Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Debut Match
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"Today's match, Segunda División Round 24, Espanyol vs Almería, is underway."
"In particular, our player Lee Si-eon has made the substitute bench for Espanyol."
"Yes, Lee Si-eon was a key figure in that glorious moment when Korea took runner-up at the U-17 World Cup two years ago."
"Lee Si-eon is a right fullback who solidly holds down his position."
"That's right. While modern fullbacks emphasize attacking flair, at their core, they're defenders, so defense remains the top priority. In that sense, Lee Si-eon is a very reliable fullback."
💬 Live Chat — AnonFan123 Wrapping his half-assed, low-attack play like that lol — FullbackHater For real lol. Fullbacks who just defend these days can't unlock a game. — DefenseBot If a 'defensively solid' player fucks up defense today, what happens? No clue. — PigFullbackClub Just another spot for piggy fullbacks to feast lol — PrayingHard Pls just no mistakes ㅠㅠ "Espanyol seems to have the upper hand, right?"
"Yes. Almería is the relative underdog compared to Espanyol, so the game is unfolding as expected."
"If they keep the scoreline comfortable like this, we might even see Lee Si-eon's debut today."
"Not bad... This isn't a bad situation..."
Manager Martin Leo muttered those words right at the end of the first half.
It really wasn't a bad situation.
However, that didn't mean it was a good one either.
Espanyol dominated possession at 79:21 with one-sided attacks, but not a single one had led to a goal.
Almería had clearly come prepared to park the bus.
In a 5-4-1 formation, all nine outfield players except the lone striker were focused solely on defending their own half against Espanyol's assaults.
This wasn't good.
Espanyol still had a long way to go, and they couldn't afford to drop points here.
"Wha... Wha...!"
...
"He... He's got it! Almería's lone striker, Vin Kanu! He's sprinting to claim the ball cleared from the defensive zone!"
"He's got it! He's driving forward... Espanyol in crisis! They're chasing back late, this is a really dangerous situation!!"
A counterattack unfolded in an instant.
Growing complacent from repeated clearances, Espanyol's defense momentarily lost sight of Almería's Vin Kanu—the one player who'd been lurking for a chance instead of defending.
Whether this clearance-turned-pass was lucky or intentional didn't matter; Almería had their first attacking opportunity.
Believing this was their one and only shot, Almería's players charged toward the penalty box with gritted teeth.
"Here it comes! Vin Kanu has to make a choice... Oh, a cross! Whoa... Wait! Loose ball!"
"Goal!!! The initial cross was blocked, but in the scramble, the loose ball falls to Almería midfielder Asta Mail, who's tracked back late for a cool finish!!"
"Espanyol dominated the entire first half with their attacks, but the goal comes from Almería's one-and-done chance!"
"And with two minutes of added time, the first half ends!"
"Ah... At this rate, Lee Si-eon's debut chances look pretty slim..."
💬 Live Chat — DoomProphet Lmao Espanyol total collapse — LuckyPunch Parked the bus, got smashed, then lucky punch KO lmao — SiEonSimp Fuck, was waiting for Si-eon action and it ends like this; — OldGlory Espanyol really ain't the same anymore... "Not what we expected, but not an unbelievable situation either."
Martin Leo's usual calm words cut sharper than usual today.
Especially to the players who'd just played—they'd feel it deep.
"No need for me to spell it out long. Figure it out yourselves."
...
"Anyway, our superiority is fact. Avoid sloppy play like that goal, and we can turn this around easy."
"And Sean. Get ready for the second half right away. You good?"
"I've been waiting."
I'd been about to beg for early sub time, but after conceding, even Martin Leo might hold back. I'd worried it'd be awkward.
But here he was, calling me up first.
Wonder how much that calm tone and steady face was hiding shakes inside.
Either way, Martin Leo had made a bold, gutsy call.
Fans had been rioting pre-game, and after the goal, the stands emptying out were a sight—stunning.
Even in my past life, I'd never seen fans this furious.
Me, who'd weathered infamous derbies, this reaction was new.
Some spat curses till they fainted and collapsed.
"What a ~perrrfect day for a debut..."
No debutant's first game carries this much pressure and difficulty.
Mess up and lose? All that rage funnels straight to you.
Even solid play won't save you from 'worst debut ever' in fans' minds unless it's at least a draw.
But what was my plan from the start?
Draw all the aggro—good or bad—then crush it with skill in one go.
The bigger the chaos, the fatter my returns.
A player dead opposite Adam Dolan in temperament.
The tougher, the more pressured? That's when I thrive most. Perfect debut stage.
"Sean, you sure you're okay..?"
Adam Dolan approached, voice laced with worry.
"Hang tight. I'll get you on soon too."
Martin Leo knew Dolan's mentality, so unless we equalized, no sub for him today.
'That'd be a waste.'
Dolan's primed to grow stronger with every real-game rep.
Feed him experience ASAP to chase that title closer.
"Booo!!!"
"You crazy fuck of a manager!!"
Stepping on grass unleashed a massive roar.
Not positive vibes, but I'd pretend it was cheers for my debut.
💬 Korean Soccer Fans Community — PatriotK1 Manager's patriotic sub decision wtf? — DespairMode Suicide declaration? ⭐ Top Comment — Noob vs Pro Noob: Manager lost his mind?
>Pro: Ah, protesting the shitty signings!
— BeggingPlz Pls... no mistakes.. or just do nothing... How many Espanyol fans could there even be in Korea?
Win or lose, right now, Lee Si-eon's survival mattered most.
"Well... Not the best situation, but Lee Si-eon is making his debut today regardless."
"Ah~ Honestly, I'm really worried. Could all turn into blame on him.."
"On a day like this, even in a debut, Lee Si-eon needs cautious play."
"Agreed. One slip now, and he's the ultimate villain in seconds."
"But... despite the concerns, he's looking steady so far."
"Yes, even trailing, our quality gap means real danger's unlikely."
"Yes, Lee Si-eon calmly collects Almería's clearance."
"Great forward pass. Gives and goes right up—Lee Si-eon!"
"Return pass straight back—secure control."
"This guy's basics are rock-solid!"
"Hoo..." 15 minutes into the second half already. Almería stuck to the same formation and tactics as the first half against us. They'd probably prepped something more aggressive for the second, but leading by one let them ditch it.
Couldn't create numerical superiority via dribble even if I tried—opponents gave zero space. Never lunged first, pure patient waiting game. Unyielding resolve to concede not even a sliver. Even baiting with long touches for speed duels? They ignored it.
Chances looked scarce.
As fullback, with their deep block, I'd pushed high to boost attacking numbers.
'As expected...'
To beat their marking on me? Only dribble breakthroughs or passes. Considering my position and prospect debut status, they skipped one counter. Even mixing shot feints to crack them—initial flinch, then nada. Like they'd decided 'he won't shoot.'
In this spot, no spamming mid-range shots. Only when dead certain—perfect timing, total confidence it'd go in. While they still didn't know I had mid-range as a weapon.
One shot. Shake the net outright.
No... Hold out a bit more. The chance will come...
Right before receiving a teammate's sideways pass, he spotted the keeper drifted left.