From Reject to Legend

After the Referee blew the whistle, the second half was in motion.

Martin Tyler:"And we're back underway at Anfield. Manchester City leads 2–1, thanks to a brilliant individual goal from Adriano just before the break. But don't count Liverpool out just yet."

Gary Neville:"No, not with this crowd behind them. Klopp will have demanded more urgency. Expect a higher press and quicker transitions. Henderson and Gerrard need to compress the midfield and stop Adriano from dictating."

Liverpool restarted aggressively, pushing both fullbacks higher. Sterling swaps wings with Coutinho, looking to shake off Zabaleta and isolate Kolarov. City held shape, letting the ball circulate along Liverpool's backline, staying compact centrally.

In the 48th minute, Coutinho dropped deep, received from Lallana, and turned around De Bruyne with a sharp feint. He drove in diagonally, slipping a pass into the box for Sterling. The winger got there ahead of Kompany and fired low to the near post.

Joe Hart reacted sharply, diving down to parry and collect.

Gary Neville:"That's some positive attacking from Liverpool—Coutinho pulling strings, Sterling exploiting space. But Joe Hart has stood firm."

Martin Tyler:"Encouraging signs from Liverpool, but they'll need better finishing to turn pressure into points."

Manchester City immediately responded. In the 49th minute, Hazard cut inside from the left flank, shaking off Henderson with a subtle drop of the shoulder. He floated a diagonal ball toward the top of the box—an awkward zone between defense and midfield.

Gerrard moved in to intercept. He was certain that he got it under control... but in a flash of Blue, Adriano rushed in from deep midfield like a ghost, timing his run precisely.

He jumped over Gerrard's head and softly caught the ball on his shoulder with the artistry of Brazilian samba, and gently shook his shoulder to chip it over Gerrard's head.

He slipped behind Gerrard—who stumbled and spun mid-air then fell with disbelief at what just happended. The crowd rose to to their feet, sensing something magical.

Martin Tyler (rising):"Seems like Gerrard has it under.... Wait! What was that? It's Adrianooo...!"

Adriano gracefully turned around as the ball started to fall , then with a move that shocked the Anfield, he jumped and connected with a bicycle kick from 28 yards.

It was absolutely Perfect technique. The ball flew like a rocket and struck the underside of the crossbar, and bounced into the goal with swish. Mignolet could only watch in shock as t happened.

Silence.

Then there was an eruption that shook the stadium.

Gooaaaalllll ! 3-1 for Manchester City! An Absolute stunner from Adriano as he scored from a bicycle kick !

Martin Tyler (shouting):"Adrianoooo! Oh my God! What did we just witness, folks! That is special! That is stunning! That might be one of the best goals of the season, even all seasons! The king has set Anfield ablaze with a spectacular shot! "

Gary Neville: "Absolutely world-class display, Martin! I'm not a City fan, but even I can't help but cheer for him! He's only 18 years old and just scored a bicycle kick at Anfield. You don't teach that. That's pure instinct, pure talent. Real Madrid fans are probably saying to the Reds, 'Welcome to club'! Take a bow!"

Manchester City bench erupted in celebrations. Pellegrini pumped both fists in the air. The away fans exploded in cheers—some fans fell over their seats in celebration. The Anfield was shaking, even some Liverpool fans were clapping with a look of disbelief.

Adriano sprinted to the corner flag, slid on his knees, then rose and walked toward the sideline, pointing at the gold crown stitched onto the back of his shirt above his name. Behind him, teammates rushed over—Aguero slapped the back of his head and yelled , " that was crazy man!, and De Bruyne hugged him tightly. Hazard and Silva also jumped on them running and laughing, " Where did that even come from!"

Kompany shook his head and spoke to Hummels, " With him at the front, we can afford to relax , maybe even concede a goal or two , to make things interesting."

Hummels laughed, " I'm gonna go forward next time and hope Adriano sets up an assist."

In the VIP box, Rosa stood with her hands over her mouth. Julio clapped firmly, lips tight but proud. They knew their son had the capability, and he was out there proving it day after day.

Martin Tyler: "The reaction says it all. The goal, the occasion, the pressure—it didn't matter. Adriano has declared, he is here to dominate the Premier League! I'm telling you Gary, even €150 million feels less when you consider what a player of his calliber brings."

Gary Neville:" I bet Real Madrid is cursing themselves for not breaking the bank for him. Liverpool can't track him. He's too smart; he floats between the lines. Henderson and Gerrard have no grip on him. Klopp is helpless; his players just can't contain him!"

Liverpool tried to organize themselves after the goal, but their tempo slowed down considerably.

In the 52nd minute, Zabaleta brought down Sterling near the right touchline. Free kick was awarded to Liverpool, about 35 yards out.

Gerrard whips it in—driven, bending. Sakho rises above Kompany and gets a clean header... but it sailed just over the bar.

Martin Tyler:"Big chance. Inches away from getting Liverpool back in this. Is this gonna cost them dearly?"

Gary Neville:"That's a free header. Should've done better. And now Klopp's making a change."

In the 53rd minute, Klopp decided to make a change. Martin Škrtel was subbed off—he'd been chasing shadows.

Kolo Touré came on. Klopp pulled him aside, gesturing at Adriano, pointing to the space between the lines.

Gary Neville:"Klopp wants experience and positioning. Škrtel got caught ball-watching for both of Adriano's goals. Touré's job now is to read rather than race."

City gathered in a quick huddle. Silva, De Bruyne, and Hazard talk spacing, with Silva pointing to Adriano and then gesturing forward—urging more off-the-ball runs.

Anfield, stunned for a moment, finds its voice again. The Kop chants louder, trying to lift their team from 3–1 down.

But Manchester City looked calm. Structured. Dangerous.

And Adriano—two goals deep—looked far from done.

Liverpool began to edge forward with more numbers. In the 63rd minute, Henderson, drifting centrally from the right half-space, won possession after a loose pass from Navas. Spotting a narrow lane ahead, he took a touch and launched a speculative effort from over 30 yards out.

Hummels lunged to block, but the ball clipped his thigh and changed trajectory. It looped awkwardly, heading toward the top corner.

Joe Hart, backpedaling, stayed alert. He leapt, stretched fully, and got a strong palm to it—tipping it over the bar.

Martin Tyler:"That took a wicked deflection! Hart had to react instantly, and he did. We may look at their scorers, but Joe Hart is the reason their forwards can attack freely."

Gary Neville:"You can't switch off with Liverpool. That deflection nearly caught Hart out. Henderson's starting to get more space. That's a warning. Even walls crumble under continuous bombardment."

The Liverpool fans roared in appreciation, clapping for the effort. Flags waved. Drums pounded. For a brief moment, belief returned to the red end of Anfield.

Pellegrini made his first wave of substitutions in the 63rd minute. Jesus Navas, who had run tirelessly up and down the right flank, made way for Mohamed Salah.

David Silva, brilliant but beginning to fade, was replaced by Casemiro to maintain defensive integrity.

Martin Tyler:"City freshening things up. Salah's pace could be a real problem now with tired legs at the back."

Gary Neville:"Moreno's been exposed a few times. Salah gives you directness, pure pace. And Casemiro gives City a midfield shield. You protect the lead now without losing counter-punching ability."

Pellegrini clapped for both exiting players, giving Silva a brief word in the ear. Navas was handed a water bottle and draped in a jacket—his job done for the night.

Man City responded with frightening efficiency. Casemiro, who had just come on for David Silva, made an immediate impact. In the 68th minute, he stepped in front of Gerrard in midfield, intercepted a loose pass, and turned quickly.

He found Adriano in the space between the lines, near the left channel. The teenager took one touch to settle, another to spin onto his weaker left foot, and then unleashed a curling shot from 25 yards.

The strike went just outside the far post.

Martin Tyler:"You could hear the gasps across the ground. Adriano—almost again. That would've been the hat-trick. He is really not holding back tonight."

Gary Neville:"Left foot, on the spin, from distance—that's not an easy strike. He's feeling it. Liverpool are letting him shoot too often outside the box."

Adriano looked up toward the away fans and shook his head with a half-smile. He patted his chest, frustrated but focused, then gave a quick thumbs-up to Casemiro for the assist.

Salah was also showing danger on the right wing. It took him less than ten minutes to make his presence felt.

Receiving a quick switch from Hazard on the left, Salah controlled with his first touch and immediately accelerated down the right flank. Moreno backpedaled but couldn't match the burst.

Salah nudged it past him and raced down the wing, whipping a dangerous low ball across the face of the goal. Mignolet, alert, dove out and managed to get a glove to it, punching it away just before Aguero could pounce.

Gary Neville:"That's exactly why you bring Salah on. Direct, unpredictable, and dangerous. Moreno got burned badly there. He's been scrutinized before, doubt about his capability to adjust in the premier league. But Another one of City's gamble has paid off."

Martin Tyler:"City aren't just holding a lead—they're stretching the game. That cross from Salah was a heartbeat away from sealing it."

Anfield held its breath. Liverpool's back four were showing signs of fatigue, especially Moreno, whose hands rested on his knees after the play.

City, sensing space and time, looked far from done.

Then—the Adriano magic happened again in the 74th minute.

Liverpool had just advanced numbers forward for a set piece, only for City to break with lethal precision. Casemiro calmly won the second ball and found Hazard in transition. The Belgian, composed and alert, shifted the play across to Salah on the right wing.

Salah, electric since coming on, isolated Moreno once more. He feinted inside, then exploded past the defender who was already getting tired. Moreno stumbled, again left for dead. Salah didn't hesitate—he threaded a low, cutting ball into Aguero, stationed just atop the Liverpool box.

Aguero, legs heavy but mind sharp, cushioned the ball with the outside of his boot and flicked it lightly behind him into space—where Adriano had already ghosted in.

Henderson tried to track him, but was caught flat-footed.

Then—without looking, without settling—the 18-year-old phenom twisted his body and kicked the ball with a side kick like a mix martial artist. Nobody could even move to block it as the shot connected true.

The ball flew off his boot like a missile. It screamed into the top-right corner, past a diving Mignolet, who was already in the air but never came close.

Goooaaaalllll! HAT TRICK FOR ADRIANO! Manchester City 4–1 ! They are running away in celebrations! A Brilliant goal.

Anfield froze.

The crowd, mid-chant, fell silent for just a heartbeat.

Then the City end erupted like thunder.

Martin Tyler (in awe):"Would you believe it?! What are we witnessing?! Adriano—at Anfield—is tearing up the script, page by page! I saw Ibrahimovic score a few like that, but this one takes the cake! A well deserved hat-trick."

Gary Neville (gobsmacked):"That's just not normal. That's not even football anymore. That's ballet, kung fu, and genius rolled into one strike. He didn't even look. Henderson didn't know he was there. Mignolet never saw it. That's arrogance in the best possible way.

Even his teammates didn't realize the ball went in until they saw him running away in celebration! And he didn't even look back, as if he knew that was going in."

Adriano sprinted toward the away end, heart thumping. He slowed as he neared the fans, raised his right fist to his chest, and bowed deeply, showing his respect.

His teammates caught up moments later—Aguero wrapped his arms around him first, laughing," You are bringing all the fancy tricks out tonight," still shaking his head. Hazard arrived next, laughing in disbelief, grabbed his cheeks and kissed his forehead. " Score the next one with a backheel!"

Casemiro and Zabaleta jumped on his back. De Bruyne pumped his fists in the air and shouted, " This is our Manchester City!" Making the fans go even wilder with joy.

Martin Tyler:"A moment of pure theatre. A hat trick at Anfield. At 18 years old. And every single one of those goals... was a masterpiece. I'll say it again, Manchester City has stolen an absolute gem! Even €200 million is nothing for a player like him."

In the executive box, Rosa and Julio stood with eyes wide and mouths open—then laughed as they hugged each Other. Julio shouted in joy, "That's my boy! The best in the world! " Rosa laughed but allowed her husband to cheer like a little kid, equally proud of their son.

The City chairman Al Mubarak, clapping slowly, simply whispered, "Worth every penny."

Pellegrini, grinning wideky, gave a quiet round of applause, then leaned toward his assistant and muttered with a grin:

Pellegrini:"This boy is just a miracle in human shape! Think we can just play him and give the others a rest?"

The coaching staff laughed at his humor, and clapped for their team's hero.

The City fans, jammed into the corner of Anfield, broke into song:

🎵He dances through the field,

Like a floating dream,

Adriano Riveiro,

He is our King!🎵

Scarves were swung, flags waved, and limbs flew in all directions. Some fans stood on their seats, arms wide, as if bearing witness to divinity in cleats.

Gary Neville:"He's not just scoring goals. He's creating memories. This'll be replayed for decades. I really wish Manchester United brought him in, they would have secured the future."

Martin Tyler:"And tonight, under the lights at Anfield, Adriano Riveiro has arrived—not just in England, but in football history. A hat trick in of pure class and magic, that may just echo across generations. Can't wait to see what else he has got."

Back on the pitch, Liverpool tried to regroup. Klopp shouted instructions, clapping furiously, but his players looked dazed. Even the Liverpool fans had quieted, some fans standing with arms crossed, heads shaking. They just accepted it and clapped for the brilliant performance.

Anfield knew.

This wasn't just another star.

This was something else.

Despite the scoreline, Liverpool didn't fold. In the 78th minute, Gerrard took initiative, driving forward from midfield and letting fly with a low effort from 25 yards. It was cleanly struck, but Joe Hart is equal to it—dropping low to his right to make the stop and smothering the rebound quickly.

Coutinho continued to probe. He floated into space and tried to pass to Balotelli, who had came in for Sturridge. But Hummels, reading the pass early, stretches to cut it out cleanly. A perfectly timed sliding challenge, and City clear.

Gary Neville:"You have to give Liverpool credit. They've not stopped trying, but City have answered every question defensively. That back line's been disciplined, and Hart's done what he's had to do."

City broke with menace again in the 82nd minute. De Bruyne, still full of running, picks the ball up in transition and slides a perfectly weighted pass into the right channel.

Salah was on it in a flash, bursting past Sakho. It was him and Mignolet—1v1.

He tried to open up his body and bend it into the far corner, but Mignolet stood tall, spread himself, and got a strong hand to it. The ball deflected wide and was cleared.

Martin Tyler:"Another dangerous counter from City. Salah might be disappointed not to finish that, but credit Mignolet—he's kept the scoreline from turning ugly."

Gary Neville:"Liverpool have fallen apart defensively. That could've easily been five. And with Adriano on the pitch, you just expect something every time City go forward."

Then came another substitution for City.

Manuel Pellegrini walked to the edge of his technical area and signaled the change. He wanted sub in Toure for Adriano who had done his job. He didn't want to risk any frrustrated challenge on him.

Adriano's number was shown on the substitution board. The stadium rose to their feet—not just the traveling City fans, but a section of the Anfield faithful as well. Applause and cheers rang across the stands.

Martin Tyler:"And listen to that... A standing ovation at Anfield—for an opposition player. That tells you everything about what he's done tonight. The future looks promising for Manchester City."

Adriano jogged toward the touchline, clapping slowly towards the fans as he went back. He exchanged hugs with his teammates, then embraced Pellegrini, who whispered something in his ear with a rare grin. Adriano chuckled and patted him back.

Everyone knew the great relationship between Pellegrini and Adriano ever since his professional debut. They were often like mentor and disciple, while Pellegrini always claimed he never taught him anything, only guided his path. His pride for him was clear to see.

Adriano put on his jacket, towel over his shoulders, and took a seat. Calm. Collected. Already switching into recovery mode, sipping water as if he hadn't just produced a hat trick at one of football's toughest venues.

Gary Neville:"He doesn't even look emotional. It's like he expected this. That's the scary part."

With the match all but over, Liverpool maintain possession in midfield. But City, now fully settled into a protective shape, aren't allowing any cracks.

Casemiro and Silva sat deep, denying Liverpool the half-spaces. Every passing lane is closed, every forward ball met by a block or an interception. The energy hasn't dropped. Even with the result secured, the professionalism holds.

Martin Tyler:"It's been a performance of flair—but also structure. City came here with a plan, and they've executed it with ruthless efficiency."

After a tense few moments of stoppage time, the referee finally brings the game to an end with three sharp whistles.

A wave of relief washes over Anfield.

Some Liverpool fans head for the exits, others stay seated—silent, stunned. But in the away end, it's the complete opposite. The traveling City fans explode with noise. Flags waved. Scarves were hoisted. The chant started up again, echoing down the concrete stands.

The scoreboard displayed clearly:

Final Score: Liverpool 1 – 4 Manchester City

Goals: Coutinho (34')

Aguero (21'),

Adriano (42', 49', 72')

Man of the Match: Adriano Riveiro

On the pitch, City's players gather in a loose circle, exchanging handshakes, fist bumps, and hugs. Joe Hart claps his gloves together and points toward the away supporters, mouthing a "thank you."

Casemiro and De Bruyne bumped shoulders, laughing—another job well done. Aguero grinned as he handed over his shirt to a ball boy, while Salah and Hazard chatted with Sturridge and Moreno, sweat-soaked and exhausted.

Near the touchline, Adriano walked towards the pitch from the bench.

He peeled off his training jacket, draped it over his arm, and walked slowly onto the pitch. His steps were quiet, deliberate—not the strut of a man basking in the limelight, but the calm of someone who already expected this.

As he approaches the huddle, De Bruyne slapped him on the back."Mate," he says, breathless, "you made it look like Sunday league."

Adriano just smiled. "You're the one who's got eyes in the back of his head."

Pellegrini comes over. "Not bad for your second league match," he says dryly, lips twitching. "Next time, try to do something special, yeah?"

Adriano chuckles and nods. "I'll think about it."

Martin Tyler (voice steady, reflective):"Manchester City have beaten Liverpool—and done so convincingly. But this evening won't be remembered for the result alone. It'll be remembered for what we've just witnessed.

A performance of rare quality from a young man making his first start at Anfield. A hat trick. Assured touches. Vision. Confidence. Adriano Riveiro—remember that name."

Gary Neville (slightly laughing):"Martin, I'm going to stop making predictions. I said at halftime that he might be special. Now? He's terrifying. He's got that swagger—not arrogance, just... like he knows the script before everyone else."

Martin Tyler:"He's already reading the game like a veteran. And executing like a genius. He's just 18, and he's just taken over the biggest stage in England. This year's Premier League will be fun to watch."

As the players begin making their way toward the away end, Adriano walks just behind them. The crowd erupts again when he raises his arm—modestly, just a small wave of appreciation.

From the stands, the fans kept cheering , happy to secure back to back victories against two Premier League giants. Manchester City was at the top now with 6 points from 2 matches, and goal difference of +5. This was the Manchester City they longed to witness. Their Galacticos were shining brightly.

In the directors' box, Khaldoon Al Mubarak smiled as he buttons his coat. "Well," he said to the man beside him, "I think the investment is already paying off. Pass on the results to Sheikh Mansour, although I have a feeling he is already cheering right now."

Next to him, Julio can barely contain his pride, grinning ear to ear, "Our boy keeps shining no mattter where he goes." Rosa nudged him with a smile. "No matter what, he never forgets to do it in style," she joked.

On the touchline, Pellegrini turned to his assistant, rubbing his chin. "He's making me look clever."

Gary Neville (with a smirk):"You know what the worst part is, Martin? Defenders will watch this tape, spend all week preparing for him—and still won't be able to stop him. Because you can't coach against instinct and flairs like that."

Martin Tyler:"And what a place to do it. Anfield. Historic. Intimidating. But tonight, it was his stage. All eyes will be on Manchester City now, and Adriano. "

As the players walked off, Adriano was last to leave the pitch. He turned for one final glance at the stands before heading down the tunnel.

No words.

Just a quiet nod.

Like someone who's only just getting started.

***

POST-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCE — ANFIELD PRESS ROOM

Attendance: Manuel Pellegrini & Adriano Riveiro

The press room buzzed with energy. Reporters packed the rows, some still furiously typing match recaps, others already prepping questions. The scent of coffee, printer paper, and adrenaline filled the air.

Adriano and Pellegrini walked in together. Pellegrini looked his usual calm self, suit crisp, hands tucked behind his back. Adriano followed beside him, freshly showered, hair slightly tousled, wearing a black Man City track jacket. His demeanor was humble, but his eyes sparkled with quiet fire.

Flashes exploded as cameras clicked, and the moderator stepped forward.

Moderator: "Alright, we'll begin with questions. Please state your name and outlet before asking. Let's start with you."

A hand shot up immediately.

James Ducker (The Telegraph):

"Manuel, congratulations on the win. Adriano's performance tonight was something special. From your perspective, how does a manager begin to handle a player like this—someone so young, yet so explosive?"

Pellegrini (smiling slightly):"You don't 'handle' him like a normal player. You guide, support, and protect him. Adriano's talent is clear. But the key is keeping him grounded—surrounding him with the right people, the right mentality.

Today he showed maturity beyond his years, and that's what pleased me most. His goals were beautiful, yes—but his work rate, positioning, decisions… that's what makes him special."

Melissa Reddy (Sky Sports):

"Adriano, you've just scored a hat trick at Anfield. Only a few players have ever done that. And it's only your second match! What was going through your mind after the third goal? And how did it feel walking off to a standing ovation?"

Adriano (smiling, nodding):"To be honest… I didn't expect it. The third goal, I mean—I just reacted. Sergio flicked it on, and I went for it. I didn't even see it go in right away. Then I heard the crowd go quiet, and I knew."

(laughs softly)

"As for the ovation… that hit me. Even some Liverpool fans clapped. That's rare. I'm grateful for their respect. But I'm not getting carried away. It's one game, and we've got more work to do."

Julien Laurens (ESPN):

"Adriano, can you talk about your partnership with Aguero and Silva? The chemistry looks natural already. Do you work a lot on that in training?"

Adriano:"Yeah, we've been working on movement patterns, rotations, timing. But honestly, a lot of it is instinct. Kun knows where to be. David always gives you the ball in the right place. I just try to read what they do and match their level. They make my life easy."

Miguel Delaney (The Independent):

"Manuel, tactically, you seemed to switch shapes often in the first and second halves. Can you explain what your plan was going into the game, and how it evolved?"

Pellegrini:"Yes—we expected Klopp's press. In the first half, we dropped deeper, lured them in, then used our midfielders to spring the counters. Once we were ahead, we alternated between a 4-2-3-1 and a false 9 shape, with Adriano drifting. That opened gaps in front of their center-backs. We didn't want to let them dictate rhythm."

Rachel Brown (BBC):

"Adriano, this was only your second Premier League game. Five goals and two assists in just two matches. Are you feeling the pressure of expectations now? Or are you just enjoying the ride?"

Adriano:(pauses thoughtfully) "A bit of both. I know people are watching now. But pressure is a privilege. If no one expects anything from you, you're probably not doing something right. I just try to stay focused on the team. I'm not trying to be a hero—I just want to help us win."

Sam Wallace (Telegraph):

"Adriano, what's been the most surprising thing about English football so far?"

Adriano:(grinning)"The pace. It's fast. You don't have time to breathe. If you blink, the ball's gone. And the fans? They don't stop singing—even if their team is losing."

Rebecca Lowe (NBC):

"Adriano, your parents were seen laughing and hugging after your third goal, even with Sheikh Mansour's people. How important is their support to your journey?"

Adriano:(smiling warmly)"It means everything. They've been with me through the quiet days—when I wasn't even sure I'd make it. To see them smiling now? That's the real win. The goals come and go. But they're always in the stands."

Moderator:"Thank you all. That's it for tonight."

Adriano and Pellegrini stood, exchanged nods with the press, and stepped aside as Jurgen Klopp entered the room, followed by Steven Gerrard, who was handling media responsibilities in his role as a senior figure at the club.

Klopp looked tired, but not shaken. Gerrard's expression was more frustrated, arms crossed at first as he took his seat.

Dominic King (Daily Mail): "Jurgen, commiserations. Your side started well but seemed to lose control after the first goal. What happened from your perspective?"

Klopp: "Yeah… we started the way we wanted—intensity, high up the pitch. But football is about both boxes. When we conceded, we lost discipline. The shape was off. And against a team like City—against a player like Adriano today—you get punished."

Simon Stone (BBC Sport): "Jurgen, what do you say to your players after a loss like that?"

Klopp: "You learn. You feel the pain, but you learn. We spoke inside already. We need to stay more compact. And we need to be smarter when chasing a game. The players know that."

David Ornstein (The Athletic): "Steven, you've played in hundreds of big games here. How do you rate Adriano's performance compared to others you've seen at Anfield?"

Gerrard: "It was top level. That third goal? You can't coach that. It's instinct, flair, technique—all in one. I've seen great players at this stadium. That lad made it look easy tonight. Hats off to him."

Carl Markham (PA Media): "Steven, how do you help your young players move on from this and not get discouraged?"

Gerrard: "By reminding them that this is the Premier League. You face players like Adriano, Aguero, Silva—legends and rising stars. You learn more from tough games than easy ones. But we need to bounce back quickly."

Mike McGrath (The Sun): "Jurgen, your thoughts on Adriano?"

Klopp (nods): "Exceptional. For 18 years old? Ridiculous. He plays with calm like he's done this for a decade. We tried to close him down, but he finds pockets, angles, space—like the ball's drawn to him. And he doesn't waste it."

Moderator: "Thank you. That concludes the press session."

Klopp and Gerrard exited, with Klopp offering a small smile and wave to the room.

Within minutes of the match ending, social media exploded with fans clamoring about the events.

Twitter

@AverageCFCFan"Adriano made it look so easy, I almost registered for Sunday league again. Then I remembered I can't run without wheezing."

@VARfiles"VAR checked Adriano's third goal for witchcraft. No foul play, just sorcery."

@FootyDad77"My son wants to be Adriano for Halloween. Not the old one. The new one. THE Adriano."

@NotKDBBurner"That third goal was so cold, I had to put a jacket on in my own living room."

@LFC_Meltdown"We got cooked. Roasted. Filleted. Served on a plate with a side of humiliation. Chef Riveiro in the kitchen."

@ManCityFaithful"I'm naming my firstborn Adriano. Boy or girl, I don't care."

@ChampionsLeagueSoon"Adriano plays football like it's an anime. What episode does he unlock his next power-up?"

@WholesomeFooty"Hazard said he feels old. Bro, we ALL feel old. Adriano was born during HD television. Let that sink in."

@EAFCRatings"Adriano after two games: 7 goals + assists, a hat trick at Anfield, and a highlight reel that deserves an Oscar.EA: 'Let's give him an 90 rating.' Would be hundred for others, but for him? It's just warmup."

@GunnersFC"We were all laughing at Liverpool. Then we realized we have to face Adriano after next week. Pray for us.😭😭"

Even Redditors were eagerly discussing the match .

🟦 @CityKev88"Adriano isn't just a footballer. He's an algorithm programmed to embarrass defenders."

🟥 @LFC_TilIDie"I'm crying but fair play. That bicycle kick made me clap like a seal. The boy's a monster."

⚽ @FootyBanters"Adriano did more in two games than Navas did in three seasons. I said what I said. 😤"

👑 @TheKingZone"Petition to rename Anfield 'Adriano's Playground' after tonight. #NewKing"

🎮 @FIFA15Updates"We're gonna need a new card tier. Gold, Icon, and Adriano. 🔥"

📸 @MenInBlazers"That third goal. That bow. That stare. Somewhere Zlatan is smiling and whispering: 'Respect.'"

🟦 @BlueMoonFaithful"Imagine being 18, walking into Anfield, and leaving with their souls in your back pocket. What a lad."

Post-Match Headlines

BBC Sport: Adriano's Hat-Trick Dismantles Liverpool at Anfield

The Guardian: Teen Sensation Takes Premier League by Storm

Marca (Spain): Manchester's New King: Adriano Makes History in England

L'Équipe (France): Magnifique! Adriano's Artistry Leaves Anfield Silenced

Instagram Highlights:

Adriano posted a photo of him bowing after the third goal. Caption: "Grateful. Humbled. Hungry."

🔹 Aguero commented: "Next time let someone else score, bro 😂"

🔹 Hazard reposted the assist clip with the caption: "Even I don't know how he did that 😂👑"

Even other footballers decided to join in the post's comments for fun.

🟥 Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney):"That third goal was pure madness. Top class display mate. I've seen a few screamers at Anfield—but that's up there."

🟦 Eden Hazard (@hazardeden10):"I was on the pitch. I still don't know how you hit that. This Guy's playing with cheat codes."

🟥 Cesc Fàbregas (@cesc4official):"You made it look so casual. First touch, spin, volley—like you have done it a thousand times. Amazing work!"

🟩 Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson):"We gave everything tonight, but fair play—You were unplayable. Respect where it's due."

🟦 Sergio Agüero (@aguerosergiokun):"I told him after the game: 'You keep doing this, I'll take early retirement and watch you from the stands!' 😂"

🟧 Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8):"Vision, control, finishing—all in one move. Pure joy to watch you Adriano."

🟥 Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique):"A no-look volley like that? At 18? You're going to break the game."

🟨 Mesut Özil (@M10):"Timing. Precision. Class. If I passed it to Adriano, I'd already be celebrating before the ball hit the net."

🟧 Xabi Alonso (@XabiAlonso):"That strike would've made Zidane stand up. Bravo, Adriano."

🟥 Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official):"You know it's special when every striker in the world is secretly jealous. I was."

🟥 Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official):"You stole my goal and made it better kid. I approve. The lion sees himself in the cub. 🦁"

🟥 Ronaldinho (via Instagram comment):"Beautiful. Futebol como deve ser jogado. [Football how it should be played.] Pele said it right, He is the heir to his Legacy. Respect, Love and Support from Me and my former temamtes of Brazil."

@cristiano: Parabéns, irmão. Great goals—especially that volley. Keep working hard, and the sky's the limit.

@leomessi:

Class performance. Vision, timing, and execution. Enjoy these moments—you earned them.

@kroos_official:

That pass from Casemiro, the finish from you—chef's kiss. Watching from Madrid. Keep going, kid.

@kateupton:

You amaze me every single day. And yes, I did cry a little. Proud doesn't even cover it.

@davidbeckham:

That third goal… proper technique. Keep making history, Adriano.

***

The away dressing room at Anfield was calmer than you might expect after a 4–1 demolition. No champagne, no shouting. Just tired bodies, quiet grins, and the occasional clap on the back.

City's players sat in clusters—peeling off tape, rehydrating, slipping into warm-down gear. The buzz was still there, just under the surface, like static.

Adriano sat on the bench nearest the far wall, wrapped in a thick navy training jacket, legs stretched out, the match ball resting by his feet. He wasn't gloating or holding court. He just looked reflective—soaking it in.

Sergio Agüero strolled past, towel slung over his shoulder. He stopped in front of Adriano, gave him a long look, then cracked a grin.

Agüero:"You keep scoring like this, and I'll retire early. Let you do all the running too."

Adriano laughed, shook his head.

Adriano:"Nah, I need you. Makes my job easier when defenders panic at the sight of you."

Sergio ruffled his hair playfully and kept walking, muttering,"Kids these days… no respect."

Across the room, Mohamed Salah leaned back against a table, watching the exchange. He raised an eyebrow and chimed in.

Salah:"Just don't steal all my goals, man. I'm trying to get a Ballon d'Or too, remember?"

Adriano shrugged, grinning.

Adriano:"Then pass to me more, I'll assist you next time."

Salah:"Yeah? I've heard that one before. Ask Hazard."

From the corner, Eden Hazard raised his hand without looking up from his phone.

Hazard:"It's true. I've been 'next time'd' for three weeks now."

Laughter rippled through the room.

Casemiro, still half-laced into his boots, glanced over and shook his head.

Casemiro:"The guy scores a bicycle kick and suddenly he's got jokes."

Adriano:"You liked that goal, though."

Casemiro:"I did. But don't let it go to your head. One bad touch in training tomorrow and I'm tackling you into next week."

Adriano laughed again. Then he turned to look at David Silva, who was quietly watching from his seat, taping up a sore ankle.

Adriano (softly):"That pass before the first goal... that was perfect."

Silva:"It's only perfect if you finish it. You did."

Pellegrini stepped in then, clipboard under his arm, voice cutting through the chatter.

Pellegrini:"Good win. Don't let it blind you. This is the start, not the summit. Recover properly. We go again next week."

The room settled, nods all around.

But as Pellegrini turned to walk out, he paused beside Adriano, resting a hand on the young man's shoulder for a beat longer than usual.

Pellegrini (quietly):"That… was special."

Adriano simply nodded.

The stadium was nearly empty now. The sound of boots echoing on concrete replaced the roar of 50,000 voices.

Adriano walked toward the bus with the match ball cradled in his arms. Equipment staff, TV crew, and stadium workers moved around him, clearing up, packing down.

As he passed a group of Liverpool ground staff, one older man in a red polo clapped softly.

Groundskeeper (with a grin):"We'll paint your name on the away dressing room door if you do that again."

Adriano chuckled, nodded politely.

Behind him, the chant from earlier echoed faintly from a few lingering fans outside:

He dances through the field

Like a passing dream

Adriano Riveiro,

He is our King!

***Last one for the week, unless you guys reach the goals set for the bonus. Drop some reviews if you like it so far. ***