The referee pointed to the twelve-yard box.
Penalty!
Julien had won a penalty for Bastia.
Stade du Hainaut instantly filled with questioning voices and curses.
"Corrupt referee!"
"That's not a foul! Dive!"
"That's absolutely not a penalty!"
"He's diving!"
Another shower of debris fell from the stands to the sidelines, creating a mess.
Valenciennes players all surrounded the referee, explaining that this was absolutely not a foul—Julien wasn't kicked down, he fell by himself.
Meanwhile, Bastia players, some went to rescue the referee, while Maolida rushed directly over, leaning down to shout at Julien.
"Man!!"
"You saved the team!"
Other teammates also rushed over to celebrate with Julien, everyone asking if he was injured.
All Bastia players felt their hearts burning at this moment.
Hot blood rushed to their heads.
This penalty came so unexpectedly—in the final minute, they got a penalty!
This was a penalty that could kill the match!
Julien had become Bastia's hero.
At Corsica.
Bastia fans watching the French Cup broadcast all used roars to vent their emotions.
Many didn't know who Julien was before.
Julien had never appeared for the first team, so when he came on, they wondered why the team sent on a young player. When the commentator explained Julien's background, they had complex feelings about him.
A criminal wearing Bastia's jersey—he didn't deserve it!
But as Julien performed excellently.
Bastia's simple fans believed that Julien only went to prison because he was misled by people with ulterior motives. They hoped the team would help Julien more, not let him associate with unsavory characters who might lead their outstanding young talent astray!
When Julien used his individual ability to win a penalty.
They wanted to call Julien a Bastia legend!
When the referee awarded the penalty, Châtaigner jumped up immediately, unable to contain his excitement.
Though he was prepared to give up this match.
When the team had a chance for a winner, he still couldn't help being excited.
Hajibegić was the same, shouting Julien's name loudly, "Julien!"
Shouting to his assistants, "This kid did it!"
Everyone on the bench was excited.
The second half development of this match had truly exceeded everyone's expectations.
Hajibegić's desire for victory burned fiercely.
On the field.
The referee was very firm about the penalty decision.
Maolida pulled Julien up.
Bastia's first penalty taker was originally David, but he was rested for this match, so it fell to Maolida.
This French-Comorian dual national black striker had performed well this season, hoping to reach double digits in goals.
After 20 rounds of Ligue 2, Maolida had already scored 6 goals.
Joint top scorer in the team.
After confirming Julien wasn't injured, Maolida took the ball and walked to the penalty spot.
Valenciennes players could only helplessly accept the penalty reality.
Goalkeeper Penato became Valenciennes' only hope.
Behind the goal, a sea of orange, fans using every method to distract Maolida.
Male fans cursed, even including racist remarks.
Female fans even took off their shirts, waving them vigorously.
Maolida looked at no one. He was focused intently on the ball.
Tweet!
When the referee's whistle sounded.
Maolida's run-up, shot, all in one fluid motion!
Swoosh!
Maolida shot right, Penato guessed wrong, and the ball easily found the net.
Maolida scored twice in this match. He was incredibly excited, but he knew very well why. Before rushing out to celebrate, he quickly called to Julien, "Hey!"
And rushed to the corner flag area with Julien to celebrate.
They didn't dare rush off the field—Valenciennes fans were too fierce.
Foul language, cups, cola, beer sprayed everywhere.
Booo!!
Huge boos swept through the entire stadium.
In these boos, Bastia players celebrated ecstatically, forming a contrast with the dejected Valenciennes players.
Montanier stood frozen in place, his face dark.
Valenciennes players who were still warming up were also confused—the chance to play in extra time was gone.
Only Bastia's celebration remained.
"Julien! My God! After this match, I believe many teams will start paying attention to Julien—he's only seventeen! Though he lost his way at Chelsea, returning to France, he seems to have found himself again!" The French Cup commentator had been completely conquered by Julien.
"Valenciennes paid the price for their carelessness. They wrongly estimated Julien's ability. Letting Julien complete his stunning first-team debut!"
Stunning!
Too stunning!
In Elion's eyes, this was a delayed debut, the story of a delayed shining talent.
At Bastia, Julien seemed to have found his former self.
And become more humble.
After washing away the lead, gold appears; shedding the superficial reveals the genuine.
Though Elion knew Julien had no possibility of returning to Chelsea, he was happy that his former judgment hadn't been wrong. And felt gratified for Julien.
At this moment, the small football field carried countless emotions, joy and sorrow converging here.
When the final whistle blew.
Valenciennes players slumped to the ground.
They couldn't believe such an outcome.
At home, they were scored on twice by Bastia in just a few short minutes, completely losing the match.
Especially Schmitz, who was almost in tears. He had ruined the team's efforts.
Montanier directly turned and walked into the locker room, refusing all interviews.
All of Bastia surrounded Julien in the center, everyone's praise flowing like a basket full of compliments across the field.
Like stars surrounding the moon.
Julien also saw the notification on his system panel.
[Successfully won the French Cup Round of 16!]
[Reward: Victory Points *50]
'50?!'
Julien was shocked by this settlement—he originally thought points would be hard to come by, but there were so many.
But turning it over in his mind, he immediately understood.
This match was indeed difficult for Bastia to win, so the comprehensive evaluation would be high. Getting so many points for defeating a stronger opponent was normal.
If it were a big club versus smaller ones, there definitely wouldn't be so many.
In the post-match quick interview.
A reporter asked Hajibegić how he viewed this upset and Julien's performance.
Hajibegić, still flushed with excitement, said, "Upset? No, I don't think this was an upset. We Bastia were the better performing side. We froze the opponent's attack, and we also executed our counterattacks."
"Julien's performance—if I had to give a rating, I'd give 10 points. The only reason I give 10 points is because 10 is the maximum.
He exceeded my expectations completely. This is a very talented young man who will be an important part of our promotion push!"
Seeing this match, Hajibegić's reservations about Julien had long since vanished.
As a head coach, he confirmed he couldn't refuse a player like Julien.
Ligue 1?
As long as Julien stayed healthy, it was secured!