Chapter 589: Captain Ramos
Most Manchester United players are just running according to their positions—fullbacks shuttle up and down, wingers switch between the wing and the center, and other players' movements are nothing extraordinary. Most teams can do this.
But why can Manchester United do it so effectively? Because they have Bruno.
Everyone runs according to their routes, but Bruno covers a much larger area, almost the entire field. His movement connects his teammates who are running their routes.
For example, a right back might typically make a long diagonal pass to get the ball to the forward. Such passes aren't very precise and are easy to intercept because the opponent knows it will likely go to the player on the left wing.
But with Bruno, the right back can pass to him, and then Bruno can decide whether to pass or dribble the ball forward. This increases accuracy and makes it harder for opponents to predict the play, giving the defense more problems.
When the ball is at Bruno's feet, Manchester United's attack gains many possibilities, making Real Madrid's defense face more options.
Long passes are a single-choice option, but passing to Bruno turns it into a multiple-choice question. This is Bruno's role in Manchester United's tactical system.
Without Bruno's tireless stamina, exceptional vision, and excellent passing and ball control, this tactic wouldn't work.
Bruno's unique qualities allow Manchester United to play a unique brand of football.
Manchester United continually pressures Real Madrid with their speed. During this time, Real Madrid struggles to mount their attacks because they spend more energy defending.
When they lose the ball upfront, they must quickly transition back to defense instead of pressing immediately, leaving gaps at the back.
Real Madrid tried pressing but found that Manchester United could pass the ball away quickly, turning defense into a quick counterattack. If not for Navas's excellent performance, they might already be behind.
Seeing Real Madrid's current state, Bruno knew it was time to strike. He believed in the principle of "taking advantage when the opponent is weak," and now was the moment to score. Real Madrid might not have anticipated Manchester United's speed.
If they missed this opportunity, it would be harder to score once Real Madrid adjusted. Bruno was determined to find his chance.
Real Madrid's defense wasn't impenetrable. Ramos and Varane, their center-backs, played crucial defensive roles but also had attacking duties.
Especially Ramos, Real Madrid's captain, who often joined the attack when the team struggled to break through. His offensive capabilities often made a significant impact.
Nicknamed "Water Lord," Ramos was known for his scoring ability, often used by Zidane as an auxiliary striker in tight situations. Last season, Ramos scored 10 goals and had 2 assists; this season, he had 5 goals and 1 assist.
His scoring ability was valuable to both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. In difficult times, his goals often opened the door to victory.
With Real Madrid and Manchester United locked in a stalemate, Ramos was likely to push forward to break the deadlock. Bruno understood Ramos's tendencies and was waiting for him to advance.
Indeed, Ramos was preparing to push forward as Real Madrid found themselves in an unusual position—on the back foot.
As the team captain, Ramos wanted to change the tide.
Real Madrid's attackers were well-studied by Manchester United. Modric was marked by Kante, who even demonstrated his dominance with a robust tackle that floored Modric. The referee only issued a verbal warning.
Ronaldo was tightly marked by Bruno. Although he managed to shake Bruno off, it took more effort and time, hindering Real Madrid's overall attack.
Kroos, Isco, and Benzema were caught in Manchester United's collective defense.
The current balance of attack and defense in the front was a stalemate, unfavorable to Real Madrid.
Ramos's forward runs were a crucial method to break this deadlock.
Ramos observed and prepared for his advance.
Manchester United quickly transitioned to defense after an attack. This was their style—after an attack, they didn't linger but quickly retreated to their defensive positions.
Navas kicked the ball upfield. In a duel with Modric, Bruno won and headed the ball back.
The ball landed at Casemiro's feet. As he prepared to pass forward, he heard Ramos calling from behind, "Carlos! Pass it to me!"
Casemiro knew Ramos was pushing forward. He passed the ball to Ramos and moved back to cover his position.
Ramos advanced with the ball.
Bruno's eyes lit up.
This was his chance!
Casemiro filling in at center-back didn't concern Bruno; Casemiro was a defensive midfielder, not a specialist center-back.
Ramos bypassed Harry Kane with a simple shift in direction and acceleration.
As a Spanish center-back, Ramos had remarkably refined footwork.
Bruno looked for Ronaldo, who was on the wing. Ramos might pass to Ronaldo, but Bruno positioned himself between them, blocking the passing lane and forcing Ramos to keep the ball.
If Ramos tried to pass, Bruno would intercept it.
Ramos surely understood this with his football intelligence.
Bruno signaled Kante to stick closely to Modric, forcing Ramos to carry the ball forward. Once Ramos reached the edge of the box, his options would diminish.
Ramos saw Bruno monitoring Ronaldo and moved forward, recognizing the opportunity ahead—a clear corridor with no Manchester United players, leading directly to the penalty area.
This was a tempting opportunity; a successful breakthrough could disrupt Manchester United's defense.
Ramos didn't believe it was a trap; even if it were, he could pass the ball away quickly.
He feinted a pass to Ronaldo, tricking Bruno into stepping back, then pushed the ball forward, breaking through.
"Ramos! Charging forward! He's breaking in!"
"This is Real Madrid's forte! Center-back pushing forward to unsettle the defense!"
"Manchester United's defense seems unprepared for Ramos's advance… They look uncertain."
But Manchester United's players had studied Real Madrid's games extensively. They were well aware of Ramos and Varane's tendencies.
Seeing Ramos advancing, Kante quickly moved to intercept.
As Kante approached, Ramos passed to Modric and continued his run.
A one-two!
Modric played the ball back to Ramos, acting like a wall.
Ramos received the ball, now facing Manchester United's center-backs.
This was a dangerous position for Manchester United. Ramos could now link up with Real Madrid's agile forwards or find space for a killer pass.
Or he might not even need to look for a teammate, just passing into space for a decisive strike.
With Real Madrid's cohesion, the chance of missing such an opportunity was slim.
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