Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Club World Cup Semi-Final vs Paris Saint-Germain (2)
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A chaotic scramble deep in Real Madrid's territory.
Normally, allowing a melee like this in their own half would be a glaring mistake for Real Madrid.
If they lacked the confidence to break free from PSG's relentless high press that had dominated the match, they should've just launched long balls from the start.
Mbappé's opener had begun with a long ball toward Ban Yeager, after all.
But this time, they made a different call—and it led to a different outcome.
Mamardashvili the goalkeeper passed to right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The pass lacked power, and PSG players swarmed it before the ball even arrived.
The moment the ball was lost, it was obvious they'd concede a golden chance.
The standard play in this spot: clear it as far away from your own box as possible.
Arnold opted to clear it at first.
But...
Iyaaaaaaaah!!!
His clearance turned into a monstrous lobbed through ball.
⚽ GOAL! ⚽
34' Ban Yeager
A perfect assist to set up Mbappé's goal, followed by Ban Yeager scoring one himself.
Before the fallen PSG players could even get up, he'd rattled the net and was sprinting toward the roaring crowd.
Ban Yeager once again celebrated, proclaiming himself the number 10.
Real Madrid's number 10, Kylian Mbappé, jogged up and draped an arm over his shoulder.
Two number 10s standing side by side.
A violent display of Real Madrid's attacking firepower.
The first half ended without further highlights. Score: 2-0 If it stayed like this, Real Madrid would cruise into the Club World Cup final. The architect of that scoreline: the mercenary Ban Yeager with his goal and assist. Naturally, Ban topped the ratings for both teams in the first half.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was extremely satisfied.
'I never imagined it'd be this good...'
Truth be told, using the Club World Cup special loan to replace Bellingham had been his idea.
Of course, he hadn't expected a big-club star.
The player who arrived: Manchester United's Ban Yeager.
A key player from a club that's ambiguously big-league.
Too young to fully trust on such short notice.
Yet in that brief time, he'd shown so much.
Half expectation, half worry—he checked Ban's skills in training, and they were astonishing.
'With proper nurturing, he's a Ballon d'Or rough gem.'
That was his verdict after training.
But seeing him play for real on the pitch? He revised that thought.
"Yeager, no issues for the second half, right?"
"None."
His 'unique' style was ridiculously convenient.
Low activity keeps the opponent pinned without overexerting.
Yet he fulfills—and exceeds—his role.
Low activity means no stamina issues.
Full 90s every match, consistent performance.
When building the lineup, slot him in CAM and go.
'Just two games left.'
A shame he couldn't coach or use him longer.
The second half kicked off with Real Madrid's ball. Trailing 0-2, PSG made two subs at halftime.
Moscardo (185cm) in for Diouf, who struggled against Ban—still strong in the air but quicker.
Ibrahim Mbaye replaced the ineffective Doué.
Some questioned pulling Doué so early, but most approved.
Surprisingly, these subs sparked a huge shift for PSG, who'd been dominated.
⚽ GOAL! ⚽
54' Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 🅰️ Ibrahim Mbaye
Second half restarted with Real Madrid's kickoff. Less than 10 minutes in, PSG scored. Hero: Kvaratskhelia, assisted by fresh Mbaye. True to form, PSG seized momentum and intensified their press. Piiiik! Real Madrid tried to escape but yielded a throw-in under pressure. Half the half gone, zero attacks mounted. At least no further goals conceded. 20 minutes left: 2-1. A nightmare score and timing for Real Madrid. Sit deep? Risk tie/reversal with no comeback time. Push up? Can't contain this PSG. How to break this? The players desperately wanted Xabi Alonso's answer. He responded with a sub card.
One sub—not defensive reinforcement, but swapping the right winger.
Eyes shifted from Alonso to incoming Rodrygo.
He'd gotten instructions or tactics, surely.
Rodrygo approached Ban, whispered something, then took right wing.
The game proceeded without tactical shifts.
Or so it seemed—then a shocking change.
Ban, who'd roamed central midfield, drifted deep slowly.
He slotted between Militão and the other CB, then stopped.
Everyone watched Ban closely now.
Kaaang!! Ibrahim Mbaye's rocket stung the post. Real Madrid goal kick. Mamardashvili, burned by prior pass misjudgment, backed up for a long boot. 'Ban...' To central Ban... ... Thwump. A short touch to Ban, now right in front. Almost embarrassing as a 'pass.' Ban scooped it cleanly and drove it sideways.
"Damn it!"
Regret hit—he'd given it straight to Ban. 'No.' This was what Ban wanted. Why? No clue. But Ban planned it. Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Vitinha surged.
"Ban! Clear it!!!" ...
"Clear!!" ...
"Clear..."
Iyaaaaaaaah!!! Ban charged into open space, ball at feet. Utterly composed, picking his next pass.
"He's insane..."
Ban Yeager.
One man built their entire buildup structure.