Sitting on the bench, watching the game, he entered the Star Player Template System in his consciousness. The continuous match days had kept him busy, but now, he finally had time to check his attributes.
The matches and special training during this period, along with the bonuses from growth points, had significantly increased Lin Feng's attributes, which made Lin Feng very happy.
Strength: 75
Speed: 69
Tackling: 70
Interception: 72
Composure: 63
Inspiration: 65
Anticipation: 72
In Miami, Goethe's almost devilish training had greatly improved Lin Feng's Strength and Speed, reaching 75 and 69 points respectively.
After returning from Miami, through the grind of matches, Lin Feng's Tackling, Interception, and Anticipation all saw some improvement. It seems that to grow, a large accumulation of match experience is still needed.
Composure, Inspiration, and Anticipation were also further strengthened through growth points and matches. Overall, Lin Feng's attributes had already made him gradually match the level of La Liga. The current Lin Feng would probably be an absolute starting player if he went to some La Liga yo-yo clubs.
However, in Villarreal, although his starting position was not very secure and he faced fierce competition, as the saying goes, competition brings progress, and the team also had European competitions to participate in.
In the match between Villarreal and Real Sociedad, both teams displayed extremely high tactical prowess, making the game intense. The players' precise passing, tacit agreement positioning, and excellent ball control were all admirable.
Real Sociedad continued to showcase their unique possession-based style, with the players' coordination flowing like water. Whether in attack or defense, they appeared well-organized. They skillfully utilized the field space, seeking out opponents' weaknesses through precise passes and constantly creating threats. Villarreal, on the other hand, steadfastly executed their defensive counter-attack tactics. Their solid defense made it difficult for Real Sociedad to score, while also demonstrating considerable strength in their counter-attacks.
In the thirtieth minute of the match, the situation on the field suddenly changed. Villarreal, with a precise and rapid counter-attack, successfully forced a foul from Real Sociedad, earning a valuable penalty opportunity. At this moment, the atmosphere of the entire stadium was instantly ignited. Villarreal fans cheered excitedly, hoping their team could break the deadlock with this chance.
However, when Pato stood at the penalty spot, ready to score this crucial goal for the team, his shot missed the target. The ball grazed the post and flew out, narrowly missing the goal. At this moment, the fans' cheers instantly turned into sighs of disappointment, and the atmosphere of the entire stadium fell into a brief silence.
Head Coach Escribá was also very displeased with this missed opportunity. He stood on the sidelines, his brows furrowed, his face ashen. He clearly knew how precious this penalty opportunity was for the team, and Pato's mistake might cost the team dearly. He walked over to Pato and said in a stern and firm tone, "We need you to step up in such crucial moments. We cannot miss opportunities like this."
Although disappointment and dissatisfaction filled the air, the match continued. Villarreal's players knew they could not be discouraged by this; they had to continue to work hard and fight, looking for the next scoring opportunity. And the fans were also hoping that the team would quickly recover and bring them a spectacular comeback victory.
Just as the fans were still sighing over the missed penalty opportunity, Villarreal launched another attack with lightning speed. Team captain Bruno Soriano's precise long pass from midfield, like a tunnel through time and space, accurately found Sansone sprinting down the wing.
Upon receiving the ball, Sansone displayed his excellent ball control skills and keen on-field awareness. He skillfully stopped the ball, then cut horizontally inward. This action instantly shook off Real Sociedad's defensive midfielder Zurutuza, who was in hot pursuit. Facing the open space, Sansone unhesitatingly used his preferred right foot to send the ball into the far corner of the goal with a clever curling shot.
The ball, like a cannonball, fiercely struck the hearts of the fans. At this moment, the entire stadium instantly erupted. Villarreal fans cheered wildly, celebrating this magnificent goal with frenzy. The players also embraced in celebration. At this moment, they seemed to forget their previous mistakes and setbacks, only the joy of victory and the team's chemistry remained.
Before Real Sociedad could adjust their mindset after conceding a goal, Villarreal launched another swift attack. This time, team captain Bruno Soriano displayed his exquisite passing skills, a precise through ball cleverly tearing open Real Sociedad's defense. Castillejo, who received the ball, reacted quickly, instantly accelerating to create a golden one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper.
Facing the defense of Argentine goalkeeper Rulli, Castillejo, however, displayed his team spirit and calm judgment. He did not choose to risk a shot, but instead passed the ball horizontally to Sansone, who was facing an almost empty net. The Italian forward, unmarked, easily slotted the ball in, adding another goal for Villarreal.
Head Coach Escribá, looking at the 2-0 score on the scoreboard, couldn't help but reveal a hint of a proud smile. He thought to himself, no matter how the opponent plays their possession game, as long as they stick to solid defense and efficient counter-attacks, they will always find opportunities to decide the match. These two goals were the best proof of their tactics.
He saw the players on the team's bench hugging and cheering, as if they had already celebrated the victory. And in the stands, the fans waved flags and sang team songs, caught up in a frenzy. This match, which had initially seemed deadlocked, instantly turned into a one-sided affair.
Escribá nodded with satisfaction; he knew that this match was firmly in Villarreal's hands. But he also understood that there is never absolute victory in football; one must remain vigilant at all times, until the very last moment of the match. He stood up and waved to the players, reminding them not to relax their guard and to continue to play steadily until they achieved the final victory.
Conceding two goals in quick succession was undoubtedly a heavy blow for Real Sociedad's players. Their mindset began to shift, with tension and anxiety gradually replacing their previous composure and confidence. This emotion reached its peak in team center-back González before the halftime whistle.
González lost his position in a defensive play due to the opponent's breakthrough. In his hurried attempt to track back, he made an uncomposed move in desperation, resulting in a yellow card. This decision left González very frustrated, and his emotions were clearly affected.
Goalkeeper Rulli was also very dissatisfied with this decision. He loudly protested to the referee, arguing that González had not committed a foul. However, the referee's decision was final, and Rulli's dissatisfaction did not change the outcome. As a result, he also received a yellow card for his uncomposed behavior.
These two yellow cards not only put Real Sociedad in a difficult situation on the field but also made their mindset more tense. The players began to worry that their actions would be caught by the referee, and this worry further affected their performance.