Chapter 364: Halftime Adjustments
The stands erupted once again with the cheers of Manchester United fans.
As De Bruyne charged from the opposite direction, Bruno had already passed the ball, of course, after a feint suggesting he would continue dribbling, then using his other foot to make a precise through pass.
Rooney received the pass, and Bruno continued to sprint forward, creating an opportunity and path for Rooney to pass the ball back.
Rooney quickly passed the ball as Kolarov, a tough defender, approached him. Bruno had moved ahead, but Rooney's pass was behind him. Bruno could turn and control the ball, but that would slow down the attack and lose the element of surprise. Once he turned his back to the goal, United's attack would have to be reorganized.
So, Bruno did not turn around while running forward. Instead, he stopped abruptly and used his heel to flick the ball perfectly back to the advancing Rooney.
"Brilliant!" Lineker shouted excitedly.
Bruno's performance surprised even this seasoned commentator. Bruno seemed stronger than ever, exuding calmness and composure against a formidable opponent. Just by watching him, it seemed as if United were not at a disadvantage at all.
"These kinds of passes are often seen from City players, but not much from United! Despite being equalized, Bruno's series of actions show he's unaffected by conceding. He's still relaxed! This is crucial in football. Being too tense can hinder performance significantly."
After the heel pass, Bruno didn't continue forward but moved towards Rooney to support him.
Even if he didn't receive the ball, his presence alone could intimidate the opponents.
Rooney passed the ball back to Bruno as Fernandinho closed in.
Bruno didn't trap the ball but used his foot to flick it back in the direction it came from, rolling it a few meters away, deceiving Fernandinho, who tried to steal it.
Bruno then burst forward, beating Otamendi to the ball and launching a powerful long-range shot.
"It's coming! Bruno—" Lineker shouted, his voice filled with excitement.
Bravo, seeing Bruno's intent, was prepared and dived for the ball. His fingertips grazed it, slightly deflecting its trajectory, but it smashed against the far post with a loud clang, loud enough to be heard on TV.
The ball struck the outside of the post and went out for a corner.
Bruno didn't argue about the goal kick call. However, the referee and linesman awarded a corner, showing their keen observation.
Although the shot didn't go in, it had the intended effect. Bruno used this impressive attack to send a message to City: Don't think you can easily score another goal after equalizing. United is not easy to deal with!
City's players were clearly stunned by Bruno's performance.
City's midfield brain, David Silva, furrowed his brow, deep in thought. While he wasn't great at defense, he didn't mind being beaten. What concerned him was Bruno's role and abilities displayed during the attack.
This was a formidable opponent, a midfield rival to be reckoned with!
Guardiola stood up, dissatisfied with his team's defense.
Mourinho, meanwhile, clapped his hands and walked to the sidelines, giving Bruno a thumbs-up.
Bruno's outstanding performance made his coach proud.
Not just Mourinho, but millions of Bruno's fans worldwide felt proud.
Seeing Bruno's series of actions, people went crazy online.
"Beating two players in a row!"
"No, six players! First three, then three more!"
"The heel pass was genius!"
"I think the fake that deceived Fernandinho was the best!"
Bruno's series of brilliant plays not only stunned fans but also made a significant impact on City. Bruno aimed to warn City about their aggression, and he succeeded.
For the next few minutes, City's attack was noticeably cautious. They were aware of United's counter-attack strength and didn't want to risk conceding another goal by pushing too hard.
In reality, United was barely holding on. Bruno's solo efforts created an illusion of a formidable United, akin to Zhang Fei at the Long Slope Bridge, scaring away an army.
By halftime, neither team had scored again, ending the half at 1-1.
When the referee blew the halftime whistle, many felt a sense of relief. The intense 45 minutes had ended, and they could finally relax for 15 minutes.
"Halftime is over! Thanks to City and United for an exciting match! Let's look forward to the next 45 minutes!"
In the chaotic locker room, players threw their shirts and shoes on the floor, eager to rest after an exhausting half. The second half promised to be just as tough.
The players discussed the half. The arrival of Mourinho and Guardiola in Manchester brought new significance to the derby, offering fresh experiences for the players.
"Guardiola's City is strong, but we're not weak!"
"If Bruno's shot had gone in, we'd be leading at halftime..."
"Yeah, City isn't as scary as I thought. I thought we had no chance, but now... haha!"
Overall, the team was satisfied with the half, even though they conceded the equalizer. Bruno's subsequent attack boosted their morale.
When Mourinho walked in, the chatter stopped as players looked at their coach.
"First, congratulations, gentlemen. You did very well!" Mourinho praised his players but quickly changed his tone, "But don't celebrate too early. The game is only half over, and anything can happen in the second half."
"City is a strong team with resilience. Forty-five minutes won't break them. We need to continue playing like we did in the first half. For most of the half, we were under pressure. We can't let that happen again. We must play to our strengths, maintain a fast pace, and press them in the front. We can't let them dominate us like in the first half!"
In the other locker room, Guardiola was strategizing for the second half.
United's quick attacks threatened his team, so he planned to contain them in the second half.
Speed and control counteract each other. Quick plays can break control, but control can also counter quick plays. It depends on how they're used and the players' skill levels.
As the best team of the 2010s in the Premier League, City's level was high. Guardiola also brought new football ideas to the team.
Though City's coaching staff had studied United's traits, some things can't be learned from tapes alone. First-hand experience is invaluable.
Now, City's players had that first-hand experience. They knew just how fast United could be.
"Quickly retreat in the second half, especially the full-backs. After attacking, they must defend," Guardiola drew arrows on the tactics board. "Also, press them in the front to stop their quick attacks!"
"For Bruno, use tactical fouls wisely. Know the limits."
Generally, fouling in the opponent's half, unless egregious or retaliatory, doesn't earn a card. The referee might just warn verbally if the attitude is good.
Guardiola wanted his players to do just that.
Many City players reevaluated Bruno after his first-half performance. His dazzling play, especially in the last few minutes, was remarkable.
With that display, Bruno proved himself worthy of the Ballon d'Or, capable of surpassing the legendary Messi and Ronaldo.
Both teams made adjustments in the locker room, while fans enjoyed a brief respite.
Both City and United fans eagerly anticipated the second half, feeling more relaxed.
As for neutral fans, they were thoroughly entertained by the first half's exciting 45 minutes, which were the main topic of their discussions.
(End of Chapter)
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