Chapter 582: No One in This World is Invincible
On the day of the match, many news outlets reported on Bruno's bold statements. With less than twelve hours until the game, his words added even more excitement to the final.
People speculated whether Bruno was truly confident, bluffing, or just unaware of the situation.
Madrid media ridiculed Bruno, calling him arrogant and foolish for thinking he could defeat Real Madrid. They pointed out that while Bruno hadn't lost to Real Madrid in four matches, those games were in the European Super Cup and the Champions League group stage, not the final. Some criticized Bruno for disrespecting his opponents and lacking sportsmanship.
British media, on the other hand, supported Bruno and Manchester United, saying that teams in the final should have confidence. Neutral media were divided; a few believed Manchester United could win, while others thought it was a psychological tactic or deemed Bruno's comments inappropriate and arrogant.
Despite the controversy, Bruno remained calm on match day, unfazed by the media storm he had created the previous day.
Thanks to rapid media coverage, Real Madrid quickly learned about Bruno's statements. Reporters, chatting with Real Madrid players, often brought up the topic and mocked Bruno's arrogance.
The discussion carried over into the Real Madrid camp.
"Now they'll see how strong we are," Marcelo said during a break, eager to teach Bruno a lesson on the field.
"Don't underestimate Bruno," Pepe reminded. As Bruno's national team teammate, Pepe knew his abilities and achievements. The media often mentioned Bruno alongside Ronaldo and Messi as part of football's "Big Three," similar to tennis's Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. Pepe found no issue with this comparison.
However, Pepe was puzzled since Bruno had always been a quiet and humble player, contrary to the boastful image now portrayed.
"Maybe it's just mind games?" Pepe speculated.
Marcelo shrugged off Pepe's warning, confident that Ronaldo was superior to Bruno.
"Even if he's good, Manchester United only has one player of his caliber. The rest can't match us. I don't understand where their confidence comes from. Just because they went unbeaten in the Premier League? The Premier League isn't the same as the Champions League, especially not the final."
"Maybe it's psychological warfare?" Benzema suggested.
Marcelo agreed that this was the most likely explanation, figuring that Manchester United hoped to unsettle Real Madrid. However, he was sure this tactic wouldn't work. Real Madrid wouldn't lose their cool but would instead make Manchester United regret their audacity.
While the team discussed, Ronaldo stayed silent. Whether it was psychological warfare or something else didn't matter to him; his focus was on playing his best and winning. However, Ronaldo was particularly motivated by Bruno's claim of never losing to him, even in less significant matches. He didn't want any opponent he couldn't defeat.
Facing strong opponents like Messi in La Liga had always driven Ronaldo, and now Bruno was another challenge he eagerly anticipated.
"Cristiano, what do you think?" Benzema asked, noticing Ronaldo lost in thought.
"Huh?" Ronaldo snapped out of it, confused by the question.
Seeing his puzzled look, everyone laughed.
"We want to hear your thoughts on Bruno's comments," Marcelo explained.
Ronaldo, now understanding, responded, "Confidence is good..."
Benzema pressed, "Don't you feel disrespected?"
Ronaldo shook his head. "Not really. Bruno was stating a fact; we haven't beaten them. But I aim to change that today."
"You're really upset, aren't you?" Benzema teased.
Ronaldo denied it but quickly left for the gym, clearly annoyed by the suggestion.
Once Ronaldo was gone, Marcelo scolded Benzema, "It's your fault!"
After some laughter, the team resumed discussing how to handle Bruno, considering various tactics like frequent fouls and provocations.
In contrast, Manchester United remained calm. During lunch, the players chatted but didn't engage in a full-team discussion. Many chose to nap after eating.
Bruno napped for half an hour, then headed to the gym to warm up. Other players focused on their own preparations, having already discussed tactics in meetings. They were confident in their team's strength but aware of Real Madrid's superior experience in finals.
After dinner, players gathered to wait for the bus, chatting in small groups.
"Bruno, why did you volunteer to mark Ronaldo? Your positions don't usually match up," Harry Kane asked, recalling how Bruno had taken on the task during the previous day's tactical meeting, surprising even Mourinho.
Bruno smiled and explained, "Ronaldo's position is flexible, but so is mine. Haven't you noticed, Harry?"
Kane realized Bruno was right. Despite being listed as an attacking midfielder, Bruno often moved all over the field, sometimes acting as a defensive midfielder, a winger, a second striker, or even a central defender. His endurance and versatility made him a suitable match for Ronaldo.
Bruno also had personal reasons. He relished the chance to compete against top players in significant matches. This final was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
People called Ronaldo the "King of the Champions League" and deemed Real Madrid unbeatable in finals. Bruno aimed to challenge these notions.
In his mind, no one in this world is invincible.
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