As the referee's whistle blew, the second half of the match officially began. Real Madrid players, like caged tigers, quickly organized an effective offense under Zidane's tactical command. Their passes were precise and swift, and every run seemed to foreshadow a brilliant collaboration. For Villarreal's defense, this was a severe test.
Meanwhile, Villarreal Head Coach Escribá stood anxiously on the sidelines, his eyes fixed on the players on the field, observing the changing situation of the game. His hands were sometimes clenched into fists, sometimes spread open, as if he was trying to grasp the pulse of the match through this method. He knew clearly that if he could not effectively adjust the team's defensive strategy, his team might suffer a major blow in this match.
However, despite the tense situation, Escribá did not lose confidence. He knew that his team had considerable strength and fighting spirit. As long as they could withstand the opponent's fierce attack and find their weaknesses, they would have a chance to turn the tide of the game. Therefore, he constantly encouraged and guided the players from the sidelines, hoping that they would perform better in the upcoming match.
A Real Madrid assistant coach rose from the bench and handed a tablet to Zidane, who was directing from the sidelines.
Real Madrid's ball possession rate was 68%, and they had 8 corner kicks in the first half alone. This data was enough to reflect Real Madrid's strong dominance in this match.
Indeed, in the first 70 minutes of the match, Villarreal appeared quite passive under Real Madrid's strong offensive. Their defense was constantly compressed into their own half, almost entirely on the defensive, while Real Madrid seemed to be conducting a half-field attacking and defensive drill, fully demonstrating their ball control ability and offensive firepower.
After the whistle for the second half blew, Real Madrid Head Coach Zidane quickly adjusted his tactics board, and a new offensive strategy was clearly outlined. He realized that although the opponent's backline was as solid as a rock, there might be some gaps in their defense outside the penalty area. Therefore, he decisively instructed the players on the field to change their attacking routes, concentrating more firepower outside the box.
The Real Madrid players understood the Head Coach's intention. They began to patiently look for opportunities from the outside, creating shooting chances with precise passes and flexible runs. Whenever the ball reached the edge of the penalty area, one or two Real Madrid players would step forward, attempting to break the deadlock with long-range shots.
However, Villarreal's backline was not so easy to break through. Under Lin Feng's command, they displayed extremely high team coordination and defensive ability. Whenever a Real Madrid player was about to shoot, Lin Feng could always accurately judge the opponent's shooting path and react quickly. He led the defenders to block the ball with their bodies or seal off the shooting angle.
Zidane, standing on the sidelines, clenched his hands, his eyes anxiously scanning every corner of the field. His brows were furrowed, and his heart was filled with unease and anxiety. Although the team was currently leading 1-0, this score was never safe in his eyes, and he deeply understood the cruelty and uncertainty of football matches.
He recalled the team's performance in the first half; although their possession rate was as high as 68%, there were not many real scoring opportunities. And now, 70 minutes into the second half, the team was still only leading by one goal. This made him wonder if he should adjust his tactics again, strengthen the offense, to ensure the team could firmly hold onto the victory.
At the same time, he also began to reflect on his decisions. Should he have increased long-range shot attempts in the first half instead of waiting until the second half to change the offensive strategy? His heart was full of doubts and self-reproach, but he also knew that the most important thing now was to remain calm and make the right decisions.
He looked up at the players on the field; their performance was still excellent, but a hint of fatigue could be seen. He knew they had done their best, but the game was not over yet, and they still needed to continue to work hard.
As the clock quietly ticked past 60 minutes, Escribá's anxiety surged like a silent storm in his heart. He sat on the coaching bench, his eyes fixed on every movement on the field, his hands unconsciously tracing lines on the tactics board, as if searching for a chance to turn the tide. His heartbeat accelerated in sync with the rhythm of the match; every time a Real Madrid player approached the penalty area, his brow furrowed a little more.
In his imagination, if Villarreal conceded another goal, the defeat in this match would be like a heavy mountain, suffocating him. He knew that the current score was like a balance suspended on a knife's edge; any slight tremor could break it.
Therefore, as the 70th minute arrived, he decided not to sit idly by. He quickly glanced at Pato and Castillejo on the bench; their eyes burned with desire and fighting spirit, as if ready to charge into battle at any moment. He knew they were the key to turning the situation around.
He stood up and walked towards the bench, each step seemingly carrying the hopes of the entire team. He patted Pato and Castillejo on the shoulders, and in a low, firm voice, he laid out the tactics. His tone conveyed unquestionable trust and determination, as if telling them: "Now is your moment to shine."
Escribá walked towards the bench, his steps firm and powerful, as if each stride carried the expectations for Villarreal's future. He stood before Pato and Castillejo, his eyes like torches, radiating a desire for victory.
"Warm up!" he commanded briefly and forcefully. Pato and Castillejo immediately sprang into action; they began their warm-up exercises on the sidelines, every movement full of power and passion.
Escribá watched them closely; he knew these two would be the key to the team's counterattack. He took a deep breath and, with a voice full of fighting spirit, said to them: "At the 70th minute, you will step onto this battlefield to fight for Villarreal's honor. Remember, we fear no opponent; we have courage and determination. Real Madrid is strong, but they are not invincible. You must use your speed and skill to tear open their defense and create opportunities for the team."
His words resonated in their hearts like war drums, and their eyes gleamed with firm resolve. They knew this was their moment, and they would prove their worth with their performance.
"Pato, your breakthroughs are their nightmare; Castillejo, your shots will be their end!" Escribá continued to encourage them, "You are the sharp sword of our counterattack, the hope of our victory. Now, go warm up, go prepare, go meet your battle!"
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