Chapter 206: Villarreal Completes Double Over Real Sociedad, Secures Fourth Win in February!

«Bakambu! »

«Just dribble forward straight away! »

Bakambu fully displayed his speed ability.

Bakambu's speed ranks among the top three in Huang Qian, and now is precisely the moment he must show it!

Run into the space ahead!

Belchiche is coming over!

Tang Ye first drifted slightly to the right, originally planning to slip behind Bakambu and reach the right byline.

But Bakambu ran a bit too fast—Tang Ye couldn't keep up.

Now going over there would definitely be too late.

Then take the arc position!

«Here! »

Luo De shouted.

He knew Tang Ye would want the arc position—Huang Qian's youth academy defensive midfielder had already occupied it.

Just waiting for Big Brother to arrive!

Perfect!

Immersed in the match, Tang Ye felt he had entered a great rhythm.

Just then, Bakambu Peiheteligeluosi overcame Belchiche.

Dribble into the penalty area!

From this position, he could directly pass to the arc, so Bakambu immediately looked toward the arc.

Tang Ye pressed his right hand against his waist, palm facing Bakambu.

Don't pass yet!

Though he didn't know why Tang Ye didn't want the ball, since Tang Ye refused it, Bakambu would just dribble into the penalty area himself.

Bakambu did a step-over—the central defender in the area didn't react, but Iliarramendi behind Tang Ye suddenly accelerated and rushed in front of him.

He thought Bakambu was about to pass to Tang Ye!

Tang Ye had already noticed Iliarramendi lurking behind him, which was why he rejected Bakambu's pass immediately.

Now Iliarramendi has come out.

This is Tom's chance!

«Come! »

Tang Ye pointed to the open space on his left—Bakambu didn't hesitate and delivered a reverse triangle pass.

Tang Ye's intention was to have Bakambu pass to the space just in front of his left side, so he could shoot without adjusting.

But unfortunately, Bakambu had no time to consider Tang Ye's thought—he only knew he needed to get the ball to Tang Ye's feet, and the ball couldn't be touched by defenders during its roll.

So Bakambu passed it quickly!

Tang Ye quickly extended his foot to control the ball!

Iliarramendi caught up—Tang Ye swiftly turned to shield the ball!

Tang Ye couldn't turn now, so he decisively passed back to Luo De.

«Forward! »

Luo De adjusted one step and lofted the ball into the penalty area.

Alem jumped high and headed the ball toward the small penalty area.

Thud!

The ball struck the grass, bounced up, and landed right in front of Bakambu.

Bakambu crouched down and headed it straight into the penalty area!

«Goal! »

«Alem assists Bakambu! »

«1:0, Villarreal leads away from home! »

The stands erupted with countless boos.

The home team's fans were clearly upset by Bakambu's goal.

This season, Real Sociedad has already lost to Villarreal three times: twice away, once at home.

Today's home match is the final encounter between Real Sociedad and Villarreal this season.

Are we going to lose this one too?

Coach Eusebio lowered his head.

Actually, Real Sociedad's defense had performed quite well just now.

But compared to their last meeting, Escrivá had improved the team's tactics again.

El Santo is still as strong as ever!

Honestly, Eusebio felt a bit guilty.

If he were as excellent as Escrivá, perhaps Real Sociedad wouldn't have lost to Villarreal three times this season!

«Today's form is decent»

After the celebration, Escrivá sat back down in his seat.

He checked the data displayed on Ma Di's laptop.

So far, all Villarreal's midfield and forward players, except striker Alem, have covered nearly identical distances—this shows everyone is syncing into a unified rhythm.

What rhythm is this?

It's Tom's rhythm!

No!

More accurately, it's Villarreal's rhythm under Tom's leadership!

The first half continues.

Real Sociedad still has considerable strength and launched a fierce attack after falling behind 1-0.

Their offense eventually produced noticeable results!

«Forward! Forward! »

«Yes! Yes! Left! Watch the left! »

«Pass now! »

Eusebio moved like a ninja, rapidly forming hand seals.

No one could understand his gestures.

But it didn't matter—as long as they understood his words.

Zurburán seized the opportunity and delivered a direct pass to the left-back Belchiche, who had run down the flank.

Belchiche decisively crossed!

Thwack!

Hmm, this was still a difficult low-driven cross!

In the penalty area, Juanmi surged in from behind Musacchio.

He struck the ball directly!

Asenjo's hand touched the ball, but it still went in.

After shooting, Juanmi and Asenjo collided.

«Beep! »

The referee first pointed to the center circle to signal the goal was valid, then quickly ran into the penalty area to check the situation.

«Hey, Asenjo doesn't look good…»

«Villarreal's backup goalkeeper is already putting on gloves—the team doctor is on the field to assess the situation. »

Villarreal's players rushed toward the penalty area; Tang Ye stood behind Alem, leaning his head forward to look.

Asenjo's eyebrow was cut open by Juanmi's collision, bleeding slightly.

«That's good…»

Tang Ye exhaled in relief.

It seemed Asenjo wasn't seriously injured, but due to impaired vision, he couldn't continue playing.

«How is he? »

Sansone placed his hand on Tang Ye's shoulder.

«I feel okay, but I'm bleeding. »

The team doctor gave Asenjo basic treatment, then led him off the pitch.

Asenjo's injury would be addressed after the match.

Now, the task for Villarreal's remaining players was to finish the rest of the game well.

Tang Ye chewed his gum, struggling to accept the sudden equalizer.

«It's fine»

Alem patted Tang Ye's head: «We have the advantage—we can win. »

DQZ Real-Time Report: Juanmi scores from a rebound, Real Sociedad equalizes. Villarreal goalkeeper Asenjo injured and subbed off.

35'

↓asenjo

↑barbosa

This is Barbosa's first appearance in this season's league—let's see what kind of performance he can deliver!

The first half ends; the match enters the second half!

「txuri-urdintxuri-urdinmaitea～」

「txuri-urdintxuri-urdinaurrera～」

The fans sang Real Sociedad's anthem, and the home advantage was fully evident.

The away fans still tried to resist, a few shouting together, 「villarreal」—but the next second, the stadium erupted with boos.

「villarreal」

「xuuuuu——！！！」

The mockery was at its peak!

I can't imagine what face the other side would wear if we lost this match!

The match has reached the 68th minute of the second half!

Building on their first-half experience, Real Sociedad has now begun to find their rhythm; their alternating wing attacks are making Huang Qian suffer.

At this moment, Escrivà made his second substitution of the match.

Captain Bruno came on, taking the armband from Mousaquiō!

「Come on! 」

Bruno's appearance gave Tang Ye a sense of reassurance; as Bruno ran toward the pitch, he high-fived Tang Ye along the way: 「Come on, come on! 」

「Pull yourself together! 」

「Focus! Focus! 」

That's right!

That's the feeling!

Tang Ye rubbed his hands, feeling that the team's entire momentum had changed since Bruno came on.

Tom's rhythm!

Bruno's spirit!

This is the true strongest form of the Yellow Submarine!

Amid the home fans' singing, the match reached the 71st minute!

「Push forward! Push forward! 」

Escrivà directed Rodri to advance.

While running, Rodri glanced up toward Tang Ye's position.

At that moment, Escrivà shouted from the sideline: 「Don't rush! 」

Rodri sharply turned his head.

Damn, Feran, how did you know what I was thinking!

Focusing on the ball at his feet, Rodri sped forward.

Bruno accelerated into the attacking third; Rodri looked to Tang Ye for a passing suggestion, but Tang Ye was now tightly marked by Iliarramendi and couldn't shake free himself.

If the boss isn't there, I've got to rely on myself.

Rodri imitated Tang Ye's manner—glancing left, glancing right, while panting heavily.

「ohshit! 」 Escrivà stared intently at Rodri on the pitch.

This feeling!

Is Villarreal about to produce another genius?

After thinking, Rodri gently slid a through ball to Bruno, who had made a run down the right.

Escrivà: …

「Bruno, hold the ball—Tang Ye is right up ahead. 」

「Real Sociedad is heavily defending Tang Ye's path…」

「Neither Iliarramendi nor Zurburúsa have moved! 」

The situation is clear: Tom is trapped.

For Villarreal to continue attacking, they must free Tom!

「Here! 」

!

Sansone moved Zhudong toward the outer edge of the arc; Tang Ye pretended to make a diagonal run with Sansone.

As Iliarramendi shifted his weight, Tang Ye suddenly stopped, then turned and sprinted straight down the right flank!

Thud!

Bruno delivered a precise through pass straight to Tang Ye's feet.

Tang Ye took control of the ball and sprinted toward the byline!

He had to run fast—otherwise Zurburúsa would catch up from behind!

Reaching the ideal position, the opposing defender moved to tackle.

This was a rare attacking chance; Tang Ye decided not to shield the ball, instead flicking it sharply to Bakambu on the right.

Then he sprinted toward Bakambu's position!

After receiving the ball, Bakambu dribbled past Belchiche near the byline, while Tang Ye wandered lazily around behind him.

Don't rush to receive—first, glance into the penalty area.

Now it's time to receive.

Tang Ye reached out; Bakambu feinted with a few stepovers, then suddenly slotted a through pass toward the byline.

Tang Ye sprinted forward.

Glance again into the penalty area!

Snap!

【De Bruyne's Low Cross Lv3: Simulation】

Proficiency: 101/400

「oh!! 」

The fans are under immense pressure!

Look at Tang Ye's cross!

In the penalty area, Ale broke free from Navas, ran to the landing spot, and headed the ball into the net with his knee.

「Goal! 」

「Let's check if it's offside…」

「The linesman hasn't raised his flag—this goal is perfect! 」

「2:1! 」

「Villarreal regains the lead! 」

Tang Ye's expansive vision grants him exceptional offside-line judgment.

In the defensive third, visibility is obstructed—different case.

When making runs down the flank, Tang Ye's offside-line judgment is virtually flawless!

He knows the exact positions of his teammates and opponents at the moment of passing!

「vamos! 」

Villarreal's coordinated attack left the home fans helplessly frustrated.

Watching the furious home fans in the stands, Villarreal's players felt an indescribable sense of relief.

「They shouldn't have been so arrogant, 」 Tang Ye said to Ale.

【You gained 10 Reverse Points】

The score is now 2:1; Villarreal leads by one goal.

Tang Ye felt he had found his rhythm.

Now he needed to score even more goals!

To crush Real Sociedad completely!

「Tom! 」

At that moment, Bakambu suddenly shouted Tang Ye's name.

「What is it, Cedric? 」

Tang Ye turned his head and followed Bakambu's pointing finger toward the player tunnel.

He was being subbed off!

Uh… alright.

Tang Ye rubbed his nose and sprinted toward the bench; Trigueros and Escrivà were waiting there.

Tang Ye rubbed his nose and sprinted toward the substitute bench, where Trigros and Escrivá were waiting for him.

After high-fiving Trigueros, Escrivà immediately approached.

「The match against Roma is coming soon—I need you well-rested…」

The match against Rome is coming soon; I need you to get enough rest…

"I know Mr. Feran"

"Oh, that's great"

Escrivá patted Tang Ye on the back: "You played well today"

"I'll play just as well when we face Roma"

Tang Ye added, then flipped directly from the first row of the bench to his own seat in the second row

…

Dongqiu Di match report: Villarreal defeated Real Sociedad 2-1, with Tang Ye delivering a brilliant interception and assist

【Cold fact: Real Sociedad has not won a single match against Villarreal this season—they've been swept four times!】

【Hot fact: Villarreal hasn't lost a single match this month so far】

After this match, Villarreal secured their fourth win across all competitions in February, and their third consecutive league victory

Compared to January's league performances, fans could clearly feel the improvement in Villarreal's strength after the tactical adjustments

Other teams' attempts to mark Tang Ye have been neutralized by Villarreal's new tactics!

Thinking of this, fans felt genuine admiration for Escrivá

In his first season as head coach, he adjusted the team's primary tactics at the halfway point of the league

And he succeeded!

Previously in China, there had been debate over whether Escrivá should be called "Saint Escrivá" or "Idiot Escrivá"

But now, that debate has been settled

Escrivá has only one name

That is…

Feran Saint Escrivá!

…

Click-click-click!

The sound of camera shutters echoed continuously in the press room

They were photographing Escrivá, seated on stage with a microphone in hand

He was the star of today's match!

"Feran, we've seen the tactical changes you've made—your new system has greatly elevated Villarreal. You've beaten strong teams like Sevilla and Real Sociedad"

Escrivá didn't rush to speak; he sat quietly in his chair, listening attentively to the reporters

For him, this was a pleasure

Without doubt, after today's match, half the online fans who hated him would vanish

"Your next league match is against Real Madrid. In the first leg of the season, you drew away at the Bernabéu. What do you have to say about this upcoming second meeting?"

The press room fell silent

Now it was Escrivá's turn to speak

Hss—

He quickly adjusted his breathing

Villarreal's form had begun to improve in February, but now they were about to face Real Madrid

How to play against Real Madrid? That was not an easy question to answer

"I admit Real Madrid is strong—I felt that in our first meeting. But I also believe we have powerful players in our squad. I'll make sure he rests well—he'll be ready"

"He?"

The reporters below caught a key detail

"Oh, them"

Escrivá explained: "We have many strong players—he… they can match Real Madrid"

…

Relevo: The match between Villarreal and Real Madrid will directly impact the race for the top three in La Liga. If Villarreal wins, Barcelona could overtake Real Madrid to top the league table. "This is because they have a better goal difference."

Fu La Liga standings (Matchday 23)

1. Real Madrid, 59 points

2. Barcelona, 56 points

3. Villarreal, 53 points

4. Sevilla, 46 points

5. Atlético Madrid, 45 points

6. Real Sociedad, 41 points

Real Madrid is trying to widen the gap with Barcelona, so as Relevo stated, the Villarreal-Real Madrid match will directly determine the league standings

But for Villarreal, their match against Real Madrid doesn't need to be rushed yet

Right now, the most important match is the second leg of their Europa League knockout tie against Roma

They must advance to the Europa League Round of 16!

…

Having moved past the excitement of their double over Real Sociedad, Escrivá knew he could no longer read fan comments

Online, too many fans were praising him, making the Spaniard feel a bit dizzy

Escrivá enjoyed this atmosphere, but he also knew that as head coach, he absolutely could not begin enjoying it before the season ended

In the first leg, Villarreal overturned a deficit to beat Roma 4-3—a good start, yes, but upon closer look, Roma was only one goal behind

The Italian gladiators will return with full force in the home leg!

Escrivá was certain of this!

This was the challenge Villarreal had to face!

…

(End of Chapter)