Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 262: A Stunning Volley

Although Udinese managed to launch two threatening attacks in the opening stages, Manchester United soon regained control, showcasing the clear disparity in their strengths. Especially in terms of possession, United held a dominant advantage.

With control over the ball, the Red Devils frequently created dangerous opportunities. Martial assisted Depay for a header that went wide, followed by Depay crossing to Martial only to be intercepted by Danilo. Rooney's cross from the left found Lingard at the far post, but his header also missed the target.

From the 15th minute of the first half, Manchester United took complete control of the game. They launched wave after wave of attacks, forcing Udinese to retreat into their own half to defend. However, Martial, who had been shining in the Premier League, didn't seem to be in top form and only managed a long-range shot from outside the box in the 32nd minute, which Karnezis easily saved.

Udinese had a rare chance when Bruno's header narrowly missed the goal, leaving him frustrated. He realized that his timing during the jump was off, causing him to misjudge the header's power and direction.

In the 31st minute, Manchester United produced their most threatening attack. After a passing error by Maguire, United launched a quick counterattack. Martial's pass found Lingard, whose close-range shot was saved by the goalkeeper. From the ensuing corner, Lingard's precise delivery reached Rooney, and in the ensuing chaos, Thereau nearly scored an own goal, but the ball hit the post and stayed out, giving Udinese a scare.

...

Under Manchester United's immense pressure, Udinese's players frequently made mistakes but managed to hold their ground and keep the score level. United grew increasingly comfortable, creating several dangerous long-range shots even though they struggled to break down Udinese's defense directly.

The strength of United's players allowed them to suppress Udinese easily. The dynamic balance on the field meant that the more defensive players Udinese committed, the fewer they could push forward in attack. This reduced Manchester United's defensive burden, allowing them to commit more players to their offensive efforts.

...

Bruno understood that Udinese's midfield and defense could barely fend off United's attacks and that they couldn't afford to let the pressure continue. To change the game, they needed to disrupt United's dominance and create breathing room. As Udinese's attacking core, Bruno had to withstand the pressure from United's defense and prevent them from advancing further.

He trusted his teammates to deliver the ball to him, just as they trusted him to make something happen when he received it. This mutual trust was essential for the team's cohesion and effectiveness on the field.

So, whenever there was a chance, Bruno would sprint forward, knowing that conserving energy wouldn't create opportunities, but running hard just might.

...

In the 38th minute, Udinese intercepted the ball in midfield again. Badu's tackle led to a chaotic scramble. Iturra quickly moved to the right flank, raising his hand to signal for the ball. Bruno, observing from the front, saw Widmer shield Schneiderlin and pass to Iturra on the right, seizing the opportunity. Bruno positioned himself for a forward sprint, ready for Iturra's pass.

Iturra controlled the ball, looked up, and saw Bruno poised like a leopard ready to pounce. Despite Schweinsteiger closely marking him, Iturra trusted Bruno's speed and ability to break free. Without hesitation, Iturra launched a long pass over United's defense, perfect for Bruno's sprint.

As Iturra's pass soared, Bruno accelerated past Schweinsteiger, who was caught off guard and started chasing too late.

...

Bruno's speed was tremendous, but United's defender Blind was right behind him, only half a body length away. Bruno knew that stopping the ball abruptly during his sprint would be challenging, risking losing control or giving De Gea an easy save. Handling a long pass while sprinting was difficult, but Bruno had no other choice. He reached the edge of the penalty area with Blind close behind and Schweinsteiger trailing by two steps.

With no time to spare, Bruno chose a complex solution. As he approached the ball, he slightly turned his body, using his chest to control the ball. The impact on his chest lessened the ball's speed, making it manageable. The ball gently bounced off, staying close to Bruno.

...

Blind, realizing the danger, lunged to intercept. Bruno, anticipating this, flicked the ball with his right foot over Blind, who was caught off guard, his momentum carrying him away from the ball.

Schweinsteiger and Smalling rushed back, but Schweinsteiger had to contend with Bruno blocking his path, and Smalling was too far to intervene. With a deft touch, Bruno volleyed the ball with his left foot, sending it curling past De Gea into the net.

"Goal!!!"

"Bruno!!!"

"In the 38th minute, Bruno scores the opener!"

"It's an unbelievable goal, a solo effort by Bruno!"

"This could be one of the best goals in this Champions League season!"

"Udinese leads 1-0 in the 38th minute, thanks to their captain, Bruno Fernandes!"

...

As the referee's whistle blew, Bruno turned and sprinted off in celebration, sliding on his knees into the corner. His teammates swarmed him, overjoyed. They had been under relentless pressure from United but believed Bruno would break the deadlock, and he did not disappoint.

"That's truly a magnificent goal!"

"We see Udinese's counterattack was well-coordinated. Widmer passed to Iturra, who moved to the right and found Bruno ready."

"Bruno's speed was astonishing, leaving Schweinsteiger behind, who couldn't keep up."

"But what's most impressive is Bruno's chest control, flick over Blind, and left-footed volley. The ball curled perfectly into the net, catching De Gea off guard."

"The entire sequence, from control to volley, was seamless, clean, and beautiful. This goal is a masterpiece."

(End of Chapter)

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