Chapter 365: The "Hack-a-Bruno" Strategy
Halftime passed quickly, and the second half was about to begin. Both teams' players gradually emerged from the locker rooms, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from the fans.
As soon as Bruno appeared, the camera focused on him. He had been very active in the first half, contributing an assist and creating a memorable attack just before halftime. What remarkable plays would he deliver in the second half? It was worth anticipating.
Kevin De Bruyne also received significant attention. Alongside Bruno, he was given the most close-up shots before the second half began. The live broadcast director was emphasizing to the audience that these two were the leaders of their respective teams and crucial to the outcome of the match.
"Welcome back, viewers, to Old Trafford for the second half of this Premier League highlight match between Manchester United and Manchester City. The score is tied at 1-1. Rooney put United ahead in the 20th minute, assisted by Bruno. De Bruyne equalized for City in the 41st minute. Both teams are now back on the pitch, and we see Bruno... His performance has been outstanding, both in attack, providing an assist, and in defense, where he has managed to stop Sterling multiple times. Not many can say they've successfully defended against Sterling one-on-one..."
The second half began with the referee's whistle, and neither team made any substitutions.
However, the TV broadcast noted that several United players, including Lingard, Mata, and Fellaini, were warming up early in the second half. Perhaps United would be the first to make changes?
City did not use their opening possession to launch an aggressive attack into United's half. Instead, they passed the ball backward, luring United to press forward. As long as they controlled the ball, they were safe.
After several minutes of possession, City finally penetrated the box. Iheanacho crossed the ball, and Sterling, closely marked by Bruno, attempted a shot. However, his effort was weak, and De Gea easily saved it.
Having just defended Sterling in the box, Bruno immediately sprinted out. De Gea threw the ball to him. Bruno glanced back at the ball, adjusting his speed to let it fall in front of him. As he touched the ball, he felt a kick to his supporting leg but stayed upright.
Bruno continued to control the ball, but someone grabbed his jersey, slowing him down. The referee blew his whistle – City had committed a foul! Nolito, the culprit, quickly ran off, and the referee merely signaled a free kick for United, ruining their chance for a fast break.
Bruno gave a meaningful look at Nolito's back.
In the first half, he hadn't been treated this way. City's players were quite sportsmanlike, with no yellow cards issued. This spoke volumes.
Throughout the second half, every time United transitioned from defense to attack and Bruno received the ball in their half, at least two City players would converge on him and commit minor fouls. These fouls, though small, effectively disrupted United's quick transitions, making Bruno's efforts futile.
It became clear to Bruno that City was using this tactic to stifle his play and United's pace.
Bruno knew this would create some trouble, but it was manageable. If they fouled him, he would simply reduce the time the ball stayed at his feet, making their fouls useless. If he no longer had the ball, there would be no point in fouling him.
When the ball came to Bruno again, he immediately backheeled it to Gundogan, making it impossible for City to foul him without risking a yellow card for off-the-ball fouling.
Moreover, this tactic sped up United's already fast attacks, as the ball didn't linger with Bruno, saving valuable time.
Gundogan passed the ball to Bruno with a bit too little power. De Bruyne, noticing this, charged forward to intercept. Realizing his weak pass, Gundogan quickly retreated to defend against De Bruyne.
Bruno didn't give up on the ball. He and De Bruyne sprinted towards it, vying for control. A typical player might opt to clear the ball quickly in such a situation or pull it back to evade De Bruyne's pressure.
However, Bruno didn't do either. He approached the ball as if to clear it but lightly flicked it over De Bruyne's leg, sending it back to Gundogan.
Gundogan, having retreated, saw the ball coming and stopped it. Bruno pointed to the far side, and Gundogan understood, immediately switching play and breaking City's press.
The crowd applauded Bruno's skill, but this was just one of many highlights.
When Bruno moved to the front, Luke Shaw sent a long pass. Bruno controlled it as Fernandinho closed in. Bruno didn't try to hold onto the ball. Instead, he flicked it with his left foot to slow it down and then used his right foot to lightly pass it to the onrushing Gundogan.
None of City's players expected this move, and Gundogan easily advanced with the ball.
The United fans gasped in awe. Commentators praised Bruno's technique and awareness.
"Brilliant!"
"What else can we say but amazing?"
"Fernandinho couldn't even touch Bruno's jersey before the ball was gone!"
"Bruno just taught City's maestros a lesson!"
Similar scenes played out repeatedly, with Mourinho frequently applauding Bruno's performance.
To Mourinho, Bruno's game had become almost unrecognizable.
Bruno's brilliant play unsettled City. Previously, they viewed him as an excellent playmaker. Now, he was much more. When you think he'd stop the ball, he'd evade Fernandinho. When he seemed cornered, he'd still pass under pressure. When you expected him to control a high ball, he'd flick it to a teammate.
Such performances were familiar to Real Madrid, France, and even Juventus fans who remembered the now-retired Zidane.
Bruno knew City was now uneasy, and his fast-paced play was effective.
Determined to capitalize, Bruno led his teammates in accelerating their attacks.
In the 60th minute, City had just finished an attack. Iheanacho's shot was caught by De Gea, who watched City's players retreat quickly, aware of United's speed.
Seeing City's rapid retreat, De Gea didn't rush to release the ball. Once everyone was in position, he kicked it forward. Ibrahimovic outjumped Otamendi to head the ball down to Bruno, who controlled it as Fernandinho closed in.
Bruno didn't run forward or engage with Fernandinho. He feinted left, tricking Fernandinho into moving that way, then quickly cut right, bypassing him.
Fernandinho couldn't recover in time as Bruno advanced down the left.
(End of Chapter)
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