Chapter 588: Showdown
Ronaldo didn't expect Bruno to be so tenacious this time, but he still had tricks up his sleeve. After a sudden stop, he used his left foot to push the ball to the right, intending to break through from that side.
Bruno had just moved to the left and saw Ronaldo pushing the ball to the right. He was caught off guard!
Instead of tackling, Bruno quickly turned around, anticipating that Ronaldo would likely dribble to the right.
But this time, he guessed wrong. Seeing Bruno turn, Ronaldo used his right foot to push the ball back to the left. By the time Bruno turned again, Ronaldo had already bypassed him from the other side!
After a few exchanges, Bruno was outplayed. However, he wasn't frustrated or complaining. He quickly turned and chased after Ronaldo.
Although he knew it was unlikely he would catch up before Ronaldo passed the ball, he didn't give up. He wanted Ronaldo to know that just getting past him wasn't enough. Unless Ronaldo passed the ball or shot, he wouldn't let up.
As expected, Ronaldo passed the ball before Bruno could catch up.
In both encounters, Bruno hadn't managed to stop Ronaldo, who left him behind each time.
The Real Madrid commentators happily declared, "There's no one in Manchester United who can stop our Ronaldo!"
Real Madrid fans echoed this sentiment, while Manchester United fans grew anxious. If even their captain couldn't handle Ronaldo, how could they withstand Real Madrid's attack?
But Bruno didn't feel dejected. He saw that he could now contend with Ronaldo for several exchanges, a significant improvement from being easily beaten the first time.
If this continued, he believed he could eventually stop him!
Ronaldo's two successful dribbles past Bruno made Real Madrid's players think Manchester United posed little threat. They began to attack aggressively. The testing phase was over, and the match had only been going for eight minutes. Real Madrid's subsequent attacks put Manchester United's defense under severe pressure.
Despite their preparations, Real Madrid's strength exceeded many Manchester United players' expectations.
Every move by the Real Madrid players was coordinated and precise. They could control and pass the ball seamlessly under any circumstances, not wasting any time.
Their coordination was perfect, reflecting years of playing together. They could exploit any defensive weakness, making it hard for Manchester United to hold their ground.
Bruno knew they couldn't keep defending like this. They needed to seize the initiative and organize their attacks.
Real Madrid launched an attack from the left, meeting strong resistance from Manchester United. They shifted the ball to the center, where Isco passed it horizontally to Kroos, who then handed it to Modric.
During this transition, Manchester United's defense was drawn to the center, leaving the flanks open. Modric's diagonal pass cut through Manchester United's defense, reaching Ronaldo on the right wing.
"Ronaldo has a chance!!" the commentator shouted.
Real Madrid fans rose from their seats, ready to cheer.
Cancelo moved to defend but was easily outmaneuvered by his national team captain. Ronaldo then crossed the ball sharply into the box.
Defenders couldn't make a clean clearance because any touch could result in an own goal. Meanwhile, forwards only needed to redirect the ball into the net.
Just as Manchester United fans' hearts were in their throats, Bruno emerged from the crowd. Instead of clearing the ball with a big kick, he controlled it!
"Bruno!"
Bruno calmly controlled the ball in front of the goal. This surprised everyone, even Benzema behind him. Without hesitation, Bruno turned and passed the ball to a teammate outside the box, neutralizing the threat!
Not only that, Manchester United launched a counterattack.
They were confident in their attacking speed.
After clearing the ball, Bruno sprinted out. While many were still processing what had happened, he was already outside the penalty area, signaling for the ball.
"Manchester United's counterattack!" The British commentator was excited.
Just as Real Madrid fans got excited when Ronaldo had the ball, Manchester United fans felt the same when their team launched a quick attack.
Manchester United's attack was indeed fast.
Bruno received the ball after sprinting out of the box, dribbled a few steps forward, and saw his teammates quickly advancing.
This was Manchester United at their best.
Bruno, seeing his teammates pushing forward, kicked the ball long to the wing, reaching Real Madrid's half.
Real Madrid's hurried defense couldn't stop Manchester United's fast attack. After a few quick passes, the ball landed at Harry Kane's feet at the edge of the box. He shot directly, and Navas barely saved it, deflecting the ball out for a corner.
"Corner kick!"
Many Real Madrid players were just getting back to their positions, highlighting Manchester United's attacking speed.
This was Manchester United's strength!
The match had been going for over ten minutes, and neither side had scored, but the game was far from dull. Both teams were committed to attacking and displayed distinctive styles.
Real Madrid controlled the game with methodical build-ups, their precise runs and passes pleasing to watch.
Manchester United's attacks were fast, sharp, and direct, lacking artistic beauty but filled with speed and power, stirring fans' excitement.
After showcasing their attacking prowess, Real Madrid responded with a series of organized plays. Isco's header at the far post was saved by De Gea.
Led by Bruno, Manchester United maintained their quick attacking style, which slightly unsettled Real Madrid. Especially with Manchester United pressing high up the pitch.
Possession-based teams like Real Madrid disliked being pressed. Though few teams could consistently press them, causing them constant pressure.
Manchester United had thoroughly prepared for this match, including their pressing strategy.
Mourinho had instructed everyone to participate in defense. Forwards losing the ball should press immediately, with nearby teammates joining to form a pressing unit.
If Real Madrid could press, so could Manchester United!
Real Madrid's press didn't affect Manchester United much because their players didn't hold the ball for long. With the ball rarely staying in possession, pressing had little effect.
Especially in midfield, where Zidane had warned his players to watch Bruno closely. However, Bruno rarely held onto the ball for long, quickly passing it. Real Madrid players would move to press, only to find the ball already gone.
Manchester United's attack relied on quick passes, unsettling Real Madrid.
Mbappe passed to Bruno. As Modric moved to mark him, Bruno flicked the ball with his ankle to Kante nearby.
Kante didn't hold onto the ball either. He shifted it left to Rashford.
Rashford dribbled a few steps and, seeing Ronaldo approaching, passed to Harry Kane, who had dropped back to receive it.
Harry Kane, facing away from the goal, couldn't turn, so he passed back to Bruno, who had moved into position. This brought him up against Casemiro.
Casemiro closed in, but Bruno back-heeled the ball to Kante.
With Kante always close by, Bruno confidently used a back-heel pass.
Bruno's back-heel pass earned applause from the stands.
Competing with Real Madrid in footwork, Bruno's skill was a point of pride.
"A back-heel! Haha!" The Manchester United commentator laughed. "It shows Bruno is relaxed. Staying calm in such an important match is crucial!"
After passing to Kante, Bruno dodged Casemiro and moved to a new position, with Casemiro following.
Kante didn't pass back to Bruno but sent the ball to the advancing Valencia.
This quick sequence of passes left Real Madrid unable to touch the ball.
Those who doubted Manchester United's journey to the final, thinking they were lucky, had to admit their quality after watching these fifteen minutes.
Executing such fast-paced football wasn't something just any team could do.
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