[Football] Bad Boy Batty

Just as no one likes to be asked to work overtime by their boss, no one likes playing overtime either.

After 90 minutes of fierce battle, everyone was exhausted.

But now they have to accept this.

Before the start of the 15-minute overtime in each half, there is a 6-7 minute break. The players need to replenish water, go to the bathroom, or maybe let the physiotherapist relieve the tense muscles in their legs. At the same time, this time can also give the referee a break.

Batty didn't need that. He stood on the sidelines, took two sips of water, and then poured the rest over his head.

With water droplets on his eyelashes, he looked towards the center of the stands. There was a glass cover, and inside it was the big-eared cup that symbolized the championship. This was the original, not a replica for the championship club. The names of all the champions from the beginning to the last season were engraved on the gleaming silver cup.

He hopes Manchester City's name will also be engraved on it.

There was a noisy sound in his ears, from teammates, opponents, and fans. Batistuta could see Guardiola eagerly pulling De Bruyne to say something. But at this point, the head coach could play a very small role.

What are you competing for in 120 minutes?
It's a test of willpower and who can avoid making mistakes.

Batty shook his arms and legs and looked around. He suddenly felt a little confused.

The word "confused" should not be used to describe him. How could the arrogant and conceited Batista be confused? What a joke.

But it happened, just like overtime, there was no way to avoid it.

This was something he had never felt in the past 18 years of his life. He was not confused when he was holding a gun and keeping watch for his godfathers behind the drug dealers' base. He was not confused when he was stuffed into a police car and roughly interrogated. He was not confused when he was discovered by a scout and was about to step onto the football field. He was not confused when he transferred to the Premier League. But today, on the field of the Champions League final, he was at a loss.

Isn’t it just a game, isn’t it just a championship trophy? Is it that difficult?

In Brazil, he swept all the championships and awards. There is no need to even use the word 'almost' to describe it. He has already won all the awards that can be won. Every star who has ever shone in the football world told him that he will go further.

So he thought, Europe, isn't that difficult.

But the facts pointed at his nose and told him: No, you are wrong, it is not that difficult.

Fighting on four fronts is indeed a reason, and Batistuta accepts it, but does not want to admit that they (Manchester City) could have done better, such as losing to Arsenal in the FA Cup and the second half of the Champions League final just past.

Being defeated in the last minute is the first thing the players don't want to face. The cheers of the opponent's fans are poison to them. When Ramos headed the ball to pull Real Madrid back from the brink of death and send it into overtime, Batistuta felt frustrated and sad when he saw the Real Madrid captain excitedly kissing the logo on his jersey. The feeling made him want to reach into his throat and pull out the trachea and spine together.

His mind was in a mess, and he didn't even hear the words of encouragement that Loach shouted into his ear.

In addition to frustration, there is one most important thing——

physical strength.

They still had about three minutes before they would be back in action, but Batty felt his lungs were burning, his nerves trembling with every breath.

It is too cruel to play in the final of the Champions League for the first time and have to go into overtime.

At this moment, someone reached out and pressed the back of Batty's head. The cold sweat beads touching his scalp again made him shiver subconsciously. But when he turned around to see who it was, the owner of the hand forced him to turn half a circle and pressed his head on his shoulder.

At the same time, someone was stroking his back.

"You did a great job, Batistuta, you went beyond expectations. The goal conceded at the end was not your fault, it was not your responsibility at all."

Oh, it's Guardiola.

And there's De Bruyne standing next to him.

After telling De Bruyne what to pay attention to during overtime, they also noticed the figure on the sidelines who unexpectedly looked a little out of place. Almost immediately they realized what had happened and rushed over to comfort the child in the last possible moment.

Still just a child.

After several unsuccessful attempts to break free, Batistuta gave up. He leaned against his coach and turned to look at De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder ruffled his hair and then put his hand on his coach.

No one spoke, but it seemed as if everything had been made clear.

The referee walked out of the tunnel, biting the whistle and using gestures to tell the players to return to their positions as overtime was about to begin.

"Let's go." Batty got up from the coach, took a deep breath, and walked towards the court with De Bruyne. "It's not over yet, we still have a chance."

……

Manchester City would have had a chance if the man named Benzema had not shown up.

Just 30 seconds into the game, Manchester City made a mistake in controlling the ball in the backcourt. Stones' pass to the goalkeeper was a little weak, and Caballero, perhaps because he was too tired, slipped while catching the ball and sat down on the grass.

The ball slipped out of his control.

Benzema, who was hovering nearby, seized the opportunity and kicked the ball into the goal.

[This ball...Manchester City's defensive line coordination error gave Real Madrid a big gift. This time, Benzema, who is always teased by fans as a scapegoat, finally passed the blame to Caballero. Less than a minute into extra time, Real Madrid beat Manchester City 1-1, leading 0-4 on aggregate. There are still more than 3 minutes left, who will win the Champions League title. ]

If Manchester City's morale dropped by half the moment Ramos scored the header, then Benzema's goal was the final blow that completely destroyed them.

Batty stood still in front, no longer having the energy to curse.

"Pep, should we replace Batistuta? He obviously can't run anymore." Arteta frowned and asked nervously, "And Kun, he almost fell just now and can't continue the rest of the game."

Guardiola thought for a moment and said, "Send Jesus and Sane in, and let Batistuta keep running."

"but--"

"Maybe our Brazilian Rose can work a miracle for us, just like he often did this season. Even if he can't, let him feel this cruel atmosphere... Believe me, if he is replaced, he will eat us both alive." Arteta shook his head, still able to joke at this time.

"Got it. I'll go find the fourth official."

Nine minutes into extra time, Manchester City made substitutions, Jesus replaced Aguero and Sane replaced Sterling.

Real Madrid also actively used their substitutions, with Asensio replacing Isco and Morata replacing Kroos. Their bench is not star-studded, but it is also full of talent. On the other hand, Guardiola has very few cards to play for Manchester City.

Still lost on the defense line.

Guardiola stood on the sidelines until the last second. As a coach who has experienced many major competitions, he has been able to adjust his mentality well and think in advance about how to comfort his players.

After 120 minutes, the referee blew the whistle to end the game.

Manchester City failed to create a miracle.

The winner of the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League is Real Madrid.

……

Looking at the white players celebrating all over the field, Batty took a deep breath, then released his strength and sat down on the ground.

He hid his face in his hands, as if that would keep the celebrating crowd away.

When was the last time you cried?
Batty no longer remembers.

Real Madrid staff and family members all came to the field, and Manchester City players also shook hands with them, congratulated them, and said polite words. Countless people and countless hands passed over Batistuta's head and shoulders, with regret and sympathy.

"Don't cry."

De Bruyne's voice came and Batistuta shook his head.

"Go away."

De Bruyne did not walk away obediently. He came to him and squatted down, stretched out his hand to force his head up, and then wiped away the tears on his cheeks with his thumb.

"We still have next season," he said, and then smiled as if to liven up the atmosphere, "I've never seen you cry before. Your face is all red."

Batty turned his head to avoid the other's grip, then lied hoarsely: "I didn't cry."

"Yes, yes, it's not you who's crying, it's the weather in Wales that's unbearable, it's raining." De Bruyne looked at the closed roof and said helplessly. He reached out again to help Batistuta remove the grass clippings stuck on his face, "Get up, we have to say goodbye to the fans."

"...I won't go."

"do not do that."

“…I’ve already lost, what’s the point of doing this?”

"We have to tell everyone that we are Manchester City players and we can afford to lose." De Bruyne stood up and stretched out his hand to Batistuta. "Like you said, it's just a game, no big deal."

Batty looked at him for a while, then finally took that hand and used the force to stand up.

Before he could wipe the mess off his face, Aguero came over.

The Argentine striker put his usual warm smile around Batistuta's neck and kissed his cheek. "Let me see who is crying so hard that his face is stained with tears!"

Batty muttered something.

I don’t know who came over with two red eyes.

South Americans are sometimes not so honest.

"Let's go, let's take our bows." Batistuta got out from under Aguero's arm and led them to the audience. "At worst, we can start all over again next season."

……

In the VIP box, the big screen was broadcasting the situation of Manchester City players in all directions.

To be precise, it was the scene where De Bruyne comforted Batistuta.

The aerial camera clearly recorded every moment, and in some close-ups, De Bruyne's figure could even be seen through Batistuta's watery pupils. It was in this way that the special atmosphere between the two could be accurately conveyed to every viewer in front of the TV.

"Lose." The director shook his head, then pointed at the picture on the screen and looked at Neymar. "Look at the look in his eyes just now. Baby Obati must be melting."

Neymar's breathing was a little unstable. He hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked towards the door.

"Are you going to see him?"

Neymar didn't say anything, he just nodded.

"Go ahead. He needs someone to comfort him right now... But you see, no matter whether he wins or loses, or is in glory or loss, his teammates are the ones who can show up by his side the fastest."

Neymar stopped and looked back at the director. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing." The man who owned half of Hollywood smiled at him, "Just asking you - do you want to play football with my baby Batty?"

(End of this chapter)