Chapter 565: Ready to Vomit
In the end, Manchester United drew 2-2 with AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, advancing to the Champions League semi-finals with a 6-3 aggregate score.
Also advancing was Bayern Munich, who drew 0-0 at home with Sevilla, progressing with a 2-1 aggregate score.
The following day, the other two quarter-final matches concluded. Despite Real Madrid losing 3-1 at home, their 3-0 away victory in the first leg secured a 4-3 aggregate win, eliminating Juventus. Manchester City edged out Porto 1-0 at home, progressing to the semi-finals for the second time in their history, the first being in the 2015-2016 season.
With the semi-final lineup complete, featuring Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the Manchester clubs, it was arguably one of the most star-studded and anticipated semi-finals in Champions League history. Fans eagerly awaited the potential matchups: an all-Premier League clash, a showdown between Bruno and Ronaldo, or Mourinho and Guardiola facing their former clubs.
The draw, held on April 13th at noon Greenwich Mean Time, revealed a Manchester Derby in the semi-finals and a clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the UK. Many British media outlets speculated that UEFA orchestrated the draw to prevent an all-Premier League final, pitting the Manchester clubs against each other early. However, others saw it positively, ensuring at least one English team would reach the final, marking the first time in six years.
Manchester United and Manchester City players, on the other hand, felt nauseated at the prospect of facing each other six times in one season. In addition to their two league fixtures, they met twice in the League Cup semi-finals and now twice more in the Champions League semi-finals. It felt like a mini-league within the league.
Even in leagues like the Scottish Premiership or the Swiss Super League, it's rare for teams to meet six times in a season. Both Manchester clubs found it overwhelming, especially City, who had struggled in recent derbies, feeling a sense of impending doom.
On April 15th, at Old Trafford, Manchester United faced West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League's 34th round. Mourinho rotated his squad, resting Bruno, Gündoğan, and Rashford, though all were on the bench as City had beaten Tottenham 3-1 the day before, reducing United's lead to five points.
The match proved Mourinho's caution justified. United struggled offensively, with Mata and Lingard failing to create significant chances. Up front, Mahrez, Ibrahimović, and Mbappé couldn't threaten West Brom's defense. In contrast, West Brom, under relegation pressure, played proactively and with better form.
Fortunately, United's defense held firm. By the 60th minute, the score remained 0-0. Despite several substitutions, United's attack still lacked effectiveness. In the 73rd minute, Brunt's corner led to McTominay's failed clearance, gifting an own goal assist to Rodríguez, who headed it in from close range, making it 0-1.
Desperate, Mourinho made his third substitution in the 76th minute, bringing on Bruno for Mata, signaling his intent to equalize. Bruno's presence rejuvenated United's attack, but West Brom countered with three defensive substitutions.
The game remained tense, with United facing the prospect of their first defeat of the season. Then, in the 93rd minute of stoppage time, left-back Luke Shaw surged forward, delivering a diagonal pass to the far post. Bruno outpaced his marker, controlled the ball with his chest, and chipped it over the goalkeeper, finding the left-side netting.
"Equalizer!"
"This is a true last-second equalizer!"
"Bruno's goal showcases his exceptional scoring efficiency!"
"Coming off the bench, he had few chances but made the most of a tight angle with a left-footed chip, breaking West Brom's defense!"
"This is Bruno's 39th Premier League goal this season, breaking his own single-season record from last year and tying his career-best."
"No one can deny Bruno's importance to Manchester United's offense. His efficiency and consistency make him irreplaceable!"
Old Trafford erupted in cheers for Bruno. His stoppage-time equalizer, despite the opposition being bottom-of-the-league West Brom, thrilled every United fan, preserving their unbeaten season.
Losing to the league's bottom team would have been humiliating, especially after standing firm against stronger opponents like City. Bruno's goal spared United that fate, prompting teammates to swarm him in celebration. Regardless of their previous opinions of him, they had to acknowledge his crucial role.
Bruno's reliability and skill were undeniable. Whenever given a chance, he delivered.
The most frustrated person, however, was West Brom's coach. He thought his team would secure crucial points for survival, only to see their efforts thwarted by Bruno's late strike. But what could he say?
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