Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 24

Yesterday, we reached 50,000 views! I never thought we’d reach that number in less than a month since we started posting…

April 2028.

There was a heavy atmosphere in Madrid in spring.

Champions League Round of 16, 1st leg.

Augsburg were standing at one of the world’s most sacred grounds – the Santiago Bernabeu.

The opponent is the world champion.

Galacticos – Real Madrid.

Before the game, the manager quietly responded to a reporter’s question.

“No matter what measures you take, they will overpower you with their overwhelming individuality.

　Today’s match may be one in which we learn the ‘reality’ of the world.”

And then the kickoff began.

10 minutes into the start.

Ren certainly felt that he had a good chance of succeeding.

Receive the ball in the midfield, create rhythm,

Two vertical passes created opportunities.

But that was just the beginning.

15 min.

The ball was in hand on the left wing – Onizuka Hayato.

SB delivers.

However, Onizuka shifted the rhythm and easily fended it off.

He fired a curling mid-range shot with his right foot.

The ball grazed the goalkeeper’s fingertips and went into the top right corner of the goal.

1-0.

Immediately after.

The moment Ren got the ball, Onizuka started pressing.

“…I can’t stop.”

The pressure caused Ren to slightly throw off his timing, and he made a missed pass.

The ball is stolen, and a counterattack follows up the center.

With numerical superiority still in play, the net shook again.

2-0.

Just before the end of the first half.

The third goal was scored when the ball was pushed in after a loose ball was pushed in from a scramble following a corner kick.

3-0.

The Bernabeu exploded.

It was a 45-minute period in which the “difference in class” was visibly demonstrated.

Halftime.

Rather than silence, the air in the locker room was one of helplessness.

Ren muttered under his breath as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“…So this is the ‘seriousness’ of the world’s best.”

Second half.

Ren continued to play calmly, unchanged.

Don’t look down, don’t be afraid to make mistakes,

Step by step, we look for fluctuations in the opponent’s formation.

70 min.

Ren received the ball near the center circle.

A sharp, long pass to the opposite side.

The full-back then crossed the ball, and the center forward headed it into the net.

1-3.

I could faintly hear it amid the cheers.

“REN…!”

–Ren’s name was being called from a corner of the stands.

But that was the end of the counterattack.

The game is almost over.

Onizuka draws the three of them close, and still has time to sense Ren’s presence behind him.

And then, the heel pass.

The winger ran in and calmly slid the ball into the left corner of the goal.

1-4.

The whistle signals the end of the game.

Ren stands still on the pitch.

The audience’s applause was directed towards the “champion.”

After the match, Onizuka walks over.

“…As expected, you’re amazing.”

“But we’re the main characters today.”

Ren nodded and laughed a little.

“But still, I saw it.

　’ How far is it?’

Onizuka smiled back and patted Ren lightly on the back.

“Then come on.

　–Go over that wall.”

The next morning, the media around the world reported the following.

“Augsburg is completely defeated. Naoe is also involved in the goal conceded.”

“Naoe Ren – A quiet and intelligent general who was repelled by a white wall.”

From the bus window,

Ren gazed at the illuminated Bernabeu at night.

And then, he quietly murmured in his heart.

(This won’t end like this)

–The next stage will be Augsburg’s home ground.

The second round of the challenge against the “White Wall” was about to begin.

That night in Japan, there was an unprecedented level of excitement.

[Real Madrid vs Augsburg]

[Onitsuka Hayato vs. Naoe Ren – A Japanese showdown takes place on Europe’s highest stage]

A rare event broadcast live on television.

Special coverage was prepared in advance, and social media was buzzing even before the event began.

Just before kickoff.

#Onitsuka Hayato #Naoe Ren #Night at the Bernabeu are trending.

[During the game/real time]

⚽️The match begins──

“Wow, Naoe, that’s a great entrance!”

“Maybe we can seriously fight on equal terms today!”

⚽️ Onizuka takes the lead with a mid-range shot──

“No, Onizuka is a genius.”

“Amazing, but complicated… Good luck, Naoe!”

⚽️Naoe makes a mistake in the press and concedes a goal on the counterattack──

“It’s tough… the difference with the rest of the world.”

“But Naoe, look up!!”

⚽️First half ends 0-3──

“Real Madrid is as fierce as ever after reaching the Champions League final round.”

“Honestly, the quality of each individual is exceptional.”

“What’s the deal with the stagnation of the league phase?”

[After the match]

The game ends: 1-4.

Social media was a storm of excitement and frustration.

#HayatoOnizuka is incredible

#NaoeRen uses regret as fuel

#Night at the Bernabeu

“Onizuka, you’re seriously becoming the center of the Galaxy Corps…”

“Naoe, it was amazing that you directed the goal assist.”

“Honestly, there was a difference today. He was involved in the goals we conceded. But even so, Ren’s presence was still there.”

“I lost, but…Naoe is the future.”

The headlines in the sports papers the next morning were divided.

[Onizuka impresses at the Bernabeu]

[Naoe is completely defeated – but it’s a definite step forward]

[The future of Japanese soccer crosses paths here]

Television commentators calmly analyze the situation.

“While I was reminded that Onizuka is already a world star,

Naoe still lacks “scary” or “roughness in a good way.”

However, the experience of playing the full game against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu at the age of 19 will be useful.

Quietly, but surely.

It was a night when all of Japan got a brief glimpse of the future.