Bab 504: Coach Allegri’s Impromptu Decision

The Atlético Madrid players had switched to their usual defensive playing style. Fortunately for them, their defensive efforts weren't passive as they fell back. Instead, they played aggressive, hard-tackling football to terrorize the Juventus players that tried to cut through their ranks.

For the next few minutes, it was as if they were fighting a war. As such, ruthless sliding tackles, borderline aerial duels, shirt-pulling incidences, and body slams became the order of the night as the game proceeded into the late stages. And soon, it became clear to all that the Atlético Madrid players were out for blood, as not even the four yellow cards displayed by the referee could curb their ruthlessness.

More minutes passed, and the game approached the 70th-minute mark. And just then, Claudio Marchisio was on the ball after having intercepted a loose pass close to the center circle.