In the second half, FC Zürich seemed to have lost its soul, with its offense as listless and ineffective as its striker Sadiku, posing no threat to the Villarreal goal guarded by Lin Feng.
Time flowed like fine sand through an hourglass, and the score on the field remained unchanged, stuck at 1-0.
FC Zürich's players tried to launch attacks, but every pass seemed to lack power, as if bound by an invisible force.
Their attacking line was like a frozen lake, calm and undisturbed, unable to stir up any waves.
Lin Feng stood before Villarreal's goal like a towering peak, steadfastly guarding it.
His gaze was firm and calm, as if he could perceive every subtle change on the field.
Whenever FC Zürich attacked, he could accurately judge their intentions and react quickly, neutralizing the threat invisibly.
With only 10 minutes left in the second half, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Villarreal's Head Coach Escribá made a crucial tactical adjustment, bringing on center-back Ruiz and changing the formation to a five-man defense.
The purpose of this decision was simple and clear: to ensure the score remained until the end of the match, securing a solid victory.
After coming on, Ruiz quickly integrated into the team's defense, his experience and stability adding more solidity to the backline.
The five-man defense made Villarreal's backline even tighter, with virtually no loopholes.
FC Zürich's players felt the pressure from Villarreal's strong defense.
They tried to attack, but under the tight five-man defense, it was difficult to find opportunities to break through.
Every pass and every shot was closely marked by Villarreal's players.
As time passed, the match entered its final countdown.
The fans' breaths seemed to freeze as they nervously watched every move on the field.
Villarreal's players remained calm and focused, knowing that as long as they maintained their current defense, victory would be theirs.
As the match drew to a close, FC Zürich's players clearly abandoned complex attacking strategies, opting instead for the most direct and simple method—long ball bombardment.
This approach was like an aerial assault, with continuous high balls plunging into Villarreal's penalty area like cruise missiles.
For Villarreal's players, facing this type of attack didn't require much skill; defending became exceptionally direct and simple.
Whenever a high ball flew in, Lin Feng and Pau Torres, the two defensive stalwarts in the box, instantly went into battle readiness like well-trained anti-aircraft soldiers.
They closely watched the ball's trajectory, judged its landing spot, then seized the moment to use their solid bodies or accurate headers to clear the ball out of the penalty area.
Each successful clearance was like a small victory, not only stopping the opponent's attack but also preserving the team's hard-won success.
In the final stages of the match, this simple yet effective defensive method became the last line of defense in front of Villarreal's goal.
Lin Feng and Pau Torres displayed excellent judgment and physical prowess, working together like a perfectly synchronized duo, jointly safeguarding the team's victory.
As time elapsed, FC Zürich's long ball tactics gradually lost their threat.
Ultimately, when the referee blew the final whistle, Villarreal successfully held onto the victory.
The final whistle blew, and the score was set at 1-0.
Villarreal secured its second victory of the season at Estadio de la Cerámica, with players celebrating the hard-won victory in twos and threes on the field.
Their laughter and cheers intertwined, filled with joy and pride.
However, amidst the celebratory atmosphere, reporters on the sidelines aimed their camera lenses at Lin Feng.
As the defensive core of this match, Lin Feng's performance was undoubtedly outstanding.
His steady defense, accurate clearances, and excellent anticipation left FC Zürich's strikers with no opportunities.
"Lin Feng, hello, I'm a reporter from the Spain Football Daily.
We just compiled the match data and found that you successfully contested 5 aerial balls and made 6 clearances in this match, both the highest on the field.
What are your thoughts on your performance?" a female reporter extended the microphone to Lin Feng, awaiting his answer.
Lin Feng was slightly stunned; he hadn't expected to set such a record in the match.
This was his first time being interviewed by so many reporters, and he seemed a bit flustered, unsure how to respond.
"Uh... since the Head Coach put me in the starting lineup, I'll give it my all.
I'm quite satisfied with the outcome of this match, both for myself personally and for the team.
Thank you!" Lin Feng tried to remain calm, expressing his views in the most concise language.
As soon as he finished speaking, another reporter squeezed forward, "Lin Feng, I'm a reporter from the Valencia Green Pitch.
I'd like to ask..."
Suddenly, countless reporters on the sidelines swarmed towards Lin Feng, all eager to get more information from this outstanding player.
Lin Feng stood amidst the crowd, looking a bit helpless.
He was the defensive core of the team on the field, but when facing the media, he clearly hadn't adapted yet.
He nervously looked around, hoping to find some help.
Just then, Villarreal's press officer emerged from the player tunnel.
He saw Lin Feng's predicament and immediately stepped forward to intervene.
He patiently answered the reporters' questions, helping Lin Feng escape the scene and return to the locker room to rest.
Back in the locker room, the atmosphere instantly became relaxed and cheerful.
The players eagerly turned on music, and to the rhythm of the melody, they began to celebrate this hard-won victory.
The joy of victory permeated the air, and smiles adorned everyone's faces.
Head Coach Escribá also joined the celebration; he looked very happy.
He walked among the players, briefly gave some instructions regarding the match summary and upcoming training arrangements, then announced exciting news: "The entire team has a day off tomorrow.
Everyone can rest well and spend time with family and friends.
This is a small reward for all your hard work!"
As soon as Escribá finished speaking, the locker room erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
The players hugged and high-fived each other, thanking the coaching staff for their trust and support, and feeling proud of their hard work.
Lin Feng returned to his locker, took off his match uniform, and changed into comfortable casual clothes.
He felt the enthusiasm and vitality emanating from his teammates, and his heart was also filled with anticipation for the future.
He knew that this victory was just the beginning, and they still had a long way to go.
But he believed that as long as everyone worked together and put in their best effort, they would surely achieve more victories.