Mestalla Stadium

Some Valencia fans were still discussing whether their team could show Real Madrid a tough game this time, as Real Madrid had conceded early goals in several matches lately.

But, in a counter move, Real Madrid taught them a harsh lesson.

Less than 40 seconds into the match, through a quick central pass, Robinho delivered the ball to Raul at the top of the penalty arc. Raul then scored with a left-footed low shot without stopping the ball.

As the Merengue celebrated, and Raul kissed his ring while running towards the corner flag, Valencia's defenders ran to the referee to express their protest.

"They just interfered with the goalkeeper."

"Van Nistelrooy's position interfered with the goalkeeper."

However, the referee stuck to his decision, and this was Raul's fifth goal of the season.

"Just 40 seconds into the game, Real Madrid took the lead."

"Robinho's pass, Raul's goal."

"Valencia had some opinions on this, but the referee remained firm in his decision."

"We were just discussing how the team often concedes early goals lately."

"And now, Real Madrid made Valencia feel that pain too."

Koman tried to use words on the sidelines to boost the players' spirits, but the departure of the head coach and the early concession made it difficult for many players to regroup.

In response, Koman could only have Valencia stabilize their defense first to prevent further goals.

"Is this really happening?" Schuster widened his eyes on the sidelines, looking eager to jump into action. Valencia's offensive strength should not be underestimated in this match, especially with former Real Madrid player Fernando Morientes leading the line, who once won the UEFA Club Best Forward Award for the 2002-03 season, and was the top scorer in the European Champions League that season.

Initially sidelined due to Ronaldo's arrival, Morientes showcased his skills at Monaco and returned to Bernabeu as the Golden Boot of the Champions League, but Owen's arrival made the competition for the forward positions at Real Madrid even fiercer.

After a disappointing stint at Liverpool, Morientes played impressively upon returning to La Liga with Valencia. Schuster had already had his share of troubles with Morientes last season, and if not for injuries, who knows who would have been the top scorer in La Liga.

Valencia's conservative tactics, combined with Villa's absence, left Morientes struggling alone up front. Occasionally, he had chances from high balls, but the young number 22 on his side was always in the key spots to contest with him.

"Chen!" Morientes grit his teeth a bit as Chen Zhong knocked him over directly in a header contest. Looking at Chen Zhong, he couldn't help but feel a sense of aging in the face of youthful aggression: "You brat."

Chen Zhong stepped forward and offered a hand to help Morientes up. Stars from Real Madrid's first team often visited the youth team during holidays, so Chen Zhong and Morientes had seen each other before and even arm-wrestled once.

If Raul is the beloved prince at Bernabeu, then Morientes is the abandoned knight. He had remade his broken sword, returned in glory, and enjoyed cheers and applause at Bernabeu, but ultimately faced the twilight of his career. Some thought Morientes would resent Real Madrid, but he had expressed many times that he only had love for the club.

Chen Zhong never doubted his love for Real Madrid, for if it weren't for that love, he could have had a brighter future. He was a casualty of the superstar policy. Despite what happened at Monaco, some fans called Morientes a traitor, but he only knew that he must shine enough to don that pure white jersey again.

"There's no way around it." Chen Zhong said seriously to Morientes, "If we shut you down, Valencia's attack will falter."

The partnership between Morientes and Raul is a cherished memory for many Merengue fans, just as his pairing with Villa was unstoppable in La Liga. Unfortunately, Villa is injured now.

The two said no more. After Chen Zhong restricted Morientes, Valencia's aerial attacks were completely nullified. Real Madrid launched consecutive offenses, but Valencia's resilient defense made it hard for them to score. Also, Van Nistelrooy's off-form resulted in him missing two golden opportunities.

"We're missing a finisher." Schuster felt some frustration, as the team had 8 threatening shots in the first 15 minutes, and had Van Nistelrooy converted one or two of those chances, the score wouldn't remain just 0:1: "Tell the team to slow down the offensive."

"We've expended too much energy."

After the 17th minute, Real Madrid slowed their attack, while Valencia aimed to use this time to equalize. They attempted three crosses from the wings, but Chen Zhong was glued to Morientes like a shadow, and despite trying various tactics, Morientes couldn't shake Chen Zhong off.

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