Chapter 607: The Crucial Moment
Bruno wasn't feeling happy at all. He knew the team's current state was far from ideal. His teammates' energy wasn't genuine; it was more like a desperate burst, often called the "last hurrah." As he walked towards the opposite half of the pitch, he kept thinking about how to approach the second half of extra time.
The first half had gone well because their strategy was clear. But what about the second half?
Counterattack? To be honest, after observing for fifteen minutes, Bruno realized the team didn't have the extra energy for those sharp, quick attacks. Rashford, Harry Kane, and Gündoğan could barely run. Relying solely on Ibrahimović and himself wouldn't be enough to break through Real Madrid's defense.
As for the defenders Valencia and Cancelo, they were also severely exhausted and couldn't join the attack effectively.
If they kept defending, even if they made it to a penalty shootout, it would be futile. While Romero was decent at saving penalties, he wasn't as renowned as Navas. This seemed like a battle destined for defeat. Their efforts might only delay the inevitable from ninety minutes to one hundred and twenty.
Thinking this way could demoralize the team. Bruno knew he couldn't let his teammates feel that way. So, even if he was the only one trying, he had to launch some counterattacks to boost morale.
...
The referee's whistle signaled the start of the second half of extra time. The commentator remarked, "It's been 105 minutes... This match has truly gone beyond everyone's expectations."
"Real Madrid has been dominant in the Champions League this season, even if their La Liga performance has been lacking. They have steamrolled strong teams like Juventus and Bayern Munich, displaying their Champions League prowess."
"Manchester United has also been incredibly strong, setting numerous records this season, such as an unbeaten Premier League title run and a record 104 points. They've remained unbeaten in all competitions so far... Manchester United fans have been chanting that their team is invincible."
"But today's Champions League final has shown the world that neither of these teams is invincible! Manchester United can concede three goals in one match! Real Madrid can be scored against even when they have the upper hand! Both teams have star-studded lineups, but these stars are human too. They can struggle to find scoring opportunities against a staunch defense..."
...
The second half began with Manchester United continuing to defend and Real Madrid pressing on the attack.
"Real Madrid's offensive is like a tidal wave! They have a good chance of breaking through Manchester United's defense in these fifteen minutes!" The Spanish commentator echoed his sentiments from the start of the first half of extra time.
"Marcelo is advancing! He's up! Crosses the ball!!"
Marcelo's cross into the box saw Manchester United defenders and Real Madrid attackers tangling together. Facing Van Dijk's defense, Ronaldo had no aerial advantage, allowing Van Dijk to easily head the ball clear.
However, Real Madrid's attack didn't end. They intercepted the ball outside the box and continued their assault.
In the first five minutes, Manchester United's defense held firm. But as their players' stamina waned, their disadvantage became increasingly apparent.
It was evident to everyone: some balls that Manchester United players were closer to were still being claimed by Real Madrid players. Using their skillful passing, Real Madrid conserved energy while Manchester United had no choice but to run back and forth.
"Manchester United is on the brink of collapse!" The Spanish commentator announced excitedly.
...
This was indeed the case. As Manchester United's players ran out of energy, their defense became increasingly porous.
In the 113th minute, Real Madrid organized another attack.
Manchester United's defense, which had previously been impenetrable, started showing cracks. Gündoğan failed to keep up with Modric, allowing the Croatian to execute a lob pass over Van Dijk's head, sending the ball behind their defensive line.
Simultaneously, Bale made a sharp run, finding himself in a one-on-one situation!
Fortunately, goalkeeper Romero anticipated the move, rushing out to punch the ball away just before Bale could reach it.
"That was close!"
"A fantastic save!"
"It looks like Manchester United has reached their limit... Seeing the goalkeeper come out to clear the ball near the penalty area is not a common sight in previous matches..."
...
As the commentators marveled at Real Madrid's sharp attacks and Manchester United's seemingly desperate state, the English champions suddenly bared their teeth, showing their resilience.
Romero's punch was intercepted by Kroos before Cancelo could reach it, and he swiftly passed it to Asensio.
Just as the Real Madrid prodigy was about to receive the ball, a figure barged in, shoving Asensio aside and seizing the ball.
"Kanté!"
Having intercepted the ball, Kanté wasted no time, kicking it towards the nearby Gündoğan.
"Fall back!" Real Madrid goalkeeper Navas shouted.
Following his command, Gündoğan right-footed the ball forward in a diagonal long pass.
The ball soared across most of the pitch towards the left wing, where Bruno was sprinting forward.
Before the second half of extra time, Bruno had decided his counterattack strategy: break through on the right wing. Real Madrid's left-back Marcelo liked to push forward, making the right side a potential weak spot.
Bruno, sprinting at full speed, received the ball. Marcelo, rushing back, was close to Bruno, but Bruno didn't stop the ball. Instead, he nudged it forward and accelerated, widening the gap between him and Marcelo. Bruno caught up to the ball, launching into high-speed dribbling mode.
Had this been the start of the match, Bruno might not have had such an advantage over Marcelo. But after over 110 minutes, Marcelo couldn't keep up with Bruno.
...
"Beautiful! Bruno!"
"Counterattack! Manchester United's counterattack!"
"It's unbelievable that Bruno still has the stamina for such a high-speed sprint at almost 115 minutes. He's a monster!"
"Real Madrid's defense is wide open! Is Manchester United going to score from this attack?"
At this moment, Real Madrid's penalty area had only center-back Varane in position. Ramos was struggling to keep up with the accelerating Harry Kane. Consequently, there was no one marking Ibrahimović, who was also sprinting forward.
"A three-on-two situation!"
Bruno didn't get greedy. Feigning a shot, he drew Varane towards him and then made a precise ground pass.
"Ibrahimović! He's through on goal!"
The Swedish veteran received the ball, controlling it well, and charged into the box.
"Navas is coming out!"
"Ibrahimović! Shot—he's gone past the goalkeeper!"
In the commentator's screams, this man, almost 37 years old, playing his first and last Champions League final, swung his right foot as if to shoot.
Navas immediately dove to save, only to see Ibrahimović pull the ball back.
With the goal wide open, Ibrahimović felt his legs grow heavy. He swung his "heavy" right leg and gently pushed the ball.
The ball crossed the goal line and rolled into the net!
...
"Ibrahimović—shot—GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! Ibrahimović scores his first Champions League final goal! 4:3! Manchester United leads for the third time!"
"Boom—" The Olympic Stadium in Kyiv erupted like a volcano!
Manchester United players swarmed towards Ibrahimović.
The 36-year-old stood there, this experienced and honored veteran, now looking like a rookie in his first big game, standing there in a daze.
Then, coming to his senses, he tried to run and celebrate, but his teammates had already surrounded him, hugging him and celebrating wildly.
On May 26, 2018, at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, the Champions League final. Just 130 days shy of turning 37, Ibrahimović had taken his step towards fulfilling his dream, marking his debut in the Champions League final.
In the 112th minute of the match, Bruno assisted Ibrahimović, who scored to make it 4:3 for Manchester United against Real Madrid.
"Boom—" The section of the stadium filled with Manchester United fans erupted like a volcano.
In the stands, Manchester United fans jumped up in unison, raising their arms and cheering as the ball hit the net.
"Zlatan Ibrahimović! Zlatan Ibrahimović! Zlatan Ibrahimović! He scores in the 114th minute, giving Manchester United their third lead of the match! This is Ibrahimović's first Champions League final, and his first goal in the final!"
"4:3! Bruno's assist, Ibrahimović's goal! Who would have thought that after more than 110 minutes, Bruno could still sprint at such speed! Who would have thought Real Madrid's defense would be so vulnerable!"
"After scoring, Ibrahimović was very emotional. I'm sure many fans in front of their TVs are just as excited. As a former superstar who has won countless titles, Ibrahimović's fate in the Champions League has been rocky. This is his first Champions League final! Congratulations to Ibrahimović. At this moment, he is the hero in the hearts of Manchester United fans."
(END CHAPTER)
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