Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Ye, You Can't Keep Wasting Opportunities Like This

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have an unexpected situation at the stadium, causing the match to be temporarily paused!" Zhan Jun explained on Gugu Sports.

"Coach Zhang, the first half is already halfway through. Do you think both teams' performances align with your expectations?" Zhan Jun shifted the topic to the live broadcast.

Zhang Lu nodded. "That goal was actually a reflection of the first 20 minutes. Dortmund started passively, and relying on two 19-year-olds in midfield clearly isn't working—they can't hold possession. On the other hand, Schalke is much more organized. Raul drops back to assist, Jermaine Jones intercepts, and Baumjohann orchestrates the play. The division of labor is clear, and the strategy is simple—spread the play to the wings if possible, hold possession if not."

"Dortmund really has no alternatives. Their best playmakers, Kagawa and Gündoğan, are exhausted. Even Perišić on the wing is unavailable, leaving them without that explosive outlet. Although Ye Chen frequently drops back to get the ball, he's clearly being heavily marked today... He's already been fouled three or four times in just over 20 minutes. Schalke obviously came prepared for him!"

Zhang Lu's tactical analysis was spot-on.

Dortmund's approach in this game was completely different from their usual 4-2-3-1, and the midfield lacked ball handlers.

In contrast, Schalke stuck to a simple 4-4-2 strategy, focusing on wing play and crosses.

And Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's form was incredible—his poaching ability was top-three in the Bundesliga. This was also Huntelaar's peak season, scoring 16 goals in just 14 matches!

Though he still trailed Ye Chen by four goals, Ye's abilities were almost superhuman. Huntelaar's performance, while remarkable, couldn't quite be compared.

Zhan Jun began his analysis. "Even though the match is at Signal Iduna Park, it's clear Dortmund's players are feeling the effects of the Champions League. Especially the back four—having played the full match against Arsenal last week, they're struggling to keep up with Huntelaar's relentless attacks."

Zhang Lu chuckled. "My view is simple. Dortmund may be reigning Bundesliga champions, but their squad isn't built for multiple competitions. They need reinforcements in the winter transfer window."

"Which positions do you think need strengthening?"

"Mainly midfield and defense. Look at the current situation—Kagawa and Sven Bender are out, and they're already stretched thin. Also, at center-back, they only have three players. If one gets injured, the other two have to play every match! Unlike Ye Chen, their stamina isn't limitless. Young players bounce back quickly, huh?" Zhang Lu laughed.

After all, news about Ye Chen performing at a concert for two hours post-Derby had gone viral.

Fans unanimously praised him: "A national treasure, true pride of China!"

The match at Signal Iduna Park was paused for 13 minutes.

Riot police escorted over 200 aggressive fans out of the stadium—men and women alike, split evenly between Dortmund and Schalke supporters.

Once the situation was under control, armed police stood between the two fan sections, allowing the match to resume.

Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund's head coach, used the break to tweak the team's tactics slightly.

Götze moved to a false winger position, while Ye Chen dropped back slightly to play as a shadow striker.

Götze's youth and stamina made him perfect for darting down Schalke's flanks, especially targeting Atsuto Uchida on the right side.

Dortmund shifted to a 4-1-2-1-2 formation. They still fielded three forwards, but Ye Chen's position was deeper, as no one else could orchestrate from midfield.

During the break, Klopp had pulled Ye Chen aside, ruffling his hair and instructing him to get more involved, attract defenders, and shoot if possible—or pass if not.

As play resumed, Ye Chen quickly re-entered the zone.

At 31:45, Ye received the ball 30 meters from goal. Baumjohann rushed toward him immediately, with Jermaine Jones closing in too.

Another double-team.

"Schalke's approach is simple—whenever Ye gets the ball, two players converge. They won't repeat Bayern's mistakes!"

Seeing both opponents advancing, Ye faked a pass but cut left instead.

Finding space, he unleashed a powerful long-range shot!

"Boom!"

The ball rocketed forward, but Matip blocked it out for a corner.

At just 23, Matip was standing in for injured veteran Metzelder.

While not yet the force he would become, Matip's partner wasn't Virgil van Dijk but Kyriakos Papadopoulos—a powerhouse center-back with great strength but sluggish turns, nicknamed the "Mini-Maguire" of the Bundesliga.

Despite his limitations, Papadopoulos excelled at front-line defense, and with Jermaine Jones shielding him, he performed consistently this season.

"Fantastic block from Matip!" shouted commentator Mike, though his tone grew worried. "Ye seems to be struggling to find a breakthrough against Schalke's defense."

Many Dortmund fans held their heads in their hands.

Lewandowski ran over to Ye, earnestly advising, "Ye, you can't keep wasting chances. We don't get many shots!"

"I know," Ye nodded, jogging to the corner flag.

Lewandowski wasn't wrong—Dortmund had been under pressure, and scoring opportunities were rare.

Still, Ye had tried two shots, both lacking threat. Lewandowski's concern was justified.

With Kagawa and Gündoğan absent, Ye took charge of corners.

Hummels and Santana pushed forward from the back. Ye raised both hands—a signal for a near-post delivery.

"Tweet!"

The referee's whistle blew.

"Bang!"

Ye curved the ball toward the near post.

Hummels broke free and dove for a header, but Matip cleared it just before him.

However, the clearance lacked power—Ye recovered the ball.

As Uchida rushed out from the box, Hummels and the others stayed inside, ready for a second cross.

"Pass it!" Lewandowski urged.

Ye had no shooting angle. If he did, he would've shot immediately.

With Uchida closing in, Ye shifted his right foot to the byline, feinting left.

"Is he cutting inside?"

Uchida reacted, shuffling horizontally.

But Ye's left foot tapped the ball the opposite way.

"Oh! Brilliant elastico!"

The crowd erupted as Ye danced past Uchida.

Fans leapt from their seats, while Klopp clenched his fists on the sidelines, breath held.

Could this wonder kid create another miracle?