Imdiately after the equalizer, Diego made so changes in the squad. Likewise, Manuel Pellegrini also made so changes in the squad.
The impact of the changes was almost imdiate as both sides played even more aggressively.
The quest for the winning goal led both sides to take so ruthless actions.
The ga beca even more brutal. Fouls rained down like a monsoon downpour as both sides desperately sought after the winning goal.
Perhaps, it was the frustration of the earlier decision that led to them conceding the goal, Atletico players played even more ruthlessly.
It seed like they had so kind of grudge against the opposing team.
In less than ten minutes after the equalizing goal, the ga witnessed a total of nine fouls among which six led to booking.
Fortunately, both sides managed to avoid the expulsion.
Beep!
Once again, Hiro had been fouled.
The referee pointed to the spot. It was the fourth ti he had been tackled in less than ten minutes.
The tackle sent Hiro rolling on the ground.
"RED CARD!"
The fans cried out in rage. Their emotions flared as they defended Hiro.
They couldn't tolerate the continuous onslaught of harsh tackles from the opposing team on their star perforr.
"Ptooey!" Hiro spat, rubbing off the dirt on his face.
Unlike others, he didn't continue to lie on the ground. Even after getting tackled, he would get up right away.
Hiro could hear the grumbling of the crowd. He could hear the buzz around him, the shout of agitation, and the plea for help.
All the voices echoing around him were as vivid as they could get.
"Fortunately, I've upgraded my bones before…" He looked at his bruised arms, crimson blood seeping out of it.
He could feel a ringing pain coursing through his arms.
The cut was shallow but enough to bleed.
"Rub so dirt on it."
He had heard those words quite a lot in his childhood. He was about to do the sa. However, before he could act, soone interrupted him.
"Don't… The dics are arriving."
Hiro turned to look at the person. Upon turning, he found Federico looking his way. His eyes were squinched, his pupils a little unstable.
He looked like he had sothing to say.
But the mont, he locked eyes with Hiro, he imdiately averted his gaze. Hiro caught the montary changes in his expression.
However, he couldn't decipher it.
He couldn't tell if he was worried about him.
Well, he didn't expect him to. So, it didn't make any difference to him whether he ant it or not.
Although his attitude has improved from before, Hiro knew that he still was hostile against him. If it weren't for their common objective, they wouldn't even bother looking at each other.
Nonetheless, Hiro ceased after hearing him.
A commotion was unfolding before him. The referee was again put in a difficult spot. He was sward and overwheld.
Hiro, however, didn't bother with it.
Instead, he stuck his hand forward for the dics to treat him.
The dics did so first aid and wiped the blood before wrapping a bandage on the bruise.
'The distance is great. But I think I can score from here.'
While the dics were treating him, Hiro stared dazedly at the vacant spot. Even while he was getting treated, his expression remained unchanged.
His face was a ss. Dirt and blood sared his handso appearance and he looked tattered. Even his jersey had been torn.
However, Hiro didn't notice it.
He was imrsed in the visualization. He was simulating the shot from the spot. In his mind, he ran countless simulations taking all the variables into account.
He had to find that one perfect simulation.
Even now, while the referee was hesitating to decide, the ti was ticking. The clock was showing 89 minutes. The score was tied with both teams scoring a goal each.
With every passing second, the ga was inching closer to extra ti.
'Just what's up with him? Does he not feel pain at all or is he trying hard to hide it?' Federico stared at Hiro with a mix of curiosity, concern, and admiration.
Even though he disliked him, he couldn't help but admire Hiro's toughness. He had been knocked the most out of anyone. Even his state looked a complete ss. Yet still, he kept getting up as if everything was fine.
'Why do you push yourself so hard?' Federico couldn't help but wonder.
Thinking about Hiro's perseverance, he couldn't help but acknowledge him. He knew Hiro was talented. He knew about his attitude.
But still, he couldn't bring himself to like this person.
'Your courage, your tenacity, your attitude. Everything you do is admirable. But why can't I bring myself to like you?'
'Is it because I lack the talent to do so?'
'No… It might be because deep down I know that I can't be like you. You are the type of player that I aspire to beco. However,' Federico's eyes radiated with warmth, his gaze becoming gentler. 'The more I look at you, the more I realize how much lacking I am. But I need to change. I can't always keep this attitude.'
Finally, after a brief VAR review, the referee reached out for his pocket.
He then booked both the players who had tackled Hiro. One of them had tackled him from below while the other had pulled his shirt.
One of them had already received a booking.
With this yellow card, he received a second booking leading to his expulsion.
The opposition cried out at the decision. They couldn't bring themselves to accept this decision. They began to plead and protest.
However, the referee had made his decision and wouldn't alter it.
"NO!"
He sternly denied their plea.
"If you keep this up, don't be upset if I show another card," He made it clear that he didn't want to hear their grumbling.
This further fueled the emotions of the audience. Especially, the Betis supporters couldn't stop from rebelling. They began to shout angry rants at the referee.
Once again, chaos descended upon the stadium.
On the other hand, the Atletico supporters were satisfied with the decision. The foul was vivid and the decision was in their favor.
With this even if the ga were to proceed to the extra ti, they would have an advantage over the opposition.
This rejoiced them and they couldn't help but beam with joy.
Hiro still didn't bother to check on the mood of the opposing players. He could tell that they were disrupted. Hence, he stood to take the free kick.
"You should change your jersey," Federico said.
Hiro wasn't aware of the tear in his jersey. Hence, he didn't bother changing.
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