed Malaga's warm-up and was particularly concerned about Li Chuanqi.
At half past seven, players from both teams returned to the locker room.
Home team locker room.
After Pellegrini announced the starting lineup and tactical arrangements, he began to boost morale and said in a deep voice: "The decisive moment has arrived!
There is no cowardice tonight, we are warriors!
We didn't back down tonight, we are warriors!
No timidity tonight, we are a great bunch of people!
For the championship, tonight, we will do our best! We will do our best!"
These words resonated.
Joaquin called the players to the middle of the locker room. Everyone folded their hands and shouted along with Joaquin:
"There is no cowardice tonight, we are warriors!
We didn't back down tonight, we are warriors!
No timidity tonight, we are a great bunch of people!
For the championship, tonight, we will do our best! We will do our best!"
The locker room is full of fighting spirit and pride!
Home team locker room.
Mourinho said solemnly: "Although we have no chance to compete for the championship, we can influence the creation of the championship!
Although I hate that Barcelona won the championship, this is football.
Tonight, for our highest honor and to defend the Bernabeu, we will go out with all our strength!
I want to see the best in everyone!
I don’t think anyone wants to be beaten twice by one team in one season!”
That game at the Rose Garden left a deep impression on the Real Madrid players.
Of course they don't want to be double beaten by Malaga.
Ramos shouted: "Defend the Bernabeu!"
Real Madrid stars roared loudly: "Defend the Bernabeu!"
"Defend the Bernabeu!"
"Defend the Bernabeu!"
…
At eight o'clock, the starting players of both sides appeared in the tunnel.
Real Madrid players lined up neatly under the leadership of Ramos. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived late and was at the end of the queue.
That's what big names are like.
Li Chuanqi didn't do this. He is the youngest player on the team, and he doesn't think he is a big name.
The players on both sides did not greet each other, and neither of them looked at each other.
At 8:10, four referees led the players from both sides out of the tunnel!
What greeted them was cheers like a mountain roar and a tsunami.
Some Real Madrid fans held up a banner: Win a thousand home games!
If Real Madrid can win as they wish tonight, it will be their thousandth victory in the home league!
What a terrifying number this is.
The Madrid TV commentator said loudly: "With the players from both sides entering the stadium, it indicates that this focus battle is about to begin!
Since the Copa del Rey final will be held on May 18, the showdown between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid has been moved to tonight!
Now let me introduce to you the starting lineups of both sides.
Pellegrini arranged a 423 formation: Caballero; four defenders: Sergio Sanchez, Demichelis, Willigton, Monreal; double midfielder: Tulalang
, Camacho; three midfielders: Joaquin, Isco, Lee; lone forward: Santa Cruz!
With the return of Caballero and Demichelis, Malaga's defense problem has been improved to some extent.
However, this line of defense is still far from returning to its peak condition.
When Real Madrid is defending, they should pay attention to two people. One is Santa Cruz. He has scored goals in four consecutive games and is in good condition.
The other one is Li, although he has not scored in two consecutive games.
But he completed five assists in these two games!
This is a very scary number!
It means that he is undergoing some kind of change!
Mourinho also arranged a 4-2-3 formation: goalkeeper: Diego Lopez; four defenders: Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Coentrao; double midfielder: Alonso, Alonso
Xin; three forwards: Ozil, Modric, Ronaldo; center: Benzema!"
Essien finally returned to his most familiar defensive midfielder position.
In the first half, Real Madrid visited the Rose Garden Stadium. In that game, Essien served as the right back and was beaten by Li Chuanqi in the first half.
During the halftime break, Mourinho severely criticized Essien and the two had a quarrel.
Mourinho told Essien to find a new home during the winter transfer window.
After returning to Madrid, Mourinho changed his mind, found Essien for a heart-to-heart talk, and retracted his words.
And promised to find opportunities for him to play in the familiar defensive midfielder position.
Tonight, he gave Essien a chance.
The task Mourinho gave him tonight was to assist Nacho in defending Li Chuanqi.
The Malaga TV commentator shouted: "Malaga fans!
The three key battles for Malaga's championship have arrived!
The results of these three games will determine whether Malaga can win the La Liga championship this season!
What a proud thing this is!
Now the media and fans all over the world are paying attention to this game!
Malaga is the center of attention!
Hope they can put on a great show for us tonight!
come on!
Malaga!
You are not fighting alone!
Behind you are millions of Malaga citizens!"
Behind the Malaga bench, Blanca Padilla and Li Chuanqi's family sit together.
In order not to affect Li Chuanqi's game, Blanca Padilla did not go to Li Chuanqi.
…
The match between Malaga and Real Madrid attracted the attention of the entire Spanish football world because it was a midweek match and neither team was playing.
Barcelona players are also paying attention to this game. They either choose to watch it at home alone or gather together to watch it.
A large number of Barcelona players gathered in Pique's mansion, including Iniesta and Xavi.
This illustrates Pique's influence in the Barcelona dressing room.
Shakira was busy preparing fruits and drinks for Pique and his teammates.
The Latin Queen's relationship with Pique is very stable.
Pique greeted his teammates proudly.
Messi chose to watch this important game alone at home.