Football singularity

Chapter 315 315 Spark

Edouard landed with a frustrated grimace, hands on his hips, shaking his head. All he could do was smile in frustration at having yet another of his goal attempts stopped by this keeper. He knew that the keeper had just been the better in this duel, but a part of him couldn't accept that fact, especially when he heard the loud groans of his team's fans, whom he had yet again disappointed.

Football is round, and he couldn't linger on his feelings as the match quickly resumed. Both coaches decided to make some changes in the [59] minute just before the corner kick. Levein directly committed three changes at once, knowing that his team desperately needed an injection of fresh legs.

First to leave the field was Sean Clare who had been one of the better-performing players of the Hearts players. However, his stamina quickly dropped in the second half making his presence in the match almost non-existent. Craig Wighton replaced the winger after receiving rigorous instruction from the Hearts manager.

Peter Haring was also subbed off making room for the Australian Oliver Bozanic in hopes of giving the midfield more edge and creativity. The last change of the manager was that of Conor Shaughnessy who came on for Michael Smith who was struggling to deal with Rakim. Lennon didn't lag behind either as he brought on Nir Bitton for Jonny Hayes and Oliver Nitcham came on to take control of the midfield in place of Rogic.

Since he already brought on Rakim those were the only changes he could make in hopes it would let his team stabilise the situation. However, things were far from stable as the Heart's fans showed immediate effect switching up the tempo of the game. From sitting back to wait for counter-attacking opportunities, they seemed to remember that they could also attack and started spamming that option.

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[64]

Celtic didn't receive a moment of rest after this as the entirety of the Heart's players started pressing high, no longer allowing them to cross the halfway line without a fight. It was in the 64th minute that Rakim lost the ball on the left wing after receiving a hasty pass from Bitton who was trying to escape the charge of Oliver Bozanic.

He barely had time to control the ball when it was stolen from him by the eager Shaughnessy when he tried to escape the tackle of Craig Wighton. He didn't hesitate in sending a pass to Souttar who immediately initiated a counter wanting to capitalise on this chance. He surged forward, eyes scanning the field as Celtic's defence scrambled to regain their shape.

He spotted Mulraney darting down the left wing, signalling for the ball. Without hesitation, Souttar sent a precise, long pass over the top, splitting Celtic's midfield. Mulraney brought it down with a silky touch, skipping past Lustig, who lunged desperately to close him down. Now in full sprint, Mulraney cut inside toward the box, his pace causing panic among the Celtic defenders.

Simunovic rushed over to meet him, but Mulraney's quick feet allowed him to slip the ball through to MacLean, who was hovering at the edge of the box. MacLean controlled the ball on the turn, shielding it from Ajer, who pressed tight to his back. With a deft flick, MacLean spun and unleashed a curling effort towards the far post. Bain dove full stretch, his fingertips just managing to push the shot around the post for a corner.

"What an attempt from MacLean," Roy exclaimed barely managing to catch his breath. "They are known for their sharp counters and that was a masterpiece in counters." He continued as he watched the replay of the play unfold before his eyes.

"Indeed Roy, they needed a spark to get back into this game and what a way to do it," Callum responded with a smile also fascinated by what he had just witnessed from the Hearts side which had been rather silent the entire game. None of their talk or speculation mattered to the happy Hearts fans who roared in approval, after seeing their team finally go on the attack. Despite the miss, this signalled a change in the team's tactics sending waves of excitement through the stands.

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[67]

Hearts' corner came in fast and high, whipped toward the penalty spot by Bozanic. Souttar, who had stayed up from his earlier foray, leapt above Brown and nodded the ball towards goal. For a split second, it seemed destined to find the back of the net, but Bain reacted quickly, parrying the header away with a sharp save.

The ball spilled to the edge of the box, where Wighton lurked. He took a touch, lining up a shot, but McGregor was there, closing down the space, throwing himself in front of the ball. The deflection sent it spinning away, giving Celtic a much-needed breather from the sudden danger they found themselves under.

~~~

[72]

Celtic were finding it hard to regain control of the game. Hearts' high press had disrupted their rhythm, but Rakim, on the left flank remained a constant threat. Making frequent runs into space and simply connecting with the game whenever possible he made Conor Shaughnessy's life hard. The right back had come on for the purpose of shutting him down and he was making him work for every bit of that not letting him relax for a moment.

A long ball from Bitton after beating the charge of Craig Wighton finding him near the halfway line. With a clever flick of his heel on the descending ball he sent it looping over the figure of Conor who had stepped up ready to apply pressure on him. Turning with the momentum he shrugged him off, bringing the down with a deft touch as he accelerated into open space.

He surged down the wing, Hearts' defenders retreating in anticipation of the danger. As he approached the box, Rakim cut inside, drawing Souttar towards him. With a delicate feint at high speed, he left Souttar off-balance before moving a couple yards beyond him, not hesitating he sent a curling shot towards the goal. The ball soared through the air, curling toward the far post, but Zlamal was quick to react.

The Hearts keeper, with cat-like reflexes, leapt to his right and stretched out his hand. His glove confidently palmed the ball, sending it crashing against the post before it rebounded back into the box. A collective gasp went through the stadium as players in the box scrambled for the loose ball. Edouard charged forward to pounce on the rebound, but Berra was quicker. With a powerful clearance, the Hearts captain launched the ball upfield, giving his team a brief moment of relief.

"That was a real moment of danger for Hearts!" Callum McDonald exclaimed from the commentary box. "Rakim's curling effort had Zlamal beaten if not for the post."

"No that's Fantastic goalkeeping, Callum. He's been in great form today don't let the fact that they are trailing 1:2 fool you, he is my man of the match for the Hearts side." Roy Townsley added before going on a tirade to back up his claim.

~~~

[75]

The game picked up pace once again, and both teams now trading blow for blow. Hearts pressed relentlessly, determined to claw their way back into the game. The high intensity had the Celtic side who loved to control the game scrambling to adjust to the new pace. Scott Brown and Corner McGregor in particular were having a hard time dealing with the revitalised Hearts' midfield trio of Bozanic, Edwards, and Djoum.

Bozanic, especially, was proving to be a thorn in Celtic's side, his energy and vision were proving to be quite deadly for the Hearts side. He used his ability to deftly initiate attacks whenever possible constantly finding gaps in the Celtic defence. Celtic, on the other hand, still looked dangerous on the break, using every chance to remind their opponents who the strongest team in Scotland is.

Every clearance from Bain or the Celtic defence was quickly funnelled to Rakim and Forrest who would use their speed and creativity to initiate attacks. The fans in the stands were now fully feeling the tension of the match as they watched the man who was the cause of this initiate yet another attack. Wearing the maroon number 7, Bozanic confidently dribbled down the middle of the park with pace.

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To Be Continued...