GOAT: All Football Talents Are Mine

[Real Madrid has been dominant in the first half. The players' strengths are clearly shining through.]

[There's no doubt about it. Woo Ho-young has been outstanding, covering 5 kilometers so far. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has clocked 4.6 kilometers, has also been crucial to the team's performance. Above all, their chemistry has been better than anticipated. Xabi Alonso's build-up play has been excellent.]

Everything was going according to plan.

While the chemistry between players wasn't flawless, it was far from problematic.

In fact, it was impressive, considering the squad had been rebuilt in such a short time. The interplay stemming from Xabi Alonso's passes was exceptional, and Woo Ho-young's creative contributions when receiving them were remarkable.

However, it was too soon to celebrate.

As the first half neared its end, Raul was substituted, making way for Benzema.

"Wow!"

"Benzema's coming on?"

"Karim Benzema!"

"Let's see a brilliant debut goal!"

Some spectators erupted in cheers at Benzema's appearance.

It was a rare sight to see captain Raul subbed out for a new signing.

Understandably so, as many Real Madrid fans were enamored with Benzema's fiery, no-nonsense style.

Real Madrid's attacking options in recent years—Raul, Ronaldo, Robinho, Higuain, Van Nistelrooy, and Cassano—had mostly been composed, quiet players. Benzema's brash, aggressive demeanor felt like a breath of fresh air, captivating fans with the charm of unpredictability.

'Yes, they want me. Real Madrid needs a striker like me,' Benzema thought.

Standing tall as the lone striker, Benzema carried immense determination.

'I didn't come here to support Woo Ho-young or Ronaldo.'

His lifelong dream was to don Real Madrid's iconic white jersey, the reason he had turned down Manchester United's staggering offer.

Ambition burned within him.

'I will transform Real Madrid.'

He envisioned himself commanding the Santiago Bernabeu, uniting the fractured team and becoming a hero for the club's disheartened fans.

His confidence stemmed from one thing: skill.

'I will succeed.'

Benzema glanced at Woo Ho-young, standing nearby, and reassessed his goal.

It was then that a strange tension sparked between the two. Ho-young's eyes gleamed with sharp determination.

---

[Karim Benzema]

Talent

Artistic Link Play (S-)

Excellent Positioning (S-)

Spatial Penetration That Exploits Weak Points (A+3)

Precise First Touch (A+2)

Burning Competitive Spirit (A+2)

Boldness Unfazed by Risk (A-)

(See more)

(You can pursue one talent if conditions are met.)

(S-rank and above can be explored only after fulfilling hidden conditions.)

Condition 1: Win the match.

Condition 2: Each player scores 1 attack point.

Hidden Condition: Unlock by exploring at least 1 talent.

---

Karim Benzema.

Though he lacked U-class talent for now, his potential ranged from A-class ball control skills to S-class expertise.

'Artistic Link Play... is it a talent integrated into movement?'

While uncertain, Ho-young could sense Benzema's capacity to achieve greatness.

The game resumed.

---

[Woo Ho-young controls the goal kick with his chest and passes it back to Xabi Alonso.]

[Benzema sprints forward with urgency.]

The tide shifted.

Real Madrid, now brimming with youthful energy, applied relentless pressure on Deportivo whenever possession was lost.

This wasn't identical to Guardiola's six-second rule but bore Scolari's unique twist—enhanced midfield mobility to maximize counterattacks within the 4-2-3-1 formation.

---

The match's flow shifted once again. Deportivo, initially passing defensively to waste time, advanced cautiously when Real Madrid reduced their press.

This was Scolari's approach—bait the opponent forward, then exploit counterattacks.

[Mahamadou Diarra intercepts! Xabi Alonso retrieves the loose ball.]

Finding no immediate forward option, Alonso passed it back to Mertesacker.

---

Per Mertesacker, the towering, intelligent defender, possessed a commanding presence. His sharp instincts and passing acumen made him crucial for building play from the back.

Spotting Woo Ho-young advancing centrally, Mertesacker acted decisively.

'He can handle this.'

With trust built over the past month, Mertesacker launched a pinpoint long pass.

[Mertesacker's long ball lands in the second line. Woo Ho-young sprints toward it!]

[Juan Rodriguez rushes to intercept.]

Rodriguez, who had positioned himself better, jumped first.

But it didn't matter.

Phew!

[Woo Ho-young dominates Rodriguez mid-air!]

"...What just happened?"

Rodriguez, unable to compete physically, was forced out of the aerial duel.

---

Robben on the right and Ronaldo on the left sliced into the box, creating havoc among Deportivo's defenders.

Ho-young, feeling invincible, quickly assessed the best attack option.

'Forward.'

Controlling the ball with his chest, he executed a short pass toward Benzema.

---

[Benzema receives with his back to the defender!]

[Simultaneously, Woo Ho-young darts forward!]

Everything unfolded as planned.

But instead of passing, Benzema pivoted unexpectedly and unleashed a shot.

[Benzema shoots!]

[Alberto Lopo blocks it!]

Missed.

Worse, the rebound landed at Filipe Luis' feet, triggering Deportivo's counterattack.

---

Filipe Luis surged forward, exploiting Real Madrid's disorganized defense.

---

"Luis, watch out!"

But it was too late.

Luis released the ball toward Adrian Lopez.

---

[Woo Ho-young's sliding tackle!]

Ho-young intercepted the pass, silencing Deportivo's counter.

The crowd erupted.

---

From disaster to opportunity, Ho-young's intervention shifted momentum back in Real Madrid's favor.

"Run!" he shouted, springing into action.

In that instant, Ho-young had turned crisis into triumph.

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

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