The tension on the pitch was palpable as Barcelona, determined not to enter the break behind, began to ramp up their attack. Their coach's voice, clear and forceful in Spanish, had pushed his team to take more risks. The players responded quickly, shifting their formation and increasing the pace of their passing.
From the center of the field, Hugo Serrano gathered the ball and immediately looked for an opening. With a rapid pass to Noah Veldkamp, Serrano initiated a sequence designed to break down City's disciplined defensive shape. Veldkamp, aware of the urgency, quickly shifted the play to Thiago Alarcon in the attacking midfield area. Alarcon controlled the ball with close, confident touches before turning and sending a crisp, angled pass into the right flank.
