Football singularity-Chapter 353 First Blood
Please vote to show me your support for the story the higher we climb in the rankings the more motivated I will feel. Mass releases will be rewarded for each 10 rankings we manage to climb.
~~~
Bailey reached the edge of the penalty area and whipped in a vicious low cross. The ball cut a curved arc as it sailed into the box right around the six tard line skimming just inches in front of Kevin Volland who battled with Hünemeier. Volland’s outstretched boot narrowly missed making contact, but the pace of the delivery was enough to cause chaos in Paderborn’s box. Hünemeier, the towering central defender, had to scramble to clear the ball, but in doing so, he only succeeded in deflecting it towards the onrushing Kai Havertz, who had ghosted into the space behind him.
Derek Rae’s voice filled the air, crackling with anticipation: "What a delivery by Bailey! Havertz lurking at the back post—can he get there in time?"
In a flash, the young German prodigy shifted his weight and lunged towards the ball, timing it perfectly. His left foot connected with the ball just as Huth, the Paderborn goalkeeper, was diving to cover the near post. However, he wasn’t needed as 24-year-old Collins Paderborn’s left back made his presence known as he slid in feet first kicking the ball away.
The away fan’s seeing that they escaped conceding in the first minute breathed a sigh of relief much to the annoyance of the home fans. "If they weren’t paying attention before they are sure to do so now," Stewart Robson stated as he watched the relieved expression of the Paderborn players in blue who quickly reorganised.
[10th Minute]
Leverkusen immediately picked up the pace after that near miss, pressing forward with intensity. Paderborn, however, had regained their composure, with the defence quickly falling into shape as the midfielders dropped back to provide cover. It was clear that they would have to be more disciplined if they were to withstand the attacking power of the hosts.
In the midfield, Charles Aránguiz orchestrated the tempo showcasing his years of experience by distributing the ball with precision. He found Lars Bender again, who clipped a ball forward to Volland who had come short just outside the centre circle. The German striker comfortably held up the ball holding back Vasiliadis who tried to close him down.
Not hesitating he released the ball to Havertz on the flank, before turning on his axis looking for an opportunity at goal. Havertz didn’t have an easy time taking control of the ball as Antwi-Adjei stuck to him not even allowing him to breathe freely without his permission. With one hand on Kai’s left shoulder, he tugged it slightly as he tried to steal the ball from the other side.
Havertz, feeling the pressure from Antwi-Adjei, rolled with the punches as he adjusted his body and cleverly spun away, leaving the Paderborn defender grasping at thin air. The ball stayed glued to his feet as he sprinted down the flank quickly entering the final third. Collins once again stood in his way as the left back calmly tracked the approaching winger doing his best to force him down the wing.
Havertz, with quick feet and even quicker thinking, feinted to the inside, pulling Collins off balance. In that split second, Havertz darted to the outside, cutting past him with ease. Collins, desperate to recover, lunged at the ball but missed as Havertz sent a precise through ball into the box. As the ball zipped across the box, Kevin Volland was ready to pounce as he lost his marker for a moment.
He had been hungry for a chance and wasted no time darting into the space between Hünemeier and Strohdiek. His timing was impeccable as he beat the offside trap latching onto the ball in the area close to the near post. His momentum sent him running a couple steps off track and by the time he turned to face the goal Huth was already charging out.
His angle was closed and Hünemeier was also joining the encirclement not leaving him much time or room to manoeuvre. Aware that he had very little time to make a decision, he remained composed as he looked up scanning the area around him. He wasn’t disappointed as he spotted one of his teammates on the other side of the box.
Not hesitating he swung his foot chipping the ball into the air, sending it spinning towards the area around the back post. Huth who was closing in on him immediately sprung into the air, but he was too late to reach the ball. Turning his head mid-air, he saw a figure in red jump into the air smacking the ball with his head. Bailey wouldn’t miss this opportunity as he found himself unguarded allowing him to comfortably slot the ball into the empty net.
25,000 Leverkusen fans erupted in euphoria the moment the ball pierced the back of the net as their ultras set off chants in jubilations. "When you keep asking the right questions you’re bound to receive an answer," Derek exclaimed with excitement, speaking louder as he felt that the noise from the Leverkusen fans would drown him out.
"GOAL! Leon Bailey strikes as the Red Lions draw first blood in the 10th minute. It’s a case of right place right time for the Jamaican winger," he continued as he watched the Leverkusen player join him in his celebrations as they were embraced warmly by the fans.
"Yes, he executed the chance presented to him but let’s not forget Havertz and Volland who were instrumental to this goal, A 7/10 in terms of teamwork," Stewart Robson followed up, "Great composure from Volland. Paderborn had several players around him, but he showed calmness under pressure and chose to be unselfish. I’m sure Bosz appreciates his choice."
He wasn’t wrong as the Leverkusen manager can be seen at the edge of his managerial area clapping his hands in appreciation. He did not forget to give nearby players a few instructions telling them to not let up.
~~~
[14th minute]
Following their boss’s instructions the red lions did not let up as they fiercely pressed forward holding 70% of the possession. Aránguiz and Baumgartlinger became particularly busy as they continued to ping passes around looking for a breakthrough point. Playing a quick one-two with Tah, Baumgartlinger flicked the ball onto Lars Bender at the byline just in time to escape from Michel and Gjasula.
The left mid wasn’t given time to think as the Paderborn players locked onto him like rabid dogs. He attempted a hasty Cruyff turn as the blue figures closed in on him and it worked as he escaped Michel but that wasn’t enough. Antwi-Adjei using his body slipped in between him and the ball stripping it free as the left mid lost his balance stumbling to the ground.
Antwi-Adjei didn’t even look back as Bender complained calling for a foul as he charged down the wing. "He’s calling for a free kick, but Hans Bauer is having none of it," Stewart exclaimed as Hans Bauer in his yellow referee kit simply motioned for play to continue as Antwi-Adjei blitzed down the wing.
Paderborn flipped a switch as they quickly flooded the final third and by the time Antwi-Adjei reached the side of the box 5 blue figures were in the box or in the process of entering. Sven Bender, Wendell and Aránguiz quickly found themselves outnumbered as Tah did his best to try and block Antwi-Adjei. The Paderborn winger wasn’t intimidated by his tall muscular frame though as he squared a weighted pass.
Tah reacted instinctively and lunged after the ball but was unable to reach it as it glided along the turf heading towards the penalty spot. Mamba seeing the ball heading towards him instinctively swung his foot trying to take the shot first time. It wasn’t meant to be as Sven Bender sliced along the ground kicking up grass in a slide tackle reaching the ball first before sending the striker crashing to the ground.
.
.
.
Follow current novels on freewebnσvel.cѳm.
.
To Be Continued...
