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[Saturday 24/08/2019, Merkur Spiel-arena, Location: Düsseldorf]
"Take a bow, young man!" Derek Rae exclaimed, his voice cracking under the weight of excitement. "What have we just witnessed? That wasn't football—it was sheer artistry on the pitch!"
Beside him, Stewart Robson could only laugh in disbelief before chiming in, "Derek, I've been in this business for over twenty years, and even I don't know how to describe that. Rakim Rex just made a mockery of three defenders and the keeper—and did it with style! That sombrero to beat two players was ridiculous enough, but did he just set himself up for a volley? Chef's kiss, mate. Perfection."
Derek leaned forward, still riding the adrenaline. "Düsseldorf's defence didn't know whether to tackle, press, or simply applaud! And can we talk about the audacity of that Griddy celebration? They told me he is from the States, but he just delivered a highlight play in true Kobe fashion paying Suttner back with ruthless efficiency."
Robson chuckled. "You're spot on, Derek. I heard one of his academy teammates say he was one of the prettiest players on the field, now I truly believe it." He started going on to analyze the play from the replay. "Yes, he fouled you, but you delivered a world-class assist, maybe that wasn't enough, so you dribbled past 2 players to score a goal, but still not enough? Ok dismantle the defence, score a goal and then dance on them."
"Back in my day I would have hung up my boots if a player I provoked proceeded to destroy me only moments later," Steward commented as the camera panned over the video of Rakim running towards the corner flag with his hands spread with a wide smile as he stared down the kneeling Suttner.
With the score now sitting at 1:3 Rakim calmed down a bit no longer focusing on solo runs and instead started to link up with his surrounding teammates. The opposing defenders around him were now much wearier of him after he dismantled them not once but twice. However, the damage had already been done as the moment he received the ball on the right flank 3 red figures surrounded him looking as if they were ready for a death match.
Thus, in the 80th minute, Rakim received a short pass from Lars at the edge of the final third and was once again surrounded before he could get going. Staring down the opposing players in front of him he performed a few feints and stepovers keeping them at a respectable distance. None wanted to risk provoking him into a run, but Rakim didn't plan on forcing a run either.
So, when he spotted a gap in between Suttner and Gießelmann he immediately sent the ball to the feet of Volland at the top of the key. Volland controlled the ball with the poise of a seasoned veteran, turning sharply to face the goal. The Düsseldorf defenders, still shaken from Rakim's earlier display, hesitated for a split second—a mistake Volland exploited ruthlessly.
He shifted his weight onto his right foot, feigning a shot, which caused the nearest defender to bite and commit, before slipping a quick pass to Kai Havertz just inside the box. Havertz didn't even look at the ball as he received it. With a single, fluid touch, he flicked it back toward the advancing Rakim, who had slipped through the defensive line unnoticed.
Stunner who only had eyes for him was the only player following him, but he was moving more than his stamina allowed. Having played for 80 minutes there was no way he could keep up with Rakim who barely played for 15 minutes. He could only watch in despair as the black 22 raised his foot looking to hit the ball for the first time on the right side of the box.
His right foot met the ball with a crisp, controlled volley, slicing through the air with pinpoint precision. The ball curved slightly to the left before slamming into the top-right corner of the net, leaving Düsseldorf's keeper frozen, unable to react. The crowd erupted into chaos, a mix of cheers, gasps, and groans.
For a split second, it felt as if the entire Merkur Spiel-Arena had been electrified. Lions' fans jumped to their feet, setting off a black human wave as they celebrated the young man's hat trick. Back in the stands, Klaus couldn't help but jump and cheer, all thoughts of Sophia's sudden lip lock vanishing in the thrill of the moment. "Did you see that?" he yelled, gripping her arm. Düsseldorf 1:4 Leverkusen
When it rains it pours was the correct explanation for what Düsseldorf faced at this very moment. The final whistle couldn't come soon enough as the players wished to forget this day, hoping it was all just a bad dream. In extra time the stadium resounded with the chants of the away fans while the fickler faction of the home supporters made themselves scared.
They did not want to be associated with the massacre their team was facing. Because after Rakim completed his hat trick he flipped a switch going into full team mode. Despite the team not overly playing offensive with their lead he managed to assist Volland with a cross to make it Düsseldorf 1:5 Leverkusen
A matter of moments later Düsseldorf's players barely managed to ping a couple passes together when they launched a sudden attack. They seemed to be trying to regain their pride only to fall short at the Bender twins. A quick counter-attacking sequence, one of the many practised in training, saw Havertz with a shot at goal.
Lars had sent a crisp pass to Rakim who cut inwards as he dribbled in his own half. It was easy enough to do on the counter and seeing Volland make another run he didn't hesitate in sending one for him to run onto. A foot race ensued between Volland, Ayhan, and Hoffmann with the striker gaining the upper hand.
Getting to the ball first he was forced wide as he entered the box only to suddenly decide to knock it back across the box with his heel. Like clockwork, the figure of Havertz appeared latching onto the ball as he held off Baker.
Havertz didn't waste any time. With Baker draped over him, he steadied himself with a single touch before rifling a low, driven shot into the far bottom corner. The Düsseldorf keeper dove desperately but was a fraction too late. The ball nestled into the net, and the Lions' fans erupted once more, their chants echoing around the increasingly empty stadium. Düsseldorf 1:6 Leverkusen.
The scoreboard might as well have been a neon sign flashing humiliation. Düsseldorf's players stood shell-shocked, hands on their hips, staring blankly as the Lions celebrated with a jubilant group hug on the sidelines.
Following that goal the referee mercifully blew the whistle, signalling the end of what could only be described as a nightmare for Düsseldorf. The Lions' players gathered in celebration, exchanging high-fives and hugs. Rakim, the undeniable star of the match, calmly walked towards the away stands with the rest of his teammates breathing heavily.
Holding onto the game ball he gave a short bow towards the awa stands with his teammates thanking them for their support. Now that the adrenaline rush was leaving his body, exhaustion was the only thing he was feeling. It was more mentally draining rather than physically but he had gotten the W in the end.
[Ding mission: 'Poke the Bear' Successfully Completed]
- Your Teammate has thrown the gauntlet questioning whether you'd make a difference even if you entered the field. More importantly, he put into question your status as the singularity candidate.
Requirements: Prove to everyone watching that you are different and fully embrace your Monica as the special one.
Reward Mentality Trait: Mamba Mentality 'Garde Unique.'
Note: Become a different Animal and the same beast.
[Ding System detected host has recorded his first Professional Hatrick
Reward: A well done from the system and 3,00 Sp