"Push up! Push up for the header!"
"Drop back! Come closer! Mark him!"
Players from both teams were fiercely contesting in Manchester United's penalty area.
The Manchester United players didn't dare underestimate Real Madrid's aerial ability, especially with players like Modrić and Benzema, who were excellent in the air.
Even Ronaldo had dropped back to personally mark Suker.
Suker turned to look at Ronaldo, who kept following him closely, significantly restricting his movement.
Di María, taking the corner, saw the chaos in the penalty area. After a moment's thought, he took the kick.
Boom!
The ball flew into the penalty area.
Instantly, the entire Manchester United penalty area was in a state of alert.
"Mark him!"
"I've got him!"
"Contest the header! Contest the header!"
Both teams were engaged in intense physical battles.
At that moment, Suker suddenly appeared in the central position, with Ronaldo right on his heels.
Both jumped almost simultaneously.
Boom!
The ball slammed into their shoulders and flew out of bounds.
"Corner!"
"Goal kick!"
Both Suker and Ronaldo raised their hands, but the referee pointed to the small box, indicating a goal kick.
Ronaldo couldn't help but sigh in relief, then looked at Suker smugly.
Suker smirked.
What's there to be proud of?
A goal kick meant he had gotten the touch!
However, Suker felt a heavy weight in his heart.
In that jump, Suker had put all his strength into it.
Almost no one in La Liga could match Suker's leap.
Yet Ronaldo not only kept up but effectively contained him.
There was no denying Ronaldo's exceptional jumping ability.
Suker wasn't worried about Ronaldo dropping back to defend—he was confident he could find opportunities to score.
But he was concerned about Ronaldo bombarding their goal.
"We need to score first!"
Suker clenched his fist tightly.
Taking the lead would give them the advantage and more control over the game.
On the field, the intense battle continued.
Not only were the forwards fiercely attacking, trying to score as quickly as possible, but the midfields were also scheming, thinking of ways to create better opportunities for their forwards.
After the 10-minute mark, the probing phase ended completely. The pace of the game quickened, and possession changed frequently.
Manchester United's attacks were extremely fierce.
In the intense midfield battle, in the 14th minute, Manchester United finally found a chance to play a through ball. Carrick passed to Ronaldo, who tapped it sideways and immediately turned to shoot.
The ball flew past the post and out of bounds.
No goal, but it was the best response to Real Madrid's two earlier attacks.
"The pace of this game is so fast!"
Spanish commentator González frowned: "It feels more like a Premier League pace. Hold on, lads!"
On the sidelines, Mourinho also frowned deeply.
The pace was getting faster and faster!
Moreover, this kind of passing and running with physical intensity was definitely Premier League style.
"Our rhythm is disrupted!" Faria said nervously.
Kaká was, after all, a converted defensive midfielder.
His transformation wasn't complete yet.
In terms of distribution, vision, playmaking, and organization, Kaká could still perform excellently.
But as a defensive midfielder, controlling the rhythm was the core.
Like the current situation, Modrić kept using one-touch passes to drag the overall rhythm into a Premier League style. Other Manchester United players were also the same as Modrić in this intense physical battle.
Compared to Real Madrid, Manchester United was more accustomed to this pace. They had more experience and could naturally perform better.
At this pace, Manchester United began to press forward slowly.
Their shots and threatening attacks also increased.
"Hold on!"
Faria clenched his fists tightly: "Kaká! Slow down the rhythm! This isn't our pace!"
Kaká was getting carried away at this point.
In the rapid rhythm, he kept switching play, but no matter what, he couldn't escape the pressing trap set by Manchester United.
This made Kaká extremely uncomfortable, and as a result, Real Madrid's midfield and defense became passive.
"Something's wrong! Something's wrong!" González said anxiously: "Slow down! Slow down the rhythm!"
Manchester United's attacks continued.
Boom!
Srna made a tackle and kicked the ball to Kaká.
Kaká was about to pass to the wing when he heard Suker's voice from the left front.
"Kaká!"
Kaká paused for a moment, then turned and passed the ball to Suker.
Manchester United players swarmed toward Suker.
They wanted to trap Suker on the wing and press him.
But at that moment, Suker lightly passed back and then dropped back a few steps to shorten the distance with Kaká.
Marcelo passed the ball back to Kaká, who then played it sideways to Suker.
Suker met the ball and made a long, sweeping pass.
Whoosh~~~~~~
It was a high, long cross, from the crowded left side directly to the relatively safer right side.
At that moment, including commentator González, Mourinho, and Faria, they all let out a sigh of relief.
The earlier fast pace had been suffocating.
"Stabilized!"
Faria exhaled deeply.
Mourinho also nodded slightly, the previously tense muscles on his face relaxing.
"Too fast! Don't let their rhythm drag us along!"
Suker shouted to Kakā before returning to the front: "Stay sharp!"
Kakā took a deep breath, and his heated head gradually cooled down.
Now he finally understood that he had fallen into Modrić's trap.
The pace had quickened, becoming more suited to Manchester United.
If they had continued at that pace for a bit longer, Real Madrid would have been completely disorganized, and they might even have conceded a goal.
Modrić, watching Suker's long pass, shook his head slightly.
He had intended to use this opportunity, with the pressing rhythm, to gain some advantage.
But he didn't expect Suker to actively drop back and help stabilize the situation.
Modrić slowly retreated to his position.
And Real Madrid also stabilized the situation.
The previously rapid pace of attack and defense began to gradually calm down.
When the ball was passed back to Kakā's feet again, Kakā didn't rush to pass this time. Instead, he observed for a moment before distributing it to Diarra. Diarra then passed it to Suker, who began to probe down the wing.
Seeing this, Spanish commentator González couldn't help but sigh: "Finally calmed down. Yes, we must stabilize the rhythm. We absolutely cannot let Manchester United's rhythm drag us along!"
On Manchester United's bench, Ferguson showed a hint of regret.
If they had had a little more time—not much, just 2-3 minutes—they could have certainly pressed forward and genuinely threatened Real Madrid's goal. If they were in slightly better form, scoring wouldn't have been impossible.
But Real Madrid, they could quickly adjust even in chaotic situations.
Of course, Ferguson hadn't expected to win with such a small trick.
The tactical attempt was just to disrupt Real Madrid's midfield and seek opportunities.
Take it slow!
No hurry!
Ferguson's expression was calm.
Just then, he saw Suker quietly pulling out to the wing.
Valencia was positioned closer to the inside channel, and Suker was in his blind spot.
Ferguson frowned and shouted loudly: "Valencia!"
Hearing the voice behind him, Suker couldn't help but grin.
But it was enough!
Suker suddenly sprinted forward along the wing.
At the same time, Srna, positioned in midfield, drew back like a bow and fired a diagonal long pass at a 45-degree angle!
The ball soared through the air, accurately dropping toward the space behind Manchester United's full-back Fábio.
Fábio was slightly more advanced.
But Suker's chasing speed was too fast.
Just as Fábio nervously kept checking Suker 's position and judging the ball's landing point, his shoulder was suddenly pulled.
His body instinctively leaned, and Suker, pressing down on Fábio's shoulder, burst forward from the side.
Meeting the dropping ball, Suker gently cushioned it with his instep, successfully controlling it.
Both came to a sudden stop. The ball bounced off the ground, and as it landed again, Suker stepped over it with a feint.
Fábio immediately darted toward the byline, but in the next second, Suker tapped the ball, cutting inside from behind.
"Suker uses a fake to shake off Fábio and cuts inside!!"
González jumped up.
Suker was dribbling from left to right along the inside of the penalty area.
And Fábio was a full body length behind Suker.
Shoot!
Shoot!
Shoot now!
González roared inwardly.
At that moment, Suker swung his right foot, twisted his waist sharply, and his right leg whipped into the ball like a whip.
Boom!
The ball, struck with force, flew toward the near post.
Manchester United's goalkeeper Van der Sar was already positioned closer to the right side. As he dove, he was too rushed, and his body didn't fully extend.
Van der Sar made the save but was just short.
Swish!!
The ball hit the net!
"Goooooooooooooooooooooal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!—"
González leaped up,
"Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal! Goal!"
"Suker!!!!!!—"
"Oh my god, a goal in the 17th minute. Suker controlled the ball on the wing, used a fake to shake off Fábio, and finished with a cut-inside shot!"
"This move was so smooth, so fluid!"
"Real Madrid has taken the lead in this Champions League final!"
González shouted: "The scorer of our goal is—"
Suker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!—
In various bars in Madrid, excited Real Madrid fans raised their arms and shouted vigorously.
Their faces were flushed with excitement!
Suker was so trustworthy.
Even in the Champions League final, Suker helped them score first and take the lead.
Boom boom boom boom boom!!!!!!
Wembley Stadium seemed to be shaking like an earthquake.
The moment the goal was scored, the previously relatively quiet stands suddenly erupted.
All the Real Madrid fans instantly jumped up, the roar of tens of thousands of people spreading across the field.
They looked ecstatic, shouting their loudest cheers at the guy spreading his arms in the corner area.
They swore they loved this guy to death!
"Suker !! This is Real Madrid's key player. He is always there!"
"In crucial matches, he repeatedly helps us score goals, and now, in the Champions League final, he does it again!"
"Look at this goal! Clean and decisive, without any hesitation. The moment he controlled the ball, he was already smiling and cutting inside. Fábio! Following in the footsteps of his Brazilian predecessors, he became Suker 's backdrop!"
"The young Fábio is still too inexperienced. Faced with this kind of top-tier dribbling, he couldn't offer any resistance!"
González said excitedly: "He could do nothing! Because the one dribbling past him was Suker!"
In Madrid's bars, Real Madrid fans shouted loudly, hugging each other and raising their drinks overhead.
"Lads! This round is for Suker !"
The crowd laughed and echo.
"For Suker!!—"
A goal in the Champions League final, and a leading goal at that, was so crucial!
At Wembley Stadium, the Manchester United players looked somewhat helpless, especially Fábio, who was almost scared out of his wits.
When he realized Suker was about to dribble past him, his mind went blank.
Ferdinand also shook his head helplessly. He had tried to move as quickly as possible to block.
But Suker's shot was placed perfectly, and it was too decisive.
This was the confidence of a top striker!
On the sidelines, Mourinho celebrated, punching toward the fans in the stands to vent his excitement.
On the other side, Ferguson's expression was grave.
He looked around the field.
Although he had expected a goal, he hadn't thought it would come so quickly.
Moreover, Suker's performance in this attack was too good.
There were no unnecessary movements—extremely concise and deadly. It was essentially a one-touch control, a cut inside, using physicality to create separation, and scoring with exquisite shooting technique.
"Beautiful!!"
"Hey! Hey! Hey! Look what you did!"
"Hahaha!! We're in the lead!!"
The Real Madrid players also rushing to Suker.
Benzema jumped onto Suker 's back, his face flushed with excitement.
Di María, after hugging Suker, pointed to the sky in a prayer gesture.
Kakā had already rushed toward Suker the moment he took the shot.
He knew Suker well, so he was very confident Suker would score with this shot.
And that was exactly what happened.
In the backfield, Srna, Carvalho, Pepe, and others also celebrated with high-fives and hugs.
Casillas felt his heart trembling.
So good!
So good!
This guy is amazing!
The leading goal gave them a certain advantage.
The thought of becoming the captain during Real Madrid's revival period made CasillasUnable to control the excitement inside.
"Let's go back! Let's go back! It's not time to let our guard down yet!"
As they retreated, Modrić looked at Kakā.
"We must stabilize. Manchester United's attacks will be even more intense from now on!" Suker said seriously; "Although we scored, it only gave us a drop in pressure. We didn't gain much advantage in terms of the game situation, so we must focus on defense!"
Manchester United was like Barcelona.
Rooney—jokes aside—when he charged forward, he was truly hard to defend.
With Ronaldo's support and Modrić's midfield playmaking, Real Madrid still couldn't afford to be careless!
This was Manchester United in the Champions League final!
These guys would definitely follow the score tightly and not let Real Madrid pull away.
At the same time, in Real Madrid's half, Modrić gathered Ronaldo, Rooney, Park Ji-sung, and Valencia.
"We'll attack Real Madrid's left flank!"
Modrić said seriously.
Hearing this, everyone was surprised.
Modrić continued: "We've been attacking Real Madrid's right flank because Carvalho is a substitute, so we thought his coordination with Srna might be rusty. But after several attacks, we saw that they didn't have major coordination issues. Carvalho is old and can't run much, but Srna compensates for that by actively covering to form a buffer in front of Carvalho. At this point, Carvalho's experience and positioning sense are fully utilized."
"In contrast, their right flank—Marcelo isn't as solid defensively as Srna, and Pepe is prone to impulsive challenges. Although Carvalho provides cover, once we break through Pepe's defensive layer, it's hard for Real Madrid to contain our attackers."
Modrić sighed: "Most importantly, the left flank is Real Madrid's main attacking route. Everyone will coordinate with Suker in attacks, stretching the front longer and providing more passing space. We've been trying to avoid clashing head-on with Real Madrid on the left flank, but this move plays into Real Madrid's hands!"
"From now on! We'll fight them with bayonets on the left flank!"
Hearing Modrić's analysis, everyone sudden realized.
Ronaldo surprised: "You analyzed all this in such a short time?"
Modrić pointed to his head: "Using your brain more never hurts! Let's find chances to equalize!"
The Manchester United players returned to the center circle to await the kickoff.
At this moment, they had a clearer goal.
A one-goal deficit meant nothing to Manchester United. In their careers, they had faced countless must-win games, crucial matches, and do-or-die situations.
Therefore, being one goal down wouldn't affect their morale or form.
Ferguson's Manchester United was known for its resilience. Even if the score gap is bigger Manchester United wouldn't give up until the final whistle.
Beep!
The whistle blew.
The game resumed.
When Manchester United kicked off, they immediately go on the offense.
Of course, they wouldn't foolishly charge directly at the left flank.
Instead, they continued their attacks on the right flank, but Ronaldo's positioning was closer to Real Madrid's left side, which was Manchester United's right.
After several passes, Modrić suddenly made a forward run.
Manchester United's midfield became a diamond formation, with Park Ji-sung pushing up to the wing to attract Marcelo's attention.
"Pass it here!"
Modrić suddenly shouted.
Rooney did a few step-overs before hearing the call and immediately passed to Modrić.
Just as Modrić was about to receive the ball, Khedira rushed up to pressure him.
Modrić used his left foot to control the ball, pivoted on his right foot, and turned tightly around Khedira—the move was very fluid.
Modrić dribbled again, charging from the right to the left.
"Valencia!"
Modrić suddenly passed the ball.
The moment Valencia received the ball, Marcelo immediately closed him down.
At that moment, Valencia passed back to Modrić.
Now, Modrić had moved from the right to the left.
"Run!"
Modrić shouted!
Ronaldo rush forward.
Modrić feinted with his foot, and the ball was immediately played between Marcelo and Pepe to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo sprinted desperately toward the byline but had no shooting angle.
He stopped abruptly, turned, and passed back into the penalty area.
Boom!
Rooney arrived right on time and unleashed a fierce shot toward the top right corner.
Just as he looked clearly toward Real Madrid's goal, a large hand appeared in his vision.
At the critical moment, Casillas made a desperate save, slapping the ball away.