Chapter 235

Dongqiu Di match report: Villarreal defeated Beşiktaş 3-2 away to win the first leg of the quarterfinals.

Dongqiu Di match report: Manchester United drew 1-1 at home against Ajax, is the Red Devils struggling in European competition in April?

Back in the locker room, Rodri and Tang Ye sat back down together, their moods not good.

Rodri conceded his first penalty in his first-team match!

Fortunately, they won the match in the end; otherwise, Rodri's mindset would have suffered a massive blow.

Ma Di walked into the locker room and signaled Tang Ye to step out and collect the MVP trophy.

"Another MVP, huh?"

Cherishov, standing by the door drinking water, gave Tang Ye a high-five; Tang Ye walked backward out, and before closing the door, he gave Cherishov a thumbs-up: "The more, the better."

Back at his seat, Cherishov noticed A Lai was checking the Europa League top scorer list, so he tapped the Villarreal striker on the shoulder: "You want the Europa League Golden Boot?"

A Lai looked up at Cherishov, then put his phone away.

"To be honest, I do want it—but it's too hard. Wanting it and being able to get it are two different things."

As A Lai said, the Europa League may not have as many elite teams as the Champions League, but it still features top clubs from major leagues, even powerhouses like Manchester United and Roma.

Scoring against them is certainly not easy.

"So where are you ranked now?"

"Third."

"Wow, you really have a chance then."

Cherishov hadn't realized A Lai was already ranked so high: "How many goals behind second place are you?"

"One. Second is Zheke (Roma)."

"He's already been eliminated!"

Cherishov reminded him: "You have more scoring opportunities than Zheke!"

"Sebastian, I've told you before—this is the benefit of believing in God."

Cherishov excitedly said: "If we reach the final, you'll have four more games—scoring one goal in four games is nothing for you; surpassing Zheke is just a matter of time."

"After surpassing Zheke, your target is first place—you'll win the Europa League Golden Boot after the final!"

Listening to Cherishov, A Lai took a deep breath.

"I also think believing in God helps, but I think finishing second is already great—first place is impossible."

"Impossible? Oh, A Lai, you really are…"

Cherishov slapped A Lai 's arm.

As a striker, how can you lack ambition?

"Remember, A Lai —believe in your God; he will help you defeat anyone!"

Cherishov gave his final piece of advice, then went to find Rodri.

"..."

A Lai said nothing, but picked up his phone again after putting it down.

Unlocked the screen.

2016-17 Europa League Top Scorer List (after first leg of quarterfinals)

1. Tang Ye (Villarreal), 7 goals.

"Phew..."

Believe in your God; he will help you defeat anyone...

But... but...

A Lai 's hand holding the phone was trembling.

If God is ranked above me, what should I do?

"To secure a Champions League spot next season, Manchester United may shift their focus to the Europa League, as it's their most likely path to qualification."

The reporters below stared intently at Escrivá: "Villarreal and Manchester United are in different halves; your only possible meeting is the final. If you face Manchester United in the final... Feran, have you prepared anything in advance?"

Final.

Manchester United!

When the reporter uttered the words "Manchester United," Escrivá's breathing suddenly quickened.

Manchester United!

The mighty Manchester United!

Right now, Villarreal can handle Beşiktaş easily—even Ajax, one of the Eredivisie's big three, wouldn't pose much of a problem.

But what about Manchester United?

What should Villarreal do if they face Manchester United?

"To be honest, I haven't thought about the final yet. Right now, we're focused on the league and the second leg against Beşiktaş."

"As for Manchester United... they're strong. I've watched some of their matches—they're truly strong."

Watched Manchester United's matches?

The reporter seized on the key word in Escrivá's reply.

"Feran, why do you watch Manchester United's matches?"

"Huh..."

"Because I personally follow the Premier League closely—it's just my habit."

After returning to Spain from the match, Tang Ye received a call from Pohl.

With the transfer window approaching, Tang Ye's phone calls with Pohl had become more frequent.

But this call from Pohl wasn't about transfers—it was about a sponsorship deal.

"American bicycle brand, Trek. I was going to turn it down outright, but their offer is excellent—you should look into it."

"Don't rush to refuse—they're willing to pay you 2.1 million euros per year."

"After tax!"

Pohl emphasized it specifically.

After all, the difference between 2.1 million euros pre-tax and post-tax is enormous.

Tang Ye previously earned 1.047 million euros per year from his baby crib endorsement; Trek's offer is nearly double that.

Of course, Trek's sponsorship level differs from Micuna's—Trek wants Tang Ye to become their global brand ambassador, which naturally demands a higher fee.

"Trek? Pohl, spell that word for me."

"Huh?"

Not quite understanding Tang Ye's meaning, Pohl still did as asked.

"t-r-e-k."

"Oh, I remember now!"

Tang Ye suddenly realized: "I'm riding one right now—I even had one stolen before."

"Exactly. That's why they reached out—because you keep riding it."

Pohl laughed and explained to Tang Ye.

Spanish reporters loved to stake out and photograph Tang Ye going to school or cycling home; those photos made their way to the U. S. and naturally caught Trek's attention.

High-end bicycles are very popular in the European market; American basketball and football stars don't help much with promotion.

But football stars playing in Europe? They do!

Under Pohl's persuasion, Tang Ye agreed to keep the sponsorship offer on hold.

He would discuss the details further with Pohl during the offseason.

It was April 17th, afternoon. Villarreal played away against Alavés.

"This is the fourth meeting between Villarreal and Alavés this season; Villarreal's record in the previous three is two wins and one loss."

Two wins and one loss—but that one loss was crucial.

In the Copa del Rey, Alavés' manager Pellegrini used a counterattacking tactic to defeat Villarreal; that match revealed Villarreal's weakness to every team in La Liga.

Escrivá turned to look at Pellegrini, his breathing growing louder.

Originally!

He could have been comfortably resting on the bench throughout this season!

It was this man who figured out how to beat Villarreal—and then showed other teams in the league exactly how to do it!

Alavés were the traitors!

After training yesterday afternoon, Escrivá had told Ma Di: today, they were here for revenge.

Watching Alavés play on the pitch, Pellegrini, that fool, probably still thought the same tactic could beat Villarreal again.

How could that possibly work!

"Snap"

【De Bruyne Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 78/1200

The long pass found Cherishov in the forward position!

Find the space behind!

Cherishov sprinted toward the baseline and deflected the ball forward; it rolled a long distance ahead.

It looked like a miscontrol, but Cheryshev deliberately gave himself extra space.

This control allowed him to shake off Llorente!

"Pull back! Defenders pull back!"

Pellegrino warned them—just then, Cheryshev reached the ball, and a cross from the left flank swept directly to the back post.

"Tang Ye is running forward—hmm, but it doesn't seem to involve him."

"Bakambu has taken control of the ball!"

"Shoot!"

"Goal!"

Bakambu scores! Villarreal opens the scoring!

"That's it! That's it!"

Escrivá clapped quickly: "Keep the rhythm! Keep the rhythm!"

Bakambu's goal established Villarreal's momentum in this match.

Even though they were away, their opponent was their archrival Alavés.

But Villarreal was clearly the team with the better chances!

Players celebrated on the pitch; Escrivá sat back in his seat: "It's already the 32nd round—every match from here on is crucial."

"What about the next round?"

Ma Di's notebook switched screens, showing Villarreal's upcoming schedule.

4.20: Villarreal vs. Beşiktaş (Europa League QF, 2nd leg)

4.22: Villarreal vs. Leganés (La Liga, Matchday 33)

The Spanish FA didn't schedule the Copa del Rey matches in April precisely because of this situation.

This fixture schedule is insane!

Escrivá shook his head.

Tough!

The match reached the 39th minute of the first half.

Villarreal's possession rate had already risen to 64%!

Alavés' counterattack strategy had handed complete control of the ball to Villarreal.

Tang Ye was playing comfortably in this match.

The team's excellent possession rate allowed him to stay constantly in the opponent's half, searching for opportunities!

On the set piece, Tang Ye "snap"—a curved through pass sent straight into the box.

Perfectly found Ale!

"Goal!"

【You gained 10 Reverse Points】

【Assists: 1/3】

Ale's goal extended Villarreal's lead!

Check the time and system panel—only now, near the end of the first half, did he get his first assist.

It looks like he won't get the Legendary Chest in this match…

"Tom!"

Villarreal players huddled near the corner flag; Ale and Tang Ye both punched the air toward the stands, instantly drawing boos from the home fans.

"Hah!"

Second half begins!

Pellegrino made substitutions, but Villarreal still controlled the game.

At this point, Alavés' head coach likely realized it too.

Villarreal had gradually adjusted their tactics in the second half of the league.

The current Villarreal can no longer be contained by simple counterattacking!

【I thought Villarreal was done after losing to Espanyol in April, but now they've only lost once in April…】

【Espanyol: Thanks for the Asian qualifiers!】

【If they keep playing like this, Tang the Ball King might still be April's best!】

【Hard to say—Barcelona got knocked out of the Champions League, now they're focusing on the league; Real Madrid must be panicking】

【What's there to fear? Tang Ye's availability is nothing Messi can match】

As fans chatted on Dongqiu Di, Villarreal supporters noticed something thrilling.

If Villarreal and Tang Ye maintain this form until the end of the La Liga season,

Messi's Season MVP might be in jeopardy!

At matchday 32, Messi's goal tally stood at 31.

It seemed secure.

But his rival was Tom, in peak form!

"Alavés still have a chance—counterattacks after regaining possession are crucial for them."

"This is the best way to break Villarreal's midfield defense."

Just as He Wei finished speaking, Laguardia received a long pass and sent a direct ball to Ibai-Gómez, who had surged forward on the left flank.

All home fans in the stands stood up.

So did the two Villarreal coaches on the substitute bench.

Rapid counterattack from Alavés!

To Camarasa!

Papat!

A series of short passes, then Tokro sent a through ball to Gómez, who had just made his run into the box.

Gómez shot decisively!

Alavés pulls one back!

"Restart! Restart!"

Pellegrino urged, signaling players not to celebrate!

"There's a chance! A chance to equalize!"

Ibai-Gómez ran to Villarreal's goal, retrieved the ball, then sprinted back with his teammates toward their own half.

"Wowww!!!"

"Come on! Come on!"

"Gomez!"

Alavés are gaining momentum!

They want to knock Villarreal down!

Play restarted—the stands, previously silent after falling 0-2, suddenly erupted.

"Alaves!"

Poom!

"Alaves!"

Poom!

"The atmosphere here is electric…"

"Yes, Alavés' form is rising—they're in perfect rhythm. If they maintain this, they have a chance to equalize."

Live stream viewers felt the pressure!

Match minute 70!

Poom!

Gómez fired a long-range shot, but Asenjo reacted in time to parry it away.

The camera cut to Escrivá on the sideline; Villarreal's head coach squinted.

After scoring, Ibai-Gómez's form was simply perfect.

The final 20 minutes won't be easy for Villarreal…

Bring Gaspár to the flank.

"Watch the number 11—this is critical. Remember, don't forget this!"

From Escrivá's observation, aside from a few players in good form, the rest of Alavés' squad were average.

Especially their defenders were weak!

This was Pellegrino's mistake!

A fatal mistake!

He shouldn't have played a counterattacking style when his defenders were in poor form!

Minute 84!

After observing, Tang Ye made his decision.

He sprinted Zhudong toward the area where Ale was positioned.

Tang Ye's sudden run forced Alavés' defense to retreat for the second time.

Now the Alavés defenders are tightly packed!

It's time to test Huang Qian's passing and control!

Gasspar directly finds Tang Ye!

Tang Ye passes again to Gonzales on the left!

Gonzales sends it to Cherishov on the baseline!

Cherishov passes it back to Tang Ye!

Anticipating his position, Tang Ye flicks the ball straight to Bruno behind him.

Another blind pass!

Tang Ye's quick pass sets the rhythm; Bruno does the same with a one-touch pass.

Loft the ball to Alem in the box!

Alem's header!

Goal!

"VAMOS!"

Although Alavés found their rhythm in the second half, Villarreal still outclassed them!

Avoiding the surrounding Alavés players, Tang Ye and his teammates sprint off to celebrate.

"Together, together!"

"2, 1!"

"Vamos Villarreal!"

……

DQD Match Report: Villarreal wins 3-1 away against Alavés, securing their third league win of April. The Boat-Breaking Tactic's founding team was suppressed for 60 minutes—can Villarreal really be stopped?

Can Villarreal really be stopped?

But that's not actually true.

Most La Liga teams can't stop Huang Qian—but a packed schedule can.

The Europa League knockout matches collided with the final few La Liga fixtures, creating an insane April schedule for Huang Qian.

This is the challenge they must now face!

"Thanks, Bruno!"

Getting out of Bruno's car, Tang Ye reaches his hand through the passenger window and bumps fists with his captain.

"Keep pushing in the Europa League—we're heading to the semifinals soon."

"I've always been pushing."

Tang Ye taps his knuckles against the passenger door: "See you tomorrow, Bruno!"

"See you tomorrow!"

Back home, he collapses onto the bed and quickly operates his system.

【Purchase Cant's Hot Chocolate Milk +3?】

【You cannot purchase this item on match day】

Oh, I almost forgot…

Tang Ye sits up on the bed.

Today Huang Qian played against Alavés; on match days, Tang Ye cannot purchase 【Hot Chocolate Milk】.

To buy it, he must wait until midnight—but he won't do that.

Staying up late harms his body's natural recovery; for optimal recovery, drinking 【Hot Chocolate Milk】 tomorrow morning is best.

Hss—

Sitting quietly on the bed, the Hot Chocolate Milk reminds him of his stuck 【Ronaldo Chicken Breast +2】.

Chicken breast boosts Tang Ye's strength training gains, and strength is crucial for him right now.

【Ronaldo Chicken Breast +2 → Ronaldo Chicken Breast +3】

Material cost: 500 Reverse Points

Account balance: 379 Reverse Points

"…"

Considering he needs to save some points for other items, he absolutely won't spend money upgrading chicken breast until his balance reaches 700 Reverse Points.

【You purchased Hazard's Tarta Sauce Burger】

【Ball Control: 82】

【Required Ball Control to unlock Hazard's Ball Protection Template (Star): 83】

……

(End of Chapter)