Chapter 595: Midfield Stories
Bruno's string of brilliant performances had a significant impact on both Manchester United fans and Real Madrid.
He intended to use this attack to warn Real Madrid about being too presumptuous, and he succeeded. For the next few minutes, Real Madrid was visibly cautious in their offensive approach, hesitating to push too far forward. They had witnessed Manchester United's attacking prowess and did not want to risk conceding another goal while trying to take the lead.
In reality, it was Manchester United who were at their limit. Managing to withstand Real Madrid's attack for those few minutes was already impressive; attacking wasn't even on their minds. Bruno's solo efforts created the illusion that the entire Manchester United team was formidable.
In that moment, it was as if the spirit of Zhang Fei at Changban Bridge had possessed Bruno, scaring off Real Madrid's mighty force all by himself!
The first half ended with neither side scoring again, leaving the score at 1-1.
When the referee blew the whistle to signal halftime, many people felt a collective sigh of relief. The tense and thrilling forty-five minutes were over, and their hearts could rest for fifteen minutes.
"Halftime! Thanks to Real Madrid and Manchester United for an exciting match. Let's look forward to the next forty-five minutes!"
In Manchester United's locker room at the Kiev Olympic Stadium, chaos reigned. Players tossed their jerseys on the floor and kicked off their shoes, eager to rest and relax after a strenuous first half.
The next forty-five minutes would be no easier.
As they entered, the players were still discussing the first half. The Champions League final brought many new experiences, and halftime was a chance to share them.
"Real Madrid is really strong, but we're not weak either!"
"It would've been great if Bruno's shot had gone in. We'd be leading at halftime…"
"Yeah, yeah… I thought we had no chance against Real Madrid before the match, but look at us now… haha!"
Overall, they were satisfied with the first half. Although they conceded a goal and the score was tied, Bruno's subsequent attack boosted their morale significantly.
When Mourinho walked in, the chatter died down, and everyone turned to their coach.
"First, congratulations, gentlemen, you did an excellent job!" Mourinho's expression changed to a serious one, "But don't celebrate too early. The match is only halfway over, and no one knows what will happen in the second half. Real Madrid is a very strong team; they are resilient and can't be beaten in forty-five minutes. So we need to keep playing the way we have been!"
"We were under pressure most of the first half. In the second half, we need to impose our style and maintain a fast pace, pressing high and not letting them pin us back like they did in the first half!"
Meanwhile, in Real Madrid's locker room, Zidane was also preparing his team for the second half.
Manchester United's quick attacks posed a threat to his team, so Zidane instructed his players to curb the opponent's speed in the second half.
Speed and control are mutually counteracting styles; speed can break control, and control can counter speed. It depends on how you use it and the skill level of the players.
Real Madrid's skill level was undoubtedly high.
Despite having detailed knowledge of Manchester United's characteristics, some things can't be fully understood from watching tapes; firsthand experience is necessary.
Now Real Madrid's players had firsthand knowledge—they knew just how fast Manchester United could be.
"…In the second half, we need to retreat quickly, especially the fullbacks. After attacking, they must fall back." Zidane drew various arrows on the tactics board, "Also, increase pressure and intensity up front to prevent them from launching quick attacks!"
"To deal with Bruno, use tactical fouling when necessary. Be mindful of the fouling degree."
Generally, in the opponent's half, fouls that aren't malicious or retaliatory don't result in cards. At most, the referee gives a verbal warning. Zidane wanted his players to exploit this.
Real Madrid players had to reassess Bruno after his stunning performance, particularly in the last few minutes of the first half.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that based on that attack alone, Bruno's displayed qualities were enough for him to fit into Real Madrid.
It might sound self-absorbed, but for Real Madrid players, the highest praise for an opponent was acknowledging their ability to play for Real Madrid.
Years ago, media linked Bruno with Real Madrid, and many of their players scoffed, not believing a player they hadn't even heard of could join Real Madrid. Did he have the ability? Was he worthy of wearing the Real Madrid jersey?
Now they had no such doubts. If the club's top management expressed interest in signing Bruno, they would support it.
With Modric over thirty, the midfield needed someone who could organize attacks and connect the team.
Bruno's offensive abilities surpassed Casemiro's, and his defense was stronger than Modric's. Such versatile players were rare finds.
While both teams made tactical preparations in their locker rooms, fans enjoyed a relaxed fifteen-minute break.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester United fans eagerly anticipated the second half.
Real Madrid fans had almost blind confidence in their team. Despite mediocre performances in La Liga, Real Madrid's Champions League form had been stellar, making winning the title seem inevitable. Manchester United didn't pose a real threat.
Manchester United fans were happy with their team's impressive first-half performance. Competing on par with Real Madrid and even scoring was something to celebrate.
As for neutral fans, they relished the first half's excitement, filled with moments to discuss.
Meanwhile, fans around the world watched highlights of the first half, reliving its thrilling moments through slow-motion and multiple angles, especially Bruno's masterful display.
The halftime break flew by, and the second half was about to begin. Players returned to the field, greeted by cheers from the stands.
As soon as Bruno stepped out, the camera focused on him. His active performance in the first half, including an assist and a memorable attack, left fans eager for more in the second half.
Ronaldo also received significant attention. Before the second half started, Bruno and Ronaldo, the Portuguese duo and key players for their respective teams, were in the spotlight. Their performances would be crucial to the match's outcome.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Kiev Olympic Stadium for the second half of the 2017-2018 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Manchester United. The score is currently 1-1. In the 20th minute, Mbappe scored for Manchester United with an assist from Bruno! In the 37th minute, Real Madrid equalized with a goal from Benzema." Wei He, wearing noise-canceling headphones, resumed his commentary.
"Now, both teams are back on the field. We see Bruno… His performance has been outstanding, with an assist in attack and several key defensive plays against Ronaldo. Few can defend Ronaldo one-on-one…"
The second half began with the referee's whistle, and neither team made substitutions.
However, the broadcast noticed that Manchester United's Swedish star, Ibrahimovic, was warming up, hinting at a possible early substitution.
Real Madrid didn't launch a fierce attack from the kickoff but passed the ball back, drawing Manchester United out.
As long as they controlled the ball, there was no problem.
After several minutes of possession, they finally reached the penalty area. Benzema made a horizontal pass, and Ronaldo aimed for a close-range shot, but Bruno's tight marking weakened the shot, making it an easy save for De Gea.
Bruno, having just defended Ronaldo closely in front of the goal, sprinted out of the penalty area.
De Gea threw the ball to him immediately.
(End of the chapter)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30st, get 40% off your subscription and 30% off your novel purchase.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10