Chapter 585: The Mighty Real Madrid
As Benzema rushed to intercept the ball, Bruno didn't hurriedly pass it away. Instead, he feigned a side pass, causing Benzema to shift his weight in that direction. Bruno then quickly pulled the ball to the opposite side and turned, placing himself between the ball and Benzema, effectively shielding it.
After bypassing Benzema, Bruno accelerated forward, making it seem like he was launching an attack. Isco moved in to intercept, but Bruno suddenly passed the ball diagonally backward to left-back Cancelo.
Bruno's decision to dribble past Benzema wasn't the most prudent choice, as it could have led to a counter-attack by Real Madrid. However, he wanted to show his teammates that Real Madrid wasn't as formidable as they might think. His pre-game statement about winning the championship wasn't just to boost morale; he genuinely believed Manchester United had the ability to defeat Real Madrid.
His skillful maneuver past Benzema elicited enthusiastic cheers from the 30,000 Manchester United fans in the stands. The Kyiv Olympic Stadium, which holds 60,000 spectators, was evenly split between fans of both teams.
After passing the ball, the TV broadcast zoomed in on Bruno, showing his calm demeanor as if he had just dribbled past a training cone rather than a top player like Benzema. This sight reassured fans who might have been worried about Bruno's performance under pressure.
Bruno's confident play served as a challenge to Real Madrid. The proud and sensitive Real Madrid players quickly realized that their coach, Zidane, was right: Bruno was the heart of Manchester United. Neutralizing him would be crucial to their success.
Soon, Bruno faced off against Casemiro. After the ball circulated through the defense, it returned to Bruno in the center circle. Casemiro immediately closed in on him.
Despite the pressure, Bruno remained composed, shielding the ball and using his body to fend off Casemiro before passing it away. Although fans hoped to see him dribble past Casemiro, Bruno chose a more pragmatic approach this time, understanding that unnecessary risks were not worth taking.
After passing, Bruno moved to a new position, creating space between himself and Casemiro. Casemiro didn't follow him closely, understanding his role as the lone defensive midfielder. Abandoning his position would leave Real Madrid's defense exposed.
Although Modric and Kroos were more renowned, Casemiro's presence was the cornerstone of Real Madrid's defensive strategy. His ability to disrupt the opponent's plays and provide a shield for the defense was invaluable.
As a top-notch defensive midfielder, Casemiro showcased exceptional skills and leadership. He could cover the entire pitch, intercept passes, and contribute to the team's buildup. His decision-making, positioning, and tackling were impeccable, making him a critical asset for Real Madrid.
Bruno acknowledged Casemiro's capabilities, aware that he could cause some trouble. However, he didn't consider Casemiro a significant threat, as his defensive duties often limited his movements. Bruno, who roamed freely across the pitch, knew how to exploit this.
Bruno's real concern was Real Madrid's formidable attack. With players like Ronaldo, Benzema, Isco, Modric, and Kroos, any one of them could change the game's outcome. Real Madrid's ability to score early and dominate matches was well-known.
Manchester United's strategy, developed by Bruno and Mourinho, was to attack relentlessly from the start. By keeping the ball and pressuring Real Madrid, they hoped to disrupt their rhythm and keep them on the defensive.
As the game progressed, Bruno received the ball again in his own half, with Isco closing in on him. Unlike many teams, Real Madrid excelled at pressing high up the pitch, often deploying multiple players to win the ball back and launch quick counter-attacks.
Bruno knew that maintaining possession and executing their game plan was crucial. Despite Real Madrid's aggressive pressing, he remained calm and focused, determined to lead his team to victory.
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