Chapter 517: The Winning Streak Continues
"To be honest, I don't expect the second half to be exciting," Lineker said. "Objectively speaking, a 1-1 draw is acceptable for Manchester United, who have already secured their place in the knockout stages. But it's unclear if Simeone would accept this result."
From the commentator's perspective, Atlético Madrid, who are vying with Roma for second place in the group, should have more ambition and drive. However, once the second half began, they quickly realized they were mistaken.
The battle continued in the midfield. Around the 60th minute, Manchester United's manager Mourinho made the first move, substituting Rashford for Herrera. Bruno moved back to form a double pivot with Fellaini, Mata took up the central role, and Rashford returned to the left wing.
"Mourinho seems unsatisfied with just a draw at home. Now we'll see how Simeone responds."
The camera cut to a close-up of Atlético Madrid's manager, Simeone, then shifted to Carrasco on the bench. Clearly, if Simeone was also dissatisfied with a draw and wanted to make an attacking change, Carrasco would likely be brought on.
Mourinho had strengthened United's attack with Rashford. Simeone took nearly ten minutes before he had Carrasco and Godín warm up.
"Bringing on Carrasco or Godín would signal two different approaches from Simeone."
Mourinho noticed the changes on Atlético's bench. If Simeone brought on Carrasco, it meant he wasn't content with a 1-1 draw and wanted to attack. Bringing on Godín, however, would indicate a desire to shore up the defense and settle for a draw.
In the 71st minute, Simeone finally made a substitution, bringing on Carrasco for Torres. It was a like-for-like change, replacing the fatigued veteran Torres with fresh legs, indicating Simeone's intention to push for a win.
This decision was driven by the situation in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, where Roma had taken the lead. This meant Atlético Madrid needed a win to avoid finishing third in the group and dropping into the Europa League. Faced with the choice between the Champions League and the Europa League, it was clear which one Simeone preferred.
Mourinho responded to this change by bringing on Mbappe for Lingard, adding more speed and attacking power.
Since Atlético Madrid were willing to risk everything, Mourinho saw no reason to hold back. Even a loss wouldn't significantly affect United.
Simeone was surprised. He expected Mourinho to pack the defense, considering the match wasn't crucial for United. Yet, here was Mourinho, strengthening his attack instead.
Standing on the sideline, Simeone hesitated. Should he strengthen his defense or continue to push for a win? Just then, Rashford made a breakthrough on the wing, dribbling past Savic and cutting inside, feinting a shot before passing to Ashley Young, who drew defenders before making a reverse pass. Mbappe's powerful shot flew into the stands.
Mbappe's missed shot helped Simeone decide. Manchester United weren't taking it easy; they were fully committed to the game. Simeone then substituted Correa for the exhausted Gabi and Vietto for defender Giménez. Atlético now had four forwards on the field: Griezmann, Carrasco, Correa, and Vietto.
Mourinho, arms crossed and frowning, watched as Atlético Madrid threw everything forward. Should he strengthen United's defense? Before he could decide, the stands erupted in cheers. Mourinho looked up, clenched his fists, leaned forward, and jumped three times, punching the air in excitement.
His players had resolved the issue for him.
Bruno intercepted a pass from Griezmann and quickly launched a counter-attack. Rashford sprinted forward with the ball, evading a sliding tackle from Godín by flicking the ball up and jumping over the challenge. He passed to McTominay, who held off a defender and flicked the ball to the onrushing Bruno.
"Block his shot!" Atlético's keeper Oblak shouted. Felipe rushed to block, only to see Bruno change his shot at the last moment, sending a delicate pass through Atlético's defense. Mbappe received the ball on the left, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot past the hastily advancing Hernández.
"Mbappe!!!" Lineker screamed as Mbappe's shot rocketed into the net, past Oblak's outstretched hands, hitting the roof of the net.
"GOOOOOOOOALLLLL!!!!! Mbappe! Mbappe! He's scored for Manchester United! 2-1! United take the lead!" Lineker shouted. "After a midfield interception, United launched a swift counter-attack. Bruno, Rashford, McTominay, Bruno again, and finally Mbappe. United's young stars have combined for a brilliant goal."
"In the 81st minute, United lead Atlético Madrid 2-1!"
Mbappe was ecstatic, turning to point at Bruno, who had provided the assist. Bruno laughed heartily and embraced the approaching Mbappe. Other United players joined in the celebration, understanding the significance of this hard-fought goal.
"This is a crucial goal. With over ten minutes, including stoppage time, left to play, United lead 2-1…"
United's players celebrated wildly, while Atlético's players looked dejected. Conceding a goal at this stage was a severe blow.
2-1 remained the final score. Atlético Madrid, forced into all-out attack, abandoned their defense but could not break down United. Simeone had used all his substitutions, bringing on attackers to chase the game. Mourinho responded by replacing McTominay with Kanté to bolster midfield defense.
Despite Atlético's desperate last-minute attacks, they couldn't alter the scoreline. The final whistle confirmed United's 2-1 victory, ending the Champions League group stage unbeaten with five wins and one draw.
In the post-match press conference, Mourinho didn't hold back his praise. "Atlético Madrid are a strong, aggressive team. Beating them is difficult. So, I must commend my players for their excellent performance. I'm proud of their fighting spirit and the level they displayed."
Mourinho genuinely felt this way. Having fielded a lineup with only Bruno as a regular starter, he had braced for a possible defeat. The unexpected win was a pleasant surprise.
As Mourinho lavishly praised his players, some journalists found it over the top, while others nodded in agreement, looking thrilled. The latter included not just United's media but also Roma's, who benefited from Atlético's loss, finishing second in the group and advancing to the knockout stage.
The next day, the remaining four groups concluded their matches. English teams performed exceptionally well, with all four advancing as group winners.
In Group A, Chelsea topped the group with five wins and one loss, ahead of Basel with 12 points. In Group F, Manchester City also finished with five wins and one loss, ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, Napoli, and Feyenoord. The biggest surprise was Tottenham Hotspur, who in Group H, managed to go unbeaten with five wins and one draw, outpacing both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to claim the top spot.
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