Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 435: The Match Begins

As soon as Manchester United stepped into the Etihad Stadium, a wave of boos erupted from the crowd. The match hadn't even started yet, and both teams were still undergoing their final pre-match training session. The stands were already packed with Manchester City fans, though a small contingent of United supporters stood their ground.

Bruno was closely observing City's training, focusing on their players. Likewise, City's De Bruyne, Aguero, and others were watching United's players, nodding in acknowledgment as they saw familiar faces.

On the sidelines, Guardiola and Mourinho stood in front of their respective dugouts, analyzing each other's squads and trying to guess the starting lineup.

Pre-match, both managers played their cards close to their chests. Guardiola downplayed his team's chances, emphasizing City's 20-point deficit and the need for their best performance to beat United, even suggesting that a loss wouldn't be surprising. Mourinho, on the other hand, asserted that United would take the initiative at the Etihad, and would not play defensively just because City was the opponent.

The general consensus, however, was that neither manager was being entirely truthful. Guardiola, playing at home, was unlikely to let United off easily, while Mourinho, facing a stable and mature City team away, wouldn't realistically opt for an all-out attack.

...

It wasn't until after the training sessions ended and the teams returned to their dressing rooms for final preparations that the starting lineups were announced.

For City: Goalkeeper Bravo, defenders Zabaleta, Kompany, Otamendi, and Kolarov, midfielders Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, and De Bruyne, and forwards Sane, Sterling, and Aguero.

This was City's starting lineup, though their exact formation on the pitch was still uncertain.

Yaya Touré, who had been sidelined by Guardiola early in the season and left out of the Champions League squad, was reinstated after apologizing following criticism from his agent. Despite being 34, Touré still provided substantial support in both defense and attack, giving him the confidence to provoke Bruno.

...

"I've watched all of City's recent matches. Veteran Yaya Touré has played almost every game and performed well, especially in the Premier League," Mourinho analyzed.

"But I also noticed that when Touré is on the pitch, his combination with De Bruyne doesn't spark as it does with David Silva. The overall organization, control of possession, and rhythm are clearly not as good as with Silva."

"This is something we can exploit. We need to put pressure on their midfield, force them into making mistakes, and capitalize on opportunities to counterattack."

"In short, we need to compress City's passing and control space, pushing their attack towards the center."

Mourinho's strategy was clear: use layered defense to prevent City's passing and control from penetrating effectively, while forcing their attacks down the middle.

In midfield, the Kante-Gundogan pairing was arguably the best double pivot in the world, with both organizational and defensive strength that United had full confidence in, especially Kante.

When United received City's starting lineup, Guardiola also got United's: De Gea in goal; Darmian, Blind, Maguire, and Valencia in defense; Kante and Fellaini as holding midfielders; Carrick in the center with Gundogan and Bruno on the wings, and Rashford up front.

...

"Good evening, viewers. We are live from the Etihad Stadium for the rescheduled Round 26 match of the 2016-2017 Premier League season. It's the Manchester Derby, with City hosting United."

"This is a globally anticipated match, featuring numerous world-class stars on both sides."

"For City, there's Aguero, De Bruyne, Sterling, Yaya Touré, Fernandinho, and Kompany. United counters with the world's best player, Bruno, top striker Ibrahimovic, English star Rooney, and elite midfielders Kante and Carrick."

"Both teams are stacked with talent, making this one of the most expensive matches in football history, with combined player values topping global charts."

"Tonight's match will be officiated by renowned English referee Martin Atkinson."

...

"The match is about to start. The teams are taking their positions on the field."

"We see Sterling on the left, De Bruyne in the center, Aguero as the striker, and Sane on the right for City."

"For United, Darmian starts at left-back, signaling a defensive approach from Mourinho, as Darmian is less offensive-minded compared to Ashley Young and Luke Shaw."

"Both teams have made strategic adjustments. Let's see how they play out."

"This is the third meeting between Guardiola and Mourinho this season, with United winning both previous encounters at home."

"Here's City's star player, Aguero, their all-time top scorer with 17 Premier League goals, tied with United's Ibrahimovic."

"And here's Bruno, the latest FIFA Ballon d'Or winner and a hot favorite for this year's European Golden Ball and World Player of the Year."

"The match is starting. City will attack from left to right, and United from right to left."

"United kicks off."

...

United started with possession, but City immediately pressed high. The ball moved from United's defense to the attack but quickly fell under City's control. Otamendi headed it down to Fernandinho, and City pushed forward, quickly passing to the right.

Zabaleta charged down the right flank, trying to initiate an attack. His cross into the box was cleared by Maguire, but City retained possession.

United's defense and midfield quickly regrouped, maintaining a tight formation. Bruno, Rashford, and Gundogan stayed forward, indicating United's intention not to sit back defensively.

City's aggressive start was evident, with Zabaleta actively pushing on the right. Another cross from him was headed out by Blind.

Kante passed to Carrick, who moved the ball upfield and sent a through ball behind City's defense. Rashford was a bit slow to react, allowing Bravo to collect the ball.

...

"It's clear United intends to attack, but Mourinho is cautious about his defense. City's passing and control are too good, and any slight opening could be exploited."

"City is pressing aggressively from the start, with Zabaleta very active on the right. But this also exposes the defense behind him, leaving the question of how City will handle Bruno."

Just as the commentator finished speaking, United's defense thwarted another City attack. Kante intercepted, and Blind quickly cleared the ball forward.

Bruno moved to the left to receive the ball, chesting it down. Facing Kompany's hurried defense, Bruno skillfully flicked the ball past him and sprinted forward.

"A beautiful nutmeg! Bruno uses his speed to get past Kompany!"

...

Bruno shielded the ball from Kompany as he charged towards the box, looking ready to shoot. Otamendi rushed to block him, forcing Bruno to chip the ball to the edge of the box. Gundogan met it with a volley, but it sailed over the bar.

The German midfielder grabbed his head in frustration, shaking it at Bruno. He had rushed his shot and failed to keep it down.

"United's counter-attack was very threatening. Bruno showed his speed and decisiveness. If Gundogan had taken a touch before shooting, they might have scored."

"Although they didn't score, Zabaleta's defensive vulnerabilities are exposed. Now it's up to City to figure out how to contain Bruno."

(End of Chapter)

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