Chapter 558: The Key Player
Bruno got up from the ground. He no longer complained to the referee, Martin Atkinson, about why Mkhitaryan didn't get a yellow card. From this foul, he realized he had hit Manchester City's weak spot. This fast-paced football was giving City trouble.
Bruno's guess was mostly accurate. Guardiola had always considered United as the strongest opponent and devised this particular strategy. However, there were still differences between City's football and United's. City's style, born out of Barcelona's tiki-taka, emphasized control and possession with a slower, more elegant build-up. In contrast, United, under Mourinho, focused on solid defense, flexible attacks, and meticulously planned psychological tactics. Mourinho's approach included compact and stable defense, organized and rhythmic attacks, quick transitions, and set-piece strategies to create threats.
These were fundamentally different football philosophies.
United continued their attack, with Bruno becoming City's main defensive target. In the 27th minute, City finally received a yellow card for fouling him. Mkhitaryan, tackling Bruno from behind, was booked.
"This is the first yellow card for Manchester City and the first of the game. Referee Martin Atkinson has been somewhat lenient…" commentator Lineker complained, "Mkhitaryan has been fouling Bruno continuously, and it's only now that he's booked…"
City fans were equally unhappy with the decision, feeling Mkhitaryan didn't deserve a card. When Atkinson showed the card, Etihad Stadium erupted in boos.
Poor Atkinson, caught between the complaints of both sides.
United's free kick was taken by Bruno, who missed the goal. City counter-attacked, but the ball was intercepted by Bruno and Kante. The two combined to dispossess Bernardo Silva. Bruno's defensive abilities shone when paired with Kante; even Silva had to concede.
With possession, Bruno advanced the ball. Still far from City's goal, he opted for a slower dribble.
Mkhitaryan, undeterred by his yellow card, pressed again. Guardiola had clearly instructed his players to stop Bruno at all costs. Bruno didn't engage, knowing that Atkinson was unlikely to issue a second yellow card so soon. He passed to Mbappe on the flank.
After passing, Bruno cut inside to offer support. Mbappe, unable to beat the experienced Delph, knew he had to keep the ball moving to avoid letting City's defense regroup. He passed back to Bruno.
Bruno, having already analyzed City's defense, saw they were still transitioning from attack to defense, presenting an opportunity. Receiving the ball, he quickly switched it to the other flank.
Fernandinho was late to close him down, as Bruno's pass reached Rashford, who made a low cross that surprised Kompany and Otamendi. The ball rolled through the defense to the penalty spot.
City's defensive setup had been disrupted by United's quick passing. Bruno, who had made a diagonal run into the box after his pass, found himself in space.
Bruno, wearing United's red, was fighting for position with Fernandinho. Having edged the Brazilian behind him, he now just needed to hold his ground and shoot.
Fernandinho, knowing he couldn't win the ball, tried to disrupt Bruno. The ball came through, and with Harry Kane drawing away City's center-backs, Bruno was left to deal only with Fernandinho.
Rather than a slow, powerful shot, Bruno opted for a quick, surprise strike. Fernandinho was a half-second too late to interfere. The ball zipped between Kane and Kompany, past Ederson, who was screened and saw it too late. The ball hit the net.
"GOOOOOOAL!" Lineker roared with excitement. "United have equalized! In the 33rd minute, at the Etihad, it's 1-1!"
"Bruno! This is his thirteenth goal against Manchester City! He truly is City's nemesis! He is... the key player!"
"Unbelievable… From the start, it seemed City had control and would inevitably win. But in just a few minutes, the game has shifted. United has come alive, and Bruno is at the heart of it all! His goal has leveled the match, putting both teams back on even ground!"
"I just want to see Guardiola's face now! Haha! Bruno has scored against Guardiola's team!"
Bruno was elated. Despite his many goals against City, he never felt complacent. Today's game had special significance. If United could beat City, their title defense would almost be secured, allowing them to focus more on the Champions League and FA Cup.
He ran to the City supporters, pumping his fists in defiance. The stunned City fans quickly responded with boos and curses.
"Don't get cocky, you jerk!" Middle fingers were raised all around.
But for now, Bruno reveled in his moment.
As Bruno celebrated in front of City fans, his teammates rushed to embrace him, patting his head and shoulders.
"Well done, Bruno!"
"How did you do that? Amazing!"
"Bruno, you've shut them all up!"
"Woo-hoo! Let's get another!"
The players cheered around him.
At the Etihad, United's 2,000 traveling fans finally had their moment to cheer.
"United! United! United!"
"Bruno! Bruno! Bruno!"
Seeing Bruno score, Vanessa, in the VIP box, jumped up, raising her arms to cheer alongside the fans.
Since moving to England with Bruno, Vanessa had started appearing publicly as his girlfriend. Once one of Europe's top models before being blacklisted by American and some European media, her popularity had waned. But re-emerging as Bruno's fiancée, she quickly regained her star status.
In the past two years, she had turned down multiple offers from entertainment companies, preferring to stay by Bruno's side and manage their private world.
Vanessa's enthusiasm surprised those around her, who hadn't expected the former runway queen to be so exuberant in private.
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