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Chapter 494 - Chapter 494: Advancing on Two Fronts

Chapter 494: Advancing on Two Fronts

September 27th, Evening.

Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

In the second round of the Champions League group stage, Atlético Madrid hosted Manchester United.

By the 65th minute of this highly anticipated Champions League match, the score was 1-1. Atlético Madrid took the lead in the first half with a penalty from Griezmann, but Manchester United equalized in the 60th minute with a goal from Harry Kane, assisted by Bruno.

With the equalizer, Manchester United's spirits were high, taking control of the game and launching a fierce attack. Simeone's Atlético Madrid retreated defensively, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack, making it difficult for Manchester United to break through their defense.

Simeone deployed a 4-4-2 formation, even taking off Torres to field Correa and Griezmann as the speedy frontmen, specifically for counter-attacks.

At this moment, Manchester United launched another offensive.

Gundogan, positioned near the penalty area, attempted to pass into the box but was cleared by Uruguayan center-back Godin.

The ball fell towards Atlético Madrid's right side, and Cancelo quickly moved in, reaching the ball before Atlético's talented player Saul. He attempted to send the ball back into the box, aiming for their center-forward Harry Kane who was still nearby.

However, the ball grazed Saul's foot, changing direction and flying high towards the right side of the penalty area.

At this moment, Atlético's entire defensive formation was transitioning from offense to defense, pushing up to the edge of the box. Due to the combined efforts of Cancelo and Saul, the ball conveniently flew over the defenders' heads, landing near the right side of the six-yard box.

Bruno's reaction was quick. As the ball flew in, he predicted its trajectory and turned sharply, shaking off Koke and sprinting like an arrow.

Thomas Partey, a key player for Simeone's Atlético since joining at 18, was tasked with marking Bruno closely in this match.

Though Partey was highly focused and immediately reacted as Bruno turned, planning to position himself between Bruno and the ball, he found his body unable to keep up.

Bruno, quickly turning as the ball approached, left Partey trailing behind. Yet, Partey did not give up, staying close to block Bruno's shooting angle. He knew that as long as he stayed on Bruno's inside, a shot would be difficult.

Bruno was aware of Partey's intentions. Holding a slight speed advantage, he feigned a volley as he reached the ball, causing Partey to react by trying to block the shot.

However, Bruno was not aiming to shoot. Instead, he lightly tapped the descending ball back with his right foot. The ball obediently changed direction, landing behind Partey.

Taking advantage of the situation, Bruno quickly adjusted, planting his right foot and striking with his left without hesitation.

Partey, having tried to stop, slipped and fell, while the ball flew in a straight line into the bottom left corner of Atlético Madrid's goal.

Slovenian goalkeeper Oblak's diving effort failed to prevent the ball from hitting the net.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAALLLLLL!!!"

"Bruno scores a crucial goal in the 65th minute!"

"It's a brilliant display of individual skill!"

"Cancelo's cross, deflected by Saul, fell to the right side of the box. Bruno chased it down, controlled it deftly, and shot with his left foot. The whole sequence was fluid and showcased Bruno's solid fundamentals, especially his exquisite touch."

Bruno, exhilarated, sprinted off the field and along the stands before being mobbed by his teammates, while the 65,000 Atlético fans booed, which was the best compliment to him.

Bruno was starting to enjoy this feeling of scoring more and more.

He realized Ibrahimovic was right—scoring under the watchful eyes of the opponent's hardcore fans was incredibly satisfying.

Mourinho, ecstatic, jumped up and hugged his assistants Faria and Carrick, looking extremely excited.

Having coached Real Madrid, Mourinho knew well how tough Simeone's Atlético Madrid could be.

In this match, Manchester United was aggressive and had the upper hand.

Due to a transfer ban, Atlético Madrid couldn't strengthen their squad this summer, unable to cope with Manchester United's fierce midfield. But Simeone's team remained defensively solid, giving Manchester United few good opportunities, and Partey's marking of Bruno was impeccable.

However, football is full of unpredictability.

Who could have predicted that Godin's clearance would fall to Cancelo? Or that Cancelo's pass would deflect off Saul?

The game is filled with surprises and chances, yet behind every surprise is an element of inevitability. Bruno's precise touch was crucial in this instance.

"This kid's touch is becoming more refined!" Mourinho couldn't help but praise.

When Bruno chased the ball, he feigned a direct shot, tricking Partey, then skillfully nudged the ball behind him to set up a left-footed shot.

Two key points: Bruno's initial touch and his left-footed shot. Everyone knew Bruno was naturally right-footed, but he had relentlessly trained his left foot for years, to the point where it was hard to distinguish his dominant foot.

The hours of dedicated practice showed in his deft touch and subsequent left-footed strike.

It's over!

Seeing Bruno score, Simeone covered his face and returned to the home team's dugout. His slightly weathered face was full of frustration.

The 2015-2016 season was Atlético's peak under Simeone, aiming for a La Liga and Champions League double. But they faced Udinese in the Champions League quarter-finals. Bruno's double at Friuli put Atlético on the brink. Though they fought back at home, the effort cost them dearly, leading to a three-point league loss to Barcelona and even being overtaken by Real Madrid, finishing third.

In the Champions League, Atlético reached the final but lost to Real Madrid on penalties, enhancing Zidane's fame.

This summer, unable to reinforce due to the transfer ban, while Bruno's Manchester United signed stars like Kane, Mbappe, Mahrez, Cancelo, and Lindelof, showing immense strength.

In this match, Manchester United's overall strength was clearly superior, though Atlético managed to steal a goal. Ultimately, Manchester United's relentless attack led to a five-minute span where they conceded twice, falling behind.

Bruno's goal at this moment was a huge blow to Atlético Madrid.

Their defensive counter-attacking strategy fell apart once they were behind.

Attacking would only expose them to Manchester United's counter-attacks, a situation Simeone wanted to avoid.

The best approach was to apply moderate pressure, hoping Manchester United would make mistakes, but Simeone wasn't overly confident, knowing Mourinho was equally shrewd.

Thus, after conceding, he urged his players from the sidelines to stabilize and regain control, especially relying on veterans like Godin.

He worried about his players getting impatient and pushing forward, which would play into Manchester United's hands.

"Real Madrid's nemesis?" Simeone thought bitterly, watching Bruno celebrate, "He's more like Atlético Madrid's nemesis!"

Manchester United defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1, extending their winning streak across all competitions to eleven matches!

The headlines read:

"Bruno's Decisive Strike: Simeone Admits Bruno is His Nemesis!"

"Bruno's Stunning Transformation: A Sublime Goal!"

After Manchester United's 2-1 comeback win against Atlético Madrid, discussions ignited across European football.

Bruno's goal was widely praised, with journalists and fans expressing amazement.

Stuart Mathieson, a renowned Manchester United correspondent for the Manchester Evening News, wrote that it was a flash of genius, showcasing Bruno's immense talent.

With two wins, Manchester United led Group C in the Champions League, followed by Roma, who defeated Qarabag 2-1 away to accumulate four points.

Three days later, in the tenth round of the Premier League, Manchester United hosted Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Having played a grueling match against Atlético Madrid just 60 hours earlier, Mourinho rotated the squad heavily.

Besides fatigue, the main reason was Crystal Palace's poor performance. They were the worst team in the league after six rounds, having lost all six matches without scoring and conceding 13 goals, firmly at the bottom of the table.

Only Bruno, Rashford, and De Gea from the Atlético game continued in the starting lineup. The other eight positions were rotated.

A team with six consecutive losses and no goals, facing Manchester United with six wins, 28 goals, and no goals conceded, the outcome was predictable.

Manchester United took the lead just 3 minutes in. Rashford outmaneuvered Ward, cutting into the left side of the box and passing to Mata, who scored with a low shot from 14 yards out.

With the lead, United comfortably controlled the game. Bruno's shot from the edge of the box went over, and Ashley Young's long-range effort was blocked. Fellaini went down on the right side of the box, but the referee waved play on.

In the 35th minute, United doubled their lead. Young skillfully beat Townsend on the left and crossed to the far post, where Fellaini volleyed in from close range, 2-0.

Bruno's corner was headed wide by Smalling.

Mata's cross from the right was nodded on by McTominay, but Rashford's shot from a tight angle was saved by Hennessey. In the ensuing scramble, Bruno's volley from the left side of the box went wide.

United entered halftime with a two-goal advantage.

Early in the second half, United capitalized on a set-piece. Bruno's cross found Fellaini, who headed in to make it 3-0.

Fellaini, with his distinctive hairstyle, was impressive, scoring twice with head and foot.

In the 71st minute, Bruno was fouled in the box, earning a penalty. He calmly converted, making it 4-0.

Mourinho, smiling and clapping on the sidelines, knew the game was sealed.

Crystal Palace, demoralized, failed to threaten De Gea's goal, leaving the Spanish keeper largely unoccupied.

In the 86th minute, Herrera's through ball found Rashford, who crossed for Bruno to score his second, making it 5-0.

Ultimately, with Bruno and Fellaini both scoring twice and Mata's goal, United thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 at home, securing their seventh consecutive league win.

Despite the convincing win, Mourinho remained humble, stating in the post-match interview, "I'd rather win five matches 1-0 than one match 5-0, but I know that's not possible. We're happy, we played steadily, we've been strong from the start, and we controlled the game well. We made some small mistakes, which is common for these players, especially against a team lacking confidence."

Crystal Palace's coach, Hodgson: "MMP..."

(End of Chapter)

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