Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Misfortunes Never Come Singly

Football: The Rebirth of the Football Journey - Volume 1Words: 5928

Mönchengladbach's attack was sharp.

But Dortmund's players defended resolutely.

One might have thought Mönchengladbach would be the team committing more fouls, but surprisingly, it was the other way around.

Reus alone drew two yellow cards.

The other yellow came from Schmelzer's tackle on Herrmann.

21:42

Weidenfeller didn't opt for a long ball; instead, he passed it to Hummels.

Up front, Ye Chen was playing today, so long balls weren't an option.

Not just Ye Chen – players like Krooslowe, Gündoğan, Leitner, and Großkreutz lacked the ability to hold the ball with their backs to goal.

Playing long would simply hand the ball to Mönchengladbach.

Hummels took the ball, but Bobadilla pressed immediately.

Calmly, Hummels passed back to Weidenfeller.

Seeing Hummels in a difficult position, Weidenfeller switched to Owomoyela on the right.

But Reus was already sprinting towards him...

Owomoyela couldn't turn and had no choice but to return the ball to Weidenfeller.

With no other option, Weidenfeller launched a long ball.

Ye Chen positioned himself well, but Dante was right behind him.

Both players leapt simultaneously, but Ye Chen could clearly feel that Dante was towering over him.

In mid-air, their bodies collided – it felt like crashing into a steel plate...

That physicality – no wonder he's such a powerhouse!

"Thud!"

Dante headed the ball to the middle, where Jantschke took possession.

Seeing Arango open at the center circle, Jantschke passed immediately.

Arango received the ball, and Kehl rushed to challenge him.

But Arango had already spotted Reus's run.

A diagonal pass – perfectly landing at Reus's feet.

Großkreutz tracked back, but carrying a yellow card, he hesitated to tackle.

Owomoyela, retreating alongside, kept his eyes on Reus.

Reus drove the ball down the flank, but Owomoyela dared not commit – shifting weight could get him beaten instantly.

At that moment, Arango overlapped, pursued by Kehl.

Receiving the ball, Arango played a quick layoff.

Reus darted past Owomoyela in a flash – lightning quick!

Arango not only drew Kehl out but also helped Reus escape the double-team from Großkreutz and Owomoyela.

Reus dribbled horizontally into the box. Hummels abandoned Bobadilla's run and moved to intercept Reus.

Just as Hummels approached, Reus flicked the ball with the outside of his foot – delivering it to Bobadilla...

"Thud!"

Bobadilla wasted no time – a direct shot.

At that range, not even Weidenfeller – let alone Kahn – could stop it!

"Tweet!"

The referee blew the whistle and pointed to the center circle.

Goal stands!

Mönchengladbach orchestrated a beautiful play, leveling the score!

"Goooooooooooal!"

"Raul~~~~~~"

"Bobadilla~~~~~~~"

As the ball hit the net, the stadium erupted with Stiel's thunderous call!

Bobadilla sprinted to Reus, embracing him, and together they jogged toward the die-hard fans by the sideline to celebrate.

Borussia-Park had standing sections too – 10,000 fewer than Westfalenstadion – but the passion was just as fierce!

Over 50,000 voices chanted Bobadilla's name, nearly lifting the stadium roof.

Even Kahn shook his head, "That was a beautiful attack by Mönchengladbach – almost Barcelona-esque, passing the ball into the net!"

"Although Ye opened the scoring for Dortmund with individual brilliance, Mönchengladbach responded quickly!"

"Reus is equally outstanding – and Dortmund's right flank is in trouble! Owomoyela is no match for Reus!"

Stiel chuckled, "In my eyes, Reus surpasses Ye. Beyond his shooting and dribbling, his assists are equally top-notch! Honestly, I don't understand why Dortmund would let go of such a talent! It's absurd!"

Kahn laughed, "According to Kicker's latest report, Dortmund has officially made an offer for Reus..."

"What? Kicker reported that?" Stiel asked incredulously.

Kicker is Germany's most reputable sports outlet – their news is rarely wrong.

Kahn nodded, "Mönchengladbach hasn't responded yet, though..."

Stiel gritted his teeth, "Reus mustn't go to Dortmund. They're already strong enough – with Reus, they'd become the second Bayern!"

Kahn agreed, "You're right – I don't want him at Dortmund either... One Ye is trouble enough. With Reus too, Bayern would have a real headache!"

After all, Kahn is a Bayern legend!

Back to the match.

After the equalizer, the game slowed down – repeated sprints and transitions drained the players.

Still, Reus continued targeting Dortmund's right flank.

It was clear why Klopp hesitated to use Owomoyela... A 33-year-old, 188 cm full-back simply couldn't keep up!

Switching positions with Hummels was an option, but Hummels lacked speed and acceleration – that could compromise two positions instead of one.

For now, it was manageable – the right flank was shaky, but the center remained solid!

Klopp's hope was to survive until halftime and make adjustments then...

25:55

Reus carried the ball down the wing, immediately drawing Owomoyela's attention.

Leitner shifted to cover as well.

This time, Reus didn't try to dribble past – instead, he crossed from 45 degrees.

The ball homed in on Herrmann at the far post.

Herrmann had begun his run the moment the ball was kicked. Schmelzer, already booked, avoided rash tackles.

Herrmann sprinted into the box, and Weidenfeller charged out.

"Thud!"

Spotting no passing option, Herrmann shot directly.

"Smack!"

The ball hit Weidenfeller's face squarely.

Weidenfeller collapsed as the ball went out of play.

Dazed, stars spun around his head...

A close-range shot like that – direct impact could cause a concussion!

The referee immediately halted play!

A goalkeeper's injury mandates stoppage.

Dortmund's medical team rushed in for checks.

Weidenfeller didn't look good...

Eventually, the medic signaled – Weidenfeller needed concussion tests.

Seeing the signal, Dortmund's players' faces turned grim.

When it rains, it pours...

Dortmund's luck had truly run out today.