Chapter 701: Smarter Handling (Second Perspective)
When returning to Bremen from Thailand, Huang Hu brought some local specialties for his teammates. Although they weren't very expensive, they were thoughtful enough to show sincerity.
This not only helped him gain better relationships with his teammates but also reduced any jealousy among them. After all, it's not about being in short supply, but rather about inequality. Compared to them, Huang Hu was making too much money.
On October 18th, Werder Bremen's campaign resumed, and they seemed to be hitting their stride. In the 8th round of the Bundesliga, they faced Freiburg at home. Despite conceding a goal first, Huang Hu scored twice for the first time this season, helping the team come back to win 2-1.
In the following Europa League group stage match, the 3rd round, Werder Bremen hosted Tottenham Hotspur at home. Huang Hu continued his scoring streak and, together with De Bruyne, helped secure a 2-0 victory, earning the team their first three points in European competition and making the situation for advancing more optimistic.
With a 3-0 victory over Mainz in the 9th round of the Bundesliga, a 4-1 win over Heidenheim in the second round of the German Cup, a 4-0 victory over Stuttgart in the 10th round of the Bundesliga, another 2-1 win over Tottenham in the 4th round of the Europa League group stage, and a 2-0 win over Hamburg in the 11th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen achieved eight consecutive victories!
So far, they had 7 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 23 points, skyrocketing to second place in the league standings, just behind Bayern Munich with 8 wins, 3 draws, and 27 points.
This achievement amazed all of Germany, as people seemed to see the return of the mighty Werder Bremen, who once threatened the kings and claimed championships.
In the 11 rounds of the league, Huang Huo contributed 7 goals, ranking second on the top scorers' list, just behind Frankfurt's Alexander Meier, who had 9 goals. He surpassed famous stars like Lewandowski, Robben, and Aubameyang.
In other words, he not only had a high chance of breaking his own scoring record from last season but also had a chance to contend for the league's golden boot.
However, Huang Hu didn't think much about the golden boot. He only wanted the team to keep winning!
In addition, Borussia Dortmund's rapid decline also shocked Germany. The Yellow and Blacks only managed to get 3 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses, and 10 points, ranking fourth from the bottom, dangerously close to relegation.
The former runners-up had fallen to this level, and it seemed that Lewandowski's betrayal had indeed dealt them a heavy blow.
Fast forward to November 22nd, the 12th round of the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen welcomed Schalke 04 at home.
The entire team was united, as they hadn't lost a game at home this season.
The attention on this match also skyrocketed, as people wanted to know if Werder Bremen had the strength to challenge Bayern's dominance.
On match day, the Weser Stadium was once again filled to capacity. Many old fans couldn't help but shed tears at such a spectacular sight. Yes, this was the feeling of the past!
Inside the player tunnel, Huang Huo was enthusiastically discussing with a few teammates where to celebrate after winning the match. Captain Fritz was more cautious, reminding everyone not to underestimate the opponent.
"We won't, this is just to increase anticipation and motivation," the Chinese youngster said.
In fact, they didn't have the capital to underestimate the opponent. Caldara and Felix Kroos, two key players, were absent due to injuries, and the winning streak came at a cost.
Although Schalke 04 had performed poorly this season, currently ranking only 11th in the standings, they had secured European qualification several times in the past few seasons, proving they were not easy opponents.
At this moment, the referee team walked out from behind the two teams and approached the front. Everyone understood that it was time to take the field. They lined up and prepared for the battle to begin.
"Let's go, guys, let's march towards victory!" Fritz waved his hand, speaking passionately.
"Goooooooooooooooal! Beautiful! Werder Bremen scores! They take the lead at home!"
"Huang Hu! Huang Hu!" The Weser Stadium roared, countless fans excitedly shouting the hero's name, as if the whole city was trembling with excitement.
"Yes, it's Huang Huo's goal again. In the 27th minute of the match, he scores his 8th league goal of the season, helping the team take the lead!"
"Selke received a through pass from Fritz in the penalty area and then passed it to De Bruyne who was making a run on the wing."
"At the far post, Huang Hu leaped up and performed an incredible sideways volley, piercing through Schalke's goal."
"The ball formed a perfect arc in the air, flying over the defenders in the penalty area and then dropping into the top right corner of the goal, too brilliant."
The camera cut to Schalke's head coach, Di Matteo, whose face showed no emotion, neither anxious nor panicked. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.
The Italian had just taken over from the underperforming Keller as Schalke's new coach a month ago, but the team's performance hadn't improved much. Although he didn't show it, it was imaginable that he was not calm inside at this moment.
This was also directly reflected in the lineup adjustments. Just 40 minutes into the game, the away team made their first substitution, bringing on Hunterlaar for the underperforming Motin.
Schalke had considered some lineup rotations because they still had Champions League games to play, but Di Matteo obviously wasn't willing to accept failure so easily, so he sent out the strongest core.
The Dutchman didn't disappoint the head coach. In injury time of the first half, he took advantage of a set-piece opportunity in the opponent's half and took a direct shot, curling the ball around the wall and into Werder Bremen's goal.
1-1! The two sides returned to the starting line!
During halftime, Di Matteo specifically emphasized defending against Huang Hu. "The Chinese player has been in hot form lately. We can't allow him to play at his best."
In the second half, the away team indeed strengthened their interception of Huang Hu, using physical confrontations and fouls to disrupt Werder Bremen's attacking rhythm.
But falling to the ground time and time again didn't scare the Chinese youngster. Instead, it aroused his fighting spirit and made him handle attacks smarter.
In the 69th minute, when he received a pass from Fritz, Huang Hu sidestepped the ball, quickly turned around to shake off Fox's entanglement, and then dribbled forward along the wing.
Facing Kehrer's tight defense, the Chinese youngster slowed down, giving the impression of seeking a passing opportunity, making the opponent's defense slightly lax.
Then, with a flick of his right heel, Huang Hu shifted the ball to the left, catching the German defender off guard, and immediately accelerated past him.
"Oh, what a beautiful skillful dribble! That heel flick was so amazing. When did Huang learn such delicate dribbling skills?"
Kehrer tried to turn around forcibly to stop his opponent, even if it meant committing a foul, but he slipped and fell to the ground, only to watch helplessly as the Chinese youngster approached the edge of the penalty area and then took a shot!
The ball flew like an arrow, straight towards the near corner of Geifel's goal.
When Huang Hu got past Kehrer, Geifel's heart tightened. His muscles tensed up as he prepared to make a save. He had to guard against both direct shots and threats from crosses, so he positioned himself slightly towards the middle.
Almost at the same time as the Chinese youngster landed, Geifel made a save, but it wasn't enough.
The ball hit the position of his left hand's fingers, then changed direction and bounced into the goal!
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