Chapter 209: Round of 16 Draw: The Final Match in February Against Real Madrid!

El País — Chinese singer Eason Chan's "Standing Before Mt. Fuji" (Beneath Mount Fuji) has topped this week's Spotify charts in Spain.

AS editor Llorente: Some people think they can learn his dribbling style just by listening to the same songs as Tom, but that's impossible. Tom is actually very hardworking; I can see it. He possesses qualities similar to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Villarreal News headline — Why refuse to give up on the Europa League? The win bonus for the Europa League knockout stage is 630,000 euros; if the Yellow Submarine can win in the Round of 16, they will receive a progression bonus of 1.8 million euros. "This money is extremely important for Villarreal."

The Europa League knockout stage offers bonuses; this is why Villarreal, despite immense pressure, must compete on three fronts.

A few million euros in prize money might not seem like much, but it can accumulate continuously.

According to the goals set by the management for the Yellow Submarine, they need to aim for the Europa League semi-finals.

If they ultimately succeed, Villarreal will earn 14 million euros this season from participating in the Europa League.

And if they can win the championship in the end, the total prize money will reach an impressive 26.93 million euros!

Of course, winning the championship is not something the Yellow Submarine dares to hope for.

"We need to take it step by step."

In the team canteen, with half an hour remaining before the start of the Europa League Round of 16 draw ceremony, Escrivá held a brief meeting with the players.

"Regardless of what kind of opponent we face, we must find a way to win the match and go as far as possible. First the Round of 16, then the quarter-finals, and then the semi-finals."

After mentioning the semi-finals, Escrivá stopped speaking.

At that moment, a "Pfft!" sound erupted from the corner.

Escrivá turned his gaze in that direction.

There stood Tang Ye, clutching a bottle of Coca-Cola with both hands, his shirt and pants covered in foamy soda spray.

"Mr. Ferran, I... I didn't mean to..."

"..."

Escrivá covered his face with his hand and, amidst the players' jeering, signaled for Tang Ye to go take a shower first.

"Tom, don't shower with Coke; use hot water!"

"Hahaha!"

Watching Tang Ye run off, Bruno said to Escrivá, "I bet he'll sneak next door to grab a burger when you're not looking."

"Wow? Are you sure? I don't think he'd do that."

Escrivá smiled.

Bruno still held that Ke Ban Yin stereotype about Tang Ye, which was absolutely wrong.

Escrivá could see that the current Tang Ye was no longer the same as the Tang Ye who had first arrived here.

He wouldn't do that!

"No, no, no, Ferran, Tom will definitely get a burger, and he'll ask for lots of salad dressing; he really likes that stuff."

"I bet you 5 euros."

Escrivá held up all five fingers of his right hand: "5 euros; Tom goes straight to shower."

"Ferran, you're going to lose."

Bruno sat his butt on the table.

Escrivá actually thought he understood Tang Ye better than he did; that was absolutely impossible.

Bruno believed he was definitely the person in the entire Yellow Submarine squad who understood Tang Ye best.

He understood Tang Ye even better than Aleix did!

"Then don't refuse my bet, Captain."

Escrivá was also very confident.

What a joke; he had started studying Tang Ye back in May last year when Tang was still at Utrecht.

When it came to understanding Tang Ye, Escrivá was someone Bruno couldn't compare to!

"Alright, 5 euros."

Amidst the teammates' jeering, Bruno accepted Escrivá's bet.

"I'll go check for you!"

Musacchio flipped over the sofa and ran straight to the window around the corner, returning a few seconds later.

"How is it, Mateo? Did Tom not take one?"

Great God Escrivá shouted.

Musacchio shook his head.

The smile on Escrivá's face suddenly froze.

"Haha! I won!"

Bruno jumped down from the table: "Ferran, 5 euros; I'll let you owe me for at most one day, you must pay me before tomorrow."

"Bruno, you didn't win either."

Musacchio added.

"Huh?"

Bruno turned his head: "What do you mean? Didn't Tom take a burger?"

"He did take one, but..."

"He took two."

Musacchio chuckled with a grin.

"In that case, you both lost; you both owe me 5 euros."

"Damn!"

The Villarreal players started playing poker in the canteen; soon, Tang Ye, having finished his shower, rushed back: "Has it started? Has it started?"

Tang Ye greatly enjoyed the atmosphere of sitting on the sofa with his teammates watching the draw ceremony.

He was unwilling to miss this wonderful moment!

Lying down on the sofa, Tang Ye reached his hand into Ah Lai's bag of potato chips as the UEFA Europa League logo lit up on the television screen before him.

"Arrived just in time."

The canteen was exceedingly warm; leaning against the soft sofa, Tang Ye felt a trace of anticipation amidst his relaxed mood.

Check Dongqiu Di pinned post: UEFA Europa League Round of 16 draw—Villarreal versus Lyon, Manchester United versus Rostov.

Villarreal's knockout stage draw, much like their group stage draw, was not very fortunate.

Their Round of 16 opponent was Lyon, a powerhouse from Ligue 1; furthermore, the Yellow Submarine were drawn in the same half of the bracket as Copenhagen, Ajax, and Schalke 04.

In contrast, Manchester United's draw was truly favorable; in the entire lower half, only Manchester United and Celta possessed relatively strong overall strength.

The rest were all quite ordinary!

Damn!

Chinese fans now had only one thought in their hearts.

If only the Yellow Submarine and Manchester United could swap positions.

That way, aside from the Yellow Submarine, there would be only one strong team in the entire lower half, and that was Celta.

But up to this point in the current season, Celta had not once defeated the Yellow Submarine!

Wasn't this essentially a direct ticket to the final?

"..."

Watching the draw results displayed on the television screen, Escrivá kept his mouth shut and said nothing.

The Villarreal head coach had clearly begun to feel the pressure!

Immediately after the draw results were released, Escrivá received a phone call from Chairman Roig.

"Not a very favorable draw, Ferran; do we have a high probability of defeating Lyon?"

Holding his mobile phone, Escrivá walked outside the canteen; he did not wish for the players to overhear his conversation with Roig.

"Chairman Fernando, to be honest, I believe we have the capability this season to defeat any team."

This was the conclusion Escrivá had reached after coaching the team for several months.

This season, Villarreal could defeat any team.

However, if tactical counters arose, they might also lose to any team!

Roig and Escrivá discussed the matter in detail.

The first leg of the Round of 16 against Lyon was scheduled before the Copa del Rey final.

Roig's intention was for the team to prioritize the Copa del Rey final.

"What about the UEFA Europa League?"

"The UEFA Europa League is naturally important too; my meaning is that we desperately need a trophy, so right now the Copa del Rey takes precedence above all else; both the league and the UEFA Europa League must make way for the Copa del Rey."

Check Dongqiu Di hot discussion: Unfavorable draw; how will the Yellow Submarine handle the upcoming competitions?

【Playing Lyon is actually acceptable; as long as we don't collide directly with Manchester United, I feel anything else is tolerable.】

【Exactly; currently, the Yellow Submarine, Manchester United, and Ajax should be in a tier of their own in the knockout stage, while Celta and Lyon are slightly weaker.】

【I suggest abandoning the UEFA Europa League and focusing on the Copa del Rey final; GGBond has yet to win a championship in La Liga.】

The unfavorable draw caused many Villarreal fans to adopt a rather pessimistic attitude toward the UEFA Europa League.

Wanting to give up yet unable to bear letting go—this was the dilemma facing Villarreal fans now.

However, fan attention soon shifted away from the UEFA Europa League.

Because Villarreal's final match of February was about to arrive!

A home match against Real Madrid!

Currently the first-place team in La Liga facing the third-place team in La Liga; this was absolutely a match full of highlights!

"Villarreal!"

"Villarreal!"

With more than five hours remaining until kickoff, the team buses for both sides had only just emerged, yet the Estadio de la Cerámica was already bustling with excitement.

Away fans who had traveled by train from Madrid arrived at the venue one after another, gathering together to sing songs.

"Sale el Madrid a luchar! (Go fight!)"

"Sale el Madrid a ganar! (Go win!)"

"¡Hala Madrid! (Forward Madrid!)"

"¡Hala Madrid!"

With the title race against Barcelona still underway, Real Madrid considered this match an absolute must-win.

"China Central Television! Here is the live broadcast bringing you..."

"As you can see, players from both sides are already ready in the tunnel!"

In the camera frame, Tang Ye was chatting with Musacchio behind him.

The eyes of Villarreal's little golden boy drifted intentionally or unintentionally toward the position of Cristiano Ronaldo on his right.

The Portuguese superstar was chatting with Ramos; although a smile graced his face, Tang Ye could nonetheless sense an inexplicable sense of oppression.

This oppressive feeling made Tang Ye very uncomfortable, as if something were missing...

【In 2039, Real Madrid, having already won twenty UEFA Champions League trophies, encountered their low point; now is the weakest period for the Galácticos, and also the best time to defeat them!】

Oh!

It's here!

Tang Ye knew exactly what he was missing!

The familiar Battle of the Sinking Ship.

The System wanted him to bully Real Madrid again during their weakening phase!

【This mission has three completion levels】

1. Flee in panic: Although the Ceramic Stadium is your home ground, you lost the match, so you must leave the stadium faster than Real Madrid. Reward: Real Madrid Castilla Youth Academy Template.

2. Evenly matched...

3. The Battle of the Sinking Ship...

A familiar feeling; still three completion levels, ranging from loss to draw to victory, with rewards improving at each stage.

The System thought its mission was handing Tang Ye a bonus, but the reality was not so.

Did you think you were facing a 54-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo and a long-retired Gareth Bale who had been playing golf for twenty years?

No, that was not the case.

In truth, you were facing Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh off winning the Ballon d'Or, and Gareth Bale, at the very peak of his career!

"It's fine!"

Ale placed a hand on Tang Ye's shoulder: "We're at home today; no need to be nervous."

"Sebastian, I'm not nervous."

Tang Ye and Ale bumped fists, then walked out toward the tunnel.

"Villarreal!"

"Villarreal!"

"Wowww!!!!"

Beep—!!!

Benzema's kickoff went straight back to Casemiro.

The match had begun!

"Now I will introduce the starting lineups for both sides in this match. First, the home team, Villarreal: still using that 4-2-3-1 attacking formation, with Tang Ye occupying the central position."

"Then the away team, Real Madrid, currently first in the La Liga standings!"

Real Madrid (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Navas

Defenders: Marcelo, Ramos, Pepe, Carvajal

Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Modrić

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale

Head Coach: Zidane

After Pepe and Bale successively recovered from injury, Real Madrid's only remaining casualty was Varane.

The wing duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale would undoubtedly place immense pressure on Yellow Submarine's defense.

"Hey, Ferran!"

The Villarreal fans behind the substitutes' bench greeted Escrivá.

From initial universal doubt to now universal support, Escrivá had conquered every Villarreal fan with his team's results.

Although several months remained until the end of the season, the Villarreal fans had a premonition.

Ferran Escrivá would become the most successful coach in Villarreal's history!

And this would happen in his very first season managing Villarreal!

After raising his hand in acknowledgment, Escrivá sat down on the substitutes' bench.

He exhaled deeply; his nervousness had not eased much.

As expected, Real Madrid began high-intensity pressing against Villarreal's back line.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale charged forward together on the wings, coordinating with Benzema in the center; the three formed a line, simultaneously pressing Villarreal's ball carrier.

Musacchio, controlling the ball, scanned for options; he wanted to pass forward to Tang Ye, but Casemiro had already blocked Tang Ye's position.

Tang Ye feinted left, then right, trying to shake off Casemiro, but Casemiro refused to give him even a sliver of space.

With no other option, Musacchio quickly passed back to Asenjo.

Benzema cut around Musacchio!

He continued charging forward!

"Oh!!"

Benzema's move sent the fans' hearts racing, but fortunately Asenjo remained calm, booting the ball long and out for a throw-in.

Less than five minutes into the match, Benzema had already directly threatened Villarreal's goal.

Escrivá had to stand up!

"Pay attention!"

Escrivá spread his arms wide: "The wings! The wings!"

"Wing players, get over to support! Costa, where is your support!"

Called out by name, Costa immediately raised his hand to signal he had heard Escrivá.

Villarreal's special tactics prevented their attacking midfielder and striker from dropping too deep; at such times, the fullbacks and wide midfielders were crucial in defense.

You couldn't let Tom drop deep.

If Tom dropped deep, what would happen to the attack?

The match reached the 17th minute!

Still a chance for Real Madrid!

Kavahal's long pass from the back field accurately found C. Ronaldo, who controlled the ball with his chest and passed it to Marcelo rushing up on the wing to support.

Marcelo was also a ruthless player; after receiving the ball, he ran straight toward the baseline, leaving Bruno barely time to react.

Chase him down quickly!

At that moment, Marcelo suddenly came to a sharp stop and knocked the ball to the right with his left foot.

The Brazilian defender's feint directly caused Bruno to overshoot!

Boom!

Marcelo's through ball found C. Ronaldo in the advanced position; after taking control, C. Ronaldo ran straight toward the penalty area.

Gonzalez marked C. Ronaldo one-on-one!

"Come on!"

"Stop him!"

"Tackle! Tackle!"

The fans started giving chaotic instructions again; at this moment, Gonzalez had to remain calm.

C. Ronaldo!

Step-overs!

One to the left, one to the right.

C. Ronaldo's step-overs were not actually very deceptive, but he had his own specialized tricks.

He suddenly accelerated and went straight for the baseline!

Acceleration and top speed were both advantages of the Portuguese superstar!

Slap!

A horizontal pass with the left foot to Benzema in the center.

!!!

Asenjo rushed out quickly, but ultimately he was a step too late.

"Benzema!"

"Shoot!"

"Goal!"

"C. Ronaldo assisted Benzema's goal!"

It looked like nothing more than some very simple combinations, yet Real Madrid could use these combinations to score goals!

"My fault, my fault!"

Bruno raised his hand to signal his teammates, and Tang Ye, running over from the front, high-fived his captain.

The thing they feared most had happened!

Counterattack!

Another counterattack!

Ever since Alaves used counterattack tactics to pull off an upset victory against Yellow Submarine in the King's Cup quarterfinals, other teams' head coaches had discovered the biggest weakness of this La Liga dark horse, Yellow Submarine.

Celta and Sevilla imitated Alaves's counterattacks, but both failed.

But Real Madrid would not fail!

The individual ability of every player in every position for Real Madrid was top-tier.

They could even execute a better defensive counterattack than Alaves!

"Huff."

Escriva exhaled a breath.

Getting points against Real Madrid was truly not an easy task...

The 29th minute!

Modric dribbled forward, and after finding a suitable position, sent a through ball into the attacking third.

Bale started running at the same time!

Costa and Rodri were both on the wings; both possessed good interception and tackling abilities, but the problem was that Bale chose a rather nonsensical method of breakthrough.

He simply relied on his speed to run hard, causing Costa and Rodri to be beaten before they even had a chance to utilize their tackling abilities!

Into the penalty area!

Bale cut inside!

C. Ronaldo ran from the left wing to the position at the top of the arc, spreading his arms wide and pointing at the empty space in front of him.

This was a move C. Ronaldo loved very much, meaning he wanted his teammates to pass the ball into the space ahead of him.

Bale had excellent vision; of course, he saw C. Ronaldo's gesture!

Slap!

Pass it over directly!

C. Ronaldo!

Adjust slightly!

Boom!

A powerful shot from C. Ronaldo sent the ball flying straight into Yellow Submarine's goal.

Asenjo had already jumped out, but the speed of C. Ronaldo's long-range shot was simply too fast.

"GGGG——OOOO——LLLLLL!!!"

After scoring, C. Ronaldo pointed toward Bale at the far end, then ran toward the corner flag on the left.

His right index finger spun continuously; after a running acceleration, he suddenly jumped into the air.

A mid-air turn!

"SIUUU!!!!"

Today, tens of thousands of Real Madrid fans aren't here to shout alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, but "SIU" bullet comments have already appeared in the live stream.

Many Real Madrid fans failed to grab away-game tickets, but they will watch the entire match in the live stream.

This is their support for their own star player and team!

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: Cristiano Ronaldo receives a cutback from Bale and blasts a shot into the far corner to score; Yellow Submarine trails Real Madrid 0:2 away, while Tang Ye has vanished.

……

(End of Chapter)