Chapter 358: Counterattack vs. Ball Control
De Bruyne looked around and saw Sterling finding a gap. He passed the ball over.
Bruno arrived at the same time as the ball in front of Sterling. Sterling was surprised at the Portuguese's speed. He used the tip of his left foot to nudge the ball to his left, positioning it to the side of his body. He then tried to dribble past Bruno.
This time, it wasn't so easy. Just as Sterling's right foot was about to touch the ball, Bruno suddenly charged from the side. Sterling stumbled and almost lost control of the ball. Luckily, his quick reflexes allowed him to pull the ball back with his right foot, turning to shield it from Bruno.
However, he couldn't advance. Bruno had forced him to turn around. Sterling didn't want to pass the ball; he intended to break through Bruno.
When it came to turning speed, Bruno couldn't match him. Sterling made a feint to the left, then twisted his body to the right while his left foot hooked the stationary ball back, nutmegging Bruno.
Bruno spun around, anticipating Sterling's move. As he turned, he pressed against Sterling, preventing him from accelerating.
"Brilliant defense! Sterling hasn't shaken off Bruno!" Lineker shouted excitedly.
Sterling didn't expect Bruno to turn so quickly, slowing him down just enough to hinder his acceleration. Continuing this way would likely result in losing possession or wasting the attacking opportunity, leaving himself surrounded.
He made a snap decision, halting his breakthrough attempt. He stopped abruptly with his left foot, turning as he did so, and then shifted the ball back to his right side.
Bruno stopped with him, sticking close. Sterling was surprised by Bruno's tenacity but still had another move. He swiftly pulled the ball to the right with his left foot, planning to break through from that side.
Bruno moved to the left, but then saw Sterling shifting the ball right. He didn't dive in with a slide tackle but turned again, expecting Sterling to break through on the right. This time, however, he miscalculated.
As Bruno turned, Sterling reversed the ball back to the left. By the time Bruno completed his turn, Sterling had already passed him on the other side.
Despite being beaten after a few exchanges, Bruno showed no frustration or complaints. He turned and chased Sterling again. He knew it was unlikely he'd catch up before Sterling passed the ball, but he didn't give up.
He wanted Sterling to know that even if he got past him, he wouldn't be free until he either passed the ball or took a shot.
Indeed, Sterling passed the ball before Bruno could catch up. In both duels, Bruno couldn't stop Sterling and ended up trailing behind.
City's commentators and fans were delighted: "There's no one in Manchester United who can stop our Sterling!"
City fans expressed their belief that Bruno was overrated. United fans were worried—if Bruno couldn't handle Sterling, how could United's defense hold up against City's attack?
Bruno wasn't discouraged. He noted that he was already keeping up with Sterling for multiple exchanges, a significant improvement from the first encounter where he was easily bypassed. He believed that he would eventually catch Sterling.
Sterling's successful breakthroughs emboldened City's players, leading them to launch more aggressive attacks. The probing period was over, and only eight minutes into the game, City started a series of attacks, putting United's goal under threat.
Despite their preparation, City's strength exceeded many United players' expectations. Their movements were coordinated and precise. No matter the passing situation, they controlled the ball well, wasting no time.
Bruno knew they couldn't defend passively like this—they would certainly lose. He had to find a chance to organize an attack and regain the initiative.
City initiated an attack from the left but met strong resistance. They then shifted to the middle, with Nolito passing horizontally to David Silva, who handed it to De Bruyne.
This process pulled United's defensive focus to the center, leaving gaps on the wings. De Bruyne made a diagonal pass, the ball gliding past United's defenders to Sterling on the left.
"Sterling has a chance!" the commentator shouted.
City's fans stood up, ready to cheer. Valencia rushed to defend but was easily outmaneuvered by Sterling.
Sterling then sent a cross into the box, making it difficult for United's defenders to clear. City's forwards only needed to redirect the ball into the net.
As United fans' hearts pounded, Kante emerged from the crowd, not clearing with a big kick or accidentally scoring an own goal. Wearing the number 4 jersey, he controlled the ball calmly.
"N'Golo Kante!"
Kante didn't just clear the ball; he controlled it, surprising everyone, including Iheanacho behind him. Kante quickly passed the ball to a teammate, neutralizing the threat.
Not only that, but United also launched a counterattack. They were confident in their attacking speed.
As Kante cleared the ball, Bruno was already sprinting forward. Before many realized it, he was outside the penalty area, signaling for the ball.
"Manchester United counterattack!"
Seeing United's fast break excited their supporters. United's attack was indeed swift. Bruno received the pass after sprinting out of the box and took a few steps forward.
With other United players pressing forward, they displayed their distinctive style perfectly.
Seeing his teammates moving up, Bruno sent a long pass to the wing, reaching City's half.
City scrambled to defend but couldn't stop United's fast break. After a few passes, the ball landed at Ibrahimović's feet at the edge of the penalty area. He shot directly, forcing Bravo to make a save and concede a corner.
Many City players only reached their defensive positions after United's attack, showcasing United's rapid attacking speed.
After about ten minutes, neither side had scored, but the game was far from dull. Both teams played to their strengths and attacked effectively.
City's attack controlled the game, progressing in layers with precise passing and movement. United's offensive style was fast, direct, and filled with speed and power, stirring excitement.
Following United's display of their strengths, City responded with their organized attack. Sterling's header at the far post was saved by De Gea.
Under Bruno's leadership, United maintained their rapid attack approach. This threw City off slightly, especially with United's players pressing high.
Possession-based teams feared high pressing, and City was no exception. Few teams could press consistently, keeping constant pressure on City.
United prepared thoroughly for this match, including high pressing. Mourinho demanded everyone participate in defense. If forwards lost the ball, they had to press immediately, with nearby teammates assisting, ideally forming a surround.
City was adept at pressing, but United's players rarely held the ball long enough for it to matter. With the ball in their possession for short periods, pressing was less effective.
Especially in midfield, Guardiola had warned his team about Bruno, labeling him United's core. Yet, Bruno didn't hold the ball long. He passed quickly.
City's players often found themselves chasing the ball, only for it to be passed away before they could press.
United's fast passing and receiving unsettled City. Rashford passed to Bruno, and just as David Silva moved to mark him, Bruno flicked the ball to Kante.
Kante didn't linger with the ball either, passing to the right where Rooney received it. Rooney advanced a couple of steps, then passed to Ibrahimović, who had dropped back.
Facing away from the goal, Ibrahimović couldn't turn and passed back to the advancing Bruno.
With the ball at his feet in this position, Bruno was set to face off against Fernandinho.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.