For Villarreal, this was indeed a challenging away match.
The team had just returned from a match in Romania, and while the players were still immersed in the tension and excitement of the previous game, they had to pack their bags again and embark on a new journey to Espanyol's home stadium.
The players knew that Espanyol, as the home team, would have an advantage in terms of the venue and atmosphere.
Moreover, their opponent was adept at launching quick counterattacks from winning the ball in their own half, which was undoubtedly a huge test for Villarreal, who had just returned.
However, the entire team was not intimidated by these difficulties; instead, their determination to overcome all obstacles grew even stronger.
Head Coach Escribá clearly outlined the team's tactical focus at the pre-match briefing: "We must always be wary of Espanyol's counterattacks and not give them any opportunities.
At the same time, we must also use our technical advantages to control the rhythm of the game."
He specifically mentioned Lin Feng's important role in defensive counterattacks: "Lin Feng, you are a crucial part of our defense; you must demonstrate your strength and stop the opponent's counterattacks."
At Espanyol's home ground, the RCDE Stadium, the blue and white ocean shimmered under the sun, becoming the main theme of this modern stadium.
Known for its unique architectural style and comfortable viewing environment, the stadium was ignited today by the passionate Espanyol fans, who sang cheering songs, hoping their team would achieve good results in this match.
Unlike Villarreal, Espanyol did not have the pressure of European competition tasks, which allowed them to focus more on League matches.
In this round of the League, they played at home, well-rested, and hoped to leverage their home advantage and fan support to bring a surprise to their opponent, Villarreal.
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the fans, the Espanyol players walked onto the field with renewed spirits.
They knew this match was very important for the team, a crucial battle in their quest for a higher ranking.
Therefore, they were determined to play their best and deliver an exciting match for the fans.
However, they also knew that Villarreal's strength should not be underestimated.
Although they had just returned from Romania and endured a strenuous journey, their strength and fighting spirit were very strong.
Therefore, Espanyol had to go all out to win this match.
As the whistle for the start of the match blew, Villarreal's Head Coach Escribá, with a bold and decisive spirit, decided to start Lin Feng, Pau Torres, and Rodri, these three young players.
This decision undoubtedly brought immense pressure to the team, but it also embodied the coach's deep trust and great expectations for these three young players.
Lin Feng, Pau Torres, and Rodri are all future stars of the team, possessing excellent technique, speed, and potential.
However, having them all start at the same time, especially in such an important away match, was undoubtedly a huge test for them.
They had to face the experienced and skilled Espanyol team, and on their home ground, the pressure was immense.
However, Lin Feng, Pau Torres, and Rodri, these three young players, were not crushed by the pressure.
Instead, like young tigers, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into this intense match with full enthusiasm and firm belief.
Lin Feng stood in the defensive position, his gaze firm and sharp, as if he could perceive every change on the field.
Espanyol's forwards, Reyes and Pérez, were both experienced and skilled players, adept at using speed and technique to break through defenses and create threats.
However, under Lin Feng's tight marking, every one of their attacks seemed exceptionally difficult.
When the match reached the 20th minute, Espanyol earned a corner kick.
Reyes stood at the corner flag, ready to deliver the ball.
His eyes gleamed with confidence and determination, as if he had already envisioned the goal.
However, just as the ball flew towards the goal, Lin Feng, with his excellent anticipation and agile movement, successfully intercepted the ball, neutralizing the threat.
In the 35th minute of the match, Espanyol had a chance for a counterattack.
On the field, the atmosphere suddenly tensed, and the fans' breathing seemed to stop.
Espanyol's forward, Reyes, received a pass from his teammate, and he immediately demonstrated his characteristic speed advantage, rushing towards Villarreal's goal like a flash of lightning.
At this moment, Lin Feng stood in his defensive position, his eyes fixed intently on Reyes.
He knew he had to stop this attack and prevent the opponent from scoring easily.
He quickly adjusted his position, ready to meet the impending challenge.
Reyes rapidly charged towards Lin Feng with the ball, attempting to break through the defense using his speed advantage.
However, Lin Feng was not intimidated by his speed.
He stood firmly in place, blocking Reyes' path with his body.
At the same time, he extended his leg and accurately intercepted Reyes' ball.
Reyes clearly did not expect his attack to be neutralized so easily; he paused for a moment, then retreated in disappointment.
Lin Feng, meanwhile, steadily controlled the ball, completely neutralizing the threat.
In that moment of defense, the Espanyol players seemed to be stunned by Lin Feng's defensive skill; their eyes were filled with helplessness and surprise.
The initially confident forward, Reyes, now had to admit that facing a defender like Lin Feng, easily breaking through the defense was not an easy task.
Their meticulously planned offensive strategies appeared so pale and ineffective in the face of Lin Feng's defense.
They tried to find breakthroughs, but every attempt was accurately anticipated and thwarted by Lin Feng.
This feeling of powerlessness left them frustrated and helpless; they began to realize that against a strong team like Villarreal, especially one with a defender like Lin Feng, scoring easily was not a simple matter.
Meanwhile, the Villarreal players were excited and proud of Lin Feng's performance.
They knew that Lin Feng's excellent defense provided a solid guarantee for the team's victory.
His anticipation and physical prowess gave them confidence in facing any attack.
The players all cast admiring glances at Lin Feng; they knew that with such an excellent defender on the field, their victory was even more assured.
At this moment, Lin Feng seemed to become the focal point of the entire stadium.
His outstanding performance not only earned him cheers and applause from the fans but also instilled a sense of awe in the opposing players.
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