Chapter 654: Forty-Nine Unbeaten
The second half began with Chelsea launching a fierce attack, desperate to equalize. However, just as in the closing moments of the first half, they struggled to create genuine threats against Manchester United's midfield-destroying tactics.
Kanté's coverage was immense, and now he had a partner in Herrera. Together, the two formed an impenetrable midfield wall.
If the situation became dire, even Mbappé would drop back to a full-back position, while Luke Shaw pushed into the midfield battle. This left Chelsea frustrated.
And then there was Bruno Fernandes. The newly crowned FIFA World Player of the Year played as if possessed. On defense, he tracked back relentlessly, sometimes retreating all the way into his own half. On offense, he surged forward with equal vigor.
What kind of World Player of the Year fights like this? He was playing more like a tireless midfield workhorse than a global superstar.
Bruno Strikes Again
In the 65th minute, Luke Shaw sent a cross from the left. Rashford's header was parried by Kepa, Mbappé's follow-up was blocked by David Luiz, and Kane managed to nudge the ball to Herrera.
Herrera quickly laid it off to Bruno, who poked it in with his left foot.
3–1. Bruno had scored his second goal of the match, bringing his Premier League tally to 10 in 9 matches.
Commentators worldwide were in awe.
"This is why he's the World Player of the Year! Bruno Fernandes continues to redefine what it means to be an all-round midfield genius," one exclaimed.
Chelsea Fights Back
Down by two goals, Sarri couldn't sit still any longer. He made substitutions: Pedro replaced Willian, and veteran striker Giroud came on for Lukaku.
The changes paid off quickly.
In the 73rd minute, Giroud's header was pushed out for a corner by De Gea. From Pedro's delivery, Chelsea's players disrupted United's defensive organization. Rudiger, unmarked near the six-yard box, rose high and headed the ball powerfully into the net.
3–2. Chelsea was back in it.
Stamford Bridge erupted. The home fans sensed a comeback, and there was still time on the clock.
Mourinho, however, was visibly upset. The corner had drawn United's defenders toward Giroud, leaving Rudiger free to score.
He made quick changes: Fred replaced Herrera to provide fresh legs, and Mata came on for Kane, as United switched to a 4-4-2 formation.
Bruno's Magic Moment
In the 83rd minute, Mbappé sent a diagonal pass to Mata, who cleverly pushed the ball forward. Bruno received it just outside the box.
David Luiz charged forward, expecting a cross, but Bruno deceived him with a subtle flick of his heel. The ball slid behind Luiz and past Giroud, threading Chelsea's defense perfectly.
Rashford, unmarked, latched onto the pass.
"Bruno Fernandes! That's sheer brilliance!" a commentator roared.
Rudiger scrambled toward Rashford, but the young forward wasted no time. He struck the ball low and hard, sending it skimming past Kepa into the net.
4–2. The goal effectively sealed the victory.
Stamford Bridge fell silent, except for the section of traveling United fans who erupted in deafening cheers.
On the pitch, Chelsea's players stood stunned. Despite their efforts, United had broken their spirits with each goal.
On the sidelines, Sarri buried his face in his hands. The mountain Chelsea needed to climb—scoring three more goals—seemed insurmountable.
Defensive Lockdown
Before Chelsea resumed play, Mourinho made his final substitution. Mbappé came off, replaced by veteran Ashley Young, who slotted into a defensive role.
Luke Shaw shifted to left center-back, forming a three-man defensive wall with Maguire and Van Dijk. In front of them, Fred and Kanté acted as twin destroyers.
United transitioned to a 5-4-1, with Rashford alone up front. Behind him, Bruno and Mata orchestrated any counterattacks.
Chelsea threw everything forward, hoping for a miracle. In the 96th minute, Azpilicueta crossed from the right. David Luiz's header hit the far post, Rudiger's rebound was saved by De Gea, but Barkley finally slammed the ball home from close range.
4–3.
However, it was too little, too late. Seconds later, the referee blew the final whistle.
Celebrating History
As the whistle sounded, United fans erupted into jubilant cheers. On the bench, United's substitutes stormed the field, celebrating with the players.
"This is history in the making!" the Chinese commentator He Wei shouted. "Manchester United have equaled Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten record with a 4–2 victory over Chelsea! This is a night for the ages, belonging to United, Mourinho, and Bruno Fernandes!"
"Chelsea didn't play poorly, but United were simply better. Especially Bruno Fernandes—two goals and an assist from the World Player of the Year. Congratulations to Mourinho and his team for etching their names into Premier League history!"
Mourinho, ever the sportsman, approached Sarri after the match.
"It's a tough result," Sarri admitted as they shook hands. "But it was a great match. Congratulations—you've made history."
"Only tied a great record," Mourinho replied humbly, patting Sarri's shoulder before walking away.
As United players surrounded Mourinho, hoisting him into the air in celebration, Sarri sighed and walked onto the pitch to console his dejected players.
In the stands, Chelsea fans began to leave quietly. Meanwhile, United fans unfurled a banner that read, "49!"
Post-Match
At the press conference, all attention was on Mourinho. The media showered him with praise for equaling Arsenal's record.
But Mourinho tactfully redirected the conversation. He praised Arsenal's historic achievement, calling it "extraordinary" and "inspirational."
He then commended Chelsea's performance, emphasizing their resilience and noting that if the match had lasted longer, Chelsea might have equalized.
Despite the loss, Sarri maintained his composure, graciously accepting the result. Mourinho and Sarri even exchanged a warm handshake at the end of the press conference, though their true feelings remained unknown.
The Celebration
United returned to their hotel for a private celebration, where the mood was jubilant. Newspapers the next morning carried headlines celebrating United's 49-match unbeaten run.
Photos of Bruno Fernandes, who delivered a two-goal, one-assist masterclass, and Mourinho adorned the front pages.
While the record was only tied, it was an incredible achievement. Mourinho and his United team had earned the respect and admiration of the football world.
(Chapter End)
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