Second Half โ Etihad StadiumScore: Manchester City 1 โ 1 Manchester UnitedTime: 45:00
The Etihad buzzed with nervous electricity.
Saint-Clair had torn down the right flank again and again, demanding respect.
Mateo had answered with pace, fire, and vision.
But nowโฆ the match wasn't just intense.
It was personal.
Two stars.One city.
And only one winner.
๐ 46' โ The Mind War
City started sharp.
Bernardo Silva rotated deeper to overload midfield.
Rodri took more space.
Haaland hovered, waiting like a hammer above the anvil.
United had to hold tight.
"Don't chase shadows," Amorim had said."Wait for the gaps. Mateo will find the cracks."
๐ก๏ธ Mateo's Defensive Work
Minute 52 โHe tracked back, dispossessing Saint-Clair with a shoulder-to-shoulder duel that drew roars from the United end.
Minute 59 โHe initiated a counter, split two midfielders, but Bruno's shot skimmed wide.
Minute 64 โSaint-Clair returned the favorโdancing past two defenders and drawing a save from Kovar.
Both benches were standing now.
The crowd was split and deafening.
๐ง System Trigger
๐ฏ Rival Status: MATCHED
Mateo: 1 Goal, 1 Key Pass, 2 Successful DribblesSaint-Clair: 1 Assist, 3 Dribbles, 1 Shot on Target
โ๏ธ Rivalry Intensity: MAX
Bonus Skill Prepared: "Legacy Strike" โ Ultra focus boost for last 10 minutes if match tied
๐ 80' โ Pressure Cooker
City dominated possession.United waited like a panther in the weeds.
Saint-Clair fired from distance.
Off the bar.
Mateo clenched his fists.
He wanted the moment.
๐ 88' โ The Break Begins
Casemiro intercepted.Bruno took a touchโsaw Mateo sprinting down the right like a shadow caught fire.
The pass came.Clean. Long. High stakes.
Mateo ran under itโControlled it on the run.
1v1 with Gvardiol.
Then it happened.
๐ 89' โ The Goal of a Lifetime
A flick with the outside of the boot sent Gvardiol leftโMateo cut right.
One last touchโฆ
And from the edge of the box,he chipped Ederson.
A perfect rainbow arc.
The ball floated.
Time froze.
The stadium held its breathโ
GOAL.
The net rippled.
Old Trafford's traveling fans exploded.Even neutral spectators rose from their seats.
It wasn't just a goal.
It was art.
๐ The Celebration โ A Moment for Eternity
Mateo ran to the corner flag.But he didn't slide.
He didn't yell.
He slowed.Cradled the ball in both arms.And gently placed it beneath his shirt.
A swollen belly.
Then, he took his thumb to his mouthโmimicking a pacifier.
And finallyโhe turned to the camera.
A heart gesture.
For Klara.For their unborn child.For everything coming next.
๐ง System Trigger โ Legacy Strike Executed
โ Emotionally-Driven Goal: Legendary Status
๐ Trait Earned: Father's Flame+5 Motivation for next 7 days, +1 bonus in "Legacy" stat path
๐ Achievement Unlocked:"Heir of the Moment" โ Score a goal dedicated to unborn child in high-profile match
๐ Full-Time
Manchester City 1 โ 2 Manchester United
Saint-Clair stood frozen near midfield.He had played a brilliant match.But tonightโฆ
Mateo had transcended.
๐ค Post-Match Madness
Pundits called it:
"Goal of the Season.""The most emotional derby celebration in Premier League history.""A moment that reminded us football is human."
Mateo was handed the Man of the Match plaque.
He looked into the camera.
"This goalโฆ wasn't just for Manchester United.""It was for my family. For the future. For herโฆ and for the one on the way."
๐ฑ Klara's View
In their apartment, Klara had burst into tears.Her phone buzzed non-stop.
But all she did was hold her belly.And whisper:
"They're going to remember your dad forever."