Chapter 535: Spezia III
{A crowd is applauding loudly as he comes off}
{He’s been a sight to see in this match, making runs down the wing, keeping his opponents on their toes, an assist just a few minutes prior, and a free kick that almost went in}
{We’re not sure why the manager is taking him off, but it seems tactical}
Jason didn’t pay any attention to the commentator and just clapped as he walked off the field, having been subbed off for Chiesa.
He wished he could stay on for longer, but it seemed the manager had seen enough from him and was giving other players a run-out.
Jason had no opinion about this though and went to sit on the bench without a word of complaint, chatting with the other players on the bench as he took his seat among them.
On the field, the match continued after the change.
After Uventus scored their second goal, the Spezia team began playing with even more desperation as they tried to find a way back before the clock ran down further.
They launched the ball forward as much as they did, giving up stability through possession for a chance to overload the Uventus defense, but while this method looked like it was working, it could just as easily backfire.
Unfortunately for Spezia, they were not in luck today.
Cuadrado intercepted a pass made by a Spezia player who was trying to find a teammate in Uventus’ 18-yard box.
On stealing the ball, he noticed Chiesa making a run down the left flank and without hesitation, he drove the ball powerfully into the air, sending it flying and curling into Chiesa’s path.
Chiesa saw the ball coming and kept running, having already made it past his marker and the thin Spezia defense line.
Upon recognizing the dangerous situation his team was in, the Spezia goalkeeper couldn’t stay on his line and rushed out, hoping to get in the way of the Uventus man.
Everyone watched as Chiesa and the Spezia goalkeeper raced for the ball that had yet to land.
As they approached the ball, which also approached the ground, it became clear that Chiesa was nearer to the likely landing spot. However, Chiesa also knew that if he tried to get the ball under control, the goalkeeper would have enough time to clear it.
Seeing that the goalkeeper was already out of the penalty box, Chiesa’s instincts took over.
He jumped up to catch the ball in the air before it reached the ground, hitting it just enough that it would continue its flight over the goalkeeper.
Since the goalkeeper was no longer in the penalty box, he didn’t dare try to put his hand in the way of the ball, as that would result in a red card.
Only after the ball flew over him did he realize that even if he had tried to catch it with his hands, he wouldn’t have been able to reach it.
Realizing how bad the situation was, the goalkeeper, who still had hope that his team could still get something from the game, decided to sacrifice himself and bring Chiesa down.
Quickly stretching out his leg to trip over Chiesa, who had landed and was running past him, he caught Chiesa’s ankle, and the Uventus player stumbled to the ground inevitably. But how could Chiesa, who had gotten the ball past the goalkeeper and only had to put the ball into an empty goal, stay down?
Even as the momentum of his fall threw him forward, he struggled back to his feet and continued running after the ball, to the surprise of the Spezia goalkeeper.
With no one left in the way, Chiesa caught up to the ball and kicked it into the back of the net before continuing his run down to the sidelines and falling down dramatically, tired out from what he had done to ensure the ball ended up in the back of the net.
The Uventus fans, however, were over-energized with excitement and cheered loudly while the other Uventus players ran over to celebrate the goal with the goalscorer.
{He’s only been on the pitch a few minutes, but like a force of nature, he ran through his opponents and sent the ball into the back of the net!}
{The manager would think he deserves an assist for making that substitution!}
{With a three-goal lead, surely now, there’s no way back for their opponents!} The commentator pronounced his speculations, which were like thunder that shattered the last hope some of the Spezia fans still had as they watched the game.
The Uventus fans didn’t care for the emotional loss their opponents were feeling as they revelled in the excitement and satisfaction of another approaching victory.
The Spezia fans could only watch, completely distraught as the Uventus team celebrated.
The game was almost over and the Spezia fans were already packing their things, intending to leave as soon as the final whistle was blown, not wanting to be present when the Uventus team and their fans will be celebrating their victory over their team.
The Uventus team, however, weren’t done with the Spezia team.
They kept the pressure high on the Spezia team, not relaxing in the slightest and constantly sending the ball forward as if they wished to still score a few more goals despite their win already guaranteed.
The assistant referee on the sidelines had held up the board, and two additional minutes would be added to the game time.
There was no way back for the Spezia team and no risk to their victory.
Yet, the Uventus team tirelessly kept knocking on the opposition’s goal, and soon Cuadrado found Ronaldo with an early cross into the box.
Before his marker realized what was going on, Ronaldo was already in the air, and he caught the ball off his head, skilfully sending it to the top left corner of Spezia’s goal.
The Spezia goalkeeper did his best to reach the ball with an amazing leap, but he fell short, and the ball flew past his outstretched palm and collided with the inside of the net.
{Dying minutes, and this man still chooses to have his say!}
{He wouldn’t let his team run rampant on their opponent without having a say in it, and he’s finally done so spectacularly!}
{What a cross! What a header! What a goal!}
{Christiano Ronaldo makes it four for Uventus!} the commentator shouted while Ronaldo ran to the sidelines, jumped and turned around mid-air before landing with his arms outstretched beside his thighs.
*SIUUUUUUUUUU* the Uventus fans shouted on cue to the celebration.