However, amidst the opponents' jungle of muscles, neither Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria, nor Benzema could make an impact. Instead, it was Osasuna's Alanada who emerged as the main character.
Jose Samano of Spain's El País stated that no one is more indispensable to Real Madrid than Chen Zhong. Without Chen Zhong, Real Madrid is as rigid as a machine.
Another major Spanish newspaper, World Newspaper, echoed this sentiment through commentator Ophio Suarez, indicating that Chen Zhong's absence in this match was the first omen of Real Madrid's defeat.
Many Real Madrid fans believe that the player Real Madrid relies on most is indeed Chen Zhong.
With Guti leaving Real Madrid and De La Red retiring, Real Madrid's midfield appears quite barren. When Chen Zhong is present, there is naturally no issue, but even Chen Zhong needs rest. Previous coaches before Mourinho like Schuster and Pellegrini, including Ancelotti in Milan, have learned the hard way by rotating Chen Zhong.
