Chapter 797: The Scapegoat
In modern football, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are widely regarded as the four most dominant clubs globally. Fans often refer to these four as "魔皇萨仁" (Magic Emperor Killing), a term that loosely translates to "kings of the footballing world."
When discussing these powerhouses, many analysts argue that despite Manchester United's recent success, including multiple titles over the past four seasons, Real Madrid still edges out the competition, including United, in terms of overall squad strength.
This has been a hallmark of Zidane's tenure, with the Galácticos exhibiting exceptional cohesion in both attack and defense.
Real Madrid's Tactical DNA
Even with Zidane's occasional defensive setups, Real Madrid's DNA remains deeply rooted in attacking football.
In football's unpredictable nature, having superior overall quality provides a critical margin for error. Over 90 minutes or an entire season, the team with the greater depth and talent pool generally prevails.
With modern scouting systems, hidden gems no longer exist. Talented youngsters like Rashford, Mbappé, or Greenwood catch the attention of elite clubs before turning 16. In Europe's well-funded transfer market, financially dominant clubs like Real Madrid consistently secure the best players, building squads of unmatched quality.
Mourinho's Manchester United Era
José Mourinho, upon taking over at Manchester United, benefited greatly from the end of the Glazer era. Under the club's wealthy new owners, United constructed a squad that rivaled Real Madrid's galactic standards. A pivotal acquisition was Bruno Fernandes, purchased from Udinese for €200 million—a move initially met with skepticism.
Four years later, the decision is universally celebrated as genius. Bruno's relentless goals, assists, and leadership have elevated Manchester United's ceiling while solidifying the team's foundation.
Contrary to claims that Mourinho dislikes star players, the reality is nuanced. He disapproves of those who demand tactical privileges without the talent to justify them. However, players like Bruno are prized by any coach. Mourinho's trust in Bruno has always been repaid on the pitch.
Real Madrid Levels the Score
After conceding early, Real Madrid remained composed, focusing on a calculated counterattacking approach. Using Hazard and Rodrygo as their primary weapons, Zidane's side waited for opportunities.
Their patience paid off early in the second half. Following a tactical corner, Rodrygo unleashed a speculative long-range shot from the edge of the box. Amidst the crowded penalty area, Manchester United's defenders failed to block it effectively. De Gea's diving attempt fell short, and Karim Benzema capitalized, nudging the ball into the net to equalize.
1:1. Aggregate: 3:2. Real Madrid now trailed by just one goal.
On the sidelines, Zidane celebrated energetically, recognizing Manchester United's defensive vulnerability compared to their robust midfield trio of Bruno, Gündoğan, and Kanté.
United's defense—comprising Luke Shaw, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Maguire, and João Cancelo—was undoubtedly elite, but it didn't rank among Europe's absolute best. Zidane believed Madrid's backline, Atlético Madrid's, and even Liverpool's were superior defensively.
With the score tied, Zidane's smile betrayed his renewed confidence. Victory now seemed within reach.
Bruno Strikes Again
"Manchester United regains possession at the edge of their box!"
"Kanté passes to Gündoğan."
"Gündoğan sends a long ball forward—what a pass!"
United immediately launched a swift counterattack. Bruno Fernandes, breaking away from Casemiro, sprinted across Real Madrid's half at lightning speed.
Having just equalized, Real Madrid had pushed their entire lineup too far forward during the preceding attack. Only Éder Militão and Raphaël Varane remained at the back.
Militão raced to recover, chasing the ball alongside Bruno. While Militão's turning and acceleration weren't his strongest suits, Bruno had started his run from a deeper position, putting them neck-and-neck as they neared the penalty area.
What happened next would define the match...
As the ball descended slowly, Éder Militão carefully tracked its trajectory and used his body to shield Bruno Fernandes to the left.
It was the first time the young Brazilian defender had faced the world's current best player head-on. Militão's impression of Bruno was that of a player renowned for his speed, explosiveness, and dribbling ability, but not his physical strength. Militão assumed that a bit of pressure would be enough to contain him.
But as soon as the two made contact, Militão realized he was wrong. Bruno's frame might look slender, but his strength in physical duels was surprisingly formidable.
Militão, a physically dominant player, certainly had the upper hand in sheer size and power. Yet, controlling Bruno outright was proving to be far trickier than anticipated, especially while also preparing to clear the ball.
A Moment of Risk
Militão, with his height and long legs, had multiple options.
At this point, only four players were near Real Madrid's box: Militão marking Bruno, Casemiro trailing from behind, and Varane holding the center.
Militão could have cleared the ball to Varane, passed back to Courtois, or simply hoofed it out of danger. His plan was to use his body to push Bruno aside, gain control of the ball, and execute a safe pass.
But things didn't go as planned.
Bruno, sensing the pressure, recklessly leaned forward and got his head on the descending ball first, nudging it past Militão.
Caught off guard, Militão's attempted clearance whiffed through the air, narrowly avoiding a dangerous foul that could have struck Bruno directly on the head. The Brazilian defender quickly pulled back his leg to avoid catastrophe.
The missed clearance gave Bruno just enough space to slip away and chase the ball.
Bruno Outmaneuvers Courtois
Courtois, having assumed Militão had the situation under control, was late in his reaction. By the time he charged out, Bruno had already reached the ball.
With a delicate touch, Bruno nudged the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, leaving Courtois stranded. Bruno then took another stride and, with his left foot, calmly guided the ball toward the open net.
Varane, sprinting back in desperation, attempted a sliding clearance just before the ball crossed the line. But his effort was in vain—he slid into the goal alongside the ball, leaving the grass behind him a mess.
As the ball settled in the net, Bruno surged forward, arms raised high, letting out a triumphant roar. The referee signaled a valid goal as the stadium erupted.
Bruno's Double Seals It
Less than three minutes after Real Madrid's equalizer, Manchester United struck back with a devastating counterattack. Bruno's second goal of the night restored United's lead: 2–1.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the scoreline remained unchanged. Manchester United, led by Bruno's brilliant brace, emerged victorious in this latest chapter of the "European Derby" against Real Madrid.
Post-Match Scenes
United players celebrated jubilantly, flocking to Bruno to offer congratulations. The Portuguese playmaker was all smiles, exchanging words of joy with teammates while graciously acknowledging Real Madrid players who approached him for handshakes.
Bruno's reputation as the sport's top star extended beyond his on-field dominance—his cordial demeanor earned him widespread respect across rival camps.
Karim Benzema, however, left the pitch with his head down. Though his goal briefly rekindled Real Madrid's hopes, Bruno's heroics ultimately dashed them.
Throughout the match, Real Madrid's conservative strategy forced Benzema into a lonely battle upfront. Mourinho had tasked N'Golo Kanté with marking the French striker, and the relentless midfielder delivered flawlessly.
Every time Benzema received the ball, Kanté was there, pressing him immediately and denying him any space to operate. It was a suffocating experience for the Madrid talisman.
Déjà Vu for Benzema
In a career plagued by struggles in pivotal matches, Benzema couldn't shake the feeling of déjà vu.
There had been a time when a certain Portuguese teammate overshadowed him at Real Madrid, dominating the big moments and carrying the team. Now, that Portuguese player had left, only for another Portuguese star to emerge and torment Benzema anew.
As he left the pitch, Benzema tilted his head skyward and exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his every move.
Big games and high-pressure moments remained his Achilles' heel. Despite understanding his shortcomings, Benzema often found himself succumbing to nerves.
Resigned, he shook his head, reflecting on another night where he had fallen short of expectations.
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