Chapter 571: Mourinho's Bus Has Departed
"Let's take a look at Manchester United's starting lineup." Manchester United Starting Lineup (4-5-1):
Goalkeeper: De GeaDefenders: Cancelo, Maguire, Van Dijk, Luke ShawMidfielders: Kante, Fellaini, Herrera, Bruno, GundoganForward: Harry Kane
"Three defensive midfielders? I did not expect this," Sun Jihai shook his head. "Coach Mourinho's lineup is surprising. The defense is typical, but having Kante, Herrera, and Fellaini as three defensive midfielders..."
"It's actually more like a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation, with three defensive midfielders in the middle, and Gundogan and Bruno behind Harry Kane, supplying him with opportunities," Zhan Jun explained.
"Three defensive midfielders! This is a step back for artistic football. Only Mourinho would be crazy enough to use such a conservative lineup to win," a pro-City commentator sneered. "Clearly, Mourinho is also wary of City's attacking prowess."
Seeing Mourinho's eyebrow-raising formation with Kante in the middle, Fellaini on the left, and Herrera on the right, locking down the midfield, Guardiola was taken aback. He had never seen a coach play so conservatively.
Guardiola wanted to shout, "Damn it! That guy confidently said in the pre-match press conference that he wanted to outscore City and play offensively, and then he puts out this starting lineup?!"
Coaches often use smoke screens before matches, but this felt more like releasing poison gas!
"Three defensive midfielders won't stop us from scoring!" exclaimed the pro-City commentator.
"City will face trouble," Sun Jihai frowned. "United is already known for their tackling and intercepting skills. With three defensive midfielders, Fernandinho and De Bruyne will struggle to perform well." He was starting to worry about the match.
"Sterling and Sane, on the wings, will need to tear through United's flanks," continued Sun Jihai, though he shook his head himself.
Clearly, Mourinho had prepared well for this match. A healthy Luke Shaw is one of the best left-backs in the world, with speed and strength making him a solid defensive barrier. His interception and marking abilities are excellent, and his overall defensive contribution is crucial.
This season, Shaw had maintained good health, shedding his injury-prone past. British media said Shaw had fully recovered from his severe leg injury two years ago. A fit Luke Shaw would make it very difficult for Sane to gain an advantage over him.
The match's referee was Germany's Felix Brych, who was having a final discussion with his assistants before blowing the whistle to start the first half.
Under the roaring cheers of the Etihad crowd, the 2017-2018 Champions League semi-final second leg, the Manchester Derby between Manchester United and Manchester City, officially kicked off!
Mourinho sat back on the bench, flipping through his notes. He happened upon the referee's profile. Media described Felix Brych as a "strict and tough" official who quickly penalizes rough play, often showing yellow cards, earning him the nickname "card machine."
Such a referee wouldn't be favorable for United, known for their aggressive tackles. Instead, this seemed more advantageous for City, who preferred smooth, fluid play.
The jeers from the Etihad crowd grew louder.
Fellaini extended a friendly hand to help his national teammate De Bruyne up, but De Bruyne ignored it, glaring at Fellaini as he got up on his own.
Referee Felix Brych held up two fingers towards Fellaini, indicating it was his second foul.
Fellaini tried to explain he had barely touched De Bruyne, but seeing the referee's stern expression, he wisely shut his mouth.
By now, 25 minutes into the first half, City's players and fans were visibly frustrated.
"That guy fouled! It's the second time!" De Bruyne shouted at the referee as he got up. "A card, maybe?"
The referee's expression changed, warning De Bruyne to keep quiet or risk a card himself.
David Silva quickly pulled De Bruyne away, then approached the referee to complain.
Silva protested not just Fellaini's recent foul, but also the subtle fouls by United's players since the match began.
The referee acknowledged Silva's complaint but told him to keep quiet.
"United's defenders are making subtle fouls," Zhan Jun commented. "These actions are not harmful but are hidden well, making it difficult for the referee to notice immediately, and even if spotted, they don't warrant a card."
"City is falling into United's trap. The midfield battle is exactly what Mourinho wants," said Sun Jihai.
From the start, Kante, Herrera, and Fellaini formed a wall in front of United's defense, making it hard for Fernandinho and De Bruyne to pass the ball comfortably. Sterling and Sane had to drop deep to collect the ball, but progressing further was difficult.
Mourinho's instructions to his defensive midfield trio were simple: don't let City's midfielders hold or organize the ball comfortably.
In short, they were to disrupt City's midfield at all costs.
Kante led the charge, with Herrera and Fellaini assisting, effectively completing Mourinho's task.
Kante knew exactly how to shut down City's playmakers, and with two helpers, he deployed subtle fouls, physical challenges, and timely tactical fouls expertly.
Facing United's midfield trio, Fernandinho, De Bruyne, David Silva, Sterling, Sane, and Bernardo Silva were all struggling.
Sterling, recently recovering from a hamstring injury, seemed hesitant and avoided physical confrontations, making him an easy target for Herrera.
"If Sterling were fully fit, he could bypass Herrera, but his current form is not up to par," Sun Jihai defended Sterling.
"It's not just three defensive midfielders," Zhan Jun noted. "Gundogan also drops deep when needed."
Guardiola paced on the sidelines, frustrated. He anticipated a conservative approach from United after their 3-0 first-leg win but did not expect Mourinho to be this defensive.
Guardiola had prepared for an attacking battle, but Mourinho's ultra-defensive strategy left him and City with few solutions.
By the 30th minute, there had only been five shots between both teams, with United taking one and City four, mostly from distance, highlighting the dull offensive play.
"We need a goal," Guardiola told his assistant Arteta. "If we don't score in the first half, it'll be even tougher in the second."
Arteta nodded in agreement. United's conservative tactics aimed for a draw or even a narrow loss, leveraging their first-leg advantage.
A goalless first half would only encourage Mourinho to persist with his defensive strategy.
Guardiola called for a goal, and a goal came.
In the 39th minute, United's second shot of the match broke the deadlock.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Bruno Fernandes—!!! What a beautiful long-range shot! This is classic Bruno!" Zhan Jun stood, fists clenched, shouting.
"It was an unexpected goal. Kante pressured Sterling, forcing a rushed pass. Fellaini and De Bruyne contested it, but De Bruyne's slide tackle sent the ball flying into City's half. Bruno picked it up, advanced, and fired a long-range shot before City's defense could close in. United's captain delivered a fatal blow in the 39th minute! United lead 1-0 away, making it 4-0 on aggregate!"
"This is Bruno's 12th Champions League goal this season, closing in on his national teammate Ronaldo. The race for the Champions League Golden Boot just got more interesting!"
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