Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 30

–Saturday, September 2, 2028 Bundesliga Round 2

Augsburg vs *Schalke 04 (home opener)

Last season ranked 15th

Last year’s match results

vs Schalke: 2 wins, 0 losses.

The transfer market closed yesterday. Several reinforcements were made. On the final day, the transfer of a top player who was an immediate asset was imminent, but the deal fell through after a medical check. In the end, local articles have said that the team is not yet strong enough to fill the gap.

Today’s opponent is Schalke, who were fighting to stay in the first division last year.

As this is the home opening game, they will be looking to get three points.

The sun was beginning to set over the stadium.

As Ren entered the pitch, he saw the red and black for the first time in a long while.

The supporters’ chants were a little more subdued than last year.

Rather than trusting the club, there seems to be a strong “wait and see” atmosphere.

(I have to get it back from here)

Ren stood in the center of the pitch and took a deep breath.

From the beginning, Augsburg struggled with Schalke’s high pressure.

CB Reiner, who joined this summer to fill the gap left by Philipp, was unsure of what to do when he had the ball and was slow to move to the left and right.

However, Ren handled the rough ball well and did not hesitate.

He passes the ball with the outside of his left foot to the edge of the right sideline and quickly moves forward.

He receives the ball again, throws a diagonal wedge, and escapes with one touch.

Even when he wasn’t making passes, his movements were certainly rhythmic.

(I am the axis that moves. Once the axis is in place, the other gears will move as well.)

End of the first half. 0-0.

Ren had the most key passes of both teams.

Defensively, he has the highest duel win rate in the midfield.

However, it has not led to any crucial points.

Halftime. Locker room.

The coach looks at the tactics board and explains it to the players.

“Better than the match against Frankfurt.”

“But there’s still more to come.”

“Ren, what do you think?”

Ren stood up and quietly spoke.

“I drop down between the two center backs and become the starting point for the build-up. The pressure is intense, but if we can draw the opponent in and then avoid it, it creates a lot of space.

Also, the opponent is pressing with two strikers, so playing with three players gives us a numerical advantage.”

This was the first time in Ren’s third year in the Bundesliga that he had taken the action of “moving the team” using his own words.

The director also adopted Ren’s idea.

Second half.

As per the meeting, Ren dropped back a little and focused on game making.

Slow down the tempo for a moment, force the opponent to raise their line, and then go behind them.

Allies begin to respond.

In the 58th minute, a cross was made after a break on the right side.

The forwards score the first goal!

The stadium erupts slightly.

However, in the 78th minute of the second half, they conceded a goal from a corner kick, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

The pitch after the match.

The audience’s applause was much louder than in the previous section.

Several fans called out to Ren from the front row of the stands.

“Naoei! Nice game!”

“I’m glad you were there!”

Ren raised his hand and responded silently.

(I think I understand a little bit about how to make the most of a team.)

On the way back to the locker room, Reiner said to Ren.

“The first half of the cover…thanks.

Oh, thank goodness.”

Ren looked at him for just a moment and then nodded.

“It takes time to adapt to a new team and country.

But let’s play with confidence, otherwise we’ll be targeted.”

Ren reflects on the match and then heads off to Japan for his next match.

Tobias Reiner

Age: 21 (as of 2028)

Nationality: Austrian

Position: CB (Centre back)

Club: Augsburg (joined this summer)

Height/Weight: 185cm/78kg

Dominant foot: Right

——–

*Schalke 04 (FC Schalke 04) is the team that former Japanese national team player Atsuto Uchida once belonged to.

🔥In one word…

“A club that chooses pride over glory.”

Soul over technique, loyalty over title.

The “Men of Schalke” find meaning in continuing to fight.

Schalke’s unique culture, atmosphere, and characteristics

1. The unity of the club with the mining town of Gelsenkirchen

Schalke is a club from Gelsenkirchen, an industrial city in the Ruhr region in western Germany.

-Known as a town of coal miners, the “Kumpel spirit” is at the core of the team and its fans.

– The spirit of “getting dirty, running, fighting, and getting back up even if you fall” is deeply rooted throughout the club.

② Extremely passionate “supporter culture”

– The average attendance is always among the highest in the Bundesliga (even the second division is sold out).

-The enthusiastic supporter group “Ultras Gelsenkirchen” is extremely famous.

– It is common sense to continue cheering until you are hoarse for 90 minutes, even if you are losing.

3) The Ruhr derby against arch-rival Dortmund

-The match against Borussia Dortmund will be a life-or-death affair.

– The “Revierderby” is one of Germany’s most extreme and iconic derbies.

– Regardless of the ranking, both teams “cannot afford to lose” this one game.

4. “Soul warriors” are preferred over honor students.

– Fans place more importance on “hot fighting spirit” and “sweaty defense” than on technical skills.

– Those who embody the “blue spirit” – those who run more than anyone else, inspire their teammates, and go to steal the ball – are treated as heroes.

Example: Raul and Atsuto Uchida have been loved for many years, not only because of their skills but also because of their dedication.

5. The “suffering” and “pride” that come with being a prestigious school

-Despite being one of Germany’s most historic and popular clubs, they have never won the Bundesliga.

・The legendary tragedy of missing out on the championship in extra time in 2001 is still talked about today.

・But even so, he is deeply loved by fans as a “proud unfinished champion.”

🏟 Stadium: Veltins-Arena

・Capacity: Over 60,000 people, an impressive dome-shaped stadium.

– The pitch is **adjustable(!)**, making it suitable for concerts and events.

・On match days, the whole town turns into a festive atmosphere.