Chapter 497: The Ultimate Showdown
As the second half began, less than two minutes in, Bruno found himself in a one-on-one situation. He suddenly cut inside with a sharp move, prompting Moreno to commit a quick foul out of desperation.
The referee quickly approached and showed Moreno a yellow card as a warning.
As Liverpool's left-back retreated, his eyes couldn't help but follow Bruno, who was being helped up by Valencia. He felt a mix of emotions.
He clearly remembered four years ago when Bruno had just started his career. Back then, Moreno was playing for Sevilla, and they faced Bruno's Udinese in the Europa League. Both group stage matches ended in 1-1 draws. Although Bruno performed well, Sevilla topped the group and advanced to the knockout stage.
The two teams eventually met again in the final, where Udinese triumphed, with Bruno being named the best player of the match.
Back then, Moreno was a 21-year-old rising star in La Liga, starting to make his mark. Bruno, who had just turned 19, was fresh off leading Portugal's U-20 team to a World Cup victory but was still a newcomer on the global stage.
Four years later, while Moreno had developed into Liverpool's left-back, Bruno had become an established superstar. He was a Champions League winner, the top scorer in the Champions League, Manchester United's star player, a FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, and had broken Ronaldo's Premier League scoring record.
...
In Moreno's eyes, Bruno was playing phenomenally tonight. His state was clearly excellent, running tirelessly and constantly seeking opportunities, making Moreno's defensive task exceedingly difficult.
This was despite Bruno spending limited time on the wing, as he primarily operated as a central attacking midfielder for Manchester United.
If Moreno was struggling this much, one could only imagine the pressure on Wijnaldum, who had to deal with Bruno more frequently.
Klopp continuously urged his players to maintain their defensive positions.
Manchester United earned a threatening set-piece from the right side of the pitch due to Moreno's foul. Klopp couldn't fault his left-back, understanding that he had done his best in a challenging situation. Bruno's quick acceleration and sudden directional change were simply too swift.
"Alberto has a yellow card now. Manchester United will likely target our left side. Emre, drop back a bit to help Alberto," Klopp instructed.
...
As Klopp finished his instructions, Bruno executed a high-quality free kick.
"Manchester United takes the free kick."
"Bruno's right-footed curved ball goes into the box!"
"Liverpool's central defense loses their man!"
"Van Dijk gets to it first and heads it!"
A loud "thud" echoed as the ball struck the crossbar and bounced back into the box.
The entire stadium collectively held its breath, then sighed in relief as the ball stayed out, followed by a thunderous roar of boos directed at Manchester United.
"That was close! The Dutch center-back's header hit the crossbar."
"Manchester United's set-piece was well-executed. Bruno's free kick was precise, and Van Dijk's run and header were perfectly coordinated. Unfortunately, it just missed."
"Bruno remains United's most dangerous player. Liverpool is clearly focusing their defense on his movements."
...
Manchester United's morale and rhythm surged after this early second-half attack.
Bruno soon had another opportunity on the right.
Valencia passed to Bruno, who turned while receiving the ball, and dribbled diagonally towards the edge of the box.
Emre Can closely marked Bruno, but Mbappe's overlapping run drew away some defensive attention, forcing Moreno to follow the French winger.
Bruno suddenly accelerated, using his speed to shake off Can, and charged towards the box. This forced Wijnaldum to hastily move over to help.
Bruno maintained his pace, seemingly intent on driving into the box. This put Wijnaldum in a difficult position, unsure when to make a tackle, especially as they neared the penalty area.
As Wijnaldum retreated into the box, Bruno spotted an opening and passed the ball sideways. The ball slid between Wijnaldum and Can, finding Gundogan, who took a direct shot with his right foot!
"Bruno passes sideways…"
"Gundogan shoots!"
The ball flew towards the goal but narrowly missed, skimming the post and going out. Gundogan fell to his knees in frustration at the edge of Liverpool's box, visibly disappointed.
He had rushed it!
He had been waiting for this chance, believing Bruno would deliver the pass. And Bruno did.
But when the moment came, Gundogan was too eager.
...
"United have come out strong in the second half, playing with vigor. Bruno, in particular, has been very active, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. Unfortunately, United players have yet to capitalize fully."
Bruno's rapid 20-meter sprint had taken its toll.
In football, such sprints are the most exhausting. Bruno could manage around thirty per match, but each one required a recovery period.
"It's okay." Bruno walked over and pulled Gundogan up, encouraging him, "It's okay, Ilkay. I'll pass again, and we'll get it next time."
Gundogan turned and hugged Bruno, full of remorse.
This was an opportunity Bruno had worked hard to create, yet Gundogan had wasted it.
Sometimes, in a match, such chances are rare and might not come again if missed.
"Trust me!" Bruno clapped his hands, "We'll push a bit more, and the goal will come!"
Bruno's rallying call caught the attention and even hostility of Liverpool's players and fans. The Liverpool players glared at Bruno, while the fans unleashed a torrent of boos, trying to drown him out.
But it didn't matter. Bruno wasn't fazed by the boos. He was focused on one thing: defeating Liverpool. Being hated by the opponents' players and booed by their fans was, in a way, a testament to his impact.
As Ibrahimović once said, the most satisfying thing is to score under the opponents' fans' noses. The boos are the best praise.
...
"Liverpool launches a quick counter-attack. Henderson's long pass to the front."
"Van Dijk steps up and heads it clear."
"Gundogan drops back and passes to the left."
"Cancelo carries the ball forward. United on the counter."
...
Cancelo advanced down the left wing and quickly passed to Rashford.
Against his peer, Liverpool right-back Joe Gomez, Rashford had no speed advantage and opted to cut inside after controlling the ball.
Bruno moved from the right to the area near the top of the box, signaling for the ball.
Rashford's pass slipped past Wijnaldum's reach, arriving at Bruno's feet.
Bruno didn't stop the ball but lightly nudged it to slow it down while it continued to roll right. He stepped forward.
Wijnaldum reacted quickly, aware of Bruno's scoring threat, and immediately closed in, using his body to block Bruno's shot and prevent a clear path to goal.
Bruno used his body to shield the ball from Wijnaldum, denying the Dutch midfielder any chance of interception.
Emre Can also rushed back, ready to form a pincer movement with Wijnaldum.
Bruno's wide field of vision allowed him to spot Mbappe making a fast run forward, with Moreno trailing behind in defense.
...
Bruno knew Mbappe and had played against Moreno multiple times. He was confident Moreno couldn't match Mbappe's speed.
Making a swift decision, Bruno, without looking back, shielded Wijnaldum with his body and, before Can could close in, flicked the ball with his right heel. The ball rolled quickly towards the right side of the box.
Seeing Bruno's pass, Mbappe took off, quickly outpacing Moreno, controlled the ball with his right foot, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot.
The stadium fell silent for a split second as the ball, like a cannonball, curved past the left post and into Liverpool's goal.
Liverpool goalkeeper Mignolet's dive couldn't reach it.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLL!!!!!!!"
"In the 57th minute, Manchester United finally break through Liverpool's defense!"
"An exquisite curling shot from Mbappe in the right side of the box. But credit must go to Bruno for his assist!"
(End of Chapter)
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