Capítulo 150: Chapter 150 Pellegrini Is Scared, The Death Group Between Manchester City And Juventus!
Manchester City was discouraged.
Su Luo's goal made them realize that if they played aggressively against Union Berlin, they would suffer.
After the game resumed, Manchester City cautiously held the ball in the backfield. They organized their play methodically, avoiding any risky moves. Whenever they lost possession, they immediately settled into a defensive stance, not daring to press too deep. This approach at least dragged Union Berlin's counterattacks into positional battles.
In positional play, Union Berlin wasn't as formidable.
Kevin De Bruyne was frustrated. When he dribbled in the frontcourt, he saw several opportunities to send through balls. More than half the time, he was sure he could deliver a decisive pass to Aguero. However, Pellegrini's strict tactical instructions prevented risky plays. They had to gradually create gaps through steady cooperation.
"I'm so sure, damn it!" De Bruyne, usually good-tempered, wanted to swear.
Union Berlin wasn't a weak defensive team that could be easily broken down. Conventional strategies wouldn't work unless the opponent made a mistake. Did Pellegrini expect them to make mistakes?
De Bruyne always felt that Pellegrini didn't fully understand his capabilities. In the team's hierarchy of playmakers, David Silva always ranked above him. De Bruyne was seen as just a supplementary winger, not a midfield commander. Although he had a good relationship with Pellegrini, he felt underutilized.
The game progressed slowly and dully. Manchester City held the midfield, while Berlin defended the back. The two teams seemed to be in a stalemate, provoking sporadic boos from the home fans.
As De Bruyne moved off the ball, he started thinking. With the ball on the left, he planned to move forward and find an open position. Suddenly, a figure stepped up to defend him. It was Su Luo.
"What are you doing?" De Bruyne gave him a strange look.
Su Luo had been drifting between Yaya Toure and Otamendi, limiting their shots. Why was he defending De Bruyne now?
"You're very dangerous. I need to cover you," Su Luo replied.
"Suit yourself," De Bruyne shrugged helplessly but was a bit surprised. How did Su Luo know his true intentions?
The battle on the left attracted Keita and Kimmich's attention. If Su Luo hadn't been in front, De Bruyne was confident he could have broken into the penalty area and created a threat. Damn, this guy!
Observing the game, De Bruyne gradually realized that Su Luo played like a master chess player, anticipating the next few moves. His positioning made Manchester City's offense uncomfortable. To the untrained eye, Su Luo seemed to be running aimlessly, but De Bruyne, planning attacks, saw the genius in Su Luo's game.
"Is this genius?" De Bruyne thought.
Under these conditions, Manchester City's first half was fruitless. They managed a few reluctant attacks that didn't threaten the 21-year-old goalkeeper Pickford.
In the home team locker room, Pellegrini tried to comfort his players. "Let's not rush. Be patient and look for opportunities. A 1-0 lead is the most dangerous score! They will get overconfident, and that's when we strike!"
Facing the threat of Union Berlin, Pellegrini knew what to do but was hesitant. His precarious position had changed his mindset.
Manchester City's cautious approach gave Berlin enough courage. Neuhaus noticed Su Luo's defensive contributions. His positioning might surprise Manchester City!
"In the second half, we'll do this..." Neuhaus strategized.
The first 10 minutes of the second half were much like the first. The teams probed each other without any decisive action. Until the 58th minute, when Manchester City still held possession in the backfield. Suddenly, Union Berlin pressed aggressively, launching a high press.
David Silva scrambled back for Yaya Toure. Kimmich pounced, and Yaya Toure, feigning a pass to the left, turned to pass to Fernandinho. But as soon as he kicked the ball, he regretted it. The Chinese player appeared from nowhere, intercepting the ball!
Manchester City's goal was wide open!
The drowsy Manchester City fans jolted awake!
On TV, He Wei's voice rose an octave. "Look at the ball! Su Luo intercepts! He takes the ball forward and breaks through!"
"Only two center-backs left! Yaya Toure is chasing!"
"Su Luo!! Great! He's past them!"
Otamendi and Kompany panicked, rushing to double-team. But they underestimated Su Luo's explosive speed. Kompany was a step too slow, failing to complete the encirclement. Su Luo used a simple move to bypass both defenders and entered the penalty area!
Joe Hart: Danger!
Hart rushed out, hoping to expand the defensive area. But Su Luo was no ordinary striker. He pedaled, swaying from side to side, increasing his pace.
"Pendulum-style dribbling!"
Chinese fans were ecstatic! Su Luo's efficient playing style hadn't been seen for a long time. As Hart was shaken to the ground, Su Luo easily pushed the ball into the empty net!
After the shot, Su Luo didn't look back. He confidently ran to the visiting team's stand, skating and kneeling to celebrate. The football rolled naturally into the goal without any resistance!
"Fantastic finish! Brilliant solo effort!"
"With high-pressure support from his teammates, Su Luo crafted this attack on his own!"
"Union Berlin has taken their third shot of the game, with the second shot hitting the frame and converting into a goal!"
"Su Luo scores twice, bringing his tally in the Champions League to 14 goals!"
"The group stage isn't over yet, but Su Luo has already surpassed the previous record for goals in a Champions League season!"
"Su Luo is just 3 goals away from Ronaldo's record of 17 goals in the 2013-14 season!"
"This is Su Luo for you! Wherever he goes, he sets scoring records that are unmatched!"
"With Union Berlin securing a spot in the group, we believe it's only a matter of time before Su Luo breaks Ronaldo's record!"
"He's playing his first Champions League season. How many goals will he end up scoring?"
At this moment, He Wei felt nothing but pride in his heart! He was glad to witness a Chinese player making waves in Europe!
Pellegrini was utterly dumbfounded. Not long ago, he had claimed that a 1-0 lead was the most dangerous.
Su Luo had responded with another goal, securing a 2-0 insurance lead!
Next, Union Berlin continued to defend resolutely while occasionally launching quick attacks against Manchester City's vulnerabilities.
If Manchester City didn't take risks and pushed forward, breaking through with safe attacks would be difficult. Despite their 70% possession, they struggled to convert it into threats.
However, increasing their backward passes and introducing some risky attacks could potentially lead to turnovers, allowing Berlin to counter.
To press forward aggressively or wait defensively?
Pellegrini hesitated. "What's happening on the other side?"
"If Sevilla can trouble Juventus, Manchester City still has hope," the assistant coach forced a smile.
"Sevilla are leading 1-0!"
In the live standings, Union Berlin topped the group with 15 points from 5 wins. Manchester City, having lost to Juventus twice, only managed 3 points.
Juventus, who had beaten Manchester City once but lost twice to Union Berlin, stood at 6 points. Thanks to Union Berlin's comprehensive victories over Juventus (4-1 and 3-1), Juventus' goal difference was now -2.
If Manchester City lost this game 0-2, their goal difference would be zero! In the Champions League group stage, points take priority over goal difference. If goal differences are equal, away goals, group stage wins, away wins, and disciplinary points are considered.
Pellegrini had already mapped out the next match in his mind within seconds. If they managed to defeat Juventus in the next game, even a simple 1-0 victory would qualify Manchester City on goal difference!
But conceding another goal in this game would erase their advantage. Even if they managed to equalize through aggressive play, Pellegrini dared not risk it.
"Hold steady. Don't lose the ball again," he instructed the assistant coach before returning to the bench with a sigh.
Seeing his hunched figure, Assistant Coach Kusias couldn't help but feel emotional. Manchester City, originally strong and determined, now found themselves competing on goal difference against Juventus.
The so-called "Group of Death" had originally referred to Manchester City and Juventus, the two heavyweight clubs battling fiercely. Yet, the team that had invested in stadium improvements now sat firmly on the throne!
The player in the number 10 red jersey was indeed a heavenly warrior, a once-in-a-century talent.
With Manchester City adopting a defensive strategy, they showed no intention of attacking. Despite being booed by their home fans, they held firm.
With Union Berlin leading, there was no need for them to take risks. The two sides tacitly maintained their positions until the end of the game.
De Bruyne and Grealish were substituted early. Pei Shuai replaced them with defensive players, signaling his intentions clearly. Both players left the field looking somewhat disappointed.
Grealish whispered to De Bruyne, "I was hoping Guardiola would intervene."
"Me too," De Bruyne sighed.
Su Luo was also substituted to rest, securing Union Berlin's first-place finish in the group. Their goal for the Champions League group stage had been achieved!
The remaining time passed without incident. The referee blew the final whistle before any additional stoppage time.
"The game is over! With Su Luo's brace, Union Berlin defeats Manchester City 2-0 away!"
"Meanwhile, on the other side, Juventus suffered an unexpected defeat against Sevilla!"
"Union Berlin has completely secured first place in the group!"
"No one could have predicted this outcome for the Group of Death!"
"Union Berlin, once considered the underdogs, have turned the tables and outshone the two giants!"
"This is the power of the people!"
"In their next match against Sevilla, Union Berlin is expected to give young players a chance."
"We can already look forward to the Champions League knockout stages! Su Luo will take center stage next February!"
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