This match dramatically came to a close.

The Romans, who had celebrated their victory prematurely, could only swallow this bitter pill.

In a way, Real Madrid, holding two away goals, actually holds the advantage. As long as they do not lose to Rome at home, conceding less than two goals, Real Madrid will advance to the next round on the away goals advantage.

At the post-match press conference, Spalletti addressed the journalists: "No one expected us to play well against Real Madrid, but we turned the score around and were close to winning the match."

"Chen is an outstanding player. I can no longer view him with the eyes of a 16-year-old kid. He can completely adapt to the games at this stage, and his physical confrontations are very impressive."

"In the final moments, his sudden forward run disrupted our defensive rhythm. Many people miss such opportunities, but he seized it. I have nothing more to say about it."

Van Nistelrooy had more opportunities than Chen Zhong in this match, yet he kept shooting over the bar or wide, and hitting the post.

In contrast, Chen Zhong seized a fleeting chance in the final moments and scored the goal.

After taking some time to settle, Spalletti accepted the outcome of the match.

"Now, what we need to think about is not the match that has already ended."

"But rather the upcoming match at the Bernabeu. They have secured 18 consecutive wins at home over two seasons in the league, and please note, these are consecutive wins."

"No one can claim they will definitely defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu."

Spalletti's words were sincere; from his emotions and statements, it seemed he had already accepted the result.

Schuster, who spoke to the press after Spalletti, appeared to be in a good mood, although his tone carried a bit of sarcasm: "To be honest, I was pleased when we drew Rome."

"It's not because everyone says we are stronger than Rome."

"But because I heard, yes, heard, that Rome is the most beautiful team in Serie A. I wanted to put on a beautiful match for the fans with them."

"But what was the result?"

"They played in an ugly, destructive manner on their home ground."

"Honestly, I was very disappointed in that."

Francisco watched Schuster's remarks from a distance, feeling slightly uneasy. Compared to the start of the season, Schuster's personality had changed significantly; he seemed to have become somewhat "arrogant."

This was particularly clear to the observing Francisco.

Many people are like this; when deeply involved, they cannot perceive their own changes.

After making controversial remarks with much talk, Schuster praised Chen Zhong's performance and expressed his confidence in their upcoming home match before ending this post-match interview.

In the next league match, Real Madrid will face off against Getafe at home.

For this match, Schuster rotated the team, giving both Chen Zhong and Baptista a rest, while Guti and Sneijder played together.

At the start of the season, Guti and Sneijder were Schuster's key midfielders, while Chen Zhong and Baptista were practically invisible. However, now the fates of the four have dramatically reversed.

Guti and Sneijder are spending more time on the bench, while Chen Zhong and Baptista have become Schuster's trusted midfield stars.

Back at the Sports City, Chen Zhong first gathered with his friends from Castilla like Nacho and also met the newly arrived feisty youngster Morata.

Later in the evening, he called Granero.

Getafe's team includes two players from Real Madrid, one being Esteban Felix Granero Molina, and the other being Ruben De La Red Gutiérrez.

The former is Chen Zhong's friend, affectionately called "The Pirate" by Real Madrid's fans during his youth training days, while the other is De La Red, who is like a "senior," born in 1985, who joined Real Madrid's youth training at 14, and is praised as "Spain's future best midfielder."

Upon joining Getafe, Granero and De La Red gradually became the core of Getafe's midfield offense and defense, forming one of the most promising combinations in La Liga.

Real Madrid intends to activate the clause to bring back De La Red next season.

However, for the next clash between the two teams, Schuster does not have to worry because the contract for loaning Granero to Getafe, as well as De La Red's transfer contract to Getafe, clearly includes clauses preventing them from competing against Real Madrid during this period.

Therefore, in the upcoming league match, Granero and De La Red, whom Michel Laudrup regards as the core of midfield defense and attack, will be unable to play for Getafe.

This is also a key reason why Schuster is comfortable rotating Chen Zhong and Baptista.

"Aren't you planning to return?"

"No."

"I plan to stay at Getafe for another one or two seasons," said Granero somewhat wistfully. "Real Madrid doesn't have a spot for me now, but the coach at Getafe values me a lot, so I want to gain more experience here."

"Maybe, the next time I return to the Bernabeu, you'll have to call me Superstar Granero."

At Real Madrid's midfield, there are currently Guti, Chen Zhong, Gago, Sneijder, Diara, Balboa, Baptista...

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