Chapter 60
Chapter 60
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Manchester United God vs. Flamengo
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Manchester United God vs. Flamengo
Score: 3-1
Normally, with a two-goal lead, you'd feel secure. But after conceding one, anxiety kicks in like crazy.
Can you really call that a safe score?
Twenty minutes left until the final whistle.
Cristiano Ronaldo unleashes another header show, making it 3-2.
In that moment, Al Nassr dreams of a comeback, while Real Madrid fears it.
So, the move Real Madrid makes.
Even if it throws off the rotation plan for the entire Club World Cup, they bring on reinforcements.
—
Franco Mastantuono IN, Rodrygo OUT
Eduardo Camavinga IN, Aurélien Tchouaméni OUT
—
Tchouaméni's performance today was just "solid enough" throughout.
Clearly below his usual standard, so subbing him off feels completely justified.
But Rodrygo, who went off with him? That's different.
It's true Franco Mastantuono is the first-choice right winger.
But today, Rodrygo was on fire—undeniably having one of those days.
Two of the three goals were pretty much his handiwork.
"..."
If this was rotation for the next match, I'd accept the sub no problem.
No, actually, it'd be praiseworthy—it acknowledges Rodrygo's performance and signals more starts ahead.
But this sub? It's because they felt some regret over Rodrygo letting Al Nassr claw back to 3-2.
Rodrygo accepts it quietly and leaves the pitch.
His dedication...
No, those two assists right there on the scoresheet—are they invisible?
...
But reality was bitterly harsh.
The moment Franco Mastantuono comes on, he dazzles with successive dribble breakthroughs.
His flashy runs lead straight to an assist.
He drags Al Nassr's entire right-side defense over, then lays off a clean cutback pass.
And who finishes it? None other than me.
——
Starting Ban Yeager and perfect timing on Franco sub
This is what a master tactician looks like lmao
Cristiano Ronaldo notches a brace, reaching 999 official career goals.
And likewise, Ban Yeager scores another brace, proving no adaptation needed.
The carry battle between the two Manchester United legends draws massive attention.
Which means one player who shone brightly but had to leave the pitch early gets overlooked.
No, he just gets his usual level of notice.
When the match ended, his name was nowhere to be found.
——
After the Round of 16 against Al Nassr, there's about four days until the quarterfinals.
Of course, it's not really "downtime." The day after is light recovery training, the next two days prep for the quarters, and the last day more recovery.
We never expected real rest during the Club World Cup anyway, so I carved out some mental recharge in that schedule.
What makes it possible? Family, of course.
Hosting the 2029 Club World Cup in England is a huge advantage.
That's why we qualified in the first place, but anyway.
During the tournament, I alternated between the team hotel and home for some mental management.
"Yerin~! Big bro's home!"
After the Al Nassr game, I can confidently say I got more rest than any Real Madrid player.
Playing at my familiar Old Trafford.
Once post-match duties wrapped, I headed straight to my "home."
"Welcome back~..."
The moment I step in, my little sister comes out from her room to greet me.
A few months ago, she'd get embarrassed and refuse, but now after nightly pestering about missing me, she runs out every time I get home.
It's so endearing, I can't help but bring gifts today too.
"You watched the match, right?"
"Of course. Good job.."
"Yeah, yeah. So you know who I faced?"
"Oppa, no way..!"
"Hahaha! Here, a signed jersey for my little sis!"
"Woooow!!"
I toss her the Al Nassr jersey, and she catches it in a panic.
"Ber...Bernardo Silva...?"
"Your fave Man City legend~"
"...Whose is the one in your left hand?"
"Oh, this? Mine. Ronaldo! We swapped numbers too. Turns out he still loves Man Utd more than I thought."
"Sigh..."
She's drooling over Ronaldo's jersey.
But she still won't admit she's a Man United fan like me.
She's even stuck as a reluctant Man City fan by accident.
It's cute and funny, but someday she'll come clean.
That's why I keep collecting United jerseys.
Leave 'em around, and poof—mine disappear to her room.
Does she think I don't notice?
This quirky, peaceful routine fuels me for the next games, so Yerin's jersey farming gets a free pass.
——
Club World Cup schedule ahead: quarters, semis, final—three matches left.
Assuming we go all the way without losing.
But quarterfinal advancement feels locked in.
Our opponent is way too easy.
The Brazilian club that beat Al Hilal in the Round of 16.
CR Flamengo.
Considering it's the quarters, the schedule looks breezy.
With games every four days, it's perfect timing for some rest.
Key players can start on the bench for full rest.
They brought me in on loan, and I requested full starts for all remaining games, so I get the nod at attacking mid.
And Rodrygo starts too.
As left winger, with Vinícius and Mbappé on the bench.
Great chance for Rodrygo, but also...
It signals no starting plans for him in the semis.